After testing a lot 2.4GHZ ELRS {hardware}, I believed it was time to evaluate some 915MHz tools too. RadioMaster’s Bandit collection contains three TX items (RF, Micro, and NANO) and two RX modules (BR1 and BR3). On this article, we are going to take a look at the options and how one can arrange the Bandit Nano transmitter module and BR3 radio receiver.
ExpressLRS works on 2.4Ghz and 900Mhz frequencies; the furthest we’ve seen it examined was 40km utilizing 900Mhz at simply 10mW -Leslie Yagin’s vary check video might be seen right here. On ExpressELS is a desk with the distances testers have reached with totally different energy settings. With as much as 1W transmission energy, the Bandit Nano is among the many strongest 915Mhz ELRS TX modules.
Once you evaluate 915Mhz to 2.4GHz ELRS radio methods, it isn’t about the perfect however the frequency that matches your wants extra. The 915MHz model of ExpressLRS runs at a most 200Hz replace fee, greater than Crossfire’s 150Hz. In distinction, the two.4GHz ELRS may even run at 1000Hz! 2.4GHz offers sufficient vary for most individuals and has a wider bandwidth, permitting extra folks to fly concurrently. The antennas (RX/TX) are additionally a lot smaller for two.4GHz than for 915Mhz.
Alternatively, for those who favor vary and sign penetration and don’t care in regards to the talked about benefits, go together with 915MHz. The decrease frequency ELRS is much less vulnerable to interference with WIFI tools and digital VTXs. Right here, I ought to notice that there aren’t any dual-band TX/RX modules, and you may’t combine 915Mhz RX with 2.4Ghz TX or vice versa.
The Bandit Nano ExpressLRS 915MHz TX Module is designed for a nano-size module bay. It matches completely in smaller radios such because the RadioMaster Zorro/Pocket, Jumper T-lite/T14/T20, Frsky X-Lite, and TBS Tango 2. Nevertheless, utilizing a Nano-Micro adapter, you should utilize this module in larger radios with customary JR module bay, such because the RadioMaster TX16S/Boxer and Frsky X9D-Plus.
RadioMaster Bandit Nano ELRS TX and Bandit BR3 ELRS RX evaluate
I obtained these ELRS 915MHz modules for a product evaluate collaboration with RadioMaster. Specs and high quality might differ in line with the producer’s reliability, so I can’t assure that you’re going to get merchandise that carry out the identical as seen in my evaluate.
RadioMaster is a workforce of radio management mannequin fanatics with an extended historical past within the RC trade. The corporate has two ExpressLRS product ranges, the Ranger (2.4GHz) and Bandit (915 MHz).
Final month, RadioMaster despatched me along with the ISDT 608PD charger, a Bandit Nano TX ExpressLRS 915MHz RF Module, a Bandit BR3 RX ExpressLRS 915MHz Receiver, and a Bandit 915/868MHz Moxon Antenna. In addition they wished to ship the Bandit BR1, but it surely was out of inventory then.
1. Bandit Nano ExpressLRS 915MHz 1W RF TX
First, I opened the Bandit Nano TX’s field. It comes full of a T-type antenna with 2.7dBi acquire and a fast begin information. The unit measures 68.5*41*270mm and weighs 62.5 grams, together with the antenna. In case you want greater efficiency, you may change the inventory antenna with the high-gain, high-efficiency RadioMaster MOXON directional antenna. The Bandit Moxon antenna, with its elevated floor and 4.6 dBi acquire, offers superior interference separation.
The RM Bandit Nano’s case is constituted of aluminum, permitting improved warmth dissipation. When excessive output energy is chosen, the built-in fan is activated. The entrance panel has an OLED standing display screen, a Sort-C port, an XT30 energy connector, and a 5D management joystick. By way of the XT30, you may energy the unit from 6V to 16.8V (2S-4S LIPO battery).
Inside, the PCB has UART solder pods, permitting the module for use as a excessive telemetry energy receiver.
Along with the ESP32 predominant SOC, it has an ESP8285 for ELRS Backpack. The ESP32 is a high-performance standalone system that gives Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity. The firmware on the Bandit Nano TX might be flashed conveniently by way of WiFI. Do not forget that after upgrading the ELRS firmware, it’s essential to additionally replace the LUA script on the radio controller.
Bandit Nano 915MHz ELRS: Key options
- As much as 1-watt energy output
- Packet charges as much as 200Hz
- Optimized circuitry for ultra-low energy consumption
- Constructed-in TCXO oscillator
- Excessive distinction OLED show and 5 Directional navigation key
- Excessive-efficiency cooling system
- Wifi and Bluetooth wi-fi connectivity
- ExpressLRS 3.3.1 inventory firmware
- Constructed-in ExpressLRS backpack
- 915/868MHz T Antenna included
- Nano connector, help Zorro, Pocket, and MT12 radio controller
Bandit Nano 915MHz 1W ELRS: Technical parameters
| Regulatory Area | FCC915 |
| MCU | Predominant: ESP32 Aux as ESP backpack: ESP8285 |
| RF Chip | SEMTECH SX1276 |
| Refresh Price | Min/Max: 25Hz/200Hz |
| RF Output Energy | 1000mW/30dBm |
| Bay compatibility | Nano with 8-pin connector |
| Exterior energy | XT30 DC 6V ~ 16.8V |
| Dimension | 68.5*41.0*27.0mm |
| Weight | 62.5grams (with T antenna) |
2. Bandit BR3 ExpressLRS 915MHz Receiver
The RM BR3 radio receiver measures 24*14.2mm and weighs 5.5 grams (together with antennas). The tiny modules use two 915/868MHz T antennas related to the PCB by IPEX connectors. In addition to the 2 antennas, RadioMaster offers three clear shrink tubes and FC wires with the BR3.
That includes two ESP8285 MCUs, I count on variety and ELRS GEMINI capabilities. The BR3 RX makes use of a temperature-compensated crystal oscillator (TCXO) for improved stability. Telemetry (suggestions) energy might be adjusted from 100-500mW by way of LUA script. The tiny module has a CRSF interface with 4 solder pins (GND, 5V, RX, TX). Once you wire it to the flight controller, keep in mind that RX goes to TX, respectively TX to RX.
Radio Grasp Bandit BR3 RX additionally helps two methods to flash ExpressLRS firmware: by way of WiFi or ExpressLRS Configurator (BetaFlight passthrough). In WIFI mode, it’s essential to hook up with the TX’s hotspot utilizing “expresslrs” password. You should plug/unplug the RX’s energy thrice to enter bind (pairing) mode.
Bandit BR3 ELRS RX: Key options
- Most 500mW telemetry RF energy
- Constructed-in TCXO oscillator
- Using 0402 elements, superior resistance to vibration
- Twin 915/868MHz T Antenna for improved sign stability and vary
Bandit BR3 ELRS RX: Technical parameters
| Regulatory Area | FCC915 |
| MCU | 2x ESP8285 |
| RF Chip | SEMTECH SX1276 |
| Oscillator | TCXO |
| Telemetry RF energy | 100-500mW (adjustable by way of LUA script) |
| Antenna | 2x IPEX1 915/868MHz T-type |
| Bus Interface | CRSF |
| Working voltage | DC 5.0V |
| Dimension | 24*14.2mm |
| Weight | 5.5 grams (together with antennas) |
Pricing and availability
All RadioMaster Bandit merchandise might be bought from the producer’s retailer and widespread RC retailers. The 915Mhz ELRS TX module prices $49.99, and the BR3 RX module is $24.99. The 915/868MHz Moxon Antenna is offered for $19.99 for those who want the perfect sign protection.
RadioMaster Bandit 915MHz: Options
Whereas all ELRS RX modules, no matter model, use the identical CPU and RF chip, the TX modules might supply totally different options. Some TX modules have exterior energy supply choices, and a few have lively cooling to deal with excessive transmission powers. For simpler configuration, premium TX items just like the Bandit Nano can actually have a built-in OLED show.
One benefit of the RadioMaster Bandit Nano ExpressLRS is the utmost 1000mW output energy, as most of its contenders, together with the BetaFPV Nano TX module, can solely do as much as 500mW.
When on the lookout for a Nano 916MHz ELRS TX, the Emax Aeris Hyperlink will also be an important choice -it is priced at simply $38.99 and has comparable options to the RM Bandit.
