In the world of FPV (first-person view), data transmission between the transmitter and the drone is essential for a reliable and responsive connection during flight. Two of the most popular telemetry protocols for FPV drones are ELRS (ExpressLRS) and TBS Crossfire FPV Receiver, both with unique features and devoted followers. In this article, we will explore the differences between ELRS and TBS Crossfire to help you understand which might be the best choice for your needs.
FPV Receiver Comparison Chart
| Feature | ELRS (2.4GHz) | ELRS (915MHz) | TBS Crossfire (915MHz) |
| Latency | Very Low (Best for racing) | Medium (200Hz LoRa Chirp modulation) | Medium (150Hz LoRa Chirp modulation) |
| Range | Moderate (Up to 10km in areas with noise) | Long (Better for remote areas) | Very Long (Best for long-range) |
| Signal Stability | Moderate (May face interference in urban areas) | High (Stable even in dense areas) | High (Stable under heavy interference) |
| Penetration Power | Low (Weaker through obstacles) | High (Better penetration through buildings/trees) | High (Ideal for complex environments) |
| Transmission Speed | Fast (Optimal for racing and freestyle) | Medium (Lower packet rate due to narrow bandwidth) | Medium (Lower packet rate due to narrow bandwidth) |
| Interference Risk | High (Crowded frequency may cause disruptions) | Moderate (Less congested but susceptible to alarm systems or other 900MHz devices) | Low (Advanced frequency modulation minimizes interference) |
| Antenna Size | Small (More convenient, durable, and affordable) | Larger (For maximum range) | Larger (For maximum range) |
| Best Use Case | Racing, Freestyle, Short-range flights | Urban flights, Obstacle penetration, Remote flying | Long-range exploration, Maximum stabilit |
Which Receiver is Best for You?
- For Racing/Freestyle: ELRS 2.4GHz offers minimal latency and fast response.
- For Flying in Densely Populated Areas: ELRS 915MHz ensures better penetration with stable connections.
- For Long-Range Exploration: TBS Crossfire excels with unmatched stability and extended range.
ELRS Receiver(ExpressLRS): Best for Low Latency and Racing
ELRS, or ExpressLRS, is an open-source telemetry protocol that has rapidly gained popularity in the FPV community due to its combination of high performance, low latency, and affordable cost. Here are some key features of ELRS:
- Low Latency: ELRS is known for offering extremely low latency, resulting in quick and precise responses to pilot commands. This is particularly important for freestyle flying and racing, where every millisecond counts.
- High Transmission Speed: ELRS uses frequencies of 2.4GHz or 868MHz, providing sufficient bandwidth for fast and reliable data transmission between the transmitter and the drone.
- Ease of Access: Being an open-source project, ELRS is accessible to everyone and can be implemented on a wide range of radio hardware, allowing pilots to customize and optimize their configurations according to their needs. However, it is necessary to pay attention to the quality of the ELRS product being used as, being open source, anyone can create poor-quality receivers.
- Flexible Frequency Options: Available in 2.4GHz and 868/915MHz for optimized signal performance.
- Active Software Development: The ELRS developer community is active in continuously developing and improving the software, ensuring that new features and performance enhancements are regularly available to pilots.
Best Use Case: Perfect for pilots seeking high responsiveness for racing or acrobatic flying.
We recommend BETAFPV ExpressLRS ELRS Nano
TBS Crossfire Receiver: Best for Stability and Long-Range FPV Flights
TBS Crossfire is another popular telemetry solution in the FPV world, developed by Team BlackSheep. It is known for its stability and incredible range, making it a preferred choice for long-distance flying and in high-interference environments. Here are some key features of TBS Crossfire:
- Extended Range: One of the main attractions of TBS Crossfire is its exceptional range, which can exceed kilometers under optimal conditions. This makes it ideal for pilots who practice long-range flying or in remote areas.
- Signal Stability: TBS Crossfire is known for providing a stable and reliable connection even in extreme interference conditions, thanks to its advanced frequency modulation technology.
- Product Interoperability: Team BlackSheep offers a wide range of products compatible with TBS Crossfire, including receivers, radio modules, and accessories, ensuring a complete solution for pilots’ telemetry needs.
- Higher Cost: TBS Crossfire tends to be more expensive than ELRS, both for the radio module and the receivers, which could be a deterrent for some pilots with limited budgets.
Best Use Case: Recommended for long-range explorers or pilots seeking maximum connection stability.
Choosing Between ELRS and TBS Crossfire Receiver
The choice between ELRS and TBS Crossfire depends on the specific needs of the FPV pilot and the planned flight conditions. Here are some final considerations to help you decide:
- Range and Stability: If you need an extremely stable connection and exceptional range, especially for long-range flying, TBS Crossfire might be the best choice.
- Low Latency and Cost: If minimal latency and affordable costs are your priorities, ELRS might be the most suitable choice for you, especially if you are new to the FPV world.
- Customization and Flexibility: If you want a highly customizable solution and are familiar with programming and firmware modification, ELRS might offer greater flexibility due to its open-source nature.
In conclusion, both ELRS and TBS Crossfire offer excellent performance and are suitable for different needs and flying styles in FPV.
Differences in Transmission: 2.4GHz vs 915MHz FPV Receiver
In the fascinating world of FPV (First Person View) drones, where speed, precision, and data transmission are crucial, the choice of transmission frequency for the transmitter and receiver is paramount. Two of the most common frequencies used are 2.4GHz and 915MHz. In this article, we will explore the differences between these two options and how they impact the overall performance of FPV drones.
2.4GHz FPV Receiver: Speed and Reliability
2.4GHz is one of the most widely used frequencies in the telecommunications world, extensively employed for a wide range of wireless devices, including FPV drones. This frequency offers several significant advantages:
- High Transmission Speed: 2.4GHz provides a broader bandwidth compared to some other frequencies, enabling fast and smooth data transmission between the transmitter and the drone. This speed is essential for responsive drone control during flight, ideal for racing and freestyle.
- Low Latency: Low latency is critical in controlling an FPV drone, where even the slightest delay can affect the drone’s response to the pilot’s actions. 2.4GHz is known for offering minimal latency, ensuring immediate responses to commands.
- Wide Coverage: 2.4GHz transmissions have good penetration capabilities through obstacles and can cover reasonable distances without significant signal loss, which is particularly useful when flying in urban or densely forested environments.
- Potential Interference: One of the main challenges of 2.4GHz is susceptibility to interference from other wireless devices operating on the same frequency, such as Wi-Fi routers, cordless phones, or other drones. This can lead to disruptions in data transmission and the drone’s response to commands.
915MHz FPV Receiver: Greater Penetration and Range
915MHz is a less common frequency compared to 2.4GHz, but it has been adopted by some FPV pilots for its specific characteristics:
- Greater Penetration: Unlike 2.4GHz, the signal at 915MHz has better penetration capabilities through physical obstacles such as buildings or trees. This makes it a preferred option for pilots flying in densely populated environments.
- Extended Range: The signal at 915MHz has greater range compared to 2.4GHz, allowing the drone to maintain a stable and reliable connection even at greater distances from the pilot. This is particularly useful for those practicing long-distance flights.
- Lower Susceptibility to Interference: Due to its lower popularity and less crowded frequency, 915MHz is generally less prone to interference from other devices compared to 2.4GHz.
Signal Propagation Characteristics in Different Environments
2.4GHz Signal Behavior:
- Strengths: Best suited for open spaces with minimal obstacles. The signal performs well when there is a clear line of sight.
- Weaknesses: More prone to interference in densely populated areas due to common Wi-Fi and Bluetooth devices operating in the same frequency range.
915MHz Signal Behavior:
- Strengths: Excellent at penetrating through obstacles like trees, walls, and buildings. This makes it ideal for pilots flying in forests, hilly terrain, or dense urban environments.
- Weaknesses: While offering greater penetration, 915MHz typically has lower data transmission speeds than 2.4GHz, which may result in slightly higher latency.
Frequency Choice: Practical Considerations
The choice between 2.4GHz and 915MHz depends on the specific needs of the FPV pilot and the environmental conditions in which they intend to fly the drone. Some factors to consider include:
- Flight Environment: If flying in urban environments or with a lot of radio interference, 915MHz may be preferable for its greater penetration and lower susceptibility to interference.
- Type of Flight: If primarily engaging in acrobatic or racing flights, where speed and responsiveness are crucial, 2.4GHz may offer superior performance due to its higher transmission speed and low latency.
- Required Range: If planning to fly long distances or in remote areas, 915MHz may be the better choice for its greater range and resistance to interference.
Additional Considerations:
- City Wi-Fi Noise: 2.4GHz can experience micro-stutters, but packet transmission is generally stable.
- 915MHz Jamming Risk: The narrow band in 915MHz systems makes them vulnerable to interference from alarm systems or other 900MHz devices.
- Antenna Placement: For best results with ELRS, ensure antennas are positioned high to maximize signal reception.
Conclusion
In conclusion, both 2.4GHz and 915MHz FPV Receiver offer unique advantages for data transmission between the transmitter and the FPV drone. The frequency choice depends on the individual needs of the pilot and the planned flight conditions, but understanding the differences between the two options can help make an informed decision to optimize the overall performance of the FPV drone.