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, however it additionally helps reduce prices. The brand new LiteRadio 2 SIM from BetaFPV might be the most affordable radio obtainable for that function. On this assessment, we’ll check out its options, the way it works, and whether or not it’s the fitting starter radio for you.
Searching for broader radio suggestions? Try 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 at the moment essentially the most reasonably priced radio you should buy particularly to be used with FPV simulators.
Sure, you may attempt utilizing a keyboard or a sport controller with sims, however I strongly advise in opposition to it (as defined on this information). They don’t supply 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.
Nonetheless, 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 apply. In the event you determine to fly actual drones later, you’ll want to purchase a correct radio.
The place to Purchase
You will get the LiteRadio 2 SIM right here:
Out there 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 undecided 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 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 each 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 stated, 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 essentially the most out of FPV simulator apply.
For rookies, a very powerful 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 arms.
The purpose of this radio is to allow you to attempt FPV in a simulator on the lowest attainable price. In the event you determine FPV isn’t for you, you’ve solely spent $18 — no massive deal. It’s additionally a terrific choice 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 be tremendous light-weight, making it snug for hours of apply. It’s particularly beginner-friendly for youthful pilots or anybody frightened 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 equivalent to arming/disarming, switching flight modes, or resetting the sport — very helpful for life like 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 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.
Methods to Use
Energy On
To energy the radio, merely join the USB-C cable. The radio activates robotically — no must press the ability button. The LED on the ability button will flip inexperienced and flash slowly.
Additionally ensure to have throttle all the way in which down and go away the fitting stick centered earlier than connecting USB.
Stick Calibration
After I first plugged the radio into my PC, the Liftoff simulator robotically detected it as “BetaFPV Joystick” — no drivers required, which was good.
Nonetheless, 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 mounted this by calibrating the sticks contained in the radio itself. The handbook 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 pink twice quickly.
- Middle each sticks, then press the ability button once more — the LED will flash pink thrice quickly.
- Transfer each sticks in a full 360° circle a few instances.
- Middle 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 need 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 possible 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), comply with the directions offered within the handbook 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 purposeful, I really feel BetaFPV may enhance it in just a few areas:
- Ergonomics & Measurement – Making the radio barely bigger, with a form extra just like in style 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 present 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 incredible. It could enable the LiteRadio 2 SIM for use as a scholar radio related to an teacher radio with full RF capabilities — good for real-world FPV coaching eventualities.
- Cables – In at this time’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 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 among the least expensive and best methods for rookies to start out 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, equivalent to faculties, coaching camps, or group occasions.
You will get the LiteRadio 2 SIM right here:
That stated, do not forget that this radio can’t be used with an actual FPV drone. In case your long-term purpose 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 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
