Radio Transmitter
The radio transmitter (TX) is your primary input device — it sends your stick movements to the drone’s receiver, which passes them to the flight controller. A good radio is the longest-lasting piece of FPV equipment you’ll buy. Pilots keep their radios for years while going through dozens of drones.
Form Factors
Section titled “Form Factors”Full Size (Game Controller Style)
Section titled “Full Size (Game Controller Style)”Traditional RC transmitter shape with a tray/neck strap option. Larger gimbals, more switches, and usually a screen.
Examples: Radiomaster TX16S, Jumper T16, EdgeTX-based transmitters Pros: More switches and knobs, larger screen, comfortable for extended sessions Cons: Bulky, heavier, less portable
Compact (Game Controller Style)
Section titled “Compact (Game Controller Style)”Smaller transmitters inspired by game controllers. Lighter, more portable, with fewer switches.
Examples: Radiomaster Zorro, Radiomaster Boxer Pros: Portable, ergonomic, enough features for most pilots Cons: Fewer switches, smaller screen
Ultra-Compact
Section titled “Ultra-Compact”Bare-minimum transmitters for maximum portability.
Examples: Radiomaster Pocket, BetaFPV LiteRadio Pros: Tiny, cheap, great for travel and simulator practice Cons: Fewer gimbals/switches, less precision on budget models
Key Features
Section titled “Key Features”Gimbals
Section titled “Gimbals”The two joysticks that control your drone. Gimbal quality directly affects your flying precision.
- Potentiometer gimbals: Budget option. Wear out faster, less precise. Found on entry-level radios.
- Hall-effect gimbals: Use magnetic sensors instead of physical contacts. More precise, last much longer. Standard on mid-range and up.
- CNC hall gimbals: Premium machined gimbals. Silky smooth, most precise. Found on high-end models.
Stick Mode
Section titled “Stick Mode”How throttle/yaw/pitch/roll are assigned to the two sticks:
- Mode 2 (most common worldwide): Left stick = throttle + yaw, Right stick = pitch + roll
- Mode 1 (common in some countries): Left stick = pitch + yaw, Right stick = throttle + roll
Mode 2 is the overwhelming default in FPV. Unless you have a specific reason, use Mode 2.
Firmware
Section titled “Firmware”- EdgeTX: The current standard. Open-source, actively developed, full-featured. Runs on most Radiomaster and Jumper transmitters.
- OpenTX: The predecessor to EdgeTX. Still works but no longer actively developed. EdgeTX is backwards-compatible.
Built-in vs. External RF Module
Section titled “Built-in vs. External RF Module”- Built-in ELRS: Most new radios ship with an internal ELRS module. Simplest setup — no extra hardware.
- Built-in Multi-protocol: Some radios have a multi-protocol module that can talk to many different receiver types (FrSky, FlySky, DSM, etc.).
- External module bay (JR bay): A slot on the back for adding an external RF module. Lets you add ELRS, Crossfire, or other protocols to any compatible radio.
Switches and Knobs
Section titled “Switches and Knobs”Used for AUX channels — controlling arm, flight modes, beeper, VTX settings, etc.
- 2-position switches: Best for ARM (on/off)
- 3-position switches: Good for flight mode selection
- Pots (knobs/sliders): Can be used for continuous adjustment but most FPV pilots don’t use them
Minimum for FPV: 4 switches. Most radios have 6-8.
Recommended Radios (2025-2026)
Section titled “Recommended Radios (2025-2026)”| Radio | Type | ELRS | Gimbals | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Radiomaster Pocket | Ultra-compact | Built-in | Hall | $40-60 | Best budget option, sim practice |
| Radiomaster Zorro | Compact | Built-in | Hall | $80-100 | Popular, game pad style |
| Radiomaster Boxer | Compact | Built-in | Hall/CNC | $100-140 | Sweet spot for most pilots |
| Radiomaster TX16S MKII | Full size | Built-in or bay | Hall/CNC | $150-250 | Maximum features/switches |
| Jumper T-Pro V2 | Compact | Built-in | Hall | $80-100 | Good Radiomaster alternative |
Basic Configuration
Section titled “Basic Configuration”- Create a model: Each drone gets its own model profile in EdgeTX
- Set channel map: AETR is standard for ELRS/CRSF (Aileron, Elevator, Throttle, Rudder = channels 1-4)
- Assign switches: Map AUX channels to physical switches for arming, modes, beeper, etc.
- Set failsafe: Configure to “no pulses” (the receiver stops sending data on signal loss, letting the FC handle failsafe)
Using as a Simulator Controller
Section titled “Using as a Simulator Controller”Most modern radios work as USB game controllers:
- Connect via USB cable
- Select “USB Joystick” mode on the radio (not “USB Storage”)
- The sim should detect it as a game controller
- Calibrate sticks in the sim’s settings
- Map channels to sim controls
This is the recommended way to practice — use your actual radio in the sim so your muscle memory transfers directly to real flying.
Charging
Section titled “Charging”Most modern radios charge via USB-C. Some use internal Li-Ion batteries (18650 cells) that can be swapped for fresh ones at the field. Full charge typically lasts 6-12 hours of flying.
Care and Maintenance
Section titled “Care and Maintenance”- Gimbal protectors: Use stick protectors when transporting to prevent damage and accidental input
- Firmware updates: EdgeTX releases updates regularly. Flash via USB or SD card.
- Stick tension: Most gimbals allow adjusting stick spring tension via screws. Customize to your preference.
- Screen protectors: If your radio has a touchscreen, consider a screen protector