For these within the FPV world, the controversy between 2.4GHz and 900MHz for ExpressLRS radio hyperlinks is ongoing. Every has its strengths: 2.4GHz presents sooner packet charges and decrease latency, whereas 900MHz offers higher penetration and vary. With the discharge of the Radiomaster Nomad, you now not have to decide on. This dual-band ExpressLRS module provides you the flexibleness 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 comes with the revolutionary 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 circumstances.
2.4GHz offers sooner packet charges, as much as 1000Hz, delivering ultra-low latency that’s vital for racing or fast-response flying. Alternatively, 900MHz (868/915MHz) presents superior penetration and vary, making it splendid for flying by means of obstacles or in long-range eventualities.
The Nomad’s means to modify between these bands—or use each concurrently—makes it one of the versatile ExpressLRS modules in the marketplace. In Gemini mode, information packets are despatched in parallel throughout each bands, doubling the possibilities of sustaining a stable connection, particularly in difficult environments with interference.
It’s necessary to notice that you just’ll must configure the proper frequency vary for 900MHz based mostly in your location: 868MHz for Europe and 915MHz for the USA. Failing to take action may intrude with native mobile networks, so setting it up accurately within the ExpressLRS settings is essential.
Nearer Take a look at the Radiomaster Nomad
The Nomad module comes with dual-band antennas designed to help each 2.4GHz and 868/915MHz frequencies. These adjustable antennas enable 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) in case 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 suitable with a variety of radios, together with the Radiomaster Boxer and Zorro. Whereas the Nano adapter wasn’t included within the early assessment items, it’s anticipated to be a part of the ultimate retail package deal, guaranteeing full compatibility with smaller radios just like the RadioMaster Zorro.
Nonetheless, when put in within the Boxer, the module feels a bit free within the bay. It’s securely locked, so there’s no threat of it popping out throughout flight, nevertheless it does make a rattling noise while you shake the radio.
New Packet Charges
ExpressLRS presents quite a lot of packet charges, permitting you to steadiness latency and vary based mostly in your particular wants. For instance, 50Hz offers glorious vary however with greater latency, whereas 1000Hz presents 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 might have entry to straightforward 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 best steadiness of vary, reliability, and management precision. These packet charges enable 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. Should you don’t have a dual-band receiver, the Nomad will nonetheless perform with single-band receivers, however you gained’t get the complete 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 varied eventualities, making it a robust alternative for various kinds 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 function. A typical 2.4GHz ExpressLRS setup with a 1000Hz refresh price stays the optimum and most cost-effective alternative for racing.
- Lengthy-Vary Flyers: The 900MHz band presents glorious vary and penetration, particularly in Gemini X mode, the place each 900MHz and 2.4GHz work collectively to maintain your radio sign sturdy in tough environments. Whereas dual-band functionality could 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 normal 2.4GHz ELRS system (single antenna) utilizing simply 250mW output energy have been doable. Though I don’t suppose I might be utilizing the Gemini Xrossband system usually, it offers added flexibility and reliability for difficult circumstances. For most individuals, 2.4GHz ELRS (non-diversity) ought to suffice, and in case 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 presents outstanding flexibility, permitting you to modify between 2.4GHz and 900MHz or use each concurrently for optimum reliability. Nonetheless, it might not be a needed improve for everybody. For many customers, the Gemini function may very well be an overkill, as a normal ELRS setup ought to meet their wants.
That mentioned, in case you’re searching for higher flexibility and reliability throughout a variety of flying kinds—from long-range exploration to low-latency racing—the Nomad is value contemplating. Paired with the DBR4 receiver, you get a robust, dependable system able to dealing with quite a lot of flying circumstances, from low-latency racing to long-range adventures.
Get the Radiomaster Nomad module right here:
Get the Radiomaster DBR4 Receiver right here:
