In this post, I unbox and give my impressions of the BetaFPV LiteRadio 3 Pro and some accessories. A suitable radio controller is the centre-piece of many RC hobbies, and I purchased the Radiomaster TX16S Mk II. This excellent radio will outlast me, but it has one giant flaw. I plan to go away for a week and have limited vehicle space though I want to take my drones with me. The TX16 is just too big and heavy! So, I purchased a cheap, small radio: the BetaFPV LiteRadio 3 Pro. The package took less time to cross the globe than some packages do to travel a province.
Accessory for a "toy" drone, you say? And no, that's not the price of the goods. They write that so Customs doesn't hold the goods and ask for import duties.
Inside the freight bag is a bubble wrap bag. The battery warning sticker is because this RC controller has an internal battery.
And here are the contents, from top-left and going clockwise: The LiteRadio 3 Pro itself (back of the box), Nano ELRS module, a case for the LiteRadio, a module bay adaptor so I can use the Nano ELRS module with my TX16, and finally a branded neck strap/lanyard for the LiteRadio. Shipping costs to New Zealand are expensive, so I tend to buy more things at once.
Et voila! The front of the box. Yes, this looks like a gamepad controller. There are two gimbals, two press button switches and two large slider-style switches. That's enough for a basic FPV setup. However, I may have to get creative for my cinewhoop drone because I use more switches to control flight modes for inside, outside and fast flying. The controller runs EdgeTX, which is still surprising usage on the tiny screen.
Here's the LiteRadio in the optional case. It's a very snug fit. The LiteRadio has gimbal protectors, a USB C charging/data cable and a keychain. The gimbal protectors are good enough. I might be happy wrapping the controller in a scarf and throwing it into a bag.
The ELRS Module (Nano bay) gives this radio ELRS capability. My tiny whoops use the FrSky D8 protocol, and my Cinewhoop uses ELRS. In future, I expect my new drones to use ELRS, at which point I will buy a new small ELRS-only radio. The module comes with two antenna styles - I need to learn more about the difference, so I'll probably use the rectangle one because that's what I have on my other radio.
I purchased the CC2500 (Multi-protocol) radio because it gives me a lighter setup for my tinywhoops. However, I am moving to ELRS for new drones, so it will make sense to get a dedicated ELRS radio later.
The ELRS module with antenna attached and placed into the radio. Easy!
The adaptor allows me to use the ELRS module in my TX16. Additionally, two modules allow me the flexibility to have two different ELRS versions.
And here's the module installed in the TX16.
I don't particularly like this optional neck strap because it's too stiff and plastic-like. Also, the clip doesn't have an easy-release tab. I how other lanyards I can use instead.
Everything fits nicely in the case. The radio is light enough that I might make a lanyard out of some 550 paracord, and, in most cases, I should also be able to leave the charging cable at home because I typically have a lot of USB-A to USB-C cables in my gear.
And for size? The LiteRadio is much smaller and lighter than the TX16. The LiteRadio isn't perfect for my large hands, but it isn't uncomfortable because the controller is light!
The gimbals are smaller and feel softer than the TX16, but they work well in a test flight. I have been using the LiteRadio 3 Pro to fly my tinywhoops for the past week, and it works well - I've been able to zip in and around chair legs with no problems. Sure, the TX16 is better: it's more precise, the gimbals have a crisper feel, and the switches are better. But the LiteRadio is more than good enough.
I look forward to taking the LiteRadio on my travels! Until next time.