Ever picked up your drone transmitter only to find that the gimbals feel oddly stiff or that your controls aren’t responding the way they should? The so-called “Radiomaster Boxer crush issue” has left many FPV pilots scratching their heads—and sometimes worrying about the health of their gear. If you’re seeing strange behavior from your controller after a bump or bit of pressure in your gear bag, you’re definitely not alone.

Let’s break down what’s really going on with this common problem, how you can fix it at home, and—most importantly—how to keep it from happening again.

What Is the Radiomaster Boxer Crush Issue?

The “crush issue” is a term folks use when their Radiomaster Boxer RC transmitter develops stiff or stuck controls—especially after taking a hit or being packed too tightly. Usually, it means the gimbals (the thumbsticks you use to control your drone) have shifted or gotten pinched inside the case. This can lead to strange resistance or even full-on jamming when you try to move them.

What causes this? Based on reports from pilots on forums and in the FPV community, the main culprits include:

• Packing the transmitter too tightly in a backpack or case
• Dropping the controller onto a hard surface
• Stacking heavy objects on top of the transmitter during transport
• Manufacturing tolerances that leave little room inside the case
• Overtightened screws near the gimbal assembly

If you want an official overview of the product design and care recommendations for these transmitters, check out the Radiomaster official site.

How to Spot the Problem Early

The good news is that most symptoms of a boxer crush issue are pretty obvious once you know what to look for:

• Gimbals feel sticky or won’t return smoothly to center
• Controls are jammed in one direction
• The radio makes creaking sounds when you move the sticks
• You notice visible warping or gaps around the stick areas
• Your drone isn’t responding properly to stick input on the ground test

A quick power-on test before every flight session can help catch these problems before they cause you real trouble in the air.

How to Fix a Crushed Gimbal on Your Radiomaster Boxer

If you’re already dealing with a crushed gimbal or stiff sticks on your Radiomaster Boxer, all isn’t lost. Here are some steps you can try at home:

• Open the back cover: Use a screwdriver to carefully remove the screws holding the back plate. Take care not to strip them.
• Check for visible damage: Look for bent metal parts around the gimbal assemblies or anything obviously out of place.
• Loosen nearby screws: Sometimes screws near the gimbals get overtightened. Loosening them slightly can relieve pressure.
• Realign the gimbals: Gently nudge any off-center components back into place. Don’t force anything—if something’s badly damaged, it may need replacing.
• Test before closing up: Move both sticks through their full range before reassembling.
• If needed, replace parts: Replacement gimbals can be ordered directly from trusted retailers like GetFPV.

If you’re not comfortable opening up your gear or things still feel wrong after these steps, look for an authorized repair shop or reach out to Radiomaster support. Most warranties don’t cover accidental damage—but some sellers offer extra coverage.

Anecdote from the Field

One friend in our local FPV group had his Radiomaster Boxer jam up completely after being squished between two LiPo packs on a road trip. He tried loosening the screws around the gimbal (after watching an online teardown) and immediately felt everything snap back into place—no replacement needed! The lesson? Sometimes it’s just a matter of relieving pressure rather than ordering new gear.

Straightforward Ways to Avoid Future Problems

Here are a few easy ways to make sure you don’t have to deal with this again:

• Use a hard case: Soft backpacks don’t protect against crush injuries as well as hard shells do.
• Add stick protectors: These simple covers snap onto your gimbals during travel and keep them safe from knocks.
• Packing order matters: Keep heavy batteries and tools away from your transmitter in your bag.
• Avoid over-tightening screws: If you open your radio for mods or repairs, don’t overtighten anything near sensitive parts.
• Check regularly: Give your controller a quick once-over before every trip.

For more detailed maintenance tips and product care guides, it’s worth visiting trusted community sites like OscarLiang.com, which is packed with advice for all things FPV.

The bottom line? The boxer crush issue is annoying but usually fixable—and almost always preventable with some smart packing habits.

Your Turn: Have You Ever Had Gear Trouble?

Have you run into problems like this with your RC equipment—or found another clever way to keep your gear safe on the go? Share your stories and tips in the comments below!