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RadioMaster Pocket ELRS: setup, bind and first model (EdgeTX 2.12, ELRS 4)

ResearchedPublished Sources checked By The Stickbench team

Quick answer

To bind a RadioMaster Pocket ELRS, first make sure the radio's internal ExpressLRS module and your receiver run the same major version (both 3.x or both 4.x), because ExpressLRS 4 does not connect to 3.x.

Contents
  1. Which Pocket do you have? (ELRS, ELRS LBT, CC2500)
  2. Before you start: what you need
  3. First power-on
  4. Check your ExpressLRS version (radio and receiver)
  5. Bind the Pocket to your receiver
  6. Create your first quad model
  7. Bind not working? Quick fixes
  8. Update the Pocket's firmware (EdgeTX and internal ELRS)
  9. Use the Pocket with a simulator
  10. Pocket vs Boxer: should you have bought the other one?
  11. FAQ
  12. Next step
  13. Sources and versions checked (October 13, 2026; prices and release tags re-checked October 14, 2026)

Researched from RadioMaster's product pages, the EdgeTX and ExpressLRS docs and the official release notes; sources checked on the date shown above. We have not bench-tested this radio. The menu diagrams are drawn from the documentation, not photographed from a radio.

Then either set the same binding phrase on both sides, or put the receiver in bind mode and press [Bind] in the ExpressLRS Lua script (SYS → Tools → ExpressLRS). A solid receiver LED and a C in the top-right of the Lua script mean you're bound. Full steps below, written for EdgeTX 2.12.4 and ExpressLRS 3.6.4 / 4.1.0.

Versions covered

SoftwareVersion this guide followsReleased
EdgeTX (radio OS)2.12.4September 2, 2026 github.com
ExpressLRS 4.x4.1.0July 17, 2026 github.com
ExpressLRS 3.x3.6.4June 8, 2026 github.com
HardwareRadioMaster Pocket (M2), ELRS version—

Scroll the table sideways for more columns.

This page covers the radio side. For the receiver side (wiring, LED patterns, Betaflight binding), see our ELRS receiver binding guide. More radio guides are in the Radios hub.

Which Pocket do you have? (ELRS, ELRS LBT, CC2500)

RadioMaster sells the Pocket (M2) with an ExpressLRS 2.4 GHz or a CC2500 internal RF module, each in an FCC or an LBT (Europe) version radiomasterrc.com. This guide is for the ELRS versions. Per the ExpressLRS docs, the ELRS Pocket has an ELRS sticker on the box and a blue ELRS sticker inside the radio expresslrs.org.

VersionInternal RFOutput power (per RadioMaster)Firmware (per RadioMaster)Price (radiomasterrc.com, October 14, 2026)
ELRS / FCCExpressLRS 2.4 GHz"Max power is hardware dependent" (no figure listed)"ExpressLRS ISM FW"$71.50
ELRS / LBT (Europe)ExpressLRS 2.4 GHz"Limited to 100mw power output""ExpressLRS CE EU domain LBT FW"$71.50
CC2500 / FCCCC2500Not listedSupports all CC2500 protocols$59.99
CC2500 / LBT (Europe)CC2500Not listedLimited to FrSky X/X2 LBT and HoTT LBT$59.99

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radiomasterrc.com

Product page: RadioMaster Pocket (M2) on radiomasterrc.com.

FCC vs LBT: use the version and firmware that match the region you fly in. When you update the internal module, keep the regulatory domain it shipped with. The Lua script's version line shows the current domain expresslrs.org.

Pocket specs at a glance radiomasterrc.com: 288 g (10.2 oz); 156.6 × 65.1 × 125.3 mm folded; X5 Hall-effect nano gimbals (AG01 Nano compatible); 128×64 monochrome backlit LCD; up to 16 channels (receiver dependent); two 18650 cells (not included), 6.6–8.4 V, built-in USB-C QC3 charging; EdgeTX, updated via USB or the included SD card; Nano-size module bay (RadioMaster Nano modules, TBS Nano Crossfire / Nano Tracer).

Before you start: what you need

  1. The Pocket ELRS plus two 18650 Li-ion cells. They're not included, and RadioMaster says batteries can't be shipped separately from the radio radiomasterrc.com.
  2. A quad or receiver running ExpressLRS 2.4 GHz. Either a separate UART receiver (for example the RadioMaster RP series or the BetaFPV ELRS Nano receiver) or a whoop with an SPI receiver built into the flight controller. Our ELRS receivers explainer covers the difference.
  3. A USB-C data cable. Some cables only charge. Updates and simulator use need data.
  4. A computer for firmware updates or a simulator.

First power-on

Throttle and switch warnings

When a model loads, EdgeTX runs pre-start checks. If the throttle isn't at minimum or a switch isn't in its set position, you get an audio and visual warning that you must acknowledge manual.edgetx.org.

  1. Hold the throttle stick (left stick on Mode 2) fully down.
  2. Move the switches to the positions the warning screen asks for.
  3. If a warning remains, move the named switch or stick until it clears.

Don't disable these warnings. They stop a quad from arming the moment the radio connects.

Gimbal calibration (Hardware page)

Check the stick calibration once before you bind anything.

  1. From the main screen, press SYS. The Tools page opens manual.edgetx.org.
  2. Press PAGE> to move through the radio settings pages until you reach Hardware.
  3. Highlight [Calibration] and press Enter manual.edgetx.org.
  4. Move the sticks left-to-right and up-to-down, not in circles, with normal pressure at the endpoints. EdgeTX's manual warns that excessive pressure miscalibrates the gimbal manual.edgetx.org.
  5. Finish the prompts, then check that each stick reaches both ends and returns to center.
Menu path on an EdgeTX B&W radio: main screen, SYS to Tools, PAGE> through settings pages to Hardware, then Calibration and Enter.
EdgeTX 2.12.4 menu path, as documented in the EdgeTX manual for B&W radios. Page order may differ slightly on your radio.

Check your EdgeTX version

From Hardware, press PAGE> once to reach the Version page manual.edgetx.org. This guide follows 2.12.4, GitHub's "Latest" release, which EdgeTX recommends "for anyone already on 2.12.x" github.com. You don't need to update EdgeTX to bind. If you do update, read Update the Pocket's firmware first.

Check your ExpressLRS version (radio and receiver)

Since ELRS 4, a version mismatch is a common reason a Pocket won't bind, and many bind guides skip this check.

Open the ExpressLRS Lua script

  1. Press SYS to open Tools expresslrs.org.
  2. Select ExpressLRS and press Enter.
  3. Near the bottom is the version line: firmware version, regulatory domain and Git hash expresslrs.org. The first number is the major version.

If the script isn't in Tools, save elrs.lua to the SCRIPTS/TOOLS folder on the SD card. If it won't load, check the model is set up for ExpressLRS, then raise the RF baud rate expresslrs.org.

Replace old Lua files when you move to ELRS 4. The 4.0.0 notes say to "delete the existing elrsV3.lua and elrsV3.luac" when installing elrs.lua, which "works with all ExpressLRS versions back to 2.0" github.com.

Schematic of the ExpressLRS Lua script: header with packet counter and C or dash connection indicator top right, then Packet Rate, Telem Ratio, Model Match, TX Power, WiFi Connectivity, Bind and BLE Joystick, and the version and domain line near the bottom.
ExpressLRS Lua layout as described in the ExpressLRS Lua script docs (elrs.lua); schematic, not a screenshot.

For the receiver's version, open its WiFi web UI or check what was flashed. An SPI whoop's version depends on its Betaflight build (below).

3.x vs 4.x: the compatibility rule

ExpressLRS docs: "The first number in the Version string should match between a TX Module and a Receiver" expresslrs.org. The 4.0.0 notes: "Not compatible with ExpressLRS 3.x.x, 2.x.x, or 1.x.x." github.com 4.1.0 works with any 4.x version github.com.

Pocket internal moduleReceiver on 3.x (e.g. 3.6.4)Receiver on 4.x (4.0.x / 4.1.0)
3.xBindsWon't bind
4.xWon't bindBinds

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The SPI whoop trap. On whoops with an SPI receiver built into the flight controller, the ELRS version comes from the Betaflight build. Betaflight 2026.6's notes say: "ELRS V3 is the default protocol when flashing new firmware, and is not compatible with ELRS V4 transmitters." V4 needs the ELRSV4 build flag in the firmware flasher, which then breaks compatibility with V3 transmitters betaflight.com. So a Pocket on ELRS 4 won't bind to a default-built SPI whoop.

Which version does a new Pocket ship with? RadioMaster doesn't say. Its firmware page lists "Pocket ELRS Factory SD Contents and Firmware" dated 2023/09/04, with no version number radiomasterrc.com. Read the Lua version line instead of assuming.

Bind the Pocket to your receiver

Internal module settings (check once per model)

  1. Hardware page: the internal module type should be CRSF (ELRS Pockets normally ship this way). Change it only if CRSF isn't offered for Internal RF expresslrs.org.
  2. Internal baud rate: the ExpressLRS docs list 400K for 250 Hz and lower, 921K for 500 Hz and lower, 1.87M for F1000 and lower, and give the Pocket's internal maximum as 5.25M expresslrs.org.
  3. Model Setup: External RF Off, Internal RF CRSF. A unique Receiver ID is optional expresslrs.org.
Schematic of EdgeTX Model Setup RF section: Internal RF CRSF, receiver number unique per model, External RF OFF.
EdgeTX 2.12.4 Model Setup, as documented in the ExpressLRS radio-preparation guide (schematic, not a screenshot).

Method 1: binding phrase (both sides)

A binding phrase gives module and receiver the same ID, so they connect without a bind step. Set it in ExpressLRS Configurator before flashing, or in the WiFi web UI on 3.0 and newer. The docs recommend "a unique phrase with at least 8 alpha-numeric characters" expresslrs.org.

  1. Pick a phrase and write it down.
  2. Set it on the Pocket's internal module: in Configurator when flashing the "RadioMaster Pocket Internal 2.4GHz TX" target expresslrs.org, or in the module's web UI (Lua → WiFi Connectivity → Enable WiFi) expresslrs.org.
  3. Set the same phrase on the receiver. SPI receivers on Betaflight 4.4 and newer take it on the Receiver tab expresslrs.org.
  4. Power the radio, then the quad. They should connect on their own.

On ELRS 4.1 you can also set a binding phrase from a Lua script on the radio, without WiFi; the 4.1.0 notes link the tool github.com.

Method 2: bind mode and the Lua [Bind] button

The quickest path if you don't want to reflash anything.

  1. Set a packet rate the receiver supports (Lua → Packet Rate). For SPI receivers the ExpressLRS docs list 50, 150, 250 and 500 Hz. D-modes (D250, D500) and Full Res aren't supported, and F500/F1000 need Betaflight 4.5.1 or newer expresslrs.org. For a whoop, bind at 250 or 500 Hz. Our packet rate guide explains the modes.
  2. Put the receiver in bind mode, one of three ways expresslrs.org:
    • Power cycles: power the receiver on and off three times, turning it off within 2 seconds each time. A quick double blink means bind mode.
    • Button: hold the receiver's bind button for 1.5 seconds.
    • Betaflight: the Bind Receiver button on the Receiver tab, or bind_rx in the CLI (Betaflight 4.5.0 or newer on the flight controller). With the button or Betaflight method, the LED blinks twice, pauses and repeats.
  3. On the Pocket: SYS → Tools → ExpressLRS → [Bind], which sends a binding pulse expresslrs.org.
  4. For SPI receivers: "Please mind the order, RX first, TX second" expresslrs.org.

Gotcha: [Bind] "will only work on receivers that are already in Bind Mode" and does nothing if you use a binding phrase expresslrs.org. Receivers older than 3.4.0 that have a binding phrase won't enter manual bind mode expresslrs.org.

Bind order: put the receiver in bind mode (3 power cycles, 1.5 s button or Betaflight bind_rx) until it double-blinks, then press Bind in the Pocket's ExpressLRS Lua script; a solid LED and a C in the Lua script mean bound.
Bind order per the ExpressLRS docs, ELRS 3.x and 4.x.
  • Receiver LED solid = bound expresslrs.org.
  • "C" top-right in the Lua script = bound and connected; a dash = not. No C and no telemetry? Check Telem Ratio isn't Off expresslrs.org.
  • Good-packet counter should match your packet rate, for example 0/500 at 500 Hz expresslrs.org.
  • Betaflight Receiver tab (USB, props off): the channel bars should follow your sticks. In Betaflight 2026.6 the tab "shows a banner and tints the channel bars" in failsafe betaflight.com. Bars not moving? See our Betaflight receiver setup guide.

Create your first quad model

Our EdgeTX model setup guide covers arm switches and modes in full.

  1. Press MDL to open Model Select manual.edgetx.org.
  2. Highlight an empty slot, press Enter and choose Create Model (or Copy Model on an existing one) manual.edgetx.org.
  3. In Model Setup, name it and set Internal RF: CRSF, a unique receiver number and External RF: Off. EdgeTX notes above the number field if it's already in use manual.edgetx.org.
  4. Keep T-Warning (throttle) and S-Warning (switches) on manual.edgetx.org.
  5. Assign a two-position switch to CH5 (AUX1) for arming. "Arm using CH5" is the EdgeTX default (2.11 or newer); the optional "Arm using Switch" needs EdgeTX 2.11+ and ExpressLRS 4.0+ expresslrs.org. Keep CH5 for a first model.
  6. Bind (Method 1 or 2). With Model Match on in the Lua script, the receiver connects only with that model's Receiver ID; both sides need the same setting expresslrs.org.

Bind not working? Quick fixes

The full LED-by-LED tree is on our ELRS receiver binding page.

  1. Major versions differ → they won't connect. Match them (table above).
  2. SPI whoop + Pocket on 4.x → Betaflight 2026.6 builds SPI ELRS as V3 by default. Rebuild with ELRSV4 or keep the Pocket on 3.x betaflight.com.
  3. D-mode or Full Res on an SPI receiver → switch to 250 or 500 Hz, then bind expresslrs.org.
  4. LED: three fast blinks, then a pause → model mismatch. Turn Model Match off or set the matching Receiver ID expresslrs.org.
  5. Receiver ignores bind mode → a stored binding phrase. Use it, or reflash without one (receivers older than 3.4.0) expresslrs.org.
  6. Lua won't open, or two ExpressLRS entries → raise the RF baud rate; after a 4.x update, delete elrsV3.lua/elrsV3.luac github.com.
  7. Bound but sticks don't move in Betaflight → a receiver-setup issue, not a bind problem: see Betaflight receiver setup.

Update the Pocket's firmware (EdgeTX and internal ELRS)

The Pocket has two firmwares: EdgeTX (the radio) and ExpressLRS (the internal RF module). Update them one at a time.

EdgeTX: updates via USB or the included SD card, per RadioMaster radiomasterrc.com. A step-by-step EdgeTX update guide is on our list.

Internal ELRS module, two documented methods expresslrs.org:

  1. EdgeTX Passthrough (USB): set the USB-VCP port to CLI on the Hardware page, connect a data cable, choose USB Serial (VCP) on the radio, then flash from ExpressLRS Configurator with the EdgeTXPassthrough method. On Windows the radio must show as an "STMicroelectronics Virtual COM Port"; if not, install the ST driver.
  2. WiFi: enable WiFi from the Lua script, join the ExpressLRS TX access point and upload through the web UI at 10.0.0.1.

Then unplug and check the version in the Lua script. Full procedures: our ExpressLRS firmware update guide.

Use the Pocket with a simulator

  1. Plug a data cable into the powered-on Pocket. With USB Mode at its default, Ask, choose Joystick manual.edgetx.org.
  2. EdgeTX's USB Joystick page (color-radio section of the manual) says "both internal and external RF modules should be turned off" in joystick use manual.edgetx.org. A separate sim model with Internal RF off handles that.
  3. In Classic mode, Ch1 is the X axis, Ch2 the Y axis, and so on manual.edgetx.org. Calibrate inside the simulator.

Per-sim tables are in our radio as a simulator controller guide.

Pocket vs Boxer: should you have bought the other one?

The Boxer ELRS (M2) costs $153.99 against the Pocket's $71.50 (radiomasterrc.com, October 14, 2026). For that you get full-size Hall gimbals, a JR-compatible module bay and a 2S LiPo or 18650 battery option, at 532.5 g against 288 g radiomasterrc.com. For whoops and sims, the Pocket covers it. Our Pocket vs Boxer comparison has the full table.

FAQ

How do I bind my RadioMaster Pocket?

Match the ELRS major version on both sides, put the receiver in bind mode, then press [Bind] in SYS → Tools → ExpressLRS. Or set the same binding phrase on both sides (see the ExpressLRS binding docs).

Why won't my Pocket bind to my whoop?

Usually an ELRS 4.x radio with an SPI receiver built as V3 (the Betaflight 2026.6 default), or an unsupported packet rate. See the quick fixes above.

Do I need a binding phrase?

No. Bind mode plus [Bind] works without one.

What ELRS version is my Pocket on?

Read the version line near the bottom of the ExpressLRS Lua script. Per the ExpressLRS Lua docs, it also shows the regulatory domain.

Can I use the Pocket with Velocidrone or Liftoff?

Yes, as a USB joystick. See our simulator controller guide.

What's the difference between the ELRS FCC and LBT versions?

The LBT (Europe) version ships with EU-domain LBT firmware, limited to 100 mW. RadioMaster gives no power figure for the FCC version ("hardware dependent") on its Pocket product page. Use the one that matches your region.

Can I update the Pocket from ELRS 3 to 4, and should I?

You can (EdgeTX Passthrough or WiFi). Do it only if every receiver you fly can also go to 4.x, because 4.x won't talk to 3.x (4.0.0 release notes). See ELRS 4 vs 3.

Next step

Bound and calibrated? Set up your arm switch and modes in EdgeTX model setup for an FPV quad, then check the quad side in How to bind an ELRS receiver.

Sources and versions checked (October 13, 2026; prices and release tags re-checked October 14, 2026)

How we research: /how-we-research/. This page is researched: it summarises manufacturer pages, official docs and release notes. It is not based on our own flights or bench tests.

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