Confirm that this is a UART receiver
Read the board specification first. An integrated receiver can use UART or SPI. SPI ExpressLRS follows a different update path through the flight-controller firmware; this external UART checklist does not apply to it.
Write down the physical signal path
For conventionally labelled boards, receiver TX connects to FC RX, and receiver RX to FC TX on the same UART. KISS labelling can differ. Use both device manuals to identify power, ground and the correct pads; do not choose a pad from its name alone.
Match Ports and Receiver settings to the wiring
Enable Serial RX on the UART actually used, then select Serial receiver mode and CRSF. Ordinary UART CRSF needs an uninverted, full-duplex connection: serialrx_inverted and serialrx_halfduplex are OFF. Interface labels vary by version.
Check channel movement separately from binding
Watch the Receiver tab while moving each stick. If the wrong axis moves, check the channel map. If none moves, investigate the input path before tuning ranges or deadband.
If radio connection exists, check Model Match
Model Match can permit radio connection while withholding control when the selected model number does not match the receiver assignment. Verify the pair rather than assuming a radio connection proves control is reaching the FC.
Finish with a bench check
Remove propellers for bench checks. The ExpressLRS first-flight guide includes a transmitter-off failsafe test. Follow it and your flight-controller instructions before flying; a successful channel preview alone is not flight approval.
A useful support request: copy this worksheet
Our editorial workflow: record FC model/revision, receiver model, firmware versions, exact TX/RX pads, power source, LED pattern, Ports screenshot and Receiver screenshot. Never share your binding phrase or credentials.
Record one change and one observed result at a time. This gives a support team enough context to separate wiring, configuration and radio issues. If a fault persists, use the support link below with this worksheet instead of a photo without model information.
Sources & verification date
A documentation-based checklist for UART ExpressLRS receivers with Betaflight, not a release announcement or a bench test. Sources checked on 7 October 2026. Consult the manuals for your board and revision.