16-Channel ELRS 915MHz Receiver - Firmware 3.1 with Wire Antenna (Long Range)

Specifications

• RF Frequency: 915MHz (FCC Regulatory Domain)

• Protocol: CRSF (Crossfire)

• Channels: 16 (ELRS standard: 4x high res, 12x switch/aux)

• Firmware: ExpressLRS v3.1 pre-flashed

• Processor: ESP8285 MCU

• RF Chip: Semtech SX1276

• Input Voltage: 3.6V - 5.5V DC

• Telemetry Power: ~20dBm (100mW)

• Antenna Connector: IPEX1 / U.FL

• Weight: 0.8g (Receiver only)

Key Applications & Projects

• Long-Range FPV: Reach mountains and canyons where 2.4GHz fails.

• Sub-250g Builds: The lightweight wire antenna and 0.8g board are perfect for high-performance micro drones.

• Search and Rescue (UAV): Reliable link performance in dense forest or urban environments with heavy obstacles.

• Autonomous Surveying: Solid backhaul for telemetry data during programmed missions.

Unlock New Capabilities (Project Evolution)

• Past Projects: If you've been using SPI-based receivers, you've dealt with limited firmware updates and range.

• Feature Upgrade: Switching to this serial-based ELRS receiver allows you to update firmware independently via Wi-Fi and enjoy much higher telemetry power (up to 100mW).

• Effort Level: Intermediate. Requires soldering 4 wires (5V, GND, TX, RX) to a flight controller.

ACCESSORIES / PACKAGE INCLUDED

• 1 x 16-Channel 915MHz ELRS Receiver

• 1 x Flexible 915MHz Wire Antenna (IPEX1 Connector)

• 4 x 30AWG Silicone Connection Wires (Black, Red, Yellow, White)

• 2 x Spare Heat Shrink Tube

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)

1. Does 915MHz interfere with 2.4GHz video? No, they are in different frequency bands; however, ensure antennas are physically separated for best results.

2. Is this compatible with Jumper or RadioMaster 915M modules? Yes, it is compatible with any ExpressLRS 915MHz transmitter module.

3. How do I enter bind mode? Power the receiver on/off three times rapidly; the LED will double-flash to indicate bind mode.

4. Can I update the firmware via Wi-Fi? Yes, if left unconnected for 60 seconds, it enters Wi-Fi mode for web-based updates.

5. Does it support 16 full-resolution channels? ELRS uses a specialized channel mapping: 4 full-res sticks (Ch1-4) and 12 auxiliary channels with varying resolution.

6. Can I use a 1S battery to power this? Yes, the input range starts at 3.6V, making it 1S compatible.

7. What is the maximum range? In ideal line-of-sight conditions, 10km+ is achievable with a proper transmitter setup.

8. Is CH5 reserved? Yes, in ExpressLRS, Channel 5 (AUX1) must be used for Arming to ensure safety features.

9. What is CRSF protocol? Crossfire is the high-speed serial protocol ELRS uses to talk to your Flight Controller.

10. Do I need to solder the antenna? No, the antenna uses a snap-on IPEX1 connector for easy replacement.

11. Can I use this for the 868MHz (EU) band? Hardware is capable, but you must flash 868MHz firmware via the ELRS configurator.

12. Is it compatible with Betaflight? Yes, set the receiver type to "Serial-based" and the provider to "CRSF".

13. Why use a wire antenna instead of a T-antenna? Wire antennas are lighter and easier to route in tight frames, though T-antennas offer slightly better gain.

14. What is the telemetry power? This unit outputs up to 100mW (20dBm) for long-range telemetry return.

15. Does it support MAVLink? No, it uses the CRSF protocol, but telemetry data is sent back to your radio.

16. How much current does it draw? Approximately 100mA during operation.

17. Is it smaller than a Nano receiver? It is roughly the same size as a standard Nano RX (approx. 11x18mm).

18. Can I use this with an ESP32-CAM? This is for radio control, not video transmission; use it to control the gimbal or movement of your project.

19. What happens if I flash the wrong firmware? You can recover it using the forced bootloader pads (soldering required if Wi-Fi fails).

20. Is the wire antenna fragile? It is flexible but should be protected from prop strikes using a plastic tube or zip tie.