Configuring Model Match
I. Model Match Principle
- ELRS uses a binding password, which means the transmitter module will connect to receivers configured with that binding password. The Model Match feature allows you to ensure the transmitter model matches the receiver ID exactly, preventing incorrect device connections. When Model Match is enabled, if the model numbers do not match, a connection will be established between the receiver and transmitter module, but no data will be sent to the flight controller.
※This feature is particularly useful as it forces the transmitter to connect only to a specific receiver, preventing incorrect bindings such as between quadcopter and fixed-wing models. - If the Model Match feature is disabled, only receivers without a model match ID can connect.
If the Model Match feature is enabled, the receiver ID set in the external module configuration must match the model match ID stored in the receiver module for the receiver and transmitter module to establish a full connection. - Model Match follows the following logic to achieve semi-connection and full connection between the transmitter module/receiver and receiver:
Sender refers to: Transmitter module/Receiver.
| Sender Model Match Status | Sender ID | Receiver ID | |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| off | Any | A | Sender and receiver can connect, but receiver cannot communicate with flight controller |
| off | Any | off | Sender and receiver can connect, receiver can communicate with flight controller normally |
| on | B | A | Sender and receiver can connect, but receiver cannot communicate with flight controller |
| on | Any | off | Sender and receiver can connect, but receiver cannot communicate with flight controller |
| on | A | A | Sender and receiver can connect, receiver can communicate with flight controller normally |
If the ELRS receiver's green light flashes three times and the flight controller is not receiving signal input, MODEL MATCH is enabled and in a semi-connected state.
II. Device Preparation
Hardware
1) Flight Controller: Any of the following flight controllers are suitable for this tutorial: SpeedyBee F405 WING APP / SpeedyBee F405 WING MINI /CoreWing F405 WING V2.
2) Transmitter: Radiomaster TX16S transmitter / Radiomaster Boxer transmitter - ELRS version as an example.
3) Receiver: SpeedyBee ELRS Nano 2.4G as an example.
Software
INAV ground control station / Mission Planner ground control station
III. Specific Content
3.1 Parameters Affected by Model Match
ExpressLRS stores separate configurations for each CRSF receiver ID configured in OpenTX/EdgeTX. This can be used with or without model matching—for example, when a drone is used for both long-range flight and acrobatics, its RF parameters can be quickly switched by changing the model on the transmitter.
Parameters that can be stored for each receiver ID include:
| Setting | Description |
|---|---|
| Packet Rate | Data update frequency for transmitter module (500Hz, 250Hz, etc.) |
| Telem Ratio | Telemetry ratio (off, 1:128, 1:64, etc.) |
| Switch Mode | Method for sending data to the receiver |
| Model Match | Enable Model Match feature (see below) |
| Max Power | Maximum output power for transmitter module |
| Dynamic Power | Dynamic power |
| All other configuration parameters are globally shared, meaning these settings are based on receiver ID rather than individually configured for each receiver. For detailed parameter information, please refer to the Lua configuration: https://www.expresslrs.org/quick-start/transmitters/lua-howto/#understanding-and-using-the-lua-script. |
3.2 Setting Receiver Model Match Function
- Enter the MODEL page
- Enable the Model Match feature
- Click Save

3.3 Setting Transmitter Model Match Function
- Set model ID:
Open the transmitter, navigate to MDL→Setup page→find the receiver ID and set the number.
Color screen settings:
Black and white screen settings:
- Set transmitter module ID:
Navigate to SYS→TOOLS page, enter the ExpressLRS script→change Model Match status to On.
- Color screen settings:


- Black and white screen settings:


- Enter the ground control station to verify current status
MissionPlanner ground control station: In the transmitter calibration interface of the ground control station, check if the channel data has normal feedback. If the data changes normally, it indicates the receiver is communicating successfully with the flight controller.
INAV ground control station: In the Receiver section of the ground control station, check if the channel data has normal feedback. If the data changes normally, it indicates the receiver is communicating successfully with the flight controller.
IV. Q&A
Q: How to exit Model Match mode?
A: No need to use Model Match ID, just select OFF for Model Match
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