RadioMaster MT12 Radio Preview: One remote to Control all

The Radiomaster MT12 is a brand new type of radio the runs opensoure EDGE TX operating system. It is also the first surface radio to utilise a multiprotocol module meaning it should control ANY receiver you have, regardless of brand, hobby grade or toy

This article will be a little different from others I've written - I wanted to share some of the key details of the new MT12 transmitter from Radiomaster before I complete a comprehensive review where I delve into the complex EDGE TX operating system and detailing all of the recievers it can control. The focus here will be to give you an overview because this is quite a step change in what we have seen from remotes previously

Preview Like:
+4in1 multiprotocol module built in should be able to control ANY receiver
+EDGE TX operating system is more powerful than anything offered in current surface radios
+Radiomaster are one of the most popular Quadcopter radios for high quality and exceptional value
+Also includes expansion slot for additional modules e.g. run a long range protocol like Express LRS or TBS Crossfire

Preview Dislike:
+EDGE TX OS is very complex and has a steep learning curve
+Radio pricing sits in the higher end of radios of this type
+Radiomaster brand is not well known in the RC car world
+Channel trim locations fairly unique
​+Build looks plasticky

I ordered the RadioMaster MT12 Surface Radio Controller  16CH EDGETX System Transmitter With ER3C-I/R85C Receiver from Banggood. It is available in Multiprotocol or long range ELRS options. Use code BG2d85b0 at checkout​ to get it for $129

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As I've mentioned, Radiomaster as a manufacturer are relatively unknown at any level in the RC car world. By contrast they largely own the competitive drone and fixed wing market where a strong mix of quality and value have made them a leader with regular innovative radio releases.  I'm excited to see them in the RC car space for the quality/value they bring but it's the technology that I'm most excited about here, namely the EdgeTX operating system and more importantly it's ability to run a multiprotocol module.

What is EdgeTX?

EdgeTX is an open source operating system that itself has evolved from OPENTX. These operating systems were dominant across multiple manufacturers for stick radios as used for quads, helis and planes due to the immense amount of adjustments that can be made. With this much power comes a lot of menus and complex navigation and this can be daunting for a new user but it worth it. I'll detail more when I come to the full review and will work through different model setups. With EdgeTX comes the ability to run multiprotocol and other modules as well...

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What is a Multiprotocol module?

A radio protocol is the specific electronic "language" used when transmitter talks to a receiver (and back again in the case of telemmetry). For example, DumboRC, WLToys, HBX, MJX, Futaba, Sanwa, Flysky all have unique protocols and cannot be inter-paired. A multiprotocol transmitter module does pretty much what you were hoping - it can control all of these different receivers from one remote. Basically you set up a model entry on the MT12 for each car and during the transmitter setup for each choose the protocol in the menu that aligns with the car you want to control. From my experience with drones you can even use it to control toys. I have been waiting years to see this in a surface transmitter! 4in1 multiprotocol is an opensource project that is regularly updated with new protocols as the become available, the github page is here: https://github.com/pascallanger/DIY-Multiprotocol-TX-Module 

What is the actual transmitter like?

Check out the pics below. It looks plasticky.... because it's made of plastic. In hand though it's well made and sturdy though as surprisingly heavy. Buttons, switches and POTs all have a good feel and this is consistent with the stick radios they make. Wheel and triggers use hall effect sensors. I won't go into detail here but they make for smoother action with no electrical wear parts like potentiometers. Feature set is very strong too but check out the photos for more...

The remote ships in this really nice marle grey padded carry case

Mould insert for TX on this side

Other side opens with another zip for accesories

No batteries included but this is a holder for 2 x 18650 liion cells

I used a 2s 18650 pack from one of my crawlers to power. Conviniently it accepts a regular JST power lead so you can use ANY 2s battery than physically fits.

This is the included receiver when the multiprotocol module is chosen, 6 channel and no gyro

Screen is large and clear. There is plenty of room for large buttons

The aluminium CNC clickwheel beneath the buttons is well made and easy to use. It makes for much faster navigation that buttons alone

A strap is also include to allow for the transmitter being quite heavy

Trigger is full adjustable - range of motion and neutral point set

This panel on the base of the transmitter can be removed an replaced with and additional control module

This analogue joystick module is an included accesory that gives you additional control over more channels if needed

Alternatively you can use toggle switches for the additional module

Switch A (default channel 3) is a momentary switch directly beneath the wheel

Switch B (default channel 4) is a momentary button underneath the wheel housing

Switch C (default channel 5) is a momentary switch near where you thumb sits on the remote

Switch D (default channel 4) is a large momentary button on the rear base of the controller.

Potentiometer P1 is a dial on the right of the wheel and default channel 7

Potentiometer P2 is a dial on the left of the wheel and default channel 8

This is a large and sturdy feeling controller in the hand

Another view in hand

The controller has several addressable RGB LEDS built in too if you think all that black plastic is a bit boring

Thanks for checking out my preview on the RadioMaster MT12 surface radio. I'll place a link below when my main review is finished but this is definitely shaping up to be a gamechanger of a radio. For now, check out my facebook group for more detail or the product page below

I ordered the RadioMaster MT12 Surface Radio Controller  16CH EDGETX System Transmitter With ER3C-I/R85C Receiver from Banggood. It is available in Multiprotocol or long range ELRS options. Use code BG2d85b0 at checkout​ to get it for $129

Why you can trust QuadifyRC: I've been playing with RC cars for over 30 years and have been reviewing for more than 5. Reviewing isn't my job, I just do it for fun... it's part of the hobby for me. When you buy from the links I post I may earn a small commission and this helps me cover the website hosting costs. I don't need you to buy me a coffee or join a Patreon but if you want to chat with like-minded people I have an active Facebook Group here to join (free of course)