RadioMaster MT12 Quick Start Guide
Thank you for purchasing the RadioMaster MT12 radio system. This advanced and versatile system is adaptable for drivers of any skill level. Please read this manual carefully before use to ensure safe and reliable operations.
As software and hardware are constantly improved, information in this manual is subject to change without prior notice. Please visit our website for the latest information and radio firmware.
The MT12 is an open-sourced, ergonomic surface radio with powerful multi-protocol or ExpressLRS capability. It can bind to most contemporary protocols on the market. The MT12 runs EdgeTX, an open-sourced operating system. For more information, please visit the EdgeTX link.
-The RadioMaster team
Safety Information ⚠️
Radio-controlled vehicles often have rotating parts like gears and wheels that can spin at high RPMs. Always use common sense and proceed with caution when operating or maintaining your model.
- Always disconnect power to the model during assembly or maintenance.
- Never operate the MT12 radio system in the following conditions:
- Severe weather or strong windy conditions (rain, hail, snow, storms, electromagnetic environments).
- Limited visibility.
- Proximity to other people, property, public roads, vehicles, or animals.
- When feeling unwell, or under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- If the MT12 radio system/model is damaged or showing signs of interference.
- Areas with high 2.4GHz interference or where 2.4GHz radios are prohibited.
- When the transmitter/receiver battery is low.
- 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
Important! ❗
The MT12 is pre-installed with the most stable firmware at the time of release. Only attempt to update the firmware if you are confident in the process. Incorrect firmware updates may render the remote control inoperable. Damage resulting from improper firmware updates may not be covered under warranty.
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 for charging 2x 3.7V Lithium Ion or 2s Lipo batteries only. The nominal voltage per cell is 3.7V, and the maximum charging voltage per cell is 4.2V.
Caution: 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.
Check the voltage and condition of the battery regularly and never charge the device unattended. Only charge in safe areas away from combustible materials. Refrain from charging the radio unit if it was exposed to water or was damaged in any way. RadioMaster does not assume any responsibility for any adverse consequences caused by the use or misuse of this product.
Remote Control Overview ?️
The MT12 features an ergonomic design with various controls and ports:
- LCD Screen: Displays system information.
- Speaker: Provides audio feedback.
- Buttons: SYS, PAGE<, Power, RTN, TELE, PAGE>, MDL, SD, SA, SC.
- Controls: Menu Wheel, T1, T2, P1 Dial, P2 Dial, Handwheel.
- Ports: TYPE-C Charge Port, USB Port, DSC Trainer Port, 3.5mm Headphone Jack, AUX Port.
- Other Features: Lanyard Loop, Expansion module cover, External Module Bay, Battery bay, Antenna.
- Throttle Trigger: Features throttle position adjustment and throttle tension adjustment.
Model Selection and Protocol Selection ?
Depending on your package, the MT12 includes either a 4-in-1 quad-chip multi-protocol module or an ExpressLRS module. To view the latest list of compatible protocols, visit https://www.multi-module.org/ or https://www.expresslrs.org/. New protocols are constantly updated and may require firmware upgrades.
For Multi-Protocol Module:
- Long press the MDL button to enter model settings.
- Select MULTI in the SETUP page and choose the desired protocol in the sub-options. The system will automatically activate the corresponding RF module.
- Bind [BND]: Used to start the binding process.
- Range [RNG]: Reduces power to 1/30 for testing remote-control distance.
For ExpressLRS (ELRS) Version:
MT12 ELRS units offer 10mW-250mW RF output (limited to 100mW for EU LBT versions). For non-extreme circumstances, a 100mW output at a 500Hz update rate is recommended, as higher RF output and update rates can significantly reduce battery life and generate excessive heat.
Bind Instructions:
- Turn off the transmitter.
- Cycle power to the receiver 3 times; the receiver LED will flash twice, indicating bind mode.
- Turn on the transmitter, long press the SYS button, and choose the ExpressLRS LUA under the TOOLS menu. Scroll down to [Bind] and press Enter.
- The receiver LED should now be solid, indicating successful bind.
Notes: EdgeTX software is highly versatile with numerous programming and mixing functions. For comprehensive software installation guides, visit 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 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 Module / RadioMaster RM 4in1 module / TBS Crossfire Nano module)
Warranty and Repair ?
For any hardware issues with your radio system, please keep your proof of purchase and contact the retailer where you purchased the MT12. You can also visit our warranty support page: https://www.radiomasterrc.com/contact. The limited warranty covers defects in workmanship for one year from the date of purchase.
Declarations of Conformity ?
EU Simple Declaration of Conformity: RadioMaster declares that the radio equipment MT12 complies with EU Directive 2014/53/EU. The full text of the declaration of conformity is available at: www.radiomasterrc.com
Manufacturer: RadioMaster, 4F Yang Tian Building, Area 72 Xing Dong community, Xin An Street, Bao An district, Shen Zhen city, Guangdong Province, China.
FCC Information:
- FCC ID: 2BBP3-MT12-ELRS
- FCC ID: 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. The full text of the declaration of conformity is available at: www.radiomasterrc.com
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 that has been tested and found to be compliant with applicable regulations for radio transmitters in the 2.400GHz to 2.4835GHz frequency range.
Antenna Separation Distance: When operating your RadioMaster transmitter, maintain a separation distance of at least 20 cm between your body (excluding fingers, hands, wrists, ankles, and feet) and the antenna to meet RF exposure safety requirements as determined by FCC regulations.