Using ExpressLRS with a Basic PWM Receiver on a Wing

Question: Can I run ExpressLRS with a cheap PWM receiver on a wing?

Answer: ExpressLRS is designed primarily for high-performance digital communication, typically using dedicated ExpressLRS receivers that provide CRSF or ELRS protocols. While you can physically connect a cheap PWM receiver to your flight controller, you won't get the benefits of ExpressLRS like low latency, long range, or telemetry. To use ExpressLRS properly, you'll need a compatible ExpressLRS receiver.

If you want to use ExpressLRS on your wing, follow these steps: 1) Purchase an ExpressLRS receiver that supports your frequency band (2.4GHz or 900MHz). 2) Flash the correct firmware to the receiver and transmitter module using the ExpressLRS configurator. 3) Connect the receiver to your flight controller via UART for CRSF or via PWM pins if your flight controller supports it, but note PWM is slower and less reliable. 4) Bind the receiver to your transmitter module. 5) Test range and telemetry before flying.

In summary, a cheap PWM receiver won’t leverage ExpressLRS’s advantages. For best results on a wing, invest in a proper ExpressLRS receiver and follow the setup steps above.