ELRS Simulator Dongle - Meet Squid Stick

ELRS Simulator Dongle - Meet Squid Stick

Paul Lesogor

Squid Stick ELRS Simulator Dongle

What is Squid Stick?

Squid Stick is a USB simulator dongle with an integrated ELRS receiver. It combines an Arduino and ELRS receiver to provide a low-latency, cord-free simulator experience.

This is a great option for existing ELRS users, including pilots using radios such as the RadioMaster TX16S or FrSky radios with an ELRS module.

Do you already have an ELRS transmitter?

Squid Stick is designed for pilots who already own an ELRS transmitter or ELRS module. If you fly with a RadioMaster, Jumper, HelloRadio, FrSky radio with an ELRS module, or another ELRS-compatible transmitter, Squid Stick gives you a simple wireless USB simulator connection.

Popular compatible ELRS radios include the RadioMaster TX16S MK2, TX16S MK3, TX15, Boxer, Zorro, and other ELRS-based transmitters.

What simulators does it work with?

We have tested Squid Stick with Heli-X and AccuRC without any issues. Just follow your simulator instructions to set up your transmitter and perform the calibration.

CGM Next also works, but it may require some tweaking to channels 1–8. If you look at your input monitor and the sliders are bouncing around, unstable, or disappearing, it usually means something is wrong with the channel signal.

How do I fix unstable inputs in CGM Next?

Repeat this for every output channel:

  • Set subtrim to +50%
  • Set the minimum endpoint to 0

Once this is done, the input monitor should stop bouncing around. You can then proceed with calibration and transmitter setup inside the simulator.

How much does it cost?

Squid Stick is available for $54.99 plus shipping and handling.

What colors are available?

We currently offer clear, gray, and black cases with a red board.

Can I flash it with ELRS Configurator or Web Flasher?

Absolutely. I prefer using the ELRS Web Flasher because it is easier.

Open ELRS Web Flasher

To enter boot mode, hold the ELRS Boot Button on the far end of the stick while plugging it into the USB port. Once plugged in, release the button.

Squid Stick ELRS boot button location

ELRS Web Flasher Settings

In ELRS Web Flasher, go to Receiver and use the following settings:

  • Version: 3.6.3
  • Hardware Vendor: ThxMrSquid
  • Radio Frequency: 2.4GHz Receiver
  • Hardware Target: Squid Stick Dongle V2

Click Next, then enter your bind phrase, wireless SSID, and wireless password.

For the flashing method, select Betaflight Passthrough.

Click Next, select the Squid Stick device COM port, and then click Connect. It should connect and begin flashing.

How can I buy one?

Buy the Squid Stick ELRS Simulator Dongle

Does it work with other simulators?

Squid Stick should work with other simulators that support USB gamepad interfaces. At this time, we have personally tested it with Heli-X, CGM Next, and AccuRC2.

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