Wednesday, 18 December 2024

FrSky X14S - a sport/competition radio with TW/Twin support

The X14S is a lightweight mid-range radio from FrSky. With its support for Ethos and Twin, the X14S seems - on paper at least - to be a promising choice for soaring and electric flight.

So, when FrSky offered me a unit to review I needed no persuading.

Front view of FrSky X14S transmitter
FrSky X14S

After a few weeks with the unit, has the X14S lived up to expectations? Read on and find out!

Tuesday, 10 December 2024

Radiomaster GX12 with ELRS Gemini: a review


Radiomaster GX12

Once in a while a transmitter comes along which is genuinely different! One such device is the Radiomaster GX12, a compact radio with a bunch of novel features including support for Gemini Xrossband/GemX.

The inclusion of Xcrossband might suggest it's targetted primarily at drone pilots. However, the GX12 also supports the regular Ranger transmission modes, which makes it compatible with PWM receivers like the Radiomaster ER series and Matek 24R P6V. Which makes it of potential interest for line-of-sight pilots like me, and maybe you too.

So, here is my review. I hope you enjoy reading it!

Friday, 15 December 2023

Time for a refresh: Mike's OpenTX/EdgeTX Clinic

Hard to believe that ten years have passed since I created the original OpenTX Clinic website! 

At the time, FrSky had just launched the Taranis X9D, revealing OpenTX to a wide audience. Since then the website has expanded with tutorials, templates, Lua scripts and code snippets.

Tuesday, 8 August 2023

An introduction to ELRS - plus how to deal with Channel 5

ELRS is a bit of a sleeper - it's been around for a while, but if you're  a fixed wing/LOS (line of site) flyer, then you may not have heard of it. You soon will though, especially if you use EdgeTX or OpenTX. 

ELRS is a long range RF protocol originally conceived for use with drones. However, thanks to receivers like the RadioMaster ER series, ELRS is now a great option for line-of-sight flying - including F5X and F3X sailplanes. 

So what exactly is ELRS, and what do you need to get started?  Read on, while I take you on a tour! 

Wednesday, 2 August 2023

RadioMaster Pocket: a fine little EdgeTX / ELRS / MPM transmitter!

What's this dinky transmitter on my desk? It's the Pocket - the smallest in a series of compact transmitters from RadioMaster. It comes with a choice of modules (ELRS or CC2500 MPM) and is very keenly priced. Oh, and it's stored in a little pouch!

Spoiler alert: the Pocket may cost ~£65, yet is more than a match for £1000+ radios. I know because I've flown an F3F model with it, with all the mixer bells and whistles. Crazy times!

Read on and find out if the Pocket is for you...

Thursday, 15 June 2023

Review of RadioMaster ER6G, ER6GV, ER8G and ER8GV receivers for ELRS

RadioMaster have just released a bunch of ELRS receivers specially for gliders and electric models.  These  are notable for being some of the first ELRS receivers to have servo connectors integrated on the main board. 

I've been having fun evaluating these receivers, including flight testing them in DLG and F3F models. In this review, you'll find detailed descriptions, with example configurations, best practice, and tips for ALT telemetry. 

Let's take a closer look! 

Sunday, 6 February 2022

RadioMaster Zorro review: pushing the boundaries

RadioMaster have a new baby transmitter. Yes, it's the Zorro! You'll probably already know that it's packed with features, supports OpenTX and EdgeTX, and comes with a choice of Multiprotocol or ELRS modules.

However while most of the Zorro reviews focus on its use with drones, this review takes a different approach - it's geared towards pilots of sailplanes, DLG and electric gliders. If that sounds like you, then read on!