TBS Mambo; The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly; Review and Breakdown

[@raphaelpirker3406]

great review! kickstand and replacements and accessories will be available by mid august. currently there is no stock for these.

[@stingersswarm]

I’m glad to hear that. It is a great radio all around. I was too sad when I lost the first one. I’ll be more careful with this one.

[@jamesomega]

What's the max crossfire module power output supported by the internal battery? 500mw? Will we still need an external 3S on an XT30 to go higher?

[@chrishiggins7475]

@@jamesomega 2w dynamic on

[@GUILLERMO.NESPOlO]

Haw about a CHORIPAN combo with the mambo ? Don’t make me go to there trappy

[@raphaelpirker3406]

@@stingersswarm I've never had a car but I've still put shit on other people's roof and lost it :) so I can relate :D

[@quedrones1870]

Nice to meet your channel with this review. Glad to be here. Thanks

[@stingersswarm]

Welcome aboard. I hope you like what you find.

[@carlosfpv]

Glad to see some new videos. I really miss the old stuff.

[@stingersswarm]

Thanks. I'm going to keep them coming.

[@MystikSquash]

I’ll have mine by Thursday! I’m excited to have a new remote. I started with a spektrum dx6e, went to the Dji fpv remote. And now it time to Mambo!!!!! Yeye the excitement is real.

[@strattonford2557]

Appreciate your dedication and honesty to the swarm!

[@stingersswarm]

Always. Thank you.

[@lordhenrix1510]

I don’t have the mambo and I don’t plan on getting it but this helped pass some time at work. Thanks bro

[@MurdersFPV]

Super appreciate you taking it apart so I know what to expect. Was planning on doing the Peter the Penetrator mod and even though I would have figured it out, it's always great to have advanced knowledge.

[@ndinno1]

Been a fan for a while. Love your content, keep it up!

[@scottsouthard6491]

Welcome back. Hope to see you dropping some flight videos soon

[@stingersswarm]

Very soon! Working on one now.

[@bp328i]

Great review, new subscriber. Thank you so much for the stick and switch protector stl. After I watched this video I found another one posted just yesterday from DutchRC Adventures and he was able to replace a broken switch using only one soldering iron. It's not the easiest looking job but it's very doable.

[@creaturefpv]

I just got mine ordered yesterday . I got the ethix version. I can't wait .

[@short-circuitz]

for the switch delimma, your prob supposed to install switch into the cover, then lay the board on top and screw down, then solder... use low temp solder to remove it, and wick to clean to get ready for new.... thats the easiest way I see to install with correct angles. Nice to see a vid from ya Stingy.

[@Super_Mario_Fpv]

Great review. I really think I may buy this and make my xlite a backup. But can we really appreciate the key lighting. Very clean edit man.

[@stingersswarm]

Thanks. Trying to make sure I cover it all.

[@jon007tidwell]

Awesome video bro! After messing with yours and watching this I definitely want to get one

[@stingersswarm]

It is a sweet radio for sure.

[@jameswelsh8558]

Good to see you Stingy been to long!🔥👍

[@stingersswarm]

It's good to be back. Thanks for coming by.

[@skyrotfpv]

Juhuu,... 'hops and props' will be back!! 😍 Great review! Careful with those switches. They are thinner at the base and you need to go through TBS support if you break them. The typical FrSky, etc. switches won't fit the plastic parts on the chassis (two latches!). The Mambo switches are approx 1mm less wide. Thanks to TBS for sending me replacement ones! It's possible to de-/re-solder them but it's a bit tricky to get the correct angle. Still, an amazing remote and I fly it with the crossfire micro module (for now). ✌️😀

[@stingersswarm]

Nice. Glad to hear you are liking it. See you Sunday.

[@RobertLeclercq]

I love mine!!! Finally got off my X9D Plus.

[@stingersswarm]

I’m loving it.

[@RobertLeclercq]

@@stingersswarmFor Hops and Props, I'd like to do my submission live if you will allow it. I've figured out how to livestream my DJI feed with stickcam on my Hero 8 and have my Galaxy S10+ for audio and room cam all piped into OBS and synced up.

[@DudaZachary]

Thats what I got. Trying to find something else, but the switches being soldered on is a deal breaker for me.

[@DavidOwensuk]

Great video Stingy! Will now be buying the Mambo!❤️👍👌

[@stingersswarm]

I am loving it. I bet you will too.

[@DavidOwensuk]

@@stingersswarm it’s arrived!!

[@m2kfpv449]

Thanks Stingy. Non replaceable switches is absolutely a deal breaker. No worries, nowadays I have the patience for Mambo v3 lol

[@stingersswarm]

Apparently you can replace the switches but it won't be as easy as it could be.

[@havoc_64]

Great review and info! Thanks

[@stingersswarm]

Glad it was helpful!

[@norgtube]

If you want to replace the switches you can use a desoldering braid to get the solder off the pins one by one, there's no need for a hot air station or giganto tip. When soldering the new one on you'd assemble the front clamshell and PCB before soldering to index the switch at the correct angle. They should still not be soldered on, but it's not a huge deal.

[@steinne]

thank you as always for a great review.

[@stingersswarm]

My pleasure!

[@SKIDOOSH]

Mount the paddle switches on the face, put the PCB in and then solder them if they need replacing to get the angle right.

[@stingersswarm]

Nice technique.

[@francescomaria8524]

Thanks for your valuable content! Like the form factor and the embedded antenna … I would have switched for sure with crossfire embedded… also would have appreciated higher quality plastics and easier access to inside parts. I think I’ve opened my radios a tons of time. Cheers!

[@stingersswarm]

I would love to see a truly high end radio from TBS. Maybe one day.

[@dflyfpv8765]

A thoughtful review. well done!

[@JonE5FPV]

Glad to see you back, i am also a bit long winded at times, so ive vowed to try never to make another review longer than 10 mins. It was hard with the mambo, but I managed to do it.

[@stingersswarm]

I'll talk till I've said everything that I think needs saying.

[@housinit]

I suppose if you wanted to replace one of those switches you could screw the replacement switch back into the case and then put the board back into the case and try to get those pins to go through the holes and solder it in. That way the switch would be at the perfect angle. What a pain in the ass. Hopefully most people won't ever have to do that. Desoldering the switch shouldn't be too hard with some desoldering braid and maybe some desoldering alloy. Great review man!

[@stingersswarm]

That technique seems like it would work. You can also just solder a wired switch in as others have pointed out.

[@johndextersantos9541]

18:30 there is suction tool that you can sip up the solder while it is hot. . do it for each switch pole and it should come out clean.

[@ramsifpv]

nice review and really nice Stingy shirt. I think the Mambo is a really good radio. I like it much more than the Tango2 😎

[@stingersswarm]

I love it

[@sgtsawhill1]

As far as switches go, I had to tear the radio down to replace the springs on the gimbals. A switch broke while putting it back together. Using a solder sucker and iron, I was able to replaced the switch. Just eyeball the angle with the other switches and you will be fine.

[@stingersswarm]

Nice

[@ZiefM]

If you have to replace one of the angled switches. Unmount the PCB from the case, unsolder the switch, then screw the new one to the case and put the PCB back. That way your switch will be at the right angle before soldering it.

[@flipfpv4539]

Great deep dive into the mambo wish they did a crossfire version 😊👍

[@stingersswarm]

That would be pretty sweet but the mambo is definitely a sweet spot.

[@bernhardeisenschink1032]

Thanks for the great review! I have the Tango 2 and the Ethix Mambo and I like tem both equally for what they are. The Tango for its transportability, it fiths perfect into the TBS Gear Pouch together with my FatSharks and the Mambo just fits better in my hands and it just feels more substantial because of the size and weight. As you said it feels significantly more stable and locked in when holding it. I can easyly go back and forth between the two without getting thrown off too much so I can choose the propper tool for the job as needed. Regarding changing the three position switches I would try to carefully break off as much as possible and then make two cuts between the poles with a dremel. So it should be possible to desolder dem one by one. Then I would only solder up the one that goes in the deepest and testfit it. That way it is possible to adjust the angle by only heating up one pad and then easyly solder the other two after it is positioned propperly.

[@stingersswarm]

Yeah as others have said you can get the right angle by assembling everything then soldering.

[@bernhardeisenschink1032]

@@stingersswarm Yep, that is a pretty smart approach.

[@mattiagatti1200]

Does mambo fit well in tbs pouch v2? I'm looking for a case

[@bernhardeisenschink1032]

@@mattiagatti1200 Technically yes, the ziper is basically even with the top of the shell and can be closed. A pair of fatsharks does still fit with the radio. I would absolutely get a Gimbal and Switch protector in addition.

[@garyfornow542]

I agree with this review. I have a Mambo myself and I LOVE IT!!! Best radio if you are not going to get a Radiomaster TX16... I added an ELRS module, works great. Only complaints are really with Agent X, did not seem to work right. But they have Agent M which is an online version of the app. Also 100% agree, I am not a fan of the USB port - dumb!!! I simply got a 90 degree connector and problem solved. Gimbal are OK. And yes, calibration: is Definitely a pain in the butt. My radio was just fine just fine but for some reason I thought maybe I should calibrate and I spent the next hour maybe 2 cursing myself but but I did figure it out and I have it back to being calibrated perfectly not gonna touch that again for a while. So yeah I think this is a great radio radio the size is nice it's easy to hold in your hand it works great the the price was right oh I forgot to mention I also got the ethix version And what you get for the money is OK I do like the upgraded gimbles they feel nice but I'm a thumb pilot I don't pinch and those gimblelands are more for people who pinc. But what I wanted to make sure I remembered Was the kickstand I am not a fan of the kickstand I am not sure when and where I would ever just have it sitting up on the kickstand and using the radio in any way also the USB port on the bottom would kind of interfere with the way it sits on the kickstand and the kickstand. What I would much prefer would be a handle just like the radio master TX16 It could easily be designed and integrated into this radio and I am very surprised that no one has no 1 has created 1 to sell and I have looked everywhere So if you happen to know of one please let me know. Anyway good luck with whatever you pick you almost can't go wrong all the radios on the market today are at least good if not at least great so we have little to complain about and that's a fact.

[@jessjoshwyatt3571]

Awesome review. Thanks for honestly letting us know the bad with the good. Is it possible to just mount the switches to the radio with the regular switch nuts and then solder in wires on the pcb and the switches with male/female connector of some sort to connect and make easier?

[@stingersswarm]

Yeah that is a great idea and should work well.

[@pctechadvisor]

If I ever need to replace a switch; this would be great idea.

[@IBKingFPV]

Stingy kinda endorsed my design. Hell yeah!!

[@stingersswarm]

It is working well for me. I printed it in TPU. The only issue I have is that it will pull off my Pots if I'm not careful when removing it. I was thinking of trying it in PLA. What do you use?

[@IBKingFPV]

@@stingersswarm I used TPU and I lift from the top of the Switch protector, with my thumb on the pot. Also I ran my soldering iron around the inside of the pot sleeves, while cleaning up the print strings. Possibly that loosened them up, just so. There is a file with .7mm bigger pot sleeves as well. I have been told PETG works well. I think I would use the 10.7mm file for a rigid material. Oh, and by the way. Thanks for all the cool content over the years now!

[@riggermortisfpv526]

Got my Ethix Mambo, tested it out a tiny bit, seems solid.

[@stingersswarm]

I'm happy with it for sure.

[@survivealiveofficial4056]

Great review. You should toss some echo foam in the corners of your room to knock out the echo and get a cleaner sound on your vids in hear

[@Timon2200]

Just last week I broke the arm switch on my Jumper T16. Luckily T16 is very modular and I simply switched up the rear one without having to dismantle it completely. Switches break, they should have thought about that a bit more.

[@stingersswarm]

Apparently you can swap them with a switch and solder the cable to the old pads. Lock the switch ring to mount it in place and it’ll work fine. Good to know.

[@dos4gwexe]

@@stingersswarm I'm having trouble visualizing what you mean by that. Is there a video or picture series you can link to?

[@garyfornow542]

Sorry just heard you talk about the momentary switch being sticky and not sure why but the answer is simple manufacturing variation That's just gonna happen now and then then and the one that you had that was sticky sounds like you solved it with a little bit of oil so more of a nuisance than a problem and a problem that's you Solved. Cheers!

[@cyruscatfisher]

Great review and a separate kudos for that beautiful Seiko 5. As much of a nice radio this is - I'll stick to Tango 2 and TX16S for now.

[@OCD_FPV]

I had a main board replaced on a brand new radio because it would randomly corrupt the firmware. Had one fly away as a result. I’m skeptical to “trust” this radio now over my boxer. I much prefer the ergonomics of the mambo to the boxer.

[@mongofpv3744]

Hops & Props Back awesome

[@stingersswarm]

Coming in hot this Sunday.

[@nappyfpv]

Power loops are my favorite 😻

[@stingersswarm]

Let's Go!!! Hops and Props Sunday

[@nappyfpv]

@@stingersswarm I’ll be there!!!

[@waynefpv]

once u have the external antenna installed you have the ability to switch between external and internal in the tx menu.

[@stingersswarm]

Yeah you can. But I still don’t have a need for it.

[@PeterPetermann]

i kinda prefer the usb cable to connect to the top, like the jumper/radiomaster/etc do it.

[@stingersswarm]

I can see that being handy.

[@quadroneld]

Nicely lit, nice to look at, nice voice to listen to, but maybe nice to dress up the background a bit more?

[@RubyS.1]

2 different times I broke switches it was like 3 at once. Good tip about being able to use the folding gimbles

[@stingersswarm]

Apparently you can replace the switches with a cabled switch and solder it to the pads and mount the switch with the lock ring. Getting the old switch off will be a bit tricky though.

[@luisfernandoperezsubieta7797]

Hey ! I Ordered the mambo yesterday, do my xlite 18650 2100mah batteries work ? Or are they too small for the mambo ?

[@SwiftDuckFPV]

brooo I literally just did the same thing to my Tango 2 the other day. LOL. Drove away with my batteries and radio on the roof of my car. Had to buy a new radio and went with the mambo.

[@TheMadmacs]

i have to say, its a good price. and give livyu half an hour, he'll have a workflow to put in a new switch.

[@stingersswarm]

I don't doubt it.

[@samrichard4156]

about the 3 Pos. Switches ... you can mount them in the front shell .. put the PCB in and then solder the switches to the PCB... Trappy explained that in the Release live stream ;)

[@samrichard4156]

oh .. and about the Kick stand ... it will be available late once the stock is good enough

[@stingersswarm]

Good info. Thanks for that.

[@666kfm]

Yep, solder wick and it's a piece of cake. One of mine came broke.

[@sgtsawhill1]

Thought about getting some more lights for your house? Can't see anything.

[@Kamila_q]

🤣

[@stingersswarm]

Haha!!! Yeah we are getting ready to move and I'm going to be making some studio upgrades then.

[@larrydelceg2406]

Just went on a trip in which my x9d+ was in my carry-on bag, and two switches were broken. When I was ready to fly FPV at my destination, it only took a few minutes to "solder and swap" the switches in the field. Crisis averted! Wouldn't have been possible if the switches were soldered to the PCB.

[@stingersswarm]

You carry spare switches on a trip? Wow this man is prepared.

[@kibbycabbit]

After reading it, I imagine how difficult to obtain the parts from any hobby store… and then maybe you carry them with you. Hats off to you. I don’t carry the spares with me.

[@xymaryai8283]

mambo + elrs, RM TX12 + elrs or wait for integrated elrs radios or maybe RM Zorro?

[@glytch5]

I found it hilarious of the box I was competely unable to remove the battery door... it was completely jammed closed! lol. Had to open the radio before I could turn it on. SWITCHES SOLDERED ON! Okay so... if a switch goes bad guess what? Leave it soldered on, lift the tabs and replace the parts with a new switch... EASY. Again.. to get the soldering angle perfect, you put the switch in and screw them into the front panel... then solder from the back? angle perfect! I think folks are spazing out way too much about these switches.

[@doktordrone]

Thank you 👍

[@stingersswarm]

No thank you.

[@DutchRC]

yeahhhhhh replacing them switches huh? (I'm waiting for a replacement switch over here... wish me luck :P ) The trick of putting in the new one would (I tihnk) be reassembling the radio so the shell fixes the switch in place... and Then solder it...

[@creaturefpv]

How easy is binding and set up ? I'd love a video on that too kev.

[@arnoldfreemanbw]

The gimbal calibration is a nightmare. After change to the softer springs as I use to fly helicopters, a calibration is needed. Bus it mass up the original calibration doesn’t matter how hard and how many time I tried.

[@alienmartian22]

Mambo V2 board should remove the switches extension board and include the connector just like all other radios. Looks doable.

[@stingersswarm]

Agreed

[@dronesfpvbrasil]

can we swap the shoulder buttons around? I like my arm on the right hand side and the momentaty one on the left. Is it possible? That is what is holding me back at the moment

[@AdrianoCasemiro]

Those switches... that's a serious design flaw. I broke two switches on my Radiomaster TX16S within a week from new. Replacing them was an easy job. And I always fly with Crossfire on external module anyway. If only the switches were user replaceable I could give Tracer a try.

[@andrewut7ya511]

I love my tx16s but the switches make me nervous. I feel like it needs to be kept in the original bix when i put it in my bag which isnt a big deal but its bigger than id like.

[@stingersswarm]

The switches are replaceable after all. It won't be the easiest swap but it is doable.

[@ShaunHusain]

Hah lost a few on my t16 but I just replace the gimbals with hall sensor ones that were $20 and seem to be working great. Plus side only need like 2 switches one for arming and one for modes (maybe a third if using gps or something extra)

[@recognizelost]

ok I seen the tango 2 at IO 2019 wasn't that hyped, even after talking to Stingy then and co-using a nirvana as well. Now you got me looking at my nirvana all sus. Think it was us loners Stingy, Gankman and myself with the only nirvanas on sight and thumbs lol

[@stingersswarm]

Lol. The Nirvana had potential but too many issues to really be viable.

[@recognizelost]

@@stingersswarm unfortunately with work I won’t be @IO this year. Hopefully I can talk some you guys to coming to the outter banks before season over.

[@FlyturboKwad]

Dang just got mine and went to flash latest firmware and now its bricked. Bootloader mode doesn't work either. After flashing new firmware it doesn't power up. Seems like am not alone. This radio is like a ticking time bomb...

[@InsaneClownFpv]

Once I get my moms funeral paid off im going to try and grab one these!!

[@Kamila_q]

😢sorry to hear that

[@InsaneClownFpv]

@@Kamila_q thanks brother 🙏

[@squaddingquads]

I'd have one if there was a crossfire version, great review tho

[@Com4nd3r.]

If overtorque the plastik put 2 coats fastglue in hole and let dry.

[@mikeallenfpv]

22:10 is me before I start anything lmao

[@stingersswarm]

Haha same here. That’s why I left it in. It’s so true.

[@s52ft]

Tango, Mambo, Jumbo.

[@michaelstewart7662]

But the switches!! Just got to be careful. Still waiting for mine to come. Someday. 😬

[@stingersswarm]

That patient FPV waiting game.

[@GoatZilla]

I can imagine using a headphone port with bone conduction earphones.

[@GUILLERMO.NESPOlO]

I need one stingy , ship the thing to Argentina

[@stingersswarm]

Lol let me see your power loop on Sunday

[@bengmo64]

I like my Mambo but my front switches are super stiff with no click to them they feel like a kid got something sticky in them. I'll try oiling them but I don't have much hope for them. Also my thumb wheel is so stiff it basically requires two or three fingers. It's a really nice clean design it just seems like the QC is lacking

[@stingersswarm]

Sorry to hear that. My first one had a sticky momentary. I haven't had any issues with the newer two.

[@bengmo64]

Update, my latching push button failed, I have to use a different switch for arm now. Still no edgetx support. The battery life is worse than my t16 with the big color screen I regret my purchase.

[@megahertz6787]

What if the made a radio that was a rubberized sillicone shell that un-zipped and folded open like a book to get inside and do mods or replacements!

[@thisguyeddiex7136]

Is the Mambo a good upgrade from the x9d?

[@derkvanderheiden]

Did you upgrade? I’m in the same boat.

[@elxero2189]

That's a lot of trouble to get to the gimbals tho

[@WKfpv]

#Istilluseatimertoo❤️

[@stingersswarm]

Nevergonnagiveitup

[@andytaylor3321]

CAN u put the CF 69 in a explorer please i want to do that to mine

[@stingersswarm]

What is the explorer? I’m going to put it in whatever I have laying around.

[@andytaylor3321]

@@stingersswarm its the fly woo long range i just got the latest and greatest one and i was reallly excited lol srry STINGY ithought u had one really enjoy all ur vids i am fro ontario canada and love fpv for about a year now thaank u for responding.. do u have patron

[@cobra4829]

why we not complaining about hard to replace switches in our TV or buttons in the cell phones

[@norgtube]

Your seat is sinking cause the gas piston needs replacing. You're welcome. :D

[@stingersswarm]

Thanks for the info.

[@BrandonBeans]

That's no headphone jack! It's a trainer port, sends ppm channel data to another unit you can take control of the drone from the pilot in training.

[@stingersswarm]

Nope. It is a headphone jack.

[@tylerelliottFPV]

I try to be a pincher but the thumbs always take over in full stick or twitchy movements.

[@Chillkroetemix]

time stamps??

[@WindjumbieFPV]

I held this thing in my hands and it’s way too big for me, can’t get full throw on the sticks. I have to stick with game style radios.

[@avz1153]

Don't drag me but...what is this remote for??

[@jhughes2286]

Mainly intended for FPV multirotors

[@stingersswarm]

Yep. FPV multi rotors but it is also well suited to any radio controlled vehicle.

[@jhughes2286]

Maybe I should add that it's for the TBS Tracer receiver Rc link system.

[@juneloko]

Is there a particular reason why you don’t have three ethix radios instead 🤔🤪

[@stingersswarm]

I talk about that in the video.

[@DudaZachary]

Switch situation is definitely a deal breaker. Boo!

[@BombayDroneCompany]

Giveaway please :)

[@stingersswarm]

Swing by for Hops and Props on Sunday for a chance to win.

[@BombayDroneCompany]

@@stingersswarm I am currently in India :)

[@NOT_ANOTHER_FPV]

It's junk IMO. switches break off for no other reason than using it allot. They just tell you to buy more so it will happen again. Never even knew they could make them so cheap that they won't even last a year of hard use. Oh well...Radio Master next.

[@The_Privateer]

Doing a radio give-a-way... For people that already have a passable radio. Great move.

[@noisy_boi_fpv_3920]

Dude just fly man.

[@stingersswarm]

I fly too.

[@noisy_boi_fpv_3920]

@@stingersswarm I know just pulling your chain my man. Missing Those chilled flows man

[@darkmann12]

I just can't get over how ugly it is

[@TouYubeTom]

echo chamber audio :(

[@stingersswarm]

Yep I know. It’s a temporary studio. The baby kicked me out of my old office. Gonna be moving soon and I’ll have a full proper studio again.

[@wrstew1272]

@@stingersswarm wait- what baby? And while I have your attention, what camera actually fits a Stingy V2? Driving me nuts trying to get one to fit correctly. Thanks for your response…….

[@stingersswarm]

Yep, my daughter Amelia was born in May. Any Micro camera should fit just fine.

[@realandthebandit2535]

another copy of a copy. still waiting for an actual Tango 2.

[@stingersswarm]

You will be waiting for a very long time.

[@stingersswarm]

You will be waiting for a very long time.

[@Blackazza]

Terrible lighting!

[@wrstew1272]

But the information is good. Buy him some patreon lights!

[@Blackazza]

@@wrstew1272 agreed! Definitely not getting one after seeing how difficult it is to work on the switches etc. Good info just poor lighting from someone so experienced in producing content.

[@Kamila_q]

@@Blackazza he is moving…this is a temporary thing…

[@stingersswarm]

Lol yeah I am planning to do some studio upgrades after we move in the next couple weeks.

[@kibbycabbit]

Wait what. I thought it was an artistic choice. The shade was a bit harsh. But it’s like cinematic. ;)

[@dwexoticmaple]

really switches if they break new radio lame!!.... it won't be that hard to replace just time and be careful easy as, you obviously can't solder well or rush jobs not an issue really