Learn to Fly FPV in a Simulator with Your Real Radio
Plug your ExpressLRS/EdgeTX radio into a computer as a joystick and crash for free before you ever buy a battery.
Every good FPV pilot starts in a simulator. Your real radio becomes a USB game controller, so the muscle memory transfers directly to your drone. Ten hours in the sim saves a pile of broken props.
Video tutorial
Video by FPV Simulators, embedded from YouTube. The written steps below are our own and match the parts list.
Mission steps
Pick a simulator
Several FPV simulators are available on PC and Mac storefronts, some free. Choose one with realistic physics and a freestyle park.
Connect the radio
Plug the radio into the computer with USB-C. On EdgeTX radios choose USB Joystick (HID) when the menu appears.
Calibrate the axes
In the simulator settings, assign throttle, yaw, pitch and roll and calibrate the full stick range. Map a switch to reset.
Copy your real rates
Enter the same rates you will use in Betaflight so the feel matches. Start with moderate rates.
Practice a plan
Hover, slow circles, figure-eights, then gaps and powerloops. Fly 15–20 minute sessions instead of marathons.
Questions
Can I use a game controller instead?
You can, but its short sticks feel very different. Training on the radio you will actually fly is far better.