Setting up ExpressLRS / ELRSUpdated 7 months ago

Step 1: Power On the Receiver

When powering on an ExpressLRS receiver for the first time, it typically enters bind mode automatically if it has not been paired before. This is indicated by a double-blinking LED. iFlight BNFs with ELRS receivers have been paired before at the factory for quality control inspection.

Step 2: Binding / Linking of your radio controller and FPV drone receiver

There are several ways to bind your ELRS receiver to your transmitter, but we recommend using the binding phrase method. By flashing both the receiver and transmitter with the latest firmware, you can set a binding phrase—often referred to as an 'ELRS password'—for your equipment. This approach makes it easy to add new FPV drones or receivers to your setup. All you need to do is flash each new receiver with the same binding phrase, and it will seamlessly integrate into your fleet. 

Method 1: Set the Binding Phrase (Recommended)

ExpressLRS offers a feature called the binding phrase, which simplifies the binding process. You can set this phrase during the firmware flashing process for both the transmitter and receiver. Once configured, the devices will automatically bind when powered on. Ensure that the same binding phrase is used for both the receiver and transmitter to allow automatic binding.

Alternatively, if your receiver has WiFi capabilities, you can connect to it via its onboard WiFi. Once powered on, the receiver will broadcast a WiFi signal. Connect to this network, access the web interface, and adjust settings like the binding phrase.

Method 2: Use the Receiver’s Bind Button

Only for ELRS firmware 3.4.1 or newer! Some receivers have a physical bind button. Press and hold this button for 2-3 seconds to activate bind mode. The LED will blink, signaling that the receiver is ready to connect to a transmitter. If your receiver doesn’t have a bind button, proceed to the power-cycling method in the next step.

Method 3: Three-Power-Cycle Method

For receivers that don’t enter bind mode automatically or lack a bind button, use the 3-power-cycle method. Power the receiver on and off three times in quick succession. After the third cycle, the LED will begin blinking rapidly, indicating that it’s now in bind mode.

To finish method 2 or 3: Initiate Binding from the Transmitter

With the receiver in bind mode, you can now initiate binding from your transmitter. If you’ve set a binding phrase, the transmitter should automatically connect to the receiver. Without the binding phrase, you must manually trigger the binding process on your transmitter, for instance, by using the ExpressLRS Lua script on OpenTX/EdgeTX radios.

Steps to bind manually:

1. Access the transmitter settings on your radio.
2. Select the “Bind” option to initiate the binding process.
3. The transmitter will now search for the receiver and establish the connection.

Final: Confirm Successful Binding

Once binding is successful, the LED on the receiver will stop blinking and remain solid. This indicates that the receiver is now connected to the transmitter and ready for use.

Optional Troubleshooting

If binding is unsuccessful:

• Verify that the firmware on both the transmitter and receiver is updated and compatible.
• Ensure both devices are using the same binding phrase.
• Retry the 3-power-cycle method to re-enter bind mode.