Evaluate: RadioMaster TX15 Max – Final Radio with Colour Touchscreen

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At first look, the brand new RadioMaster TX15 may appear like a color-screen model of the beloved Boxer, however don’t be fooled—it’s way more than that. After hands-on testing, I discovered the TX15 to be a thoughtfully engineered transmitter, filled with good options that make it one of the forward-thinking EdgeTX radios so far.

From highly effective internals and ergonomic design to quality-of-life enhancements and customization choices, the TX15 goals to serve a variety of pilots—from informal FPV fans to superior fixed-wing and glider flyers. On this assessment, I’ll stroll you thru my expertise with the TX15, what makes it stand out, and who it’s finest suited to.

New to FPV? Try our radio transmitter purchaser’s information for rookies: https://oscarliang.com/radio-transmitter/

The place to Purchase

The TX15 is available in two variations: Base Mannequin ($139) and Max Version ($199).

Purchase the TX15 Base Mannequin:

Purchase the TX15 Max Version:

I’ll be reviewing the MAX model on this article. The specs between the usual and max variations are comparable, besides these variations:

Word: The TX15 requires two 18650 Li-ion cells (not included). These Radiomaster 3200mAh 18650 cells are a sensible choice: https://oscarliang.com/product-ykiv

Within the field it comes with the next equipment:

• 1 × Carry Case
• 1 × 2-Place Latching Shoulder Change
• 1 × 2-Place Momentary Shoulder Change
• 1 × 18650 Battery Tray
• 1 × USB-C Cable
• 1 × Display Protector
• 1 × 1.5mm Hex Wrench (for gimbal pressure)
• 4 × Spare Excessive-Stress Gimbal Springs
• 2 × Gimbal Stick Set Screws
• 1 × Sticker Set
• 1 × Person Handbook

Specs and Options

Radiomaster TX15 MAX:

• Colours Out there: Crimson, Black, Gold
• Inner RF Module: ExpressLRS (Helps each 2.4GHz and 900MHz)
• Inner RF Output Energy: 10mW, 25mW, 50mW, 100mW, 250mW, 500mW, 1000mW (switchable)
• Antenna Acquire: 2dB
• Cooling Fan: Constructed-in
• Onboard Flash Reminiscence: 4GB
• microSD Card Assist: As much as 32GB (FAT32) – disables onboard flash if used
• Microphone: Sure (for future function enlargement)
• Gyro Sensor: Sure (ICM-42607-C – can be utilized to set off switches, pan/tilt cameras, or telemetry callouts just by tilting your radio and so on)
• Enter Voltage: 6.6–8.4V DC
• Max Present Draw: 875mA at max RF energy
• Firmware: EdgeTX 3.0.0 or newer
• Channels: As much as 16 channels (Receiver dependent)
• Processor: STM32 H7
• Show: 3.5-inch IPS colour touchscreen (480 x 320 decision, 262K colours, 600-nit)
• Gimbals: AG02 Gimbals (M4 stickends)
• Battery Choices: 2× 18650 Li-ion / 2S LiPo / 21700 5000mAh (not included)
• Cost/Knowledge Connector: USB-C
• Dimension: 178 × 168 × 81 mm
• Weight: 672g (with out battery)

Construct High quality and Ergonomics

Proper out of the field, the RadioMaster TX15 feels premium.

Whereas it shares the same structure and type issue with the Boxer—particularly in dimension, weight, and change positions—the TX15 isn’t only a Boxer with a colour display. It introduces refined however significant upgrades in ergonomics and design that make an actual distinction.

The grips are properly contoured and textured, providing a agency, safe maintain. Whereas the Boxer was already a well-regarded radio, the TX15 refines that method with improved hand really feel and higher steadiness.

For the Max model, the radio is available in a carbon fiber-look faceplate (observe: it’s painted plastic, not actual carbon fiber). There are three gimbal colour choices—crimson, gold, and black—unique to the AG02 CNC gimbals. I opted for crimson gimbals, they usually look implausible towards the carbon-fiber face.

Like almost each new radio launched previously two years, the TX15 makes use of a foldable antenna, just like the one discovered on the RadioMaster Pocket. This design is well-liked for its comfort, folding neatly for transport. Whereas some customers favor detachable antennas just like the Boxer as a result of it lets you improve to greater acquire antennas, ExpressLRS has change into so dependable and highly effective that the majority customers will discover the inventory 2dB antenna greater than ample. You may as well rotate the antenna 90 levels for optimum alignment, which is a pleasant contact.

By way of weight and steadiness, the TX15 sits virtually completely degree on a neck strap (with two 18650 batteries). It might additionally stand upright on a flat floor by the best way.

It weighs roughly 790g together with 18650 batteries, inserting it between the TX16S and the Boxer. For comparability, my every day driver, the T20S, weighs simply 540g, and I do discover elevated fatigue when flying the TX15 for prolonged durations. In the event you do longer classes, I extremely suggest utilizing a neck strap.

As a result of the TX15 incorporates a bigger show, the decrease portion of the radio is barely prolonged to accommodate it. This makes the radio really feel a bit extra bottom-heavy in comparison with the Boxer, particularly if you find yourself pinching. Whereas this received’t have an effect on everybody, thumbers might discover the radio extra comfy to make use of than pinchers. Once more, a neck strap can assist off load a few of the weight throughout lengthy flights.

Pinching and thumbing are two other ways of holding the sticks, be taught extra right here: https://oscarliang.com/pinch-thumb-stick/

All ports—together with the USB-C, headphone jack and DSC coach port—are positioned on prime of the radio. I’m particularly happy that RadioMaster has lastly merged the 2 USB-C ports (charging and simulator) right into a single, unified port. This simplifies setup when connecting to FPV simulators. The TX15 is appropriate with all main FPV sims together with Liftoff and Tryp, although it could require stick calibration the primary time.

There’s a cloth deal with on the again, could be simply eliminated if you need.

One small disappointment: the TX15 doesn’t include a gimbal/change protector just like the Boxer does, and there’s no neck strap included within the field. For a $200 radio, I anticipated these fundamental equipment to be a part of the bundle. Together with them would’ve added to the general worth.

On the underside, there are two threaded holes that seem to help attachments comparable to a waist help or different equipment.

Show and Person Interface

The TX15 incorporates a vibrant colour touchscreen. Whereas it’s barely smaller than the display on the TX16S, it truly has a barely greater decision, which makes the picture seem sharper and crisper. It jogs my memory of a smartphone display—shiny, responsive, and straightforward to learn even below daylight. The backlight brightness can also be adjustable relying on ambient gentle circumstances.

The menu button structure is almost an identical to that of the Boxer and TX16S. The buttons are probably CNC-machined aluminum, providing a satisfying tactile click on and a concave floor that helps your fingers naturally settle into place.

Being a touchscreen, it drastically simplifies menu navigation—particularly when utilizing the on-screen keyboard. Typing in mannequin names or making configurations is way sooner than utilizing the scroll wheel alone.

That stated, except you’re continually tweaking settings or coming into information, I personally don’t discover colour touchscreens important. My every day radios, just like the Boxer and T20S, use fundamental monochrome shows, which have served me nicely for the previous 4–5 years (and earlier than that I used to be already utilizing the TX16S with colour touchscreen). These less complicated shows additionally devour much less energy—an necessary benefit for lengthy flying classes.

Nonetheless, colour screens open the door to options that monochrome shows merely can’t provide—like working superior LUA scripts for cool issues like real-time navigation, customized telemetry layouts, or displaying customized mannequin photographs. There’s so much you are able to do with a colour display, and it’s a subject that in all probability deserves its personal devoted article.

AG02 Gimbals

The TX15 Max Version I examined comes with AG02 gimbals, whereas the bottom mannequin options customary Corridor sensor gimbals (V5.0).

The AG02 is a brand new model of the AG01 and value about $90 a pair when bought individually: https://oscarliang.com/product-4xb7. So you’re saving $30 by going with the Max Version if you happen to finally wish to improve to the AG02 gimbals.

So, do you have to go for the AG02s? That is dependent upon your wants and price range.

The usual Corridor sensor gimbals are completely high-quality for many customers. You’ll have an incredible expertise flying with them and they are going to be simply as dependable. However if you happen to’re in search of a premium contact and might justify the associated fee, the AG02s provide a smoother and extra refined management really feel, particularly compared these gimbals aspect by aspect. It’s like driving a automobile: a price range automobile will get you from level A to B with out points, however driving a well-tuned, high-performance automobile is a extra pleasant expertise—when you’ve got the choice, why not deal with your self?

The AG02s provide intensive adjustability :

• Spring pressure changes
• Stick journey changes for each axes

A lot of the changes could be accomplished on the skin of the gimbals, no must open the radio. And keep in mind, even if you happen to go along with the bottom mannequin now, you’ll be able to at all times improve to AG02 gimbals later—they’re plug-and-play appropriate with the TX15.

They use M4 threads for the stick ends, which is necessary to notice if you happen to plan to make use of customized stick ends. Fortunately, the included Radiomaster’s Sticky360 stick ends are amongst my favorites, so I didn’t really feel the necessity to swap them out.

Another perk unique to the Max version: RGB gimbal lights. These customizable LED rings are mounted round every gimbal and could be configured by way of LUA scripts. By default, they present a rainbow sample, however you’ll be able to change the colours or results primarily based in your preferences.

Switches and Controls

In the event you’re already aware of the RadioMaster Boxer, transitioning to the TX15 will really feel seamless—the layouts are almost an identical. That stated, there are just a few notable enhancements.

On the entrance, all 4 prime switches are 3-position, which I feel is a superb design alternative. This provides larger flexibility for a wider vary of builds, together with fastened wings and planes. In the direction of the center, you get two rotary dials with a middle detent—ideally suited for digital camera tilt, pan management, or different analog changes.

On the shoulders, the left change is a latching button, and the suitable change is a momentary button. Each could be swapped out with conventional toggle switches—RadioMaster features a 2-position and a momentary change within the field, and 3-position switches can be found for buy: https://oscarliang.com/product-u472

The method is plug-and-play—no soldering required. Out of the field, this configuration works nicely for multirotor pilots, however the potential to reconfigure these shoulder switches is big folks in search of totally different setups.

Moreover, there are six RGB-backlit buttons above the display. These are generally used for flight mode choice however are absolutely customizable within the settings to fit your wants.

Small Ergonomic Quirk

One factor I did discover: the highest nook switches are a bit too near the gimbals. In the event you’re a pincher with bigger arms, there’s an opportunity you’ll by accident bump them mid-flight. I’ve had the identical difficulty on the T20S and ended up relocating these switches elsewhere. Curiously, the Jumper T15 solved this by barely repositioning the highest switches towards the middle of the radio, which is perhaps a good suggestion for future revisions of the TX15.

No Sliders

Additionally price mentioning: there are not any sliders on the TX15. For many FPV pilots, this received’t be a problem, however if you happen to require analog sliders, simply concentrate on this limitation.

Battery and Charging

The TX15 comes with a battery tray within the rear compartment that holds two 18650 Li-ion cells which generally have between 3000mAh and 3500mAh capability.

You even have the choice to make use of RadioMaster’s 5000mah battery pack (21700 cells), however have in mind—these are considerably heavier. Personally, I favor 18650s—they’re lighter which is healthier for weight steadiness, and a full cost is often greater than sufficient for an entire afternoon of flying.

Word: Batteries will not be included. You need to use each button prime and flat prime cells. I like to recommend RadioMaster’s personal 18650 3200mAh cells: https://oscarliang.com/product-ykiv

I’ve examined them and located the efficiency stable: https://oscarliang.com/best-18650-li-ion-battery/#Outcomes-and-Suggestions

Charging is easy: simply plug a USB-C cable into the port on prime. It requires a 5V energy supply, and attracts as much as 2A (charging energy peaks round 10W). Totally charging depleted 3200mAh batteries takes roughly 3 hours.

Energy Consumption & Battery Life

Listed below are my measurements of the TX15’s present draw (display brightness at minimal except acknowledged in any other case). Voltage enter: 7.4V.

• RF module off: 0.3A
• RF module off, display at max brightness: 0.42A
• 10mW: 0.46A
• 25mW: 0.51A
• 50mW: 0.54A
• 100mW: 0.58A
• 250mW: 0.71A (cooling fan activated by default)
• 500mW: 0.82A
• 1000mW: 1.07A
• 1000mW with display at max brightness: 1.19A

Estimated Runtime (with 3200mAh battery):

• 10mW: Slightly below 7 hours
• 250mW: ~4.5 hours
• 1000mW: just below 3 hours

Radio Firmware: EdgeTX

That is the place the TX15 actually pulls forward of different radios in its class. It incorporates a highly effective H7-based processor, which delivers smoother menu navigation, sooner LUA script execution, and larger future-proofing as EdgeTX evolves with extra demanding options.

It additionally comes with 4GB of onboard reminiscence (3.6GB usable), the biggest we’ve seen in any EdgeTX radio thus far. For comparability, its closest rival—the Jumper T15—provides solely 2GB (with 1.3GB usable). This further reminiscence provides you way more room for mannequin photographs, sound packs, themes, and telemetry logs.

Though you don’t want an SD card, there’s nonetheless a microSD slot out there that helps as much as 32GB FAT32 playing cards. That is particularly helpful if you wish to retailer giant media recordsdata or backups. Word, nevertheless, that inserting a microSD card disables the onboard flash reminiscence—you’ll be able to’t use each on the similar time. That stated, most customers in all probability received’t run out of the inner house.

Out of the field, the TX15 ships with EdgeTX model 3.0.0, so that you’re absolutely able to benefit from probably the most present options .

RF Module: ExpressLRS

The interior 1W ExpressLRS RF module helps twin band 2.4GHz and 900MHz frequency bands (you should use one frequency, however not concurrently). You’ll be able to change between them by way of the ExpressLRS LUA script, offered your receiver additionally helps the chosen frequency. This provides the TX15 wonderful versatility, particularly for pilots who wish to fly the whole lot from micro drones to long-range rigs. The RF module comes with ELRS V3.5.5 out of the field.

That stated, it doesn’t help Gemini XROSSBAND mode just like the Radiomaster GX12 does, which can disappoint critical long-range pilots who prioritize hyperlink redundancy and failover. If you wish to use this function you should buy a Nomad module and set up it within the exterior RF module bay within the again.

However for many pilots—together with myself—that is hardly a limitation. I primarily fly on 2.4GHz, and I’ve efficiently flown out to over 10 kilometers with no points in any respect.

Radio Comparisons: GX12, Jumper T15

Some aspect by aspect comparability with the Radiomaster GX12 radio and Jumper T15.

What I Like and Don’t Like

Truthfully, I’ve actually been having fun with this radio. There’s so much to love concerning the TX15, particularly within the Max version:

Professional

• Foldable antenna – compact and handy for transport
• Upgraded AG02 gimbals – easy and exact really feel, simple changes
• Brilliant colour display – sharp and simply seen even in direct daylight
• Sooner H7 processor – menus and LUA scripts really feel snappy
• 4GB onboard reminiscence – plus a microSD card slot for further storage
• Interchangeable shoulder switches – simply swappable with out soldering
• Constructed-in ExpressLRS – helps each 2.4GHz and 900MHz
• Wonderful ergonomics – contoured grips and stable construct
• Single USB-C port – handles each charging and FPV simulator use

Cons

• Bigger than the GX12 – and even barely bigger than the Boxer, making it much less moveable
• Fairly a heavy radio – might trigger fatigue throughout prolonged flying classes
• Barely bottom-heavy when pinching – a neck strap is useful, particularly for longer flights
• Outer prime switches are near the gimbals – can get in the best way when pinching with giant arms
• Missing change/gimbal protector and neckstrap

Closing Ideas

After spending a while flying with the Radiomaster TX15, I can confidently say this can be a extremely succesful radio. It’s one of the full transmitters—filled with options, wonderful construct high quality, and considerate design updates. It provides the whole lot most FPV and RC pilots would ever want, whether or not you’re flying quads, fastened wings, or gliders.

The truth is, I feel it has absolutely changed the TX16S for me by way of day-to-day usability and have set. It’s future-proof, highly effective, and versatile. That stated, not everybody wants all of this, and in case your present radio is working nicely for you, there’s no urgent purpose to improve—except a few of these new options are must-haves to your setup or flying type.

Purchase the TX15 Base Mannequin:

Purchase the TX15 Max Version:

Personally, I’ll nonetheless use the Pocket for backpacking and journey as a result of its portability, and for a lot of budget-conscious pilots, it’s in all probability the higher option to get began. However for critical flying classes, the TX15 is coming with me—it’s such a flexible radio and might accomplish that a lot, it’s arduous to go away behind.