Again in 2023, I visited RadioMaster’s workplace in Shenzhen, China, and the boss confirmed me a prototype radio they have been engaged on that ran on Android. Quick ahead 3 years, and so they’ve lastly launched it. The RadioMaster AX12 is the corporate’s first Android-based RC radio. It primarily combines an FPV radio with an Android cellphone/pill, permitting you to run Android apps immediately on the transmitter. You may even use it to show an FPV video feed by way of HDMI. I feel the AX12 is a genuinely fascinating product — however it’s additionally very area of interest. Right here’s my tackle what it does effectively, the place it falls quick, and who ought to critically take into account it.
Study extra about FPV radios: https://oscarliang.com/radio-transmitter/
The place to Purchase
Get the AX12 from:
Included Equipment:
- 1 × AX12 Signature Carry Case
- 1 × USB Sort-A to Sort-C cable
- 1 × USB Sort-C to Sort-C cable
- 1 × Display protector
- 1 × 1.5mm hex wrench
- 4 × Low-tension gimbal springs
- 1 × Stickers
- 1 × Guide
Specs
- Processor: 8-core CPU
- Reminiscence / Storage: 4GB RAM + 64GB storage
- GPU: ARM Mali-G72
- Working Present: 1.10A (at most output energy)
- Frequency Vary: 2.4GHz or Sub-G 900MHz
- Inside RF: ExpressLRS 2.4GHz / Sub-G 900MHz
- Supported Protocol: ExpressLRS
- Channels: As much as 16 (relying on receiver)
- Show: 5.5-inch HD touchscreen (1280×720), 1000 nits brightness
- System Firmware: Android 9.0 (can’t be up to date)
- Radio System/App: RadioMasterOS
- Charging: USB Energy Supply (PD) suitable energy provide required
- Gimbals: Excessive-precision X5 Corridor gimbals (elective AG01 Nano improve)
- Gimbal Sticks: Detachable and storable
- Exterior Module Help: Nano module bay
- Battery: Twin built-in 3.7V 21700 10000mAh lithium batteries
- Firmware Upgrades: On-line automated updates by way of Wi-Fi
- Dimensions: 171 × 168 × 73 mm
- Weight: 640g (Claimed), 649g (Measured)
What Is the RadioMaster AX12?
The only solution to perceive the AX12 is that this: it’s primarily an RC radio constructed round an Android cellphone/pill.
Left: TX15; Proper: AX12
As a result of it runs Android, you may set up apps comparable to:
- QGroundControl
- FPV simulators
- Betaflight instruments
- SpeedyBee app
- YouTube
- Web site Browser
- And extra…
One other standout function is that it may show an FPV video feed immediately on its built-in display utilizing HDMI enter. It additionally has HDMI output, so you may mirror the show to an exterior monitor — which is nice for occasions or sharing your feed with buddies.
Design, Construct, and Ergonomics
At first look, the AX12 seems to be a bit just like the DJI Sensible Controller. However internally it’s one thing very totally different: an Android-based radio with a 5.5-inch touchscreen, built-in ExpressLRS, HDMI enter and output, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and help for Android apps from the Play Retailer or APK.
It is available in a pleasant carry case with an internal zip pocket. The sticks may be saved on the again of the radio and screw into the gimbals when wanted.
It makes use of mini Corridor gimbals, much like these discovered within the RadioMaster Pocket, and they are often upgraded to AG01 Nano gimbals. The stick peak shouldn’t be adjustable, so if that issues to you, you’ll want aftermarket stick ends. It additionally feels extra suited to thumbers than pinchers or hybrid pinchers.
There’s a neck strap hook, which is essential as a result of at round 649g, this isn’t a lightweight radio. It additionally feels bottom-heavy as a result of giant display and battery placement. When utilizing a neck strap, the underside tends to droop, so the steadiness isn’t very best. Nevertheless, the lanyard shouldn’t be included and must be bought individually.
Within the hand, I’ve to say the ergonomics are a bit missing. It resembles a DJI Sensible Controller, however it doesn’t really feel fairly as refined or snug. It’s clearly designed across the display first and the radio second.
Left: TX15; Proper: AX12
Display
You may discover there aren’t any conventional menu buttons on the AX12. That’s as a result of all navigation is finished by way of the touchscreen — identical to a smartphone.
The AX12 has a 5.5-inch 1280×720 touchscreen (related in measurement to an iPhone 8 Plus), and one of many first issues that stood out to me is how shiny it may get, RadioMaster claims as much as 1000 nits, and based mostly on my impression, daylight visibility shouldn’t be a difficulty in any respect.
Brightness and quantity management work precisely like they do on an Android cellphone — swipe down from the highest of the display to disclose sliders.
There are Mini HDMI enter and output ports on the highest of the radio, permitting you to show FPV feed on the display. Suitable programs embody DJI, Walksnail, and HDZero — so long as they’ve HDMI output, you may join them to the AX12 and use it as a show.
You can even mirror the show to an exterior display by way of HDMI out, which could possibly be very helpful for occasions, demos, or group periods.
Android Expertise
The AX12 runs on Android 9, and the radio system that replaces EdgeTX is actually an app referred to as RadioMasterOS that runs on high of Android.
The upside is flexibility. The draw back is that Android 9 is kind of outdated (launched over 7 years in the past — the newest model is Android 16 on the time of writing), it’s now not thought of safe. If you happen to check in to the Play Retailer, it’s best to in all probability use a throwaway Google account and keep away from storing any delicate private information on the gadget. App compatibility can even worsen over time, and a few apps have already dropped help for older Android variations. And Radiomaster clearly states within the specs that Android can’t be up to date.
So whereas the AX12 is spectacular as an idea, that is additionally certainly one of my greatest long-term issues.
Attempting Some Android Apps
As a result of it runs Android, you should utilize Android-based simulators immediately on the radio. Which means a doubtlessly absolutely self-contained apply gadget — no additional controller required.
Efficiency was blended, although. Easier video games ran effectively sufficient, whereas extra graphically intensive ones confirmed slight lag, body drops and stuttering. That’s not shocking, because the GPU efficiency is roughly similar to an affordable cellphone or pill from 7 years in the past.
Nonetheless, the comfort issue is big. Having a radio and simulator in a single gadget is undeniably interesting. That is the place the AX12 clearly does issues conventional EdgeTX radios merely can’t.
FPV Simulators
Can it run FPV simulators? Sure.
I downloaded the free FPV.Skydive, and it ran fairly effectively. FPS often dropped from 55 to 40 vary, which confirms the {hardware} is struggling, however it was nonetheless usable.
Getting the gimbals working was much less very best. There’s no inside wired connection, so the work round was to attach the gimbals to Android by way of Bluetooth — much like pairing an EdgeTX radio with a cellphone. Sadly, latency was very excessive (in all probability round 1 second), making it virtually unflyable.
You should use the touchscreen controls as a substitute, however that defeats the aim of training FPV flying. Hopefully RadioMaster can enhance this latency sooner or later.
Betaflight Configurator
Can it run Betaflight Configurator? Quick reply: not likely.
Sure, you may open the web-based Betaflight Configurator in Chrome, however the radio couldn’t detect a flight controller related by way of USB-C. The FC obtained energy from the radio, however the AX12 itself didn’t acknowledge the USB gadget in any respect. I additionally tried a USB-C OTG cable — similar consequence.
Nevertheless, the SpeedyBee app did work.
Once I tried downloading the Speedybee app from Google Play, it requested for a bank card (I used to be utilizing a burner account so I didn’t wish to enter it). Luckily, you may obtain and set up the APK immediately from SpeedyBee’s web site. USB connection nonetheless didn’t work, however Bluetooth did — I related utilizing a SpeedyBee Adapter 3 on the drone aspect, and the whole lot functioned usually.
DJI Fly App
DJI goggles don’t have HDMI outputs, which implies you usually want a DJI Sensible Controller (round $500) in case your need video output by way of HDMI. The AX12, nonetheless, helps video output from DJI goggles by means of a USB-C cable utilizing the DJI Fly app. This can be a very compelling function — it successfully turns the AX12 into an exterior show for DJI programs. You may even use the AX12’s HDMI output to reflect the feed to a TV or monitor, doubtlessly changing the far more costly DJI Sensible Controller.
Getting it to work was a bit of irritating, although. I deliberately tried to determine it out with out asking RadioMaster for assist to gauge real-world usability — and it turned out to be removed from easy. With such a brand new platform, documentation is scarce, and troubleshooting entails numerous trial and error.
I put in the DJI Fly APK from DJI’s web site, and the app itself ran nice. Nevertheless, the AX12 initially didn’t detect any USB connection in any respect.
To get it working, I needed to allow USB Debugging in Developer Mode:
- Go to Settings → System → About pill
- Faucet
Construct Quantity7 occasions to allow Developer Mode - Return to Settings and seek for
USB Debugging, then allow it - If it nonetheless doesn’t work, strive disabling Developer Mode, restarting the radio, and repeating the method
Additionally make sure that “HOST” within the fast settings menu (between the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth icons) is disabled.
You should use a really particular cable. For some purpose, USB-C to USB-C OTG cables didn’t work with the AX12 (though those self same cables labored completely with my Pixel 8 cellphone).
The one setup that labored for me was a USB-A to USB-C cable, with a USB-A to USB-C adapter.
You additionally want to attach the USB-A finish to the goggles (utilizing the adapter) — reversing the cable course doesn’t work. Very odd, however it’s working!
This labored for each DJI Goggles 2 and Goggles 3 in my testing. It must also work with Goggles Integra and Goggles N3, though I haven’t examined them personally.
Internet Browser
Wish to rapidly have a look at my web site within the area? You are able to do it on the radio, how cool is that? 🙂
YouTube and Media Use
Watching YouTube works surprisingly effectively.
The display decision is barely 720p, so video high quality isn’t superb, however it’s completely watchable — and that is purported to be a radio, in spite of everything. I didn’t set up the Youtube app as a result of Google Play saved asking me for a bank card, so I merely used YouTube within the browser with out points.
Downsides of the Android AX12
The most important weak point of utilizing Android is complexity.
EdgeTX radios are common as a result of they’re:
- Quick in addition
- Function-built for RC use
- Light-weight with minimal background processes
- Secure and predictable
- Low price
Android introduces the alternative:
- Lengthy boot occasions
- Increased battery consumption
- Higher threat of crashes or lag
- App compatibility points
- Storage and permission hassles
- Distractions on a tool meant for controlling an plane
It’s price noting that whereas most EdgeTX radios energy on in a few seconds, the AX12 takes almost 40 seconds in addition — extra like a smartphone or pc.
One other sensible concern is developer help. A radio like this solely turns into compelling if there are literally good apps made for it. In any other case it finally ends up feeling like an outdated cellphone bolted onto a transmitter.
And it’s a really new system — bugs are to be anticipated, and you have to be ready for a substantial quantity of tinkering to get issues working. If you happen to’re not tech-savvy, chances are you’ll discover it fairly irritating.
Inside ExpressLRS Module
The AX12 contains an inside ExpressLRS transmitter with a most output energy of 250mW. It may well function on:
- 2.4 GHz
- or 868/915 MHz
- however not each concurrently
This implies it doesn’t help Twin-band Gemini-X. You should select one band or the opposite, much like the TX15 however with decrease RF output.
You might have full entry to ExpressLRS settings within the radio menu, or ELRS Lua script.
There may be additionally a Nano module bay on the again, which is helpful if you wish to add a higher-power ExpressLRS module.
Connectivity: Wi-Fi & Bluetooth, however No SIM or GPS or Digital camera
The AX12 contains built-in wi-fi connectivity:
Nevertheless, it lacks a number of options generally discovered on smartphones and tablets:
- No SIM card slot
- No built-in GPS
- No accelerometer
- No digicam
In apply, this implies if you would like web entry within the area, you’ll must tether the radio to your cellphone (hotspot).
The absence of GPS is a little bit of a double-edged sword. On the constructive aspect, it avoids privateness issues and reduces background companies. On the draw back, it limits future capabilities comparable to location-aware options, ground-station capabilities, or potential Distant ID integrations.
HDMI Enter: Viewing FPV Feed on Constructed-In Display
That is arguably one of the essential options of the AX12.
The radio features a mini HDMI enter, permitting you to show an exterior video supply immediately on the built-in display. In principle, this allows you to use the AX12 as a compact FPV monitor.
Most FPV programs with HDMI output are suitable, together with:
- Walksnail Avatar
- HDZero
- OpenIPC
- Walksnail Ascent VRX
- Probably DJI programs (with further {hardware})
- Helps 1080p and 720p as much as 60hz
Nevertheless, there’s a crucial caveat: latency.
As a result of the video sign passes by means of Android and is processed in software program, further delay is launched (various from system to system). That could be acceptable for spectating or monitoring autonomous plane, however it’s not very best for piloting handbook FPV drones the place low latency is important.
So sure — you may watch FPV feed on the AX12 display, however I’d not take into account it a real alternative for FPV goggles when exact handbook management is required.
HDMI Output: Sharing the Display
The AX12 additionally includes a mini HDMI output, which mirrors the Android show to an exterior monitor or TV.
This opens up a number of sensible purposes:
- Spectators watching dwell flights
- Moveable area show
- Consumer viewing throughout business shoots
- Coaching periods and demonstrations
Latency continues to be current, however for viewing functions somewhat than management, it’s not a deal breaker.
RadioMasterOS (Changing EdgeTX)
As an alternative of EdgeTX, the AX12 runs RadioMasterOS, which is actually an Android utility designed particularly for RC management.
The interface seems to be fashionable and contains many options anticipated from a standard radio system:
- Mannequin profiles and templates
- Channel monitor
- Telemetry show
- ExpressLRS integration
- Inputs, mixes, and outputs
- System settings
- Lua script help
- And extra…
For a first-generation system, it’s shocking how a lot work they’ve carried out. That mentioned, it’s clearly not as mature as EdgeTX. EdgeTX has years of improvement and a large consumer base behind it, whereas RadioMasterOS continues to be new and evolving.
Battery and Charging
The AX12 makes use of two 21700 Li-ion cells for a complete capability of 10,000mAh, which is respectable for an Android gadget. The batteries are contained in the radio and never detachable except you’re taking it aside. RadioMaster claims 8+ hours of steady use on a full cost.
Charging is dealt with by way of the USB-C port on the underside. In my testing, it helps PD fast-charging as much as 20W, reaching 0% to 80% in about 70 minutes.
There’s one other USB-C port on high which is used for:
- File switch
- Equipment
- System communication
There’s additionally a headphone jack in case you don’t wish to use the built-in speaker.
FAQ
Does this radio run EdgeTX?
No. The AX12 makes use of Android as the first platform and RadioMasterOS for radio management.
Is RadioMaster transferring away from EdgeTX?
No. RadioMaster says they’ll proceed supporting EdgeTX throughout present and future merchandise. The AX12 is a further product, not a alternative.
Will there be a 4in1 (multiprotocol) model?
No. There are presently no plans for a 4-in-1 model.
How do you configure ExpressLRS settings?
RadioMasterOS features a built-in ExpressLRS configuration web page, together with ExpressLRS Lua script.
How do I set a bind phrase if there’s no configurator goal but?
A goal can be added quickly. For now, put the transmitter into Wi-Fi mode within the ELRS Lua script, and configure the bind phrase by means of the ExpressLRS WebUI.
Does the AX12 have FCC approval?
Sure — FCC certification is full.
Will there be CE and LBT variations?
Sure — CE certification is full, and an LBT model can be accessible.
Ultimate Ideas: Who Is the AX12 For?
Not like many radio producers that have a tendency to simply copy one another, RadioMaster is clearly pondering outdoors the field right here.
Within the product web page, RadioMaster particularly highlights MAVLink pass-through help for instruments like QGroundControl and Mission Planner. This makes it clear the AX12 is designed not simply as a transmitter, however as a mixed controller and floor station. For the fitting consumer — particularly these constructing ArduPilot, PX4, iNav, or autonomous/mission-planned platforms — the AX12 could possibly be extraordinarily helpful. At $249.99, it’s surprisingly compelling.
That mentioned, it should additionally attraction to individuals who need:
- A built-in Android pill of their radio
- FPV video viewing with out separate goggles
- FPV simulators operating immediately on the transmitter
- Discipline entry to apps like Betaflight instruments and SpeedyBee
- A less expensive different to the DJI Sensible Controller for outputting DJI feed to an exterior monitor
So sure — it’s area of interest, however not pointless.
Get the AX12 from:
For a typical freestyle FPV pilot, nonetheless, I’m much less satisfied. The Android layer provides flexibility but in addition introduces:
- Extra complexity
- Potential instability
- Safety issues
- App compatibility limitations
- Unsure long-term help
The gimbals are comparatively small, and ergonomics aren’t very best for lengthy flying periods. For Betaflight quads, the AX12 doesn’t add a lot — most configuration can already be carried out by way of OSD. And virtually everybody brings a smartphone with them these days anyway, there’s no want for an additional Android gadget. If all you do is arm, rip packs, and go house, a typical EdgeTX radio nonetheless makes extra sense.
Listed below are my EdgeTX radios suggestions: https://oscarliang.com/radio-transmitter/#Radio-Suggestions
I don’t suppose the AX12 will substitute EdgeTX radios for many FPV pilots. But it surely does introduce a brand new class of transmitter, and if RadioMaster continues refining the software program, it might turn into a strong device for a really particular viewers.
