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, nevertheless it additionally helps reduce prices. The brand new LiteRadio 2 SIM from BetaFPV might be the most affordable radio out there for that function. On this evaluation, we’ll check out its options, the way it works, and whether or not it’s the fitting 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 essentially the most inexpensive radio you should buy particularly to be used with FPV simulators.
Sure, you might strive utilizing a keyboard or a recreation controller with sims, however I strongly advise towards it (as defined on this information). They don’t supply 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 good 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.
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 not use it with an actual drone — it’s strictly for simulator apply. For those who 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, purple, inexperienced, blue, cyan, and pink.
The LiteRadio 2 SIM is obtainable in Mode 2 (left throttle) and Mode 1 (proper throttle). For those who’re unsure which to get, select Mode 2, because it’s the usual utilized by nearly all 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 Kind-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 fundamental funds radio — the gimbals are small and don’t really feel as clean as higher-end transmitters. That stated, it’s not a deal-breaker. For coaching functions, it does the job completely, and it’s nonetheless an enormous enchancment over utilizing a keyboard or gaming controller if you wish to get essentially the most out of FPV simulator apply.
For newcomers, crucial 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 ultimately 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 strive FPV in a simulator on the lowest potential price. For those who determine FPV isn’t for you, you’ve solely spent $18 — no large deal. It’s additionally a terrific possibility for colleges, workshops, or coaching camps the place numerous 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 snug for hours of apply. It’s particularly beginner-friendly for youthful pilots or anybody frightened 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 capabilities corresponding to 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. Which means you’ll by no means run out of energy throughout coaching, and you may simply hold 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’ll be able to study 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.
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 inexperienced LED on the ability button will probably be pulsating.
Additionally ensure to have throttle all the best way down and depart 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.
Nevertheless, I bumped into a difficulty throughout calibration: the sticks had no decision, leaping instantly between 0 and 100 as a substitute of shifting 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 ability button for 3 seconds till the LED flashes purple twice quickly.
- Middle each sticks, then press the ability 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 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 have to be good to go.
Switching Modes
The LiteRadio 2 SIM gives three modes, relying on the platform you’re utilizing.
For 99% of individuals, you’ll possible be flying on one of many FPV simulators out there 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 guide to modify modes.
Flip Off LED
You’ll be able to 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 may be very purposeful, I really feel BetaFPV may enhance it in a couple of areas:
- Ergonomics & Dimension – Making the radio barely bigger, with a form extra much like standard FPV transmitters just like the Radiomaster Pocket, T20S, or Boxer, would make the transition smoother when newcomers improve later. Since this radio is especially for indoor sim coaching, compactness isn’t an enormous precedence. However I believe BetaFPV reused the prevailing 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 unbelievable. It will permit the LiteRadio 2 SIM for use as a scholar radio related to an teacher radio with full RF capabilities — excellent for real-world FPV coaching situations.
- 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 will be up to date utilizing the BETAFPV Configurator, out there right here:: https://github.com/BETAFPV/BETAFPV_Configurator/releases
Conclusion
The BetaFPV LiteRadio 2 SIM is without doubt one of the least expensive and best methods for newcomers to start out 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, corresponding to colleges, coaching camps, or neighborhood occasions.
You may 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 aim is to fly in the true world — and also you don’t anticipate to spend a lot time solely 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