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 I have tested only with RadioMaster TX16s mkII 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.