The BetaFPV LiteRadio 4 is a price range pleasant radio with built-in ExpressLRS module. In the event you’re contemplating the LiteRadio 4 as your first FPV controller—or maybe as a secondary radio on your tiny whoops—this evaluation ought to assist you to determine whether or not it suits 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 nicely protected, contains gimbal covers, and ships with:
- USB-C cable
- A thick, beginner-friendly handbook
- The radio itself
Specs
- Channel: 10
- Colour: Grey (Normal Model), grey blue (Twilight Restricted Version)
- Gimbal: Potentiometer (Normal 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: Kind C port (integrates information 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, virtually 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 facility on/off is identical – you faucet the facility 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’ll be able to’t take away them and retailer them on the again of the radio just like the DJI.
Let’s be sincere—this isn’t a premium radio. The shell is skinny plastic, and in the event you squeeze the physique, you’ll hear some creaking. There’s a little bit of flex in the event 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’ve got Bind button, USB port, and Setup button (used for gimbal calibration as nicely).
Gimbals
The usual model comes with potentiometer gimbals, NOT Corridor-effect ones. BetaFPV provides a particular version that comes with Corridor gimbals if you’d like.
I’ve seen complaints in regards to the earlier LiteRadios with jittery gimbals, I’m glad to report that the brand new LiteRadio 4 I examined didn’t have this challenge. 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
- Steel stick ends
- Potentiometer sensors
- Stick top adjustable
In case you are used to full measurement gimbals (like those within the Boxer, TX16S and T20S), you’ll in all probability discover the stick travels on these tiny gimbals a bit restricted. However for brand new pilots it’s not essentially a foul factor.
There are gimbal trim buttons on the entrance, which is a pleasant addition. They’re often solely helpful for mounted wings with out flight controllers, so in the event 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 out there. However that’s greater than sufficient for most individuals—personally, I solely use 4 switches in most of my setups, so eight channels are often lots 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
Inside ExpressLRS Module
The LiteRadio 4 has a built-in ExpressLRS 2.4GHz module with selectable output energy:
Don’t be delay by the 100mW output – it might sound low, however for ExpressLRS radio hyperlink, even 100mW can simply get you 2–3km in open house (I’ve personally accomplished it). ExpressLRS is insanely environment friendly on the subject of vary. That stated, 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 not use exterior modules.
Software program Configuration
This radio isn’t EdgeTX, and it has no display screen, which suggests if you wish to configure the radio, it’s essential to plug it into your pc, and use the BetaFPV Configurator app.
This configurator helps you to:
- Change channel assignments
- Reverse channels
- Regulate scaling
- Set mode (Mode 1 or Mode 2)
- Configure RF energy and packet price
- Replace firmware
The interface is beginner-friendly—far easier than EdgeTX—but in addition much more restricted on the subject of options. You possibly can’t setup totally different profiles for particular person fashions, and you may’t simply change radio settings within the discipline. Inexperienced persons 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, exhibiting the principle board, battery, gimbals.
Ultimate Verdict: Ought to You Get The LiteRadio 4?
The BetaFPV LiteRadio 4 may be the most cost effective ExpressLRS radio on the market, however shouldn’t be for everybody.
It’s a price range radio designed for FPV rookies who need to spend absolutely the minimal, or pilots with small palms. Nonetheless, it’s NOT a radio you’ll be able to develop with long-term. If you’d like one thing future-proof, it is best to contemplate the Radiomaster Pocket, which is simply $15 extra and it’s much more succesful. Try 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 remains to be an inexpensive possibility.