Let's Open Up the Radiomaster Boxer with ExpressLRS

This is my first look at the Radiomaster Boxer radio. In this video, I'll cover specs, RF tech, and we'll open the radio up to take a look inside. I even took the Boxer out for a flight. Enjoy the video.
Thanks to @RadioMasterRC for sending this Boxer radio out for review.
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#RCVideoReviews #Radiomaster

[@radiomasterrceu7675]

Thanks for the detailed first look video about the new radioMaster Boxer!

[@RCVideoReviews]

Thank you for putting out amazing products! Great job with this one.

[@lokaero]

We want RadioMaster in INDIA too. We can't wait anymore.

[@lokaero]

Most of the websites here are selling at 2x , 3x price compared to actual. this is disappointing.

[@rayconverse7618]

I swapped my SE and SF switches. I thought it was a PITA and hope they last the life of the radio. It would have been much easier if I had access to a heat gun for the de-soldering. Just got one of your EdgeTX hats in the mail. Keep up the good work.

[@syros218]

As soon as it comes out for sale, I will definitely buy this radio model.

[@RCVideoReviews]

They're up for pre-order now. Affiliate link in description :)

[@williamcox3852]

Nice review John. The technology for rc airplanes, quads, and helis is so remarkable. Keep up the good work John.

[@RCVideoReviews]

Roger that Bill. Thanks for the kind words.

[@woofie7520]

Great first look at the new boxer radio. It's great to see the progress Radiomaster is making.

[@UAV-AP]

You always do such a great job explaining everything so thoroughly. Cheers from Spokane

[@RCVideoReviews]

Appreciate it. Thank you!

[@joshgraystone8815]

Cheers from Seattle

[@design2survive]

Cheers from sandpoint :)

[@geoffh7206]

Great review John. Compared to other reviews I've seen so far, you are the only one who took the time to show us the internals.

[@RCVideoReviews]

Thanks Geoff. I try to do the extras when I think of them.

[@lleston8927]

Thanks for the video! Very nice and complete review

[@RCVideoReviews]

You're welcome. Thanks for the comment.

[@user-cc3cq7xi6p]

I just got the 4in1, I really love this radio. Very high quality build. Feels better than spectrum’s.

[@RCVideoReviews]

Everybody seems to like the feel/quality of Boxer radios. Good choice.

[@propsoff]

Looks good, reminds me of an upgraded QX7, lol. So awesome to see your channel grow, you put so much into it. I recommend you as much as I can, Enjoy the Breeze...👍🏻🍻👊🏻

[@alfindo27]

12:36 I need that game ! 😁

[@headfog7621]

looks like a great option to have with full size gimbles and good price.

[@RCVideoReviews]

Really is a nice little radio.

[@davidpaker626]

Nice the perfect radio for trips ,for the smaller airplanes and the M1 and M2 even the T-Rex 300 nice nice thank you

[@RCVideoReviews]

Thanks Dave. Yes, nice little compact radio. ELRS is a great bonus.

[@nerdCopter]

+1👍in-depth 💪 certainly appreciate the tip to not use sdcard directly, i would have been the guy to continuously do this without knowing recommended not to.

[@RCVideoReviews]

Glad it was helpful!

[@deadbyteDrones]

ExpressLRS 3.1.1 doesn't support the Boxer yet. An official target is coming on the next ExpressLRS release, in time when these units get to users.

[@rhysespeace]

I also prefer the momentary switch on the left! Was hoping the modular construction would result in those two switches being easily flipped. But no such luck. And sadly for me, that's the deal breaker.

[@rikofpv]

thanks for the review 👍, look like qx7

[@RCVideoReviews]

You're welcome.

[@JustaPoke]

Nice looking compact radio but it's lacking sliders and a few more switches or buttons would have been nice for us fixed-wing guys. For quad flyers this looks like a nice radio. The handle is interesting, but I would prefer a solid handle that collaps. Guess I'm not getting this because I want sliders.

[@RCVideoReviews]

I wouldn't say it eliminates fixed wing guys. The video shows me flying a 3D plane with it. It just might not be for a more complex setup (flaperons/spoilerons/pan/tilt) etc... TBH I've drifted away from gadgets on my planes. Most of what I fly these days is simple 4-6 channel control. Dual aileron/dual elevator and maybe spoilerons. All of which this radio can handle with ease. I do get your point though--for more complex setups the TX16s would clearly be a better choice.

[@JustaPoke]

@@RCVideoReviews 3D planes are in most cases a 5CH basic setup, and for sure lot's of Expo and/or rates. One or two switches and motor stop should be it. But yeah I'm talking about flaps to start with, but there are many more things it can be used for. There's also the growing market of planes that fly Inav, than you simply need something like a TX16s, but I prefer it in a more compact size. I've moved away from full-size TX's but it's a bit handicapped as there are no compact TX's that do it all. For basic fixed-wing it might do, but for me flaps is still rather basic. Take the populair STOL foamies for example. For quads this TX is all you need for sure.

[@RCVideoReviews]

You could put flaps on a pot or 3 pos switch. I've also done logic turning a single momentary into multi-function switch. kzbin.info/www/bejne/hWHMm55qZs99jdE

[@JustaPoke]

@@RCVideoReviews That's no solution. Radios have sliders so you don;t need to take your hand from the sticks to turn a pot. There's a option to hack up a radio and add a slider, connect the wires to a pot. But than you miss a pot. And void warrantee.

[@RCVideoReviews]

It is definitely a solution--just doesn't work for you. I regularly take my hands off the sticks to make adjustments to pots. Hell, sometimes I do it just to enjoy watching the plane fly.

[@scu-dub]

First off I wanna say I'm a new sub👍🏽this is a great new radio by radiomaster I have the tx12 but it's cc2500 which sucks it came in a fpv bundle I had got I fly planes as well but really want a radio that does it all I don't like the size of the 16s and the tx12 is perfect in my opinion but the boxer looks like a perfect size as well I just had a question about the radio since I'm fairly new to fpv and quadcopters but not for planes I was wondering if this radio would be a good choice for planes with safe as well as flaps and retracts? and if I wanted to add leds would i be able to add them to those "momentary" and "push button" type switches I know the question is probably silly but I'm use to spektrum radios and tactic type radios that have actual "toggle" type switches that are 2 and 3 position....if it will work for those things then I will definitely be getting the 4in1 since my planes and all the bnf planes that are out and that I want😁 come with spektrum recievers with as3x safe and vector stabilization I was going to just throw a elrs module on my tx12 for my quads so it wouldn't go to waste and then just buy a nx8 but I kinda just want one radio....none of my friends are cool "They don't fly RC anything" lol so asking them is pointless thanks for any feedback sorry for the book.✌🏽

[@RCVideoReviews]

Based on your requirements, the TX16s would probably be a better option for you as it has sliders which lend themselves well to things like flaps and retracts. Welcome to the channel.

[@captaindronieversefpv]

ELRS 3.1.1 ready, won't you give a try for Radiomaster Ranger ? so we can see the full capability of that module and + - of it.

[@definingslawek4731]

Was the case really stinky for anyone else? I can't tell if it's a really strong plastic smell or if the factory is completely clouded with cigarette smoke. (I can't tell if it's a smoke smell or not)

[@user-eq4iv6sp2c]

good afternoon, your product arrived, I inserted the charged batteries and nothing, I press the power button and nothing works, I connected it to the charger, the remote control flashes red, I pressed nothing, then I pressed and held it, nothing, what to do?

[@ooOoo.....]

I wish they would have went with 2 momentary switches instead of that stupid latching switch. I wonder if we can add 2 extra switches as several other radios allow?

[@RCVideoReviews]

I didn't see headers on the board for extra switches. Possible I missed them though.

[@ooOoo.....]

@@RCVideoReviews thanks for the reply. I checked with the guys on the ETX discord and they confirmed no additional hardware is possible.

[@warbirdflyerF4U]

Looks very nice radio master seems to be doing an excellent job keeping up with our requests I did not see any flap sliders did they eliminate them

[@RCVideoReviews]

No sliders on this one. It's oddly comfortable in the hand.

[@PhillGraaf]

Great review! Thank you! So I have to use a LiPo battery to power this radio right? Do I have to disconnect the battery from the radio when I am charging it?

[@RCVideoReviews]

The chemistry doesn't really matter when it comes to powering the radio. Just make sure it's no higher than 8.4v at peak. The internal charge circuit expects a 2s battery and will cutoff at 4.2v/c.

[@PhillGraaf]

Thanks!

[@RCVideoReviews]

Sure thing.

[@dudicoco]

Thanks for the video! Looking for my first transmitter for RC planes i'm and trying to decide between the Boxer and TX16S. Is the lack of the sliders on the Boxer problematic for using it with flaps? Also do you recommend ELRS or 4in1?

[@RCVideoReviews]

Some subjectivity in these answers: ELRS v 4in1 - Depends on what you want to do. ELRS external modules are easy to find and work fine. 4in1 external modules are harder to find. ELRS is at an interesting inflection point, but I've flown plenty with it and I trust it, but if you'll be flying lots of different models with different RF protocols, 4in1 is the way to go. Sliders for Flaps - Subjective again--that's all I've ever used, but I wouldn't have much of an issue switching over to a switch instead. I just don't think it would bother me much. Same with landing gear. Really--just a preference thing. If you wanted an analog sweep for flap positions for maneuvers--the sliders may matter more. I only ever use them for up, mid, down. So it doesn't matter much.

[@dudicoco]

@@RCVideoReviews thanks for the info. Is ELRS actually common for RC fixed winged planes as well? Most of the youtube videos talk about drones so I wonder how many fixed winged pilots use ELRS.

[@RCVideoReviews]

Common? No. Usable, definitely. I have it in several planes and in my last jet: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ppzJnHuGjN2omtU As to how many fixed wing pilots use ELRS--I'm guessing this is a rhetorical question as there really is no way to know.

[@Retset]

I have no need for it but it looks like a great small radio. I really must buy a 3D printer because I want a similar gimbal/switch protector for my TX16S!

[@RCVideoReviews]

I love my 3D printer. It's done so many things for me in the hobby.

[@m.albert482]

Where do you find a manual for the Boxer. I'm new to the hobby and can't figure out what half the menus are for. I can only find a quick start manual which goes in no depth.

[@RCVideoReviews]

There is no manual outside of the brochure showing the hardware layout. My channel has tons of OpenTX/EdgeTX videos showing how to operate the firmware.

[@cgrcplanes2011]

Great vid. Does it bind with spectrum receivers?

[@RCVideoReviews]

This one is ELRS, so no. They have a 4-in-1 option which can bind using the DSM/DSMx protocols.

[@ramtek2702]

So, I bought one of these and now I have no idea what to do with it and the included manual isn't going to help much. The last radio I bought was a JR Century 7 single stick bought way back in the '80s. Now you know why I'm lost. I can't even figure out how to charge the battery. Do I plug in the included USB cable into any port and charge with a generis 5 volts or must I buy some exotic Radiomaster charger. Who do I ask? And why does the battery pack have two cable assemblies attached. Too many questions.

[@RCVideoReviews]

I suggest taking a deep breath, and just start watching all of my OpenTX/EdgeTX videos. For starters, just put your radio down. As you watch the content you'll pick up enough information about how to operate the radio. You can usually experiment too. So plug your USB cable in and see what happens. Don't be afraid to try things.

[@ramtek2702]

@@RCVideoReviews "Afraid" isn't the right word. I've tried "pushing all the buttons" in years past. That's how I learned not to. I'll watch your videos although I fail to see how learning an OS will tell me why a battery has two cables.

[@malte9999]

The battery lid has openings towards the upper end of the radio, so that you can connect the XT30 connector of the battery with an external module, like the Ranger

[@RCVideoReviews]

What advantage is that over powering external modules from the pins directly if using the internal battery for both the radio and external module connection?

[@malte9999]

@@RCVideoReviews you do not add the additional load to the internal voltage regulators of the radio. Like when you use the Ranger with the 2W software mod. Probably the longevity of the radio is higher then.

[@RCVideoReviews]

So if you use a 2w mod, and you actually use 2w on a regular basis, then the external power may improve longevity. Any issues using the module as intended at 1w?

[@malte9999]

I don't think so, but I can ask.

[@RCVideoReviews]

It would be good to know if that external connection is recommended over internal. Also, if the internal connection is used, what happens to the 5v coming in on the JR bay pins? Is it dissipated as heat?

[@dg9bfc]

Who needs games on an rc radio ?!? A shrunken tx16 with a b/w screen and fewer switches. Hmm.. It may be a good radio but i would still prefer the real one (tx16s).. Maybe later they will make a boxer plus with a better screen.. Nice is that bigger battery room (for my 16s i printed a higher case and use 4x 21700).. Best buy i think would be the 4in1 model plus a happymodel tx module (elrs).. Are there any add on switches or pots possible (maybe on the two connectors inside??).. Overall a nice review.. Thumbs up

[@RCVideoReviews]

No extra switch headers inside.

[@bstearn1653]

Great video but I fly DLG and the momentary switch swap hassle is a deal breaker.

[@RCVideoReviews]

I know. I was disappointed in that.

[@Freakygogo]

Does boxer have ble joystick mode option available in Elrs version?

[@RCVideoReviews]

Yup.

[@naomfaigel]

Hi, Thanks for the review... I've noticed that the battery says 9.2V on the main screen but it is a 2S lipo (8.4V charged, right?) What am I missing? Thanks

[@RCVideoReviews]

Out of the box it needs to be calibrated. See this New OpenTx Radio? You Should Perform All Three of These Calibrations Radiomaster TX16s Jumper T18 kzbin.info/www/bejne/n6KkeXyZoLOUqa8

[@arielof1]

Thanks for this review John. One question - I was about to order the 6200 mAh battery and I noticed it is a LIPO not a LI-ON as I have in my TX16S. So in spite of it fitting and connecting to the TX16S, I wonder if the designers of the radio designed it to charge not only LI-ON but also LIPO. Do you know if it charges well in the radio?

[@RCVideoReviews]

Yes, it'll be fine.

[@moshecohen4029]

Do you know if the charging circuit balances the two cells?

[@RCVideoReviews]

Yes.

[@NicFpv91]

Yesterday I’ve got my Boxer but I am really disappointed because the radio is defekt If I go in Sys and then on ExpressLRS it says loading but then nothing happen 😢

[@RCVideoReviews]

Did you turn the elrs module on in model settings?

[@NicFpv91]

@@RCVideoReviews thanks exactly that was the problem I don’t know that it also can turn on & off the module internally

[@stylealone5150]

Hello , What model receiver are you using? Thk.

[@RCVideoReviews]

I use Radiomaster ER6, ER8, ER6-GV, and Happymodel EPW6 for just about everything.

[@rcrotorfreak]

Hello john. I like a bit of Boxer but which it had slider and other goodies like Tx16s in this form factor. Question. Tx16s mk2 isn't loud enough and it have two speakers. How about the sound of this? I notice Radio Master skip the second speaker. I would assume they would hook this up with two speaker and being louder then my mk2. So how is the volume and sound? Ty john. :)

[@RCVideoReviews]

Sound level is fairly subjective. The Boxer doesn't sound overly loud, but the sound quality is very good.

[@rcrotorfreak]

@@RCVideoReviews Hi ty for answering what would you choose for let say playing wave files which one sound louder and clearly? Tx16s or boxer?

[@RCVideoReviews]

Louder: TX16s. Clearer: Boxer.

[@javes2477]

will you need the battery if your going to use for sim only? hehe while the battery are not yet arrive hehe

[@RCVideoReviews]

I think so.

[@shaneintegra]

How does the 6200mah battery compare to the 5000mah when using the xt30 on a module? Will the 6200mah have enough punch for higher output?

[@RCVideoReviews]

It's 1w / 5v so 0.2a for the module tops, plus maybe another 0.2a for the radio itself. This battery won't have any issues delivering that current. It's a relatively trivial current load.

[@MichaelRyannz]

How do you get telemetry volts battery etc back to the radio for line of site planes?

[@RCVideoReviews]

ExpressLRS with a crsf to pwm adapter makes it a very simple solution.

[@NiCadHeliPilot]

It's a cute little controller. =^/.^=

[@vonSchwartzwolfe]

Does the built in battery charger on older RM radios work on the new Lipo batteries??

[@RCVideoReviews]

Yes

[@user-yq5dm5gq2q]

what receivers elrs could use? Has 7 channel or more?

[@RCVideoReviews]

ER8 is 8ch. It supports SBUS and CRSF out with 16ch if you can use a serial stream.

[@PhrozenN]

Any idea how the footprint of the elrs module is vs the pocket one? ;)

[@RCVideoReviews]

I don't know. If I had to guess, I'd say they were using the same module.

[@PhrozenN]

@@RCVideoReviews would you mind taking a measurement of the mounting holes? Trying to figure out if I can transplant a boxer module into the pocket

[@TheShaddydogg]

Can you flash back to elrs 2.5 on this?

[@RCVideoReviews]

I don't know. If you try it, let us know how it works out.

[@jaimemlim1689]

Can I bind Eachine e130 with this with its 4 in 1 mode?

[@RCVideoReviews]

This page shows protocols supported by the 4-in-1 module: github.com/pascallanger/DIY-Multiprotocol-TX-Module/blob/master/Protocols_Details.md You'll need to figure out what protocol is used by the model and see if you can locate it on that page.

[@fredbarnes196]

can you set it to ratchet with out taking the back off and voiding the warranty?

[@RCVideoReviews]

Don't be afraid. Rip that cover off! Dive in there.

[@fredbarnes196]

@@RCVideoReviews don’t have one yet. The T16S you can take the handles off and get to the screws without taking the back off. Curious if the boxer does that

[@RCVideoReviews]

You can turn the self centering on and off from the front of the gimbal. To adjust ratchet tension the back has to come off.

[@lokaero]

Hi.just want to clarify a doubt from you. Rather that buying Boxer with internal ELRS version(140$) can i buy cc2500 version which is (100$) then buy external ELRS micro module (40$) which costs the same and gives more optional protocols at the same time. and need to know whether both internal ELRS and external micro ELRS module specs are same and acts as same or will there be any cons in perfomance?

[@RCVideoReviews]

Yes, you can. Just be aware cc2500 is not 4-in-1. It does support more than one protocol, but it's not a 4-in-1 module.

[@lokaero]

@@RCVideoReviews Yes I’m aware of that.Oh and thank you so much for you valuable reply. Big fan of your content. Load of love from India🥰😊.

[@RC-planes.]

Wich one is best version for RC planes maximum of 6ch models?

[@RCVideoReviews]

This radio will work fine for any 6 channel model. You'll hear some lament the fact there are no sliders on this radio which some use to control flaps/spoilerons/landing gear.

[@carlosr.2027]

Can you swap out the 1w internal elrs from a boxer on to a tx16s and make it work ?

[@RCVideoReviews]

It might fit, but it wouldn't be PNP. You'd have to do some modifications I think.

[@carlosr.2027]

@@RCVideoReviews interesting, Would make for a great video on how to modified your tx16s, thanks

[@LuK312]

Hey, can I simply change the cc2250 Modul to the elrs module?

[@RCVideoReviews]

Perhaps...Might require some mounting work. I've never had a cc2250 module so I can't say definitively.

[@LuK312]

@@RCVideoReviews bought the wrong boxer version. Didn't read properly and thought I got the multi 😬

[@RCVideoReviews]

I don't like that CC2500 for this exact reason.

[@BlueDroneBlues]

On the RadioMaster TX16s regarding the Micro SD card. At times I want to push it back in, but it misses the slot and falls inside the controller itself and I have to take the controller apart. I ended up getting a small double sticky tape leaving one side covered and placed it in front of the open space. Now I don't have that problem anymore. I still don't have it working right. Even after reinstalling the software from my copy. I get UI files locations missing and I get multiple repeats of say Wizzard with "._Wizard" that just shows corruption and after many hours, of just removing programs a few at a time, or installing different ones, I still regardless cannot get around this problem. I guess they just have something against the iMac or Apple in general because for the life of me. All though many functions work again. Others, fail to be recognized. Such as a few switches that I can program with sound after that took me hours to get working right. I try to link up to LiftOff and at one time, when certain switches worked and other didn't. Then it swaps a few and the ones that work don't anymore. Can anyone help me figure out how I restore everything correctly? Thanks guys!

[@TBloodFPV]

do u know if the 4in1 version has internal elrs?.... i think they sent me the wrong 1

[@RCVideoReviews]

It can't have 4in1 and ELRS internal.

[@TBloodFPV]

TY for the reply darn sendn back time to wait again LOL feels amazing on sim

[@carsonpoland]

What are the dimensions? it look smaller than 235*178*77mm (info on website) which is good for me :)

[@JZEFPV]

My guess is the 235mm is the height including the antenna, but I am curious to know about that for sure too.

[@RC-planes.]

I'll it bind to radiolink rx directly without download ing anyithing?

[@Mikeylikesit1968]

If you use the 4 in 1 and yes it will bind to some Radio link rxs

[@RC-planes.]

@@Mikeylikesit1968 thanks a lot

[@Mikeylikesit1968]

@@RC-planes. Flysky also make really awesome rxs at less then $20 and I trust these over Spekjunk rxs

[@RC-planes.]

@@Mikeylikesit1968 I also used fly sky but know my local hobby shop sells radiolink 6ch rx at only13

[@Mikeylikesit1968]

@@RC-planes. Which Radiolink Rx is it

[@jferreira879]

How does the size compare to TX16? DO we have a side by side yet?

[@RCVideoReviews]

Literally in the video...side by side and top to bottom.

[@jferreira879]

@@RCVideoReviews I went to comment on radiomaster's teaser vid and somehow commented here lol. No idea how that happened.

[@RCVideoReviews]

When computers learn to do what we think instead of what we say, we'll all be much better off :)

[@dondupuis4007]

LED Rings?

[@RCVideoReviews]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/naPGdKtni99llck

[@ooOoo.....]

It’s a Radiomaster Q X7 🤣😂

[@beachhobbies]

Right, they modeled the best radio. I’m holding out for another Zorro, now offered with AG01 gimbals. First one got splashed with saltwater and died.

[@ooOoo.....]

@@beachhobbies It’s like having an internal MPM Q X7 except I can still use an ELRS module in the back. This may be the perfect radio for me!