RadioMaster Pocket ELRS: The Only Transmitter You Need? (FPV.Skydive Sim to Soccer Bot)

The Backstory

Most RadioMaster Pocket reviews are written by FPV drone pilots. I'm still not one of them.

I'm a mechanical engineering student at BUET. I am currently building robots that roll on the ground. My latest project? A soccer bot that needs simple, reliable control.

So when I got my RadioMaster Pocket, I tested it the way I'd actually use it:

1. Bluetooth mode with FPV.Skydive on my phone

2. ELRS binding with a BETAFPV ELRS PWM Receiver 5CH

3. Driving my soccer bot with just the right stick (forward/backward + left/right)

Here's how it went.

First Impressions

When the package arrived, I laughed. This thing is tiny.

Specs:

• Weight: ~185g (lighter than my phone)

• Size: Fits in a jacket pocket

• Gimbals: Hall-effect sensors (smooth, no drift)

• Protocol: ELRS built-in

• Battery: 2x 18650 with USB-C charging (some packages won't come with the batteries.)

• Firmware: EdgeTX

• Price: ~$65-80

Quick Buy Links

Part 1: FPV.Skydive Simulator Test

Before trusting any transmitter with a real robot, I test in a simulator.

What I Used:

• RadioMaster Pocket

• You PC gaming one would be better

• FPV.Skydive downloaded

• USB-C data cable

Setup:

1. Enable Bluetooth on the Radio

• Power on your RadioMaster Pocket.

• Press and hold the SYS button to enter the Tools menu.

• Scroll down and select the ExpressLRS Lua script.

• Once the script loads, scroll down to the BLE Joystick (or sometimes labeled "Bluetooth") option.

• Press the roller to select [Enable]. The radio should now say "Advertising" or "BLE Active."

2. Connect to your Device (PC)

• On your PC/Device: Open your Bluetooth settings and select Add Device.

• Look for a device named "ExpressLRS Joystick" or "ELRS BLE".

• Select it to pair. Once connected, your computer will recognize the RadioMaster Pocket as a standard Game Controller (HID).

2. Software Calibration in PFV.Skydive

Once the radio is connected via Bluetooth (as the BLE Joystick):

1. Launch PFV.Skydive and navigate to Settings > Controller.

2. Select Device: Ensure your Bluetooth HID device is selected from the dropdown menu.

3. Start Calibration: Click the Calibrate button.

4. Follow the On-Screen Prompts:

   • Center Sticks: Leave your sticks at the center (including Throttle, unless the sim asks otherwise) and click Next.

   • Full Range: Move both sticks to their maximum extents in all directions (circles) so the software can "see" the limits of your 1000 to 2000 signal.

   • Neutral Position: Return sticks to center.

Did It Work?

Yes. Latency was minimal, gimbals felt smooth, and the Pocket's vibrate motor even buzzes when I crash. Perfect for practice.

Part 2: Binding with BETAFPV ELRS PWM Receiver 5CH

Now for the soccer bot.

I chose the BETAFPV ELRS PWM Receiver 5CH because:

• 5 PWM channels (enough for motors + dribbler + kicker)

• ELRS = great range and reliability

• Small size

• ~$15-20

Binding Process

Step 1: Power the receiver (5V and GND). LED blinks fast = bind mode.

Step 2: On Pocket: Model Setup → Internal RF → Mode → Bind.

Step 3: Wait 3 seconds. Receiver LED goes solid.

Step 4: Done. Check telemetry on the Pocket screen.

(Photo: Receiver bound, LED solid, Pocket showing telemetry)

Troubleshooting: If it doesn't bind, check firmware versions. Pocket runs ELRS 3.x – most new receivers are compatible.

Part 4: EdgeTX Setup – The Simple Version

Here's the part that confused me at first, but it's actually dead simple.

I only use the right stick. That's it.

• Right stick up/down = both motors forward/backward

• Right stick left/right = turn (differential steering)

No complex mixes. No curves. No switches (well, I use one for the dribbler).

Step-by-Step:

1. Create a new model

• Long press SYS button

• Select "Model Select"

• Create new model

2. Set up Internal RF

• Model Setup → Internal RF

• Mode: ELRS

• Make sure it's bound to your receiver

3. Set up Inputs (Optional)I actually skip this – I go straight to Mixer.

4. EdgeTX Setup – The Simple Version

Here's the part that confused me at first, but it's actually dead simple once you see it.

I only use the right stick. Here's exactly what worked for me:

What This Means When You Drive:

This gives you:

• ✅ Forward/backward on Ele (CH2 – left motor)

• ✅ Turning/spinning on Ail (CH1 – right motor)

• ✅ Diagonal movement works automatically

• ✅ Zero complicated mixing – just two simple channels

*(Photo: Pocket screen showing this simple mixer setup – CH1 = Ail, CH2 = Ele)*

Part 5: Real-World Testing

Took it to our university robotics team practice. Outdoor field, ~30m range, other 2.4GHz devices everywhere.

The Good:

✅ Range solid. Never lost signal. RSSI stayed strong.

✅ No jitter. Motors ran smooth, no twitching.

✅ Telemetry useful. Seeing battery voltage on the Pocket screen is genuinely helpful.

✅ Switches feel good. After hours of flicking, no wobble.

The Not-So-Good:

⚠️ Learning curve. EdgeTX took an evening to understand. Worth it, but be patient.

⚠️ Battery doors. The rubber covers for the 18650 compartment are fiddly. Minor annoyance.

The Verdict

For my use case (soccer bot + FPV.Skydive practice):

5/5 Stars. Perfect.

• Practice in FPV.Skydive on my phone

• Unplug USB

• Walk outside

• Power up the bot

• Drive with the exact same radio and muscle memory

The BETAFPV receiver binds instantly every time. 5 channels give me room to grow. The right stick controls everything I need – forward, backward, left, right. One switch runs the dribbler. Simple.

Buy It If:

• You're a student on a budget (~$65-80 is insane value)

• You want ELRS (it's flawless)

• You need something portable (fits anywhere)

• You're building ground vehicles (plenty of switches)

• You want one radio for simulator + real bots

Skip It If:

• You need smooth proportional dials (the rotary pot is jittery)

• You want zero learning curve (EdgeTX takes time)

• You need 500+ switches for complex planes (get a bigger radio)

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