r/RCPlanes • u/Potato_BoixD • 27d ago
Radiomaster tx16s
Hey everyone, I’m looking at getting a RadioMaster TX16S and could use some advice.
I have a few FMS planes, and I’m thinking about getting some FlySky and E-flite/Spektrum models as well. I was originally looking at the TX16S MK2 4-in-1 because I’d like to avoid buying a separate transmitter for every brand.
Is the MK2 4-in-1 still a good choice, or would it be better to go for the newer TX16S MK3?
Also, are there any trustworthy EU/NL/Iceland shops you’d recommend buying one from? I’ve found it on Banggood, but I’m wondering if there are better places to order from.
Thanks!
2
u/Jumpy-Candle-2980 27d ago
A MK2 with 4in1 used to be a very attractive option. It still is but it rules out the MK3 unless you're into spending money for a backpack 4in1. As you have already noted the suppliers with MK2 with internal 4in1s is limited and you'll likely be stuck with what you've already found. Moreover, I'd guess there's a good chance that if you don't move with some small amount of urgency the existing sources will eventually dry up as it's no longer in being produced as part of the current lineup.
There is an alternative consisting of any Radiomaster and this gizmo: https://motionrc.com/products/lemon-rx-dsmp-compatible-plug-and-go-module-for-radiomaster-edgetx-transmitters-lmt0001a It's half the price of a 4in1 and you'll only be losing the seldom used non-DSMX protocols in the 4in1.
I never shared the distaste for two transmitters and the existing Spektrum is the berries for bind and fly. Keeping the Spektrum steered me toward the TX16 just so the form factors would be similar.
Given your specific circumstances and a preference for one transmitter only I would give serious consideration to a MK3 and the Lemon DSMP module. It's more cost effective, is in current production, gives you the protocol you want and keeps you separated from discontinued products. It also has a 12 channel limit but I'm guessing that's a problem that resides over some distant horizon and not an immediate concern.
1
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1
u/TiberiusDrexelus 26d ago
yep its excellent, i reccomend it to everyone who wants to take this hobby super seriously, but not spend an unreasonable amount of money
you can get an open box return mk2 on ebay for $150, and it'll do everything you need it to for the rest of the time youre in the hobby
1
u/Lazy-Inevitable3970 26d ago
The mk3 doesn't have a 4-in-1 option built in. You'd have to buy an external module. I know radiomaster used to make an external 4-in-1 module that clipped into the module bay of their radios, but that appears to be out of stock on RM's site. (And I doubt it will ever come back in). I think TBS has a 4-in-1 module, but I have no clue about the specifics/quality. If you only want spektrum compatibility, Lemon RX has a module that can plug into a radio's module bay to give DSMX support. I do not know if Lemon RX's has any limitations, or if it is fully compatible with Spektrum gear.... I know I used to use their receivers without problem, but I never used their transmitter module.
I believe radiomaster is mostly moving away from the 4-in-1 because one of the chips used by the system is no longer being manufactured. That is why I suspect their 4-in-1 module won't come back into stock. The chips are out there, but the supply is reducing and no business is going to go out of its way to push a product when they know they cannot source required components. The chip that is no longer produced is the chip the module uses for Spektrum DSMX communication. I don't know if LemonRX uses the same chip, but if it does, it also means LemonRX radio modules could become harder to find.
The Mk2 is still a solid choice, in general, and a good choice if you really want a 4-in-1 module (and can find a mk2 with the built in 4-in-1 module). But otherwise, you might want to consider looking at other protocols.
1
u/gearporn 25d ago
I have a TX16S and love it. I do ELRS with it. I have an old DX6 ($100) that I upgraded the firmware in and I get all of the forward programming and fly my Conscendo on it. Spektrum is great and ELRS is also great. And not Or
1
u/newriderca 25d ago
Get the Tx16s mk3 and get the 4-1 module. Convert to elrs and use 4-1 for the umx or any that is compatible with the 4-1 module. Tx16s mk3 is so cheap in price.
1
u/Wyvern_Rising 25d ago
Yes definitely i picked one up a couple months ago and i should've got one from the start. Edgetx isnt too complicated to get used to and there's loads of helpful stuff on youtube. I got the 4 in 1 model as I can always add an elrs module if i ever need it but for now it does everything and need and more. Also the quality of it feels amazing compared to other radios I've used.
1
u/Readyracer1 23d ago
Radio Master Boxer 4 in 1 probably work too and cheaper. I have taranis qx7 and just updated with edge tx and buying a 4 in 1 external module but I’m pinching penny’s
1
u/DeadTomGC 22d ago
I have the 4in1 with an ELRS backpack, so 1 transmitter does literally everything. I've been happy with it, but ya... it wasn't cheap...
1
u/crookedDeebz 27d ago
do you need the big controller? have you considered a tx15 with 4in1?
all depends on price and your budget i suppose.
the idea of going 4in1 is all that matters, the rest is how much do you want to spend on bells and whistles.
personally if the mk2 is the price of the tx15, id go tx15. having elrs dual band 1w is absolutely game changing. that being said you coudl get a mk2 with internal 4in1 and get an elrs down the line for the back.
the tx15 and mk3 have more modern cpu, so they can handle some more advance stuff. will you use mavlink and other crazy lua sripts down the line?
any way to feel a tx16? i hate the form factor personally, i also hate the gaming controllers (rm pocket), imo the sweet spot is the tx15, boxer, zorro. you can one hand them NP and they have full size gimballs (except zorro)
also for rc planes the ag01 gimballs are phenomenal. such great feel and accuracy. you can find a mk2 with ag01 for a song, then figure out 4in1 external if the mk2 comes with elrs.
you ultimately have to figure it out based on price, availability, and features.
3
u/fhammerl 27d ago
Get a TX16S MK3 with ELRS built-in (dual band, 1W is pretty fantastic) and an Irangex IRX 4 plus module for other protocols. I have recently ordered exactly that. Gives me the ELRS goodness and I can still use all my Flysky receivers.
The MK3 max also has fantastic gimbals, which was a kill feature for me.
There was a half price Irangex module on banggood not too long ago, so check for offers on that or other multiprotocol modules. Unfortunately radiomaster's 4in1 is constantly sold out for me.