About the product
The BETAFPV Cetus FPV Kit is a more advanced iteration of the previous FPV Whoop Racing Starter Kit 2, as well as the youngest FPV kit of the Cetus series, which traditionally includes all the necessary components for FPV drone piloting in first person mode. The kit is based on the BETAFPV Cetus FPV quadric, built on a collector power plant, which, in general, apart from the frame size, is the main difference between the model and the more powerful BETAFPV Cetus Pro included in the top FPV kit Cetus Pro FPV Kit (diagonal size of the Cetus / Cetus Pro: 65/75 mm).
Cetus FPV Kit is positioned by the developer as a top-priority entry-level kit, designed for an undecided / insecure audience of users who do not know where to start, but at the same time really want to learn how to fly an FPV drone safely for themselves and others, so that later they can switch without fear to more expensive, technological and high-speed full-size models. By tradition, let’s start with the key features of the popular kit.
Peculiarities
- Drone weight (with included battery): 35g
- Drone: BetaFPV Cetus
- Flight controller: AIO BetaFPV Lite 1S Pro brushed FC
- Collector motors: 716 – 19000KV
- Propellers: 4-blade 31mm
- Default receiver protocol: Frsky D8
- FPV: C02 FPV Micro Camera 1200TVL Global WDR + PC Built-in 48CH VTX 5.8GHz 25mW
- Camera angle: 25°
- Improved FPV Goggles BetaFPV VR02 FPV Goggles
- Modified remote control BETAFPV LiteRadio 2 SE
- Recommended power supply (included): 1S 4.35V 300mAh 30C/60C with BT2.0 connector
- 3 × flight modes (Normal/Sport/Manual)
- Sensor positioning system (provides auto-hold position in the “Normal” mode)
- Max. FPV removal distance: 80m
- Max. flight time (on complete power supply): 4-5 min
Equipment
The Cetus FPV Kit includes:
- FPV Drone Cetus
- 2 × rechargeable batteries 1S 4.35V 300mAh 30C/60C with BT2.0 connector
- Control equipment LiteRadio2 SE
- Transport lock for control sticks
- FPV Goggles VR02 FPV Goggles
- USB-A ⟷ USB-C cable (for charging / for connecting the remote to the FPV simulator / for updating the software)
- BT2.0 charger/voltmeter (for drone battery charging and testing)
- Type-C adapter
- 4 × spare propellers (2CW/2CCW)
- Propeller removal key
- User’s Manual
- Quick User Guide
- Post-sales support information illustration
- Transport case
Specification
Drone
Brand:
BETAFPV
Model:
Cetus
Weight without battery:
26.72 g
Diagonal dimension (from motor to motor):
65 mm
Frame material:
PA12 (Nylon 12)
Flight controller:
BETAFPV Lite 1S Pro brushed FC
Recommended battery:
1S 4.35V 300mAh 30C/60C with BT2.0 connector
Positioning system:
optical sensor/barometer/laser
Location detection:
optical sensor (effective height: 0.3-3m)
Hovering accuracy (in calm weather):
Horizontal: ± 0.2m, Vertical: ± 0.3m (no wind)
Max. FPV Removal Distance:
80 m (in interference-free area)
Max. flight time:
4-5 min
Motors
Type/Model:
Collector BETAFPV 716-19000KV with PCB connector
Weight (without propellers):
2.95 g (including cable and connector)
The size:
7×16mm
Width:
7 mm
Height:
16 mm
Length of cable:
50 mm
Shaft diameter:
0.8 mm
Power:
19000KV
Voltage:
3.7V
Connector:
JST 1.25mm 2P
Propellers
Brand/Model:
4-bladed Gemfan 31mm Micro Whoop
Material:
polycarbonate (PC)
Thickness of the central part:
5 mm
Propeller Diameter:
31 mm
Center hole diameter:
0.8mm/1mm
Blade Width:
5.71 mm
The weight:
0.31 g mm
FPV
FPV Camera + Video Transmitter:
BETAFPV C02 FPV Micro Camera 1200TVL Global WDR + PC Built-in 48CH VTX 5.8GHz 25mW
C02 FPV Micro Camera
Brand:
BETAFPV
Matrix:
1/4″ CMOS
Horizon. permission:
1200 TVL with global WDR
Lens:
2.1 mm (M8), 160° viewing angle
Signal to noise ratio:
>50 dB
Electronic shutter speed:
Auto
Automatic Gain Control (AGC):
Auto
Min. lighting:
0.01Lux at 1.2F
DWDR:
Auto
Day/Night:
color
Video system:
NTSC
Voltage:
DC 3 – 5.5V
Current:
110mA @ 5V/120mA @ 3.3V
Dimensions:
13×11mm
Net weight:
1.4 g
fpv goggles
Brand:
BETAFPV
Model:
VR02 FPV Goggles
Weight (with built-in battery):
300 g
Dimensions:
126×143×86.3mm
Head strap:
3 way adjustable
Receiver:
48-channel 5.8GHz RaceBand with two antennas
Diagonal display size:
4.3 inches
Display resolution:
800 × 480p (no blur after lens zoom)
Display Brightness:
300 cd/m² with dedicated high brightness LED for outdoor FPV flight
Viewing Angle:
55°
Lens:
2.8x video zoom; Transparency 92% without light distortion
Connectors/Ports:
USB-C
Input voltage:
3.7V
Battery:
Built-in 3.7V/2000mAh LiPo (When the battery is charging, the LED is on, when charging is complete, the LED is off. Time to fully charge: 2 hours
Remote control LiteRadio 2
Brand:
BETAFPV
Model:
LiteRadio 2SE
Frequency range:
2.4GHz (2403MHz -2447MHz)
2.4G system:
NRF24L01 or CC2500
Number of channels:
eight
Supported protocols:
Bayang/Futaba S-FHSS/Frsky FCC D16/Frsky LBT D16/Frsky D8
Power:
≤100mW
USB interface:
USB 3.0 Type-C
Purpose of the USB-C port:
charging/software update
Support to connect to FPV simulator:
Yes
Status status LED indication:
Green – Power on
Red – Warning if voltage is less than 3.5V
Blue – Devices are paired
Battery:
built-in 1S 1000mAh LiPo
Below you can read the BETAFPV Cetus FPV Kit key information, which will allow you to learn more about the FPV kit, as well as what improvements have been implemented compared to the predecessor BETAFPV FPV Whoop Racing Starter Kit 2.
BETAFPV Cetus
BETAFPV Cetus is the youngest version of the quadric in the Cetus series, specially implemented for entry-level RTF kits. The novelty has replaced the predecessor Beta65S Lite. Compared to its predecessor, the Cetus model received a stylized stronger and more aerodynamic frame, a more technologically advanced flight controller and video transmitter, improved propellers, as well as a branded more efficient BT2.0 battery connector.
Battery connector BT2.0
BT2.0 connector
The BT2.0 type connector is a revolutionary type of connector for 1S micro drones, developed by BETAFPV engineers as a highly efficient alternative to the obsolete PH2.0 connector. Provides a significant difference in power efficiency compared to its predecessor. The developer notes the following advantages of the BT2.0 connector:
- Effectively reduces the internal resistance of the connector by upgrading the crimp contacts to 1mm banana connector and increasing its cross-sectional area.
- Solves the problem with a drop / voltage drop. Discharging LiPo battery with BT2.0 connector becomes more efficient. Pilots can enjoy longer flight times without the fear of overcharging their batteries.
- The battery with BT2.0 connector has stable current/voltage output and high efficiency. All 1S brushless drones get powerful and flawless performance from this type of battery.
- Ideal for Emax Tinyhawk series quads as the connector delivers consistent and consistent power, resulting in balance in dynamics and longer flight times.
- Compared with PH2.0 crimp contacts, BT2.0 connector is more durable, it can output more current for the same capacity and deliver much more power.
Comparison chart
Below you can see a comparison graph from the developer between BETAFPV 1S 450mAh 30C batteries with BT2.0 connector and Emax 1S 450mAh 80C batteries with PH2.0 connector. In this test, the discharge current is 11A. Obviously, a battery with BT2.0 has a longer discharge time and improved voltage drop, which results in better flight performance.
Power potential
The quadric is equipped with high-performance commutator-type motors BETAFPV 716-19000KV (Max shaft speed: 70,000 rpm), which, coupled with optimal power supply, provide more than excess lifting traction, compensating for the excessive weight of the model, which will certainly be a pleasant surprise for a demanding beginner audience. Also, the process of replacing motors will be no less good news, since the developer equipped them with Micro JST 1.25 type connectors, which allow replacing a failed motor without soldering.
Altitude hold function
Thanks to the built-in sensor system (optical/barometric/laser sensors), this quadcopter can automatically hold the altitude when the pilot’s hands do not touch the control sticks. The sensor system provides accurate and confident positioning, making this model stable even in tight flying conditions. Altitude Hold is only available in N (Normal mode).
self defense
The developer added a self-protection function to the quadric, which automatically activates an emergency landing in the event of a loss of communication or insufficient voltage. It will also automatically stop the motors when it hits an obstacle.
Flight modes
Three modes are available: N mode (Normal mode) / S mode (Sport mode) / M mode (Manual mode), which smoothly reveal the flight potential of the quadric and thus fully satisfy the needs of pilots with different levels of training. In other words, whether you’re an experienced FPV pilot or a complete beginner, the Cetus FPV kit will help anyone fly confidently from day one. You can switch between these modes with just one SB toggle switch on the control equipment (see the section below “Assignment of controls”). Meanwhile, all these modes support 3 speed modes SLOW(Slow)/MID(Medium)/FAST(Fast).
To change the dynamics of the flight, it is enough to switch the SC toggle switch on the remote control to the desired position:
- N mode (Normal mode) — in this mode, the auxiliary hold position function is active. The quadcopter will maintain a fixed altitude when both joysticks are in the center position. The flight angles are minimal, the response to the movement of the control sticks will be smooth. When the mode is activated, the display of the FPV goggles will show “N MODE”. The mode is relevant for beginners. The developer reminds that the sensor system responsible for fixing the position of the copter operates in the height range from 0.3-3 meters.
- S mode (Sport mode) — in this mode, the position hold auxiliary function is disabled. The pilot will need to control the flight altitude with the throttle stick (default left stick) and the horizontal position with the direction stick (default right stick). The flight angles will become larger, the response to the movement of the control sticks will be sharper. When the mode is activated, the display of the FPV goggles will show “S MODE”. This mode features more dynamic and complex controls and is suitable for the experienced pilot.
- M mode (Manual mode) — in this mode, the position hold auxiliary function is disabled. The pilot will need to manually control the height and position of the quadric. Acrobatic flight becomes available. This mode features even more complex controls and requires a lot of practice to master.
Changing speed modes
The quadcopter flight speed threshold can be changed in all three of the above flight modes using the SC switch on the control panel:
On/Off touch system
In N-mode, the quadcopter position hold assist function is enabled by default, thus providing piloting assistance to the beginner from the first takeoff. You can disable this feature if necessary. To disable/enable the touch hold position function, do the following (use the remote control to access and navigate the OSD menu of the FPV goggles):
- Turn on the remote, FPV quad and FPV goggles.
- From the main menu of the FPV goggles, select “CONFIG” and enter the “CONFIG” menu as shown below.
- Select “OPF” and change “ON” to “OFF” (Disable Touch Positioning)/ON (Enable Touch Positioning), then select “BACK” to exit the “CONFIG” submenu.
- Select “SAVE” in the “MAIN” menu to exit the OSD settings menu.
For more details on how to interact with the OSD, see the “VR02 FPV Goggles/On Screen Display (OSD)” section below.
Charger
According to the stated specification, each drone battery provides 4-5 minutes of smooth flight. A low battery will be indicated by a warning in the OSD interface “LOW VOL”, and the LED on the quadcopter itself will flash red.
Charging steps are as follows:
- Connect the charger to the Type-C port using the included USB cable.
- Connect one or two batteries to the port to the right of the charger. The red charging indicator will indicate the charging process. Charging is complete when the charger LED turns green.
Two batteries can be charged at the same time. Charging a fully discharged battery will take about 20 minutes. If the battery is inserted into the “TEST” port, and the USB cable is not connected to the charger, the charger works as a voltmeter, through which you can measure the current battery charge level, where a reading of 4.30V indicates a fully charged battery, and 3.30V indicates the minimum or insufficient charge level for flight.
VR02 FPV Goggles
The VR02 FPV Goggles are the second iteration of FPV goggles specifically designed for the beginner audience, featuring simpler and more intuitive functionality than the advanced versions. Like its predecessor, it is built on a 4.3-inch high-brightness HD LCD display with a resolution of 800 × 480 pixels, paired with a high-quality lens with a transparency of 92%, providing a 2.8x increase in FPV images without distortion and blur. Unlike its predecessor, VR02 received a lighter body, as well as built-in high-quality 5.8 GHz antennas with a gain. gain of 14 dBi, which allows you to get stable and clear images even at maximum flight distances.
Turning on the FPV Headset
To turn on the FPV headset, do the following:
- Slide the power switch to the right. The screen will light up and the FPV goggles will turn on.
- Press and hold the “S” button for 1 second to turn on the quick search function of the operating frequency. After 3 seconds, a beep will sound and the glasses will display a live video stream, indicating the end of the search. VR02 FPV Goggles are ready to go.
On Screen Display (OSD)
After searching for a frequency, the flight information and the FPV image broadcast from the quadric will appear on the display. All of this flight information is part of the on-screen display (OSD). In the flight version of the OSD display, it looks like this:
Taken as a whole, the OSD is a set of operating interfaces designed to change the configuration of the quadcopter.
How to interact with OSD
To enter the OSD menu, you need to turn on the control equipment, quadric (without starting motors) and FPV goggles. Then, on the remote control, move the control sticks to the positions as shown below. The throttle stick (default left stick) moves left center, and the direction stick moves up center:
Important! Make sure the quadcopter motors are stopped before entering the OSD menu. SA switch in down position. The display shows “DISARM”.
After accessing the OSD, the pilot will see the following interface on the FPV Goggles display:
The OSD cursor can be controlled with the right stick:
- Up: to move the cursor up
- Way down: to move the cursor down
- Right: confirm/change selection
CONFIG
In this section, the pilot can control the sensor settings, LED backlight and, if necessary, calibrate the gyroscope.
- TOF (On/Off laser position sensor)
- OPF (On/Off Optical Position Sensor)
- LED (Turn On/Off the Aircraft RGB LED)
- CALI (Gyro calibration)
LAYOUT
In this section, the pilot will be able to add/delete flight information displayed on the display of the FPV goggles during the flight:
- VOL (Current Aircraft Battery Voltage)
- MODE (Airplane mode)
- TIME (Flight time)
- SPEED (speed mode)
Charger
The VR02 FPV Goggles are equipped with a built-in 2000mAh battery. When its voltage drops to 3.55V, a beep will sound every 10 seconds, indicating that it needs to be charged. You can also press the “S” button to check the current voltage of the built-in battery. To charge the battery of the FPV goggles, do the following:
- Turn off FPV goggles.
- Using the included USB-C cable in tandem with a charging power bank, for example, with which you usually charge your smartphone, charge the headset.
- The LED indicator glows blue while charging and turns off when it reaches 100% charge.
Remote LiteRadio 2 SE
GETFPV LiteRadio 2 SE is an updated control equipment implemented specifically for BetaFPV RTF kits. In the list of key improvements over its predecessor LiteRadio 2:
- USB-C port, built-in 1S 1000 mAh battery (LiteRadio 2 SE extends max. operating time to 8 hours; max. operating time of LR 2 remote control: 3 hours)
- Built-in charging module, control equipment upgrade with BETAFPV’s LiteRadio system (pilots can directly control stick calibration and firmware upgrade)
- Extended list of supported Frsky/Futaba/Bayang protocols (pilots can easily switch between the available Futaba, Frsky D8, Frsky FCC D16 and Frsky LBT D16 protocols directly from the remote controller)
- Increased transmitter power to 100 mW (predecessor transmitter power: 80 mW).
comparison table
We bring to your attention a comparative table of key changes between the updated LiteRadio 2 SE equipment and the previous version of LiteRadio 2:
How to switch protocol
To change the protocol (Frsky FCC D16, Frsky LBT D16, Frsky D8 or Futaba S-FHSS), you must first turn off the power of the remote control, then press and hold the BIND button when turning it on again. After that, the flash time of the red LED before the sound signal will change, which will inform which protocol the control equipment has switched to.
Status LED table
Appointment of governing bodies
Button assignment
There are three buttons on the remote control:
- BIND Button: A short press will activate the pairing mode of devices (Aircraft/Remote). If during operation the drone loses connection with the remote control, this button solves the problem.
- SETUP Button: A short press will activate stick calibration mode. It is performed by a short press immediately after turning on the remote control.
- Power On/Off Button: Turns on/off the remote control when long pressed.
Charger
The LiteRadio 2 SE control equipment is equipped with a built-in 1000 mAh battery. A low battery level will be indicated by a slow flashing blue LED. To charge the remote control battery:
- Switch off the control panel.
- Using the supplied USB-C cable in tandem with a charging power bank, for example, with which you usually charge your smartphone, charge the control equipment.
- The LED indicator glows red while charging and turns off when 100% charge is reached.
FPV simulator support
The LiteRadio2 SE remote control can be used as a USB joystick when connected to a computer, which makes it easy to practice piloting skills in a virtual environment through various FPV simulators when it’s not flying outside, for example. By the way, while you are exercising, the remote will be charging.
Quick Start
Before flying, make sure the remote controller is successfully connected to the quadcopter, all the main controls are functioning, and the quadcopter can take off smoothly:
- Step 1. On the radio remote control transmitter, set the throttle stick (default left stick) and four switches (SB/SA/SC/SD) to the lowest position. Press and hold the power button on the remote control for 5 seconds until it beeps three times, then release. The remote control’s power indicator will flash red quickly and then change to blue to indicate that the power is on.
- Step 2: Install the battery in the battery holder under the quadcopter. Make sure the battery power cable and quadcopter power cable are on the same side. Connect the quadcopter to the battery, then place the quadcopter on a horizontal surface. Wait 3-5 seconds until its status LEDs change from flashing blue to solid blue. This means that the initialization of the quadcopter is completed and the quadcopter is successfully connected to the remote control.
- Step 3: Move the SA switch up to turn on the quadcopter. The throttle stick (left by default) must be in the lowest position, otherwise the quadcopter will not turn on! The motors will start spinning slowly. Move the SA switch down, the motors will stop.
Completing these steps confirms that the quadcopter and remote control are working properly, so you can proceed to fly.
Piloting
Start the drone’s motors (Step 3). The motors will rotate at low speed, but the quad itself will not take off. Slowly move the throttle stick (left by default) up to lift the aircraft into the air. In N-mode, the quad will hold position automatically even if the pilot releases the control sticks. Further details on the purpose of each of the sticks:
Throttle stick (default left stick)
Direction stick (default right stick)
Landing
Land in a stable and smooth descent. After the quad has landed, turn off the motors by switching the SA-toggle switch on the control panel, as shown below:
Disconnect and remove the battery from the quadcopter. A long press of the power button on the remote control will turn it off after three beeps.
LED backlight status
Drone
At the bottom of the drone, there are two RGB LEDs that reflect the current state of the drone:
Status status table based on the color of the RGB LED backlight of the copter
fpv goggles
Between the USB-C port and the power button, there is a blue LED status indicator that indicates the status of the FPV headset:
Remote Control
There is a blue and red LED light around the power button that shows the status of the remote control:
Status status table based on the color of the RGB LED backlight of the control panel
Sound accompaniment
In addition to LED status indication, the so-called buzzer is built into the console, by the sound of which the pilot can determine the operating state of the control equipment:
Advanced settings
Additionally, in the drone system, the developer has laid down a number of advanced settings that will be relevant for solving some problems that arise during operation.
Re-pair devices
If the quadcopter and remote control cannot connect successfully, the pilot may need to re-pair/pair the devices. Typically, this can happen when replacing the electronic components of the quadcopter during maintenance, as well as as a result of upgrading the radio transmitter of the remote control. To link devices, do the following:
- Turn on the quadcopter and wait for its system to fully boot.
- Using a screwdriver, lightly press the button on the quadcopter, and the status LEDs on the quadcopter will change color to green and start blinking.
- Turn on the remote control and wait for the system to boot completely.
- Lightly press the BIND button on the back of the remote control with a screwdriver. The power indicator will blink red.
- If the device pairing process is successful, the quadcopter status LEDs will change to blue.
Note: Rebinding the remote control radio transmitter to the aircraft may not complete successfully after pressing the BIND button on the remote control radio transmitter once. In this situation, the pilot must press the BIND button a second time to complete the binding.
Gyro calibration
Takeoffs, landings, minor crashes/accidents during the operation of the quadcopter inevitably have a negative impact on the operation of the gyroscope. Incorrect operation of the gyroscope leads to the fact that the quadrocopter in flight will spontaneously tilt/shift to one side. To fix this, the quadcopter gyroscope can be calibrated. The steps are:
- Turn on the quadcopter, remote controller and FPV goggles. Make sure the connection is established.
- Place the quadcopter on a horizontal surface.
- Enter the OSD menu of the quadcopter (refer to the On-Screen Display (OSD) section).
- From the main menu, select CONFIG, then CALI.
- Move the direction stick (right stick by default) to the right to start the level calibration mode. The quadcopter LED flashes blue.
- The end of the calibration process will be indicated by an OK message and the aircraft LED will change from flashing blue to solid blue. The pilot can exit the OSD.
Remote Control Calibration
After repeated use, or if the remote control has been subjected to physical impact, the control equipment’s sticks may no longer read the correct readings, which may require recalibration. To do this, do the following:
- After turning on, press the SETUP button on the back of the remote control, when pressed, the control equipment will emit two beeps, and the LED indicator around the power button of the remote control will flash red twice quickly. The remote control has entered calibration mode.
- Move the throttle stick (default left stick) and direction stick (default right stick) to the center position. Press the SETUP button again and wait until the remote control beeps three times. The red LED will flash twice quickly. This means that stick center data has been received.
- Slowly move the throttle (left stick by default) and direction (right stick by default) stick twice in a circle to their maximum positions (once counterclockwise and once clockwise), then press the SETUP button again. The remote control will beep for about 3 seconds and the LED will stop flashing. Calibration completed successfully.
OPF control
In flight mode “Normal; Normal mode”, Optical Flow Positioning (abbr: OPF) is enabled by default, which automatically holds the position of the copter, thus making it easier for a novice user to take the first steps in learning to fly. To enable/disable the OPF function, do the following:
- Turn on the quadcopter, remote controller and FPV goggles. Make sure the connection is established.
- Enter the OSD menu of the quadcopter (refer to the On-Screen Display (OSD) section).
- From the main menu select CONFIG and go to the CONFIG menu as shown below.
- Select OPF and change the value next to the function name: OFF (disable positioning)/ON (enable positioning), and then select BACK to exit the COFIG submenu.
- Then select SAVE from the MAIN menu to exit the OSD setting interface.
Note: The OPF function of the Centus quadric is based on an optical sensor, the correct operation of which depends entirely on optimal lighting.
TOF control
In flight mode “Normal; Normal mode”, the laser height detection function is disabled by default. Enabling this function can make the hovering of the aircraft more accurate, and it can also maintain a fixed relative height in relation to the ground and/or ground objects, thus allowing the aircraft to automatically rise in height in flight when the ground is uneven or obstacles, thereby making it easier to for a beginner, the first steps in learning to fly. To enable/disable the TOF function, do the following:
- Turn on the quadcopter, remote controller and FPV goggles. Make sure the connection is established.
- Enter the OSD menu of the quadcopter (refer to the On-Screen Display (OSD) section).
- From the main menu select CONFIG and go to the CONFIG menu as shown below.
- Select TOF and change the value next to the function name: OFF (disable the function)/ON (enable the function), and then select BACK to exit the COFIG submenu.
- Then select SAVE from the MAIN menu to exit the OSD setting interface.
Price and availability
BETAFPV Cetus FPV Kit is available for purchase both through branded stores and on various Internet trading platforms. The FPV kit will cost the consumer $159.99 (excluding taxes and shipping).
For reference! In addition to the lightweight/junior BETAFPV Cetus FPV Kit, the developer also offers a top BetaFPV Cetus Pro FPV Kit. These kits differ from each other by quadrocopters, or rather by their size, motors and, accordingly, the final price tag. The drone from the lightweight kit has collector-type motors (less powerful / limited service life), the drone from the top kit has brushless motors (durable / powerful). The price of the top kit is $230 (excluding taxes and shipping).
Conclusion
BETAFPV Cetus FPV Kit $159.99
pros
- Build Quality/Ease of Use
- Safe (frame with motor ring protection)
- Crash resistant
- Manageability
- Quick change motors
- Three flight modes, including Manual (Acro)
- Sensors (Auto Hold Mode)
- Lightweight and comfortable FPV headset
- Operating time of the control panel
- Price
Minuses
- Interference in the video stream from the operation of motors (not critical, you can fly, but there is a place to be)
- A noticeable delay in control when the remote control and the drone separates the interior walls (also not critical, but it does happen)
- Collector motors (small service life, which is generally the norm for this type of motor)
A well-executed entry-level solution designed for learning to pilot a drone in first-person mode. Allows you to quickly, safely and for relatively little money get to know a hobby without resorting to buying expensive high-tech components (FPV drone, FPV goggles, control bullets), in order to later determine how much you are interested in this hobby, and how far you are ready to go in this direction.
The included Cetus quad was primarily designed for safe and easy indoor use and does not claim to be high-speed aerobatics. For those who are demanding on power and dynamic flight, including on the street or who want to take the kit for growth, the developer offers the Cetus Pro version built on high-performance, durable brushless motors.
In practice, Cetus has demonstrated full compliance with the declared characteristics. Despite its diminutiveness, the model still turned out to be a little heavy, but the excess power of the power plant as a whole compensates for this, beginners will appreciate it. The flight time on a fully charged complete LiPo battery in practice ranged from 4 to 4:30 minutes, which is pretty decent for the occupied UAV niche. For our part, we want to remind you that collector-type motors have a limited service life, as they include wear parts. To extend this resource, after you use up the battery, do not rush to change it to a new one, let the motors cool down! By the way, the process of replacing motors in Cetus is simple and does not require a soldering process, thanks to special plugs like Micro JST 1.25, which beginners will also note.
The disadvantages of Cetus include some interference during the transmission of the video stream, which seems to be electrical noise from the motors (appear only after the motors are started and increase after takeoff). This is not to say that it is very annoying, just a little distracting, but nevertheless it is quite suitable for FPV piloting.
Also, during operation, some delay in control was noticed, when there are obstacles between the quadric and the remote control in the form of interior walls (apparently, the use of the simplest low-power electronics affects), while the video stream always remained stable without interference. In direct piloting (without obstacles), no delays were noticed.
To summarize all of the above, if you are new to the hobby and do not know where to start, then the BETAFPV Cetus FPV Kit at least deserves your attention. If you are sure about your intentions of deep diving into the hobby, it will be better to turn your attention directly to the Cetus Pro FPV Kit version or similar RTF kits from other developers (such as iFlight, GEPRC, EMAX), which include models built on brushless motors, However, the price for them will differ significantly. That’s all we have, we hope that all the information provided was useful for you and you did not waste your time. Fly safe! All the best!
FAQ
Q. How do propellers change?
A. Propellers can be deformed or completely lose their integrity when the quadcopter collides with an obstacle. Deformed or damaged propellers must be replaced. To replace damaged propellers, use the special wrench included in the kit. The key is installed between the motor and the propeller. When removing the propeller, it is necessary to fix the motor itself with your fingers, but not the frame, so as not to deform it.
The distance between the propeller to be replaced and the motor should be about 2 mm. Also, there is no need to press hard on the propeller when it is mounted on the shaft. Pressing too hard can damage the motor or cause the blades to hit the frame when running.
The kit includes 4 spare propellers: two CW-direction propellers (ClockWise; clockwise) and two CCW-direction propellers (CounterСlockWise: anti-clockwise). CW propellers spin clockwise. They are installed on the rear left and front right motors. CCW propellers spin counterclockwise. They are installed on the rear right and front left motors. The CW propeller corresponds to the motor with red and blue wires, and the CCW propeller corresponds to the motor with black and white wires.
Q. How to fix quadcopter drift when piloting in Normal/Normal flight mode?
A. In flight mode “Normal; Normal mode”, the optical flow positioning function (OPF) of the Cetus Pro quadrocopter is enabled by default. However, it is worth considering the fact that the OPF function is built on an optical sensor, the correct operation of which entirely depends on the compliance of the environment with optimal operating conditions. In particular, optimum illumination must be ensured, and the ground surface must also be distinguishable/non-homogeneous. Otherwise, the quadcopter may drift or be difficult to control. The following are common unsatisfactory operating conditions under which the aircraft with the optical sensor enabled (OPF function) will behave incorrectly in piloting:
- Dark homogeneous environment
- Above the surface of the water
- Smooth or plain surface
If the quadcopter needs to fly in unsatisfactory environmental conditions, the optical flow positioning function (OPF) can be disabled, which will prevent automatic position holding. This will require the best piloting skills from the user.
Similar restrictions apply when the laser altitude detection (TOF) function is enabled, so try to avoid the following unsatisfactory operating conditions:
- Environment with strong sunlight or with clear changes in light and dark
- Homogeneous black earth
- Highly reflective ground surface, etc.
To enable/disable the Positioning Function (OPF) or Laser Height Detection Function (TOF), see the Advanced Settings section above.
Make sure that the bottom of the sensor is not blocked by anything, and that there is no dirt or dust on its surface, which may affect the accuracy of operation. If the flight assist function is not working properly, the sensor should be wiped down before the quad is put into operation.
Q. How can I connect the remote control to a computer for virtual piloting with an FPV simulator?
A. The Lite Radio 2 SE remote control supports most FPV simulators on the market thanks to its universal configuration. To connect the control equipment to the computer, do the following:
- Turn on the remote and wait until the blue LED lights up.
- Connect the remote control to the PC using the supplied USB-A ⟷ USB-C cable.
- The required driver will be installed automatically. A window will appear confirming successful installation.
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