Compact gamepad-style radios are sometimes positioned on the cheaper, finances finish of the market. However lastly, now we have a compact radio with fashionable {hardware}, a color show, higher gimbals, sturdy ExpressLRS efficiency, and sufficient battery capability for longer flying classes. The HelloRadio V12 MAX is likely one of the first radios that genuinely feels designed to fill this hole. It isn’t good, however the total bundle is spectacular, particularly its premium construct high quality, compact design, and in depth characteristic set.
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The place to Purchase
Get the HelloRadio V12 MAX from:
Specs
- Primary processor: STM32H750XBH6
- Transmitter module: Constructed-in dual-band ExpressLRS module
- ELRS RF chip: LR1121
- Transmission frequencies: 2.4GHz or 900MHz
- Variety of channels: 12+ (relying on the receiver)
- Working voltage: 6.6–8.4V DC
- Working present: 260mA
- Working system: EdgeTX
- Show: 2.4-inch TFT color display screen
- Cooling: Twin-channel fan
- Energy provide: 2× 21700 batteries, not included
- Firmware replace technique: USB-C
- Dimensions: 179 × 125 × 55mm
- Weight with out batteries: 360g
- Weight with two 21700 batteries: 528g
| Characteristic | V12 | V12 CNC MAX |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Processor | H750 | H750 |
| Constructed-in ExpressLRS Module | Twin-band ELRS | Twin-band ELRS |
| Most RF Energy | 1000mW | 1000mW |
| Antennas | Single inside antenna | Twin inside antennas and exterior antenna |
| Gimbal Sensor | Corridor impact | Corridor impact |
| Gimbal Materials | Plastic | CNC aluminium |
| Button Materials | Plastic | CNC aluminium |
| Shell | Gray | A number of color choices |
| Show | 2.4-inch color display screen | 2.4-inch color display screen |
How It Compares with the RadioMaster Zorro
Let’s be trustworthy: many gamepad-style radios really feel low cost and fundamental – they’re designed that approach. The RadioMaster Zorro was one of many first genuinely succesful gamepad-style transmitters for FPV. It supplied EdgeTX, inside ExpressLRS transmitter module, and a well-recognized console-controller form.
Nevertheless, it additionally had a number of limitations, together with comparatively small batteries, modest gimbals, and an older monochrome show.
The V12 MAX improves on the Zorro in virtually each main space:
- Quicker processor
- Color show
- Bigger batteries
- Extra highly effective inside RF {hardware}
- Twin-band ExpressLRS
- Higher gimbals
- Greater-quality buttons and controls
- Exterior antenna assist
With that mentioned, the V12 isn’t going to exchange the Zorro for everybody. For many individuals the Zorro is a very sufficient controller, and is cheaper, so there’s no have to improve. However in the event you worth a few of these options, the V12 Max is price contemplating.
Construct High quality and Ergonomics
The V12 MAX feels very stable within the arms. It undoubtedly feels higher-quality and heavier than many of the compact radios in the marketplace. The load truly contributes to its premium really feel – it doesn’t really feel hole or low cost, and the shell feels sturdy and nicely supported.
The gamepad-style form works particularly nicely for thumbers, however I additionally discovered it surprisingly comfy for hybrid pinching. Pilots with small arms should not have any downside reaching the total gimbal journey, whereas these with bigger arms might need to use stick extensions.
The general design feels extra mature than a few of HelloRadio’s earlier merchandise. These radios generally relied on gimmicky options, resembling voice-command management, to face out. The V12 MAX feels far more targeted on precise usability and construct high quality.
Mini CNC Gimbals
The V12 MAX makes use of CNC aluminium gimbals, and so they really feel exceptionally clean.
The default spring rigidity is kind of mild, which is how I usually favor it. I can use it out of the field with none changes. You too can make changes in case you are used to stiffer tensions.
The stick ends use a much less frequent thread association, with female-threaded stick ends. Stick extensions can nonetheless be fitted, however it’s possible you’ll want the proper adapter or spacer.
Keep in mind, these are nonetheless mini gimbals, related in dimension to these used within the Radiomaster Pocket or Zorro. They need to be adequate for many pilots, particularly learners, however I personally nonetheless favor the full-size gimbals present in radios such because the Boxer, T20S, and TX16S.
Full-size gimbals present extra stick journey and doubtlessly finer management, however the V12 is just too compact to accommodate them.
Switches and Buttons
The largest weak point of the V12 MAX might be its restricted swap choice.
Positive, most FPV drones pilots ought to discover it sufficient, however pilots flying advanced fixed-wing fashions or extra superior setup might discover it limiting. For a typical quad pilot, although, I feel the obtainable controls are adequate.
The V12 makes use of compact, low profile button-style switches quite than conventional stick-style switches. For FPV drone pilots, this may be a bonus as a result of it makes the radio simpler to move. Nevertheless, the variety of switches is kind of restricted.
The V12 MAX contains:
- Two 3-position shoulder switches
- One latching swap
- One momentary swap
- Two rotary controls (self centering)
- 6 entrance flight buttons
- A multi-directional scroll wheel
- Devoted Mannequin and System buttons
The entrance buttons are RGB illuminated and alter color when pressed. This isn’t important, however it appears to be like cool and may also help you distinguish between assigned features visually. When charging, the entrance buttons additionally act as charging indicators, which is genuinely helpful.
The radio doesn’t have an enormous variety of switches. For racing/freestyle quads, tiny whoops, and fundamental FPV plane, that is unlikely to be an issue. You will have sufficient controls for:
- Arming
- Flight modes like Angle, Rescue, Place maintain
- Turtle Mode
- Buzzer
- Pre-arm
For advanced fixed-wing fashions with flaps, retractable touchdown gear, a number of flight modes, lights, and telemetry features, and many others, a full-size radio such because the TX16S or TX15 could also be extra acceptable.
Color Show and Menu Navigation
The V12 MAX makes use of a color show. It’s simple to learn indoors and seems usable open air, though it’d wrestle beneath sturdy direct daylight.
For FPV flying, I hardly ever take a look at the display screen throughout flight anyway, so I’m not too fussed a couple of colour display screen, however for individuals who care, it’s actually a bonus.
Nevertheless, the foremost disappointment is that it isn’t a touchscreen. At this value, and on a radio with a contemporary color interface, I anticipated contact enter. As an alternative, navigation is dealt with completely by means of a 5-directional scroll wheel.
Twin-Band ExpressLRS
The interior RF system is likely one of the V12 MAX’s strongest technical options.
It helps:
- 2.4GHz or 868/915MHz
- as much as 1W output energy
This provides you the flexibleness to decide on between excessive packet charges and compact antennas on 2.4GHz, or improved propagation and penetration on 900MHz.
Observe that the V12 Max doesn’t assist Gemini-X, you may solely choose one frequency.
For many racing, freestyle, tiny whoop and cinewhoop pilots, 2.4GHz might be adequate. Lengthy-range pilots or these flying by means of demanding environments might recognize having 900MHz in-built with no need an exterior module.
The radio additionally contains an exterior module bay, so you may nonetheless add one other protocol or extra superior RF module when required.
Inner and Exterior Antennas
The MAX model contains inside antennas and an SMA connection for an exterior antenna, which is included. This antenna has each 2.4GHz and 900MHz component built-in, so you should use it for each frequencies.
For brief vary and extraordinary flying, the exterior antenna isn’t essential. The interior system needs to be adequate for many whoop, freestyle, and park-flying purposes.
The exterior antenna is meant for conditions the place you want:
- further vary
- improved penetration
- extra dependable long-distance efficiency
HelloRadio states that the radio mechanically detects the exterior antenna when it’s put in, so no handbook menu change needs to be essential. Nevertheless, some customers have reported uncertainty about whether or not the automated switching at all times behaves as anticipated. Till that is verified extra totally, I might carry out a correct vary take a look at earlier than counting on the exterior antenna for demanding long-range flights.
Battery and Charging
The V12 MAX takes two 21700 Li-ion cells, offering considerably extra capability than compact radios utilizing smaller 18650 cells (and even 18350 cells within the Zorro).
The two cells are related in collection, so that you want each cells inserted to work, battery scorching swap isn’t doable.
A typical configuration could be two 5000mAh 21700 batteries.
The radio makes use of a single USB-C port for each battery charging and knowledge, which simplifies setup. Additionally meaning you may play FPV simulators with out draining your battery.
Energy Consumption and Battery Life
Listed below are my measurements of the V12 MAX’s present draw with a 7.4V enter. Except in any other case said, the display screen brightness was set to minimal.
- RF module off: 0.16A
- RF module off, most display screen brightness: 0.21A
- 10mW: 0.32A
- 25mW: 0.35A
- 50mW: 0.37A
- 100mW: 0.40A
- 250mW: 0.51A
- 500mW: 0.58A
- 1000mW: 0.90A
- 1000mW, most display screen brightness: 0.97A
Estimated Runtime with 5000mAh Batteries
- 10mW: Round 15 hours
- 250mW: Just below 9 hours
- 1000mW: Roughly 5.5 hours
These figures are estimates, however they present that the V12 MAX ought to provide wonderful battery life at decrease and reasonable RF energy ranges.
Detachable Sticks and Journey Storage
The stick ends will be eliminated for transport.
The radio additionally offers stick storage slots on the again of the radio, permitting you to maintain the stick ends with the radio quite than carrying them unfastened in a bag.
This is a wonderful characteristic for travellers. With the stick ends eliminated, the controller turns into flatter and far simpler to pack safely.
FPV Simulator Assist
The V12 MAX is appropriate with main FPV simulators, together with Liftoff and Tryp.
It’s basically plug-and-play, though it’s possible you’ll have to calibrate the sticks the primary time you join it.
As a result of the USB-C connection helps knowledge and energy, you should use the radio with a simulator with out unnecessarily draining the batteries.
Remaining Verdict: Who Is the V12 MAX For?
The V12 MAX makes probably the most sense for pilots who:
- Want gamepad-style radios
- Primarily fly FPV drones
- Need premium compact gimbals
- Journey often
- Fly tiny whoops or freestyle quads
- Need built-in dual-band ExpressLRS
- Want as much as 1W RF output
- Need one thing extra superior than the RadioMaster Pocket
- Desire a fashionable different to the Zorro or Tango 2
It’s much less appropriate for pilots who:
- Want a touchscreen
- Use a lot of switches
- Fly advanced fixed-wing fashions
- Desire a finances radio
- Want a full-size “box-shape” transmitter
The HelloRadio V12 MAX is likely one of the greatest gamepad-style FPV radio transmitters I’ve examined.
Its largest power isn’t any single characteristic, however the best way HelloRadio has managed to combine all these options into such a compact radio. That’s what makes the V12 MAX stand out.
Get the HelloRadio V12 MAX from:
It isn’t a finances choice, and the shortage of a touchscreen is barely irritating at this value level. The smaller gimbals may additionally be a draw back for some pilots. Nevertheless, for individuals who desire a compact controller with premium {hardware}, sturdy ExpressLRS efficiency, wonderful gimbals, and real on a regular basis portability, the V12 MAX is extraordinarily compelling.
For pilots who desire a full dimension transmitter with extra switches, bigger gimbals, and a touchscreen, the RadioMaster TX15 or TX16S MK3 stays the higher alternative.
