Again in 2023, I visited RadioMaster’s workplace in Shenzhen, China, and the boss confirmed me a prototype radio they had been engaged on that ran on Android. Quick ahead 3 years, and so they’ve lastly launched it. The RadioMaster AX12 is the corporate’s first Android-based RC radio. It basically combines an FPV radio with an Android cellphone/pill, permitting you to run Android apps straight on the transmitter. You possibly can even use it to show an FPV video feed through HDMI. I believe the AX12 is a genuinely fascinating product — nevertheless it’s additionally very area of interest. Right here’s my tackle what it does properly, the place it falls brief, and who ought to critically contemplate it.
Be taught extra about FPV radios: https://oscarliang.com/radio-transmitter/
The place to Purchase
Get the AX12 from:
Included Equipment:
- 1 × AX12 Signature Carry Case
- 1 × USB Sort-A to Sort-C cable
- 1 × USB Sort-C to Sort-C cable
- 1 × Display screen protector
- 1 × 1.5mm hex wrench
- 4 × Low-tension gimbal springs
- 1 × Stickers
- 1 × Guide
Specs
- Processor: 8-core CPU
- Reminiscence / Storage: 4GB RAM + 64GB storage
- GPU: ARM Mali-G72
- Working Present: 1.10A (at most output energy)
- Frequency Vary: 2.4GHz or Sub-G 900MHz
- Inside RF: ExpressLRS 2.4GHz / Sub-G 900MHz
- Supported Protocol: ExpressLRS
- Channels: As much as 16 (relying on receiver)
- Show: 5.5-inch HD touchscreen (1280×720), 1000 nits brightness
- Gadget Firmware: Android 9.0 (can’t be up to date)
- Radio System/App: RadioMasterOS
- Charging: USB Energy Supply (PD) appropriate energy provide required
- Gimbals: Excessive-precision X5 Corridor gimbals (non-obligatory AG01 Nano improve)
- Gimbal Sticks: Detachable and storable
- Exterior Module Help: Nano module bay
- Battery: Twin built-in 3.7V 21700 10000mAh lithium batteries
- Firmware Upgrades: On-line automated updates through Wi-Fi
- Dimensions: 171 × 168 × 73 mm
- Weight: 640g (Claimed), 649g (Measured)
What Is the RadioMaster AX12?
The only method to perceive the AX12 is that this: it’s basically an RC radio constructed round an Android cellphone/pill.
Left: TX15; Proper: AX12
As a result of it runs Android, you’ll be able to set up apps equivalent to:
- QGroundControl
- FPV simulators
- Betaflight instruments
- SpeedyBee app
- YouTube
- Web site Browser
- And extra…
One other standout characteristic is that it might show an FPV video feed straight on its built-in display utilizing HDMI enter. It additionally has HDMI output, so you’ll be able to mirror the show to an exterior monitor — which is nice for occasions or sharing your feed with mates.
Design, Construct, and Ergonomics
At first look, the AX12 seems to be a bit just like the DJI Sensible Controller. However internally it’s one thing very completely different: an Android-based radio with a 5.5-inch touchscreen, built-in ExpressLRS, HDMI enter and output, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and help for Android apps from the Play Retailer or APK.
It is available in a pleasant carry case with an interior zip pocket. The sticks may be saved on the again of the radio and screw into the gimbals when wanted.
It makes use of mini Corridor gimbals, much like these discovered within the RadioMaster Pocket, and they are often upgraded to AG01 Nano gimbals. The stick peak is just not adjustable, so if that issues to you, you’ll want aftermarket stick ends. It additionally feels extra suited to thumbers than pinchers or hybrid pinchers.
There’s a neck strap hook, which is essential as a result of at round 649g, this isn’t a light-weight radio. It additionally feels bottom-heavy as a result of giant display and battery placement. When utilizing a neck strap, the underside tends to droop, so the stability isn’t excellent. Nevertheless, the lanyard is just not included and must be bought individually.
Within the hand, I’ve to say the ergonomics are a bit missing. It resembles a DJI Sensible Controller, nevertheless it doesn’t really feel fairly as refined or comfy. It’s clearly designed across the display first and the radio second.
Left: TX15; Proper: AX12
Display screen
You would possibly discover there aren’t any conventional menu buttons on the AX12. That’s as a result of all navigation is finished through the touchscreen — similar to a smartphone.
The AX12 has a 5.5-inch 1280×720 touchscreen (related in dimension to an iPhone 8 Plus), and one of many first issues that stood out to me is how vibrant it might get, RadioMaster claims as much as 1000 nits, and based mostly on my impression, daylight visibility shouldn’t be a problem in any respect.
Brightness and quantity management work precisely like they do on an Android cellphone — swipe down from the highest of the display to disclose sliders.
There are Mini HDMI enter and output ports on the highest of the radio, permitting you to show FPV feed on the display. Suitable techniques embrace DJI, Walksnail, and HDZero — so long as they’ve HDMI output, you’ll be able to join them to the AX12 and use it as a show.
It’s also possible to mirror the show to an exterior display through HDMI out, which may very well be very helpful for occasions, demos, or group periods.
Android Expertise
The AX12 runs on Android 9, and the radio system that replaces EdgeTX is actually an app known as RadioMasterOS that runs on high of Android.
The upside is flexibility. The draw back is that Android 9 is kind of outdated (launched over 7 years in the past — the most recent model is Android 16 on the time of writing), it’s not thought-about safe. In case you sign up to the Play Retailer, it’s best to most likely use a throwaway Google account and keep away from storing any delicate private knowledge on the system. App compatibility will even worsen over time, and a few apps have already dropped help for older Android variations. And Radiomaster clearly states within the specs that Android can’t be up to date.
So whereas the AX12 is spectacular as an idea, that is additionally one in every of my greatest long-term considerations.
Attempting Some Android Apps
As a result of it runs Android, you should use Android-based simulators straight on the radio. Meaning a doubtlessly totally self-contained apply system — no further controller required.
Efficiency was combined, although. Less complicated video games ran properly sufficient, whereas extra graphically intensive ones confirmed slight lag, body drops and stuttering. That’s not shocking, for the reason that GPU efficiency is roughly akin to an inexpensive cellphone or pill from 7 years in the past.
Nonetheless, the comfort issue is big. Having a radio and simulator in a single system is undeniably interesting. That is the place the AX12 clearly does issues conventional EdgeTX radios merely can not.
FPV Simulators
Can it run FPV simulators? Sure.
I downloaded the free FPV.Skydive, and it ran moderately properly. FPS sometimes dropped from 55 to 40 vary, which confirms the {hardware} is struggling, nevertheless it was nonetheless usable.
Getting the gimbals working was much less excellent. There’s no inside wired connection, so the work round was to attach the gimbals to Android through Bluetooth — much like pairing an EdgeTX radio with a cellphone. Sadly, latency was very excessive (most likely round 1 second), making it nearly unflyable.
You should utilize the touchscreen controls as a substitute, however that defeats the aim of practising FPV flying. Hopefully RadioMaster can enhance this latency sooner or later.
Betaflight Configurator
Can it run Betaflight Configurator? Brief reply: not likely.
Sure, you’ll be able to open the web-based Betaflight Configurator in Chrome, however the radio couldn’t detect a flight controller linked through USB-C. The FC obtained energy from the radio, however the AX12 itself didn’t acknowledge the USB system in any respect. I additionally tried a USB-C OTG cable — identical end result.
Nevertheless, the SpeedyBee app did work.
After I tried downloading the Speedybee app from Google Play, it requested for a bank card (I used to be utilizing a burner account so I didn’t wish to enter it). Thankfully, you’ll be able to obtain and set up the APK straight from SpeedyBee’s web site. USB connection nonetheless didn’t work, however Bluetooth did — I linked utilizing a SpeedyBee Adapter 3 on the drone aspect, and all the pieces functioned usually.
DJI Fly App
DJI goggles don’t have HDMI outputs, which implies you usually want a DJI Sensible Controller (round $500) in case your need video output through HDMI. The AX12, nevertheless, helps video output from DJI goggles via a USB-C cable utilizing the DJI Fly app. This can be a very compelling characteristic — it successfully turns the AX12 into an exterior show for DJI techniques. You possibly can even use the AX12’s HDMI output to reflect the feed to a TV or monitor, doubtlessly changing the rather more costly DJI Sensible Controller.
Getting it to work was slightly irritating, although. I deliberately tried to determine it out with out asking RadioMaster for assist to gauge real-world usability — and it turned out to be removed from easy. With such a brand new platform, documentation is scarce, and troubleshooting entails a whole lot of trial and error.
I put in the DJI Fly APK from DJI’s web site, and the app itself ran effective. Nevertheless, the AX12 initially didn’t detect any USB connection in any respect.
To get it working, I needed to allow USB Debugging in Developer Mode:
- Go to Settings → System → About pill
- Faucet
Construct Quantity7 instances to allow Developer Mode - Return to Settings and seek for
USB Debugging, then allow it - If it nonetheless doesn’t work, attempt disabling Developer Mode, restarting the radio, and repeating the method
Additionally be certain that “HOST” within the fast settings menu (between the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth icons) is disabled.
You will need to use a really particular cable. For some purpose, USB-C to USB-C OTG cables didn’t work with the AX12 (despite the fact that those self same cables labored completely with my Pixel 8 cellphone).
The one setup that labored for me was a USB-A to USB-C cable, with a USB-A to USB-C adapter.
You additionally want to attach the USB-A finish to the goggles (utilizing the adapter) — reversing the cable path doesn’t work. Very odd, nevertheless it’s working!
This labored for each DJI Goggles 2 and Goggles 3 in my testing. It must also work with Goggles Integra and Goggles N3, though I haven’t examined them personally.
Internet Browser
Wish to rapidly take a look at my web site within the area? You are able to do it on the radio, how cool is that? 🙂
YouTube and Media Use
Watching YouTube works surprisingly properly.
The display decision is just 720p, so video high quality isn’t superb, nevertheless it’s completely watchable — and that is presupposed to be a radio, in any case. I didn’t set up the Youtube app as a result of Google Play saved asking me for a bank card, so I merely used YouTube within the browser with out points.
Downsides of the Android AX12
The most important weak point of utilizing Android is complexity.
EdgeTX radios are fashionable as a result of they’re:
- Quick in addition
- Objective-built for RC use
- Light-weight with minimal background processes
- Steady and predictable
- Low value
Android introduces the alternative:
- Lengthy boot instances
- Increased battery consumption
- Larger threat of crashes or lag
- App compatibility points
- Storage and permission hassles
- Distractions on a tool meant for controlling an plane
It’s value noting that whereas most EdgeTX radios energy on in a few seconds, the AX12 takes almost 40 seconds in addition — extra like a smartphone or laptop.
One other sensible concern is developer help. A radio like this solely turns into compelling if there are literally good apps made for it. In any other case it finally ends up feeling like an outdated cellphone bolted onto a transmitter.
And it’s a really new system — bugs are to be anticipated, and you have to be ready for a substantial quantity of tinkering to get issues working. In case you’re not tech-savvy, you might discover it fairly irritating.
Inside ExpressLRS Module
The AX12 contains an inside ExpressLRS transmitter with a most output energy of 250mW. It may well function on:
- 2.4 GHz
- or 868/915 MHz
- however not each concurrently
This implies it doesn’t help Twin-band Gemini-X. You will need to select one band or the opposite, much like the TX15 however with decrease RF output.
You have got full entry to ExpressLRS settings within the radio menu, or ELRS Lua script.
There may be additionally a Nano module bay on the again, which is beneficial if you wish to add a higher-power ExpressLRS module.
Connectivity: Wi-Fi & Bluetooth, however No SIM or GPS or Digital camera
The AX12 contains built-in wi-fi connectivity:
Nevertheless, it lacks a number of options generally discovered on smartphones and tablets:
- No SIM card slot
- No built-in GPS
- No accelerometer
- No digicam
In apply, this implies in order for you web entry within the area, you’ll have to tether the radio to your cellphone (hotspot).
The absence of GPS is a little bit of a double-edged sword. On the optimistic aspect, it avoids privateness considerations and reduces background providers. On the draw back, it limits future capabilities equivalent to location-aware options, ground-station features, or potential Distant ID integrations.
HDMI Enter: Viewing FPV Feed on Constructed-In Display screen
That is arguably some of the essential options of the AX12.
The radio features a mini HDMI enter, permitting you to show an exterior video supply straight on the built-in display. In idea, this allows you to use the AX12 as a compact FPV monitor.
Most FPV techniques with HDMI output are appropriate, together with:
- Walksnail Avatar
- HDZero
- OpenIPC
- Walksnail Ascent VRX
- Probably DJI techniques (with extra {hardware})
- Helps 1080p and 720p as much as 60hz
Nevertheless, there’s a essential caveat: latency.
As a result of the video sign passes via Android and is processed in software program, extra delay is launched (diversified from system to system). Which may be acceptable for spectating or monitoring autonomous plane, nevertheless it’s not excellent for piloting handbook FPV drones the place low latency is crucial.
So sure — you’ll be able to watch FPV feed on the AX12 display, however I’d not contemplate it a real substitute for FPV goggles when exact handbook management is required.
HDMI Output: Sharing the Display screen
The AX12 additionally incorporates a mini HDMI output, which mirrors the Android show to an exterior monitor or TV.
This opens up a number of sensible purposes:
- Spectators watching dwell flights
- Transportable area show
- Shopper viewing throughout industrial shoots
- Coaching periods and demonstrations
Latency continues to be current, however for viewing functions reasonably than management, it’s not a deal breaker.
RadioMasterOS (Changing EdgeTX)
As an alternative of EdgeTX, the AX12 runs RadioMasterOS, which is actually an Android software designed particularly for RC management.
The interface seems to be trendy and contains many options anticipated from a conventional radio system:
- Mannequin profiles and templates
- Channel monitor
- Telemetry show
- ExpressLRS integration
- Inputs, mixes, and outputs
- System settings
- Lua script help
- And extra…
For a first-generation system, it’s shocking how a lot work they’ve executed. That stated, it’s clearly not as mature as EdgeTX. EdgeTX has years of improvement and a large consumer base behind it, whereas RadioMasterOS continues to be new and evolving.
Battery and Charging
The AX12 makes use of two 21700 Li-ion cells for a complete capability of 10,000mAh, which is respectable for an Android system. The batteries are contained in the radio and never detachable except you’re taking it aside. RadioMaster claims 8+ hours of steady use on a full cost.
Charging is dealt with through the USB-C port on the underside. In my testing, it helps PD fast-charging as much as 20W, reaching 0% to 80% in about 70 minutes.
There’s one other USB-C port on high which is used for:
- File switch
- Equipment
- Gadget communication
There’s additionally a headphone jack in case you don’t wish to use the built-in speaker.
FAQ
Does this radio run EdgeTX?
No. The AX12 makes use of Android as the first platform and RadioMasterOS for radio management.
Is RadioMaster transferring away from EdgeTX?
No. RadioMaster says they are going to proceed supporting EdgeTX throughout present and future merchandise. The AX12 is an extra product, not a substitute.
Will there be a 4in1 (multiprotocol) model?
No. There are presently no plans for a 4-in-1 model.
How do you configure ExpressLRS settings?
RadioMasterOS features a built-in ExpressLRS configuration web page, together with ExpressLRS Lua script.
How do I set a bind phrase if there’s no configurator goal but?
A goal shall be added quickly. For now, put the transmitter into Wi-Fi mode within the ELRS Lua script, and configure the bind phrase via the ExpressLRS WebUI.
Does the AX12 have FCC approval?
Sure — FCC certification is full.
Will there be CE and LBT variations?
Sure — CE certification is full, and an LBT model shall be out there.
Closing Ideas: Who Is the AX12 For?
Not like many radio producers that have a tendency to simply copy one another, RadioMaster is clearly pondering outdoors the field right here.
Within the product web page, RadioMaster particularly highlights MAVLink pass-through help for instruments like QGroundControl and Mission Planner. This makes it clear the AX12 is designed not simply as a transmitter, however as a mixed controller and floor station. For the suitable consumer — particularly these constructing ArduPilot, PX4, iNav, or autonomous/mission-planned platforms — the AX12 may very well be extraordinarily helpful. At $249.99, it’s surprisingly compelling.
That stated, it can additionally enchantment to individuals who need:
- A built-in Android pill of their radio
- FPV video viewing with out separate goggles
- FPV simulators working straight on the transmitter
- Subject entry to apps like Betaflight instruments and SpeedyBee
- A less expensive different to the DJI Sensible Controller for outputting DJI feed to an exterior monitor
So sure — it’s area of interest, however not pointless.
Get the AX12 from:
For a typical freestyle FPV pilot, nevertheless, I’m much less satisfied. The Android layer provides flexibility but in addition introduces:
- Extra complexity
- Potential instability
- Safety considerations
- App compatibility limitations
- Unsure long-term help
The gimbals are comparatively small, and ergonomics aren’t excellent for lengthy flying periods. For Betaflight quads, the AX12 doesn’t add a lot — most configuration can already be executed through OSD. And nearly everybody brings a smartphone with them these days anyway, there’s no want for an additional Android system. If all you do is arm, rip packs, and go residence, a typical EdgeTX radio nonetheless makes extra sense.
Listed below are my EdgeTX radios suggestions: https://oscarliang.com/radio-transmitter/#Radio-Suggestions
I don’t assume the AX12 will substitute EdgeTX radios for many FPV pilots. But it surely does introduce a brand new class of transmitter, and if RadioMaster continues refining the software program, it may change into a strong device for a really particular viewers.