Radiomaster Zorro -- the best and worst of it
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- Опубликовано: 5 фев 2022
- Is this the perfect radio for your next RC plane or drone? Well although this is a very good radio, it isn't perfect (nothing is). Find out the things I love about this radio and the things that don't thrill me nearly as much.
If you want to buy this radio, please use the affiliate link posted by your favorite other reviewer. If you want to support this channel and reward me for the lack of mid-roll advertising and commercial imperatives, please consider giving me as little as $1 per month via patreon.
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Antenna polarization. I have been a Ham Radio operator for 46 years now, I have a 2 meter radio that can operate on FM or single sideband, normal operation is vertical polarization on FM or horizontal polarization on single sideband. I had a 10 element beam with an equal number of elements on both polarizations, although mounted on the same boom they are two separate systems selected by a switch in my desktop. Short distance communication are normally done o FM vertical polarized, long range on single sideband on horizontal. It always interesting to be listening to a station at some distance on horizontal polarization and switch the antenna over to vertical. a strong station suddenly becomes weak, or a weaker signal goes away entirely when on the wrong polarization. It really drives home just how important it is to have the proper polarization on your antennas.
Much appreciate it Bruce. Especially love the fact that you promote the use of other RUclipsrs' affiliate links. A truly generous thing, from such a humble gentleman. It does not go unnoticed. Please continue as you have, thanks again.
You are one of the few people who do what you do for the love of it more than anything else and I applaud you sir!!!
This was the first review on this thing actually WORTH watching.
Thanks for your down to earth honesty!
I WANT to buy this controller, but I'll wait and see if maybe Radiomaster will update the flaws. The ones you mentioned were spot on!
Can't agree more!
Hey Bruce, really appreciate the unbiased review! Agreed with most of the points you brought up, I'll talk to engineering too to make sure the suggestions aren't lost. Regards, James- Fellow kiwi @ RM :)
Well said, thank you for not regurgitating manufacturer’s specs on us. Also, 4.5 hours of continuous operation time, that fact alone is priceless.
Oh to have enough time to fly for 4.5hrs, have lunch and fly again. What paradise is this?!
I was the dude on your poll who asked for monochrome touchscreen 🥳..... PPL prefer colour because they're more driven by appearance than function as you can see from most consumer products nowadays 😉
Unbiased review! That's what makes me coming back! Keep it up! Cheers!
Once again a very unbiased review! I’m still hoping that you are able to point me in the right direction with my TX16 issue!👍🏻
And this is the reason why you are the best of the best. Thanks Bruce.
Great video I am in the market for a new radio meaning the wheels fell off of my go to radio.ive ordered the zorro off of instinct and u confirmed my belief.I appreciate your perspective and knowledge.thanks!
Great review as always Bruce, Thank You.
Bruce I love you and neck straps are nice to you can fiddle with your airplanes and quads without having to put the radio down in the mud.
And no, I don't want to lift weights. That sounds too much like work.
Edit: After a bit of thought, I realize I use my neck strap on the DJI FPV drone mainly so I can fiddle with my goggles and still find the radio again.
Yes, I much prefer a lanyard to handles. I wear my fpv controller 2 like a pair of binoculars around my neck when I go to fly and usually don’t even throw it in the backpack. It may not work for everyone but it definitely works better for me. Also, that way I can keep the sticks on without worrying about damage. I put extensions on mine and they don’t store in the handles like the stock sticks but they fly so much better and smoother than the short ones DJI included.
Thanks for the honest review Bruce, I like the look and ergonomic design of this radio and have decided that I’m happy to get it, I’ve only got the basic version, but I’m sure that it will be good enough for my needs. If I want to add a crossfire unit I’ll get the mini, I don’t plan on flying much further than a couple of kilometres anyway, so I don’t need the full size unit. As for the strap problem, I’m sure that some bright spark will come up with a fix and publish it on thingiverse or someone will make it and sell it on eBay and make a small fortune from selling them lol. As far as the batteries go, I checked a few websites and found a seller that offered 4 of them for about $17 on eBay including delivery, mind you that was in Australia where I live, so I’ll be getting it way before I get my Radiomaster Zorro. I’ve got a Radiomaster tx16s already and think it’s great, but I sometimes feel uncomfortable with the ergonomics as a result of its size and wish it was a bit lighter and smaller in the hand, but luckily I don’t use it for hours at a time so it’s no big deal, but this new one should be good for being able to be used for hours on the very few occasions that I do. No doubt in my mind that there’s going to be a lot of people designing mods and accessories for this little beauty and I look forward to seeing what’s available by the time I get mine.
Thank you, sir! You are doing a great service to humanity!
Thank you Bruce, very good to hear your take on this!
I use my Radiomaster tx16s on my radio control earthmovers, the 4-in-1 really is useful to give me access to a wide range of receivers.
The Zorro is interesting as it gives the same abilities in a cheaper and more compact radio. As an "earthbound" user, I'd like to see a modern surface radio using the same technology but with some environmental protection (rain, sand, impact), I think that might be a gap in the market?
Great video, I haven't bought a radio for years, I have a few Qx7,s and a tango 2, work great.
Another bang on well thought out work. Love the personal stuff that shows critical thinking and time spent with hands on use. And the “ go forth and see what someone else that you trust for the mundane parts “ is classic! I have been following you since your (should be anyway) solder video. Keep banging these out, your perspective is refreshing. Shame about the corporate greed pervasive in web based organizations, what ever happened to fair pay for a job well done?
Great unbiased review. I did wait until your video came out to get the ‘real use’ feedback. Would have been nice to see the screen and layout when you were talking about it. I’m finding myself going back and watching others ‘first impression’ videos now.
Thanks for all your insights on the radio. This is one of two videos on the Zorro I actually got value from an enjoyed watching, made me jump onto your Patreon too.
00:13 I've had my flight friends agree on this for some time and thank god I now hear it from an FPV RUclipsr. The Zorro release videos epidemic has been especially bad, so you had me rolling with satirically summarizing the "reviews" spec sheet first impressions as "the Zorro is the best thing since sliced bread". The parallel fit so well because those videos are also bland and boring, always available, addictive like carbs, but don't bring much to the table.
I picked one up recently and it's pretty nice. I wanted something compact for when I go hiking. Feels great.
Been sooooo long since I've heard the Zorro theme song.... LOL
As usual Bruce... A great review.
A great review Bruce, thanks.
Nice review.
Thank you
I love your reviews as always.
Just feels good in the hand. Love mine!
I love a reviewer who isn't a shill. Another great video!
The sliders without the detent isn't a deal-breaker for me, although strange it is not there when it is so standard. If the radio had haptic feedback and each time you were on center of the slider it briefly was felt in the radio (like the small vibration you may receive each time you press key on the screen when typing on your phone) I think that would be a slick alternative.
I appreciate an honest review from someone who isn't a shill and thinks of the scenarios which may deter someone from the product should it be significant enough.
An easy & cheap (like free?) solution for protecting your gymbols is to drill a little hole in 2 prescription drug bottle caps. If you are careful not to drill out the paper seals, this solution will stay on your radio until & unless you pull them off! - Jim
A sound can be played, or haptic feedback (vibration) can be programmed via OpenTx/EdgeTx at the centre crossing of a slider.
Great review Bruce!
Like the way you think..Very good perspective..👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
Great review. Thanks!
Idea: 3D printed plug for that antenna hole that also includes a finger loop for carrying.
Fellow kiwi here, love your videos
i like the fact that you can say that something is crappy if it is.
Fantastic review, Bruce! Thanks a lot! 😃
This radio is really tempting!
BTW, Wayne (CurryKitten) had less range with the antenna pointing up than in the closed position. Go figure. 😬
Anyway, stay safe there with your family! 🖖😊
To get more consistent (and greater) range both the antenna on your radio *and* the antenna on your model must be vertically polarized. If you run a horizontal antenna on your craft and a vertical on your radio then you'll get less range.
@@RCModelReviews Yeah, makes sense. Thanks! 😊
just ordered the Zorro because of this video thanks
Thanks for the review
Big key ring thingy on the lanyard hook for one finger carry!? Great review Bruce. 👌
I picked up a zorro, great trainer radio to plug into my tx16s!
Radiomaster make the impression of actually listening to people from the hobby. That's why their products get all the importpant things right and there are only minor flaws.
Make sure you buy the batteries with it, they do not ship them separately and can be hard to find because they are 18350's. Really like mine so far. It is smaller than a full-size controller but somewhat larger and beefier than a game-type controller. Feels good in my hands, ergonomic. Put all my non-hd aircraft on this one controller. Really nice. Somewhat hard to choose as their are multiple models. I got the 4-in-1 as I don't fly long range at all, most of my receivers are FrSky compatible. Now, all my switches and the like are set up basically the same for every aircraft.
Brilliant review. What we want: personal opinion! Crappy design flaws: not opinion.. fact. Carrying: use the damn lanyard 🤣
Best review as usual. 👍
Awesome review, love your non affiliate links stance... Although I do but through the affiliate links usually👍 still thinking about this vs the jumper.... Totally agree with you if they had a combo of the two .. would have been amazing if jumper had actually worked with the ELRS devs...
This guy does great reviews keep up the great work brother! I am new at this hobby and I have a TinyGo kit and now I want to buy an Emax Hawk Pro so will this transmitter bind to the Emax Hawk Pro?
I am one of the people who said they prefer a color screen over a monochrome screen.I fly using the spektrum DX8 and that has a monochrome screen.Your right it's better in direct sunlite.I didn't know color screens are harder to see in direct sunlit.My old full scale aviation GPS is also monochrome.And I like using it.So I'm really a monochrome screen fan.
Very useful review
Great review. Would love to see how the 4 in 1 gets on with a ELRS module. On it.
Thanjs for the revuew, I only have one question about this radio : when you reduce throw on throttle, do you need to change end points in the radio, or is the new smaller max at 100%.
Does the screen have a backlight? Great review - thanks, Bruce!
Great video and like your frankness. As a beginner, I'm thinking of buying one now.
Will you consider making a video on how to bind the Zorro to a crossfire receiver? I haven't seen any around, or is the process similar to how one would bind a tx16s to crossfire?
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on the radio! Are the gimbals the same size as a Jumper T12 or Radiomaster TX12? I'm not sure the Zorro is saving much on overall size vs the boxy radios, but it looks nicely built.
They are basically the same size as the TX12 gimbals, but they are hall effect rather than potentiometer gimbals, so should be more sensitive and responsive. I believe there are TX12 CNC gimbals in the works, which will probably come to the Zorro also... and would be a really nice upgrade. Having said that, there is nothing 'wrong' with the Zorro gimbals - they are quite nice to use.
Oops newbie obviously, great review, for sailing I think this will work nicely.
Thank you for all your videos and rants ( I love your rants, they speak my mind)
Will this radio buddy box with a Taranis QX7
( I'm looking for a radio that will fit the small hands of a five-year-old )
Or are there any other radios that you would saggest for a buddy box setup?
Been waiting for this release- thanks so much for the honest review, Bruce! "grow up man, lift some weights" --- golden, just golden...
Just checked what I had paid for the 2 Jumper t-lite in November + December 2020:
48€ for the first radio
51€ for the second one
So 80€ for the big screen and at least 2 batteries even though smaller makes think over and over again cause currently I just would wait for chrismas 2022 after I had recognised, that roughly 90% on my RC wishlist components have increased prices that go up to over 200% compared to last summer. Only some chrismas single prime sales were quite reasonable.
Good review, bad for my pocket, sooner or later I will get one preferred the Zorro MAX for bigger battery and those standard 18650 where I had paid 7€ for 2 or better 35€ for 10 cause I had to build more packs.
I feel you on the price increase on most of our RC gear. Although I seen this coming back in mid 2018 which imo all ties to regulations and them seriously wanting to price everyone out of the hobby that they feel aren't fit. You no the average Joe the plumber hard working type that has been so wrongly demonized lately.
@@ChristopherF_1971 plumbers here in the states charge doctors rates to work and can afford ALL THE TOYS! 😂
I was really excited when i ordered mine then someone told me theres like 4 versions and i got the non elrs version.
18:30 I think you may have forgotten to show us the ELRS version at the end - does its aerial pop up in the same manner? Thanks again!
Awesome design!!
Nice review. The only detail make me dosen't buy one right now is the lack of center ident on the sliders. I'm what for a version with or a aftermarket mod to fix that.
Hi Bruce Great Great video and review of the RADIOMASTER Zorro. I am still laughing, however I think this is the best review so far. I have been looking for a new radio but I'm not sure what I'm going to do yet, I am still flying my FRSKY Xlite v1 radio. And before that is my FUTABA T8UAF radio. So you know I don't run out and purchase the new greatest hipe. I do like that it comes with ELRS system, I have been flying Crossfire for years, but I am starting to have problems. I have a couple of issues with this one but it is still in the running. Thanks again for the video and information about the Radiomaster Zorro
What issues are you having with crossfire? I'm curious because I still run mostly crossfire myself.
@@ChristopherF_1971 I have a weird problem. I have it on 250mw and I can't get my RSSI or LQ to read normal, I can stand right beside it and I will have a reading of RSSI 52 and LQ is 1-50, yet I can still fly1/2 mile away and not failsafe. I tried different antennas and I have tried a new Crossfire Transmitter but I have the same problem. So I'm thinking it might be a Radio issue.
best honest review I've seen so far, keep it up Bruce!
I think the flying time argument is actually valid.. I do lots of wiring up, testing and changing the models setup, so more than half the time the radio is on its not actually flying anything, I've been caught out plenty of times with gliders where I get to the slope and I only have about an hour of flight time left on the tx.. I could easily spend 3 hours on the slope.. Now if I turn on my radio and need to adjust the flaps or whatever again, that's another 10 minutes gone that the radio is on doing nothing.. So to me Long battery time is a must.. I don't want to be worried about how long I've had my tx on before I went flying.. We all know you spend the majority of the flight day tinkering with setups on the radio..
Hi, do you know how the gimbals compare to the frsky x-lite pro, I use the x-lite but think the gimbals are slightly too long for my small hands, also how would an external crossfire module would effect the battery life? Thanks
How on earth did your eye sight get better? Great review Bruce. Thank you!
Lazik surgeery?
I feel so old when the kids complain about 4hours of battery life 🙂
I agree. Remember when toy cars lasted about 15 mins and then took 4hrs + to charge haha
Hi Bruce what output amps is on your USB charger….if I recall I have 1.5 and 2.0 amps here…? Thanks Laurie
G'day from across the wet bit Bruce.
I have a question about 4in1, 3in1 and ELRS radios.
I have a GepRC TinyGo, it came with a GR8 915mhz (on the back it says it's the tinyradio, but the button combos showed to do certain things, bluetooth/wifi) it's locked at 500mw output which in itself isn't a problem.
Iv now gotten a Darwinfpv babyape as well but it was a PnP kit, so what receiver can i get to connect to that gep radio?
I got a 915mhz betafpv receiver and it refuses to bind.
so i was looking at just getting a decent ELRS radio to replace the gep radio, but i kept coming across all these 4in1 or 3in1 things and i have no clue what i'm looking at, i just think, from what iv heard, that 915mhz is the way to go if you want to go a long way, but after that i get lost in all the jargon and protocols that you need to have the same like frsky and edgetx.
sorry for the long rambling comment Bruce, but i feel you'll understand what i'm trying to say and be able to teach me something new, i find your videos quite informative and straight forward.
keep up the good work 👍🏽
if you have a store that stocks 18650s much of the time they will order other lithium batteries for you if you ask, particularly 18350s at a vape store because those are used in some high-end devices anyway. The biggest annoyance is getting a distributor that has shipping set up for lithium in the first place.
About to start watching, I hope you give it a thumbs up because I already ordered one :)
One question I've not seen asked/answered is how it that little 2S balance port connector wired up? Surely it can't be wired directly to the internal 18350 cells, putting them in parallel with whatever 2S you plug into it without even basic diode protection is asking for trouble of the fiery kind.
BTW, I've been working on a design (all in my head so far) of a 3D print to cover the gimbals+screen+switches, I've come up with a lot of ideas to throw into the design already but waiting for it to arrive to start modeling, Banggood says it'll be shipping within a week, we shall see...
My understanding is that the balance lead and 18350 power circuits are isolated. Mine should be arriving soon, I'll report back.
@@yonseimatt Thank you, I'm hoping that they are properly isolated from each other, I don't dare make any assumptions with products from China, I much prefer to get such details from someone who has one and can measure/test it.
The 2s balance connector and USB are both wired thru the charging circuit. This means you can plug-in/unplug an external pack without worries of power being cycled on the radio if it's on.
The charging circuit is fast, so can add capacity 5-8x faster that the rate that internal batteries discharge. Example charging for 5-10 minutes can add 40-60 minutes of flying time. So a quick charge while taking a break can really extend you total flying time.
I have 2 questions for you:
1. Can you inform me the video related to the vertical vs horizontal polarization?
2. Does the zorro reset/restart when you connect/disconnect usb from power bank? could it be plug/unplug charger during the flight?
re: Charge circuit is independent of the radio, so you can plug/unplug the USB without interruption. I would be more inclined to just plug in a battery via the 2S cell balance socket that is there for external power though, and just have a bigger battery in your back pocket.
Tommy Tabahia's last video on the deadliest catch shoot, he had his Crossfire Tx antenna horizontal.
Can I bind my flysky receivers to zorro cc250 or do I need to get the 4in1 thanks
Was the video on the controller screen real or was that edited I'm still waiting for my radiomaster zorro got 4 batteries already and can't wait it has spectrum right lol 😆
You forgot to mention that back in the days of 14 hours charging times. It was all uphill.
Would like to see and hear your thoughts about the antanna issues: linear, moxon, horizontal/vertical polarized, what si the best position/ orientation on the quad and on the radio.
I purchased a moxon antenne for my QX7 with ELRS module, ans was wondering what is the best way to mount it
Mount a Moxon VERTICAL. Not horizontal. On quads I've never had much issues running my moxon horizontal because we have issues running vertically mounted antennas on most quads but on fixedwing you DEFINITELY want vertical mounted antennas on plane and your moxon antenna on TX to be vertical
I'd love one of those... if they fixed it. My Jumper might have some limits, but it's a rock solid build. It's as premium as an Xbox controller.
Could you do the jumper tpro elrs version it has a lot of quirks
Hey Bruce, not sure if I trust any one else's review to be honest.
On antenna's though, I know this is all RC, but I'd love your input on those 8 antenna wifi routers that get spruiked at the techie shops. Are they more effective than just one or two antenna's?
Its mostly for show.
"I love the T-light cause its small and easy to carry... But I love the Zorro cause its bigger" huh???
Not switching from the tango 2 looks good though
Are you going to review the FrsKy TWIN X Lite S?
I'm torn between getting this and upgrading the gimbals if I like it or just going all out and getting the tx16s mark 2 with the ag01 already installed. Never used one of the small radios and love the heft of my x9d but I would like something that can fit in my work backpack and still leave room for water lunch goggles and a 5in quad.
That is the same mental debate I am having at the moment; tx16s mark 2 max with the AG01 VS Zorro. Make a decision?
has anyone done a range test with the antenna folded and ELRS?
Would love to see that antenna orientation vid for elrs
Shouldn't be any different than for any other protocol. Propagation patterns are the same. The LoRa modulation doesn't affect this pattern.
Really enjoy your reviews Bruce. From one old curmudgeon to another, keep ’em coming.
I can't do the gamepad-style controllers. I also don't like those suitcase-sized units, either. Gimme a Radiomaster TX12 or a Jumper T12/T8SG anyday. Love the proper mid-sized niche. And the mono screen. But if that form-factor works for you, you could do worse than the Zorro. Looks like a decent rig.
A negative for me is the max power of elrs. 250mw.
I've been flying a lot recently with an audio tpwr when running it in dynamic power mode. I've been surprised at how quickly it's jumping to max power and how long it stays their. Whilst I've not failsafed yet when flying low and long at 250mw it doesn't inspire confidence in my link.
Knowing I have another boost of power available to me would be nice.
For this the Jumper at 1w is more appealing.
So the protocol is ELRS with a port for other modules?
@@anti-popfpv4638 their are different versions
Bruce:
Am I right that the Radiomaster Zorro comes with EdgeTX installed?
Any Gotchas there? - Jim
Is the 4.5 hours flight time on the ELRS or one of the other one?
It was on the 4 in 1 radio
what power in elrs have you used to fly for 4h with the battery ?
he used the 4in1 internal module
Bruce mentioned getting 1:40 on ELRS. Plugging in to charge for 20 minutes would easily add another hour of use. (or 5 minutes at a time after a 15 minute flights)
The 4 hour reference was to the 4-in-1 edition what has a 60mW transmitter. The ELRS can go up to 250mW, so run time will vary more depending on power level in use.
A dynamic setting would be recommended, as the radio would auto select the best option to give longes runtime for conditions you are flying.
runtime on elrs or 4in1 version?
edit: ok. 4in1
Will it run my little Eachine Mustang etc??? I currently run Spektrum gear for my big models but I'd love a decent radio to fly my little Eachine toys
The 4-in1 version will.
Thanks for review.
I'm looking for 2nd radio with elsr but looks like zorro isn't for me.
Two issues are deal breaker lack of indents on potentiometers and low power of elrs module.
Keep in mind that ELRS is runtime is some 1h40m or less on the 18350s, so if you were to have a higher wattage internal ELRS that would reduce runtime even more, basically requiring use of external battery. Another option would be the 4IN1 Zorro and add a external nano ELRS module like the 1W Jumper AION, but again, still probably need external battery of you don't want to be charging the batteries after 30 mins
@@pfeerick Yeah, you are right, power is another limitation
@@pfeerick If plug in to portable USB pack, or 2-cell pack for 5-10 minuets while swapping packs on a drone (or brief break), you'll gain another 40-60 minutes of flying time.
The ability to quickly charge greatly reduces any limitation in battery capacity.
@@AerialWaviator Good point. My preference would be to use the external power port and a separate battery though for long sessions. Less connector wear, and keep the internal batteries charged for when wanted. Internal charger hammers the stock batteries a little harder than I would like, but is ok.
I'm still staying with my good old trusty Aurora 9
Please: are the batteries in series or parallel?
They are in series
02:30 : "Only negative thing is that they dont seem to use 19650 batteries" ..... Its IMR 18650 cells old man .. not 19650 !!
Almost certain my town of 90k people won't have 18300, despite having nine vape shops.
"Back in my day we grew our own crystals"
This is Jana from RC drone company. May I know how can I contact you about sending you our drones for reviewing?
Vapo nz sells 18350's for $9.90 each.