Safety pilot radio · hardware reference
RF controller picker.
Recommended transmitter / receiver combinations for the DIY rig's safety-pilot link. The radio is not used for autonomy — it's strictly kill-switch + manual backup during real-flight data capture. Priority: low latency, failsafe reliability, ExpressLRS compatibility.
Role
Safety pilot + kill-switch only
not autonomy link
Protocol
ExpressLRS 3.3+
2.4 GHz preferred
Latency
< 5 ms RTT target
ELRS 500 Hz
Failsafe
Disarm within 1 s of signal loss
hard requirement
§ 01Recommended transmitter
| Model | Price | Protocol | Notes |
|---|
| Radiomaster Boxer | ~$160 | ELRS 2.4 GHz built-in | Great ergonomics, edgeTX, CNC gimbals, our baseline |
| Radiomaster TX16S MKII | ~$200 | ELRS + CRSF + multi | Larger screen, more switches, if you multi-model |
| Jumper T-Pro S | ~$90 | ELRS | Budget option, smaller, fine for solo use |
| FrSky Taranis X9D | (older) | FrSky D16 · legacy | Avoid — ELRS is the standard now |
§ 02Recommended receiver
| Model | Price | Antennas | Notes |
|---|
| BetaFPV ELRS Lite RX 2.4G | ~$15 | T-antenna | Our reference — cheap, reliable, SBUS or CRSF |
| Radiomaster RP3 ELRS | ~$20 | Diversity | Better range, useful outdoors |
| Happymodel EP2 TCXO | ~$18 | T-antenna | TCXO helps in cold; slightly higher spec |
§ 03Configuration
| Setting | Value | Why |
|---|
| Protocol | ELRS 2.4 GHz | 2.4 less regulated · 915 MHz reserved for certain regions |
| Packet rate | 500 Hz | 2 ms control latency · overkill, keep it |
| Switch mode | Hybrid | Access to AUX switches at full rate |
| Binding phrase | Team-specific | Prevents crosstalk if others fly with us |
| Tx power | 25 mW indoor · 100 mW outdoor | Regulatory + don't blow out close receivers |
| Failsafe | Disarm within 1 s | Hard safety requirement |
Kill-switch hardware is non-negotiable. Map a two-position switch (e.g. SB on Boxer) to an AUX channel that forces disarm on the flight controller. Verified at every pre-flight check.
§ 04Competition posture
At AIGP Physical + Final, the safety-pilot role is organizer-supplied or not used at all (depending on final rules). The DIY-rig radio setup is for our own test flights, not the venue. Plan for the Neros Archer to ship with its own safety mechanism; don't expect to bring our Boxer to the track.