In the dynamic world of fpv drone, the TBS Crossfire Module and Tango 2 controller have consistently proven their worth. As we journey through 2024, we’ll explore the continued relevance of these pioneering products.
We’ll examine their unique features, evaluate their standing against other market alternatives, and answer the crucial question: Are the TBS Tango 2 and Crossfire still worth it today? Join us on this exciting expedition to discover more.
TBS Crossfire Review
When I first learned about the Crossfire, I was interested right away. This product lived up to its claims that it would improve the drone business. Radio control systems like the Crossfire have significantly changed how we use drones. Thanks to its unmatched long-range capabilities, pilots like me could fly our drones farther than ever. This changed everything because it made exploring and taking pictures from above a whole new way possible.
But the Crossfire could do more than shoot things far away. It also added a strong and dependable link that kept our drones under control at all times, even in the toughest places. This was a nice change in a field where losing connection and, by extension, expensive equipment was always a worry.
It also changed how we interact with drones because the Crossfire can send real-time telemetry data. We could now keep an eye on important flight data in real-time, which made our flights safer and more efficient. This was very helpful for professional pilots like me who need this information for complicated operations.
The Crossfire was indeed a turning point in the drone industry. It changed the rules for radio control systems and pushed the limits of what was possible. It has made my job as a drone pilot more fun, and I am confident that my operations will go smoothly.
A Look Back at TBS Tango 2
If you’re a big fan of FPV, the TBS Tango 2 remote controller has changed how I fly. The TBS CROSSFIRE Micro TX radio module is built into this small, all-in-one remote control radio, making it a complete system for R/C fans like me.
The full-size hall gimbals on the TBS Tango 2 are one of its best features. These give me precise input controls, essential for flying my drone on complicated routes. The controller also has a high-resolution OLED screen showing telemetry and real-time radio status updates.
Not only does the Tango 2 perform well, but it’s also easy to use. It is easy to take on trips because it is small and well-designed. The unusual low-profile switches are not only easy to move around but also work well and last a long time. Another thoughtful feature that makes it easier to carry is the antenna that can be folded and used as a kickstand.
When it comes to specs, the Tango 2 is very impressive. In the EU and Russia, it works on the 868MHz band. In the USA, Asia, and Australia, it works on the 915MHz band. The TBS CROSSFIRE Micro TX built-in can send power between 25mW and 1W, with a range of up to 30km. From the palm of my hand, this is the most extended range I’ve ever felt!
The Tango 2 also comes with a 5000mAh 1S LiPo battery that can be charged easily through a USB-C port. It can run for about 8 hours after a full charge, which takes about 2.5 hours. I can now fly more and charge less.
The CRSFShot protocol is another thing that makes the Tango 2 stand out. This remote control has the quickest response time and least delay of any on the market, which is very important for FPV flying. The Tango 2 can also handle up to 12 channels, which gives me a lot of ways to make my controls work the way I want them to.
The Tango 2 is more than just a remote; it’s a system that can be used in the future. If something is TBS CLOUD-ready, it’s ready for any updates or improvements that might come out in the future. When I know that my controller will always have the newest technology, it makes me feel safer.
Comparing This Controller to Other
TBS Tango 2 vs Radiomaster Boxer
For FPV pilots, the TBS Tango 2 and Radiomaster Boxer are two popular options. Each has its own features that meet the needs of enthusiasts. The TBS Tango 2 has full-size Hall sensor gimbals with ball-bearing precision, which makes controlling it responsive and accurate.
Its resistance and tension can be set, and the throttle and pitch throw can also be changed to suit different tastes. The Pro version is even more useful because it comes with extra spring sets for lower tension and gimbal sticks that can be folded up.
The ergonomic and small design, soft rubber grips, and sturdy, streamlined switches make it easy to use for long periods. The CRSFShot technology, which has TBS Crossfire built in, has the lowest latency and direct response and can reach up to 30 km (20 mi).
The swivel antenna can be used as a kickstand, and it has a built-in 5000mAh LiPo battery, speech audio output, and an open-source operating system for remote control, making it more appealing.
The Radiomaster Boxer, on the other hand, has either a built-in ExpressLRS Backpack or 4-in-1 CC2500 MPM RF modules. The EdgeTX firmware that comes preinstalled and the powerful STM32F407VGT6 with 1MB Flash and 192KB RAM make sure that the best performance is achieved. Its built-in ELRS module has a fantastic refresh rate of 1,000Hz, and QC3.0 fast charging can handle up to 2.0A MAX.
A new low-profile latching SE switch and momentary SF switch are part of the small design focusing on good ergonomics. The extra-large battery compartment can hold a 2S 6200mAh pack, which gives it a range of up to 20 hours. It works because it has full-sized V4.0 Hall effect gimbals, a standard JR module compartment, and an internal module cooling fan (ELRS version).
The standard button layout, a 6-position switch for accessing flight modes, an adjustable and removable T-shape antenna, and the first fabric handle in the industry all make it easier to carry.
The Radiomaster Boxer is a complete and easy-to-use choice for FPV fans because it has removable, ergonomic grips, an updated SD card slot with an SD card already installed, and power slots for external modules in the battery cover.
Crossfire vs ELRS
I’ve had the chance to use both the TBS Crossfire and the ExpressLRS (ELRS) as an FPV pilot. These are two of the most popular radio control links in the FPV community. Long-range pilots often choose the TBS Crossfire because it is a reliable system that has been around for a long time.
It has a wide range of features that make it easy to use, works with many popular radio transmitters, has many telemetry features, and is part of a complete ecosystem. It costs more than ELRS, has more latency, and can only update at 150Hz.
On the other hand, ELRS is a fairly new open-source radio control system that has become very popular because it is cheap and has a lot of useful features1. When compared to Crossfire, it has more features and costs less.
One thing that makes ELRS stand out is that it updates more often. ELRS has a higher maximum update rate than Crossfire, at 1000 Hz for the 2.4 GHz version and 200 Hz for the 900 MHz version. It also has lower latency than Crossfire, at 150 Hz, while offering a similar range.
Both systems are popular with FPV pilots because they have their own cool features and specs. Usually, the choice between the two usually depends on what you want and need. For example, some pilots might like Crossfire’s proven performance and wide range of telemetry features, while others might be drawn to ELRS’s lower cost and faster update rate. It would help if you always decided based on the features and specs most important to you as a pilot.
Should you still buy them?
Even in 2024, the TBS Tango 2 and Crossfire are still useful in the FPV community. With its full-size Hall sensor gimbals and built-in Crossfire, the TBS Tango 2 has a range of up to 30 km and can connect to up to 12 channels. Many pilots trust it because of its small size and robust construction.
Crossfire is a system that is known for working well and being compatible with many devices. Even though new technologies like ELRS have come out, many pilots still like Crossfire because it works well and has a lot of telemetry features. Because of this, they are still a good choice for many FPV pilots.
What are the price of Tango 2 and Crossfire Module?
The prices for the TBS Tango 2 controller and the Crossfire module are as follows:
- The TBS Tango 2 controller is price at US$ 159.95.
- The TBS Crossfire Micro TX V2 Module is priced at $69.95 and the TBS Crossfire TX is priced at $208.95.
Please note that these prices are subject to change and it’s always a good idea to check the latest prices on the manufacturer’s website or other trusted retail websites.
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