I’ve been using the Radiomaster TX16S for more than 6 months now, it’s been as reliable as I could hope for. Not long ago RadioMaster sent me their latest radio, the TX16S Max Edition which has some fancy colors and upgrades, so let’s check it out.
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Table of Contents
Where to Buy
You can get the new TX16S Max Edition from these vendors. These are affiliate links:
- Banggood: https://oscarliang.com/product-ud2e
- RDQ: https://oscarliang.com/product-7rgl
- Amazon: https://amzn.to/2L2F6lm
- BuddyRC: https://oscarliang.com/product-xbbc
What’s New with TX16S Max?
In a nutshell, the TX16S Max edition is the Original TX16S that looks cooler. If you want to learn more about the TX16S you can take a look at my original review.
Here’s a summary of the improvements in the Max Edition:
- Multi-color options for the shell (carbon, silver, gold) and anodized CNC aluminum face plate kits
- Upgraded speaker (louder)
- Better Sliders (no longer loose, however center detent is still quite weak)
- All the controls such as the roller wheel and buttons for the menu seem to have been upgraded for better ergonomics, feels more solid and noticeable when compared side by side
- Metal folding handle on the back
- Replaceable leather side grip panels (color choices: light brown, dark brown and black)
- Better neck strap hook
To be honest, the upgrades are purely aesthetic and doesn’t impact performance at all, but it does feel more like a premium quality radio now. “Looking cheap” was one of the main criticism of the original TX16S, and I am glad Radiomaster did something to improve it.
One upgrade I really wanted to see was removable antenna. Unfortunately they didn’t do it this time, my guess is it’s to comply with regulations. Anyway it’s not a difficult DIY mod and I have a tutorial on that.
And I wish they would offer pilot name engraving as a service :) Not only it’s cool but less likely to have your radio stolen and sold online.
Most of these upgrades are available for sale, you can buy these and change them in your earlier TX16S radios, including the speaker upgrade and folding handle. RadioMaster also sells the anodized CNC kits in different colors: red, silver, gold, black and purple. Mine is red as you can see.
You can get them here: https://oscarliang.com/product-m67u
Aluminium folding handle.
Leather side grip panels, used to be ABS.
Exact same connectors as the original TX16S. Here are the USB-C for FPV simulator, and trainer port.
Serial ports, USB charging (for internal 2S battery), and SD card which is included in the radio.
The Original TX16S has better roller wheel button than the Jumper T16, it’s now even more solid and precise in the Max Edition.
The anodized CNC parts have 5 color options, you can match whatever color you want with the radio. But you probably should buy it separately as the color option is very limited when you buy the Max Edition.
They also improved the neck strap hook – it used to have only one hole, now two. I think it provides better stability when using different batteries that results in different COG.
The Cheaper TX16S (And Better Value?)
If you don’t care how the radio looks, you could save $90 and just get the original version.
The Original TX16S is basically the Max Edition without all the aesthetic upgrades we mentioned earlier in this review. Price is $160, while the MAX Edition is $250.
Even cheaper, Radiomaster offers the SE Edition at only $120!
The SE Edition has all the necessary functions just like the original TX16S, but instead of hall sensor gimbals it uses potentiometer gimbals. Hall gimbals are slightly smoother and would last longer. And the SE version has the more limited internal RF module supporting far fewer receivers than the full multi-protocol module. It also doesn’t have a touch screen which could be useful to have.
For these reasons, I still think the original version is a better deal than the SE version. You can get the original version from the following vendors (affiliate links):
- Banggood: Hall Gimbal – https://bit.ly/34FLB2Y
- Amazon: https://amzn.to/3eesfWh
- RDQ: https://bit.ly/3cY6IQw
- BuddyRC: https://oscarliang.com/product-b992
Here’s the review of the original TX16S if you want to learn more about it.
Here’s a tear down of the radio. Build quality is similar to the normal version.
The upgrade speaker – WSC 8ohm 2W.
How to Setup TX16S
Tutorial: https://oscarliang.com/setup-tx16s-t16-radio/
13 comments
I currently fly an iX12 with crossfire. A handy feature on my radio is being able to watch goggle DVR or other videos from SD cards directly on my radios. Any idea if videos are viewable on the TX16S Max screen?
And, coming from the heli/plane world, I’m going to have to research on how well this radio works with my Other aircraft. There’s a lot of them, and some really high-end stuff. LOL Any idea how well it works with DSM gear?
No, TX16S screen doesn’t play DVR. I don’t use spektrum so not sure, it has a JR module bay, if they make those module it might be plug and play? Try to google it.
Oscar, if you buy the Max customised version they offer the engraving.
Latest TX16S, since just before Xmas, has upgraded speakers and the IPS touchscreen screen, all the ‘technical’ stuff is the same as the Max.
Only the cosmetic, if changing from plastic to cnc can be called cosmetic, is different.
The early version of the standard TX16S had the lcd screen, later version all have the later ips touch screen.
Also has the speaker upgrade.
There is nothing ‘technical’ in the Max that isnt in the latest (Since post Xmas reopening) TX16S
I have lots of HobbyKing receivers (Turnigy TGY-IA6B V2 etc). Can they be used with this receiver, or I would need to replace them all with something else?
It uses AFHDS protocol right? should be supported.
Here’s a list of protocol it supports: https://github.com/pascallanger/DIY-Multiprotocol-TX-Module/blob/master/Protocols_Details.md
Here is a link (replace dash by slash and had the https protocol URL header) for a group buy offer at Banggood for the Black/Red Max version, USD235 (200 EUR), shipping and taxed included, valid until 2021-03-26 midnight CET
banggood.app.link-O5gH1uFdUeb
banggood.app.link-YmFIp2udUeb
I have 2 Frsky older models. New receivers have ‘security’. If Frsky drops making encrypted receivers where will I buy receivers for this? I know Futaba etc. but that locks you into everyone’s old technology. Does Radiomaster make receivers?
You can keep using your older Frsky receivers with TX16S – just don’t update their firmware you’d be fine.
If you are looking to upgrade, get the Crossfire. I did that and never look back.
I’m a beginner with fixed wing…just got tx16s. Do you have/or will you have beginner info on setup for fixed wing. Maybe equipment recommendations too. Thanks. I try to read your posts
I did a guide on the Taranis, but it’s exactly the same on any OpenTX radio including the TX16S. Create/duplicate a quadcopter model profile, and change the Mixer for fixed wing and that’s it.
https://oscarliang.com/taranis-mixer-for-wings/
Oscar, I think they have a different screen. LCD vs IPS.