HappyModel EP Series ExpressLRS Receivers - A Second Look

HappyModel EP Series ExpressLRS Receivers, A second look at the quality of these miniature receivers for FPV. EP1 and EP2.

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#DJI
#FPV
#ExpressLRS

[junglistfpv]

I am personally at 3/4 working and working on getting the 4th one replaced hopefully (EP2). For some reason it stays in bootloader even with FTDI adapter (after trying 2 FCs, one known working one new for the build I was working on) and a lot of troubleshooting on the discord. I wish Matek made an integrated antenna RX about the same size, I'd gladly pay extra for that. Or any other quality manufacturer. Any recommendations from any of you ELRS fans?

[andreard]

I bought a 915 and it does not bind in the beta at all. It has rssi and 16 sensors in the telemetry but the beta does not recognize the receiver.

[AerialWaviator]

Wonder how much related to controlling how much flux and solder paste is being applied in manufacturing?
Has to be very tricky with smd components on a two-sided pcb. Expect components moved a bit as solder flows.

Expect quality verification may have been stressed the last couple month as high volume production and many people exploring ExpressLRS. Seems all the major Chinese manufactures have jumped on board over last 6-9 months. Can recall how RadioMaster receivers where the hot item last holiday season; but prices this summer increased 2-3x due to chip supply issues. Seeing early signs that prices have peaked and beginning to ease.

One thing I find confusing with ExpressLRS is there are two versions 2.4GHz and ~900MHz (EU/NA dependent).
Both are appear to be referred to as Express LRS (ELRS), or am I missing something?

[peculiarhumanbiped]

I have started my ExpressLRS journey with the Namimno Flash RX & TX. Really happy so far.

[robert_g_fbg]

The capacitors found leaning onto each other is caused by the solder mask layer of the pcb. This symptom is indicative of the board design quality.
Tall components like caps are disposed to tombstoning or shifting, by the force of solder wicking. With a solder mask trace to separate them, they would stay on their own pad.

[WezleyVarty]

Nice follow up Ian 💪
Glad HM sorted you out with a replacement + interest ❤️

[Nagamooto]

My regulator says P5PC on it ... is this a good one or will it also have problems (I have about 8 other ep1 rxs to check that I bought months ago!!)?

[grumpyrse]

Mr Mateks Rx's are in a different league, you need a solid rf link, you shouldn't skimp on that.

[luismb]

Hey Mads, I'm an FPV noob and bought the happymodel before seeing your review. I guess they have improved their manufacturing because I also checked mine on a microscope and everything seems aligned now.

[housinit]

Love these close up inspections you're doing! On the EP1, the really clean one, it looks like one of the caps next to the UFL connector is missing some solder on the pad. Not sure if its just the camera angle or not. I can see some copper instead of solder. I've learned to inspect pretty much every component I buy in the hobby under the microscope. Saves time and money for sure. On the ELRS receivers (BetaFPV, JHEMCU) I have gone over them and touched up any minor issues. No major issues, just cleaning up and straightening up. I have HappyModel ones on order, wondering what those will look like. I have experience in and really enjoy microsoldering, so I don't mind reworking any problems I find on boards.

[ethrrr]

I've drowned mine on the first flight :D It was on a 75mm whoop, and the green receiver light helped me find the quad :)) The receiver works fine, only the aio has some problems..but it was crap anyway.

[manwithgutz]

express lrs is a rush ..i had a few bad ones from happymodel and betafpv

[JohnCuppi]

Great overview. Agree on happymodel being good about community feedback. More work to be done for sure with QC in general.