radiousb No-battery radio starter
Before you start

Power your radio
from USB

Boot your EdgeTX or OpenTX radio from USB — no battery required. Plugging in while powered off puts the radio into DFU mode; this tool kicks it out at the right moment so it starts normally and stays powered from USB.

EdgeTX & OpenTX radios only Works with RadioMaster Pocket, Zorro, TX16S, and similar transmitters. Not for flight controllers.
Remove any external TX modules High-power modules (e.g. ELRS) draw too much current for USB to supply. Remove them before connecting.
Chrome or Edge required WebUSB is not supported in Firefox or Safari. Use a Chromium-based browser.

Use at your own risk. If anything breaks, that's on you.

Step 1 of 3

Connect your radio

to PC ↕

RC radio transmitter ↓ data port
  1. 1 Make sure your radio is completely off
  2. 2 Plug a USB cable into the top data port on your radio
  3. 3 Connect the other end to a direct USB port on your PC — avoid hubs if possible
  4. 4 The radio will power on with a blank screen — this is bootloader (DFU) mode. Correct.

USB-C to USB-C not detecting? Try a USB-A to USB-C cable — some radios have the CC lines miswired.

Step 2 of 3

Pair with browser

Click below to open the browser's device picker. Select STM32 BOOTLOADER when it appears.

Waiting for radio…

On Windows, the browser can only access USB devices using the WinUSB driver. The default STM32 DFU driver blocks it. Replace it using one of these:

Zadig

Open Zadig → select STM32 BOOTLOADER from the device list → choose WinUSB from the driver dropdown → click Install Driver.

Download Zadig →

If you use a Thrustmaster steering wheel, their drivers have been known to interfere with this process. Uninstall them or switch to another PC.

Step 3 of 3 — the timing trick

Exit DFU mode

1
Place your thumb on the power button Don't press yet — just get ready.
2
Hold the power button down and click below at the same time Keep holding until the radio boots through the splash screen, then release.
Done!

Radio is USB-powered

Your radio has exited DFU and is booting normally. Keep it plugged in — it'll run on USB power.

Keep in mind

  • Disable the internal TX module in EdgeTX model settings — it cuts power draw significantly and helps prevent brown-outs
  • Use a powered USB hub or a port directly on your computer for better current delivery
  • The radio may reboot or shut off if the USB port can't supply enough current
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