BetaFPV SuperG NanoTX – first dual diversity ELRS TX

by montis 12/10/2023 | 8:25 0 Posted in New products

BetaFPV, in collaboration with the ELRS developer team, has unveiled another first in the market ELRS product – BetaFPV SuperG Dual Diversity (Gemini) Transmitter Module. Let’s dive deeper into the features and benefits of this innovative product.

Dual 1W Output Power

BetaFPV SuperG Nano Transmitter has two RF chips, each boasting a powerful 1W transmission power. This power level with a combination of the LoRa radio transmission technology can get you 100Km range and beyond.

Active cooling system

Transmitter module casing is made of CNC aluminum alloy with efficient thermal conductivity, complemented by heatsink with active cooling fan for optimal heat dissipation.

Antenna Diversity, True Diversity and Gemini mode

In the Antenna Diversity mode, two antennas are employed, and they are alternated regularly to assess the RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indicator) value of the signal. This assessment helps determine which antenna should be used for data reception.

In the True Diversity mode, receiver uses two radio chips, each connected to a different antenna. Both antennas receive data on the same frequency simultaneously and the antenna that has the strongest reception at any given time is used.

Meanwhile, in the advanced Gemini mode, two radio chips and two antennas simultaneously receive data with a 40MHz frequency difference. They also transmit telemetry data concurrently but on the different frequencies. This unique approach allows the reception of identical data packets on distinct frequencies and antennas. Gemini mode excels in maintaining stable flight, even in complex radio environments.

BetaFPV SuperG Dual Diversity Transmitter offers two customizable buttons and a USB Type-C port for . RGB LED for TX status display and 2 LEDs for each antenna status display.

Custom Buttons

BetaFPV SuperG Nano Transmitter reserves 2 buttons that can be customized by users. Here are the specific steps to operate:

Enable the transmitter’s WiFi or power it on and wait for 60 seconds to enter WiFi mode using LUA programming.
The RGB indicator light will slowly flash in green, indicating that the transmitter has automatically enabled WiFi (WiFi name: ExpressLRS TX, WiFi password: expresslrs).
Connect your smartphone or computer to the WiFi network and open a web browser. Enter http://10.0.0.1 to access the custom button settings page.
In the corresponding button’s Action column, select the desired custom function. Then, choose the button type and the number of presses or duration in the Press and Count columns. Click SAVE to complete the settings.

Currently, there are 6 available functions that can be assigned to shortcut buttons. There are 2 ways to use the buttons: long-press and short-press. The duration of a long press can be customized, while the number of presses for a short press can also be customized. The following are the 6 functions that can be set:

Unused	VTX Setting
Increase Output Power	Enable WiFi
Enter VTX Channel	Enter Binding Mode
Enter VTX Band

The pictures below show the functionality of the transmitter in its factory default settings. (The left button is Button1 and the right button is Button2).

Button	Action	Press	Count
Button1 (Left Button)	Enter Binding Mode	Short Press	3 Times
	Increase Power	Long Press	For 0.5 seconds
Button2 (Right Button)	Go to VTX Channel Menu	Short Press	2 Times
	Send VTX Settings	Long Press	For 0.5 seconds

BetaFPV ELRS TX modules comparison table

	SuperG Nano TX	Nano TX	Micro TX
Max RF Power	Dual–1000mW	500mW	500mW/1000mW
RF Chip	Dual SX128x	Single SX128x	Single SX128x
Antenna Mode	Gemini	Single	Single
Cooling System	Yes	No	Yes
Backpack	Yes	No	Yes
External Power Supply	Yes, 7-13V	No	Yes, 5-12V

Power consumption and external power

When the dual transmit power exceeds 500mW, the BetaFPV SuperG Nano Transmitter exhibits relatively high power consumption, leading to a reduced battery life. To prolong the transmitter’s usage time, it is advisable to utilize an external battery as a power source.

The power consumption of the transmitter is not only related to the transmit power but also to the telemetry ratio. When using high power of 500mW and above, the return ratio can be set higher to reduce power consumption and extend use time.
For example, in Gemini mode, the power consumption of setting the return ratio to 1:128 is 1000mA, while the power consumption of setting the return ratio to 1:2 is only half of 1:128.

Note: When the voltage of the radio transmitter battery or external battery is lower than 7V (2S) or 10.5V (3S), please use the Gemini mode of 500mW and 1W carefully, otherwise the transmitter will enter the restart state due to insufficient power supply, resulting in disconnection out of control.

Specifications: For those who appreciate the technical details, here are some key specifications of the SuperG Nano Transmitter: