Appreciate the extra effort you put in with an actual flight test and flashing information. I think your review of the Radiomaster Zorro is one of the best as it's not just an opinion, you demonstrate, test and show results also.
Wayne, I was getting tired to looking at all the videos on this, as they all dropped on the same day and said about the same thing. Your video is the most complete introduction of this new controller, more information than I obtained from a combination of the others. Well done, sir, thank you.
Thanks - yeah, I don't know how I feel about these review embargo products where there's going to be an avalanche of the same videos on UA-cam. On the plus side, as far as RadioMaster goes, everyone most definitely knows that the Zorro has released, and for viewers, they can get lots of opinions - but on the flip side, there could be next to nothing else to watch bu Zorros if you have are subscribed to lots of FPV channels!
I have watched a dozen or so reviews of the RadioMaster Zorro and yours is the only one who actually goes out and flys with the radio. I super appreciate the effort so you got a new subscriber here. :)
really nice to see someone actually fly it with them only being sent three days before release date instead of doing an unboxing to grab the affiliate crash sorry i mean cash. favorite video of this. Cheers. Mines coming out when iv used it for a bit
Cheers Andy - I thought this would be a next week thing - as I wanted to fly with it before a video, but a window opened up on the Friday to fly. First time doing the "lets have a video out for release" thing - novelty first time around, not sure I'd feel that way on subsequent products!
Well, there's a little hole which is currently filled by a rubber bung, so hopefully there's a nice simple way of doing so - in which case I'll crack straight on with it
been back and fourth between this an the jumper t lite v2 ... your flying test was what made me pull the trigger on the zorro today in the elrs im used to my big bulky qx7s so this will be a huge change and prob better fit for my hands im finding my hands get crampy holding the qx7 so im excited ..
Best of luck. I actually find myself able to adapt pretty quickly to any radio (so far at least) but for many it's very hit and miss and it's not always easy to simply go to a store and hold all the radios to get a feel for them. The Zorro is certainly much more ergonomic than the QX7, that's kind of the equivalent of carrying a large wooden slab around :)
Remember the Turnigy Evolution? I loved mine... I'm happy folks are coming around to something as capable as this one is in this form factor and reasonably priced.
I never had the Evo but I did have (and still have) a Taranix X-lite which I really did enjoy flying (after extending the stick lengths) It's a form factor I love as well, but I get the feeling it's a love/hate thing with other pilots
I still use the Evo. It has enough range for whoops and toothpicks and a cover so you can chuck it in a backpack. Had this on backorder for a few months now.
Had my Zorro for a few days now. Got the 4 in 1 option. Changed it to Mode 1 and have to say I like it very much so far. I also changed my CRSF Micro TX Module to Nano Module for a neat fit. Flew some indoor Helis and quads, its great TBH. Cant wait for our horrific weather to improve (about June)....lol..
Great overview m8, your the first to do a flight test I recon....It's a sweet little TX...Mount those quad antennas vertical is the obvious answer, for null free flying...lol.🤔😀🇬🇧
Yeah - it's the obvious answer, but it never feels right on a quad - at least without worrying that I'm going to chop the antennas up into bits :) Fixed wing, easy - but quads... hmm. But maybe I'll have a go at one of them. I've got enough spare ELRS rx's to do quite a few conversions now.
Once again, You have really done a brilliant job on the overview. I greatly enjoy my Radiomaster TX16S and at the moment I don't see myself buying the Zorro as an extra even though it's $99.00 USD.
Very good review of this new radio. I just watched Nick's review and yours comes quite close to his in overall evaluation of the radio. I do like your in the field testing too. The range test came out about as expected. I'm sure that the antenna on this radio is a sleeve dipole as it is on almost every 2.5GHz radio. Not as directional as the Moxon style, but like all antennas it does have its nulls in line with the antenna element. I like the overall design of this radio with the large screen on top. I have never been a gamer and this is the first game pad style radio that I have ANY interest in. I have been flying RC for 50 years now and am eminently comfortable with the classic box shape radio.
That's interesting - the game pad style controller (for want of a better phrase) does seem to divide opinion a little. It does seem to fit with quads in some ways as they are both new... but the idea of traditional radio for fixed wing and game style for quads doesn't make any sense either :D We just don't seem to have RC stores any longer (at least where I am in the world) and especially not FPV stores. Imagine the joy of being able to go somewhere and physically hold a bunch of radios in your hands and decided which felt right... on that note, it would be amazing to try on goggles as well in the same way. I can but dream
... and after you were so mean to my daughters voice on my radio, I go ahead and tolerate comments like this. Although, if you are going to offer a sound pack, perhaps use a decent mic. Your samples sound like you recorded them with your head in a cardboard box several rooms away from whatever "mic" you were using. Just some constructive criticism.
@@CurryKitten Well sorry, appologies, I didn't know it was your daughters voice, as it sounded like the stock default sound files. If I had known it was custom and your daughter I would of certainly said something positive! I myself used the $25 gamer mic headset I had on hand...
Nice video. What would have been useful would be to explain which modes of use this radio is certified for FCC or CE use. I think think at the time of writing this is a small subset of the functionality you have covered. For example. ELRS is illegal above 10mW in the EU.
I don't know - and to be honest it's not something I pay too much attention as most people flying tend to ignore it anyway! It is interesting that the EU version of 2.4 on ELRS is set at 25mw as IIRC the actual power that's legal to use is 60mw - which is what (I think) the original Taranis had. There is actually a CE mark on the box... but I don't know what that gets us in the more complex scenario of potentially having lots of different control frequencies and most not using LBT
Nice review But have some questions maybe you can answer I know this vid is a year old but I am always late to the show when it comes to tech I see you have a ELRS internal protocol SO here is my question , I have older small quads and have the older Frsky XM / XM+ / Rsxr /SPI receivers ( not the newer Frsky Rx's with ACCESS I think it is ? Rather than change all of those to ELRS receivers, etc IF I bought the Zorro and I wanted to continue to fly my older quads with those older Frsky Rx's what Zorro should one get . One with ELRS and ADD a module to cover the older Rx's ( if they will ) OR get a Zorro with 4 in 1 or CC2250 and ADD a ELRS module to use ELRS as it appears everything is now ELRS and many micro quads being sold ? I currently use the original T8SG Tx ( black and silver ) to fly my little quads and when Frsky changed to their new ACCESS ? I think it is, it will not bind to the newer Frsky receivers SO what do i need IF, I decided to go with the Radiomaster Zorro ? Sorry if that is confusing , not sure what one is to do as tech is ever changing and I am always way behind in the goods...Lol
If you are keen on the Zorro (instead of the other RadioMaster radios - like the TX12 or Boxer) then I would personally get a 4-in-1 version (you could get the CC2250 just for FrSky, bur it's good to have all bases covered) and get the ELRS module... RadioMasters Ranger module is very nice. The reason I would do it that way around is that I'm not a huge fan of the little 2.4Ghz antenna that comes with the Zorro. It's fine, but it doesn't hold up that well against the T-Antenna on their newer radios. You can do a little mode to change this, but it's extra messing. There's no right way or wrong way about is it better to have ELRS on a module or a 4-in-1. If it's a case of what you might fly more, then maybe that should be your internal one. I still have a whole bunch of models on XM+'s and a few L9R's kicking around in planes. Although adding an ELRS RX is pretty easy and fairly cheap, in most instances there's nothing wrong with flyin on older FrSky gear, just as long as you don't want to go 40km with them :)
@@CurryKitten Thank You for the information. Yeah I like the game style controller and I would fly mostly my older quads so the 4 in 1 sounds great, Just flying micros around the property so do not need distance really, but If I went with the ELRS module and wanted to fly further that should do the trick I am sure but flying long distances is not my thing...lol Thank You For your help I appreciate it a lot and I sure needed it Thanks again.
The version of the radio I'm testing is the ExpressLRS one, but it's available as well with an internal 4-in-1 module and that will bind to Spectrum (and pretty much most everything else)
@@CurryKitten It was the moment you showed us the quad you were about to fly, I saw the antenna was mounted horizontally. Then I saw the transmitter antenna sticking up vertically... I knew what was about to happen, then you figured it out and fixed the problem by putting the antenna away back to horizontal. Shame you can't use the mini moxon antenna with the Zorro
Great video, I fly spektrum fixed wing, I want to fly fpv and need a new controller that’s cheap but functional. Would you recommend this? Do you recommend the 4in1 or elrs? I’m fairly confused about the frsky protocol with all the eu, non Eu, lbt , fcc. And if it will work with specific drones Thanks a lot, you’ve helped me in the past and I really appreciate it. Subbed👍
If you want to carry on flying your DSM stuff, then the 4-in-1 module is for you - you can then always add on an ELRS module later if you want to go in that direction. Whilst this hasn't got the same number of 3 position switches as something like the more traditional looking TX16, you'd need a fairly complex fixed wing setup to have to start worrying about running out - I'd be happy flying fixed wing with it. FrSky do seem to have confused everyone - there's EU (LBT) and non-EU (FCC) but to complicate matters further they've then got ASSCT rx's in which nobody want to use their v2 firmware, and then they've also got their ACCESS protocol, and their 868/916 R9 system... yep, there's a lot to it. The 4-in-1 multiprotocol module will work with all the 2.4 FrSky stuff as well, so you should be fairly covered if you are getting some BNF models.
@@CurryKitten perfect, I don’t plan to use it for fixed wing. Just drones, and do the eu and fcc rules still apply to that 4in1 module? If so, I think I’ll go with the elrs version. Thank you so much for your help
Well, the EU/FCC rules are just rules for the regions and so it's up to you to follow them (or not) The multiprotocol module can happily bind to FCC and LBT rx's - but if you are in the EU then you are supposed to use LBT. I'm a little bit flippant about this because it seems very rare than people within the EU will succumb to the harsher rules enforced on them when they are all on their own surrounded by miles of empty fields. I mainly just get on with it. ELRS is a perfect system for quads, you'll have a great time with that one, and the RX's are nice and small, cheap and go a long way
Hey! So I have you in front of approx. Ordered 1.5 weeks. Can't I put two ADDITIONAL 18350 batteries (because of the small size) in a printed case, solder a 2-pin USB cable on it, then feed the internal batteries from it until the external ones are empty, so that the internal batteries can continue to be used? 🤔 Or is the 7.4V (8.4V) voltage too high for the USB port?
So, the USB socket can only accept 5v, but you do have the connector which will fit a balance lead from a 2S battery, so I would solder on a balance lead for your 18640 pack (you'll need one anyway to charge them nicely) and plug that in.
Nice work on this review. You mentioned changing between mode 1 and 2 but can it be setup for both stick to be seflf centered? Wanted to use this radio but for an nitro RC but probably tha range in surface wont be that good right?
You should be able to, the self-centering adjustment screws are independent of each other. I did want to have a check by doing it myself, only to find that my screwdriver was too thick to fit down the hole - you need a little allen key for it. WHen using this type of radio in FPV cars, I used the right stick for both throttle and steering and the left for controlling a pan/tilt system. I guess if it's Nitro, you are not FPVing though. Ground range will never be as good as in the air, but I've no doubt you'd get further on ELRS than a regular 2,4Ghz system
Great review - and I've watched a bunch of them. One concerning comment I saw was that the sliders on top were right where a thumbers index fingers would rest and it could be annoying (uncomfortable), or even a problem if you used a slider for flaps. Your thoughts?
It could be an issue if this is where you'd naturally rest your fingers. I've never really thought about where I put them before and wondering why I didn't run into this. As it turns out it seems when I hold the radio in a relaxed grip for flying my fingers are slightly bent and don't reach the sliders or I actually have them on the back lip of the radio so I'd never come in contact with the sliders by accident. I think you'd need to grip you radio in quite a specific way and with fingers quite extended to hit them, and in most relaxed grip situations it wouldn't seem like you'd get them.... but certainly something to consider if you think you might. The sliders have no central notch either, so they do move quite freely.
What fpv camera you are using on your quad. Quality is very good. What is your opinion on jumper t lite with elrs module. Will it get more range than radiomaster Zorro?
The camera is a RunCam Phoenix 2 Nano, although the clean picture is mainly down to the RushFPV VTX. I don't have a T-Lite, but as long as it supports the module you could get it to outperform the Zorro - with a more powerful ELRS module (1W for example) and a higher gain antenna like a mini moxon
Yes - on the ELRS version at least. Go into the ExpressLRS LUA script, then go to TX Power and you can set the transmit power to 10/25/50/100/250mw and turn dynamic power on/off
Concerning the antenna: doesn't the Zorro have a hole in the case for a DIY antenna upgrade? I preordered the Zorro ELRS starter kit last week already. Your review just confirms my decision.
Yep, there's a hole (currently filled by a rubber bung) I'm interested to know if RM are going to document the idea of adding an antenna this way in the manual - which doesn't seem to exist yet (in much the same way TBS have done with the Mambo) waiting to hear back from them about it, but it's CNY right now, so might be a while.
I'm going to be messing around with an even smallaer-than-normal antenna, but not in a quad where I can fly to failsafe point (as no GPS) but it'll be interesting to measure against a mini-moxon equipped module.
I don't own an XJT nano module to test this myself, but it will obviously fit in there, Edge TX will support it, and if I look at the options for external modules in the model setup, XJT is one of them. So I think it'll work just fine.
@@CurryKitten I just received a Zorro with ELRS and tried the XJT Lite module, but the module does not seem to work at all. It briefly flashes the red light when you first plug it in, but never turns the light on again after that. There is an XJT option in external module options in the radio, but no XJT Lite option like in some other radios. Could that be the problem?
Hi there, I've just got the Zorro and have tried it out with the currykitten simulator as well as velocidrone. On both sims, the 3-way toggle switch on the right shows no input/feedback on the controller setup.. I also get no feedback for either sliders. I'm wondering if you have the same issue? I'm new to the hobby and this is my first controller, so a little nervous it might be broken. I don't have a drone yet to test. I'm on linux as well so maybe that's an issue.
Was able to test it on windows and the right 3 way switch started working. The slider's still don't register but I suspect that's just the simulators don't look for that sort of input. Pleased to see my controller isn't broken!
Hi Pat, I've just tested this on my Mac.. wrong OS again, but just to get an idea. I get a response from all the switches, both sliders and the little momentary switches like A/B/H/G. One thing to note is that the standard OpenTX (and I assume EdgeTX) joystick model will only define the first 8 channels as axis, so if you set anything up on ch 9-32 they'll show up as buttons... irrespective of the type of input you've added them to. I haven't tried this on Linux (I have a VM which doesn't run great to do basic testing on the sim but I'll have a look and see if there's a difference)
Ok, fired up my Debian 10 VM and all seems good there too. As you've mentioned your new to the hobby, a few things just to double check with you as they can be easily missed. In order for any of the switches/sliders/buttons/etc to work you will need to have then assigned to a channel in your mixes screen. If you go in and edit one of the mixes, click on source and then move switches/buttons/sliders/etc around (whilst being in my sim in the advanced section of the joystick page) you should see the bar moving for each of the inputs you are moving (until you press enter on the radio) If something else different is happening, let me know.
@@CurryKitten Thank you so much! I've learned a lot about controllers today and managed to get the sliders set up. Still having issues with one of the switches but it's a different switch now! So... progress? just need to wrap my head around the configuration interface and I should get it all sorted. Thanks again, I was completely unaware of mixes. These controllers are surprisingly powerful and versatile.
100mw - I thought about putting it up to 250 to see what would happy, but it's not like I was having an issue on 100mw, it just wasn't quite up to what a mini-moxon would do
Nice review. So basically the Zorro will be your daily driver this spring? Regarding antenna, think someone mentioned there will be an option to add an external antenna. Would be interesting to take a peak inside to see if has a common connector like Tx_ models. You likely had a bit of frustration with your camera sneezing when it came to focusing. Would suggest adding a logo, or just a fun text phrase to the white background to give the focusing algorithms a constant reference. Maybe a CurryKitten litter pattern? (Alternatively a curry clowder, or kitten kindle)
Yes - should be. I still have some modules to test that use a JR bay so there's some stuff that'll have to use another radio (mostly the Mambo at the moment) but this is really nice to use, so I'm happy to use it on everything going forwards. My camera likes to play around like that. I don't use that angle with me and the screen much, and I didn't see it went out so badly. It's always being annoying in close-ups - especially if I'm holding a tiny receiver or something :D It would be cool if there's any easy way to fit an external antenna. I thought there might be a handy SMA under the round rubber plug, but no such luck. It could be the case of (like TBS) there's a description of how to make an internal modification. I didn't have much chance to check this out as I decided to play "lets release the video on the same day as everyone else" and so was mostly concerned with getting to the field today to fly
@@CurryKitten Nice to hear. Mambo form factor is good too. Don't have, so can't comment. Will be plenty of opportunity to dive deeper. :) Will let you know if come across good info on antenna mods/accessories/options.
Mate I’m sure not getting like 100-150m before I loose control of the drone. I’m flying the 5” Josh bardwell Elrs fpv analog rig. I replaced the mini square Happymodel with the radio master RX that has the antenna… Any ideas?
That's horrible range on ELRS, I'm happily flying rx's with "proper" antennas >1km at pretty much full signal. Have you looked at your Link quality and dBM RSSI values on your OSD - are they starting out well and degrading, or something else. Have you checked what strength you are transmitting at and what speed ?
@@CurryKitten Played with a lot of the settings, dBM and radio output dtength and just cant get it past a few hundred meters. I just installed the EP2 with the antenna that hangs out the back, updated and matched the LUA's and its still the same.
Nope - there is a hole filled by a rubber lug (you'll see it when I'm showing the top ports of the radio) but there's no SMA there. Now it could be that it's a hole just in case people want to fit an SMA. I've asked RM about this (as the manual doesn't seem to have appeared as yet) so it might be that there's a documented way of doing this (a bit like TBS talk about in their manual for the Mambo) but it's CNY so I'm not expecting an instant response from them
@@CurryKitten I've gone back and checked, and you're right, I misunderstood Pawel when he said there was a hole for an SMA antenna, I assumed he meant a connector. My mistake.
This far. (Holds hands apart) All range questions depend on many things - however, the radio won't do anything magical to the range, so however far it normally gets will be the answer
I've only had the single ELRS version in my hand - so bear that in mind, but the way I understand it is this. The various versions CC2500/4-in-1/ELRS means that will be the internal module - but it's just 1 of the 3. So if you wanted a 4-in-1 module internally, then to have ELRS as well you'd need an external module... or visa versa
@@CurryKitten ok i guess i already understand now. So the 4 in 1 version has frysky, spektrum, flysky etc. Internally. Then elrs version has elrs internally.
biggest concern are the small batteries - big radio and not even 18650 cells. They have just 2x 900 mAh which means 1800 mAh in total compared to usual 3500 mAh Samsung cells with 7000 mAh in total. That becomes important in case of higher elrs output at 250 mW. They battery carrier added is more or less a joke for bad design - compare the volume of the Jumper t-pro versus this one than you will ask why they would not have been able to add 2 18650 cells in the compartment somewhere, somehow even under the display . save my money this year for sure - great progress and competition, but prices exploding cause my t16 and tx16s were each cheaper than these joystick like radios.
I would have liked to have seen more battery mAh as well, when I opened up the handles to see the battery I thought they could have maybe squeezed 18650's in there, but what do I know about what electronics are in the rest of the handles. I used this for about an hour out in the field at 100mw, and that brought the battery down to 7.1v Something to keep an eye on and I'll be reporting back if I'm running out of juice at the field.
People tend to have antenna horizontally polarised on quads as there often limited space to mount vertically... at least without the antenna getting struck by the prop
when I got my first spektrum TX, opened it up and couldn't believe how let down I was when I felt how cheap it felt after spending so much... felt just like the futaba t6ex... 💩. If the zoro feels as nice as it looks it should be great in the hand
Yeah - I've had my fair share of cheap and plasticy feeling radios... although to be fair, some of them performed very well. It's just why this one stood out for feeling a whole lot better.
Ok...I'm a noob. Let's say you only have an emax Tinyhawk 3 set. You plan on getting an upgraded radio and drone...analog so goggles will be last. You see the Radiomaster zorro and figure that will be the one. Then you see "ELRS" or "ELRS Starter Set". What's the difference?
The ELRS version is just the radio (running ELRS) the ELRS Starter set is the same radio with 3 receivers (2 with the regular T-antennas, and 1 with a ceramic tower antenna)
Additional question, would he be better off buying the 4in1 over the ELRS Zorro to be able to fly his Tinyhawk 3? I’m kind of in the same situation but have a few more older quads. Thanks in advance if you answer this as this is an old vid…
Appreciate the extra effort you put in with an actual flight test and flashing information. I think your review of the Radiomaster Zorro is one of the best as it's not just an opinion, you demonstrate, test and show results also.
Much appreciated!
Wayne, I was getting tired to looking at all the videos on this, as they all dropped on the same day and said about the same thing. Your video is the most complete introduction of this new controller, more information than I obtained from a combination of the others. Well done, sir, thank you.
Thanks - yeah, I don't know how I feel about these review embargo products where there's going to be an avalanche of the same videos on UA-cam. On the plus side, as far as RadioMaster goes, everyone most definitely knows that the Zorro has released, and for viewers, they can get lots of opinions - but on the flip side, there could be next to nothing else to watch bu Zorros if you have are subscribed to lots of FPV channels!
I have watched a dozen or so reviews of the RadioMaster Zorro and yours is the only one who actually goes out and flys with the radio. I super appreciate the effort so you got a new subscriber here. :)
Many thanks, welcome aboard!
really nice to see someone actually fly it with them only being sent three days before release date instead of doing an unboxing to grab the affiliate crash sorry i mean cash. favorite video of this. Cheers. Mines coming out when iv used it for a bit
Cheers Andy - I thought this would be a next week thing - as I wanted to fly with it before a video, but a window opened up on the Friday to fly. First time doing the "lets have a video out for release" thing - novelty first time around, not sure I'd feel that way on subsequent products!
So the video on adding the sma kit to the radio is next.
Really good review thankyou.
Well, there's a little hole which is currently filled by a rubber bung, so hopefully there's a nice simple way of doing so - in which case I'll crack straight on with it
been back and fourth between this an the jumper t lite v2 ... your flying test was what made me pull the trigger on the zorro today in the elrs im used to my big bulky qx7s so this will be a huge change and prob better fit for my hands im finding my hands get crampy holding the qx7 so im excited ..
Best of luck. I actually find myself able to adapt pretty quickly to any radio (so far at least) but for many it's very hit and miss and it's not always easy to simply go to a store and hold all the radios to get a feel for them. The Zorro is certainly much more ergonomic than the QX7, that's kind of the equivalent of carrying a large wooden slab around :)
Remember the Turnigy Evolution? I loved mine... I'm happy folks are coming around to something as capable as this one is in this form factor and reasonably priced.
I still have mine even though i dont use it. Elrs in that would be great!
@@johhakan they were ahead of their time... The Nirvana was also ahead of it's time .. this seems more put together.
I never had the Evo but I did have (and still have) a Taranix X-lite which I really did enjoy flying (after extending the stick lengths) It's a form factor I love as well, but I get the feeling it's a love/hate thing with other pilots
@@CurryKitten i use xlite that I have modded so that it has elrs module inside the radio. Im using the internal antenna. Works great, super compact.
I still use the Evo. It has enough range for whoops and toothpicks and a cover so you can chuck it in a backpack. Had this on backorder for a few months now.
First time here, really enjoyed your work. No extra stuff, to the point, what I was expecting. Thumbs up!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Had my Zorro for a few days now. Got the 4 in 1 option. Changed it to Mode 1 and have to say I like it very much so far. I also changed my CRSF Micro TX Module to Nano Module for a neat fit. Flew some indoor Helis and quads, its great TBH. Cant wait for our horrific weather to improve (about June)....lol..
Nice - I'm really liking mine still. This wind isn't getting any better - as my roof tile can atest to which is now in my hallway!
@@CurryKitten Oh dear...it does this non stop blowing every year now...🤔😳😳😳
Hi I’m getting a used one for 115€ elrs hope it’s a good choice
Great overview m8, your the first to do a flight test I recon....It's a sweet little TX...Mount those quad antennas vertical is the obvious answer, for null free flying...lol.🤔😀🇬🇧
Yeah - it's the obvious answer, but it never feels right on a quad - at least without worrying that I'm going to chop the antennas up into bits :) Fixed wing, easy - but quads... hmm. But maybe I'll have a go at one of them. I've got enough spare ELRS rx's to do quite a few conversions now.
@@CurryKitten A 3D mount with the small 2.4 dipoles should be possible..🤔😀
First time I stumble upon your channel. Fantastic review!
Hey, thanks!
Once again, You have really done a brilliant job on the overview. I greatly enjoy my Radiomaster TX16S and at the moment I don't see myself buying the Zorro as an extra even though it's $99.00 USD.
I would always tend to say - if what you are using right now is working for you, then stick with it!
Great review...i like the look of this... so i`m going to buy one....my first all things quad purchase this year.
Thank you.
Hope you enjoy it!
Fantastic flying and review, Wayne! 😃
This little radio is really looking sweet! Really tempting!!! 😂
Anyway, stay safe there with your family! 🖖😊
Thanks MC - loving the feel of this radio. Hope you are well
Very good review of this new radio. I just watched Nick's review and yours comes quite close to his in overall evaluation of the radio. I do like your in the field testing too. The range test came out about as expected. I'm sure that the antenna on this radio is a sleeve dipole as it is on almost every 2.5GHz radio. Not as directional as the Moxon style, but like all antennas it does have its nulls in line with the antenna element.
I like the overall design of this radio with the large screen on top. I have never been a gamer and this is the first game pad style radio that I have ANY interest in. I have been flying RC for 50 years now and am eminently comfortable with the classic box shape radio.
That's interesting - the game pad style controller (for want of a better phrase) does seem to divide opinion a little. It does seem to fit with quads in some ways as they are both new... but the idea of traditional radio for fixed wing and game style for quads doesn't make any sense either :D We just don't seem to have RC stores any longer (at least where I am in the world) and especially not FPV stores. Imagine the joy of being able to go somewhere and physically hold a bunch of radios in your hands and decided which felt right... on that note, it would be amazing to try on goggles as well in the same way. I can but dream
Great review thank you
Verry good rewived and nice flytest.
Thanks! 👍
Choppergirl's Soundpack... still the biggest and the best for game pad type transmitters...
... and after you were so mean to my daughters voice on my radio, I go ahead and tolerate comments like this. Although, if you are going to offer a sound pack, perhaps use a decent mic. Your samples sound like you recorded them with your head in a cardboard box several rooms away from whatever "mic" you were using. Just some constructive criticism.
@@CurryKitten Well sorry, appologies, I didn't know it was your daughters voice, as it sounded like the stock default sound files. If I had known it was custom and your daughter I would of certainly said something positive! I myself used the $25 gamer mic headset I had on hand...
Excellent
Nice video. What would have been useful would be to explain which modes of use this radio is certified for FCC or CE use. I think think at the time of writing this is a small subset of the functionality you have covered. For example. ELRS is illegal above 10mW in the EU.
I don't know - and to be honest it's not something I pay too much attention as most people flying tend to ignore it anyway! It is interesting that the EU version of 2.4 on ELRS is set at 25mw as IIRC the actual power that's legal to use is 60mw - which is what (I think) the original Taranis had. There is actually a CE mark on the box... but I don't know what that gets us in the more complex scenario of potentially having lots of different control frequencies and most not using LBT
Nice review But have some questions maybe you can answer
I know this vid is a year old but I am always late to the show when it comes to tech
I see you have a ELRS internal protocol
SO here is my question , I have older small quads and have the older Frsky XM / XM+ / Rsxr /SPI receivers ( not the newer Frsky Rx's with ACCESS I think it is ?
Rather than change all of those to ELRS receivers, etc
IF I bought the Zorro and I wanted to continue to fly my older quads with those older Frsky Rx's what Zorro should one get . One with ELRS and ADD a module to cover the older Rx's ( if they will ) OR get a Zorro with 4 in 1 or CC2250 and ADD a ELRS module to use ELRS as it appears everything is now ELRS and many micro quads being sold ?
I currently use the original T8SG Tx ( black and silver ) to fly my little quads and when Frsky changed to their new ACCESS ? I think it is, it will not bind to the newer Frsky receivers SO
what do i need IF, I decided to go with the Radiomaster Zorro ?
Sorry if that is confusing , not sure what one is to do as tech is ever changing and I am always way behind in the goods...Lol
If you are keen on the Zorro (instead of the other RadioMaster radios - like the TX12 or Boxer) then I would personally get a 4-in-1 version (you could get the CC2250 just for FrSky, bur it's good to have all bases covered) and get the ELRS module... RadioMasters Ranger module is very nice. The reason I would do it that way around is that I'm not a huge fan of the little 2.4Ghz antenna that comes with the Zorro. It's fine, but it doesn't hold up that well against the T-Antenna on their newer radios. You can do a little mode to change this, but it's extra messing. There's no right way or wrong way about is it better to have ELRS on a module or a 4-in-1. If it's a case of what you might fly more, then maybe that should be your internal one. I still have a whole bunch of models on XM+'s and a few L9R's kicking around in planes. Although adding an ELRS RX is pretty easy and fairly cheap, in most instances there's nothing wrong with flyin on older FrSky gear, just as long as you don't want to go 40km with them :)
@@CurryKitten Thank You for the information. Yeah I like the game style controller and I would fly mostly my older quads so the 4 in 1 sounds great, Just flying micros around the property so do not need distance really, but If I went with the ELRS module and wanted to fly further that should do the trick I am sure but flying long distances is not my thing...lol
Thank You For your help I appreciate it a lot and I sure needed it
Thanks again.
Best vid on this 👍
I still play your drone game app 😃👍
Thanks - trying to get a new version of the app out. Being held back by someone else's code not working :(
@@CurryKitten oh man 😮 code sounds like a nightmare mate 😬
Hope it gets sorted for you as I love your 1st one 🔥🔥🔥
Gret review.....question....will this radio communicate with Spectrum receivers? or do you need a mod?
The version of the radio I'm testing is the ExpressLRS one, but it's available as well with an internal 4-in-1 module and that will bind to Spectrum (and pretty much most everything else)
Thank you!
I commented too early in the video, then as I watched it, you answered my question lol.
Good :)
@@CurryKitten It was the moment you showed us the quad you were about to fly, I saw the antenna was mounted horizontally. Then I saw the transmitter antenna sticking up vertically... I knew what was about to happen, then you figured it out and fixed the problem by putting the antenna away back to horizontal.
Shame you can't use the mini moxon antenna with the Zorro
Great video, I fly spektrum fixed wing, I want to fly fpv and need a new controller that’s cheap but functional. Would you recommend this? Do you recommend the 4in1 or elrs? I’m fairly confused about the frsky protocol with all the eu, non Eu, lbt , fcc. And if it will work with specific drones Thanks a lot, you’ve helped me in the past and I really appreciate it. Subbed👍
If you want to carry on flying your DSM stuff, then the 4-in-1 module is for you - you can then always add on an ELRS module later if you want to go in that direction. Whilst this hasn't got the same number of 3 position switches as something like the more traditional looking TX16, you'd need a fairly complex fixed wing setup to have to start worrying about running out - I'd be happy flying fixed wing with it. FrSky do seem to have confused everyone - there's EU (LBT) and non-EU (FCC) but to complicate matters further they've then got ASSCT rx's in which nobody want to use their v2 firmware, and then they've also got their ACCESS protocol, and their 868/916 R9 system... yep, there's a lot to it. The 4-in-1 multiprotocol module will work with all the 2.4 FrSky stuff as well, so you should be fairly covered if you are getting some BNF models.
@@CurryKitten perfect, I don’t plan to use it for fixed wing. Just drones, and do the eu and fcc rules still apply to that 4in1 module? If so, I think I’ll go with the elrs version. Thank you so much for your help
Well, the EU/FCC rules are just rules for the regions and so it's up to you to follow them (or not) The multiprotocol module can happily bind to FCC and LBT rx's - but if you are in the EU then you are supposed to use LBT. I'm a little bit flippant about this because it seems very rare than people within the EU will succumb to the harsher rules enforced on them when they are all on their own surrounded by miles of empty fields. I mainly just get on with it. ELRS is a perfect system for quads, you'll have a great time with that one, and the RX's are nice and small, cheap and go a long way
@@CurryKitten ok, thank you
Great range. Did you use the 915mhz or 2.4ghz ELRS receiver and radio.
This is using the 2.4 version
@@CurryKitten so 2.4 ghz is also good for long range and penetration? I was thinking of using 2.4 for bandos.
Hey!
So I have you in front of approx. Ordered 1.5 weeks.
Can't I put two ADDITIONAL 18350 batteries (because of the small size) in a printed case, solder a 2-pin USB cable on it, then feed the internal batteries from it until the external ones are empty, so that the internal batteries can continue to be used? 🤔
Or is the 7.4V (8.4V) voltage too high for the USB port?
So, the USB socket can only accept 5v, but you do have the connector which will fit a balance lead from a 2S battery, so I would solder on a balance lead for your 18640 pack (you'll need one anyway to charge them nicely) and plug that in.
@@CurryKitten ok, thanks for your tip. I'll get smart then and then tinker something together.
Nice work on this review. You mentioned changing between mode 1 and 2 but can it be setup for both stick to be seflf centered? Wanted to use this radio but for an nitro RC but probably tha range in surface wont be that good right?
You should be able to, the self-centering adjustment screws are independent of each other. I did want to have a check by doing it myself, only to find that my screwdriver was too thick to fit down the hole - you need a little allen key for it. WHen using this type of radio in FPV cars, I used the right stick for both throttle and steering and the left for controlling a pan/tilt system. I guess if it's Nitro, you are not FPVing though. Ground range will never be as good as in the air, but I've no doubt you'd get further on ELRS than a regular 2,4Ghz system
Great review - and I've watched a bunch of them. One concerning comment I saw was that the sliders on top were right where a thumbers index fingers would rest and it could be annoying (uncomfortable), or even a problem if you used a slider for flaps. Your thoughts?
It could be an issue if this is where you'd naturally rest your fingers. I've never really thought about where I put them before and wondering why I didn't run into this. As it turns out it seems when I hold the radio in a relaxed grip for flying my fingers are slightly bent and don't reach the sliders or I actually have them on the back lip of the radio so I'd never come in contact with the sliders by accident. I think you'd need to grip you radio in quite a specific way and with fingers quite extended to hit them, and in most relaxed grip situations it wouldn't seem like you'd get them.... but certainly something to consider if you think you might. The sliders have no central notch either, so they do move quite freely.
What fpv camera you are using on your quad. Quality is very good. What is your opinion on jumper t lite with elrs module. Will it get more range than radiomaster Zorro?
The camera is a RunCam Phoenix 2 Nano, although the clean picture is mainly down to the RushFPV VTX. I don't have a T-Lite, but as long as it supports the module you could get it to outperform the Zorro - with a more powerful ELRS module (1W for example) and a higher gain antenna like a mini moxon
@@CurryKitten Thanks
Hi Sir, is there a way to know/set the transmitter power of this radio? I couldn't seem to find it in the radio nor in google
Yes - on the ELRS version at least. Go into the ExpressLRS LUA script, then go to TX Power and you can set the transmit power to 10/25/50/100/250mw and turn dynamic power on/off
Concerning the antenna: doesn't the Zorro have a hole in the case for a DIY antenna upgrade?
I preordered the Zorro ELRS starter kit last week already. Your review just confirms my decision.
Yep, there's a hole (currently filled by a rubber bung) I'm interested to know if RM are going to document the idea of adding an antenna this way in the manual - which doesn't seem to exist yet (in much the same way TBS have done with the Mambo) waiting to hear back from them about it, but it's CNY right now, so might be a while.
Would love to see that range test with the ceramic antenna
I'm going to be messing around with an even smallaer-than-normal antenna, but not in a quad where I can fly to failsafe point (as no GPS) but it'll be interesting to measure against a mini-moxon equipped module.
Do you know if the FrSky XJT Lite module will work, especially on the ELRS version of the Zorro? Is that something you could test?
I don't own an XJT nano module to test this myself, but it will obviously fit in there, Edge TX will support it, and if I look at the options for external modules in the model setup, XJT is one of them. So I think it'll work just fine.
@@CurryKitten I just received a Zorro with ELRS and tried the XJT Lite module, but the module does not seem to work at all. It briefly flashes the red light when you first plug it in, but never turns the light on again after that. There is an XJT option in external module options in the radio, but no XJT Lite option like in some other radios. Could that be the problem?
Hi there, I've just got the Zorro and have tried it out with the currykitten simulator as well as velocidrone. On both sims, the 3-way toggle switch on the right shows no input/feedback on the controller setup.. I also get no feedback for either sliders. I'm wondering if you have the same issue? I'm new to the hobby and this is my first controller, so a little nervous it might be broken. I don't have a drone yet to test. I'm on linux as well so maybe that's an issue.
Was able to test it on windows and the right 3 way switch started working. The slider's still don't register but I suspect that's just the simulators don't look for that sort of input. Pleased to see my controller isn't broken!
Hi Pat, I've just tested this on my Mac.. wrong OS again, but just to get an idea. I get a response from all the switches, both sliders and the little momentary switches like A/B/H/G. One thing to note is that the standard OpenTX (and I assume EdgeTX) joystick model will only define the first 8 channels as axis, so if you set anything up on ch 9-32 they'll show up as buttons... irrespective of the type of input you've added them to. I haven't tried this on Linux (I have a VM which doesn't run great to do basic testing on the sim but I'll have a look and see if there's a difference)
Ok, fired up my Debian 10 VM and all seems good there too. As you've mentioned your new to the hobby, a few things just to double check with you as they can be easily missed. In order for any of the switches/sliders/buttons/etc to work you will need to have then assigned to a channel in your mixes screen. If you go in and edit one of the mixes, click on source and then move switches/buttons/sliders/etc around (whilst being in my sim in the advanced section of the joystick page) you should see the bar moving for each of the inputs you are moving (until you press enter on the radio) If something else different is happening, let me know.
@@CurryKitten Thank you so much! I've learned a lot about controllers today and managed to get the sliders set up. Still having issues with one of the switches but it's a different switch now! So... progress? just need to wrap my head around the configuration interface and I should get it all sorted. Thanks again, I was completely unaware of mixes. These controllers are surprisingly powerful and versatile.
so if I understand properly you connect to the wifi that is made by the controller and then you can proceed with the flash ?
Yep - either connect via wifi or the Edge passthrough (although that part didn't work for me)
Great review video! What was your output power during your test flight?
100mw - I thought about putting it up to 250 to see what would happy, but it's not like I was having an issue on 100mw, it just wasn't quite up to what a mini-moxon would do
@@CurryKitten Sounds good. I was just curious to get an idea of the range with the stock setup. Thank you!
Nice review. So basically the Zorro will be your daily driver this spring?
Regarding antenna, think someone mentioned there will be an option to add an external antenna. Would be interesting to take a peak inside to see if has a common connector like Tx_ models.
You likely had a bit of frustration with your camera sneezing when it came to focusing. Would suggest adding a logo, or just a fun text phrase to the white background to give the focusing algorithms a constant reference.
Maybe a CurryKitten litter pattern? (Alternatively a curry clowder, or kitten kindle)
Yes - should be. I still have some modules to test that use a JR bay so there's some stuff that'll have to use another radio (mostly the Mambo at the moment) but this is really nice to use, so I'm happy to use it on everything going forwards.
My camera likes to play around like that. I don't use that angle with me and the screen much, and I didn't see it went out so badly. It's always being annoying in close-ups - especially if I'm holding a tiny receiver or something :D
It would be cool if there's any easy way to fit an external antenna. I thought there might be a handy SMA under the round rubber plug, but no such luck. It could be the case of (like TBS) there's a description of how to make an internal modification. I didn't have much chance to check this out as I decided to play "lets release the video on the same day as everyone else" and so was mostly concerned with getting to the field today to fly
@@CurryKitten Nice to hear.
Mambo form factor is good too. Don't have, so can't comment.
Will be plenty of opportunity to dive deeper. :)
Will let you know if come across good info on antenna mods/accessories/options.
Mate I’m sure not getting like 100-150m before I loose control of the drone. I’m flying the 5” Josh bardwell Elrs fpv analog rig.
I replaced the mini square Happymodel with the radio master RX that has the antenna… Any ideas?
That's horrible range on ELRS, I'm happily flying rx's with "proper" antennas >1km at pretty much full signal. Have you looked at your Link quality and dBM RSSI values on your OSD - are they starting out well and degrading, or something else. Have you checked what strength you are transmitting at and what speed ?
@@CurryKitten Played with a lot of the settings, dBM and radio output dtength and just cant get it past a few hundred meters. I just installed the EP2 with the antenna that hangs out the back, updated and matched the LUA's and its still the same.
Hello Wayne, others have said that there is an SMA connector for external antennas on the top? Is this not the case?
Nope - there is a hole filled by a rubber lug (you'll see it when I'm showing the top ports of the radio) but there's no SMA there. Now it could be that it's a hole just in case people want to fit an SMA. I've asked RM about this (as the manual doesn't seem to have appeared as yet) so it might be that there's a documented way of doing this (a bit like TBS talk about in their manual for the Mambo) but it's CNY so I'm not expecting an instant response from them
@@CurryKitten I've gone back and checked, and you're right, I misunderstood Pawel when he said there was a hole for an SMA antenna, I assumed he meant a connector. My mistake.
Great video. Is th me radiomaster Zorro elrs better than the jumper t pro
Don't know - I don't have a T-Pro. I've generally found the build quality to be better at RadioMaster than Jumper though
If using radiomaster zorro jp4in1 bind with
flysky fli14+
Radiomaster R81- D8
How far can go ?
This far. (Holds hands apart) All range questions depend on many things - however, the radio won't do anything magical to the range, so however far it normally gets will be the answer
Still confused with 4 in 1 and elrs. Looks like that the elrs version is a 4 in 1 that has an elrs already built in.... or am i wrong?
I've only had the single ELRS version in my hand - so bear that in mind, but the way I understand it is this. The various versions CC2500/4-in-1/ELRS means that will be the internal module - but it's just 1 of the 3. So if you wanted a 4-in-1 module internally, then to have ELRS as well you'd need an external module... or visa versa
@@CurryKitten ok i guess i already understand now. So the 4 in 1 version has frysky, spektrum, flysky etc. Internally. Then elrs version has elrs internally.
Not checked in for 9 or 10 months. Still wearing a hollister top!
Yep - still got loads of Hollister T-shirts!
biggest concern are the small batteries - big radio and not even 18650 cells.
They have just 2x 900 mAh which means 1800 mAh in total compared to usual 3500 mAh Samsung cells with 7000 mAh in total.
That becomes important in case of higher elrs output at 250 mW.
They battery carrier added is more or less a joke for bad design - compare the volume of the Jumper t-pro versus this one than you will ask why they would not have been able to add 2 18650 cells in the compartment somewhere, somehow even under the display .
save my money this year for sure - great progress and competition, but prices exploding cause my t16 and tx16s were each cheaper than these joystick like radios.
I would have liked to have seen more battery mAh as well, when I opened up the handles to see the battery I thought they could have maybe squeezed 18650's in there, but what do I know about what electronics are in the rest of the handles. I used this for about an hour out in the field at 100mw, and that brought the battery down to 7.1v Something to keep an eye on and I'll be reporting back if I'm running out of juice at the field.
I love your content. I hope more quad people get exposed to your content.
Thanks, me too :)
polarizing an antenna horizontal is pretty sketchy if you want range and less null points. try turning your radio 90 degree on the null next time
People tend to have antenna horizontally polarised on quads as there often limited space to mount vertically... at least without the antenna getting struck by the prop
@@CurryKitten Yeah I get it it is the neatest way to tuck them in
when I got my first spektrum TX, opened it up and couldn't believe how let down I was when I felt how cheap it felt after spending so much... felt just like the futaba t6ex... 💩. If the zoro feels as nice as it looks it should be great in the hand
Yeah - I've had my fair share of cheap and plasticy feeling radios... although to be fair, some of them performed very well. It's just why this one stood out for feeling a whole lot better.
I thought they said it could'nt do 500 hertz
Why dont you display the dbm value instead/also?
Because it makes no sense to me, and I find it distracting. I know it's useful for people that "get it", but it's just not me :)
@@CurryKitten lower is better, over 100 is sketchy. Thats simplified, but really all you need to know :)
Ok...I'm a noob. Let's say you only have an emax Tinyhawk 3 set. You plan on getting an upgraded radio and drone...analog so goggles will be last. You see the Radiomaster zorro and figure that will be the one. Then you see "ELRS" or "ELRS Starter Set". What's the difference?
The ELRS version is just the radio (running ELRS) the ELRS Starter set is the same radio with 3 receivers (2 with the regular T-antennas, and 1 with a ceramic tower antenna)
Additional question, would he be better off buying the 4in1 over the ELRS Zorro to be able to fly his Tinyhawk 3? I’m kind of in the same situation but have a few more older quads. Thanks in advance if you answer this as this is an old vid…
why dont you look in the camera instead of the monitor
Useless for long range I think with that antenna.
There is a hole in the back that looks like to can add one, but no word from RadioMaster how to do this - if supported etc
@@CurryKitten Yeah, I see they do a kit. Might just get a short pigtail off eBay and see if that does it.