Whether youโve just received your first Craycle kit or are exploring which setup is best for your build, one of the most common questions we get is:
โWhich radio system and flight controller should I use with my RC Plane?โ
In this guide, weโll walk you through the most affordable, reliable, and beginner-friendly options that are fully compatible with all Craycle models, including the Orca, Ranger, Crow, Cub, Discover, and others. This also applies to RC Models you make yourself.
๐ฎ 1. Flying Without a Flight Controller (Manual Setup)
All Craycle models are designed to be flown directly with a transmitter and receiver, without requiring a flight controller.
โ๏ธ Control Mixing Basics: Elevon and V-Tail Models
If you’re flying a Craycle model with non-standard control surfaces like flying wings or V-tail configurations, your radio must support channel-mixing features. These mixes combine multiple control inputs into shared surfaces:
๐ฉ Elevon Mixing
Used in flying wing-style aircraft (e.g., Orca):
- Combines aileron and elevator into two elevons.
- Each elevon moves differently depending on inputโpitch and roll are merged.
๐ง If you’re flying a wing-type model like the Orca, elevon mixing is essential.
๐ช V-Tail Mixing
Used in aircraft with V-tail configurations (e.g., Crow, Discover):
- Combines rudder and elevator into two angled tail surfaces.
- Enables pitch and yaw control through a V-tail layout.
๐ง Crow and Discover require V-tail mixing to control pitch and yaw with their diagonal tail fins.
โ Transmitters with Built-In Mixing Support:
Most modern transmitters (like Radiomaster Pocket, Boxer or FlySky FS-i6) support both Elevon and V-Tail mixing directly from the transmitter software. If youโre using EdgeTX, OpenTX, or AFHDS 2A-based systems, youโll find ready-made mix templates or custom mixes.
๐ Make sure to check your modelโs control surface layout before flying, and verify your mixes are working correctly on the bench.
โ Recommended Transmitters (with Elevon/V-Tail Mixing Support)
| Transmitter | System | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Radiomaster Pocket (ELRS) | ExpressLRS | Lightweight, affordable, and feature-rich. Great range. |
| Radiomaster Boxer (ELRS) | ExpressLRS | Compact, ergonomic, full-featured, Bigger screen. Great for long-term use. |
| FlySky FS-i6X | PWM | Budget-friendly and basic. Supports Elevon mixing. |
| FrSky X9 Lite / X-Lite | SBUS | Popular in the hobby world. Runs OpenTX for full mixing control. |
๐ NOTE: If your transmitter runs EdgeTX or OpenTX, youโll be able to set up elevon mixing and other customizations easily.
๐ง 2. Flying With a Flight Controller (Advanced Setup)
If you’re planning to add features like auto-stabilization, launch assist, Return-to-Home (RTH), or even FPV telemetry, a flight controller (FC) is the way to go.
Craycle models are tested and are compatible with various INAV-supported flight controllers. Based on our internal testing, we highly recommend the following:
๐ง Recommended Flight Controllers
| FC Model | Notes |
|---|---|
| Speedybee F405 Wing | Powerful, full-size, lots of ports. Perfect for feature-rich setups. |
| Speedybee F405 Wing Mini | Compact and lighter. Great for smaller models or tight builds. |
๐ก Both options support INAV and are very beginner-friendly. Craycle uses these FCs in testing and development setups across our fleet of models.
๐ก Compatible Receivers and Modules
Depending on your radio system, here are some receivers we recommend:
| Receiver | System | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Radiomaster RP1 / RP3 / ER Series | ExpressLRS / PWM | Tiny, long-range, and perfect for ELRS radios. |
| FlySky FS-iA6B | PWM | Easy to connect. Works well with FS-i6X. |
| FrSky R-XSR / Archer M+ | SBUS / FPort | Reliable and compact for FrSky transmitters. |
๐ Optional GPS Modules (For RTH and Navigation)
If youโre planning to enable features like Return-to-Home, youโll need a GPS module. These work seamlessly with the recommended FCs:
- Beitian BN-220
- Matek M8Q-5883 (includes compass)
๐ Quick Summary Table
| Pilot Profile | Recommended Setup |
|---|---|
| Absolute Beginner | FlySky FS-i6X + FS-iA6B |
| Compact & Modern | Radiomaster Pocket + RP1 |
| Intermediate Builder | Radiomaster Boxer + RP3 |
| Advanced / FPV | Speedybee FC + ELRS + GPS |
๐ฏ Final Thoughts
Craycle models are designed to be modular, flexible, and adaptableโwhether youโre flying in full manual mode or building a smart, GPS-enabled FPV platform.
- ๐ ๏ธ If you’re just starting, a simple transmitter and receiver will get you flying in no time.
- ๐ง As you grow in the hobby, you can upgrade to flight controllers and unlock advanced features.
Need help configuring your transmitter or flight controller? Weโre always happy to helpโjust reach out via email or social media!
โ๏ธ What About Motors, ESCs, Servos, Propellers, and Batteries?
Each Craycle model has its own PDF build guide, which includes detailed electronics recommendations tailored to the design. That means you don’t have to guess which motor, ESC, or battery you needโweโve already done the testing for you.
๐ฆ Pre-Selected Power Packs
To make things even easier, we offer ready-to-use Power Packs that include all the essential electronics for your specific model:
- Motor (matched to thrust and weight requirements)
- ESC (with enough headroom for safe operation)
- Servos (with appropriate torque and size)
- Propeller (based on thrust efficiency)
๐ง Just follow the guide and use the suggested Power Pack, and youโll be in the air faster with confidence.
โ Coming Soon:
Weโre working on detailed video tutorials that walk through the following:
- Elevon mix setup
- Flight controller installation
- INAV configuration for Craycle models
Stay tuned, and happy flying!
โ Cemal from Craycle โ๏ธ
