For anybody seeking to get into flying FPV drones, the very first thing I all the time suggest is getting a radio and training in a simulator. Not solely does it provide the mandatory coaching, nevertheless it additionally helps reduce prices. The brand new LiteRadio 2 SIM from BetaFPV might be the most cost effective radio obtainable for that function. On this overview, we’ll check out its options, the way it works, and whether or not it’s the best starter radio for you.
On the lookout for broader radio suggestions? Take a look at my radio transmitter purchaser’s information: https://oscarliang.com/radio-transmitter/#Radio-Suggestions
What’s Particular In regards to the LiteRadio 2 SIM?
The BetaFPV LiteRadio 2 SIM is presently essentially the most reasonably priced radio you should buy particularly to be used with FPV simulators.
Sure, you can strive utilizing a keyboard or a recreation controller with sims, however I strongly advise towards it (as defined on this information). They don’t provide the precision you want, and also you’ll simply should relearn all of your muscle reminiscence as soon as you turn to an actual radio later.
The LiteRadio 2 SIM is right if you wish to get the total advantages of FPV simulator coaching however aren’t able to put money into a full-featured radio but.
Nevertheless, its low value comes with a limitation: the LiteRadio 2 SIM has no RF transmission module and no module bay. This implies you can not use it with an actual drone — it’s strictly for simulator apply. In case you resolve to fly actual drones later, you’ll want to purchase a correct radio.
The place to Purchase
You may get the LiteRadio 2 SIM right here:
Out there colours: grey, crimson, inexperienced, blue, cyan, and pink.
The LiteRadio 2 SIM is obtainable in Mode 2 (left throttle) and Mode 1 (proper throttle). In case you’re unsure which to get, select Mode 2, because it’s the usual utilized by nearly all of FPV pilots. You may be taught extra about radio modes in my radio transmitter information: https://oscarliang.com/radio-transmitter/#Modes
Specs
- Channels: 8
- Gimbals: Potentiometer
- Working Energy: 5V / 30mA
- Port: USB Sort-C
- Energy Provide: USB cable connection (no battery required)
- Simulator Assist: Triple-Mode SIM Entry
- Firmware: Upgradable by way of BETAFPV Configurator
- Weight: 152 g
- Dimensions: 64.5 × 115.3 × 164.6 mm
Design and Ergonomics
I reviewed the unique BetaFPV LiteRadio 2 about 5 years in the past, and this new SIM version has the very same type issue and design.
The LiteRadio 2 by no means turned my every day driver as a result of it’s a really fundamental finances radio — the gimbals are small and don’t really feel as easy as higher-end transmitters. That mentioned, it’s not a deal-breaker. For coaching functions, it does the job completely, and it’s nonetheless an enormous enchancment over utilizing a keyboard or gaming controller if you wish to get essentially the most out of FPV simulator apply.
For rookies, a very powerful factor is constructing muscle reminiscence and stick management, radio ergonomics shouldn’t be actually the highest precedence at this stage. As you progress and transfer on to actual drones, you’ll finally need a higher-quality radio with higher gimbals and a form that fits your arms.
The purpose of this radio is to allow you to strive FPV in a simulator on the lowest attainable value. In case you resolve FPV isn’t for you, you’ve solely spent $18 — no large deal. It’s additionally an important possibility for faculties, workshops, or coaching camps the place numerous radios are wanted with out breaking the finances.
Due to its compact and minimalist design, the LiteRadio 2 SIM can also be tremendous light-weight, making it comfy for hours of apply. It’s particularly beginner-friendly for youthful pilots or anybody frightened about hand fatigue.
On high, you’ll discover 4 toggle switches:
- SA and SD: 2-position switches
- SB and SC: 3-position switches
Some simulators allow you to map these switches to helpful capabilities corresponding to arming/disarming, switching flight modes, or resetting the sport — very useful for real looking coaching.
Energy and Connection
The LiteRadio 2 SIM is powered fully by way of the USB-C cable — no battery required. Which means you’ll by no means run out of energy throughout coaching, and you’ll simply hold training so long as you want.
In my testing, the radio was plug-and-play with my laptop, which made setup extremely handy.
FPV Sim Compatibility
The LiteRadio 2 SIM works on Home windows and macOS, supporting all the favored FPV simulators on Steam, together with Liftoff, VelociDrone, Tryp, Uncrashed, and extra. You may find out about these simulators in my detailed FPV simulator information: https://oscarliang.com/fpv-simulator/
It’s additionally appropriate with Android and works with the free FPV Skydive sim, which I examined personally on my telephone.
Easy methods to Use
Energy On
To energy the radio, merely join the USB-C cable. The radio activates mechanically — no must press the ability button. The inexperienced LED on the ability button might be pulsating.
Additionally ensure that to have throttle all the way in which down and go away the best stick centered earlier than connecting USB.
Stick Calibration
After I first plugged the radio into my PC, the Liftoff simulator mechanically detected it as “BetaFPV Joystick” — no drivers required, which was good.
Nevertheless, I bumped into a difficulty throughout calibration: the sticks had no decision, leaping straight between 0 and 100 as a substitute of transferring easily.
I fastened this by calibrating the sticks contained in the radio itself. The guide suggests this shouldn’t be mandatory (because it’s supposedly factory-calibrated), however in my case it was. Fortunately, the method is straightforward:
- Join the USB cable to energy on the radio.
- Maintain down the ability button for 3 seconds till the LED flashes crimson twice quickly.
- Heart each sticks, then press the ability button once more — the LED will flash crimson 3 times quickly.
- Transfer each sticks in a full 360° circle a few instances.
- Heart each sticks once more, then press the ability button one final time.
That’s it — the radio is now calibrated. After this, carry out the calibration course of inside your FPV simulator, and you ought to be good to go.
Switching Modes
The LiteRadio 2 SIM gives three modes, relying on the platform you’re utilizing.
For 99% of individuals, you’ll seemingly be flying on one of many FPV simulators obtainable on Steam. In that case, the default Joystick Mode is all you want — simply plug it in and fly, no adjustments required.
If you wish to use the radio with an Xbox (for sims like Aerofly RC 8 or DJI Digital Flight) or in Dongle Mode (for Phoenix RC 6.0), observe the directions supplied within the guide to modify modes.
Flip Off LED
You may flip off the LED on the ability button by merely urgent it. This doesn’t energy off the radio — it simply disables the sunshine.
Enhancements
Whereas the LiteRadio 2 SIM could be very useful, I really feel BetaFPV might enhance it in just a few areas:
- Ergonomics & Measurement – Making the radio barely bigger, with a form extra much like standard FPV transmitters just like the Radiomaster Pocket, T20S, or Boxer, would make the transition smoother when rookies improve later. Since this radio is especially for indoor sim coaching, compactness isn’t a giant precedence. However I think BetaFPV reused the present LiteRadio 2 shell to maintain manufacturing prices low (creating a brand new injection mould is dear).
- Coach Port – Together with a coach port would have been improbable. It will enable the LiteRadio 2 SIM for use as a scholar radio linked to an teacher radio with full RF capabilities — excellent for real-world FPV coaching eventualities.
- Cables – In right this moment’s world, a USB-C to USB-C cable makes extra sense than USB-A to USB-C. Ideally, each ought to be included to cowl all use instances.
Firmware Replace
The LiteRadio 2 SIM’s firmware could be up to date utilizing the BETAFPV Configurator, obtainable right here:: https://github.com/BETAFPV/BETAFPV_Configurator/releases
Conclusion
The BetaFPV LiteRadio 2 SIM is likely one of the most cost-effective and best methods for rookies to begin coaching with FPV simulators. It’s reasonably priced, plug-and-play, and well-suited for people with tight finances, or organizations that want a number of radios, corresponding to faculties, coaching camps, or neighborhood occasions.
You may get the LiteRadio 2 SIM right here:
That mentioned, do not forget that this radio can’t be used with an actual FPV drone. In case your long-term objective is to fly in the actual world — and also you don’t anticipate to spend a lot time completely in simulators — it might make extra sense to put money into a full-featured radio from the beginning, so that you don’t find yourself shopping for twice. See my full FPV radio transmitter suggestions: https://oscarliang.com/radio-transmitter/#Radio-Suggestions