RadioMaster Pocket
The RadioMaster Pocket is the $80 ELRS radio transmitter that introduced ExpressLRS to a generation of new FPV pilots. Gamepad form factor with Hall sensor gimbals, built-in 2.4 GHz ELRS module up to 250 mW, EdgeTX open-source firmware, USB-C with PC simulator joystick mode, and a 1.9-inch color IPS display. Game-controller styling means it doubles as a Velocidrone / Liftoff sim controller.
The right first FPV radio — gamepad form factor lowers the entry barrier, ELRS built-in skips the external-module rabbit hole, and EdgeTX handles every FPV protocol you'll meet.
Where to Buy
Pros
- Built-in ExpressLRS 2.4 GHz module up to 250 mW — no $60 external module to add
- Hall sensor gimbals with no pot wear — survives years of regular flying and sim use
- EdgeTX open-source firmware supports every modern FPV protocol (ELRS, CRSF, Crossfire, multi-protocol with external module)
- Gamepad form factor lowers the barrier for game-controller users — also works as Velocidrone / Liftoff sim controller via USB-C
- Replaceable 18350 cells (or single 21700) — runtime can be doubled with bigger cells
Cons
- Gamepad ergonomics divide opinion — traditional handle pilots may prefer the RadioMaster Boxer or Pocket's bigger sibling MT12
- 1.9" display is small and the EdgeTX UI is dense — menu navigation takes practice
- No external module bay — limits to internal ELRS + multi-protocol; for TBS Crossfire or 900 MHz long range, upgrade to Boxer or TX16S
ExpressLRS — why this matters for a first radio
Five years ago, FPV pilots wrestled with TBS Crossfire (900 MHz, premium price), FrSky R-XSR (2.4 GHz proprietary), Spektrum DSMX, FlySky, Futaba — incompatible protocols, expensive modules, vendor lock-in. ExpressLRS changed everything: open-source, free firmware, 2.4 GHz or 900 MHz, $25 receivers, sub-millisecond latency, range that competes with TBS Crossfire at half the cost.
The RadioMaster Pocket has ELRS built into the radio — no external $60-130 module to add later. Pair the Pocket with any ELRS receiver in 30 seconds (binding is automatic via WebUI on the receiver's WiFi access point). For new pilots this removes an entire layer of complexity that older protocols imposed. The 250 mW internal output is enough for typical freestyle and racing line-of-sight distances (up to 2-3 km in clean RF environments). For 10+ km long range you'd need an external 1W module — beyond the Pocket's no-bay form factor.
EdgeTX firmware and the simulator workflow
EdgeTX is the open-source firmware that replaced OpenTX as the dominant FPV radio OS. The Pocket ships with EdgeTX preinstalled and the firmware is upgradeable via the EdgeTX Buddy web tool. EdgeTX handles every modern FPV use case: model setup, mixes for non-standard control schemes, telemetry screens (RSSI, battery voltage, GPS coordinates), failsafe configuration, multi-model storage. Models import/export as YAML files for backup or sharing.
The USB-C port doubles as a joystick interface — plug into a PC, the Pocket appears as a generic HID gamepad. Velocidrone, Liftoff, DRL Simulator, Tryp FPV, and LiftOff all auto-detect it. This is the right way to learn FPV: spend 20-50 hours in a simulator before flying outside. Sim time builds muscle memory for stick inputs, throttle control, and orientation recovery that prevents the expensive 'crash on first outdoor flight' that haunts many new pilots. The Pocket pays for itself just as a sim controller.
Hardware quality and the Hall gimbal question
Hall sensor gimbals use magnetic field sensors instead of traditional potentiometers. The advantage: no friction, no wear, no calibration drift over time. A 5-year-old Hall gimbal still reads as accurately as a new one. The disadvantage: marginally less tactile feel than premium pot gimbals (debatable — many pilots prefer Hall). The Pocket's Hall gimbals are entry-tier — fine for freestyle and racing, not as smooth as the AG01 gimbals in the more expensive Boxer or TX16S.
The 1.9" color IPS display is small but readable in sunlight. Menu navigation uses 4 buttons + a scroll wheel — less ergonomic than a traditional radio's 6-key navigation but adequate after a few hours. Battery is 2x 18350 (1100 mAh each, included as a single tray) or you can swap to a single 21700 cell (2x runtime). USB-C charging at 5V. Build quality matches the $80 price — plastic chassis with no surprise weaknesses but no premium feel either. Six months of regular use, the only common complaint is the gimbal sticks needing the occasional re-tightening of the gimbal-arm screws.
Full Specifications
Connectivity
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| rc_protocol | ExpressLRS 2.4 GHz (built-in module) + CRSF; supports external modules [1] |
| tx_power | ExpressLRS up to 250 mW internal (100 mW typical) [1] |
| channels | 16 channels via CRSF; 12 channels stick + AUX [1] |
| protocol_compatibility | ELRS, CRSF, Crossfire (external module), Multi-protocol (external) [1] |
I/O & Interfaces
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| gimbals | Hall sensor gimbals (long-life, no pot wear) [1] |
| Display | 1.9" 240x240 color IPS LCD [1] |
| USB | USB-C (joystick mode + charging + sim) [1] |
| trainer_port | 3.5mm TRS PPM/SBUS in/out [1] |
| speaker | Built-in speaker + headphone jack [1] |
Power
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| battery | 2x 18350 (1100 mAh) or single 21700 cell — user-replaceable [1] |
| runtime | ~10-15 hours typical use (depends on TX power setting) [1] |
Physical
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 155 x 130 x 70 (game-controller form factor) mm [1] |
| weight_g | 320 g [1] |
| Form Factor | Gamepad-style (vs traditional radio handle) [1] |
Who Should Buy This
$80 covers transmitter + ELRS module + USB-C sim controller — the cheapest complete entry point into modern FPV. Pair with a $30 ELRS RX (BetaFPV ELRS Lite, HappyModel EP1) and you have a complete radio link. The gamepad form factor is approachable for anyone who's held a game controller. Plug into a PC, open Velocidrone or Liftoff, practice for 20 hours before you ever fly outside.
No external module bay means you can't add a TBS Crossfire or Tracer module, and the internal ELRS module is 2.4 GHz only (not 900 MHz). For long-range FPV step up to the RadioMaster Boxer (has JR bay for any external module) or the larger TX16S Mark II.
Better alternative: RadioMaster Boxer
The Pocket's gamepad form factor isn't for everyone. If you grew up on traditional radio handles (Spektrum, JR, Futaba), buy the RadioMaster Boxer — same EdgeTX firmware, same internal ELRS module, but traditional handle ergonomics that thumber and pincher styles prefer.
Better alternative: RadioMaster Boxer
Frequently Asked Questions
RadioMaster Pocket vs Boxer vs TX16S — which one?
Pocket ($80): gamepad form, internal ELRS only, no external module bay, smallest. Boxer ($150): traditional handle, internal ELRS + JR external module bay, premium AG01 gimbals. TX16S Mark II ($230): full-size 'pro' radio, color screen, internal ELRS + module bay, expandable storage. For first radio: Pocket. For long-range / TBS Crossfire: Boxer. For pro racing or sim main rig: TX16S.
Do I need an external module like TBS Crossfire?
No, for most FPV use. ExpressLRS 2.4 GHz internal module covers freestyle and racing line-of-sight (2-3 km typical). External modules (Crossfire 868 MHz, ELRS 915 MHz) only matter for long range (10+ km) or RF-congested race venues where 900 MHz penetrates better. New pilots should start with internal ELRS and add external modules only if range becomes the bottleneck.
Will it work with my existing receiver?
If your receiver speaks ExpressLRS 2.4 GHz: yes, in 30 seconds. If your receiver is TBS Crossfire / Tracer (which uses CRSF protocol over 868 MHz): no — those need an external 868 MHz module the Pocket can't accept. FrSky / Spektrum / FlySky receivers are not ELRS-compatible. The Pocket can speak FrSky D8/D16 via the internal 2.4 GHz radio but ELRS is the default and recommended path.
Does the Pocket work as a PC simulator controller?
Yes — plug in via USB-C, the Pocket appears as a generic gamepad in Windows / macOS / Linux. Auto-detected by Velocidrone, Liftoff, DRL Simulator, Tryp FPV, and LiftOff: Micro Drones. This is the recommended way to learn FPV before flying real hardware outside.
How long does the battery last?
With the stock 2x 18350 (1100 mAh) cells: ~10-15 hours typical use, dropping to ~6-8 hours if you crank ELRS TX power to maximum (250 mW). Swap to a single 21700 cell (5000+ mAh) and runtime roughly doubles. Charges via USB-C from any phone charger.
Can I flash custom firmware?
Yes — EdgeTX is open-source. Use EdgeTX Buddy (the official web flasher) to update to the latest stable. Community forks exist (FlySky, FrSky-derived firmwares for specific hardware) but EdgeTX is the canonical choice for FPV use. Firmware updates fix bugs, add features (like new telemetry sensor support), and ship 2-3 times per year.