ELRS

[ched]

Anyone had a play with ELRS?
Reason I ask is that I haven't been flying this year mainly due to lack of batteries and funds being low but lost a bit of enthusiasm. When I was last flying it was only round my small garden and I used to get so many loss of signals on my Mobula6 it was just ridicules. I think the main problem was round a tree that is closest to the road and maybe bluetooth in cars passing is not helping?

Also I am being asked what I want for Christmas and I am not sure but thought maybe ELRS rx and module would be a good solution to the mobula6 as rx is only 0.5gms. Add a few batteries and that might get me back up and running.

Then I thought maybe get one of the 18650 long range quads as I quite like going round exploring slowly plus batteries, even decent Sony VTC6 are £12 for 2. The HappyModel Crux3 NLR (elrs) has gps and seems as good as any of the others. 

Any thoughts on ELRS or the above plan?
Cheers

[badger1]

I'm generally in favour of open source things, so I've been watching it with interest & I think it's maturing quickly, especially now that Matek are making ELRS Rx's.

for me, since I have Crossfire already, I don't feel the urge to get into it for longer range/more secure radio link quite yet, but give it another year & I might be very tempted.

that said, if you're into whoops/micros like you are ched, I can see it being attractive.  some of the Rx's are super-tiny & might make a good option.  just be sure to watch the usual review channels first to know what you're getting into.  :)

I'm sure BR will be along to share his views on cheapo Chinese electronics in due course. 

[Bad Raven]

"I'm sure BR will be along to share his views on cheapo Chinese electronics in due course."

          

One of my circle has got all fired up about ELRS. I'm not convinced so far.

How far away are you taking your Mob6 as I run mine the 85 foot garden, and round behind mature laurels with large trunks, then in the conservatory, lounge, hall, stairs, top floor, sometimes with three walls in the way straight line, and have never had so much as a slight glitch. Std FrSky.

Have you watched MADFPV's (Mad Angler) videos of his experience on YT?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aCg-_OWTLhY&t=444s

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wC0CFVtkz10


I built a NanoLR and bought a DaveC "original" HGLRC REKON3.  The same guy as getting excited by ELRS also bought a REKON3. We both had major issues as delivered, and frankly I could not recommend HGLRC products to any one. DaveC's idea is good, and the quad flies OK while not truly capable of more than cruise, can be quite quick, but if you suddenly need an avoidance climb out, forget it. Can't speak to the Happymodel one, or any of the others.

Bear in mind to go genuinely long range the Radio AND video has to be capable, and high video power means less duration.

Yes, MATEK might actually make a decent fist of the task.......... Jury is out............

The EMax Tinyhawk Freestyle as just one example of a more mainstream product is IMO a MUCH better animal, good on 1S and 2S, cruises well, and does full acro well too. OK, not "long range", or hugely long duration, but a damn sight more fun to fly.

I have a "plan" in mind to build a sort of hybrid between the two......... 

[murpia]

So my experiences with ELRS are twofold:

1) Updating my FrSky R9 modules & receivers to ELRS 900MHz. This one is a no-brainer, just do it... So much easier to use as long as you have a recent update to OpenTx. No more binding hassles. This is mainly for wings not quads.

2) The HappyModel 2.4GHz stuff. I got this setup just this weekend. Turned out to be harder than I'd hoped because the receivers would only update over wifi accessed as a web page - not using the configurator. So far the performance is completely fine. I doubt I will ever stress the range and I can't really feel the better latency of the 250Hz or 500Hz link. The main advantage is the absolutely miniscule receivers with the on-board antenna.

So overall I think any new receivers I buy will be ELRS 2.4GHz simply for the size and price (similar to XM+).

[ched]

Thanks gents.
Mob6 range wise probably only 10 meters round a 45cm thick cherry tree, that's where is usually fails. So no great distance at all. I can fly round the bungalow including upstairs no issues!

As for emax tinyhawk freestyle I have one  I killed the batteries by leaving them plugged into a switched off charger. That is a good idea. If I remember correctly camera isn't great and tx is poor but that can be sorted, cheers.

As for quality issues, well I have had hglrc and happy model and maybe I am lucky but they have been OK.
If I can find somewhere with elrs module foe x-lite, rx and some lipos for Mob6 and tinyhawk freestyle then I think I will give that a go.

Cheers gents that could be Xmas sorted. Might even go for velocidrone drift pack.

[Bad Raven]

I knew you had one!  Get it out, Man...............       

I use GNB 1S 650mAh, paired on the std PH battery connections if running 2S. Have never found the need to go XT30 and only 2S, as many have said is "essential".  Best small quad EVER, but bare props reaching that power level not ideal for indoor house.   

It amuses me no end that people constantly complain about its range and do crossfire etc mods. Its got perfectly adequate range for its size and design brief, and I only have the first video transmitter/antenna. There's a whole sub sector making it more powerful, longer range, etc, etc, etc, ultimately destroying the light agile handling.

If you have as I suspect the first camera type, as did I, you'd do well to fit the one used on the Freestyle II, from memory the Runcam Nano? I did this before they brought out the Mk II, its MUCH better. Just do NOT buy the CADDX ANT, it is super light, but also super inferior! 

OR, you could do what I intend to do over winter, buy a MkII, and then use the old one to fit the Nano 1202.5 LR motors and 18650, finding some 3 blade props of low pitch as LR props won't swing on that frame.

On Simulators, I'm currently mostly using "Uncrashed" (on Steam), excellent graphics, and with Bardwell' more extreme  rates, VERY closely mirrors my 5"quads.

[ched]

I knew you had one!  Get it out, Man...............       

I use GNB 1S 650mAh, paired on the std PH battery connections if running 2S. Have never found the need to go XT30 and only 2S, as many have said is "essential".  Best small quad EVER, but bare props reaching that power level not ideal for indoor house. 

It amuses me no end that people constantly complain about its range and do crossfire etc mods. Its got perfectly adequate range for its size and design brief, and I only have the first video transmitter/antenna. There's a whole sub sector making it more powerful, longer range, etc, etc, etc, ultimately destroying the light agile handling.

If you have as I suspect the first camera type, as did I, you'd do well to fit the one used on the Freestyle II, from memory the Runcam Nano? I did this before they brought out the Mk II, its MUCH better. Just do NOT buy the CADDX ANT, it is super light, but also super inferior! 

OR, you could do what I intend to do over winter, buy a MkII, and then use the old one to fit the Nano 1202.5 LR motors and 18650, finding some 3 blade props of low pitch as LR props won't swing on that frame.

On Simulators, I'm currently mostly using "Uncrashed" (on Steam), excellent graphics, and with Bardwell' more extreme  rates, VERY closely mirrors my 5"quads.

Just need some batteries for the freestyle - good to know it's good with 650mAh! I did replace the rx with an Xm+ I had as I was a bit concerned by the spi one. The vtx did seem OK when I last used it so should be fine. I might have a nano that I can swap from something else as I have a spare Micro that would replace that. Keeping the weight down is always the best option as far as I am concerned but with the issues I have with the mob6 I decided from beginning to use XM+.

Good to know about uncrashed - looks good and nice and cheap - might be perfect for spending a few hrs over Christmas - cheers.

I do quite like the idea of long cruising flight times with 18650. I think it's more an aspiration as I don't have any big areas to fly in  Fast flight is something I'm not great at    so cruising is more my style 

Cheers.

Looks like HobbyRC have just got some 1S batts in so that might be handy. Just noticed that have moved to a commercial unit but still no shop in unit! That's annoying as it's only about 6 miles from me and I regularly drive past them!!!

Is it my imagination but since we left the EU BGood's prices have shot up or is it that HobbyRC have come down? Seems like most regular stuff is cheaper at HobbyRC!!

[badger1]

Is it my imagination but since we left the EU BGood's prices have shot up or is it that HobbyRC have come down? Seems like most regular stuff is cheaper at HobbyRC!!

I think BG are having to add VAT now which previously they weren't doing.

I haven't noticed HRC prices coming down - quite the reverse, at least for anything chip-based! 

[Bad Raven]

OK, so the thread is quite old, and had drifted off ELRS really, so, to update my experiences.

I have two Namimno 2.4GHz modules, ony one so far in use, in a Horus X12S with OpenTX.

I have 3", 4", and two 5" quads operating ELRS with a range of makes.

I'm running 250, and get constant reliable 100% packet transfer with excellent "feel" as regards latency.

All have been 100% robust in terms of link once active and in air at our location. This contrasts with a less than 100% link on FrSky, D8 or D16. Flying buddy remains only on FrSky and has continued to get intermittant RXLOSS and other glitches.

My collection has not been completely trouble free however.

My BNF EPRC Mk5 6S ELRS / DJI Air Unit quad has twice now "lost bind" when trying to prepare for flight, and done so in a manner not then possible to regain a field re-link.  I'm willing to believe that one time was due to turning the quad on with the Tx on an unseen warning screen since I had put goggles on with it unchecked, but then it failed to re-link even after a full Tx/Rx power down and reboot.

NO use of long range but repeatedly going to limit of spotters (good) eyesight on a closed off no public private field, and behind/under mature trees.

While the Matek Diversity Rx offers no space nor weight saving over a R-XSR, and its base loaded twin antennas make through hole fitting awkward, I have two in use and thye have been the simplest of all to get working and not needed any further attention, they just work, and work robustly.

The second TX Module is for another X12S but I intend to run EdgeTX.  Just need to find the time to revise the planes that would come off.

Today?

Had two flights with the old Diatone ET 3" chasing around a 200mm from ground circuit sometimes with 20 metres of thick tall seeded field grass in between blocking LOS, also a paling fence, etc. Happymodel EP2 ceramic antenna.

Had two flights with the Diatone Roma 4" (fitted 5" gear). Matek Diversity

Had five flights with the Mk5  Happymodel Tee antenna.

[Bad Raven]

Updating the following for the record:-

My BNF EPRC Mk5 6S ELRS / DJI Air Unit quad has twice now "lost bind" when trying to prepare for flight, and done so in a manner not then possible to regain a field re-link.  I'm willing to believe that one time was due to turning the quad on with the Tx on an unseen warning screen since I had put goggles on with it unchecked, but then it failed to re-link even after a full Tx/Rx power down and reboot.

Have had another couple of instances of the Rx on the GEPRC Mk5, their own model ELRS Rx, not power up binding, this same annoying sudden refusal to power on bind.

That was enough for me so today I part dismantled it, removed that Rx and installed a Matek one. Now we await the results!

While doing that I removed the normal buzzer and installed a ViFly"Finder2". I already had two waiting here to be done, and action was prompted by yesterday flying buddy having a tree strike that had both of us searching for some time as the battery had disconnected so no buzzer. The battery was still in place undisturbed so the branch must have plucked the quite stiff XT60 plug/socket apart.

The hit must also have diverted its path quite a lot as it wasn't where its trajectory would have placed it at all. Some distance away and near 90 degrees off!! Had the field grass been longer or it gone another ten feet into thick brambles it would have been a pig to locate if at all!

This is also a basic risk with lightweights like the NanoLR, where ANY buzzer is too bulky/heavy, so all you have is the feeble motor "buzzer".

Partly the reason I have been flying my NanoLR, now on ELRS, so much, as the short dead drought hit field grass means its more likely to be found if it does go in!

[badger1]

While the Matek Diversity Rx offers no space nor weight saving over a R-XSR, and its base loaded twin antennas make through hole fitting awkward, I have two in use and thye have been the simplest of all to get working and not needed any further attention, they just work, and work robustly.

I've just ordered one of their CSFR->PWM converter things to wire up to a TBS Nano for a FW installation.  doesn't do any RF stuff obviously, but it seems interesting - it has a VBat sensor which sends info to the Rx to send as Telemetry, as well as a UART that you can wire a GPS or barometer into which can also be sent as telemetry.

I did look at the TBS PWM Rx's but there doesn't appear to be any way to connect sensors except on/via a FC. 

[Bad Raven]

I have a couple of the Matek ELRS 6 channel PWM Receivers but not got around to installing them.

I also bought a couple of the converters to take UART two wire and alter to SBus one wire, again not yet used.  Might be using one in the next few days though as one of my Babyhawk II HD's is going to go ELRS from FrSky and I don't think there's a spare UART to use.

The GEPRC Mk5 (which is definitely my favourite quad) that was erratic power up binding on their own ELRS Rx, now with a Matek ELRS Diversity performed perfectly yesterday over six packs.

[Bad Raven]

Remember.................

Updating the following for the record:-

Have had another couple of instances of the Rx on the GEPRC Mk5, their own model ELRS Rx, not power up binding, this same annoying sudden refusal to power on bind.

That was enough for me so today I part dismantled it, removed that Rx and installed a Matek one. Now we await the results!

1. The Matek reciever is working faultlessly.

2. GEPRC have thanked me for feedback, they are discussing improvements to frequency band checks with the receiver maker for them (it has GEPRC branding sticker, otherwise unbranded PCB), and will send another.

A recent check of ELRS from the various makers suggested that Matek were the most likely to be "offset" on frequency, Happymodel the most likely to well centered. GEPRC did not feature in the test.

I have several examples from both those makers now and the Namimno module has just worked with all.

[Bad Raven]

So having sorted the Mk5's iffy Rx, next to convert to ELRS was one of my two EMax Babyhawk II HD, currently running on FrSky R-XSR.

Decided to try a Happymodel EP1.  Tried TWO, neither of which wanted to bind to my Namimno TX module. Tried for AGGGGGEEEEESSS.    

Tried a Matek Diversity............. first time immediate bind.

Quick trip up a blind alley as a couple of settings in Betaflight (copied model memory) had not moved across for reasons unknown, but when realised, it all clicked into action.

Flown today.

Now I have not gone from FrSky to ELRS so quickly before, quickly enough to "remember the feel" well.

Its quite a bit more immediate on ELRS, noticably less latency.

[badger1]

Its quite a bit more immediate on ELRS, noticably less latency.

what's the difference in refresh rate (or whatever the measurement is)?

[Bad Raven]

what's the difference in refresh rate (or whatever the measurement is)?

I believe FrSky is in the region of 100Hz, as approximately is Crossfire, and Ghost is 180Hz.

I'm running ELRS at 250Hz though its capable of 500Hz.

[Bad Raven]

GEPRC have thanked me for feedback, they are discussing improvements to frequency band checks with the receiver maker for them (it has GEPRC branding sticker, otherwise unbranded PCB), and will send another.

Good to their word, a replacement GEPRC ELRS Rx arrived today. 

[Bad Raven]

OR, you could do what I intend to do over winter, buy a MkII, and then use the old one to fit the Nano 1202.5 LR motors and 18650, finding some 3 blade props of low pitch as LR props won't swing on that frame.

OK, so that was one of my many "good ideas" that didn't happen, though I name component supply issues  (and cost) as a prime reason.  Also I have  so far failed to write off the original FC so had no excuse!

(Note: as typed, that came out as "god ideas", only slightly ego-centric!!    )

After nearly a year more experience with the two types, I still rate the Tinyhawk Freestyle II as the better model, as though I have had fun with both, the Th II Freestyle is by far the most versatile and agile.

Possibly the best normal range combo NOW would be the Th II Freestyle but with the Happymodel ELRS 5 way ELRS AIO, but that combo is NOT a cheap option, as that FC is close to £60 on its own! 

Maybe THIS winter?