The BetaFPV LiteRadio 4 is a finances pleasant radio with built-in ExpressLRS module. If you happen to’re contemplating the LiteRadio 4 as your first FPV controller—or maybe as a secondary radio in your tiny whoops—this evaluation ought to allow you to resolve whether or not it matches your wants.
New to FPV? Be taught the fundamentals of radios in our purchaser’s information: https://oscarliang.com/radio-transmitter/
The place to Purchase
Get the LiteRadio 4 from:
BetaFPV clearly put effort into the packaging. The LiteRadio 4 comes effectively protected, consists of gimbal covers, and ships with:
- USB-C cable
- A thick, beginner-friendly handbook
- The radio itself
Specs
- Channel: 10
- Shade: Grey (Customary Model), grey blue (Twilight Restricted Version)
- Gimbal: Potentiometer (Customary Model), Corridor (Twilight Restricted Version)
- RF System: ExpressLRS 2.4GHz
- RF Output Energy: 25mW/50mW/100mW (adjustable)
- Simulator Connection: Bluetooth and USB-cable connection
- Supported Simulator: Most simulators and DJI Digital Flight
- Port: Sort C port (integrates knowledge switch and charging)
- Charging Energy: 5V, max 3A
- Battery: Constructed-in 1S 2000mAh LiPo
- Run time: 4-5 hours at 100mW or max 8 hours at 25mW
- Dimensions: 172.5mm*118.5mm*72.5mm
- Weight: 210g
Design and Construct High quality
The LiteRadio 4 is compact and light-weight, nearly game-controller-like. I’ve a sense it’s considerably impressed by DJI’s Distant Controller 3 primarily due to the same change structure. Even the ability on/off is similar – you faucet the ability button as soon as then maintain it for 3 seconds to show it on. One factor they didn’t copy is the gimbal sticks which is a missed alternative – you may’t take away them and retailer them on the again of the radio just like the DJI.
Let’s be trustworthy—this isn’t a premium radio. The shell is skinny plastic, and in case you squeeze the physique, you’ll hear some creaking. There’s a little bit of flex in case you twist it too. However regardless of that, it doesn’t really feel fragile. You’d need to intentionally abuse it to truly break it.
On the underside, you have got Bind button, USB port, and Setup button (used for gimbal calibration as effectively).
Gimbals
The usual model comes with potentiometer gimbals, NOT Corridor-effect ones. BetaFPV gives a particular version that comes with Corridor gimbals if you would like.
I’ve seen complaints in regards to the earlier LiteRadios with jittery gimbals, I’m blissful to report that the brand new LiteRadio 4 I examined didn’t have this concern. They actually aren’t premium gimbals, however they held their mid level and finish factors completely (1500 midpoints, 988–2012 endpoints) after calibration, with none jittering in any respect.
- Plastic gimbal our bodies
- Metallic stick ends
- Potentiometer sensors
- Stick peak adjustable
In case you are used to full dimension gimbals (like those within the Boxer, TX16S and T20S), you’ll most likely discover the stick travels on these tiny gimbals a bit restricted. However for brand spanking new pilots it’s not essentially a foul factor.
There are gimbal trim buttons on the entrance, which is a pleasant addition. They’re normally solely helpful for fastened wings with out flight controllers, so in case you don’t fly these, you don’t want to fret about them.
Switches & Controls
Regardless of ExpressLRS supporting as much as 16 channels, the LiteRadio 4 is restricted to 10 as a result of variety of bodily switches obtainable. However that’s greater than sufficient for most individuals—personally, I solely use 4 switches in most of my setups, so eight channels are normally a lot for me.
Listed below are the switches on the LiteRadio 4:
- Two 2-position switches (SA & SD)
- Two 3-position switches (SB & SC)
- Two momentary switches (SE & SF)
I discovered the switches surprisingly tactile, with sufficient resistance to keep away from unintentional flips throughout flight.
Connectivity & Charging
On the backside, the radio has a single USB-C port that handles:
- Charging (as much as 15W quick cost)
- USB Joystick mode for FPV simulators
- Configuring the interior ExpressLRS module
- Firmware flashing
Charging from empty to full usually takes lower than 1 hour, and the 1S 2000mAh inside battery offers:
- ~8 hours at 25mW
- ~4–5 hours at 100mW
Inner ExpressLRS Module
The LiteRadio 4 has a built-in ExpressLRS 2.4GHz module with selectable output energy:
Don’t be postpone by the 100mW output – it might sound low, however for ExpressLRS radio hyperlink, even 100mW can simply get you 2–3km in open area (I’ve personally executed it). ExpressLRS is insanely environment friendly relating to vary. That mentioned, this radio is completely high quality for park flying and indoor whooping—however I wouldn’t belief it for long-range or high-reliability purposes, it’s merely not what it’s made for.
There’s no module bay on this radio, so you can’t use exterior modules.
Software program Configuration
This radio isn’t EdgeTX, and it has no display, which implies if you wish to configure the radio, you should plug it into your laptop, and use the BetaFPV Configurator app.
This configurator allows you to:
- Change channel assignments
- Reverse channels
- Regulate scaling
- Set mode (Mode 1 or Mode 2)
- Configure RF energy and packet fee
- Replace firmware
The interface is beginner-friendly—far easier than EdgeTX—but in addition much more restricted relating to options. You possibly can’t setup totally different profiles for particular person fashions, and you may’t simply change radio settings within the area. Rookies could discover it simpler to select up, however skilled pilots could discover it irritating.
Teardown
Listed below are some pictures taking the LiteRadio 4 aside, displaying the principle board, battery, gimbals.
Closing Verdict: Ought to You Get The LiteRadio 4?
The BetaFPV LiteRadio 4 is perhaps the most cost effective ExpressLRS radio on the market, however is just not for everybody.
It’s a finances radio designed for FPV learners who wish to spend absolutely the minimal, or pilots with small fingers. Nevertheless, it’s NOT a radio you may develop with long-term. If you need one thing future-proof, you must contemplate the Radiomaster Pocket, which is just $15 extra and it’s much more succesful. Take a look at my evaluation of the Pocket: https://oscarliang.com/radiomaster-pocket/
“However Oscar, I don’t have the additional $15…”
Truthful sufficient, then the LiteRadio 4 continues to be an affordable choice.