Controlling CyberBrick models from EdgeTX radio

With some heavy tinkering, I managed to get a “normal” R/C radio, running open-source EdgeTX firmware, to operate CyberBrick models. This feat is achieved via custom firmware for the radio’s internal ExpressLRS RF module (with ESP32 MCU) and custom MicroPython script for the CyberBrick Core, both talking ESP-NOW protocol over-the-air. There are no hardware modifications needed, nor are there modifications needed for the EdgeTX firmware. The internal communication between the internal ExpressLRS RF module and the STM32 in EdgeTX radio is via CRSF, exactly as with original ExpressLRS system.

Here is a brief video showing it in action:

A list of compatible radios: CyberBrick_ESPNOW/README.md at main · rotorman/CyberBrick_ESPNOW · GitHub
Do note that at present day, I have tested only with RadioMaster TX16s mkII with internal ExpressLRS module, Jumper T15 with internal 2.4 GHz ExpressLRS module, RadioMaster MT12 with internal ExpressLRS module and ESP32 development board (ESP32 DevKitC v4).

Do not let the antenna on the radio fool you - and do not expect great range from this combo, as for the RF link, NOT the main ExpressLRS module RF unit (SemTech LoRa chip plus PA) is used, but instead the ExpressLRS module’s ESP32 microcontroller’s embedded 2.4 GHz WiFi. Most internal modules have tiny PCB antennas for the 2.4 GHz WiFi. The communication between ExpressLRS module and the CyberBrick core is via ESP-NOW v1.

More info, incl. the source code for both sides of the transmission can be reached at my GitHub page under: GitHub - rotorman/CyberBrick_ESPNOW: Custom firmware for internal ExpressLRS RF module to act as a CyberBrick ESP-NOW protocol TX module

Please note that this is NOT an official EdgeTX, ExpressLRS nor BambuLab/MakerWorld approved nor validated project, just something I did for fun on the sideline.

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Just popping in to say this is awesome work. If I had more time I’d definitely give this a go!
Any thoughts on using the main TX in the future for really long range?

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Long range, as understood e.g. in the R/C First-Person-View (FPV) flying community, and known from systems like ExpressLRS, mLRS, DragonLink or TeamBlackSheep Crossfire, is not possible with CyberBricks, without fully replacing the radio communications electronics.

The CyberBrick Core integrated ESP32-C3 WiFi/ESP-NOW interface and the PCB antenna are limited from RF power and performance.

What would be possible, would be fully replacing the CyberBrick electronics in the models, e.g. against something like GitHub - frank26080115/Shrew-Dual-Brushed-ESC-with-ELRS: ESC for two brushed motors, with ELRS integrated and then using the LoRa RF on the handset side with unmodified ExpressLRS gear. As the development from Frank Zhao is not exactly matching the PCB dimensions of CyberBricks, that would although need modified 3D models to fit the custom electronics. On the other hand, if anyone would take up the task and design custom electronics, matching dimensions of original CyberBrick Core and receiver shield, then no modifications to the models would be necessary.

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Just added support also for numerous external ExpressLRS modules: Adds support for external ExpressLRS RF modules by rotorman · Pull Request #1 · rotorman/CyberBrick_ESPNOW · GitHub

Thus you should be able to use it now in addition to:

now also with:

I have tested the code successfully with:

  • RadioMaster TX16s mkII with internal 2.4 GHz ExpressLRS module
  • RadioMaster MT12 with internal 2.4 GHz ExpressLRS module
  • Jumper T15 with internal 2.4 GHz ExpressLRS module
  • external HappyModel ES24TX Pro
  • external RadioMaster Ranger
  • (and ESP32 development kit ESP32DevKitCv4)
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I was able to drastically simplify the usability of the project for controlling CyberBrick models from an EdgeTX radio (see Simplify drastically the usability of this project by rotorman · Pull Request #7 · rotorman/CyberBrick_ESPNOW · GitHub ).

Not only, I was able to add support to (presently) all available ESP32 and ESP32-S3 based ExpressLRS transmitter modules, but also to remedy the necessity to:
* explicitly bind the CyberBrick Core to the handset. Binding is still is recommended, but now optional. Optional binding can now be carried out using a virtual Bind button from a Lua script running on EdgeTX handset, while pressing the physical USER KEY button on the CyberBrick Core receiver.
* use Visual Studio Code with PlatformIO for flashing the ExpressLRS module. You can now use ExpressLRS Configurator in Local folder mode. Download or git clone the project repository, point ExpressLRS Configurator to transmitterFW subfolder and pick your ExpressLRS RF module manufacturer and model type and hit Flash. Do note that you can only use EdgeTX Passthrough or UART, not Wi-Fi flashing.

Update: I had to revert the latest changes, where configuration via Lua script was possible. The latest changes used a deprecated Arduino Release v2, as this is what the original ExpressLRS project also uses (see also Using Espressif Arduino-ESP32 v3.2.0 with PlatformIO - PlatformIO Community).
My original version uses GitHub - pioarduino/platform-espressif32: Espressif 32: pioarduino community platform compatible with PlatformIO and thus Arduino Release v3 instead and only with it I was able to have a reliable ESP-NOW communications, due to being able to fix the ESP-NOW comms to a fixed WiFi channel. Before I figure out how to port the Lua script configurability code also to GitHub - pioarduino/platform-espressif32: Espressif 32: pioarduino community platform compatible with PlatformIO and Arduino Release v3, I have for now reverted the latest changes in my GitHub, in order to offer a codebase that works reliably, even if this comes with the elevated effort required on first configuration and the necessity to manually read out and enter the CyberBrick receiver MAC address into the code.

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Here the step-by-step tutorial video on how-to setup everything in order to control the CyberBrick models from an EdgeTX R/C handset equipped with an internal or external ESP32 based ExpressLRS module:

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We are now a month away from EdgeTX Fest 2025 (10-11 October), so here is a timely reminder to join EdgeTX team if you are going to be in or near Brisbane Australia to catch up with the EdgeTX development team in person and have a chance to get some next-generation radio gear. We will be demoing the CyberBrick controllability from EdgeTX with the CyberBrick official forklift model.

For more information, check out the event webpage here: EdgeTX Fest 2025

This year’s event will be held next to Australian Drone Nationals 2025 competition, so it is a possibility to also see some world class FPV quadrocopter flying: https://aufpv.org.au/2025-mission-foods-australian-drone-nationals/

Entrance and the participation in the raffles are free.

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To celebrate the 4th year of our project and promote EdgeTX in 2025, EdgeTX team partnered with the Australian FPV association and made an appearance during the 2025 Australia FPV Racing Nationals.

During two of the racing days, all event’s attendees had the opportunity to meet people behind EdgeTX development and project management. We displayed in our booth a variety of EdgeTX driven radios, so all visitors could have hands-on experience with our software and supported hardware. Like every year, thanks to our sponsors, all radios shown were then raffled to visitors who decided to participate.

To show EdgeTX capabilities this year we prepared RC controlled 3D printed model forklift and warehouse shelves. It was an outstanding attraction and almost everyone tried to manoeuvre the palettes using EdgeTX operated surface radio.

Our Gold Partner Flysky officially launched their newest portable radio PA01 during EdgeTX Fest 2025.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who joined us at the 2025 Fest to celebrate the 4th year of EdgeTX. Your overwhelming presence and engaging interactions made this event truly unforgettable. A big congratulations to all the lucky drawing winners!

Thanks to our sponsors, we were able to distribute over 20 radio transmitters and a large number of further accessories and merchandise to our guests.

A special shout-out to our event sponsors RadioMaster, Flysky, Jumper and BetaFPV for their generous contributions of prizes and giveaways. We’d also like to express our deep appreciation to the AUFPV Association for their invaluable collaboration in planning and executing this phenomenal event.

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