RadioMaster MT12 Quick Start Guide
Welcome to the RadioMaster MT12, an advanced and versatile radio system designed for users of all skill levels.
Introduction
Thank you for purchasing the RadioMaster MT12 radio system. This manual provides essential information for safe and reliable operation. Please note that software and hardware are subject to change without prior notice. For the latest information and firmware, visit the RadioMaster website. The MT12 is an open-sourced, ergonomic surface radio with powerful multi-protocol or ExpressLRS capability, running the EdgeTX operating system.
Safety Information
⚠️ Safety First: Radio-controlled vehicles often have high-RPM rotating parts. Always use common sense and proceed with caution during operation and maintenance. Always disconnect power to the model during assembly or maintenance.
Never operate the MT12 radio system in the following conditions:
- In severe weather or strong windy conditions (rain, hail, snow, storms, electromagnetic environments).
- In limited visibility.
- In the proximity of other people, property, public roads, vehicles, or animals.
- When feeling unwell, or under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- If the MT12 radio system or model is damaged or showing signs of interference.
- In areas with high 2.4GHz interference or where 2.4GHz radios are prohibited.
- When the transmitter battery is low.
- In areas where local regulations prohibit the use of transmitters.
Manual and Firmware Download
⬇️ The MT12 comes pre-installed with factory-approved EdgeTX firmware. To download the latest manual or stock factory firmware, please visit the RadioMaster website: https://www.radiomasterrc.com.
To download the latest EdgeTX firmware for your MT12 radio system, please visit the EdgeTX website: https://www.edgetx.org.
Power Requirements
The MT12 is powered by 2x 3.7V 18650 Lithium-Ion cells or a suitable 2s LiPo battery and is charged using the built-in USB-C port. The charging circuitry is designed exclusively for charging 2x 3.7V Lithium-Ion or 2s LiPo batteries. The nominal voltage per cell is 3.7V, and the maximum charging voltage per cell is 4.2V.
Important: Never charge 3.6V LiFe and 3.6V 18650 Lithium-Ion cells or packs with the onboard charger. Charging or using the wrong battery chemistry/polarity may cause permanent damage to the PCB and, in certain situations, cause fires.
Regularly check the voltage and condition of the battery. Never charge the device unattended. Only charge in safe areas away from combustible materials. Do not charge the radio unit if it has been exposed to water or is damaged. RadioMaster assumes no responsibility for any adverse consequences caused by the use or misuse of this product.
Remote Control Overview
The MT12 transmitter features an ergonomic design with various controls and ports:
- Top Front: LCD Screen, Speaker, SYS Button, PAGE< Button, Power Button, RTN Button, Menu Wheel, TELE Button, Lanyard Loop, PAGE> Button, MDL Button.
- Right Side (Gimbals/Dials): P1 Dial, T1, P2 Dial, Handwheel, T4, T5, SA Button, SC Button.
- Bottom Front: Throttle Trigger, SB, T3.
- Rear/Bottom: Hand Grip, Throttle Position Adjustment, Throttle Tension Adjustment.
- Top Rear: Antenna.
- Bottom Rear: External Module Bay, Expansion Module Cover, Battery Bay.
- Side Ports: TYPE-C Charge Port, SD Button, SD Card Slot, AUX Port, 3.5mm Headphone Jack, USB Port, DSC Trainer Port.
Model Selection and Protocol Selection
The MT12 is available with either a 4-in-1 quad-chip multi-protocol module or an ExpressLRS module. For the latest list of compatible protocols, visit https://www.-multi-module.org or https://www.expresslrs.org/. New protocols are constantly updated and added to the latest firmware.
4-IN-1 Version
To select a protocol:
- Long press the MDL button to enter model settings.
- Select MULTI on the SETUP page.
- Choose the desired protocol from the sub-options. The system will automatically activate the corresponding RF module and deactivate others to prevent interference.
- [BND] button: Initiates the binding process.
- [RNG] button: Reduces power to 1/30 for testing remote-control distance.
ExpressLRS Version
MT12 ELRS units provide 10mW-250mW adjustable RF output. For non-extreme circumstances, 100mW output at 500Hz update rate is recommended to significantly reduce battery life and heat generation.
Bind Instructions:
- Turn off the transmitter.
- Cycle the receiver power on and off three times. The receiver LED will flash twice, indicating bind mode.
- Turn on the transmitter. Long press the SYS button, navigate to the TOOLS menu, select "ExpressLRS LUA", scroll down to [Bind], and press enter.
- The receiver LED should become solid, indicating successful bind.
Notes
EdgeTX software is highly versatile and offers a large number of programming and mixing functions. A comprehensive installation guide is available from the EdgeTX website: https://www.edgetx.org.
Specifications
Physical dimensions | 177.8*118.4*207.8mm |
Weight | 480 grams |
Operating frequency | 2.400GHz-2.480GHz |
Internal RF Options | 4-in-1 multi-protocol / ELRS 2.4GHz |
Supported protocols | Module dependent |
Operational current | 160mA (4-in-1) / 400mA (ELRS 250mW) |
Operational voltage | 6.6-8.4V DC |
Operating system | EdgeTX |
Control channels | Maximum 16 (Rx dependent) |
Display | 128*64 Monochrome LCD |
Battery | 2 x 18650 Li-ion cells or 2s 7.4v 5000mah battery pack (Batteries not included) |
Charging | Built-in USB-C Charging |
Firmware Upgrade method | Via USB or SD card |
Gimbal | Hall-effect |
Module bay | Nano size (compatible with RadioMaster Ranger Nano, RM 4in1, TBS Crossfire Nano modules) |
Warranty and Repair
For any hardware issues, please keep your proof of purchase and contact the retailer where you purchased the MT12. You may also visit the warranty support page at https://www.radiomasterrc.com/contact. The limited warranty covers defects in workmanship for one year from the date of purchase.
EU Declaration of Conformity
?? RadioMaster declares that the MT12 radio equipment complies with EU Directive 2014/53/EU. The full text of the declaration of conformity is available at www.radiomasterrc.com.
Manufacturer: Shenzhen Radiomaster Co.,Ltd, 4F Yang Tian Building, Area 72 Xing Dong community, Xin An Street, Bao An district, Shen Zhen city, Guangdong Province, China.
FCC Information and Warnings
FCC ID: 2BBP3-MT12-ELRS, 2BBP3-MT12-4IN1.
?? This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
CAUTION: Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user's authority to operate the equipment. This product contains a radio transmitter with wireless technology which has been tested and found to be compliant with the applicable regulations governing a radio transmitter in the 2.400GHz to 2.4835GHz frequency range.
Antenna Separation Distance
When operating your RadioMaster transmitter, please maintain a separation distance of at least 20 cm (approximately 8 inches) between your body (excluding fingers, hands, wrists, ankles, and feet) and the antenna to meet RF exposure safety requirements as determined by FCC regulations.
FCC Warning and SAR Information
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. It generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy. If not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, it may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment causes harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
- Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
- Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
- Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
- Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
The device has been evaluated to meet general RF exposure requirements and can be used in portable exposure conditions without restriction.
Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) Information:
The MT12 ELRS meets government requirements for radio wave exposure. The guidelines are based on standards developed by independent scientific organizations through periodic and thorough evaluation of scientific studies, including a substantial safety margin.
This radio is designed for and classified as “General population/uncontrolled Use”. The exposure standard for wireless radio employs the Specific Absorption Rate (SAR), with a limit set at 1.6W/kg.
For body-worn operation, this device was tested for typical body-worn operations with the back of the handset kept 0mm from the body. To maintain compliance with RF exposure requirements, use accessories that maintain a 0mm separation from the body. The use of belt clips, holsters, and similar accessories should not contain metallic components. The use of accessories that do not satisfy these requirements may not comply with RF exposure requirements and should be avoided. The highest reported SAR value for body-worn operation for the MT12 ELRS is 0.675 W/kg.
The MT12 4IN1 meets government requirements for radio wave exposure. The guidelines are based on standards developed by independent scientific organizations through periodic and thorough evaluation of scientific studies, including a substantial safety margin.
This radio is designed for and classified as “General population/uncontrolled Use”. The exposure standard for wireless radio employs the Specific Absorption Rate (SAR), with a limit set at 1.6W/kg.
For body-worn operation, this device was tested for typical body-worn operations with the back of the handset kept 0mm from the body. To maintain compliance with RF exposure requirements, use accessories that maintain a 0mm separation from the body. The use of belt clips, holsters, and similar accessories should not contain metallic components. The use of accessories that do not satisfy these requirements may not comply with RF exposure requirements and should be avoided. The highest reported SAR value for body-worn operation for the MT12 4IN1 is 0.490 W/kg.