Two questions around Crossfire TX's.  First, what is the least expensive Crossfire transmitter?  (Including the Crossfire module if/as necessary.)  Second, which Crossfire transmitter has the most bang for the buck?  I've done some searching myself but having difficulty understanding which transmitters need a Crossfire module, which module to get, etc.  I know the Tango 2 has Crossfire built in, are there any others with it built in?  One of the fixed wing fliers at the local field here is wanting to jump into LR FPV quads and wants a system that he can eventually use in a fixed wing setup.  

I use the DJI controller and at one time I bought a Tango 2 but decided I didn't really care for the gamepad style radio so I sold it and up until now have only used the DJI controller.  I'm pretty much the only guy that flies FPV so when he asked me about which system to get for LR I said Crossfire.  That seemed like the logical choice to me but if there is something better I'm all ears, especially if there is something better that he can use in quads and fixed wings.

I know he doesn't have a huge budget but I thought if I could find a couple good options for him it might be helpful. And who knows, maybe I'll try out a full size Crossfire radio too.  At the very least I figure I'll learn a bit about the analog side of the hobby and help a good guy.

The Tango/Tango2 is the only transmitter with a built-in crossfire tx. This is pretty much the best bang for the buck if Crossfire is what you have on all your drones. You can also get a multi protocol module along with an adapter to fly micro's etc.

Most pilots prefer full size radios and you could grab a Radiomaster/Jumper OpenTX type radio that comes with a built in multi protocol module built and also have an external JR module bay based Crossfire module.

There are rumors of TBS making a full size radio (Mambo or something like this) but no idea when this will be released.

It is hard to recommend radios as the only way anyone can know they like it is when they hold one.

I went from a full size radio to a gamepad style FrSky Xlite-S and never looked at anything else.

If your friend isn't already invested in any particular long range RC link technology then another option that is seriously worth looking at is the ExpressLRS Open Source option which currently outperforms Crossfire. If I didn't already have a load of Crossfire kit I think I would probably consider it as an option. One of the members on here is using it but I can't remember which one off the top of my head.

Thanks guys. I read Oscar's article on the ExpressLRS. I'll have to talk to the guy when I see him this week. He's a 30+ year fixed wing guy and builds some incredible scale planes. So he might have enough experience to try ExpressLRS. I know from a cost standpoint he'd prefer to stay inexpensive but (and I'm guessing now) I'm betting he'll be more inclined to want a full size Tx over gamepad style only because his current radio is a full size Futaba. Is the Radiomaster TX12 or Jumper T12 worthy of consideration? It's kind of hard to see what the differences are between those and the TX16 S and T18.

Stick with RM TX16S.

As for Crossfire module, the Micro V2 is a capable module for the least amount of money. Buy the kit is the best value. I would only consider the Lite module if you want to go very long distance.

(30-Mar-2021, 06:43 AM)voodoo614 Wrote: Stick with RM TX16S.

As for Crossfire module, the Micro V2 is a capable module for the least amount of money. Buy the kit is the best value. I would only consider the Lite module if you want to go very long distance.

Are there any features exclusive to the Full Crossfire module that he'll need later for fixed wing?  If not I'll tell him to go with the Lite.

I think I mentioned this in another thread but all this Crossfire talk got me going again and I think it's time to just bite the bullet and go Crossfire myself.  I started down this path a few months ago but after getting the Tango 2 and just hating the gamepad style I sold it, figuring the DJI controller would be fine for me.  But now I also want to do some serious flying in the mountains around here when the wife and I go off-roading or hiking.  I've done some fairly easy flights already, but there are a LOT of deep ravines and such that I think would make for some good video.  Problem is I'm scared to death of losing video and control simultaneously.  I experienced it once on a 5" and it wasn't fun.  Insta blackout!  

Now my issue is finding a transmitter that isn't a gamepad style but is still smaller and lighter than the TX16 for packing around with us.  The only one that I think might work is the Radiomaster TX12.  I have no idea if it's any good but it's actually a little smaller than my DJI TX.  What do you guys think?  Maybe there something else that's a bit smaller but better?

The difference between the Full vs Lite is the Bluetooth module. I can't foresee your friend needing Bluetooth for wings. I personally have the Lite. Although I am not a long range flyer, I do like the security of the radio link.

Perfect, thanks Voodoo. Any thoughts on the TX12 as a smaller transmitter? Or is there something better?

I don't have the tx12. But from the photos, it doesn't look very well made. I have the TX16S, and it is not that big. Can't beat the color screen. Don't think there is another radio similar in size to the TX12.

Of course there is always something better. Are you will to spend the money?

Haha! I could possibly be convinced to spend more if these is something really worth it. I wish I could get my hands on a TX16 just to feel and see how big it is. I'd love to have something that packs away easily, which is why I thought the Tango 2 would be perfect. But since I'm a pincher the Tango 2 just doesn't fit in my hands at all. If I was a thumb flier I'd probably like it more. (Which is a bit ironic because way back in the day when I flew fixed wing I was a thumber. But now I retrained myself to pinch because it seemed like I'd have better control doing the tiny, fine movements necessary for FPV.)