Selecting the Finest Radio Transmitter for Your FPV Drone: A Newbie’s Information

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Selecting a radio transmitter for FPV drones will be overwhelming for novices with so many choices out there. A radio transmitter is vital to controlling your drone in flight. This information explains elements past value, reminiscent of supported frequency and protocols, channels, performance, reliability, consolation, and software program.

What Is A Radio Transmitter

A radio transmitter is a handheld gadget that pilots use to manage their FPV drone in flight. It sends alerts to the drone’s receiver, then the flight controller which interprets these alerts into drone motion.

The transmitter is a vital piece of apparatus for flying FPV drones as a result of it permits the pilot to manage the drone’s actions with precision and accuracy. A high-quality transmitter with a dependable connection is important for guaranteeing that the drone responds shortly and precisely to the pilot’s inputs. A cushty grip and responsive sticks are essential for an excellent piloting expertise.

Some transmitters supply superior options like customizable settings, telemetry information, and assist for various protocols and receivers, permitting pilots to tailor their flying expertise to their preferences and desires.

While you begin flying FPV, shopping for a radio transmitter needs to be certainly one of your first purchases. With it, you may observe flying in a simulator even earlier than proudly owning a drone. An excellent transmitter will final you a very long time, in contrast to different equipment which will break or turn out to be outdated shortly. So, it’s value investing a bit extra in a high-quality transmitter.

New to FPV? Make certain to take a look at my newbie information to FPV drones.

Radio Transmitter Spherical-up

Try the radios I’ve reviewed to this point: https://oscarliang.com/tag/radio-transmitter/

Too many decisions? Effectively, these are my suggestions beneath.

Radio Suggestions

No matter radio it’s possible you’ll select, personally I’d suggest they meet two minimal necessities:

• It runs EdgeTX firmware
• It has an built-in ExpressLRS RF module

These are at the moment the usual working system and radio hyperlink in FPV radios.

Least expensive value having

Radiomaster Pocket

Product Web page:

In search of a budget-friendly radio transmitter that doesn’t skimp on options? Try the Radiomaster Pocket, out there for simply $65. This compact and light-weight radio comes with cutting-edge EdgeTX and ExpressLRS built-in, making it an amazing worth for novices and skilled pilots alike.

Though the Pocket isn’t excellent, with some drawbacks to its small gimbal measurement and restricted RF output energy, it nonetheless has loads of options, switches and assist for FPV simulators, making it a wonderful selection for these simply beginning out within the passion with a good price range. And with a battery lifetime of 8+ hours, you received’t have to fret about operating out of juice mid-flight.

Thinking about studying extra? Try our detailed evaluate of the Radiomaster Pocket to see if it’s the appropriate radio for you.

If you’re on the lookout for different compact radios, the Jumper T-Lite V2 can be an amazing price range possibility in my view that’s full of options.You’ll find out extra in my evaluate: https://oscarliang.com/jumper-t-lite-v2/. Nevertheless it’s fairly a bit older than the Pocket and has decrease RF output energy.

Finest Worth and Versatility

Radiomaster Boxer

Product pages:

The Radiomaster Boxer is maybe probably the greatest worth and versatile radios available on the market.

With a strong built-in 1W ExpressLRS 2.4GHz module, it affords mainly all the pieces the TX16S does besides the colour contact display, however at a way more inexpensive value level. Try my detailed evaluate of the Boxer for those who’re .

Jumper T15

In the event you favor a radio with a big coloration contact display, for instance, for displaying telemetry information, the Jumper T15 is certainly value contemplating. Comparable type issue to the Boxer, full measurement gimbals, and affords glorious efficiency and high quality for the cash.

Product pages:

The Jumper T15 stands out for its nice mixture of options, efficiency and value. With a conventional format and type issue, this radio offers glorious ergonomics and flexibility. The total-size corridor sensor gimbals present a full vary of stick journey and glorious precision. The massive coloration display might be the spotlight of this radio making it tremendous straightforward to make use of. At $160, this radio affords a whole lot of worth for the value. Try our evaluate of the Jumper T15 for extra particulars: https://oscarliang.com/jumper-t15-radio/

Portability and Efficiency

Jumper T20S

Product Web page:

The Jumper T20S radio transmitter affords the performance of a full-sized radio in an impressively compact type. This has been my every day driver since early 2024 primarily due to its portability.

It affords a mix of greatest options cherry-picked from Jumper’s earlier fashions. It sports activities superior expertise, together with an inner ExpressLRS module, and comes pre-installed with the favored EdgeTX firmware.

What units the T20S aside is its versatility. It has full-sized gimbals together with an array of 10 switches, 6 sliders, and 6 flight mode buttons. This ensures it fits each multirotor pilots and people flying planes. Its ergonomic design offers a cushty grip, and its weight is extra manageable than full-sized opponents.

Battery life can be spectacular, with as much as 14 hours of runtime. Regardless of a couple of minor shortcomings like gradual charging and absence of a gimbal protector, the T20S affords distinctive worth, making it extremely recommendable for each novices and seasoned pilots. Construct high quality and gimbal high quality won’t be the most effective, however for $110 it nonetheless makes an amazing deal.

If you need ELRS Gemini characteristic, there’s a Gemini Model of the T20S as properly: https://oscarliang.com/jumper-t20s-gemini/. Radios with Gemini options are a bit costly and personally I feel it’s overkill for the typical hobbyists. The cheaper, common model needs to be adequate.

Radio Firmware

The radio firmware is just like the working system of the radio – like Home windows or Linux for computer systems. It serves because the interface that means that you can work together with the radio and management your drone.

In 2025, EdgeTX is the go-to firmware.

So long as the radio comes with EdgeTX, you’re good to go. It’s open supply and has a big consumer base. Most radio transmitters available on the market assist EdgeTX and include it pre-installed, making it straightforward to switch your settings to a brand new radio if you improve. EdgeTX is very configurable and affords assist for a lot of various kinds of plane. Whereas it could have a steep studying curve for brand new comers, the information gained from utilizing it will likely be invaluable in the long term.

Whereas OpenTX was a preferred firmware, it has fallen behind EdgeTX when it comes to options and capabilities. Different firmware choices embody FreedomTX, which is predicated on OpenTX and is utilized in TBS Tango 2 and Mambo, in addition to Frsky’s newest radios which use ETHOS. However these firmware are particular to sure radios.

Radio Hyperlink

Earlier than selecting up a radio, it’s essential to think about which radio hyperlink you need to use. It’s advisable to stay with a preferred radio hyperlink to make sure you have entry to on-line assist and higher resale worth.

The preferred methods utilized in FPV drones immediately embody:

In 2025, the go-to radio hyperlink is ExpressLRS.

ExpressLRS (ELRS) is undoubtedly the most well-liked radio hyperlink for FPV pilots at the moment for its affordability, excessive efficiency, open supply nature, and cutting-edge options. You possibly can’t go mistaken with it.

Some radios include radio hyperlink built-in (inner RF module), whereas others have an exterior module bay that can be utilized to put in an exterior RF module. Having an exterior module bay offers you extra flexibility when selecting a radio hyperlink, nonetheless shopping for a separate module will be costly and provides to the bulkiness.

When you’ve selected which radio hyperlink you need to use, your radio decisions will probably be narrowed down considerably.

Kind Issue

In the case of radio transmitters, there are two most important kinds: full measurement and gamepad type. Gamepad type radios are very compact however are inclined to have fewer options, reminiscent of much less battery capability, smaller gimbals, fewer switches, and smaller screens. This will make them much less comfy to carry, particularly for these with bigger palms or preferring “pinching” the sticks.

Then again, if measurement will not be a problem, a full measurement radio could be the extra versatile possibility. Full measurement radios typically have ergonomics that works for a wider vary of individuals, and the usual measurement gimbals present higher decision and precision. In the end, the selection comes down to private choice and what feels most comfy for the person pilot.

Ergonomics

It’s true that evaluating the ergonomics of a radio transmitter will be difficult when shopping for on-line. Nevertheless, it’s nonetheless an essential issue to think about as consolation and management are essential for flying FPV drones.

Other than radio measurement, the design of the radio can be essential, and elements reminiscent of hand grip, the presence of a lanyard loop, and the situation and kinds of switches needs to be thought-about. The burden of the transmitter is one other issue to keep in mind, as a heavier radio could trigger fatigue over time, whereas a lighter one could really feel much less substantial to manage the drone precisely.

Whereas respected producers are more likely to think about ergonomics when designing their transmitters, there’s nonetheless a variety of variation when it comes to grip, swap placement, and weight distribution and many others.

Attending native meetups and making an attempt totally different radios from different pilots will be an effective way to get a really feel for what works for you. Alternatively, you may also learn evaluations and watch movies from trusted sources to get an thought of the ergonomics of various radio fashions earlier than making a purchase order.

Gimbals

The 2 sticks on a radio are referred to as gimbals, and they’re chargeable for controlling the motion of your drone. As a pilot, you employ the gimbals to present instructions to your drone, reminiscent of:

• Throttle: You management the velocity of the motors, which impacts the drone’s general velocity.
• Pitch (Elevator): This command makes the drone rotate alongside its lateral axis, transferring it ahead or backward.
• Roll (Aileron): This command makes the drone rotate alongside its longitudinal axis, transferring it left or proper.
• Yaw (Rudder): This command makes the drone rotate alongside its vertical axis, turning it left or proper.

Right here’s is an animated demonstration of how the drone react to every stick motion:

Gimbal Varieties

In the case of gimbals, there are two most important varieties to think about: Potentiometer and Corridor Sensor.

Potentiometer primarily based gimbals are inexpensive, however they put on out sooner as a result of bodily contacts in brush joints inflicting friction. Then again, Corridor Sensor gimbals use magnets to find out the stick place and due to this fact are extra sturdy.

Other than elevated longevity, Corridor Sensor gimbals additionally supply higher accuracy and backbone with lowered jittering. Some even declare corridor gimbals are smoother however that typically will be subjective. Whereas novices could not discover an enormous distinction in gimbal high quality, it turns into an essential consideration as you develop as a pilot.

No matter the kind of gimbals, you may often modify the spring pressure to attain a most well-liked stick really feel. That is usually a matter of private choice, and it may have a major impression in your management precision.

There are two gimbal sizes: full measurement gimbals and mini gimbals. Full measurement gimbals are bigger and offer you higher precision as a result of longer stick journey whereas mini gimbals are extra compact. You have a tendency to search out full measurement gimbals in full measurement radios, and mini gimbals in gamepad type radios.

Modes

Radio mode refers back to the configuration of the throttle, yaw, pitch and roll controls, so there are 4 modes to select from: Mode 1, Mode 2, Mode 3, and Mode 4. Most trendy radios let you swap between these modes within the software program, so usually you aren’t locked into a selected mode when buying your radio, you should definitely examine although if the radio you’re shopping for assist mode switching.

There isn’t any proper or mistaken selection in terms of radio modes, and it’s only a matter of private choice. Nevertheless, for those who’re uncertain which mode to decide on, simply go together with Mode 2, because it’s essentially the most generally used mode amongst FPV pilots. Most radios additionally ships with Mode 2 out of the field.

Mode 2 has the pitch and roll controls on the appropriate joystick and the throttle and yaw on the left. The precise joystick self-centers in each axes, whereas the left joystick solely self-centers within the yaw axis and the throttle stays wherever you allow it to permit for fixed throttle.

Some folks might need bother flying with mode 2, however after they tried mode1, mode 3  or mode 4 it simply clicked for them. So don’t be afraid to attempt different modes. Most trendy radios let you swap between all 4 modes by merely adjusting the {hardware} and software program, so you may check out every mode without having to purchase a brand new radio.

Tips on how to Maintain Sticks

 

The way in which you maintain your gimbals is a crucial issue to think about when selecting a radio transmitter. In the event you favor pinching the gimbal sticks with two fingers, longer sticks could be extra appropriate for you. Nevertheless, for those who favor utilizing solely your thumbs to maneuver the gimbals with the remainder of your fingers wrap across the again of the radio, you’ll need shorter sticks.

I’ve an entire submit explaining the other ways of holding the sticks and advantages. There isn’t any proper or mistaken means, it’s purely private choice.

Stick-ends

The tip of a gimbal stick is named “stick finish” and they’re often replaceable. You possibly can attempt various kinds of stick ends and discover which of them work greatest for you because it’s largely only a private choice. Listed here are the stickends I’m at the moment utilizing and would suggest: Radiomaster Sticky360 Stickends.

Not all gimbal sticks are suitable with all radios, the principle distinction is within the thread measurement. Gimbal sticks are usually both M3 (3mm diameter) or M4 (4mm diameter) threads, so it’s essential to examine the compatibility earlier than buying stick ends.

• FRSKY Taranis Customary Gimbals – M3
• FRSKY Taranis Corridor Impact Gimbals – M4
• FRSKY X-LITE – M2.5
• TBS TANGO 2 – M3
• TBS Mambo – M3
• Jumper T-Lite v1/v2 – M3
• Jumper T-Professional
• Jumper T12 Professional – M3
• Jumper T16 – M3
• Jumper T18 – M3
• Jumper T20S – M3
• Jumper T15 – M3
• Radiomaster TX16S – M4
• Radiomaster Boxer – M4
• Radiomaster AG01 Gimbals – M4
• Radiomaster Mini AG01 Gimbals – M3
• Radiomaster Zorro – M3
• Radiomaster TX12 – M3
• Radiomaster Pocket – M3

Some gimbals and stickends let you modify the size of the stick. Usually longer sticks permits extra exact management whereas shorter sticks are extra responsive.

Switches

Radio transmitters come geared up with an array of switches that you need to use to arm your drone, activate flight modes, and carry out different features.

These switches can are available two-position or three-position types, in addition to sliders and rotary knobs. Nevertheless, as FPV drone pilots, we don’t sometimes want as many switches as fastened wing flyers do.

Sometimes, you solely want one swap for arming, one other swap for the beeper, and a 3rd swap for flight modes. Whereas having extra switches can definitely be useful, they’re on no account crucial for those who’re primarily flying freestyle and racing.

Radio Transmitter Frequency

Radio transmitter frequency is a crucial issue to think about when deciding on a transmitter to your FPV drone. Two of essentially the most generally used frequencies within the FPV drone neighborhood are 2.4GHz and 900MHz.

2.4GHz is the present commonplace for radio management and is authorized for hobbyist use in most nations. Its smaller antenna measurement makes it a preferred selection amongst pilots.

Then again, 900MHz is usually used for long-range flying as a result of its higher sign penetration and reliability. Whereas it has narrower bandwidth and requires a lot bigger antennas than 2.4GHz, it’s nonetheless most well-liked by some pilots due to its decrease frequency. It’s value noting that the precise operational frequency for 900MHz band differs relying on the area, with a lot of the world utilizing 915MHz whereas the EU makes use of 868MHz.

Whereas there are different much less frequent frequencies utilized in RC, reminiscent of 27MHz, 72MHz, 433MHz, and 1.3GHz, they’re both out of date or utilized in different particular purposes. For FPV drones, it’s best to think about 2.4GHz or 900MHz.

Exterior Module Assist

Moreover, having an exterior module bay on the again of the radio will be helpful in case you need to improve to a unique radio system sooner or later. As a substitute of shopping for an entire new radio, you may merely buy an exterior module that’s suitable with the brand new system.

It’s essential to notice that not all radios have an exterior module bay, so for those who assume it’s possible you’ll want one sooner or later, you should definitely search for a radio that has this characteristic.

There are two sizes of exterior module bay: JR module and Lite module (often known as nano or micro measurement). Be aware of this in case you are shopping for an exterior radio module.

That is JR module bay:

That is Lite module bay:

Radio Receivers

The receiver is chargeable for receiving the consumer’s instructions from the transmitter and passing that information to the flight controller. Nevertheless, you may solely use receivers which can be suitable with the RF hyperlink you employ, as they should use the identical protocol because the transmitter. Right here is an overview of all of the TX protocols and RX protocols.

A protocol is just like the language spoken between the transmitter and receiver. While you purchase a radio transmitter, you’re additionally committing your self to particular receivers and ecosystem, which has an impression in your price range and have choices. Some manufacturers could have dearer receivers, whereas others could have higher choices for light-weight receivers for smaller drones. Moreover, some manufacturers could not supply sure options like telemetry.

It’s essential to do not forget that you’ll have to buy a receiver for each quad you construct, so the fee can add up shortly when you’ve got a number of drones in your fleet. Take the time to think about which receiver model and protocol will work greatest for you and your particular wants.

Binding TX and RX

Binding is the method of creating communication between a radio transmitter and receiver, which solely must be performed as soon as except there’s a firmware replace or the bind is misplaced for some cause.

The method of binding is often easy, however the steps can differ relying on the model.

Understand that whilst you can bind a number of receivers to the identical transmitter, a receiver can solely bind to 1 transmitter at a time. Meaning for those who bind the receiver to a unique transmitter, it can lose its bind to the earlier transmitter.

Receiver Compatibility

While you buy a radio controller, you’re not simply shopping for a single gadget – you’re investing in a system that you simply’ll proceed to construct on sooner or later. It’s essential that every receiver you buy is suitable along with your radio, and also you’ll want a brand new receiver for each drone you personal.

As talked about earlier, each radio transmitter and receiver should use the identical protocol. To keep away from surprises, you may choose your receivers from my receiver round-up primarily based on the RC hyperlink you’re utilizing:

Vary

Not all radio management hyperlinks are created equal in terms of vary. Three most important elements that impacts the vary of a radio:

• Frequency
• Radio Hyperlink Know-how
• RF output energy
• Antenna

As a common rule, decrease frequency methods are usually higher at lengthy vary. Nevertheless, newer RC hyperlink expertise like 2.4GHz ExpressLRS with LoRa modulation have been recognized to carry out exceptionally properly at lengthy vary. Personally I switched from 868/915MHz TBS Crossfire to 2.4GHz ExpressLRS in 2022 as a result of it’s cheaper, antenna is smaller and it meets my vary necessities.

However not all 2.4GHz methods are created equal. For instance, older Frsky 2.4GHz radio methods like ACCST V1 and V2 sometimes present a variety of round 1km-1.5km. Nevertheless, the newest ExpressLRS 2.4GHz system, you may count on tens of kilometers of vary at simply 100mW of RF energy.

Rising the RF output energy of the transmitter module within the radio can enhance vary. Some radio/module permits as much as 1W of output energy. However for ExpressLRS, most customers ought to discover 100mW-250mW ample, in truth excessive radio energy could typically trigger interference to your video hyperlink, and it makes use of extra battery.

As well as, receiver sensitivity and variety may impression vary. Some receivers come geared up with two antennas for range, which might help to mitigate any sign loss as a result of obstructions or interference. Antenna placement may make a giant distinction, as positioning your antennas at a 90-degree angle from each other can enhance sign reception.

It’s value noting that line of sight is all the time best for reaching the absolute best sign, as obstacles between your transmitter and receiver can considerably scale back vary.

Battery Life

Most radios include swappable batteries, supporting each LiPo and Li-ion choices, and will be conveniently recharged utilizing the USB-C port on the radio. This flexibility ensures you’re much less more likely to run out of battery within the subject, which may minimize your flying periods brief. Nevertheless, some radios characteristic built-in LiPo batteries that aren’t designed to get replaced, sometimes offering sufficient battery life for a couple of hours of flying. It’s important to think about whether or not this period is adequate to your wants.

There are methods to increase battery life, reminiscent of lowering the output energy degree (if the choice is obtainable) and adjusting the display backlight settings by both reducing the brightness or turning it off utterly.

Channel Rely

Radio producers promote the variety of channels their radios can assist, which refers back to the most variety of particular person controls and switches that can be utilized. Every management or swap on the radio requires a separate channel to transmit information to the receiver.

Channel rely is one other consideration when selecting a radio, however it’s not as essential because it was. Within the early days of RC, including new channels was a troublesome and dear course of. However immediately, with digital radios and superior expertise, including channels is far simpler. At this time, the variety of channels you need to use is proscribed by what the radio hyperlink permits, and what number of switches there are on the radio.

The 2 gimbals on a radio take up 4 channels as a result of they’ve 4 inputs: throttle, yaw, pitch, and roll. Further channels, referred to as “AUX channels,” are assigned to switches on the radio for arming the drone and activating different options.

For FPV drone flying, you sometimes solely want 5 channels at the least (the 4 management channels – throttle, yaw, pitch and roll for controlling the motion of the drone and a further channel to arm the drone). Ideally, additionally, you will want one or two extra for choosing flight modes, and activating beeper, although these will not be necessary.

Hottest radio hyperlinks, like Crossfire and ExpressLRS, can assist as much as 12 channels, and most radios have round 4 to eight switches, which is greater than sufficient for flying FPV drones. In the event you comply with my radio suggestions on this information, channel rely is often not one thing to fret about.

Telemetry Assist

Telemetry is among the most essential options that you may have in your radio system. It means that you can obtain essential details about your drone in real-time, reminiscent of sign energy, battery voltage, present draw, and extra. This info will be extremely invaluable when flying, because it lets you make knowledgeable selections and keep away from potential issues.

Most trendy radio hyperlinks assist telemetry out of the field, together with standard choices like ExpressLRS and Crossfire. With telemetry, you may show information instantly in your radio display or obtain audio warnings when sure thresholds are reached.

FPV Simulator Assist

In the event you’re new to FPV flying, coaching in FPV simulators will be an effective way to construct up muscle reminiscence and observe flying with out risking injury to your costly elements. And the excellent news is, many trendy radios with EdgeTX or OpenTX have the flexibility to hook up with FPV simulators through USB and present up as a joystick controller.

So for those who’re trying to enhance your flying expertise, you should definitely examine if the radio you’re contemplating helps FPV simulator. It may make all of the distinction in your coaching and progress as an FPV pilot.

Coach Port

A coach port is a connector in your radio that means that you can join two radios collectively, permitting them to manage the identical drone. It’s a useful gizmo for coaching, permitting an skilled pilot to fly a drone to a secure peak and site, then switch management to a pupil who can then observe flying with out the danger of crashing (and permits the coach to take over when wanted). Radios with built-in coach ports are extremely advisable for this sort of coaching.

Coach ports sometimes exists in 4-pin 3.5mm audio jack.

Utilizing a coach port to coach with family and friends is usually a enjoyable and rewarding expertise, and it’s an effective way to share your love of flying with others.

Usually, radios of the identical model and mannequin ought to work collectively with out difficulty, however it’s essential to double examine to keep away from any complications down the road.

Radiomaster makes a wi-fi coach dongle: https://oscarliang.com/radiomaster-wt01/

Flying with Different Folks

Not like your video system, you don’t want to fret about managing the channel of your radio when flying with others. It is because your radio routinely manages the channel for you. After you’ve sure your radio receiver with the transmitter, the transmitter will solely talk with that particular receiver. Which means that different pilots within the air often don’t intrude along with your radio hyperlink. Moreover, the radio sign will hop throughout totally different frequencies throughout the 2.4 GHz band to make sure a powerful and uninterrupted connection between the transmitter and receiver. This makes flying with a radio transmitter a stress-free expertise!

Edit Historical past

• 2013 – Article created
• 2016 – Up to date with standard TX choices
• 2017 – Article up to date, added receiver information
• 2018 – Added information about gimbals, switches, OS, and Vary
• 2019 – Up to date product itemizing
• 2020 – Up to date merchandise, and my suggestions
• 2021 – changed BetaFPV Lite Radio 2 with Jumper T-Lite
• 2023 – up to date information and product checklist, added T20S and Pocket
• Mar 2024 – added T14
• Sep 2024 – added T15, up to date information
• Dec 2024 – up to date radio suggestions
• Mar 2025 – up to date article.