ExpressLRS and Crossfire, two popular radio control systems for FPV drones. While many argue over which system is better, we believe it comes down to personal preference and needs. ExpressLRS is an open-source system that allows for more hardware choices, lower costs, and compatibility with smaller drones without the need for extra weight from a receiver and antenna. Additionally, ExpressLRS is comparable to Crossfire in range and penetration, thanks to its use of the same volume transmission and pitch change for better resiliency.
One of the main advantages of Crossfire is its use of 900mhz frequency for radio control, which allows for better penetration and range than Frsky’s 2.4ghz frequency. However, using 2.4ghz provides faster packet rates and more data can be carried in each transmission, resulting in better performance and response times. While Tracer is a 2.4ghz version of Crossfire, it’s only available on the Mambo radio, making it challenging for beginners to use, who would need to invest in Crossfire first and then eventually swap to Tracer.
While some people have complained about the difficulty of setting up ExpressLRS, each new release is becoming easier to set up. For instance, the Radiomaster Boxer can be set up with ExpressLRS and bound to multiple quads in just five minutes, without having to bind each quad individually. In summary, both Crossfire and ExpressLRS are great radio control systems, but it’s up to personal preference and one needs to decide which one is better.
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Here are all my favourite things for FPV, note: affiliate links, which don’t cost you anything to support me, I get a small commission if you buy from the links.
🧑🏼✈️Ready To Fly Kits
– BetaFPV Cetus RTF Kit – https://amzn.to/3xPQeHe
– BetaFPV Cetus Pro Kit – https://amzn.to/3xPBVSY
– BetaFPV Cetus X Kit – https://amzn.to/3YVWXuR
✈️ FPV Drones (Analog)
– Tiny Whoop: Mobula 6 ELRS – https://bit.ly/3YW1e1G | https://amzn.to/3SytUeD
– Under 250g: Smart35 – https://bit.ly/3IvRZ10
– Under 250g: Aura35 – https://bit.ly/3xMuHz2
– 5″ Freestyle: Nazgul Evoque – https://bit.ly/3KvmSW9 | https://amzn.to/3Spl6Yq
– 5″ Freestyle: Better Choice – https://bit.ly/3ZmnnGh | https://amzn.to/3kmyAYt
– Cinewhoop: Cinelog 25 – https://bit.ly/41m90n3
✈️ FPV Drones (Digital)
– Under 250g: Smart35 – https://bit.ly/3IvRZ10
– Under 250g: Aura35 – https://bit.ly/3xMuHz2
– 5″ Freestyle: Nazgul Evouqe O3 – https://bit.ly/3XSNgvX
– 5″ Freestyle: Better Choice – https://bit.ly/3IqYRN5 | https://amzn.to/3kwJ1si
– Cinewhoop: Cinelog 25 – https://bit.ly/3kiD56t | https://amzn.to/41h0eXv
🎮 Radio Controllers
– Gamepad Style: Radiomaster Zorro ELRS – https://bit.ly/3KAp66G | https://amzn.to/3Y32jDj
– Mid-Size: Radiomaster Boxer – https://bit.ly/3Zh1Tuh | https://amzn.to/3m4Lyu9
– Full Size: Radiomaster TX16S Mk 2 – https://bit.ly/3knCb8u | https://amzn.to/3Sq71Kg
📡 ExpressLRS Radio Transmitters
– Nano (for Gamepad Radio): https://bit.ly/3INSBAA
– Micro (for Mid & Fullsize Radios): https://bit.ly/3xPggdr
– Radiomaster Ranger: https://bit.ly/3lYXcH8
📡 Radio Receivers
– ExpressLRS Ceramic Antenna: https://bit.ly/3lTkmyu | https://amzn.to/3m6JJNG
– ExpressLRS Mini T Anteanna: https://bit.ly/3lTkmyu | https://amzn.to/3KzZpTF
🎮 What Radio I use: Radiomaster Boxer – https://bit.ly/3Zh1Tuh | https://amzn.to/3m4Lyu9
🏠 Frames:
– FlyFishRC Volador VX5 – http://bit.ly/3ZeTlnF
– FlyFishRC Volador VD5 – http://bit.ly/41f00zY
🛞 Motors – 5″ Freestyle (4S 2550kv & 6S 1750kv)
– Budget: T Motor Velox V2 – https://bit.ly/3xLLHFJ | https://amzn.to/3IQwHwr
– Premium: T Motor F60 Pro IV – https://bit.ly/3ExU0Zv | https://amzn.to/3EyJTUe
🤖 Electronics
Budget Stack: SpeedyBee F405 – https://amzn.to/3IkVaII
Mid-Tier Stack: SpeedyBee F7 – https://amzn.to/3IQDS84
Premium Stack: T Motor F7 https://amzn.to/3IPVCA9
🥽 FPV Goggles
– Beginner Analog – https://bit.ly/3kn4ALV
– HD-Zero Goggles – http://bit.ly/3kmi7mY
– DJI FPV Goggles v2 – https://amzn.to/3IQNDTJ
– DJI Goggles 2 – https://amzn.to/3xQXpPa
– Walksnail Goggles: https://bit.ly/3KvknDf | https://amzn.to/41nNKx1
– Walksnail VRX – https://bit.ly/3YZ135x | https://amzn.to/3kmzwvX
DISCLAIMERS:
This video and description contain affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, I’ll receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. This helps support my channel and allows me to continue to make videos like this. Thank you for the support!
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I have a Crux3 + HDZero Whoop Lite VTX + Crossfire with smaller antenna and when I fly in the park between the trees, I lose the signal faster than the image in the goggles after some 300-400m. I hope as change to elrs with T antenna, I will be able to fly further. What do you think about it? Ps I'm waiting for Boxer radio as a replacement for Tx16s with 4in1
Elrs ftw 🙌🏼
Cannon or Nikon… Windows vs Linux… Now got new fight ExpressLRS or Crossfire )
Got question – is there ELRS repeater? Or can I build one using any of existing rx+tx?
Hey Darren – I thought it was really great the way you used the frequencies in musical notes to demonstrate the different ways that the RX and radio communicate
That was a really nice touch. 😎
I have had couple issues with ELRS cause of companies not ELRS itself. I do feel a lil more secure with crossfire though I have alot of drones with ELRS
I'm nearly a year into FPV. The choice was easy: start with a cheap RTF kit tinywhoop then move to ELRS/HDZ. If there's a specialist usage that won't work, I'm fine to do a one-off build plus TX module on my radio.
flying long range over the ocean.. 50hz crossfire all day every day. because its one thing I don't have to worry about unlike video or battery… but every thing else 100% ERLS
Crossfire all day heard to much stuff about elrs not working right I've never had a problem with crossfire 🤟 you do you though
I use Tracer and ELRS.
I switched from FlySky to ELRS and needed a new TX (Jumper T-Lite is way too small for my hands).
I needed to replace my T-Lite with something bigger for my hands, with a much better build quality, trim swiches and a reasonable size (sorry TX16s. Chunky boy).
Without the Boxer as an option I went to the Mambo with ELRS module.
As good as ELRS is, my daily driver has a TracerRX – I just like the radio without the antenna sticking out or a module in the back.
Today I would just go for the boxer with ELRS…
Great video.
I opted for ELRS when "graduating" from DJI PNP.
I wonder if it's save or recommended to update everything from 2.4 to 3.x or if I should just leave it at the older systems as it just works.
If I want to use the binding phrase on a newer drone I get the message "2.5" is not supported or similar.
It's pretty much spot on man!💯
I love my elrs setup.
Do you know if anyone has tried 8S for racing? The foxeer stack can handle it. Just need matching kv motors and gnb 8s lipo
You answer you own question, you get what you pay, so far only dragonlink and crossfire are king, the rest is a gamble. Specially with expensive models.
cost savings is real but at a total of $200 (and I can use that money to buy/build another quad, WHAT?) for HIS whole fleet which he did not do as I did not convert my WHOLE fleet, I sorry. the only real advantage is the antenna. As they say, how do you say it, "RUBBISH" The xfire update system is WAY more superior to the almost attempt by expresslrs period. FYI, frsky is pronounced f-r-sky not free-sky, like so many biases out there, this is a 2.4ghz (flysky) protocol and it is way better then most have been lead to believe. I do agree that current baby micro's deserve a micro antenna. And this argument that more manufactures are better is really rubbish, there is so much garbage (rubbish) lrs crap, junk out there and not 1 is the best choice. And the radio argument is also, built in lrs in a radio is rubbish as well, none of built in lrc modules put OUT FULL LRS power. frsky, (again not freesky get it right please) dude does NOT send 1's and 0's as described. xfire 900mhz is way more superior then lsr. again period., the again update system really is rubbish in lrs then xfire at 900mhz. AND the description of lrs is inaccurate, it's is freq hopping system, and gee wiz the lrs is a copy of FLYSKY! This IS a lrs sales pitch period.
I would never recommend ELRS to new pilots because you become the support person for them, with Crossfire the extra cost goes to dedicated support, which you don't have to deal with. However if you have lots of quads on frsky, it totally makes sense to them move over, and ELRS is certainly budget-friendly and has a great track record.
Thank you Darren! Your explanation is awesome! Thanks for sharing.
sorry but I refuse to think anything is better than my Flysky AFHDS 2.4 system
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Those who still want 900mhz, wait for Project Gemini eLRS to be released which is 900mhz + 2.4ghz at the same time. It like multiple frequency diversity for your control link.
Pretty much it will destroy anything else.
Great video, great explanation! Personally sticking with crossfire since I already invested years ago
8:11 that was crafty. Nice use of sound waves to visualize 🎉
You had my attention until you said Aliexpress.
Crossfire flying from the beginning. One failsafe in all those years. ELRS the past year, on 14 drones. I still don't trust it for long range. The receiver updating does not stay current in the configurator. New Foxeer 2.4, blue tooth connection gives me the name and version. I go to update and ELRS configurator does not have that one listed. Tells me not enough space. Says to use 2.52 then update to current. Well 2.52 does not list the new Foxeer receiver. I ended up bricking it. ELRS devs are volunteers but ELRS still a pain in the rear end!
I'm on my 4th BAD Matek RX. How can that be cheaper than one TBS Rx?
ELRS on top
ELRS is the shit! Cheaper, as good or better performance on a higher frequency, and of course the ease of setup/use.