Difference between revisions of "Radio List"

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(Update for 2026: fix swapped/incorrect receiver data, move discontinued radios to legacy, add ELRS radios, a receiver table and all-in-one boards)
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These radios are known to work for Robot Combat. They are modern "spread spectrum" digital radios which allow several robots to be operated at the same time with no radio interference among them. Also, they will "fail safe" appropriately if used with a standard receiver. Radios in this list can currently be purchased.
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These radios are known to work for Robot Combat. They are modern "spread spectrum" digital radios which allow several robots to be operated at the same time with no radio interference among them. Also, they will "fail safe" appropriately if used with a standard receiver – but you must set up and test the failsafe yourself (see '''[[Failsafes]]'''). Radios in this list can currently be purchased (checked October 2026). Prices are approximate and change often.
 +
 
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'''Protocols matter:''' a transmitter only works with receivers that use the same protocol. For example, FlySky AFHDS 2A radios bind to the popular Malenki and Catalyst all-in-one boards, while ExpressLRS (ELRS) radios need ELRS receivers. Some radios (such as RadioMaster "4-in-1" versions) include a multi-protocol module that can talk to several protocols.
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{| class="wikitable sortable"
 
{| class="wikitable sortable"
 
|+ Currently Available Radios  
 
|+ Currently Available Radios  
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! Name !! Style !! Channels !! Protocol !! Price !! Mixing !! Receiver Option !! Notes
 
! Name !! Style !! Channels !! Protocol !! Price !! Mixing !! Receiver Option !! Notes
 
|-
 
|-
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| [https://www.flysky-cn.com/i6-gaishu Flysky FS-i6] || Twin Stick || 6 || AFHDS 2A || $60 || Elevon / V-Tail || FS-iA6: 7grams || Widely used, well documented (see [http://runamok.tech/RunAmok/flysky_i6.html Combat Guide])
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| [https://www.flysky-cn.com/i6-gaishu Flysky FS-i6] || Twin Stick || 6 || AFHDS 2A || $60–90 || Elevon / V-Tail || FS2A: about 1–2 grams; FS-iA6: 6.4 grams || Widely used, well documented (see [http://runamok.tech/RunAmok/flysky_i6.html Combat Guide]). Binds to Malenki and Catalyst boards.
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|-
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| [https://www.flysky-cn.com/fsi6x Flysky FS-i6X] || Twin Stick || 6 (10 after firmware update) || AFHDS 2A || $60–75 || Elevon / V-Tail || FS-iA6B: 14.9 grams; FS2A: about 1–2 grams || Widely used, well documented (see [http://runamok.tech/RunAmok/flysky_i6.html Combat Guide])
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|-
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| [https://www.flyingtech.co.uk/product/flysky-fs-i6s-10ch-transmitter-fs-x6b-2-4ghz-ppm-receiver/ Flysky FS-i6S] || Twin Stick (touchscreen) || 6 PWM / 10 PPM || AFHDS 2A || about $65 || Yes || FS-iA6B, FS-X6B ||
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|-
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| [https://www.flysky-cn.com/nb4 Flysky Noble NB4] || Pistol || 4 (NB4+: 8) || AFHDS 3 || varies || Tank Steering || FGr4S: 5.1 grams; FGr4B: 6.4 grams || Easy to program. AFHDS 3 doesn't bind to AFHDS 2A boards.
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|-
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| [https://horizonhobby.com/SPM5025.html Spektrum DX5 Pro (2021)] || Pistol || 5 || DSMR || $380 (transmitter) / $450 (with receiver) || Tank Steering || SR2100: 5.5 grams; SR215: 6 grams || Replaces the original DX5 Pro
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|-
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| [https://radiomasterrc.com/products/pocket-radio-controller-m2 RadioMaster Pocket] || Compact Twin Stick || 16 || ELRS (or CC2500 multi-protocol) || $60–72 || Programmable (EdgeTX) || ELRS PWM receivers (see below) || Inexpensive and popular; set up mixing yourself in EdgeTX ([https://runamok.tech/RunAmok/EdgeTX.html EdgeTX Combat Guide])
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|-
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| [https://radiomasterrc.com/products/pocket-crush-radio-controller RadioMaster Pocket Crush] || Compact Twin Stick || 16 || ELRS || $65 || Programmable (EdgeTX) || ELRS PWM receivers ||
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|-
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| RadioMaster Zorro || Compact Twin Stick || 16 || ELRS, CC2500 or 4-in-1 || $100–120 || Programmable (EdgeTX) || ELRS PWM receivers; 4-in-1 version can bind FlySky AFHDS 2A || Used in the [https://runamok.tech/RunAmok/EdgeTX.html EdgeTX Combat Guide]
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|-
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| [https://radiomasterrc.com/products/boxer-radio-controller-m2 RadioMaster Boxer] || Twin Stick || 16 || ELRS or 4-in-1 || from $110 || Programmable (EdgeTX) || ELRS PWM receivers ||
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|-
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| [https://radiomasterrc.com/products/tx16s-mk3-radio-controller RadioMaster TX16S] || Full-size Twin Stick || 16+ || ELRS or 4-in-1 || from $200 || Programmable (EdgeTX) || ELRS PWM receivers; 4-in-1 version binds many protocols ||
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|-
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| [https://radiomasterrc.com/products/mt12-surface-radio-controller RadioMaster MT12] || Pistol || 16 || ELRS || $130 || Programmable (EdgeTX) || ER3C-i (included): 4.2 grams || Surface (car-style) radio
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|-
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| [https://www.fingertechrobotics.com/proddetail.php?prod=t6a_transmitter Turnigy T6A] || Twin Stick || 6 ||  AFHDS || $40 || Yes || [https://www.fingertechrobotics.com/proddetail.php?prod=tr6a-v2 TR6A]: 8grams || Requires computer and cable to program. Uses the original AFHDS protocol, so it can't bind to AFHDS 2A receivers or boards.
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|}
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==Receivers==
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Small receivers with PWM outputs (to plug into ESCs) that suit combat robots:
 +
{| class="wikitable sortable"
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! Receiver !! Protocol !! PWM channels !! Weight !! Notes
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|-
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| Flysky FS2A || AFHDS 2A || 4 || about 1–2 g || Tiny and cheap; popular in insect robots ([https://palmbeachbots.com/products/fs2a-4-channel-mini-receiver-afhds-2a-works-with-flysky-fs-i6 example])
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|-
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| Flysky FS-iA6 || AFHDS 2A || 6 || 6.4 g ||
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|-
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| Flysky FS-iA6B || AFHDS 2A || 6 || 14.9 g ||
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|-
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| Flysky FGr4S / FGr4B || AFHDS 3 || 4 || 5.1 g / 6.4 g || For the Noble NB4
 
|-
 
|-
−
| [https://www.flysky-cn.com/fsi6x Flysky FS-i6X] || Twin Stick || 6 || AFHDS 2A || $60 || Elevon / V-Tail || FS-iA6B: 7grams || Widely used, well documented (see [http://runamok.tech/RunAmok/flysky_i6.html Combat Guide])
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| Spektrum SR2100 / SR315 / SR215 || DSMR || 3 / 3 / 2 || 5.5 / 6 / 6 g ||
 
|-
 
|-
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| [https://hobbyking.com/en_us/turnigy-evolution-mode-2-pro-digital-afhds-2a-radio-control-system-white-w-tgy-ia6c-receiver.html Turnigy Evolution / Pro] || Game Controller || 8 || AFHDS 2A || $80 || None || FS-iA6: 7grams || Touchscreen - no mixing
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| [https://radiomasterrc.com/products/er3c-i-2-4ghz-elrs-pwm-receiver RadioMaster ER3C-i] || ELRS || 3 || 4.2 g || Ceramic antenna
 
|-
 
|-
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| [https://www.flysky-cn.com/nb4 Flysky Noble NB4] || Pistol || 4 || AFHDS 3 || $180-$200 || Tank Steering || SR215: 6 grams ||Easy to program
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| [https://www.radiomasterrc.com/products/er4-2-4ghz-elrs-pwm-receiver RadioMaster ER4] || ELRS || 4 || 3.0 g ||  
 
|-
 
|-
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| [https://www.spektrumrc.com/Products/Default.aspx?ProdId=SPM5010 Spektrum DX5 Pro] || Pistol || 5 || DSMR/DSM2 || $300 || Tank Steering || FGr4S: 5.1 grams || -
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| [https://radiomasterrc.com/products/er5c-i-2-4ghz-elrs-pwm-receiver RadioMaster ER5C-i] || ELRS || 5 || 5.0 g ||  
 
|-
 
|-
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| [https://www.spektrumrc.com/Products/Default.aspx?ProdId=SPM6600 Spektrum DX6i] || Twin Stick || 6 || DSM/DSM2 || $200 || Yes || AR620: 8grams || -  
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| [https://radiomasterrc.com/products/er6-2-4ghz-elrs-pwm-receiver RadioMaster ER6] || ELRS || 6 || 14.5 g || Dual antenna
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|-
 
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| [https://www.frsky-rc.com/product/taranis-q-x7-2/ Taranis Q X7] || Twin Stick || 24 || ACCESS || $140 || Programable || Archer R4: 3.8grams || OpenTX Firmware ([http://runamok.tech/RunAmok/taranisQX7.html Combat Guide])
 
 
|-
 
|-
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| [https://www.fingertechrobotics.com/proddetail.php?prod=t6a_transmitter Turnigy T6A] || Twin Stick || 6 ||  AFHDS || $40 || Yes || [https://www.fingertechrobotics.com/proddetail.php?prod=tr6a-v2 TR6A]: 8grams || Requires computer and cable to program.
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| [https://betafpv.com/products/elrs-micro-receiver BetaFPV ELRS Micro RX] || ELRS || 5 || 4.5 g ||  
 
|}
 
|}
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ELRS receivers and transmitters need matching major firmware versions. ELRS receivers' default failsafe is ''not'' safe for every setup – see '''[[Failsafes]]'''.
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==All-in-one boards==
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For 150 g and 1 lb robots, these boards combine a receiver and ESCs in one tiny package:
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{| class="wikitable sortable"
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! Board !! Built-in receiver !! Notes
 +
|-
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| [https://itgresa.com/product/malenki-nano-dual-esc-and-receiver/ Malenki-Nano] || AFHDS 2A (FlySky) || 3 brushed channels (2 drive + weapon) plus 2 servo/ESC outputs; about 2.5 g; built-in mixing
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|-
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| [https://itgresa.com/product/malenki-nano-dual-esc-hv/ Malenki-HV] || AFHDS 2A || Higher-voltage version (2–4S)
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|-
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| [https://itgresa.com/product/malenki-nano-dual-esc-scarab/ Malenki Scarab] || AFHDS 2A || Higher-current drive version (2–4S)
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|-
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| [https://repeat-robotics.com/products/catalyst-dual-brushless-esc-with-integrated-radio Repeat Robotics Catalyst] || AFHDS 2A || Dual brushless ESC with built-in receiver, mixing and invert switch; about 4 g
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|}
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These boards need an AFHDS 2A transmitter, such as a Flysky FS-i6/i6X/i6S or a multi-protocol (4-in-1 or CC2500) radio. As of 2026 there's no widely available all-in-one board with a built-in ELRS receiver; the usual ELRS setup is a separate small receiver plus a dual ESC.
  
 
Legacy radio systems can work perfectly, but they use older protocols, and you can't reliably buy new receivers that work with them. You can sometimes find replacement receivers on eBay or other sites, but if you are starting out there are plenty of inexpensive radios to choose from.
 
Legacy radio systems can work perfectly, but they use older protocols, and you can't reliably buy new receivers that work with them. You can sometimes find replacement receivers on eBay or other sites, but if you are starting out there are plenty of inexpensive radios to choose from.
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! Name !! Style !! Channels !! Protocol !! Price !! Mixing !! Receiver Option !! Notes
 
! Name !! Style !! Channels !! Protocol !! Price !! Mixing !! Receiver Option !! Notes
 
|-
 
|-
−
| - || - || - || - || - || - || - || -  
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| Spektrum DX5 Pro (original, SPM5010) || Pistol || 5 || DSMR/DSM2 || - || Tank Steering || SR215 || Replaced by the 2021 version
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|-
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| Spektrum DX6i || Twin Stick || 6 || DSM/DSM2 || - || Yes || AR620: 8grams || Discontinued (its successor, the DX6e, is also discontinued)
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|-
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| FrSky Taranis Q X7 || Twin Stick || 24 || ACCESS || - || Programable || Archer R4: 3.8grams || Discontinued. OpenTX Firmware ([http://runamok.tech/RunAmok/taranisQX7.html Combat Guide])
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|-
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| Turnigy Evolution / Pro || Game Controller || 8 || AFHDS 2A || - || None || FS-iA6 (the bundled iA6C has no PWM outputs) || Touchscreen - no mixing, which makes it a poor fit for combat robots
 
|}
 
|}

Revision as of 14:29, 17 October 2026

These radios are known to work for Robot Combat. They are modern "spread spectrum" digital radios which allow several robots to be operated at the same time with no radio interference among them. Also, they will "fail safe" appropriately if used with a standard receiver – but you must set up and test the failsafe yourself (see Failsafes). Radios in this list can currently be purchased (checked October 2026). Prices are approximate and change often.

Protocols matter: a transmitter only works with receivers that use the same protocol. For example, FlySky AFHDS 2A radios bind to the popular Malenki and Catalyst all-in-one boards, while ExpressLRS (ELRS) radios need ELRS receivers. Some radios (such as RadioMaster "4-in-1" versions) include a multi-protocol module that can talk to several protocols.

Currently Available Radios
Name Style Channels Protocol Price Mixing Receiver Option Notes
Flysky FS-i6 Twin Stick 6 AFHDS 2A $60–90 Elevon / V-Tail FS2A: about 1–2 grams; FS-iA6: 6.4 grams Widely used, well documented (see Combat Guide). Binds to Malenki and Catalyst boards.
Flysky FS-i6X Twin Stick 6 (10 after firmware update) AFHDS 2A $60–75 Elevon / V-Tail FS-iA6B: 14.9 grams; FS2A: about 1–2 grams Widely used, well documented (see Combat Guide)
Flysky FS-i6S Twin Stick (touchscreen) 6 PWM / 10 PPM AFHDS 2A about $65 Yes FS-iA6B, FS-X6B
Flysky Noble NB4 Pistol 4 (NB4+: 8) AFHDS 3 varies Tank Steering FGr4S: 5.1 grams; FGr4B: 6.4 grams Easy to program. AFHDS 3 doesn't bind to AFHDS 2A boards.
Spektrum DX5 Pro (2021) Pistol 5 DSMR $380 (transmitter) / $450 (with receiver) Tank Steering SR2100: 5.5 grams; SR215: 6 grams Replaces the original DX5 Pro
RadioMaster Pocket Compact Twin Stick 16 ELRS (or CC2500 multi-protocol) $60–72 Programmable (EdgeTX) ELRS PWM receivers (see below) Inexpensive and popular; set up mixing yourself in EdgeTX (EdgeTX Combat Guide)
RadioMaster Pocket Crush Compact Twin Stick 16 ELRS $65 Programmable (EdgeTX) ELRS PWM receivers
RadioMaster Zorro Compact Twin Stick 16 ELRS, CC2500 or 4-in-1 $100–120 Programmable (EdgeTX) ELRS PWM receivers; 4-in-1 version can bind FlySky AFHDS 2A Used in the EdgeTX Combat Guide
RadioMaster Boxer Twin Stick 16 ELRS or 4-in-1 from $110 Programmable (EdgeTX) ELRS PWM receivers
RadioMaster TX16S Full-size Twin Stick 16+ ELRS or 4-in-1 from $200 Programmable (EdgeTX) ELRS PWM receivers; 4-in-1 version binds many protocols
RadioMaster MT12 Pistol 16 ELRS $130 Programmable (EdgeTX) ER3C-i (included): 4.2 grams Surface (car-style) radio
Turnigy T6A Twin Stick 6 AFHDS $40 Yes TR6A: 8grams Requires computer and cable to program. Uses the original AFHDS protocol, so it can't bind to AFHDS 2A receivers or boards.

Receivers

Small receivers with PWM outputs (to plug into ESCs) that suit combat robots:

Receiver Protocol PWM channels Weight Notes
Flysky FS2A AFHDS 2A 4 about 1–2 g Tiny and cheap; popular in insect robots (example)
Flysky FS-iA6 AFHDS 2A 6 6.4 g
Flysky FS-iA6B AFHDS 2A 6 14.9 g
Flysky FGr4S / FGr4B AFHDS 3 4 5.1 g / 6.4 g For the Noble NB4
Spektrum SR2100 / SR315 / SR215 DSMR 3 / 3 / 2 5.5 / 6 / 6 g
RadioMaster ER3C-i ELRS 3 4.2 g Ceramic antenna
RadioMaster ER4 ELRS 4 3.0 g
RadioMaster ER5C-i ELRS 5 5.0 g
RadioMaster ER6 ELRS 6 14.5 g Dual antenna
BetaFPV ELRS Micro RX ELRS 5 4.5 g

ELRS receivers and transmitters need matching major firmware versions. ELRS receivers' default failsafe is not safe for every setup – see Failsafes.

All-in-one boards

For 150 g and 1 lb robots, these boards combine a receiver and ESCs in one tiny package:

Board Built-in receiver Notes
Malenki-Nano AFHDS 2A (FlySky) 3 brushed channels (2 drive + weapon) plus 2 servo/ESC outputs; about 2.5 g; built-in mixing
Malenki-HV AFHDS 2A Higher-voltage version (2–4S)
Malenki Scarab AFHDS 2A Higher-current drive version (2–4S)
Repeat Robotics Catalyst AFHDS 2A Dual brushless ESC with built-in receiver, mixing and invert switch; about 4 g

These boards need an AFHDS 2A transmitter, such as a Flysky FS-i6/i6X/i6S or a multi-protocol (4-in-1 or CC2500) radio. As of 2026 there's no widely available all-in-one board with a built-in ELRS receiver; the usual ELRS setup is a separate small receiver plus a dual ESC.

Legacy radio systems can work perfectly, but they use older protocols, and you can't reliably buy new receivers that work with them. You can sometimes find replacement receivers on eBay or other sites, but if you are starting out there are plenty of inexpensive radios to choose from.

Legacy Radio Systems
Name Style Channels Protocol Price Mixing Receiver Option Notes
Spektrum DX5 Pro (original, SPM5010) Pistol 5 DSMR/DSM2 - Tank Steering SR215 Replaced by the 2021 version
Spektrum DX6i Twin Stick 6 DSM/DSM2 - Yes AR620: 8grams Discontinued (its successor, the DX6e, is also discontinued)
FrSky Taranis Q X7 Twin Stick 24 ACCESS - Programable Archer R4: 3.8grams Discontinued. OpenTX Firmware (Combat Guide)
Turnigy Evolution / Pro Game Controller 8 AFHDS 2A - None FS-iA6 (the bundled iA6C has no PWM outputs) Touchscreen - no mixing, which makes it a poor fit for combat robots
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