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 affords sooner packet charges and decrease latency, whereas 900MHz supplies higher penetration and vary. With the discharge of the Radiomaster Nomad, you now 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 revolutionary Gemini-X (Xrossband) expertise, 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 supplies sooner packet charges, as much as 1000Hz, delivering ultra-low latency that’s essential for racing or fast-response flying. Alternatively, 900MHz (868/915MHz) affords superior penetration and vary, making it perfect for flying by means of obstacles or in long-range eventualities.
The Nomad’s skill to modify between these bands—or use each concurrently—makes it probably the most versatile ExpressLRS modules available on the market. In Gemini mode, information packets are despatched in parallel throughout each bands, doubling the probabilities of sustaining a stable connection, particularly in difficult environments with interference.
It’s essential to notice that you simply’ll must configure the right frequency vary for 900MHz based mostly in your location: 868MHz for Europe and 915MHz for the USA. Failing to take action might intervene with native mobile networks, so setting it up appropriately within the ExpressLRS settings is essential.
Nearer Have 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) for those who don’t need 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 bundle, making certain 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, but it surely does make a rattling noise whenever you shake the radio.
New Packet Charges
ExpressLRS affords quite a lot of packet charges, permitting you to steadiness latency and vary based mostly in your particular wants. For instance, 50Hz supplies glorious vary however with greater latency, whereas 1000Hz affords 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 will 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 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 couple 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 total advantages of Gemini X.
The DBR4 receiver is barely bigger than typical ExpressLRS receivers resulting from its twin RF chipsets and superior performance. It’s designed for customers requiring a sturdy, 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 could not acquire a lot from the dual-band function. An ordinary 2.4GHz ExpressLRS setup with a 1000Hz refresh charge stays the optimum and most cost-effective alternative for racing.
- Lengthy-Vary Flyers: The 900MHz band affords glorious vary and penetration, particularly in Gemini X mode, the place each 900MHz and 2.4GHz work collectively to maintain your radio sign robust 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 perhaps overkill. Personally, 10km flights with an ordinary 2.4GHz ELRS system (single antenna) utilizing simply 250mW output energy have been doable. Though I don’t assume I shall be utilizing the Gemini Xrossband system usually, it supplies added flexibility and reliability for difficult situations. For most individuals, 2.4GHz ELRS (non-diversity) ought to suffice, and for those who want extra vary, merely decrease the packet charge to 250Hz or 150Hz.
Remaining Ideas: Is the Radiomaster Nomad the Final ELRS Module?
The Radiomaster Nomad affords outstanding flexibility, permitting you to modify between 2.4GHz and 900MHz or use each concurrently for max reliability. Nonetheless, it will not be a obligatory improve for everybody. For many customers, the Gemini function could possibly be an overkill, as an ordinary ELRS setup ought to meet their wants.
That mentioned, for those who’re on the lookout for better 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 strong, 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:
