BETAFPV Lite receiver is based on the ExpressLRS project, an open-source RC link for RC applications. ExpressLRS aims to achieve the best possible link performance in both speeds, latency, and range. This makes ExpressLRS one of the fastest RC links available while still offering long-range performance.
Nano RX or Lite RX
What is the major difference between Nano receiver and Lite receiver?
Nano receiver (2.4G version) is the first and (so far) the only receiver with power amplifier (PA+LNA). It has 100mW telemetry output and better sensitivity when longer range. Lite receiver doesn't have a PA/LNA on them, so its telemetry power is as what the RF chip SX1280 came with 17mW.
Beside, Nano receiver comes with normal external Dipole T antenna. Lite receiver has SMD ceramic antenna and in theory it is not so long range.
Tower Antenna or Flat Antenna
New lite receiver with a flat antenna features a 3mm extra-thin board and 0.53g lightweight, which requires less assembly space on drones with limited space. Besides, solid flat antenna without irregular parts can withstand crashes, making the receiver not so fragile.
Whatever tower antenna or flat antenna, both versions perform well in control, range and stability, bringing a good flight experience to pilots. Below chart is the basic information for two antennas.
| Tower Antenna | Flat Antenna V1.1 | |
| Weight | 0.47g | 0.53g |
| Size | 10mm*10mm*6mm | 11mm*10mm*3mm |
| Gain | 3.3dBi | 3.2dBi |
| Radio Efficiency | >70% | >80% |
| Return Loss | <-7 | <-7 |
| Recommend Drone | Whoop Drone | Whoop Drone |
| Range | About 600 meters | About 600 meters |
Specification
- Weight: 0.47g (with Tower SMD ceramic antenna)
- Size: 10mm*10mm*6mm (Tower)
- MCU: ESP8285
- Telemetry power: 17mW
- Frequency bands (Nano receiver 2.4G version): 2.4GHz ISM
- Input voltage: 5V
- Antenna: Integrated SMD ceramic antenna
Diagram
Lite receiver with tower antenna 2.4G version diagram as shown below.
If you want to flash ELRS official firmware, please download the latest ExpressLRS-Configurator or read our manual for flashing it. Significantly, the TX module and receiver have to be in the same ELRS version, otherwise, the frequency cannot match successfully.
Download the latest ExpressLRS-Configurator.
Flashing ExpressLRS official firmware
Know More About ExpressLRS
ExpressLRS is an open-source RC link for RC applications. Everyone could find this project on Github or join the discussion in Facebook Group.
ExpressLRS is based on Semtech Lora SX127x or SX1280 hardware for RX and TX respectively.
Configuration & Bind
ExpressLRS uses the Crossfire serial protocol (AKA CRSF protocol) to communicate between the receiver and the flight controller board. So make sure your flight controller board supports the CRSF serial protocol. Next, we use the flight controller with Betaflight firmware to show how to set up the CRSF protocol.
The connection between the ELRS Lite receiver and the FC board is shown below.
Enable the corresponding UART (e.g. UART3 below) as a Serial Rx on Betaflight Configurator "Ports" tab.
On the "Configuration" tab, select "Serial-based receiver" on the "Receiver" panel, and select "CRSF" as the protocol. Telemetry is optional here and will reduce your stick update rate due to those transmit slots being used for telemetry.
The Lite receiver comes with officially major release V2.0.0 protocol and no Binding Phrase included. Lite receiver could enter binding status by power on/off three times.
- Plugin and unplug Lite receiver three times;
- Make sure the LED is doing a quick double blink, which indicates the receiver is in bind mode;
- Make sure the RF TX module or radio transmitter enter binding status, which sends out a binding pulse;
- If the receiver has a solid light, it's bound.
Note: Binding once and the receiver will store the binding information. Re-power and the connect successfully auto.
Note: If you reflash firmware of the receiver with your own Binding Phrase, please make sure the TX module has the same Binding Phrase. The RF TX module and the receiver will bind automatically in this situation.
FAQ
Recommend ExpressLRS Recovery Dongle for unbricking the receiver.
Considering customers who fly tiny whoops indoors or with a short range, less than 100m, the Lite Receiver Flat Antenna V1.0 will be compatible with their needs. If you would like to fly drones with long-range, please choose Tower Antenna or V1.1 Flat Antenna.
Package
- 1 * BETAFPV ELRS Lite receiver (tower antenna)
- 2 * Spare shrink tube
- 4 * 30awg silicon connection wires (1 black, 1 red, 1 white, 1 yellow)
