For anybody trying to get into flying FPV drones, the very first thing I at all times suggest is getting a radio and training in a simulator. Not solely does it provide the needed coaching, however it additionally helps decrease prices. The brand new LiteRadio 2 SIM from BetaFPV might be the most cost effective radio obtainable for that objective. 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 Concerning the LiteRadio 2 SIM?
The BetaFPV LiteRadio 2 SIM is presently probably the most inexpensive radio you should purchase particularly to be used with FPV simulators.
Sure, you would 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 good if you wish to get the complete advantages of FPV simulator coaching however aren’t able to spend money on a full-featured radio but.
Nevertheless, its low worth 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 apply. In the event 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:
Obtainable colours: grey, pink, inexperienced, blue, cyan, and pink.
The LiteRadio 2 SIM is obtainable in Mode 2 (left throttle) and Mode 1 (proper throttle). In the event 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 study 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 Help: 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 grew to become my every day driver as a result of it’s a really primary funds 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 apply.
For newcomers, an important factor is constructing muscle reminiscence and stick management, radio ergonomics will not be actually the highest precedence at this stage. As you progress and transfer on to actual drones, you’ll ultimately need a higher-quality radio with higher gimbals and a form that fits your palms.
The purpose of this radio is to allow you to strive FPV in a simulator on the lowest doable price. In the event you determine FPV isn’t for you, you’ve solely spent $18 — no huge deal. It’s additionally a fantastic possibility for colleges, workshops, or coaching camps the place a lot of radios are wanted with out breaking the funds.
Due to its compact and minimalist design, the LiteRadio 2 SIM can be tremendous light-weight, making it comfy for hours of apply. It’s particularly beginner-friendly for youthful pilots or anybody nervous 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 features reminiscent of arming/disarming, switching flight modes, or resetting the sport — very useful for practical coaching.
Energy and Connection
The LiteRadio 2 SIM is powered totally by way of the USB-C cable — no battery required. Meaning you’ll by no means run out of energy throughout coaching, and you may simply preserve training so long as you want.
In my testing, the radio was plug-and-play with my pc, 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 find out about these simulators in my detailed FPV simulator information: https://oscarliang.com/fpv-simulator/
It’s additionally suitable with Android and works with the free FPV Skydive sim, which I examined personally on my telephone.
Learn how to Use
Energy On
To energy the radio, merely join the USB-C cable. The radio activates mechanically — no must press the facility button. The inexperienced LED on the facility button can be pulsating.
Additionally make sure that to have throttle all the way in which down and depart the best stick centered earlier than connecting USB.
Stick Calibration
Once 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 mounted this by calibrating the sticks contained in the radio itself. The handbook 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 pink twice quickly.
- Heart each sticks, then press the facility button once more — the LED will flash pink 3 times quickly.
- Transfer each sticks in a full 360° circle a few occasions.
- Heart 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 provides three modes, relying on the platform you’re utilizing.
For 99% of individuals, you’ll doubtless 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), comply with the directions supplied within the handbook to change 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 number of areas:
- Ergonomics & Dimension – Making the radio barely bigger, with a form extra much like in style FPV transmitters just like the Radiomaster Pocket, T20S, or Boxer, would make the transition smoother when newcomers improve later. Since this radio is principally for indoor sim coaching, compactness isn’t a giant precedence. However I believe BetaFPV reused the present LiteRadio 2 shell to maintain manufacturing prices low (creating a brand new injection mildew is dear).
- Coach Port – Together with a coach port would have been incredible. It might permit 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 situations.
- Cables – In immediately’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 circumstances.
Firmware Replace
The LiteRadio 2 SIM’s firmware may 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 most cost-effective and best methods for newcomers to begin coaching with FPV simulators. It’s inexpensive, plug-and-play, and well-suited for people with tight funds, or organizations that want a number of radios, reminiscent of colleges, coaching camps, or group 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 aim is to fly in the actual world — and also you don’t count on to spend a lot time completely in simulators — it could make extra sense to spend money on 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
