FpV drone radio: Radiomaster TX16S MK3 review: The remote that finally nabbed everything

2 days ago   •   3 min read

By Robyn

Why this matters: your FpV drone controller shapes every flight. The TX16S MK3 packs Gemini X, H7 horsepower and lots of switches into one new shell.

RadioMaster TX16S MK3 front view with gimbals, buttons and screen on a blue mat

TL:DR

The TX16S MK3 is a full redesign. It adds STM32H7 performance, a 5" IPS touchscreen, dual LR1121 ExpressLRS Gemini X, AGO2 gimbals and smarter ergonomics.

Clean top-down image of RadioMaster TX16S MK3 showing gimbals, switches and touchscreen

What you need to know

RadioMaster rebuilt the TX16S from the ground up. This isn’t a cosmetic refresh; it’s a new platform aimed at multi-discipline pilots.

Clean top-down image of RadioMaster TX16S MK3 showing gimbals, switches and touchscreen with minimal hand intrusion

Screen and UI

The new 5" IPS touchscreen runs at 800×480. EdgeTX benefits from the H7 CPU, and the screen has an ambient light sensor for auto-brightness.

Finger tapping the TX16S MK3 5-inch touchscreen to access EdgeTX app icons and menus.

Radio hardware — ExpressLRS and Gemini X

RadioMaster fitted dual LR1121 chips. Either side can run 868/900 or 2.4GHz, giving full Gemini X capability and up to 1W per output.

Close-up photograph of the TX16S MK3 RF module PCB showing two radio transceiver chips and coax antenna connectors

Antennas and module bay

Two antennas handle dual-band operation: an articulating top antenna and a hidden antenna inside the folding handle. There are holes for external SMA mounts.

Controls, switches and LEDs

Front programmable buttons now sit beneath the screen. Set each to an individual channel and change LED colours via EdgeTX.

Top-down view of RadioMaster TX16S MK3 showing the 5-inch touchscreen with EdgeTX menu, front programmable buttons beneath the screen, gimbals with LED rings and hands operating the radio.

Gimbals and ergonomics

The Max model ships with AGO2 CNC gimbals. They feel premium — better sensors, simpler adjustment, and LED rings configurable per model.

Battery, charging and storage

The battery bay fits two 18650 cells or RadioMaster Li‑ion packs. The radio includes smart battery management and USB-C charging at roughly 10W.

Teardown highlights

Inside sits an STM32H750 core module, removable PCB layout, a heatsinked RF module with fan, and a rechargeable backup battery.

How it compares

Compared to the original TX16 and the TX15, the MK3 keeps the TX16 switch count but borrows the TX15’s silicon and GX12’s RF smarts.

Unboxing essentials

The Max package includes a soft case, switch caps, neck strap and a USB charging cable. Batteries usually ship separately.

Verdict

The TX16S MK3 is RadioMaster’s new top-tier radio. It fixes the TX16’s ergonomics and folds modern features into a single FpV drone-friendly unit.  Buy your TX16S MK3 from Unmanned Tech

If you fly planes, boats, cars or FpV drone rigs and want one radio that covers everything, this is the practical choice.

Presenter behind RadioMaster TX16S MK3 radio and boxed packaging on a blue cutting mat, showing front of radio, gimbals and screen

FAQ

Does the MK3 support Gemini X on both modules?

Yes. Dual LR1121 chipsets allow either module to run 868/900 or 2.4GHz, including Gemini X configurations.

What CPUs run the radio and EdgeTX?

The MK3 uses an H7-class STM32 MCU similar to the TX15. It handles modern EdgeTX UI and touch functions smoothly.

Are the sliders still available?

Yes. Sliders moved to the radio’s back corners, with detents and easier reach whether you thumb or pinch.

Takeaway box

  • TX16S MK3 merges Gemini X RF and H7 processing into one versatile FpV drone radio.
  • 5" IPS touch, programmable front buttons and AGO2 gimbals make it feel modern and usable.
  • Dual LR1121 chips provide flexible band selection and up to 1W per output.
  • Battery management and removable core module simplify maintenance and future upgrades.

Skim-friendly nuggets

  • The MK3 is a genuine rebuild — not a facelift — of the TX16S.
  • Dual LR1121 chips mean true Gemini X without dongles.
  • AGO2 gimbals and RGB rings are polished and adjustable per model.

This article was based from the video Radiomaster TX16S MK3 FPV Remote Review - It Was All Leading To this!

Spread the word

Keep reading