Setting up TBS CrossfireUpdated a month ago

TBS Crossfire is a long-range radio control system commonly used for FPV drones. It provides:

• low latency,
• stable signal quality,
• telemetry support,
• and long-range performance.

This guide explains how to:

• set up TBS Crossfire,
• configure Betaflight correctly,
• bind the receiver,
• and avoid common setup mistakes.

Always remove all propellers before configuration or testing.

Important compatibility information

TBS Crossfire uses:

• CRSF protocol

Crossfire receivers require:

• compatible transmitter modules,
• correct UART configuration,
• and correct receiver protocol settings in Betaflight.

Incorrect setup may cause:

• RXLOSS,
• no stick input,
• failsafe issues,
• or inability to arm.

Step 1 — Update firmware

Before setup, make sure:

• your radio firmware,
• Crossfire transmitter module,
• and Crossfire receiver

are running compatible firmware versions.

Update Crossfire firmware

1. Install:
   • TBS Agent M
2. Connect the Crossfire transmitter module via USB
3. Open TBS Agent M
4. Check for firmware updates
5. Install updates if necessary

Update radio firmware

If using:

• EdgeTX
• OpenTX

make sure:

• the radio firmware is compatible with Crossfire,
• and CRSF support is available.

Do not interrupt firmware updates during installation.

Step 2 — Install the Crossfire module

1. Insert the Crossfire transmitter module into the radio module bay
2. Power on the radio
3. Create a new model

Radio configuration

Recommended settings:

• Internal RF: OFF
• External RF: CRSF

Do not use:

• SBUS,
• PPM,
• or other external RF protocols with Crossfire.

Step 3 — Bind the receiver

Important for iFlight BNF drones

Most iFlight BNF drones with TBS Crossfire receivers are already bound at the factory during quality control testing.

In many cases:

• rebinding is not necessary,
• and the system should connect automatically after powering on.

Binding procedure

If binding is required:

1. Power on the drone
2. Ensure the receiver is connected correctly
3. Open the Crossfire LUA script on the radio
4. Select:
   • Bind

The receiver may automatically enter bind mode when powered for the first time.

Successful bind indicators may include:

• solid green LED,
• telemetry connection,
• or signal bars appearing on the radio.

Step 4 — Configure Betaflight Ports

In Betaflight:

1. Connect the flight controller via USB
2. Open the Ports tab
3. Find the UART connected to the Crossfire receiver
4. Enable:
   • Serial RX
5. Save and Reboot

Important:

• Serial RX should only be enabled on the UART used by the receiver.

Step 5 — Configure the receiver protocol

In Betaflight:

1. Open the Configuration tab
2. Under Receiver:
   • Set Receiver Mode to Serial-based receiver
3. Set Serial Receiver Provider to:
   • CRSF
4. Save and Reboot

Crossfire uses CRSF protocol.

Selecting the wrong protocol may cause:

• no stick movement,
• RXLOSS,
• or failsafe conditions.

Step 6 — Check receiver input

Open the Receiver tab in Betaflight.

Move the sticks and verify:

• Roll
• Pitch
• Yaw
• Throttle

respond correctly.

Recommended channel mapping

Typical Crossfire channel map:

• TAER1234

However this may vary depending on your radio configuration.

If channels move incorrectly:

• adjust channel mapping,
• or verify radio output configuration.

Step 7 — Verify link quality and telemetry

Crossfire provides telemetry and link statistics.

Verify:

• Link Quality (LQ)
• RSSI dBm
• Telemetry connection
• Stable receiver signal

Low signal quality may indicate:

• damaged antennas,
• incorrect antenna placement,
• interference,
• or incorrect region/frequency settings.

Step 8 — Configure failsafe correctly

Open the Failsafe tab in Betaflight.

Recommended failsafe behavior depends on:

• flying style,
• environment,
• and whether GPS Rescue is configured.

Important

Failsafe settings should be tested carefully before long-range flight.

Incorrect failsafe settings can result in:

• flyaways,
• crashes,
• or loss of control.

Step 9 — Antenna placement recommendations

Proper antenna placement is critical for good Crossfire range.

Receiver antennas

Make sure:

• antennas are not blocked by carbon fiber,
• antennas are separated from high-current wires,
• active antenna elements remain exposed,
• and antennas are not damaged.

Diversity receivers

If using diversity receivers:

• antennas should be mounted at different angles,
• and separated from each other.

Step 10 — Region and frequency considerations

Crossfire systems may operate on:

• 868 MHz
• or 915 MHz

depending on region.

Typical regions

• EU: 868 MHz
• FCC regions: 915 MHz

Using the wrong region may cause:

• poor signal,
• binding issues,
• or illegal operation.

Always verify:

• correct regional settings,
• and local legal requirements.

Step 11 — Common problems

RXLOSS

Possible causes:

• receiver not bound,
• wrong UART,
• wrong receiver protocol,
• incorrect wiring,
• or damaged antennas.

No stick movement

Please verify:

• CRSF selected,
• Serial RX enabled,
• correct UART,
• and proper wiring.

Telemetry lost

Possible causes:

• antenna damage,
• interference,
• low transmitter power,
• or unstable power supply.

Poor range

Please check:

• antenna placement,
• antenna damage,
• region settings,
• RF interference,
• and transmitter output power.

Step 12 — Safe testing recommendations

Before flight:

• Remove all propellers
• Verify stick movement
• Verify arm switch operation
• Verify telemetry
• Verify failsafe behavior
• Verify antenna installation
• Test in open areas first

Do not perform long-range flights before properly testing the setup.

Before contacting support

Please collect:

• Order number
• Drone model
• Receiver model
• Radio model
• Crossfire module model
• Betaflight version
• Screenshot of the Ports tab
• Screenshot of the Receiver tab
• Screenshot of the Failsafe tab
• Photos of receiver wiring and antennas
• Description of the issue

Contact our support team at:

[email protected]