For anybody trying to get into flying FPV drones, the very first thing I all the time suggest is getting a radio and practising in a simulator. Not solely does it provide the needed coaching, but it surely additionally helps decrease prices. The brand new LiteRadio 2 SIM from BetaFPV might be the most cost effective radio obtainable for that goal. On this assessment, we’ll check out its options, the way it works, and whether or not it’s the appropriate starter radio for you.
In search of broader radio suggestions? Take a look at my radio transmitter purchaser’s information: https://oscarliang.com/radio-transmitter/#Radio-Suggestions
What’s Particular Concerning the LiteRadio 2 SIM?
The BetaFPV LiteRadio 2 SIM is presently probably the most inexpensive radio you should buy particularly to be used with FPV simulators.
Sure, you could possibly attempt utilizing a keyboard or a sport 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 must 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 complete 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’t use it with an actual drone — it’s strictly for simulator follow. Should you determine 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, purple, inexperienced, blue, cyan, and pink.
The LiteRadio 2 SIM is obtainable in Mode 2 (left throttle) and Mode 1 (proper throttle). Should you’re unsure which to get, select Mode 2, because it’s the usual utilized by the vast majority of FPV pilots. You’ll be able to 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 Kind-C
- Energy Provide: USB cable connection (no battery required)
- Simulator Assist: Triple-Mode SIM Entry
- Firmware: Upgradable through 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 kind issue and design.
The LiteRadio 2 by no means grew to become my day by day driver as a result of it’s a really primary 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 a large enchancment over utilizing a keyboard or gaming controller if you wish to get probably the most out of FPV simulator follow.
For rookies, an important factor is constructing muscle reminiscence and stick management, radio ergonomics just isn’t actually the highest precedence at this stage. As you progress and transfer on to actual drones, you’ll finally desire a higher-quality radio with higher gimbals and a form that fits your palms.
The purpose of this radio is to allow you to attempt FPV in a simulator on the lowest doable price. Should you determine FPV isn’t for you, you’ve solely spent $18 — no massive deal. It’s additionally a terrific choice for colleges, workshops, or coaching camps the place numerous radios are wanted with out breaking the finances.
Because of its compact and minimalist design, the LiteRadio 2 SIM can also be tremendous light-weight, making it comfy for hours of follow. It’s particularly beginner-friendly for youthful pilots or anybody fearful about hand fatigue.
On prime, 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 features resembling arming/disarming, switching flight modes, or resetting the sport — very helpful for sensible coaching.
Energy and Connection
The LiteRadio 2 SIM is powered completely through the USB-C cable — no battery required. Which means you’ll by no means run out of energy throughout coaching, and you’ll simply maintain practising 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’ll be able to study 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 cellphone.
How one can Use
Energy On
To energy the radio, merely join the USB-C cable. The radio activates mechanically — no have to press the facility button. The inexperienced LED on the facility button will likely be pulsating.
Additionally make sure that to have throttle all the best way down and go away the appropriate 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 problem throughout calibration: the sticks had no decision, leaping immediately between 0 and 100 as an alternative of transferring easily.
I fastened this by calibrating the sticks contained in the radio itself. The guide suggests this shouldn’t be needed (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 facility button for 3 seconds till the LED flashes purple twice quickly.
- Middle each sticks, then press the facility button once more — the LED will flash purple thrice quickly.
- Transfer each sticks in a full 360° circle a few occasions.
- Middle each sticks once more, then press the facility 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 try to be good to go.
Switching Modes
The LiteRadio 2 SIM affords 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 modifications 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’ll be able to flip off the LED on the facility 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 purposeful, I really feel BetaFPV might enhance it in a couple of areas:
- Ergonomics & Measurement – Making the radio barely bigger, with a form extra much like well-liked FPV transmitters just like the Radiomaster Pocket, T20S, or Boxer, would make the transition smoother when rookies improve later. Since this radio is principally for indoor sim coaching, compactness isn’t an enormous precedence. However I think BetaFPV reused the prevailing LiteRadio 2 shell to maintain manufacturing prices low (creating a brand new injection mould is pricey).
- Coach Port – Together with a coach port would have been implausible. It will permit the LiteRadio 2 SIM for use as a scholar radio linked to an teacher radio with full RF capabilities — good for real-world FPV coaching situations.
- Cables – In at the moment’s world, a USB-C to USB-C cable makes extra sense than USB-A to USB-C. Ideally, each must be included to cowl all use circumstances.
Firmware Replace
The LiteRadio 2 SIM’s firmware might 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 among the least expensive and best methods for rookies to start out coaching with FPV simulators. It’s inexpensive, plug-and-play, and well-suited for people with tight finances, or organizations that want a number of radios, resembling colleges, coaching camps, or group occasions.
You may get the LiteRadio 2 SIM right here:
That mentioned, keep in mind that this radio can’t be used with an actual FPV drone. In case your long-term purpose is to fly in the true world — and also you don’t count on 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