EdgeTX and OpenTX are both popular open-source firmware options for radio control systems used in the RC hobby. Both offer numerous features and customization options, but which one is better for your needs? This article breaks down the differences between EdgeTX and OpenTX, helping you make an informed decision on the best radio system for your RC adventures.
To flash and update EdgeTX on your radio, check out this guide: https://oscarliang.com/flash-edgetx/
Table of Contents
Differences Between OpenTX and EdgeTX
OpenTX: A Time-Tested Firmware for RC Enthusiasts
- Well-established firmware, widely used in the RC community
- Supports a vast range of radio transmitters, including popular brands like FrSky, Jumper, and RadioMaster
- Offers advanced customization options, such as creating custom mixes, adjusting rates and expo, and setting up telemetry data
- Large user base and extensive documentation make troubleshooting and learning easier
EdgeTX: A Cutting-Edge Alternative
- Fork of the OpenTX project, building upon its foundation with new features and improvements
- Touchscreen support for compatible radio transmitters, providing a more intuitive user interface
- Enhanced Lua script functionality for further customization and advanced features
- Actively developed and maintained, promising future enhancements and optimizations
- Smaller user base, but growing community and support network
Why EdgeTX Outperforms OpenTX
EdgeTX presents several advantages over OpenTX, not only due to its faster development pace but also thanks to a growing list of innovative features. While the list is still growing, let’s explore some of the key benefits that EdgeTX has to offer right now.
Frequent Updates
Throughout 2022, OpenTX has seen limited development, leading to ongoing speculation about its future in the community. EdgeTX, on the other hand, provides consistent new features and bug fixes, making it the preferred choice for users seeking regular updates.
500Hz Gimbal Polling
For RC systems running at 500Hz or higher update rates, such as ImmersionRC Ghost and ExpressLRS, EdgeTX’s 500Hz gimbal polling is a significant advantage. This feature reduces latency in gimbal commands and maximizes performance potential.
Touchscreen Support
With EdgeTX, touchscreen functionality is now available on the Radiomaster TX16S! This feature offers several useful capabilities:
- Tap any open space on the home screen to access the menu, which includes Select Model, Channel Monitor, Model Settings, Radio Settings, and more.
- Swipe left or right on the home screen to switch screens without using buttons.
- Double-tap a widget to enter full-screen mode (or long-press and select full screen) for enhanced widget/scripted app development possibilities.
Once you become familiar with the touchscreen, it significantly accelerates navigation and configuration.
Enhanced User Interface
EdgeTX boasts touchscreen support, making navigation and configuration more user-friendly compared to OpenTX’s traditional button navigation. This modernized interface offers a more intuitive experience for users.
The new interface in EdgeTX is visually impressive, as demonstrated in the model profile.
This is the model profile.
No More Inverter Mod Required on QX7
Radios with slow inverter circuits, such as the Frsky QX7, often require a hardware inverter mod to run CRSF protocols like Crossfire and ExpressLRS. This modification involves soldering on the PCB. However, with EdgeTX, the need for this mod is eliminated. The issue is now addressed in the software by enabling OneBit Mode.
Reduced Latency in FPV Sims
While using OpenTX, the latency of your controls in FPV simulators on a computer can be quite high. EdgeTX has managed to significantly reduce this latency in its software. Improved control latency directly influences the feel and physics of the simulator, ultimately enhancing your training experience.
Flysky NV14 Support
EdgeTX offers full support for the Flysky NV14 (Nirvana), which previously required a custom firmware since the standard OpenTX firmware did not support it.
Themes
Customizing themes in EdgeTX is much easier, thanks to its theme editor and a selection of default themes. There’s even a theme library, allowing you to download and try out various themes created by the community.
Conclusion
Which system should you choose? The clear winner is EdgeTX.
OpenTX development has largely stagnated, with the last release dating back to April 2022, as evidenced by its GitHub repository. EdgeTX has now taken the lead as the most popular radio system, with the majority of today’s radios shipping with EdgeTX installed. If you haven’t made the switch to EdgeTX, you’re missing out on numerous innovative features
10 comments
I’m not sure OpenTX needs anything done to it. I could be wrong and I plan to try EdgeTX soon. What holds back most FPV pilots that I see is the same as for most skills, thinking. Play and don’t think.
That does not mean we should be content with what we have and stop innovating. Though you as a user, can stop updating your gear and miss out from all the great new features, that’s your choice.
I have a Eachine TX16S bought a couple of years ago from Banggood that I have only just decided that to use (and get invloved with a completely new method of programming!). This machine is basically a Radiomaster TX16S and runs on 3.2.11-otx (firmware?). Since I bought the transmitter it seems that EdgeTX has replaced OpenTX. I understand that the Eachine TX16S has a touch screen facility, however for this to work it is necessary to use EdgeTX firmwear. I am not clear from the EdgeTX companion whether the Eachine transmitter is supported, can you clarify?
I have never updated firmware on the Eachine TX16S, so I can be wrong, but from my understanding, the Eachine and Radiomaster TX16S are the same radio with some slight ergonomics difference, so you might be able to use the Radiomaster TX16S firmware? Anyway, make sure you fully backup the radio before updating just in case.
honestly new features didn’t impress me much! …..I still prefer not to change
Hi,
I currently use OpenTX with my Chimera5 Analog and an FrSky R-XSR receiver. Is there a list or chart where I could check whether I could switch to EdgeTX? Thanks!
The latency problem of OpenTX has been resolved in August of 2022. The USB latency with OpenTX 2.3.15 is exactly the same as EdgeTX. This article was written in Feb 2023, so I’d expect such important detail to be up to date :-)
Thank you for a helpful summary, Oscar! Having read this, especially the emphasis on benefits to touchscreen radios and higher refreh rates, does it make sense for QX7 ACCST? It has no touchscreen (which I am extremely happy about, as there are too many screens in life as it is) and the refresh rate is still unclear if it helps to people who don’t have race-winning reflexes. Thanks!
Right now any radio that’s compatible with EdgeTX would benefit from it. OpenTX has pretty much stopped development, last I checked their last update was 18 months ago while EdgeTX is releasing new updates regularly.
Hallo OscarLiang, I want to ask something about this post, since ELRS launch 1000hz packet rate, is it EdgeTX support to 1000Hz gimbal polling too?
Thank you.