For these within the FPV world, the talk between 2.4GHz and 900MHz for ExpressLRS radio hyperlinks is ongoing. Every has its strengths: 2.4GHz gives sooner packet charges and decrease latency, whereas 900MHz gives higher penetration and vary. With the discharge of the Radiomaster Nomad, you not have to decide on. This dual-band ExpressLRS module offers you the pliability to make use of each frequencies individually or concurrently.
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The place to Purchase
Get the Radiomaster Nomad module right here:
Get the Radiomaster DBR4 Receiver right here:
What Is the Radiomaster Nomad?
The Radiomaster Nomad is a dual-band ExpressLRS module that includes the progressive Gemini-X (Xrossband) know-how, enabling it to function in each 2.4GHz and 900MHz (868/915MHz) frequencies concurrently or individually. Each frequencies can ship as much as 1 watt of RF output energy, providing versatility for various flying situations.
2.4GHz gives sooner packet charges, as much as 1000Hz, delivering ultra-low latency that’s vital for racing or fast-response flying. However, 900MHz (868/915MHz) gives superior penetration and vary, making it perfect for flying by means of obstacles or in long-range eventualities.
The Nomad’s capability to change between these bands—or use each concurrently—makes it one of the versatile ExpressLRS modules in the marketplace. In Gemini mode, knowledge packets are despatched in parallel throughout each bands, doubling the probabilities of sustaining a stable connection, particularly in difficult environments with interference.
It’s necessary to notice that you simply’ll have to configure the right frequency vary for 900MHz primarily based in your location: 868MHz for Europe and 915MHz for the USA. Failing to take action might intrude with native mobile networks, so setting it up appropriately within the ExpressLRS settings is essential.
Nearer Take a look at the Radiomaster Nomad
The Nomad module comes with dual-band antennas designed to assist each 2.4GHz and 868/915MHz frequencies. These adjustable antennas permit horizontal or vertical positioning relying in your setup.
Antenna connectors are RP-SMA.
On the underside, there are XT30 connector for exterior energy (2S to 4S) should you don’t wish to drain your radio’s inner battery, and a USB-C Port for firmware replace.
The RadioMaster Nomad ships with each JR and Lite module adapters, making it appropriate with a variety of radios, together with the Radiomaster Boxer and Zorro. Whereas the Nano adapter wasn’t included within the early evaluation items, it’s anticipated to be a part of the ultimate retail bundle, guaranteeing full compatibility with smaller radios just like the RadioMaster Zorro.
Nevertheless, when put in within the Boxer, the module feels a bit free within the bay. It’s securely locked, so there’s no danger of it popping out throughout flight, however it does make a rattling noise whenever you shake the radio.
New Packet Charges
ExpressLRS gives quite a lot of packet charges, permitting you to steadiness latency and vary primarily based in your particular wants. For instance, 50Hz gives wonderful vary however with larger latency, whereas 1000Hz gives ultra-low latency on the expense of vary. The Radiomaster Nomad helps a broad vary of those packet charges, enabling you to tailor efficiency as required.
The Nomad introduces new packet charges optimized for each low latency and long-range capabilities. On 2.4GHz, you may have entry to plain ExpressLRS packet charges, together with 50Hz, 100Hz Full, and 500Hz. For 868/915MHz, the module helps 250Hz packet charges, which is quicker than older 900MHz modules that maxed out at 200Hz.
For dual-band operation, X150Hz and X100Hz Full present the perfect steadiness of vary, reliability, and management precision. These packet charges permit the module to transmit on each 2.4GHz and 868/915MHz concurrently, enhancing hyperlink stability.
The DBR4 Receiver: Twin-Band Capabilities
To take full benefit of the Nomad’s dual-band Gemini system, you’ll want a receiver that helps each 900MHz and a pair of.4GHz, just like the Radiomaster DBR4. For those who don’t have a dual-band receiver, the Nomad will nonetheless operate with single-band receivers, however you received’t get the total advantages of Gemini X.
The DBR4 receiver is barely bigger than typical ExpressLRS receivers attributable to its twin RF chipsets and superior performance. It’s designed for customers requiring a strong, dependable hyperlink, particularly in environments with excessive RF noise or for long-range flying.
With 4 antennas—two for 2.4GHz and two for 868/915MHz—this setup ensures most reliability when each frequencies are used concurrently.
Sensible Purposes
The Nomad excels in numerous eventualities, making it a powerful selection for several types of FPV pilots:
- Racers: Most racers fly on open fields inside comparatively quick ranges, so they might not acquire a lot from the dual-band characteristic. An ordinary 2.4GHz ExpressLRS setup with a 1000Hz refresh price stays the optimum and most cost-effective selection for racing.
- Lengthy-Vary Flyers: The 900MHz band gives wonderful vary and penetration, particularly in Gemini X mode, the place each 900MHz and 2.4GHz work collectively to maintain your radio sign sturdy in troublesome environments. Whereas dual-band functionality might not improve your most vary, it ought to enhance the reliability of your radio management hyperlink.
- Informal Flyers: For these not flying long-range, the dual-band system is likely to be overkill. Personally, 10km flights with a typical 2.4GHz ELRS system (single antenna) utilizing simply 250mW output energy have been potential. Though I don’t assume I can be utilizing the Gemini Xrossband system usually, it gives added flexibility and reliability for difficult situations. For most individuals, 2.4GHz ELRS (non-diversity) ought to suffice, and should you want extra vary, merely decrease the packet price to 250Hz or 150Hz.
Last Ideas: Is the Radiomaster Nomad the Final ELRS Module?
The Radiomaster Nomad gives outstanding flexibility, permitting you to change between 2.4GHz and 900MHz or use each concurrently for optimum reliability. Nevertheless, it might not be a crucial improve for everybody. For many customers, the Gemini characteristic might be an overkill, as a typical ELRS setup ought to meet their wants.
That stated, should you’re in search of higher flexibility and reliability throughout a variety of flying kinds—from long-range exploration to low-latency racing—the Nomad is price contemplating. Paired with the DBR4 receiver, you get a robust, dependable system able to dealing with quite a lot of flying situations, from low-latency racing to long-range adventures.
Get the Radiomaster Nomad module right here:
Get the Radiomaster DBR4 Receiver right here:
