The FrSky’s R9 receiver is designed to work with the Frsky R9M long range module, however it was just a bit too big for mini quads. Therefore Frsky made a smaller version, the R9 Slim, which we will check out in this review.
You can get R9 Slim from HorusRC. This review is written by Artur Banach.
Features of R9 Slim Receiver
- Designed for the Frsky R9M Long Range TX module
- Much smaller than the original R9 Receiver
- Two frequency available: 868MHZ for EU, 900MHZ for non-EU
- Redundancy function
- Supports SmartPort Telemetry
- Dedicated RSSI Output
- Theoretical Range: 10Km+
The R9 Slim RX has two JST connectors:
- 6 pin, on top, for SBUS and voltage in
- 8 pin, at the bottom, for servo channels
Wire harnesses come with the receiver.
From the pinout diagram, we can see that there is a SBUS_IN pin for connecting second receiver for redundancy, as well as a dedicated pin for RSSI output.
R9 Slim comes with dipole antenna with u.fl connector.
Antenna active element has 82mm of length. Receiver and transmitter antennas are meant to be set to vertical orientation for maximum performance according to FrSky,
Configurations and Options
When shopping for the R9 Slim receiver, you have to choose one of the two versions on the product page:
- EU LBT (Europe) 868mhz
- FCC (International) 916mhz
Or you can flash the firmware to get it working in the frequency you want (firmware available on FrSky’s website).
The power options for the EU LBT firmware are:
- 25mW (8 channels with telemetry or 16 channels without telemetry)
- 500mw (16 channels without telemetry)
FCC power settings (all with 16 channels with telemetry):
- 10mW
- 100mW
- 500mW
- 1000mW
Notice that the EU LBT version is more limited compared to FCC. According to FrSky that’s because of the harder restrictions of EU regulation regarding radio transmission power.
You need to bind your receiver again every time you change transmitting power or mode.
There is however a bug in OpenTX when using EU LBT. Before selecting 25mW mode with telemetry you have to switch the R9M to FCC and check the option “Module telemetry”. Once that’s done you can switch R9M back to EU LBT and bind with the 25mW mode.
I have some tips about long range flying you might find useful.
R9 & R9 Slim vs. Crossfire Micro & Nano RX
Here is a comparison table between the different popular long range receivers for their sizes, prices, and features.
Further Reading: How to setup Crossfire in Betaflight?
| R9 Slim | R9 | Crossfire Micro V2 | Crossfire Nano | |
| Price (Feb 2018) | $25 | $50 | $45 | $40 |
| Size (mm) | 30 x 14 x 5 | 43 x 27 x 14 | 40 x 14 x 9 | 11 x 18 |
| Weight | 3.2g | 15.8g | 3.3g | 0.5g |
| Voltage | 3.5-10V | 3.5-10V | 5V | 5V |
| Current | 100mA@5V | 100mA@5V | N/A | N/A |
| SBUS ? | Yes | Yes | CRSF / SBUS | CRSF / SBUS |
| Smart Port Telemetry ? | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
The R9 Slim receiver is a bit shorter than Crossfire Micro RX V2 and much smaller than R9. (Sorry I couldn’t show a comparison between the R9 and R9 Slim as I’ve broken the R9 receiver)
Performance
I have been testing R9 Slim receiver for about 6 weeks. Receiver was being regularly flashed with latest firmware available to keep it up to date.
My testing setup:
- Taranis Q X7 and Horus X10S
- R9M TX Module
- 6” Alien with Matek F405 CTR FC
I soldered the RSSI wire on the receiver to the Matek RSSI pad to get RSSI displayed in OSD regardless of whether I have telemetry or not. I only tested the EU LBT firmware because I’m in Europe.
I flew the quad in a big open field with few patches of bushes and some trees. The field is about 1km long and 800m wide.
I tested both power settings:
- 25mW with telemetry
- 500mW with no-telemetry
In both power settings, I flew 1km out and there was no signal dropouts, although RSSI value was jumping between 60 and 98 constantly while I was at the end of the field. There was no failsafe or any noticeable issues with the radio link, even when I was flying behind trees at distance. Latency level feels similar to the Crossfire, I didn’t notice the difference personally.
Good things about R9 Slim
- Small form factor – suitable for mini quads
- Affordable option at only $25
- Good selection of power settings with telemetry in the FCC version
- The dipole antenna is easier to attach on a mini quad compared to the R9 receiver
- RSSI out pin for convenience
Things to improve
- Inconsistent RSSI readings hopping during the flight. Could be a firmware related, but this definitely needs FrSky attention
- Poor selection of power settings for EU LBT version. Only 25mW with telemetry. R9 Slim FCC version feels like a better version of the same product
- Telemetry only shows RSSI and Receiver Voltage Input sensors
- It would be nice to allow frequency selection in the setting without flashing the firmware, like in the Crossfire. But it’s not that a big deal since most of us don’t travel around the world with our models
Conclusion
It’s great to see there is a smaller FrSky receiver dedicated for R9M long range module for mini quads. It performed well in my tests but there is certainly room for improvement, especially regarding RSSI value and power options for the EU LBT version.
36 comments
Anyone know the telemetry output power of FrSky 900mhz receivers? I’m talking about the telemetry downlink back to the radio. Reason I ask is that some ELRS receivers can go as high as 100mw (and maybe others can go higher?) – and I’m wondering if it’s worth it to move to ELRS even just for the higher telem downlink power. Thanks…
Hi
How do I connect frsky s-port sensors to slim+ OTA rx? Is it inverted or un-inverted pin?
Thks
Goran
Hey oscar i read all of your stuff and support you! Im having issues with my slim+ 2019 module with rssi. It jumps all over the place and never at 99% its almost like the scale is reversed and the lower the better signal its strange. Im needing help setting up rssi on a iflight cinebe4k. Everything is there it was fine but now the rssi reads at 21% when i start up. Id appreciate help !
Hi Oscar,
when flashing a EU-LBT R9M and a EU-LBT R9 Slim with the FCC firmware, do I need to exchange the antennas to a 900Mhz version as well? My assumption is that the antennas are tuned to 868Mhz – but does that make a big difference?
Thank you and best regards,
Jay
Yes, you do need to change the antennas as well for optimal performance. Antennas are tuned either to 915MHz or 868MHz.
FCC might seem like a better deal, but EU uses 868mhz because 900mhz is crowded by the phones. The new flex firmware, I believe, has adaptive power up to 1w and telemetry on all the power levels on the EU devices also, so the firmware updates are making these articles obsolete fast.
Hi Oscar – I have the Xlite and its an FCC version (I believe). Can I use the R9m lite & R9mm both in LBT or would there be a conflict somewhere?
TIA
It should work.
But you should really try to match the firmware on them.
Hey there. So I’m just starting on the FPV game. Actually starting is an overstatement. I just bought my Taranis X9D Plus Special Edition that came with an R9M module. I wasn’t going to but it was on sale and just pulled the plug.
So right now, I’m kind of lost ( due to being so noob on this ) … So, right now, I need to get a specific transmitter module for the R9 right? My guess is that FrSky R9 Mini 900MHz Long Range Receiver is the only good solution for a compact module?
¿ en que canal saca rssi ?
frsky can propably only satisfy eu law with lower power settings. we should ask them about an ham firmware for the transmitter module so they can legally provide all power and telemetry modes on 868 mhz.
Hi bit of a noob question are the fcc and eu r9m modules the same ? Is it just a case of a firmware update if I have an e17 module and want to use the fc features
The different firmware operates at different frequency.
Yea you can switch between FCC/EU by flashing the firmware.
what do i need to do to get PWM output to work on my R9Slim FCC version? the binding method for SBUS does not do the trick, i have completely removed the sbus plug and wired up using the PWM’s
Oscar, does it matter when placing the antenna in the L position which antenna is vertical? The clear or the black coated?
that doesn’t matter
I asked Frsky staff, and he said it doesn’t matter.
A comment mentioned L is the optimal antenna shape. That’s not just totally wrong, but also dangerous. A dipole antenna, like the R9 system is using has a quarter wavelength on TX and RX antenna, which has to “hit” the antenna in a straight line (T shape) to get full resonance and signal strength.
Hi, By T shape you mean 180 degrees apart ? Should it be placed horizontal or vertical to the ground? Thanks
Oscar, Have you had a chance to compare the FRSky R9 Mini to the Crossfire. It is much less expensive.
Telemetry only shows RSSI and Receiver Voltage Input sensors?
is this still true? can not show like gps, amp draw, flight mode with iNav?
How about the r9 mini, is it the same? no gps telemetry info?
You have telemetry parameters if your source can transmit in S-Port or if you use a special cable that converts MavLink to S-Port.
Oscar…please only one question
in frsky x9 slim how you instalation de dioole antenna? in T possition or in L or 90°..I dont know how put this model of antenna..
I have de r9m module and I I’ve noticed some cut in 1w self adaptive model in FCC model … maybe it’s the antenna or the receiver’s consumption.?
L is the optimal position, you get some signal lost with T position (acceptable level), but some people prefer that because it’s easier to mount.
Hello
Can you speak german ? My english ist Bad !
I have the r9slim and a Problem
Please answere me
Are you able to get an un-inverted smart port signal by soldering to some pin on this board? or can you only get the regular inverted smart port signal from the JST connector?
I do also have this question it would be good to know from where to get the un-inverted S.Port or another way to get Telemetry on BF for F4 boards with this R9Slim receiver?
How did you place the antenna on the miniquad? Thanks!
is there a way to have RSSI displayed in the osd without soldering ? like we actually do with a regular xm+?
Also, is the R9M able to switch as well between EU version and fcc?
Thanks.
yes im pretty sure it can be switched with firmware update
maybe trappy will lower his prices now or don’t, guess I don’t really care since I have 5 slim9s now.
Can you buy EU version and flash it to non-EU? Is it same hardware?
Yes you can. Same hardware just different firmware.
So you just flash EU hardware with fcc software and your done?
finally the first review available for this receiver after so long!
thank you!!
Question:
you soldered RSSI pin directly to the FC. I was thinking this method never worked accurately as in some case you need to install resistors (this is what i’ve being told when i did the same with a FrSky receiver).
Are you sure that the rssi fluctuations were not due to voltage spikes, noise or even voltage range issue related to this type of connection?
i really would like to upgrade to a more robust connection from my actual XSR but investing so much money in the TBS system seems to me crazy although the new nano receiver is now pushing the boundary again.
It took a while before I gathered conclusions. I have soldered RSSI directly to Matek F405-CTR because this was I could see RSSI on 500mW Non-telemetry mode. If it’s causing issues than it’s another point they could make an improvement on