Having issues setting up your ELRS system? Here’s a walkthrough of every step to get setup and flying.
ELRS is the fastest growing radio link in all of recent history, it offers great reliability, with great range, signal penetration and a wide variety of affordable and innovative hardware.
Checking your ELRS version
You can start by pressing the SYS button and pressing the scroll wheel in to enter. Then scroll down to the bottom and you’ll see your ELRS version. Most equipment is shipped with 3.3.X. Knowing this will facilitate the following steps. If when you press enter on ELRS nothing appears, that means you need to create a model first, look at the next step.
First setup
Update
Updating your ELRS hardware is not necessary, but if you feel like you need some of the features, more power to you. 3.3.X has been extremely reliable and if it does all you need, we recommend not updating it.
To update your ELRS equipment, you’ll need the ELRS configurator. You can then select the manufacturer of your equipment and select the model. While you’re there, you can setup your bindphrase (We will go over the bindphrase further down in the blog). Then build your firmware file. You’ll then need to go (for a controller) into the SYS menu, ELRS, then WIFI connectivity and enable WIFI. You’ll then be able to go and connect to that network. For a receiver, power it for 60s and then the network will pop up (ExpressLRS TX or ExpressLRS RX, password is expresslrs). A webpage will pop up and you can go to the Update tab, and upload your file. From there follow the instruction to finish the process.
Model Setup
When you take your controller out of its box, you first need to set up a model if it isn’t already.
Press the MDL button on the right of your controller. Then scroll down to the Global filter and turn it off. Then continue scrolling to the Tx (Transmitter) protocol, select internal or external depending on which you are using. If you are using a controller without an external module, put the internal RF to CRSF, if you are using a module on the back of your controller, select external RF and put it on CRSF. This will enable the crossfire protocol which ELRS uses.
Then, you need to change pages with the ‘PAGE>’ to go to the Mixes tab, then you’ll need to enable your switches. Make sure, if you’re using any version before 3.5.3, that your channel 5 is your arm switch. This used to be a safety feature in previous versions that has been changed in 3.5.3. To enable switches, you need to select the free slot, move the switch, and then name it (This is optional but makes the switch assignment easier)
Binding methods
ExpressLRS has multiple binding methods available, button binding, power cycle binding and bindphrase binding. Each has its pros and cons, button binding requires you to update to the latest version but is what most people are used to do. Power cycle binding is the easiest but is the least reliable method of binding. Bindphrase binding is the most complicated but the most reliable.
Button Bind
Press the boot button on the receiver (Version 3.5.X required)
Go into SYS, ExpressLRS, press enter on Bind
Power cycle Bind
Plug the aircraft and unplug rapidly 3 times, then leave plugged in
Go into SYS, ExpressLRS, press enter on Bind
Bindphrase Bind
Enter into WIFI mode for both devices
Go to the webpage and update the bindphrase
Save & reboot
Conclusion
Setting up your ExpressLRS system can seem daunting at first, but by following this comprehensive walkthrough, you're well on your way to enjoying the benefits of one of the fastest-growing radio links available. With its remarkable reliability, impressive range, and innovative hardware options, ELRS is a fantastic choice for both beginners and seasoned pilots alike.
By starting with a proper check of your ELRS version, updating your hardware if desired, and carefully setting up your model and binding methods, you ensure a smooth and effective setup process. Remember that while updating is optional, it can unlock new features that enhance your flying experience.
As you navigate through the various steps, don’t hesitate to refer back to this guide for assistance. With patience and attention to detail, you’ll soon be ready to take to the skies with confidence.