Radiomaster has launched lots of nice radios previously, most of them have been strong, however every additionally got here with compromises. After spending time with the Radiomaster TX16S MK3, I really feel this radio isn’t any exception — it has clear strengths and some drawbacks. You must learn this assessment earlier than shopping for. Right here’s my hands-on tackle Radiomaster’s newest flagship EdgeTX radio, protecting its design, options, ergonomics, drawbacks, and who it’s for.
New to FPV? Study the fundamentals of radio transmitters and the way to decide on one on this newbie’s information: https://oscarliang.com/radio-transmitter/
The place to Purchase
Get the TX16S MK3 radio from these distributors:
MAX Version
Normal Version
The radio comes with the next equipment:
- Carry case
- 18650 battery tray
- 2× substitute shoulder panels
- USB-C cable
- Display screen protector
- 1.5mm hex wrench
- Low-tension gimbal springs
- 2× gimbal stick set screws
- Neck strap (lanyard)
- Stickers
- Guide
Ought to You Get the Normal or MAX Model?
There are two variations:
- TX16S MK3 (Normal)
- TX16S MK3 MAX (the one I’m reviewing right here)
When Radiomaster requested which model I wished to assessment, in fact I selected the dearer mannequin, duh 🙂 However is that the model you should purchase? Let’s break down the variations first.
| TX16S MK3 Normal | TX16S MK3 MAX | |
| Value | $199.99 | $269.99 |
| Coloration choices | Black, Clear Charcoal | Black, Purple, Blue, Gold |
| Gimbal | V6 Corridor Gimbals | AG02 |
| Buttons | Plastic | Accented CNC Aluminium |
| Housing End | Plastic | Carbon Fibre Paint (on plastic housing) |
| Grip Pads | Rubber | Leather-based-like materials |
| Weight (no battery) | 813g | 864g |
Aside from the gimbals, the “premium upgrades” are largely beauty. The core {hardware} — CPU, display screen, inner RF module, and antenna— is similar between these fashions, that means options and efficiency are the identical. The Normal model can also be lighter, which is a pleasant bonus.
Nonetheless, in the event you’re set on the AG02 gimbals, the MAX model is definitely deal. Shopping for the AG02 individually prices extra, and also you’d have to put in them your self. With the MAX, you save about $20 and skip the effort. The AG02 gimbals are among the many finest within the enterprise — all CNC machined aluminum, premium really feel, and intensely clean. The V6 Corridor gimbals on the Normal model are extra primary, however nonetheless very succesful and greater than adequate for many pilots.
You actually can’t go incorrect with both — it comes right down to finances and the way a lot you care about premium gimbals. If gimbals aren’t a precedence, the Normal model affords higher worth for certain.
Specs
- Coloration: Black / Purple / Blue / Gold
- Enter Voltage: 6.6–8.4V DC
- Firmware: EdgeTX (requires 3.0.0 or greater)
- Constructed-in RF Module: ExpressLRS (2 × LR1121)
- Frequency: ISM 2.4GHz and Sub-G 900MHz
- Channels: As much as 16
- Gimbals: AG02 CNC Corridor sensor gimbals (MAX model)
- MicroSD Slot: Sure (SD card not included)
- Inside Storage: 4GB onboard flash
- Show: 5-inch IPS touchscreen (800 × 480)
- Battery Choices (Batteries not included):
- Two 3.7V 18650 Li-ion cells
- 21700 Li-ion 5000mAh battery
- 2S 7.4V 6200mAh LiPo
- Improve Methodology: USB / EdgeTX Companion software program
- Module Bay: JR-compatible module bay
- Dimensions: 200 × 178 × 88mm
- Weight: 864g (MAX Model, with out battery)
Storage Case Is Not Secure
To my disappointment, one of many switches was damaged on arrival.
The TX16S MK3 doesn’t use gimbal or swap protectors — it solely comes with some small foam padding contained in the storage case. The case itself could be very sturdy and difficult, however clearly not sturdy sufficient to resist the abuse it obtained throughout delivery.
So don’t throw the case round with the radio inside. Regardless that the storage case seems to be strong, the switches can nonetheless get broken.
It’s potential to exchange damaged switches your self, however Radiomaster hasn’t launched substitute components for this radio but, so I’m patiently ready.
New Design: Rounded Housing with a HUGE Energy Button
Coming from the unique TX16S and TX16S MK2, the TX16S MK3 looks like a redesign relatively than simply an replace. The radio is slimmer in width and includes a carbon-fiber-style end (not actual carbon fibre, simply paint).
Left: TX16S MK3; Proper: Authentic TX16S
The large energy button within the middle actually stands out. I suppose Radiomaster made it bigger in case you possibly can’t discover it 😀 Joke apart, I’m not a giant fan of this design selection — does it actually must be that large? In fact, that’s subjective.
With the carbon-fiber-style end, it feels nearer to the TX15 than the earlier TX16S fashions. It’s nonetheless a full-size radio full of switches, sustaining the “do-everything” nature that made the TX16 collection common with FPV pilots, RC aircraft flyers, automotive drivers, and boat customers.
Left: TX16S MK3; Proper: TX15
Left: TX16S MK3; Proper: TX15
The MAX model has premium leather-like grips with stitching and a high-end end.
The again deal with is plastic and foldable. It’s not CNC aluminum just like the MKII MAX— to not lower prices, however as a result of Radiomaster really built-in an antenna contained in the deal with.
There’s a JR module bay on the again for exterior RF modules if wanted. One caveat: in the event you use a cumbersome exterior module (like a big Crossfire module), it could stop the radio from sitting flat on a bench when the deal with is folded down. With normal-sized modules, it’s positive — simply one thing to concentrate on. That stated, most customers will likely be completely pleased with the interior RF module, which may output as much as 1W on each 2.4GHz and 900MHz, making an exterior module pointless for a lot of pilots.
The battery charging port (USB-C) is situated beneath a rubber flap on prime. There are additionally coach port and headphone port.
The Largest Touchscreen I’ve Seen
Probably the most noticeable upgrades is the 5-inch touchscreen. It’s considerably bigger than the screens on older TX16S radios — or any radios with colour touchscreens as a matter of reality.
Viewing angles are glorious. Even when tilted, the show stays readable, and it’s shiny sufficient to see outside. Contact enter is responsive with out being overly delicate. There’s additionally a built-in ambient gentle sensor that mechanically adjusts brightness, which is useful in the event you regularly fly each indoors and outside.
Personally I want black-and-white screens as a result of I not often wanted colour screens. These shows are less complicated, do all the pieces I would like, and devour much less energy, providing longer battery life.
Nonetheless, colour screens do have benefits. You may personalize themes, use customized photos for various fashions, and run extra superior LUA scripts with graphics and visible layouts. The touchscreen additionally makes navigating menus extra intuitive.
One caveat: the MK3’s bigger display screen means some telemetry scripts may have updates to show accurately. Be certain that your favourite scripts are supported earlier than shopping for.
Left: TX16S MK3; Proper: GX12
Left: TX16S MK3; Proper: GX12
Inside RF Module
The largest promoting level of the TX16S MK3 might be its ExpressLRS Gemini Xrossband functionality (Gemini-X). The built-in 1W ExpressLRS RF module is dual-band (2.4GHz + 900MHz), identical to the GX12. This makes it probably the most succesful radios accessible when it comes to RF efficiency — maximizing vary, redundancy, interference resistance, and general hyperlink reliability.
What’s Gemini-X?
Gemini-X is much like commonplace Gemini mode, however as an alternative of transmitting packets on the identical band, it transmits concurrently on 2.4GHz and 900MHz. This offers further redundancy and improved hyperlink robustness.
Right here’s an in depth rationalization of the variations: https://oscarliang.com/expresslrs-gemini/#Gemini-Xcrossband-Gemini-X
The place’s the Second Antenna?
You may surprise: Doesn’t Gemini use two antennas? Why do I solely see one?
Don’t be fooled by the only foldable antenna on prime — there’s really a second antenna cleverly built-in into the again deal with of the radio.
Receiver Compatibility
To make use of Gemini X mode, you want receivers that help Gemini X. Nonetheless, the TX16S MK3 additionally works completely with commonplace ExpressLRS receivers that don’t help Gemini X.
Study extra about ELRS receivers and antenna modes right here: https://oscarliang.com/expresslrs-receivers/
Will There Be a 4-in-1 Model?
Many individuals ask whether or not there will likely be a model with a 4in1 inner module. I’m not 100% sure, however it appears unlikely. Radiomaster hasn’t used 4in1 modules in most of their current releases, and demand for multiprotocol modules is declining as extra pilots transfer to ExpressLRS.
In case you nonetheless want legacy protocol help, you possibly can set up an exterior 4in1 module within the JR module bay.
Controls, Switches & Customized Buttons
Similar to earlier TX16S fashions, the MK3 comes with a LOT of switches — greater than sufficient for many pilots.
From left to proper:
- SF (2-position)
- SE (3-position)
- SA (3-position)
- SB (3-position)
- S1 (pot)
- S2 (pot)
- SC (3-position)
- SD (3-position)
- SG (3-position)
- SH (momentary)
Radiomaster moved the 2 sliders to the again (RS and LS), which I believe is a superb design selection as a result of they’re simpler to entry. Each the pots and sliders have sturdy middle detents.
There are additionally 6 trim buttons, and they are often programmed as further controls.
Don’t neglect the 6 customized buttons above the display screen. These have RGB LEDs backlights, and are absolutely programmable. In EdgeTX, you possibly can map them to channels, scripts, or capabilities, and even change LED colours per mannequin.
Extra options embody:
- Constructed-in gyro (can be utilized for triggering switches, pan/tilt digicam gimbals, or telemetry callouts by merely tilting your radio)
- Microphone (for future enlargement)
- Haptic suggestions motor
This is without doubt one of the most customizable radios I’ve used when it comes to controls. Realistically, many FPV pilots gained’t use most of those options and switches — I personally use solely 4–6 for FPV drones — however for fixed-wing pilots or superior setups, the additional controls would come in useful.
Shoulder swap panel might be changed in the event you don’t like having the slider on the again.
Gimbals and LED Rings
In case you fly so much and have the finances, AG01 and AG02 are among the many finest gimbals you will get. They’re extraordinarily clean, exact, and simple to regulate. Spring stress might be adjusted immediately on the gimbals — no have to open the radio.
In addition they embody RGB LED rings. Whereas they may sound flashy, they are often helpful. You should utilize them for mannequin identification (show a distinct colour per mannequin), or program totally different colours primarily based on flight modes, switches, or radio standing utilizing Particular Features. And in the event you don’t like them, you possibly can merely flip them off.
Ergonomics
If I needed to guess, the TX16S MK3 feels prefer it was designed by somebody who’s a thumber (controls the sticks utilizing thumbs solely).
The TX16S MK3 feels extra pure for thumbers, however as a hybrid pincher, I don’t discover it essentially the most snug radio to carry.
It shares an analogous situation with the TX15 — it’s backside heavy. The TX16S MK3 is even barely worse as a result of it’s the heaviest radio I’ve examined, approaching 1kg together with batteries.
When pinching, you usually maintain the radio close to the gimbals (higher half of the radio), and for the reason that battery bay is situated within the decrease half of the radio, it feels additional backside heavy. Over lengthy classes, your arms could fatigue extra rapidly. A neck strap is strongly beneficial, particularly in the event you pinch or hybrid pinch.
What’s pinching and thumbing? Try this information about holding the sticks: https://oscarliang.com/pinch-thumb-stick/
I journey on foot so much with my gear and typically fly for hours continuous, so I care about weight and steadiness. In that regard, there’s room for enchancment with the TX16S MK3. That stated, this can be a highly effective, full-size radio full of options, so some additional weight is inevitable. In case you want all of the options and capabilities, consolation could also be a trade-off. Utilizing a neck strap considerably improves usability although.
One other small annoyance is the again deal with. When folded, it will get in the best way whereas utilizing the radio, and it’s a must to push it away. It’s not a giant situation when flying outside whereas standing, however when sitting down and resting the radio in your lap, the unfolded deal with can really feel awkward.
Additionally contemplate hand dimension and dexterity. Massive radios are nice, however reaching inside switches comfortably can differ from individual to individual. With my grip fashion (hybrid pinch), I didn’t discover any deal-breaking attain points. Nonetheless, pilots with smaller arms could discover the switches a bit removed from the sticks in comparison with extra compact radios.
Yet another minor annoyance: when selecting up the radio from the perimeters, it’s simple to by accident press the MDL (mannequin) or SYS (system) buttons.
Processor Improve
Radiomaster upgraded the CPU to an STM32 H7, which is meant to supply smoother operation and quicker response. In follow, nonetheless, I didn’t discover a significant distinction in day-to-day use.
Reminiscence
The radio contains 4GB of built-in storage and in addition has a microSD card slot in the event you want extra storage. For many customers, 4GB is greater than sufficient. However in the event you use a lot of audio recordsdata, photos, or scripts, the SD card choice is de facto useful.
Tear Down & Inside Design
The radio is straightforward to disassemble — there are 2 screws beneath every grip and a couple of further screws contained in the exterior module bay, 6 screws in whole.
The RF board is mounted on the again housing and linked to the primary board through a cable, which might be simply unplugged.
The RF module cooling design is spectacular. Along with a heatsink, there are airflow ducts and energetic cooling to assist preserve efficiency at excessive RF output ranges.
All switches and gimbals connect with the primary board through plugs, making substitute easy when wanted.
I just like the clear, modular PCB structure — it clearly makes the radio simpler to restore and preserve.
There are two holes on the again housing coated with detachable plugs. I assume these are for mounting SMA connectors in the event you want third occasion antennas.
There are additionally two screw holes on the underside. I’m guessing these are for future waist help or tray-style equipment, much like what we’ve seen on the TX15.
Battery & Charging
The TX16S MK3 features a battery holder for 2 18650 Li-ion cells.
Word: Batteries should not included. Each button-top and flat-top cells work. I like to recommend RadioMaster’s 18650 3200mAh cells: https://oscarliang.com/product-ykiv
The battery bay is giant (93 × 58 × 21mm) and may even match Radiomaster’s 6200mAh LiPo pack if you would like prolonged runtime: https://oscarliang.com/product-65gx
You may cost the batteries contained in the radio through USB-C (10W). A built-in good battery administration circuit balances the 2 cells mechanically. Totally charging two 18650 3200mAh cells from empty takes round 2.5 hours.
One small situation although, battery voltage reporting appears barely low out of the field, however you possibly can simply calibrate it in Radio Settings → {Hardware}.
Energy Consumption
Let’s take a look at the present draw at totally different RF energy ranges, to find out how lengthy the battery lasts.
Gemini mode on, display screen brightness minimal.
| RF Energy | Present Draw |
| Inside RF module OFF | 0.32A (0.45A at max display screen brightness) |
| 10mW | 0.67A |
| 25mW | 0.75A |
| 50mW | 0.81A |
| 100mW | 0.90A |
| 250mW | 1.14A (fan kicks in therefore the present soar) |
| 500mW | 1.60A |
| 1W | 2.41A |
At 1W RF energy, two 18650 3200mAh cells ought to final roughly 80 minutes or much less. At 10mW, runtime can stretch to round 4.5 hours. Therefore, enabling dynamic energy in ExpressLRS LUA script is sensible if you would like good vary whereas maximizing battery life, particularly in the event you plan to fly greater than an hour.
FPV Simulator Help
The USB-C port for charging can also be used for simulators, and the radio expenses whereas linked to your pc— very handy. With low display screen brightness and the interior RF module turned off, you possibly can play FPV sims just about eternally with out operating low on battery.
When plugged into a pc, the radio prompts you to pick out a USB mode. Select Joystick, and it’s acknowledged instantly on the pc. I did have to calibrate the gimbals within the sport for the primary time, which is regular when utilizing a brand new radio.
Last Ideas: Who Ought to Purchase the TX16S MK3?
The TX16S MK3 affords:
- ExpressLRS Gemini X dual-band
- Large colour touchscreen
- Wonderful construct high quality
- Premium gimbals
- An enormous variety of controls
Nonetheless, it’s not for everybody.
First off, it’s a heavy radio, which impacts ergonomics. And a few options are merely overkill for lots of customers — for instance, the big colour display screen, or Gemini X when commonplace 2.4GHz-only ELRS is already enough for many pilots (even for lengthy vary).
Options to Take into account
And in case your present radio works properly, there’s actually no have to improve.
However if you would like probably the most feature-packed transmitters accessible right now — for FPV drones, planes, automobiles, or boats — the TX16S MK3 is arguably essentially the most succesful all-round radio available on the market proper now. Get it rom these distributors:
TX16S MK3 MAX
TX16S MK3 Normal