The new Radiomaster TX12 Mark II is a compact radio that is similar size to the Zorro. However it has a completely different design and ergonomics. Should you get the TX12 over the Zorro? Let’s find out.
Table of Contents
Where to Buy?
You can choose either Mode 1 or Mode 2, Internal RF module options are ExpressLRS and CC2500 (mainly for Frsky D8 and D16 protocols). I am reviewing the Mode 2 ELRS version, and this is what I would recommend if you are new to the hobby and you don’t need to use Frsky D8/D16 protocol.
Product Pages:
- Banggood: https://oscarliang.com/product-3k6h
- Radiomaster: https://oscarliang.com/product-sp5p
- AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DBkxdYF
- Amazon: https://amzn.to/3Ypntf4
Batteries are not included, you will need two 18650 cells (avoid button top types they don’t fit). See my 18650 batteries recommendations.
You can also use these bigger 21700×2 batteries from Radiomaster (around 1500-2000mAh higher capacity than 18650): https://oscarliang.com/product-dsms
In the box it comes with the following accessories:
- Antenna
- USB-C Cable
- Manual
- Stickers
Features and Specs
Although the TX12 MARK II is a budget radio, you get pretty much all the latest tech in radios here: EdgeTX and ExpressLRS. There are also some other features that make the TX12 MKII and outstanding radio which we will talk about in this review.
Specifications:
- 2.4GHz ExpressLRS Internal RF Module
- Working Current: [email protected]
- Input Voltage: 6.6V-8.4V DC
- Operating system: EdgeTX
- Up to 16 Channels (depends on the receiver)
- 2.5″ 128*64 Monochrome LCD display
- Hall sensor gimbals
- External module: JR/FrSKY/Crossfire compatible
- QC3 USB-C Charging
- SD Card Included
- Size: 170*159*108mm
- Weight:
363g412g without battery
Closer Look at the TX12 MKII Radio
The Radiomaster TX12 Mark II comes with EdgeTX pre-installed, but currently not compatible with OpenTX at the time of publishing. It has ExpressLRS module built-in, it can output up to 250mW.
From the outside it looks almost identical to the previous TX12, but the new Mark II offers the following improvements:
- Internal ExpressLRS module option
- Using faster STM32 F4 processor
- More powerful USB Charging
- EdgeTX installed
- Better rear grips
- Improved sliders
- SD Card included
- Mode 1 and Mode 2 options
The menu buttons and scroll wheel are almost identical to the TX16S and Zorro, which are very intuitive to use. The 2.5″ screen is big and bright, very easy to read even under sunlight.
Warning: make sure you attach the antenna before powering up the radio!
The back handle is foldable, makes it easier to store in your bag. It has an external module bay too (standard size JR module).
Battery compartment is located at the bottom of the radio. It comes with a standard 2×18650 battery holder that is also used in the TX16S, however 18650 cells are not included and need to be purchased separately.
The SD card slot and USB-C port for charging the battery are also located inside the battery compartment. SD card is included which is handy.
Power consumption: at 250mW output power, 7.5V, the current draw is around 0.4A (3W). At 10mW output power, 7.5V, the current draw is around 0.31A (2.3W).
Charging is really fast, if you have a Quick-Charge capable USB adapter (like the one in the P200 power supply), you can get around 10W, 2A at 5V. That means charging 2×18650 3000mAh would take less than 2 hours.
The battery holder rattles inside the radio, I wish they supply some foam to put inside the battery bay.
To take the back housing off, simply remove the 6 screws, and the two switch tabs off. This allows you to adjust the gimbal spring tension.
Here’s a closer look at the PCB and wiring.
How to Setup TX12 MKII
You can follow my setup guide for the Radiomaster Zorro, the steps are more or less the same.
One thing you should do is to turn off ADC filter in System menu, Hardware page. It reduces latency by disabling it, it’s only useful to enable this if you fly planes as it reduces servo jitters, but not useful for multicopters.
Here’s the quick start guide that came with the radio.
Flash Internal ExpressLRS Module
It comes with ExpressLRS version 2.3.
You probably want to update the internal ExpressLRS module when you get your TX12. You can also take this opportunity to set the binding phrase.
The internal ELRS module is the same as Zorro as they use the same firmware target.
The steps of flashing the internal module is the same as the Zorro (guide).
TX12 MKII VS Zorro
So which radio should you choose?
Size wise, the TX12 Mark II and Zorro are actually quite similar as you can see in the following comparision.
If you want longer battery life, the TX12 MKII is definitely better, get those 21700 5000mAh battery and the TX12 will last at least 12 hours at 250mW. But mind you the Zorro can take external battery so it’s not a deal breaker.
If weight is important to you, the Zorro is about 100g lighter, as the TX12 weighs around 500g with 2x 18650.
Performance wise, I think the TX12 has an advantage over the Zorro. Although they both have 250mW ELRS and loaded with EdgeTX, the TX12 has a RP-SMA connector so you can use a proper antenna for better range and more reliable signal.
When it comes to ergonomics, I have to say I prefer the Zorro for both pinching and thumbing, but this is highly subjective. The Zorro also feels slightly higher quality too, the TX12 feels more like a toy grade radio.
But when it comes to repairing, the internal construction of the TX12 is a lot simpler. If you ever need to replace the PCB or gimbals, you will find the TX12 much easier to work with.
The TX12 can take full size module while the Zorro can only take smaller Lite module. Full size modules are usually more powerful than lite modules, so if you plan to use a high power external module, this might be another important consideration.
With all that said, the TX16S Mark II is still my daily driver. It gives me the best ergonomics among these 3 radios. And the colour touch screen makes it so powerful and much easier to use. If you have space in your FPV backpack, and budget isn’t an issue I would still recommend the TX16S. But the much smaller radios like the TX12 and Zorro are very appealing for some people and you can’t go wrong with either of them. They do pretty much everything you need in FPV.
Labelled Silicon Switch Covers
Radiomaster also sent me these silicone switch covers.
Product Links:
They are labelled with words to help identify what switches do. It’s quite useful when someone else needs to use your radio. The other day I was searching for my crashed quad, but I forgot to turn on the beeper as I put my radio down on the ground. I asked my friend to turn on the buzzer for me, and he immediately knows which switch to flip without asking me.
RP1 and RP2 ELRS Receivers
Radiomaster released two new ExpressLRS receivers (2.4GHz), the RP1 and RP2. They are similar size to the previous receivers, with the following improvements:
- Improved PCB design is better for heat dissipation
- LED on the top side of PCB
- Solder pads are improved and easier to solder to
Product pages:
- RP1
- RP2
Here’s the specifications:
- Maximum packet rate: 500Hz/F1000Hz
- Weight: RP1 2.3g, RP2 0.55g
- Dimension: 13mm*11mm*7mm
- ExpressLRS v2.4 pre-installed
- ExpressLRS Firmware Target: RadioMaster RP1/RP2 2400 RX
- Receiver Protocol: CRSF
The RP1 has a U.FL connector and comes with a T antenna. This is great for larger, medium and long range aircraft.
17 comments
Why does my raciomastertx12mk2 opentx have acc2200 is it supposed to be 25500
hey Oscar, what do you think about TX12 vs Pocket??
Personally, between these two I’d get the pocket – it’s more compact, cheaper and looks better quality.
Hello Oscar,
The options of Model match and switch mode in Luas script of my Radiomaster TX12 MK2 are disappeared. How to fix this. Please give your reply.
Hello,
Im new in this hobby. First off all thank you for this web, you helped me a lot!
I have one topic reg battery 18650. In Boxer instruction mentined to use unprotected. In tx12 there is nothing about it. Im wondering what to use In tx12 and if i can use radiomaster 18650 which are dedicatec for tx12. Saler says yes but even button is needed for Boxer and In tx12 not so i guess the are wrong? Can you help here to understand it? Looking for lipo now but i prefer 18650 as weight is better
Thank you !
You can use any unprotected (flat top) 18650. that’s what I used in the review, they work and charge as expected.
See my 18650 recommendations: https://oscarliang.com/best-18650-li-ion-battery/
Hello Oscar, thank you for the great content. Which one would you suggest for my 9 year old son, TX12 or Zorro? Which one is most proper for small hands? The distance between the stick and radio’s side edge matters especially. Thank you!
It’s really hard to say which radio might be better for your son as it really depends on the person. If it’s just for practice and fun, most budget radios from Radiomaster are pretty good, consider getting the Pocket which is also pretty small.
You say that you can adjust the gimbal spring tension, but you don’t show how. I have the back off, and I cannot find any screws to adjust the gimbal tension. There is a screw that locks it down for the throttle, but there is not a screw in the same place for the pitch stick; just a screw hole. And I don’t see where such screws would be to adjust yaw and roll. I would like to reduce the tension, especially for pitch. Any help?
the Zorro has similar gimbals (not exactly the same), but it should give you an idea where those screws are for adjusting spring tension:https://oscarliang.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/radiomaster-zorro-tear-down-take-part-gimbals-tension-adjustment.jpg
These screws are doing nothing to the spring tension in my tx12
I am rather new but plan to stick with elrs. But since there is 1w elrs module out now, should I go for the elrs version or multi version and get the 1w module?
There will be a new radio that might interest you :) Wait 3 more days for my review.
ah man..i just ordered a tx12 mkII because they advertised opentx.
Because i have many UMX planes from horizon, they don’t work with edgetx. (i have an tx16 and tested that)
Hey Oscar, just thought I would let you know that this radio is not currently officially supported by OpenTX, even though RadioMaster says that it is all over the product advertisements. I just purchased it and wanted to load OpenTX so that I could easily convert all my models over to EdgeTX but was unsure of which radio type/target to use, so I emailed RadioMaster to ask them. This is the response they gave me, “The TX12 MkII is currently only compatible with the EdgeTX system, there is no OpenTX support at the time of writing. Please refrain from updating until OpenTX releases the MkII firmware (if/when that happens)”. Kind of lame of them to clearly market this radio as being compatible with OpenTX when they themselves say that it is not. I need to switch over to Edge anyways. Thanks for all that you do for this community !
Thanks for the info, that’s good to know!
It comes with EdgeTX which is the same operating system just the next version.