Let’s take a look at BetaFPV’s new ExpressLRS (ELRS) Micro TX module and ELRS Lite Receiver. The new module looks much more polished than the previous version, not only it’s better designed but also more powerful and user friendly.
500mW isn’t enough? BetaFPV recently released the 1W version of this module.
Not sure what’s ExpressLRS? Check out this article why you should care.
Table of Contents
Where to Buy?
ELRS Micro TX:
- BetaFPV: https://oscarliang.com/product-4g5w
- Banggood: https://oscarliang.com/product-0g0u
Lite RX:
- BetaFPV: https://oscarliang.com/product-72hm
- Banggood: https://oscarliang.com/product-wd0h
New BetaFPV Micro TX Module
Just a few months after the release of BetaFPV’s first ELRS TX module, they dropped this revised version. Not only it looks a lot more premium with the RGB LED and injection moulded case, it’s also much more functional thanks to the added display, multi-directional joystick and cooling fan.
I’s also designed specially for standard JR module bay, no more adapter needed for bigger radios (as previous versions were designed for Lite module bay). It fits perfectly in my TX16S.
There’s a USB-C port for firmware flashing. It also supports WiFi firmware flashing too.
There’s a XT30 connector for extra input power, if you decide to run high power output. If you are running 250mW or lower it’s not needed. I think 250mW is good enough for most people, that’s what I use to fly around within 2 miles of range.
With the built-in screen on the module, you can change settings without having LUA script installed in the radio. You can change output power, packet rates, enable WiFi and Bind mode etc, just like what you can do in the LUA script.
The only drawback about the BetaFPV Micro TX module is probably the firmware. At the time of publishing, the ExpressLRS firmware for this TX module is still a release candidate (V2.0 RC2), and the joystick isn’t working yet. This hopefully will be addressed in future releases. Right now, you can use the custom firmware provided by BetaFPV (V1.1), where the LED, screen and joystick are all functional.
And it’s only $40, really good value for the quality and amount of features you are getting.
Tiny Little ELRS Lite RX
The new ELRS receiver from BetaFPV – Lite RX, matches the Happymodel PP and EP2 receiver in terms of compactness, which also has a built-in ceramic antenna. It weighs only 0.5g, with a dimension of 10x10mm (size of a fingernail).
Left: BetaFPV ELRS Lite RX; Right: Happymodel EP2
But the BetaFPV Lite RX is around $2 cheaper ($12 vs $14) so it seems to be a better deal in terms of value.
The BetaFPV Lite RX uses the ESP8285 chip, same as the EP2, which means it also has wifi capability and you can flash firmware via WiFi (as well as Betaflight passthrough).
The pinout (GND, VCC, TX, RX) is exactly the same as the EP2 also.
The built-in Ceramic antenna is great, it’s super tiny and you don’t need to worry about it being damaged by spinning propellers. However if you are mounting the RX inside the frame, it probably won’t get the best possible signal reception. Therefore I think the Lite RX is more suited for short range aircraft, especially the small ones that have strict weight requirement. For mid and long range drones you probably want to consider RX with long antennas such as the BetaFPV ELRS Nano RX.
How to use them?
Things like firmware flashing and binding are exactly the same across all ExpressLRS hardware. You can learn more in my detail ExpressLRS tutorial here.
6 comments
I have found that the 1 watt module tends drain my Tx battery faster than using the internal mixer. Even at lower power settings
2.4 Ghz what is max possible range and can it fit frsky Qx7
10’s of miles in the ideal condition.
Yes it works fine with QX7 if you flash EdgeTX.
Does the 868 MHz version has wifi?
Yea they both have wifi, it’s standard.
No info about TX issues with failsafe or using joystick only as button?