For these within the FPV world, the talk between 2.4GHz and 900MHz for ExpressLRS radio hyperlinks is ongoing. Every has its strengths: 2.4GHz provides sooner packet charges and decrease latency, whereas 900MHz offers higher penetration and vary. With the discharge of the Radiomaster Nomad, you now not have to decide on. This dual-band ExpressLRS module offers you the flexibleness to make use of each frequencies individually or concurrently.
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The place to Purchase
Get the Radiomaster Nomad module right here:
Get the Radiomaster DBR4 Receiver right here:
What Is the Radiomaster Nomad?
The Radiomaster Nomad is a dual-band ExpressLRS module that includes the progressive Gemini-X (Xrossband) know-how, enabling it to function in each 2.4GHz and 900MHz (868/915MHz) frequencies concurrently or individually. Each frequencies can ship as much as 1 watt of RF output energy, providing versatility for various flying situations.
2.4GHz offers sooner packet charges, as much as 1000Hz, delivering ultra-low latency that’s vital for racing or fast-response flying. Alternatively, 900MHz (868/915MHz) provides superior penetration and vary, making it excellent for flying via obstacles or in long-range eventualities.
The Nomad’s capability to modify between these bands—or use each concurrently—makes it some of the versatile ExpressLRS modules in the marketplace. In Gemini mode, information packets are despatched in parallel throughout each bands, doubling the probabilities of sustaining a strong connection, particularly in difficult environments with interference.
It’s essential to notice that you simply’ll must configure the right frequency vary for 900MHz based mostly in your location: 868MHz for Europe and 915MHz for the USA. Failing to take action may intervene with native mobile networks, so setting it up appropriately within the ExpressLRS settings is essential.
Nearer Take a look at the Radiomaster Nomad
The Nomad module comes with dual-band antennas designed to assist each 2.4GHz and 868/915MHz frequencies. These adjustable antennas permit horizontal or vertical positioning relying in your setup.
Antenna connectors are RP-SMA.
On the underside, there are XT30 connector for exterior energy (2S to 4S) when you don’t need to drain your radio’s inside battery, and a USB-C Port for firmware replace.
The RadioMaster Nomad ships with each JR and Lite module adapters, making it appropriate with a variety of radios, together with the Radiomaster Boxer and Zorro. Whereas the Nano adapter wasn’t included within the early evaluate models, it’s anticipated to be a part of the ultimate retail package deal, making certain full compatibility with smaller radios just like the RadioMaster Zorro.
Nonetheless, when put in within the Boxer, the module feels a bit unfastened within the bay. It’s securely locked, so there’s no threat of it popping out throughout flight, but it surely does make a rattling noise whenever you shake the radio.
New Packet Charges
ExpressLRS provides a wide range of packet charges, permitting you to steadiness latency and vary based mostly in your particular wants. For instance, 50Hz offers wonderful vary however with larger latency, whereas 1000Hz provides ultra-low latency on the expense of vary. The Radiomaster Nomad helps a broad vary of those packet charges, enabling you to tailor efficiency as required.
The Nomad introduces new packet charges optimized for each low latency and long-range capabilities. On 2.4GHz, you’ve got entry to straightforward ExpressLRS packet charges, together with 50Hz, 100Hz Full, and 500Hz. For 868/915MHz, the module helps 250Hz packet charges, which is quicker than older 900MHz modules that maxed out at 200Hz.
For dual-band operation, X150Hz and X100Hz Full present the best steadiness of vary, reliability, and management precision. These packet charges permit the module to transmit on each 2.4GHz and 868/915MHz concurrently, enhancing hyperlink stability.
The DBR4 Receiver: Twin-Band Capabilities
To take full benefit of the Nomad’s dual-band Gemini system, you’ll want a receiver that helps each 900MHz and a couple of.4GHz, just like the Radiomaster DBR4. In case you don’t have a dual-band receiver, the Nomad will nonetheless perform with single-band receivers, however you gained’t get the complete advantages of Gemini X.
The DBR4 receiver is barely bigger than typical ExpressLRS receivers because of its twin RF chipsets and superior performance. It’s designed for customers requiring a strong, dependable hyperlink, particularly in environments with excessive RF noise or for long-range flying.
With 4 antennas—two for 2.4GHz and two for 868/915MHz—this setup ensures most reliability when each frequencies are used concurrently.
Sensible Functions
The Nomad excels in varied eventualities, making it a powerful alternative for several types of FPV pilots:
- Racers: Most racers fly on open fields inside comparatively quick ranges, so they could not acquire a lot from the dual-band characteristic. A typical 2.4GHz ExpressLRS setup with a 1000Hz refresh charge stays the optimum and most cost-effective alternative for racing.
- Lengthy-Vary Flyers: The 900MHz band provides wonderful vary and penetration, particularly in Gemini X mode, the place each 900MHz and 2.4GHz work collectively to maintain your radio sign sturdy in troublesome environments. Whereas dual-band functionality could not improve your most vary, it ought to enhance the reliability of your radio management hyperlink.
- Informal Flyers: For these not flying long-range, the dual-band system is likely to be overkill. Personally, 10km flights with a regular 2.4GHz ELRS system (single antenna) utilizing simply 250mW output energy had been doable. Though I don’t assume I might be utilizing the Gemini Xrossband system usually, it offers added flexibility and reliability for difficult situations. For most individuals, 2.4GHz ELRS (non-diversity) ought to suffice, and when you want extra vary, merely decrease the packet charge to 250Hz or 150Hz.
Remaining Ideas: Is the Radiomaster Nomad the Final ELRS Module?
The Radiomaster Nomad provides outstanding flexibility, permitting you to modify between 2.4GHz and 900MHz or use each concurrently for max reliability. Nonetheless, it will not be a crucial improve for everybody. For many customers, the Gemini characteristic might be an overkill, as a regular ELRS setup ought to meet their wants.
That stated, when you’re on the lookout for larger flexibility and reliability throughout a variety of flying types—from long-range exploration to low-latency racing—the Nomad is price contemplating. Paired with the DBR4 receiver, you get a strong, dependable system able to dealing with a wide range of flying situations, from low-latency racing to long-range adventures.
Get the Radiomaster Nomad module right here:
Get the Radiomaster DBR4 Receiver right here:
