The Radiomaster GX12 is a feature-packed, extremely customizable transmitter at solely $169. It’s designed for pilots searching for most versatility and efficiency in a compact, travel-friendly type issue. The GX12 brings options usually reserved for higher-end fashions into an reasonably priced package deal, making it a lovely selection for a variety of customers. On this evaluation, I’ll dive into the GX12’s options, design, and efficiency, sharing my hands-on expertise that can assist you decide if that is the appropriate radio in your wants.
New to FPV? Try my information to study the fundamentals of radio transmitters:: https://oscarliang.com/radio-transmitter/
The place to Purchase
You should buy the Radiomaster GX12 from these distributors:
The GX12 package deal consists of these equipment:
- A sturdy carry case
- Display screen protector
- USB-C cable
- Stickers
- Handbook
Notice: Batteries usually are not included. You should buy suitable batteries right here:
Specs
- Inner RF Module: ExpressLRS 2.4GHz / 900MHz Twin Band XROSSBAND
- Protocol: ExpressLRS 2.4GHz / 868MHz / 915MHz Gemini-X
- Inner RF Output Energy: As much as 1W
- Cooling Fan: Sure
- Antenna: Two 2.4GHz / 900MHz omnidirectional folding antennas
- Present Consumption: 390mA – 1000mA (varies with RF output)
- Radio Firmware: EdgeTX
- Channels: Helps as much as 16 channels (receiver dependent)
- Enter Voltage: 6.6 – 8.4V DC
- Battery Choices: 2S LiPo or two 18650 Li-ion cells or 21700 (batteries not included)
- Charging: USB-C
- Show: 128×64 monochrome OLED show
- Gimbal: GX01 1000Hz, 3D digital CNC hall-effect gimbals with folding sticks
- Gimbal Sticks: 3mm thread
- Exterior RF Module Help: Lite module bay (Crossfire suitable)
- Firmware Updates: EdgeTX and ELRS through USB-C
- Reminiscence: 512MB inner flash reminiscence for EdgeTX system
- Dimensions: 183x148x78mm
- Weight: 670g (together with two 18650 batteries)
Compact Design
The Radiomaster GX12 shares an analogous dimension and format with the Jumper T20S, my trusted every day driver for the previous 15 months. Naturally, I used to be wanting to see how this new providing from Radiomaster would measure up as a possible various.
The GX12 has a flat backside, and may stand on the desk with none mod, higher than the T20S in that regard. Discover there are two M3 screw holes on the underside? Doubtlessly helpful for some kind of equipment sooner or later or DIY mods 🙂
At first look, the GX12 provides off the impression of a compact, gamepad-style radio, however don’t let its smaller type issue idiot you—it’s full of controls. Its foldable gimbal sticks and antennas make it extremely travel-friendly, eliminating the necessity for gimbal protectors. Merely fold and go!
That stated, Radiomaster’s continued emphasis on giant shows puzzles me. Very like the Zorro, the show on the GX12 protrudes barely, which detracts from its total compactness. On the flip aspect, the display screen’s dimension does improve readability, which is a particular benefit in use. When positioned aspect by aspect with the Boxer, the GX12 isn’t that a lot smaller, however its foldable sticks and antennas actually make it extra moveable.
When it comes to weight, the GX12 is available in at 670g with two 18650 batteries, making it the heaviest amongst radios just like the Boxer and T20S, each of which hover round 650g.
For these searching for most portability, the Radiomaster Pocket stays the model’s smallest and lightest choice, noticeably extra compact than the GX12.
There’s a cloth deal with on the again, similar because the Boxer.
Construct High quality
The GX12’s total construct high quality is on par with different Radiomaster fashions just like the Boxer and Zorro. Its plastic housing doesn’t have a premium really feel, however at a value level of $170, it’s strong sufficient to encourage confidence. The plastic feels sturdy, with no creaks or rattles, even when dealt with roughly.
One notable draw back is the restricted coloration choice—at the moment, the GX12 is just accessible in black. It could be nice to see Radiomaster introduce extra coloration variants or distinctive housing kinds sooner or later to cater to a broader vary of preferences.
Switches And Controls
Whereas the Radiomaster GX12 is marketed primarily for FPV drones, it shines as a flexible transmitter for fixed-wing pilots, due to options like trims, sliders (potentiometers), and quite a lot of customizable switches and buttons. These added choices make it a strong selection for pilots utilizing iNav or Ardupilot methods.
Loads of Switches for All Wants
The GX12 boasts a powerful variety of switches, with 4 switches and a slider on every nook of the radio. For quad pilots, this abundance would possibly really feel extreme—most would discover a whole of three or 4 switches ample. Nevertheless, for fixed-wing pilots who require extra controls to handle further options like flaps, touchdown gear, and flight modes, the GX12 provides greater than sufficient controls to deal with complicated setups.
Fascinating Change/Button Decisions
Every nook of the GX12 consists of:
- Two 3-position conventional stick-style switches (e.g., SE, SB)
- Two single-press momentary buttons (e.g., SG, SA)
Each corners have the identical buttons/switches. I personally really feel there are too many momentary buttons. Changing one or two with latching buttons would have made the radio extra versatile for various use instances.
Swappable Change Panels
A standout characteristic of the GX12 is the swappable change panels. These panels will let you take away the slider for a cleaner setup.
You might additionally substitute one of many 3-position switches (SE or SF) with a 2-position change or one other momentary change. These replacements are included within the package deal.
Nevertheless, notice that solely SE and SF switches are related through a cable and may be swapped. The remainder of the switches are soldered on to a PCB and can’t be simply changed.
6-Place Flight Mode Buttons
The GX12 options the acquainted 6-position flight mode buttons seen on many different Radiomaster radios. This time, they arrive with RGB LED backlighting, which provides a visible contact and makes it simpler to determine modes in low-light circumstances. Moreover, these buttons bear in mind their final state subsequent time you energy on the radio.
Gimbals
The GX12 debuts Radiomaster’s GX01 gimbals, that are CNC aluminum corridor impact gimbals that includes foldable stick ends. This innovation makes the GX12 extremely travel-friendly. To fold the sticks, merely pull the stick finish away from the radio and fold it down.
Relating to smoothness, the GX01 gimbals really feel akin to the corridor gimbals on different Radiomaster radios just like the Zorro or Boxer. The stickends have M3 threads and may be upgraded to aftermarket ones. Those included are the Radiomaster Sticky360 that are my present favorite.
Compact Dimension with Commerce-offs
The GX01 gimbals are smaller than full-sized gimbals discovered within the Boxer or TX16S. This leads to a barely shorter throw, which may have an effect on precision. I used to be flying with the GX12 and T20S (with AG01 improve) again to again, the distinction was noticeable. Whereas I used to be capable of carry out freestyle strikes with related precision with follow, the full-sized gimbals really feel simpler due to the finer management.
Compatibility and Limitations
Sadly, the GX12 doesn’t assist some other Radiomaster gimbals, besides the GX01. This implies you can not improve the GX12 with premium gimbals just like the $90 AG01 or AG01 Mini. As somebody who enjoys the premium really feel and smoothness of the AG01 gimbals, it is a notable draw back. Nevertheless, the foldable design of the GX01 does provide a novel portability benefit.
Gimbal Pressure Adjustability
Out of the field, I discovered the gimbal spring pressure a bit too tight, and the throttle was barely stiffer than I choose. Fortunately, changes may be made simply through the holes behind the radio.
Stick Journey Adjustment
The vary of throw for the vertical axis may be adjusted utilizing the 2 hex screws on the entrance of the gimbal.
Show and Menu Buttons
The 128×64 monochrome OLED display screen on the GX12 is a big improve from the Boxer and Zorro for its superior readability and aethestics. It’s extremely legible even in direct daylight. Whereas it lacks the enchantment of a coloration touchscreen, it’s a trade-off that saves battery life and retains issues easy—an excellent strategy for FPV setups.
The menu buttons and scroll wheel are the usual throughout most Radiomaster radios, so there’s not a lot I can say about it. The aluminum scroll wheel provides a premium contact. Total, the menu navigation feels intuitive and acquainted, with no surprises right here.
On high of the radio, there’s a single USB-C port that handles each laptop connections and inner battery charging. Not like earlier fashions from Radiomaster, which use two separate USB port, it’s a terrific enchancment. It’s complemented by a headphone jack and a coach port.
Ergonomics
The GX12 includes a thick and ergonomic housing design that provides a strong grip. Whether or not you’re a thumber or a pincher, the form caters properly to each kinds.
Nevertheless, as a pincher, I discovered myself wishing the gimbals had been barely recessed into the radio. To compensate, I needed to modify the sticks shorter for higher attain to the endpoints, however this got here at the price of some management precision.
Regardless of being barely heavier than the Boxer, the GX12 stays snug to carry for lengthy flight classes. The rubberized texture across the sides and again enhances the grip, stopping fatigue throughout prolonged flights.
In the event you choose a neck strap, you’ll respect that the radio stays moderately balanced, though it’s barely top-heavy. For fixed-wing pilots who must liberate a hand for launching planes, a neck strap is a must have (not included however accessible individually: https://oscarliang.com/product-1z7b).
The GX12 provides quite a lot of switches, however I discovered their design and placement lower than preferrred. Radiomaster opted for brief, skinny switches to keep up compactness, however they’re stiff and situated far out of your fingers, making them difficult to make use of whereas holding the gimbal sticks.
Typically, I needed to take my hand off the persist with flip a change, needing two fingers to keep away from flipping the flawed one by mistake. Whereas I perceive the intent to stability compactness and performance, this design appears like a compromise that doesn’t totally fulfill both objective. Radiomaster’s button-style switches from the Pocket or the conventional stick switches on the Boxer might need been a better option.
EdgeTX
The Radiomaster GX12 ships with EdgeTX firmware (model 2.11.0-selfbuild) – the working system of the radio. Whereas EdgeTX comes with a studying curve for newcomers, it offers unparalleled flexibility and management over your radio’s performance.
Radiomaster has adopted Jumper’s lead by changing the normal micro SD card with onboard flash reminiscence to retailer EdgeTX system information (generally often called SD card content material). This transfer eliminates the necessity for extra SD playing cards and considerably hurries up operations like file switch and firmware updates. The 512MB inner storage is greater than ample for the common pilot’s wants, and I personally love this streamlined strategy.
ExpressLRS Twin-Band Know-how
The GX12 is supplied with a 1W dual-band ExpressLRS module, able to transmitting on each 2.4GHz and 868/915MHz singals concurrently (868MHz for EU/UK and 915MHz for the US). This characteristic, known as Gemini-X expertise, provides redundancy and ensures essentially the most dependable radio hyperlink even in difficult environments with RF interfernce.
Radiomaster has successfully built-in their Nomad module into the GX12, a transfer that brings the superior dual-band capabilities to a extra compact and reasonably priced package deal. For individuals who don’t want dual-band, the module can be configured to transmit on both 2.4GHz or 900MHz, making it extremely versatile.
Be taught extra about this expertise in my evaluation of the Nomad module: https://oscarliang.com/radiomaster-nomad-dbr4/
The interior RF module runs on ExpressLRS 3.5.2-pr3035 firmware,
And when you want to run different protocols comparable to TBS Crossfire, you’ll be able to too with the onboard lite module bay.
Is Twin-Band Needed?
For many pilots, the Gemini-X dual-band characteristic is perhaps overkill. In the event you primarily fly over open areas with minimal interference, the usual 2.4GHz module is greater than ample. Pilots have achieved unbelievable ranges—tens of miles—with the two.4GHz ELRS module, proving its reliability and robustness. However when you typically fly in RF-noisy environments or require enhanced penetration, dual-band is price contemplating.
Presently, there are restricted dual-band receivers in the marketplace. One instance is the Radiomaster DBR4, which options 4 antennas to accommodate the dual-band characteristic.
Get the Radiomaster DBR4 Receiver right here:
Antennas: Comfort Meets Efficiency
The GX12 comes with foldable dual-band antennas, designed for each 2.4GHz and 868/915MHz frequencies. Whereas they’re handy and compact, they don’t carry out in addition to devoted single-band antennas.
For these searching for most efficiency, Radiomaster has thoughtfully included holes on the again of the display screen for mounting SMA connectors, permitting customers to connect their most well-liked antennas (greater acquire or devoted single-band antenna).
Energy Consumption
The Radiomaster GX12’s present draw varies considerably primarily based on the ExpressLRS RF output energy stage:
- 10mW: 0.49A
- 25mW: 0.50A
- 50mW: 0.55A
- 100mW: 0.64A
- 250mW: 0.90A
- 500mW: 1.16A
- 1W: 1.68A – 1.82A
One notable bounce in energy consumption happens between 100mW and 250mW, that’s as a result of 250mW is the default threshold for the fan to activate (you’ll be able to change it within the LUA script). The fan itself provides about 0.1A to the present draw. The fan isn’t overly loud, nevertheless it’s noticeable when operating
Apparently, adjusting the show brightness has minimal impression on energy consumption, with a distinction of solely 2mA between the minimal and most brightness ranges.
Battery and Charging
The GX12 may be powered by a 2S LiPo or Li-ion Battery. It comes with a battery holder that accommodates each button high and flat high 18650 cells, nevertheless it received’t match 21700 cells. Additionally eradicating the cells from the holder was frustratingly tough. I even broke a nail whereas making an attempt! Fortunately you’ll be able to simply depart the battery contained in the radio, and cost them via the USB-C port on high.
Notice that batteries usually are not included. In the event you want a strong choice, Radiomaster’s 3200mAh cells work properly, get them right here:
I additionally examined a bunch of various 18650 choices, see my end result and suggestions right here: https://oscarliang.com/best-18650-li-ion-battery/
The battery compartment measures 80x44x23mm (size, width, depth), is sufficiently big for Radiomaster’s 2S 5000mAh Li-ion pack, nevertheless it received’t match the 6200mAh LiPo pack used within the Boxer. Get the 2S 5000mAh battery right here: https://s.click on.aliexpress.com/e/_omMBGrN
Battery Life Estimates
Based mostly on the facility consumption, I estimate the battery life to be round 6 hours utilizing two 18650 3200mAh cells at 10mW output energy. Growing output energy to 100mW will convey it right down to roughly 4.5 hours. And with the utmost 1000mW output energy will lower battery life down to simply 100 minutes.
Charging
The built-in stability charging circuit helps USB-C charging for LiPo and Li-ion battery varieties. Radiomaster eliminated the twin USB-C port setup (one for charging, one for simulators) discovered on their earlier fashions. Now, a single USB-C port handles each charging and knowledge switch, streamlining the setup course of.
- Charging Energy: As much as 12W (5V 2.4A)
- Full Cost Time: ~90 minutes to 2 hours to totally cost a 3200mAh battery.
Simulator Help
The GX12 works seamlessly with all standard FPV simulators. As soon as related, it’s routinely acknowledged and seems as “TX16S” within the controller listing, however this naming quirk doesn’t impression its performance.
Tear Down
The Radiomaster GX12 is simple to disassemble, requiring solely 4 hex screws on the again to be eliminated.
Nevertheless, there’s a guarantee sticker on the underside of the radio housing, eradicating this sticker voids your guarantee.
Usually, you don’t actually need to take aside the radio as a result of:
- You’ll be able to modify the gimbal spring pressure via holes within the again housing after eradicating the rubber grips. Admittedly it’s simpler to regulate with the again housing eliminated completely as a result of the screws are buried fairly deep inside.
- The shoulder panels for the switches are modular and may be changed with out opening the radio. Merely undo the screws on the panels to swap or rearrange switches.
Moreover, the PCB is hydrophobic-coated, providing safety from moisture and growing sturdiness in difficult environments.
Drawbacks Abstract
Whereas the GX12 excels in lots of areas, some design compromises would possibly deter sure customers. Right here’s a fast rundown:
- Gimbal Dimension: The smaller gimbals scale back precision and management really feel in comparison with full-size gimbals discovered within the Boxer and TX16S, however the trade-off is improved portability with foldable sticks.
- Weight: At 670g, the GX12 is even barely heavier than the bigger Boxer, which can have an effect on consolation throughout lengthy flight classes. Moreover, the radio is barely top-heavy, which impacts stability when utilizing a neck strap.
- Twin-Band Antennas: The twin-band antennas are handy however don’t match the efficiency of devoted single-band antennas. Exterior single-band antennas may be added, however this requires DIY modifications.
- Switches: Whereas there are many switches, 4 out of eight switches on the shoulders are momentary buttons that can’t be swapped out. Changing a few of these with latching toggles would enhance versatility.
- Show Selection: The big show stands out on the high, compromising the radio’s compact type issue (since that is clearly meant to be a compact radio?).
- Wi-fi Coach Help: The shortage of wi-fi coach assist is a missed alternative for head monitoring.
Last Ideas: Is the GX12 Value It?
The Radiomaster GX12 goals to ship a “do-it-all” answer, and in some ways, it succeeds. It’s a feature-packed transmitter that’s compact, moveable, and fairly priced at $169. The inclusion of dual-band ExpressLRS and foldable gimbal sticks makes it stand out in a crowded market.
Nevertheless, the compromises made to accommodate such a large viewers could restrict its enchantment for some customers.
- Newbies and people who worth simplicity would possibly discover choices just like the Pocket or Zorro extra approachable.
- Pilots prioritizing precision and management really feel could choose full-sized gimbals present in radios just like the Boxer or TX16S MKII.
- For a compact radio with full dimension gimbals, the T20S stays my go-to.
That stated, the GX12’s versatility is unmatched. It’s a superb selection for pilots who want one moveable radio to deal with quite a lot of use instances, from drones to fastened wings. Its $169 value level, mixed with Gemini-X dual-band expertise (a module price $45 alone), makes it an excellent worth for individuals who respect its characteristic set.
You should buy the Radiomaster GX12 from these distributors:
In the event you’re searching for a compact, customizable, and superior transmitter that balances value and performance, the Radiomaster GX12 is price severe consideration.
