The Radiomaster GX12 is a feature-packed, extremely customizable transmitter at solely $169. It’s designed for pilots in search of most versatility and efficiency in a compact, travel-friendly kind issue. The GX12 brings options usually reserved for higher-end fashions into an reasonably priced bundle, making it a beautiful alternative for a variety of customers. On this evaluate, I’ll dive into the GX12’s options, design, and efficiency, sharing my hands-on expertise that will help you decide if that is the correct radio on your wants.
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The place to Purchase
You should purchase the Radiomaster GX12 from these distributors:
The GX12 bundle consists of these equipment:
- A sturdy carry case
- Display screen protector
- USB-C cable
- Stickers
- Guide
Word: Batteries should not included. You should purchase appropriate batteries right here:
Specs
- Inner RF Module: ExpressLRS 2.4GHz / 900MHz Twin Band XROSSBAND
- Protocol: ExpressLRS 2.4GHz / 868MHz / 915MHz Gemini-X
- Inner RF Output Energy: As much as 1W
- Cooling Fan: Sure
- Antenna: Two 2.4GHz / 900MHz omnidirectional folding antennas
- Present Consumption: 390mA – 1000mA (varies with RF output)
- Radio Firmware: EdgeTX
- Channels: Helps as much as 16 channels (receiver dependent)
- Enter Voltage: 6.6 – 8.4V DC
- Battery Choices: 2S LiPo or two 18650 Li-ion cells or 21700 (batteries not included)
- Charging: USB-C
- Show: 128×64 monochrome OLED show
- Gimbal: GX01 1000Hz, 3D digital CNC hall-effect gimbals with folding sticks
- Gimbal Sticks: 3mm thread
- Exterior RF Module Help: Lite module bay (Crossfire appropriate)
- Firmware Updates: EdgeTX and ELRS through USB-C
- Reminiscence: 512MB inside flash reminiscence for EdgeTX system
- Dimensions: 183x148x78mm
- Weight: 670g (together with two 18650 batteries)
Compact Design
The Radiomaster GX12 shares an analogous dimension and structure with the Jumper T20S, my trusted day by day driver for the previous 15 months. Naturally, I used to be wanting to see how this new providing from Radiomaster would measure up as a possible different.
The GX12 has a flat backside, and might stand on the desk with none mod, higher than the T20S in that regard. Discover there are two M3 screw holes on the underside? Doubtlessly helpful for some form of equipment sooner or later or DIY mods 🙂
At first look, the GX12 provides off the impression of a compact, gamepad-style radio, however don’t let its smaller kind issue idiot you—it’s filled with controls. Its foldable gimbal sticks and antennas make it extremely travel-friendly, eliminating the necessity for gimbal protectors. Merely fold and go!
That mentioned, Radiomaster’s continued emphasis on massive shows puzzles me. Very like the Zorro, the show on the GX12 protrudes barely, which detracts from its total compactness. On the flip aspect, the display screen’s dimension does improve readability, which is a particular benefit in use. When positioned aspect by aspect with the Boxer, the GX12 isn’t that a lot smaller, however its foldable sticks and antennas definitely make it extra transportable.
By way of weight, the GX12 is available in at 670g with two 18650 batteries, making it the heaviest amongst radios just like the Boxer and T20S, each of which hover round 650g.
For these in search of most portability, the Radiomaster Pocket stays the model’s smallest and lightest possibility, noticeably extra compact than the GX12.
There’s a cloth deal with on the again, identical because the Boxer.
Construct High quality
The GX12’s total construct high quality is on par with different Radiomaster fashions just like the Boxer and Zorro. Its plastic housing doesn’t have a premium really feel, however at a value level of $170, it’s sturdy sufficient to encourage confidence. The plastic feels sturdy, with no creaks or rattles, even when dealt with roughly.
One notable draw back is the restricted coloration possibility—at present, the GX12 is barely accessible in black. It might be nice to see Radiomaster introduce extra coloration variants or distinctive housing types sooner or later to cater to a broader vary of preferences.
Switches And Controls
Whereas the Radiomaster GX12 is marketed primarily for FPV drones, it shines as a flexible transmitter for fixed-wing pilots, due to options like trims, sliders (potentiometers), and quite a lot of customizable switches and buttons. These added choices make it a strong alternative for pilots utilizing iNav or Ardupilot methods.
Loads of Switches for All Wants
The GX12 boasts a powerful variety of switches, with 4 switches and a slider on every nook of the radio. For quad pilots, this abundance may really feel extreme—most would discover a whole of three or 4 switches ample. Nonetheless, for fixed-wing pilots who require extra controls to handle further options like flaps, touchdown gear, and flight modes, the GX12 affords greater than sufficient controls to deal with advanced setups.
Attention-grabbing Change/Button Selections
Every nook of the GX12 consists of:
- Two 3-position conventional stick-style switches (e.g., SE, SB)
- Two single-press momentary buttons (e.g., SG, SA)
Each corners have the identical buttons/switches. I personally really feel there are too many momentary buttons. Changing one or two with latching buttons would have made the radio extra versatile for various use instances.
Swappable Nook Panels
A standout characteristic of the GX12 is the swappable nook change panels. These panels help you take away the slider for a cleaner setup.
You may additionally change one of many 3-position switches (SE or SF) with a 2-position change or one other momentary change. These replacements are included within the bundle.
Nonetheless, observe that solely SE and SF switches are related through a cable and may be swapped. The remainder of the switches are soldered on to a PCB and can’t be simply changed.
6-Place Flight Mode Buttons
The GX12 options the acquainted 6-position flight mode buttons seen on many different Radiomaster radios. This time, they arrive with RGB LED backlighting, which provides a visible contact and makes it simpler to determine modes in low-light situations. Moreover, these buttons keep in mind their final state subsequent time you energy on the radio.
Gimbals
The GX12 debuts Radiomaster’s GX01 gimbals, that are CNC aluminum corridor impact gimbals that includes foldable stick ends. This innovation makes the GX12 extremely travel-friendly. To fold the sticks, merely pull the stick finish away from the radio and fold it down.
In the case of smoothness, the GX01 gimbals really feel similar to the corridor gimbals on different Radiomaster radios just like the Zorro or Boxer. The stickends have M3 threads and may be upgraded to aftermarket ones. Those included are the Radiomaster Sticky360 that are my present favorite.
Compact Dimension with Commerce-offs
The GX01 gimbals are smaller than full-sized gimbals discovered within the Boxer or TX16S. This ends in a barely shorter throw, which might have an effect on precision. I used to be flying with the GX12 and T20S (with AG01 improve), the distinction was noticeable. Whereas I used to be in a position to carry out freestyle strikes with comparable precision with observe, the full-sized gimbals really feel simpler due to the finer management.
Compatibility and Limitations
Sadly, the GX12 doesn’t help every other Radiomaster gimbals, besides the GX01. This implies you can’t improve the GX12 with premium gimbals just like the $90 AG01 or AG01 Mini. As somebody who enjoys the premium really feel and smoothness of the AG01 gimbals, this can be a notable draw back. Nonetheless, the foldable design of the GX01 does supply a singular portability benefit.
Gimbal Rigidity Adjustability
Out of the field, I discovered the gimbal spring stress a bit too tight, and the throttle was barely stiffer than I desire. Fortunately, changes may be made simply through the holes behind the radio.
Stick Journey Adjustment
The vary of throw for the vertical axis may be adjusted utilizing the 2 hex screws on the entrance of the gimbal.
Show and Menu Buttons
The 128×64 monochrome OLED display screen on the GX12 is a large improve from the Boxer and Zorro for its superior readability and aethestics. It’s extremely legible even in direct daylight. Whereas it lacks the attraction of a coloration touchscreen, it’s a trade-off that saves battery life and retains issues easy—an excellent strategy for FPV setups.
The menu buttons and scroll wheel are the usual throughout most Radiomaster radios, so there’s not a lot I can say about it. The aluminum scroll wheel provides a premium contact. Total, the menu navigation feels intuitive and acquainted, with no surprises right here.
On prime of the radio, there’s a single USB-C port that handles each pc connections and inside battery charging. In contrast to earlier fashions from Radiomaster, which use two separate USB port, it’s an excellent enchancment. It’s complemented by a headphone jack and a coach port.
Ergonomics
The GX12 incorporates a thick and ergonomic housing design that gives a strong grip. Whether or not you’re a thumber or a pincher, the form caters properly to each types.
Nonetheless, as a pincher, I discovered myself wishing the gimbals had been barely recessed into the radio. To compensate, I needed to regulate the sticks shorter for higher attain to the endpoints, however this got here at the price of some management precision.
Regardless of being barely heavier than the Boxer, the GX12 stays snug to carry for lengthy flight classes. The rubberized texture across the sides and again enhances the grip, stopping fatigue throughout prolonged flights.
If you happen to desire a neck strap, you’ll respect that the radio stays fairly balanced, though it’s barely top-heavy. For fixed-wing pilots who have to unencumber a hand for launching planes, a neck strap is a must have (not included however accessible individually: https://oscarliang.com/product-1z7b).
The GX12 affords quite a lot of switches, however I discovered their design and placement lower than preferrred. Radiomaster opted for quick, skinny switches to take care of compactness, however they’re stiff and situated far out of your fingers, making them difficult to make use of whereas holding the gimbal sticks.
Typically, I needed to take my hand off the stick with flip a change, needing two fingers to keep away from flipping the mistaken one by mistake. Whereas I perceive the intent to steadiness compactness and performance, this design seems like a compromise that doesn’t totally fulfill both aim. Radiomaster’s button-style switches from the Pocket or the conventional stick switches on the Boxer might need been a more sensible choice.
EdgeTX
The Radiomaster GX12 ships with EdgeTX firmware (model 2.11.0-selfbuild) – the working system of the radio. Whereas EdgeTX comes with a studying curve for newcomers, it supplies unparalleled flexibility and management over your radio’s performance.
Radiomaster has adopted Jumper’s lead by changing the normal micro SD card with onboard flash reminiscence to retailer EdgeTX system information (generally generally known as SD card content material). This transfer eliminates the necessity for added SD playing cards and considerably quickens operations like file switch and firmware updates. The 512MB inside storage is greater than ample for the common pilot’s wants, and I personally love this streamlined strategy.
ExpressLRS Twin-Band Know-how
The GX12 is supplied with a 1W dual-band ExpressLRS module, able to transmitting on each 2.4GHz and 868/915MHz singals concurrently (868MHz for EU/UK and 915MHz for the US). This characteristic, known as Gemini-X know-how, affords redundancy and ensures probably the most dependable radio hyperlink even in difficult environments with RF interfernce.
Radiomaster has successfully built-in their Nomad module into the GX12, a transfer that brings the superior dual-band capabilities to a extra compact and reasonably priced bundle. For individuals who don’t want dual-band, the module will also be configured to transmit on both 2.4GHz or 900MHz, making it extremely versatile.
Study extra about this know-how in my evaluate of the Nomad module: https://oscarliang.com/radiomaster-nomad-dbr4/
The interior RF module runs on ExpressLRS 3.5.2-pr3035 firmware,
And should you want to run different protocols similar to TBS Crossfire, you may too with the onboard lite module bay.
Is Twin-Band Obligatory?
For many pilots, the Gemini-X dual-band characteristic may be overkill. If you happen to primarily fly over open areas with minimal interference, the usual 2.4GHz module is greater than ample. Pilots have achieved unbelievable ranges—tens of miles—with the two.4GHz ELRS module, proving its reliability and robustness. However should you typically fly in RF-noisy environments or require enhanced penetration, dual-band is price contemplating.
Presently, there are restricted dual-band receivers available on the market. One instance is the Radiomaster DBR4, which options 4 antennas to accommodate the dual-band characteristic.
Get the Radiomaster DBR4 Receiver right here:
Antennas: Comfort Meets Efficiency
The GX12 comes with foldable dual-band antennas, designed for each 2.4GHz and 868/915MHz frequencies. Whereas they’re handy and compact, they don’t carry out in addition to devoted single-band antennas.
For these in search of most efficiency, Radiomaster has thoughtfully included holes on the again of the display screen for mounting SMA connectors, permitting customers to connect their most well-liked antennas (larger achieve or devoted single-band antenna).
Energy Consumption
The Radiomaster GX12’s energy consumption varies considerably based mostly on the ExpressLRS RF output energy degree:
- 10mW: 0.49A
- 25mW: 0.50A
- 50mW: 0.55A
- 100mW: 0.64A
- 250mW: 0.90A
- 500mW: 1.16A
- 1W: 1.68A – 1.82A
One notable bounce in energy consumption happens between 100mW and 250mW, that’s as a result of 250mW is the default threshold for the fan to activate (you may change it within the LUA script). The fan itself provides about 0.1A to the present draw. The fan isn’t overly loud, however it’s noticeable when working
Curiously, adjusting the show brightness has minimal affect on energy consumption, with a distinction of solely 2mA between the minimal and most brightness ranges.
Battery and Charging
The GX12 may be powered by a 2S LiPo or Li-ion Battery. It comes with a battery holder that accommodates each button prime and flat prime 18650 cells, however it gained’t match 21700 cells. Additionally eradicating the cells from the holder was frustratingly troublesome. I even broke a nail whereas making an attempt! Fortunately you may simply go away the battery contained in the radio, and cost them by way of the USB-C port on prime.
Word that batteries should not included. If you happen to want a strong possibility, Radiomaster’s 3200mAh cells work properly, get them right here:
I additionally examined a bunch of various 18650 choices, see my outcome and proposals right here: https://oscarliang.com/best-18650-li-ion-battery/
The battery compartment measures 80x44x23mm (size, width, depth), is sufficiently big for Radiomaster’s 2S 5000mAh Li-ion pack, however it gained’t match the 6200mAh LiPo pack used within the Boxer. Get the 2S 5000mAh battery right here: https://s.click on.aliexpress.com/e/_omMBGrN
Battery Life Estimates
Primarily based on the facility consumption, I estimate the battery life to be round 6 hours utilizing two 18650 3200mAh cells at 10mW output energy. Rising output energy to 100mW will convey it right down to roughly 4.5 hours. And with the utmost 1000mW output energy will reduce battery life down to simply 100 minutes.
Charging
The built-in steadiness charging circuit helps USB-C charging for LiPo and Li-ion battery varieties. Radiomaster eliminated the twin USB-C port setup (one for charging, one for simulators) discovered on their earlier fashions. Now, a single USB-C port handles each charging and knowledge switch, streamlining the setup course of.
- Charging Energy: As much as 12W (5V 2.4A)
- Full Cost Time: ~90 minutes to 2 hours to totally cost a 3200mAh battery.
Simulator Help
The GX12 works seamlessly with all well-liked FPV simulators. As soon as related, it’s routinely acknowledged and seems as “TX16S” within the controller checklist, however this naming quirk doesn’t affect its performance.
Tear Down
The Radiomaster GX12 is simple to disassemble, requiring solely 4 hex screws on the again to be eliminated.
Nonetheless, there’s a guarantee sticker on the underside of the radio housing, eradicating this sticker voids your guarantee.
Usually, you don’t actually need to take aside the radio as a result of:
- You possibly can regulate the gimbal spring stress by way of holes within the again housing after eradicating the rubber grips. Admittedly it’s simpler to regulate with the again housing eliminated totally as a result of the screws are buried fairly deep inside.
- The nook panels for the switches are modular and may be changed with out opening the radio. Merely undo the screws on the panels to swap or rearrange switches.
Moreover, the PCB is hydrophobic-coated, providing safety from moisture and growing sturdiness in difficult environments.
Drawbacks Abstract
Whereas the GX12 excels in lots of areas, some design compromises may deter sure customers. Right here’s a fast rundown:
- Gimbal Dimension: The smaller gimbals scale back precision and management really feel in comparison with full-size gimbals discovered within the Boxer and TX16S, however the trade-off is improved portability with foldable sticks.
- Weight: At 670g, the GX12 is even barely heavier than the bigger Boxer, which can have an effect on consolation throughout lengthy flight classes. Moreover, the radio is barely top-heavy, which impacts steadiness when utilizing a neck strap.
- Twin-Band Antennas: The twin-band antennas are handy however don’t match the efficiency of devoted single-band antennas. Exterior single-band antennas may be added, however this requires DIY modifications.
- Switches: Whereas there are many switches, 4 out of eight switches on the shoulders are momentary buttons that can not be swapped out. Changing a few of these with latching toggles would improve versatility.
- Show Selection: The big show stands out on the prime, compromising the radio’s compact kind issue (since that is clearly meant to be a compact radio?).
- Wi-fi Coach Help: The shortage of wi-fi coach help is a missed alternative for head monitoring.
Remaining Ideas: Is the GX12 Price It?
The Radiomaster GX12 goals to ship a “do-it-all” answer, and in some ways, it succeeds. It’s a feature-packed transmitter that’s compact, transportable, and fairly priced at $169. The inclusion of dual-band ExpressLRS and foldable gimbal sticks makes it stand out in a crowded market.
Nonetheless, the compromises made to accommodate such a large viewers might restrict its attraction for some customers.
- Learners and those that worth simplicity may discover choices just like the Pocket or Zorro extra approachable.
- Pilots prioritizing precision and management really feel might desire full-sized gimbals present in radios just like the Boxer or TX16S MKII.
- For a compact radio with full dimension gimbals, the T20S stays my go-to.
That mentioned, the GX12’s versatility is unmatched. It’s a wonderful alternative for pilots who want one transportable radio to deal with quite a lot of use instances, from drones to mounted wings. Its $169 value level, mixed with Gemini-X dual-band know-how (a module price $45 alone), makes it an impressive worth for individuals who respect its characteristic set.
You should purchase the Radiomaster GX12 from these distributors:
If you happen to’re in search of a compact, customizable, and superior transmitter that balances price and performance, the Radiomaster GX12 is price severe consideration.