Can I use ExpressLRS with a cheap PWM receiver on a wing?

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

Answer: ExpressLRS is designed mainly for digital protocols like CRSF (Crossfire) or its own native ELRS protocol, which use serial communication rather than PWM. Using a cheap PWM receiver with ExpressLRS is generally not practical because PWM receivers typically output individual servo signals per channel, while ExpressLRS receivers transmit data over a single serial line.

If you want to use ExpressLRS on a wing, you should get a compatible ExpressLRS receiver. These receivers are lightweight, have low latency, and support telemetry. To set it up, bind the ExpressLRS transmitter module to a matching ELRS receiver, connect the receiver to your flight controller via UART, and configure your flight controller to use the serial RX input.

If your wing has limited space or you want to save weight, ExpressLRS receivers are often smaller and more efficient than older PWM units. Avoid using cheap PWM receivers with ExpressLRS as it won’t work properly, and you’ll lose many benefits of the protocol.