Saturday, January 18, 2025

Evaluate: Radiomaster XR1, XR2, XR3, XR4 ELRS Receivers – ExpressLRS Twin-Band RX

The Radiomaster XR collection ExpressLRS receivers deliver an thrilling improve to FPV drones, providing a spread of choices to swimsuit each pilot’s wants—from micro drones to long-range setups—and embody superior options like dual-band functionality, Gemini Xrossband, and ultra-low latency. Paired with Radiomaster’s GX12 transmitter or Nomad module, these receivers ship unmatched reliability and adaptability for FPV pilots in 2025. On this evaluation, I’ll break down the options, performance, and variations among the many XR1, XR2, XR3, and XR4 receivers, serving to you establish which one fits your setup greatest.

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Be taught extra about ExpressLRS in my newbie’s information: https://oscarliang.com/setup-expresslrs-2-4ghz/

The place to Purchase

Get the XR1 collection receivers ($11.99 for the dual-band model or $9.99 for the single-band model):

Get the XR2 receiver ($9.99):

Get the XR3 receiver ($14.99):

Get the XR4 receiver ($19.99):

Twin-band antennas can be found individually for $3.49, permitting customers to customise their setups: https://oscarliang.com/product-k59o

Radiomaster Expresslrs Elrs Dual Band T Antenna 2.4ghz 868mhz 900mhz 915mhz

The Twin-band antenna is ready to obtain and transmit each 2.4GHz and 900MHz alerts (by way of one single IPEX-1 connector).

Radiomaster Expresslrs Elrs Dual Band T Antenna 2.4ghz 868mhz 900mhz 915mhz Close Up

New LR1121 Chipset

Radiomaster has constructed this new receiver lineup on the LR1121 chipset, identified for its dual-band functionality and superior ExpressLRS options. This chipset permits seamless switching between 2.4GHz and 868/915MHz bands with out the necessity for separate {hardware}. It’s a big leap from older chipsets, which have been restricted to a single frequency band. The XR4’s Gemini X mode takes this a step additional, transmitting and receiving on each bands concurrently.

Specs

XR1 Specs

 

  • Frequency: 900 MHz and a couple of.4 GHz.
  • Antenna Connector: IPEX-1
  • Antenna Choices:
    • Single-band (2.4GHz or 900MHz).
    • Twin-band antenna (helps each 900MHz and a couple of.4GHz).
  • Most Packet Charge:
    • DK 500 Hz (900 MHz).
    • Okay 1000 Hz (2.4 GHz).
  • Minimal Packet price: 50Hz
  • Telemetry Energy: 100mW.
  • Weight: Barely bigger than XR2.
  • Dimensions: 20mm x 13mm x 3mm.
  • Energy Enter: 5V DC.
  • Firmware Model: ExpressLRS v3.5.1 pre-installed
  • FW Goal:  RadioMaster XR1 2.4/900 RX
  • Bus interface 1: CRSF
  • Bus interface 2: UART
  • MCU: ESP32C3
  • RF chip: Semtech LR1121
  • Dimension: 20mm * 13mm * 3mm
  • Weight: 1.0g (with out antenna)

Radiomaster Xr1 Dual Band 2.4ghz 868mhz 900mhz 915mhz Expresslrs Elrs Receiver Close Up Top

Radiomaster Xr01 Dual Band 2.4ghz 868mhz 900mhz 915mhz Expresslrs Elrs Receiver Close Up Bottom

XR2 Specs

  • Frequency: 2.4GHz solely
  • Antenna: Constructed-in ceramic tower antenna.
  • Most Packet Charge: DK 500Hz.
  • Minimal Packet price: 50Hz
  • Telemetry Energy: 10 mW.
  • Weight: 0.8g.
  • Dimensions: 16mm x 12mm x 6mm.
  • Energy Enter: 5V DC.
  • Firmware Model: ExpressLRS v3.5.1 pre-installed
  • FW Goal:  RadioMaster XR2 2.4 RX
  • Bus interface 1: CRSF
  • Bus interface 2: UART
  • MCU: ESP32C3
  • RF Chip: Semtech LR1121
  • Dimension: 16mm * 12mm * 6mm
  • Weight: 0.8g

Radiomaster Xr2 Dual Band 2.4ghz 868mhz 900mhz 915mhz Expresslrs Elrs Receiver Close Up Bottom

Radiomaster Xr2 Dual Band 2.4ghz 868mhz 900mhz 915mhz Expresslrs Elrs Receiver Close Up Top

XR3 Specs

  • Frequency: Twin-band (900 MHz and a couple of.4 GHz).
  • Antenna connectors: Two IPEX-1
  • Antenna Choices: Two exterior antennas for range (single-band or dual-band choices accessible).
  • Most Packet Charge:
    • DK 500Hz (900 MHz).
    • Okay 1000Hz (2.4 GHz).
  • Minimal Packet price: 25Hz
  • Telemetry Energy: 100mW.
  • Weight: Barely bigger than XR1.
  • Dimensions: Just like XR1 however consists of range elements.
  • Voltage Enter: 5V to 12.6V DC.
  • Firmware Model: ExpressLRS v3.5.1 pre-installed
  • FW Goal:  RadioMaster XR3 2.4/900  Variety RX
  • Bus interface 1:  CRSF
  • Bus interface 2: UART
  • MCU: ESP32C3
  • RF Chip: LR1121
  • Dimension: 22mm * 15mm * 4mm
  • Weight: 1.3g (with out antenna)

Radiomaster Xr3 Dual Band 2.4ghz 868mhz 900mhz 915mhz Expresslrs Elrs Receiver

XR4 Specs

  • Frequency: Twin-band with simultaneous operation (900 MHz and a couple of.4 GHz).
  • Antenna: Two dual-band antennas (included)
  • RF connector:  Two IPEX-1
  • Max Packet Charge:
    • DK 500Hz (900 MHz).
    • Okay 1000Hz (2.4 GHz).
  • Minimal receiver price: 50Hz
  • Telemetry Energy: 100mW.
  • Weight: Compact design in comparison with earlier Gemini receivers.
  • Dimensions: Barely bigger than XR1 however smaller than earlier Gemini-capable fashions.
  • Voltage Enter: 5V to 12.6V DC.
  • UART: 1 primary UART, further UART accessible.
  • Gemini Xrossband Functionality: Sure – helps simultaneous transmission on 900 MHz and a couple of.4 GHz.
  • Firmware Model: ExpressLRS v3.5.1 pre-installed
  • FW Goal: RadioMaster XR4 2.4/900 Gemini RX
  • Bus interface 1: CRSF
  • Bus interface 2: UART
  • MCU: ESP32D4
  • RF Chip: Two LR1121
  • Dimension: 22mm * 18mm * 4mm
  • Weight: 1.7g (with out antenna)

Radiomaster Xr4 Dual Band 2.4ghz 868mhz 900mhz 915mhz Expresslrs Elrs Receiver Close Up Top

Radiomaster Xr4 Dual Band 2.4ghz 868mhz 900mhz 915mhz Expresslrs Elrs Receiver Close Up Bottom

Comparability

Receiver Notable Options Telemetry Energy Dimensions (mm) Weight (g) Worth ($)
XR1 Twin-band succesful. Single-band or dual-band antenna choices accessible. Helps a single antenna solely. 100mW 20x13x3 1.0 11.99
XR2 Constructed-in compact tower antenna, restricted to 2.4GHz solely. Compact and light-weight design. 10mW 16x12x6 0.8 9.99
XR3 Twin antenna setup for range. Obtainable in single-band or dual-band antenna choices. 100mW 22x15x4 1.3 14.99
XR4 True dual-band functionality with Gemini-X performance. Twin LR1121 chipsets for unbiased 2.4GHz and 900MHz operation. 100mW 22x18x4 1.7 19.99

Functions

XR1 – Versatile with Exterior Antenna

  • Freestyle and Racing Quads: Works effectively for typical 5-inch FPV quads, providing good vary and reliability with optionally available dual-band functionality.
  • Mid- and Lengthy-Vary FPV: Ideally suited for pilots who sometimes swap between 2.4 GHz and 900 MHz frequencies for various environments. It’s additionally appropriate for mid to long-range flights, providing dependable efficiency.

Radiomaster Xr1 Dual Band 2.4ghz 868mhz 900mhz 915mhz Expresslrs Elrs Receiver Unbox

XR2 – Compact and Light-weight

  • Tiny Whoops and Micro Drones: Excellent for ultralight builds the place each gram issues.
  • Indoor FPV Flying: Properly-suited for environments the place the smaller 2.4 GHz frequency gives enough vary and penetration.
  • Newbie-Pleasant Builds: Compact dimension and hassle-free antenna mounting make it best for newcomers who wish to keep away from the complexities of dual-band setups.
  • Small Mounted-Wing Fashions: Glorious for light-weight and compact fixed-wing drones the place dimension and weight are crucial.

Radiomaster Xr2 Dual Band 2.4ghz 868mhz 900mhz 915mhz Expresslrs Elrs Receiver Unbox

XR3 – Twin-Band Variety

  • Improved Sign Stability: Twin antennas scale back the chance of sign loss throughout flight, making certain one antenna all the time maintains a line of sight reference to the transmitter when the antennas are mounted correctly.
  • Functions:
    • Bigger fixed-wing plane and FPV drones reminiscent of 7-inch, 8-inch and 10-inch.
    • Builds prioritizing reliability and vary.

Radiomaster Xr3 Dual Band 2.4ghz 868mhz 900mhz 915mhz Expresslrs Elrs Receiver

XR4 – Flagship Gemini Xrossband Receiver

The Gemini Xrossband function, unique to the XR4, is a game-changer for FPV reliability. Through the use of each 900MHz and a couple of.4GHz concurrently, you get enhanced redundancy, decreasing the chance of sign loss. To completely make the most of this function, pair the XR4 with the Radiomaster GX12 transmitter or Nomad module.

  • Final Lengthy-Vary Flying: Ideally suited for crucial missions, offering most reliability and redundancy in RF-heavy environments or difficult terrains.
  • Skilled Pilots: Designed for superior customers who require uncompromised efficiency in demanding situations.

Radiomaster Xr4 Dual Band 2.4ghz 868mhz 900mhz 915mhz Expresslrs Elrs Receiver Unbox

Compatibility

All XR collection receivers (XR1, XR2, XR3, and XR4) are appropriate with older ExpressLRS {hardware}, however some newer modes will not be accessible when utilizing the brand new receivers with older modules.

Conclusion

Radiomaster has efficiently expanded its product lineup with the XR collection of receivers. Whether or not you’re an informal pilot or an expert, there’s an XR receiver tailor-made to your wants. The sturdy options, cutting-edge know-how, and inexpensive pricing make the XR collection a standout choice within the ExpressLRS market. Whether or not you prioritize compact design, range, or full dual-band Gemini-X performance, the XR collection presents a powerful resolution for each pilot.

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