TBS Tango 2 Pro INTERNAL ExpressLRS | How to guide on stuffing an ELRS module INSIDE the transmitter

Don't think this is what the wife had in mind when she said no new remote controller for me! A how to guide on modifying the TBS Tango 2 to house an internal ELRS module. Now you can use both crossfire and ELRS on this amazing remote!
Chapters:
0:00 Introduction
1:25 Parts You'll Need (Links in Description!)
4:21 Getting Started
5:14 First Checkpoint
6:57 ExpressLRS Configurator
8:39 Second Checkpoint
11:50 Third Checkpoint
15:44 All Assembled
16:28 Test 1 - BARDpole Internal Antenna
19:20 Test 2 - Happymodel External Antenna
21:59 Test 3 - Crossfire Internal Antenna
23:18 Final Thoughts
=========================
Items suggested in this video
=========================
My Favorite Screwdrivers (Wiha Slotted & Phillips):
Amazon US: amzn.to/3tq15Eu
Amazon Canada: amzn.to/3E1Ph02
DJI FPV Goggle V2:
Amazon US: amzn.to/3H9FGZk
Amazon Canada: amzn.to/3VLHQlY
DJI O3 Air Unit:
Amazon US: amzn.to/3WZnupK
Amazon Canada: amzn.to/3jJszUR
GetFPV: bit.ly/3ioEE1s
TBS Tango 2 Pro:
GetFPV: bit.ly/3QsPlgj
Happymodel EP24TX Slim Transmitter Module:
AliExpress: s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DDA...
Happymodel Tango 2 Power Adapter Board:
AliExpress: s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DDk...
GetFPV: bit.ly/3QqysTb
TrueRC BARDpole Antenna:
GetFPV: bit.ly/3iuvPDh
Happymodel EP1 Receiver:
AliExpress: s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DEH...
GetFPV: bit.ly/3GRtYC8
Happymodel EP2 Receiver:
AliExpress: s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DEH...
GetFPV: bit.ly/3k2G7eu
Happymodel Moxon 2.4GHz Antenna:
AliExpress: s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_Det...
GetFPV: bit.ly/3GR7Rvv
============================
Links
============================
Tango 2 Manual:
www.team-blacksheep.com/tbs-t...
ExpressLRS Configurator:
github.com/ExpressLRS/Express...
Tango2 SMA Mount 3D Print:
www.thingiverse.com/thing:406...
#djifpv #fpv #drones
Mandatory Disclaimer: I participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, which is an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Item suggestion links above are affiliate links and I will receive compensation if you choose to use them. There is no cost to you to use these links and any compensation received goes right back into the channel.

[@Mangorille]

Hey Folks, thanks for watching this video! At the very end we talk about a weird behavior when you attach the module bay attachment to the tango 2 (happens as soon as you connect the add-on board regardless of whether a tx module is in or not!). *UPDATE:* Thanks to tennturk who contacted support on this and received the following reply from TBS support: “it is a bug which will be fixed in the next release. No available info yet when” *UPDATE2:* Make sure to check out the update to the antenna approach here kzbin.info/www/bejne/nWWzhmt5i82NgdE.

[@baggszilla]

Huh I have to try to fly my crsf quad with the elrs module on the back and see if I have the same issue! Going flying today and I'll report back.

[@Mangorille]

@@baggszilla Thanks, let me know. Someone else posted that the light at the front should turn off when you're using the external RF but mine is still active for some reason.

[@testpilotian3188]

@@Mangorille maybe it’s something to do with the Happymodel adaptor. I used the TBS external module bay adaptor (I originally wanted to put it internally like you did, but I couldn’t fit my chosen module board between the gimbals, so just did the external mod), when you switch to the external module it does indeed turn off the LED on the front of the T2 and switches on the external power - my ELRS module is only powered on when the particular ELRS model is selected and it turns off when I switch back to CRSF. My guess would be the Happymodel PCB board add on you’ve added has something to do with the problem, maybe it’s not feeding a clean or full power through to the T2.

[@Mangorille]

@@testpilotian3188 Thanks for sharing how yours works. I tried with the TBS module as well and it did the same thing. Perhaps something with my version of the motherboard? When I use the external module, the front LED is on and when I use the crossfire the front LED starts pulsing.

[@PortalFPV]

RAD! I've been wanting to go elrs and just LOVE the form factor of the Tango II, but I refuse to have a giant wart on the back of my radio. This is the mod I've been dreaming of 😊

[@Mangorille]

I was in the same situation and haven’t looked back. I’ve got two follow up videos for this mod, make sure to check those out as well.

[@Snakkerz003]

I FINALLY got around to doing this and i want to extend a HUGE THANK YOU for making this video!!!!it works better than new and dont have that stupid module hanging off the back of the tango2

[@Mangorille]

Welcome. Check out the follow up videos as well for the ultimate sleeper mod.

[@baggszilla]

Unbelievable you got this to fit inside! I love it! I just recently painted pearl white nostalgia case, V3 board with happymodel power adapter, tbs v2 gimbals and external module bay with the happymodel es24tx pro nano module and its a completely better radio! I love the Tango2!

[@Mangorille]

I'm hoping to try to get the es24tx pro in there some time in the future if I can get my hands on one but I suspect 250mw is plenty for my kind of flying.

[@LD_ROBE]

It's mind-blowing manual of upgrading Tango 2, thanx!

[@Mangorille]

Welcome. Happy modding.

[@jamesperedo5699]

Great effort and very informative, thank you for taking time to explain it very well 👍

[@Mangorille]

Welcome, happy flying!

[@dcvshambhu]

Waiting for long time for such a awesome video

[@dcvshambhu]

Can 1watt elrs slim pro fit in it..then where the fan will be placed?

[@ThirdEyeFPV]

Loving this kind of stuff! New sub right here 👍🏻

[@grisvianbrudlie6093]

A complicated mod done very cleanly. I am glad we think alike about the heat issue, which was proven to not be an issue after you tested it. Great job man! And regarding the voltage drop when the receiver is disconnected, I think lithium polymer batteries generally cant supply much current at 3-33.2V so what I figured since there was no receiver, the ELRS module being on dynamic power was maxing out the output power where when a receiver is connected, it ramps back down to 25mw probably. Again this is only true if at that time you were on dynamic power but I am pretty sure you considered this already. Once again great job man!

[@Mangorille]

Thanks for the note. I've been working with TBS on the voltage drop issue, they said it is a bug in the firmware and are working on a new crossfire firmware to resolve. They asked me to wait for crossfire firmware 6.20 a couple of months ago. Patiently waiting here. :)

[@bcc1955]

Great stuff. Was considering getting new ELRS radio so I can fly with AIO ELRS flight controllers, but hate idea of loosing near perfect Tango2 form factor. This should allow me best of bother worlds. Thanks for your excellent how-to video !!

[@bcc1955]

IMO TBS should make a Tango 3 with built in ELRS. Widen it a bit to accommodate this and a larger screen, and add an external SMA antenna connection. Would be perfect.

[@Mangorille]

Thanks buddy, my goal was all about keeping the existing form factor. If I wanted to make the radio bigger, there are better options out there for ELRS.

[@bcc1955]

@@Mangorille There is option of Boxer as best alternative IMO but it lacks the feel of the Tango. The Zorro has a nice screen but crappy lever switches that compare poorly to Tango nicer switch pads, plus battery life is crap. Probably an extra 1/2 inch of width allows the Tango to double the area of the its postage stamp sized screen. Yet you think its form fact would unacceptably change in that case? Please reveal you better option, as I am not seeing it. All ears!

[@Mangorille]

@@bcc1955 I like the boxer but you can't get it right now, still on preorder

[@bcc1955]

Thank you Mangorille. Just finished my Tango2 ELRS install. Great project you created. It was definitely a challenge getting everything shoehorned in there so that there was no interference with the push buttons and power switch. Devil/God is in the details as is said. Everything works via a bench test. Only need to do field test. I am using a V1.1 (VOO7C) board and the front light goes off when switching to the external CRSF setting and ELRS module.

[@Mangorille]

Congrats on doing the mod! I reached out to TBS on this issue and they said a new firmware would be coming to resolve it. I'm still waiting for that new firmware. I tried an older firmware and the light did turn off but the issue still continued.

[@bcc1955]

@@Mangorille I do not believe I am having this issue. When I go to external RF, my dash light goes out, and my Tango2 stops communicating with my CRSF RX quads. How are you diagnosing that the CRSF board is being powered up along with the ELRS board even when light is out?

[@Mangorille]

@@bcc1955 TBS asked me to run some tests and share some videos, which I did. They worked with their engineers to determine that it is a firmware issue.

[@bcc1955]

@@Mangorille So I got my ELRS quad flying today using my Tango2 Hybrid. Confirmed my first observations above. Are you thinking that in my case both CRSF and ELRS are similtaneously powered up when External RF is on, even though dash light is out and the radio no longer arms my CRSF quads? That would be a negative with regard to heat and battery life.

[@Mangorille]

@@bcc1955 I think yours is working okay, there's something weird happening with mine where the voltage reading is wrong on the display when CRSF is active. I've verified that the voltage of the battery is still okay when the remote is complaining of low battery.

[@ldnwalkandfly8617]

Awesome,!!!

[@Mangorille]

Thanks! Make sure to check out the follow-up video as well if you want to do this mod

[@DougOrDouglas]

the link you put for the elrs module is the larger one do you think that board would also work for the tango internal mod?

[@Mangorille]

Looks like the ES24TX Slim is out of stock and the link is taking you to the full size module. You want the slim module. You might be able to use the Slim Pro but I haven't been able to confirm and Happymodel isn't really interested in working with me on a video.

[@Mangorille]

@@DougOrDouglas I managed to find some internal images previously. Try googling it. The big difference is that the Slim Pro has the SMA connector for the antenna soldered to the board whereas the Slim has the UFL connector and a pig tail. With the Slim Pro, you may need to desolder the SMA and solder an antenna directly to it or you could get lucky and the SMA aligns directly with the opening on the radio. A couple of unknowns but with a bit of trial and error you may be able to make that work and get a higher output (be mindful of heat though!).

[@izaya8986]

Just finished this, nice vid! I took both connectors off but left the pins attached to bord and rx. Just tested it. Some epoxy over those pesky miniature soldering and off we go!

[@Mangorille]

Awesome! Did you use the module in the video or something else?

[@izaya8986]

@@Mangorille I did, had a spare on laying around. Figured I give it a shot. Had to cut a little from the inside of the power button. I left thr antenna connector intact. Pokes out the original hole so I can screw anything on it I want. A bit sceptic of running it w/o heatsink as I normally run 500mw. But we'll see. Finally that bulky module on the back gone! Couldn't figure the wiring out. That's where you came in😏

[@Mangorille]

@@izaya8986 Correct you do need to cut a bit of the power button. Wait, the happymodel module I used only goes up till 250mw. Did you use the Pro module that goes up to 1w?

[@izaya8986]

@@Mangorille no, I used the betafpv elrs nano from your updated vid. That one does 500mw. Ive also got the hm slim pro that does 1w. But never used it as 500mw is enough for me. Also the hm pro has a fan and emits even more heat so not going to attempt that. Thought I read somewhere there is a zorro with 1w max elrs internal but can't seem to find it.

[@Mangorille]

@@izaya8986 Got it. The BetaFPV is a good option, I've seen mine go up to 500mw briefly when flying behind buildings so good to have a bit more headroom than the happymodel @ 250mw.

[@testchannel1834]

Great Video , Thank you . Can you do the same to the Black DJI FPV controller since it has become obsolete with the new firmware for the googles 2 .

[@Mangorille]

Wouldn't work for the black controller, that thing is a closed system without any expandability. One of the reasons I changed over to a non-DJI remote controller this time around.

[@testchannel1834]

@@Mangorille maybe a version like this video. (kzbin.info/www/bejne/mKfOZ4yoqpaJnNk. ). but with it internal ELRS like you did with the tango

[@Mangorille]

@@testchannel1834 I looked at that video, he doesn't go into much detail but it sounds like he used the PPM port (the audio jack) on the radio which is a higher latency connection and needs a module that supports it. It doesn't look like ELRS ever plans to add PPM as a support protocol, which makes sense given their goal of lower latency, etc. github.com/ExpressLRS/ExpressLRS/issues/421

[@user-yk1cw8im4h]

A radio is the last thing you’d want to tinker with this much.

[@Mangorille]

Tinkering is half the hobby and I personally think this one is really worth it. The thing I regret tinkering with was the GoPro and the direct wiring to the flight controller. :)

[@user-yk1cw8im4h]

@@Mangorille I agree, tinkering is enjoyable and fixing stuff is more economical. However the radio is such an important part to safety I don't think worth messing with.

[@Mangorille]

@@user-yk1cw8im4h Sounds good, important to stay within your comfort.

[@neilfpv]

How's the performance? I want to buy a Tango 2 and use my existing Ranger MicroTX module.

[@Mangorille]

Been great so far. You thinking of trying to fit that ranger inside the tango 2?

[@AntonEvdakov]

@Mangorille - can you help me plz about size for heat shrink for rx please

[@Mangorille]

For the receiver or the transmitter module?

[@AntonEvdakov]

Were I can buy nano slim Elrs module ?!

[@Mangorille]

I got it from Ali Express. Have links in the video description but try searching there is my links no longer work.

[@spoki_bones3656]

First of all, I’d like to thank you for the informative video. Very good job. I ended up doing this mod as well . Same module and everything. I can’t seem to get my lua scripts to work . I’m stuck on loading . Did you happen to run into this problem ?

[@Mangorille]

I didn't have any issues with the software portion of it modification, was fairly smooth sailing there. Did you update the firmware of the radio and the ELRS module?

[@spoki_bones3656]

@@Mangorille I tired updating both the module and the tango 2 and still not luck . Its kinda funny that when i finally want to try elrs nbd comes out with a crossfire whoop lol

[@Mangorille]

@@spoki_bones3656 And you got the LUA script from the latest expressLRS configurator after selecting your module? If you're using the same module as me, email me and I'll send you my LUA script.

[@spoki_bones3656]

@@Mangorille awesome thank you i just sent you a email !

[@androidluz]

Hi Mangorille. Great howto video. I just did the upgrade - without success 😞I soldered positive and negative to both pins and the signal to the outer one, just as you did. The module does light up inside the tango but the lua script did not recognize it - just shows questionmarks. Maybe it has to do with some setting (level shift/boud rate) - since the small module for sliding in the external module in the kit. This module has some components on it. I don't know - gave up now, after spending a whole day on this great project. Now I am back to the external Pro module from Happymoddel. Maybe somebody know a fix for this issue. By the way, since I own the Pro module which is working great with the module bay: it is very hard to get it out of the case, they sell it in. Also it does not have a ufl connector, so getting this board inside will be tricky. BR, Luz

[@Mangorille]

Did you already remove the pin connector? If not, try connecting the module using the pin connector and see if it is recognized. If it is, then something to do with your three wires being soldered. If it is not recognized, you can look into the firmware on the module (try updating it through USB) or something to do with your LUA script. With the Pro module, you'll need to replace the SMA connector with a ufl, similar to what I did with the BetaFPV module here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iKDHlpqQn86Efc0

[@platyfpv]

Bro wtf I’m immediately getting an elrs module, that is a game changer move for me. If it works I’ll get CNC gimball too, then boom best radio of the planet

[@platyfpv]

do you have any more informations about the fitment of the 1W ES24TX Slim pro you were talking about ? I’m not sure which one to get and I know I won’t use it externally so I’ll greatly appreciate before buying it !

[@Mangorille]

@@platyfpv I am not sure how the Slim Pro would fit as I do not have one and it doesn't look like Happymodel is interested in providing one for me to experiment with. I don't think you'd be able to do 1W without a fan on the module anyway. If you want a headache free install, use the parts I used (listed in the video description).

[@platyfpv]

@@Mangorille alright thanks a lot for your help !

[@BOTGRINDER]

oh hello

[@Mangorille]

Hi there!

[@ampedandvolted]

So, does the 1W SLIM PRO fit internaly inside of the Tango2? anyone tried?

[@Mangorille]

I looked at it a while ago and the physical dimensions were very similar. There were two issues though: 1) Not sure you can run at higher mw without some sort of cooling solution. I tested with 250mw and it was okay but I wouldn't want to push further without a good amount of bench testing. 2) The Slim Pro has the SMA connector, which means you may need to de-solder this and solder an antenna directly to it. I had reached out to Happymodel to see if they want to work together on something like this, they never replied.

[@trevorc6793]

Amazing work there. I was considering ditching the T2 Pro, but thanks to you, I maybe able to use it more effectively. Just wondering if the slim Pro board would fit in there, have you any ideas if it would? TIA

[@Mangorille]

Thanks! I think it would fit but there are two things to keep in mind. First the slim pro has a sma connector already on it so you may have to remove that and solder on a different antenna depending on how it lines up with the opening at the top of the radio. Second, heat, running the module higher than 250mw may cause the module to overheat. I reached out to happymodel to see if they’re interested in providing a module for the channel but no reply.

[@ridewithandrei]

tried to do the same, on pins worked out well, when i tried soldering wires it seems that the s-bus doesn't worked, checked wires but it might be different pins ? same module

[@ridewithandrei]

i removed that tiny rezistor by mistake, is near pin 3 on the elrs board. i bridged it and seems to work

[@Mangorille]

On the module instead? I don't remember there being a resistor on the back of the module.

[@ridewithandrei]

@@Mangorille it s on the front of the module under the third pin, the rezistor is a tiny 0402 100r. i have asked happymodel support and they suggested that i can run it with a bridge (lost that resistor when i removed the pins)

[@Mangorille]

@@ridewithandrei Got it, I'm surprised that support responded but that's great!

[@mfrfpv9079]

What's the best firmware for the happy model mudule?

[@Mangorille]

Hey. I've been running the latest ExpressLRS, currently 3.1.2

[@mfrfpv9079]

@@Mangorille to get over 250mw need active cooling the pro model has a fan that may or may not work on certain firmwares

[@Mangorille]

@@mfrfpv9079 I have the non-pro which only goes till 250mw. It came with a fan as well but I didn't install it and the temperature test I did on the bench seemed to point to the fan not being required.

[@YorkyPoo_UAV]

Is there a way to make the trainer port work too?

[@Mangorille]

Hey. Which trainer port you referring to?

[@YorkyPoo_UAV]

@@Mangorille I've wanted to get a Medlin drone gimbal but I'd have to get a new controller. The 3.5mm jack on the tando does not have firmware for it to be a trainer port. I've asked around and the most I got was it's possible but TBS would have to release FW for it

[@Mangorille]

@@YorkyPoo_UAV Makes sense, you'd need new firmware from TBS for something like that.

[@DriftaholiC]

Put the antenna in the 900 mhz antenna plastics.

[@Mangorille]

I love the idea and would make for the ultimate sleeper! BUT, there doesn't seem to be much space in there looking at the clear antenna that TBS offers. Perhaps it can be done with a bit of shaving of the plastics, etc. but I don't have an extra antenna that I can sacrifice to give this a try. www.team-blacksheep.com/products/prod:tango2_t_antenna

[@bcc1955]

I am thinking same thing.

[@Mangorille]

@@bcc1955 I did some more research on this... The two halves of the antenna are ultrasonic welded together, you'd need to cut it apart.

[@bcc1955]

@@Mangorille Initially I was thinking it would be nice to have both antennas hooked up this way, ELRS and CRSF. Is that feasible or is your alteration just one or the other?

[@Mangorille]

@@bcc1955 I've moved the CRSF antenna internally and made the external antenna the ELRS. You can do it the same way I did. Ideally you'd try to fit both antenna into the OEM housing but you need to be willing to sacrifice the antenna housing by cutting it open (it's ultrasonic welded).

[@madladdan]

Can you do this with the mambo?

[@Mangorille]

Probably can. The Mambo has an external module bay as well and I'm sure it has more space inside to hide the ELRS module. That thing being a bigger transmitter, why don't you just run the module in the module bay?

[@madladdan]

@@Mangorille I'm on crossfire which I want to use with Mavlink. I want elrs for smaller drones because of the smaller antennas.

[@madladdan]

And I like the mambo ergonomics. I've heard Tracer now has a LoRa key so maybe I should just get it and try tracer out. Should be fine for a 2" drone

[@10fantic]

Just an FYI there has been a leak about the Tango 3 and it possibly having a dual RF system, possibly XF & ELRS

[@Mangorille]

That would be cool, happen to have a link to it? I did a quick google search and nothing.

[@trevorc6793]

@@Mangorille Just wondering if someone is getting slightly confused with the T2 v3 board.....?!

[@Mangorille]

@@trevorc6793 Could be, I don't see anything about a Tango 3 in my Google searching

[@LamaFPV]

considering everything its better to have add on bay :) not wasting link quality on CRSF and ELRS I will need to life somehow with bay and module standing 8mm on the back of radio:)

[@Mangorille]

Definitely easier to go with the add on bay. I wanted to keep the exact stock form factor. Even made a follow up video with the stock folding antenna too so it’s 100% stock form now.

[@heroflying]

Just heads up, you may want to update your Tango 2 FreedomTX AND Crossfire. It looks like your Crossfire module is not shutting off when you set to use the external module. The front indicator light should turn completely off when you're using your external module. I believe there's a firmware fix for that. It COULD be related to the voltage issue you're experiencing.

[@Mangorille]

That's an interesting observation. I'm running the latest firmware already on both and this is what is happening.

[@heroflying]

@@Mangorille I mod Bardwell's Discord server, and someone also reported the same thing - their Tango 2's aren't powering their crossfire modules off when using an external module as well, using latest firmware, too. I thought it was a one off, but you're now the second person I know this happening to. So clearly that bug which was addressed in a firmware update at some point wasn't resolved for everyone. You might want to open a ticket with TBS on that. I would, but my Tango 2 doesn't have the problem.

[@Mangorille]

@@heroflying Thanks buddy, I found the firmware that supposedly fixed that issue but it was ages ago. Maybe I'll try flashing a really old firmware and see what it does. I only went back 2 releases and both had the same problem.

[@heroflying]

@@Mangorille If you figure it out let me know, so I can pass it along.

[@Mangorille]

@@heroflying Will do. I'm going to play around with some older firmware right now and see if I can see any difference. Really appreciate the insight here!

[@raikagenu7072]

Maybe, i think you should use 50Hz packet rate for both ELRS and CRSF testing

[@Mangorille]

I thought about that but you're never going to get an apple to apple comparison given the frequency difference between them (900mhz vs. 2.4 ghz). I did the testing based on how I would be using ELRS.

[@raikagenu7072]

oke thanks u alot before. So based on your experience, for long range situation, which one is better 915 mhz or 2.4 ghz? @@Mangorille

[@Mangorille]

@@raikagenu7072 For long range, the lower the frequency the better but if you check the ELRS hall of fame you can see folks getting crazy distances!

[@raikagenu7072]

thanks you very much master @@Mangorille

[@DanoFPV]

Using an SMD ant on your RX is probably the worst way to test ELRS.

[@Mangorille]

Ya, big impact on range, I made a flight test video. It was flyable around a field but could see the TX going up to 250mw when half a soccer field away. kzbin.info/www/bejne/nGnOi3egmLeHhcU