Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Key Features
• Flight Performance
• LiteRadio 1 Controller
• Conclusion

Introduction

The BetaFPV Cetus Lite FPV Kit is an affordable and beginner-friendly option for those interested in learning FPV flying. It provides ease of use, safety features, and a compact design suitable for indoor flight. This optimized article will delve into the key features of the Cetus Lite, its flight performance, and the LiteRadio 1 controller included in the kit.

Key Features

The Cetus Lite is an impressive quadcopter, inheriting many features from its predecessor, the original Cetus FPV kit. It retains the same motors, frame, and FPV setup, making it a reliable and well-rounded drone. Designed in a tiny whoop style, this FPV drone is renowned for its lightweight and compact nature, making it both safe and suitable for indoor flights around people.

Weighing in at 28.6g without a battery or 36.8g with a 1S 300mAh LiPo battery, the Cetus Lite strikes a balance between portability and flight performance. Equipped with 0716 brushed motors, while they may lack the durability of brushless motors, they offer quiet operation and excellent efficiency.

One notable difference from the original Cetus is the absence of the optical flow camera sensor and LiDAR sensor. This omission is actually a positive decision, as it reduces the cost of the drone without sacrificing functionality. These sensors were not particularly accurate or useful due to inadequate optimization.

The battery holder of the Cetus Lite is made of thick, rubbery plastic, providing a secure grip on the battery. The drone comes with two 1S 300mAh LiPo batteries, offering just under 4 minutes of flight time. While the battery life could potentially be longer, a built-in safety feature automatically lands the drone when the voltage drops to 3.3V. This protects the battery from over-discharging and potential damage. However, experienced pilots who prefer to have control over their landings may find this feature inconvenient. It would be beneficial if there were an option to disable it.

Charging the batteries is convenient, thanks to the included USB charger.

Information	Value
Weight	1.26 oz / 36 g (including battery)
Dimensions	3.54 x 3.34 x 1.77 in / 90 x 85 x 45 mm
Battery	BT2.0 300 mAh LiPo 1S 30C / up to 5 minutes
Charger type	BT2.0 USB Battery Charger and Voltage Tester
Modes	Level Mode with Slow and Fast speeds
Video transmission range	Up to 80 m
Video resolution	No video or photo capture available
Safety features	Altitude hold (hover) / Emergency Auto Locking (disarms motors after collisions)

Flight Performance

If you are seeking an affordable and beginner-friendly drone, the BetaFPV Cetus Lite FPV kit is worth considering. It provides everything you need to get started and serves as an excellent introduction to FPV goggles. The kit’s simplicity and competitive price make it an ideal choice for FPV beginners and even children.

On the positive side, the Cetus Lite FPV kit offers an incredibly easy and enjoyable flying experience. However, it is important to note that it does not capture videos or photos, limiting its functionality in that aspect. Additionally, its short battery life suggests it is best suited for indoor flights.

Battery and Safety Features

The Cetus Lite quadcopter, weighing only 1.26 oz (36g) with a 300mAh 1S LiPo battery, is exceptionally lightweight and compact. It can achieve flight times of 4-5 minutes, although in testing, flight durations were typically around 3 minutes. Keep in mind that these tests were conducted indoors during winter, so longer flight times may be possible during warmer months.

Constructed with robust PA12 plastic and equipped with propeller guards, the Cetus Lite airframe is resilient and safe for indoor flights. Its small size and light weight make it unlikely to cause significant damage, although caution should always be exercised.

The brushed motors, while not as powerful as brushless motors, are suitable for indoor flying. However, outdoor flights may be challenging in light winds, as the drone could struggle or

get carried away. In case of unexpected gusts, the Arm button on the controller can be pressed to immediately stop the motors and bring the drone safely to the ground.

LiteRadio 1 Controller

The LiteRadio 1 controller, included in the kit, is BetaFPV’s entry-level model. It is a compact and lightweight transmitter designed specifically for beginners and FPV enthusiasts who are just getting started. The controller features a comfortable ergonomic design with a small form factor, making it easy to hold and operate.

The LiteRadio 1 has a built-in 2.4GHz receiver, which provides a stable and reliable connection with the drone. It uses the FrSky D8 protocol, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of BetaFPV drones and other FrSky-compatible models.

With a total of eight channels, the LiteRadio 1 offers a good amount of control authority for flying and maneuvering the Cetus Lite quadcopter with precision. The control sticks on the transmitter are smooth and responsive, providing a satisfying control experience.

One of the notable features of the LiteRadio 1 controller is its built-in 350mAh LiPo battery, which is rechargeable via a USB-C port. The battery life is decent and should last for multiple flying sessions before needing to be recharged.

The controller also boasts a bright and clear LCD screen, which displays important information such as battery voltage, signal strength, and channel assignments. This makes it easy to keep track of the controller’s status and ensures a safe and reliable flying experience.

It’s worth noting that the LiteRadio 1 controller uses the FrSky protocol. If you already have other FrSky-compatible transmitters or receivers, they should be compatible with the Cetus Lite as well, allowing you to use your preferred controller if desired.

The BetaFPV Cetus Lite FPV Kit is an excellent choice for beginners and those looking for an affordable and easy-to-use FPV drone. With its lightweight and compact design, the Cetus Lite is safe for indoor flights and offers a convenient introduction to the world of FPV flying.

While it may not have advanced features like video recording or long flight times, the Cetus Lite serves as a stepping stone for beginners before upgrading to more advanced FPV drones. Its robust construction, reliable brushed motors, and inclusion of the LiteRadio 1 controller make it a reliable and enjoyable flying experience.

Overall, the BetaFPV Cetus Lite FPV Kit provides a complete package for entry-level FPV enthusiasts, offering simplicity, safety, and affordability. Whether you’re a beginner or a young pilot, this kit is a great starting point to learn and experience the thrill of FPV drone flight.