/ExpressLRS

STM32/ESP32/ESP8285 based High Performance Radio Link for Quads

Primary LanguageC++GNU General Public License v3.0GPL-3.0

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If you would like to support the development of ExpressLRS please feel free to make a small donation. This helps us buy hardware for porting, development and prototyping. Show your support for which new features you want added by leaving a message when you donate

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Quick Start Guide

If you have hardware that you want to flash, please refer to our guides on the wiki, and our FAQ

High Performance LoRa Radio Link

Build Status Release License Stars Chat

ExpressLRS is an open source RC link for RC applications. It is based on the fantastic semtech SX127x/SX1280 hardware combined with an ESP8285, ESP32 or STM32. ExpressLRS supports a wide range of hardware platforms as well as both 900 MHz and 2.4 GHz frequency options. ExpressLRS uses LoRa modulation as well as reduced packet size to achieve best in class range and latency compared to current commercial offerings.

ExpressLRS can run at various packet rates, up to 500hz or down to 25hz depending on your preference of range or low latency. At 900 MHz a maximum of 200 Hz packet rate is supported. At 2.4 GHz a blistering 500 Hz is currently supported with a custom openTX binary with future plans to extend this to 1000 Hz.

ExpressLRS can be flashed into existing Frsky R9M hardware (RX and TX), Jumper R900 RXs, GHOST ATTO/ZEPTO Receivers or Custom PCBs can be made if you enjoy tinkering. Several manufacturers are preparing to offer offical ELRS hardware soon so stay tuned.

LatencyChart

ExpressLRS aims to achieve the best possible link preformance for both latency and range. This is achieved with an optimised over the air packet structure. However, only basic telemetry is currently provided (VBAT, downlink/uplink LQ and downlink/uplink RSSI), work is underway for full telemetry support. This compromise allows ExpressLRS to achieve simultaneous better latency AND range compared to other options in the market. For example, ExpressLRS 2.4GHz 150Hz mode offers the same range as GHST Normal while delivering near triple the packet update rate. Similarly, ExpressLRS 900MHz 200Hz will dramatically out-range Crossfire 150Hz and ExpressLRS 50Hz will out-range Crossfire 50Hz watt per watt.

2.4GHz Comparison RangeVsPacketRate

More information can be found in the wiki.

Starting Out

After taking a look at the supported Hardware and making sure you have the required hardware, the Quick Start Guide is written to walk through the process of flashing ELRS for the first time

Supported Hardware

900 MHz Hardware:

2.4 GHz Hardware:

For a more exhaustive list refer to the Supported Hardware page on the wiki

Long Range Competition

One of the most frequently asked questions that gets asked by people who are interested in, but haven't yet tried ELRS is "How far does it go, and at what packet rate?"

The following table is a leaderboard of the current record holder for each packet rate, and the longest distance from home. Note that not every flight resulted in a failsafe at max range, so the link may go (much) futher in some cases.

Rules

Anyone can add an entry to the table, and entries should include the:

  • Max distance from home
  • RF freq (900 / 2.4)
  • Packet rate
  • Power level
  • If the link failsafed at max range
  • The pilot name
  • A link to your DVR on youtube (DVR is essential to compete, sorry, no keyboard claims)

Current Leaderboard

Max Dist. Freq Pkt Rate TX Power Failsafe at Max Range? Pilot Handle Link to DVR
40Km 900M 50HZ 10mW No Snipes https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0QWN9qWoSYY
33Km 2.4G 250HZ 100mW No Snipes https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GkOCT17a-DE
30Km 900M 50HZ 1W No Snipes https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SbWvFIpVkto
10Km 2.4G 250HZ 100mW No Snipes https://youtu.be/dJYfWLtXVg8
6Km 900M 100HZ 50mW No Snipes https://youtu.be/kN89mINbmQc?t=58
6Km 2.4G 500HZ 250mW No Spec https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bVJaiqJq8gY
4.77Km 900M 200HZ 250mW No DaBit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k0lY0XwB6Ko
3Km 2.4G (ceramic chip antenna RX) 500HZ 100mW No Spec https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kfa6ugX46n8
2.28Km 900M 50HZ 10mW No Mike Malagoli https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qi4OygUAZxA&t=75s

Check the wiki page for previous leaders!

Legal Stuff

The use and operation of this type of device may require a license and some countries may forbid its use. It is entirely up to the end user to ensure compliance with local regulations. This is experimental software/hardware and there is no guarantee of stability or reliability. USE AT YOUR OWN RISK

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