Assessment: Radiomaster Nomad & DBR4 Receiver – Twin-Band Flexibility for two.4GHz and 868/915MHz

For these within the FPV world, the controversy between 2.4GHz and 900MHz for ExpressLRS radio hyperlinks is ongoing. Every has its strengths: 2.4GHz presents quicker packet charges and decrease latency, whereas 900MHz offers higher penetration and vary. With the discharge of the Radiomaster Nomad, you now not have to decide on. This dual-band ExpressLRS module offers you the pliability to make use of each frequencies individually or concurrently.

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The place to Purchase

Get the Radiomaster Nomad module right here:

Get the Radiomaster DBR4 Receiver right here:

What Is the Radiomaster Nomad?

The Radiomaster Nomad is a dual-band ExpressLRS module that comes with the revolutionary Gemini-X (Xrossband) expertise, enabling it to function in each 2.4GHz and 900MHz (868/915MHz) frequencies concurrently or individually. Each frequencies can ship as much as 1 watt of RF output energy, providing versatility for various flying situations.

2.4GHz offers quicker packet charges, as much as 1000Hz, delivering ultra-low latency that’s important for racing or fast-response flying. Alternatively, 900MHz (868/915MHz) presents superior penetration and vary, making it ultimate for flying by means of obstacles or in long-range eventualities.

The Nomad’s skill to modify between these bands—or use each concurrently—makes it one of the crucial versatile ExpressLRS modules available on the market. In Gemini mode, knowledge packets are despatched in parallel throughout each bands, doubling the possibilities of sustaining a strong connection, particularly in difficult environments with interference.

It’s essential to notice that you just’ll must configure the proper frequency vary for 900MHz based mostly in your location: 868MHz for Europe and 915MHz for the USA. Failing to take action may intervene with native mobile networks, so setting it up accurately within the ExpressLRS settings is essential.

Nearer Take a look at the Radiomaster Nomad

The Nomad module comes with dual-band antennas designed to assist each 2.4GHz and 868/915MHz frequencies. These adjustable antennas permit horizontal or vertical positioning relying in your setup.

Antenna connectors are RP-SMA.

On the underside, there are XT30 connector for exterior energy (2S to 4S) for those who don’t wish to drain your radio’s inner battery, and a USB-C Port for firmware replace.

The RadioMaster Nomad ships with each JR and Lite module adapters, making it suitable with a variety of radios, together with the Radiomaster Boxer and Zorro. Whereas the Nano adapter wasn’t included within the early overview models, it’s anticipated to be a part of the ultimate retail package deal, guaranteeing full compatibility with smaller radios just like the RadioMaster Zorro.

Nevertheless, when put in within the Boxer, the module feels a bit unfastened within the bay. It’s securely locked, so there’s no danger of it popping out throughout flight, but it surely does make a rattling noise once you shake the radio.

New Packet Charges

ExpressLRS presents a wide range of packet charges, permitting you to stability latency and vary based mostly in your particular wants. For instance, 50Hz offers wonderful vary however with larger latency, whereas 1000Hz presents ultra-low latency on the expense of vary. The Radiomaster Nomad helps a broad vary of those packet charges, enabling you to tailor efficiency as required.

The Nomad introduces new packet charges optimized for each low latency and long-range capabilities. On 2.4GHz, you could have entry to plain ExpressLRS packet charges, together with 50Hz, 100Hz Full, and 500Hz. For 868/915MHz, the module helps 250Hz packet charges, which is quicker than older 900MHz modules that maxed out at 200Hz.

For dual-band operation, X150Hz and X100Hz Full present the perfect stability of vary, reliability, and management precision. These packet charges permit the module to transmit on each 2.4GHz and 868/915MHz concurrently, enhancing hyperlink stability.

The DBR4 Receiver: Twin-Band Capabilities

To take full benefit of the Nomad’s dual-band Gemini system, you’ll want a receiver that helps each 900MHz and a pair of.4GHz, just like the Radiomaster DBR4. In the event you don’t have a dual-band receiver, the Nomad will nonetheless operate with single-band receivers, however you gained’t get the total advantages of Gemini X.

The DBR4 receiver is barely bigger than typical ExpressLRS receivers because of its twin RF chipsets and superior performance. It’s designed for customers requiring a strong, dependable hyperlink, particularly in environments with excessive RF noise or for long-range flying.

With 4 antennas—two for 2.4GHz and two for 868/915MHz—this setup ensures most reliability when each frequencies are used concurrently.

Sensible Purposes

The Nomad excels in numerous eventualities, making it a powerful selection for various kinds of FPV pilots:

• Racers: Most racers fly on open fields inside comparatively quick ranges, so they could not acquire a lot from the dual-band characteristic. A typical 2.4GHz ExpressLRS setup with a 1000Hz refresh charge stays the optimum and most cost-effective selection for racing.
• Lengthy-Vary Flyers: The 900MHz band presents wonderful vary and penetration, particularly in Gemini X mode, the place each 900MHz and 2.4GHz work collectively to maintain your radio sign robust in tough environments. Whereas dual-band functionality could not improve your most vary, it ought to enhance the reliability of your radio management hyperlink.
• Informal Flyers: For these not flying long-range, the dual-band system may be overkill. Personally, 10km flights with a typical 2.4GHz ELRS system (single antenna) utilizing simply 250mW output energy had been attainable. Though I don’t assume I can be utilizing the Gemini Xrossband system typically, it offers added flexibility and reliability for difficult situations. For most individuals, 2.4GHz ELRS (non-diversity) ought to suffice, and for those who want extra vary, merely decrease the packet charge to 250Hz or 150Hz.

Last Ideas: Is the Radiomaster Nomad the Final ELRS Module?

The Radiomaster Nomad presents outstanding flexibility, permitting you to modify between 2.4GHz and 900MHz or use each concurrently for max reliability. Nevertheless, it might not be a mandatory improve for everybody. For many customers, the Gemini characteristic could possibly be an overkill, as a typical ELRS setup ought to meet their wants.

That mentioned, for those who’re in search of better flexibility and reliability throughout a spread of flying kinds—from long-range exploration to low-latency racing—the Nomad is value contemplating. Paired with the DBR4 receiver, you get a strong, dependable system able to dealing with a wide range of flying situations, from low-latency racing to long-range adventures.

Get the Radiomaster Nomad module right here:

Get the Radiomaster DBR4 Receiver right here: