Previously, the only way to use the BetaFPV ArtLynk P1 system was with the VR04 HD goggles. BetaFPV has now expanded the ecosystem with an external receiver, standalone monitor and Nano VRX module for Skyzone and Fatshark goggles. This means you can now use the P1 system with a much wider range of existing goggles and other display equipment. In this review, I’ll take a closer look at all 3 products, explain what they are for, and share my experience using them.
What Is BetaFPV ArtLynk?
BetaFPV ArtLynk is a digital FPV system that offers noticeably better image quality than analogue while aiming for a similar price point. You can check out my full ArtLynk review here: https://oscarliang.com/betafpv-artlynk/
It is also compatible with certain other Artosyn-based FPV systems from other manufacturers. I covered cross-compatibility here: https://oscarliang.com/artosyn-fpv-system-cross-compatible-betafpv-artlynk/
Where to Buy
P1 External Receiver
P1 Nano VRX Module for Skyzone/Fatshark Goggles
P1 Monitor
BetaFPV P1 External Receiver
What Is It For?
The P1 External Receiver receives the ArtLynk P1 digital video signal and outputs it over HDMI to whatever display you want to use, whether that is a computer monitor or TV.
You can also use it with FPV goggles that have an HDMI input, such as the Skyzone Cobra, Walksnail Goggles X and HDZero Goggles.
This is probably the most flexible option if you already own compatible display hardware and do not want to buy another pair of dedicated goggles.
Accessories
The package includes:
- P1 receiver
- Antennas
- Mini HDMI to HDMI cable
- Power lead (with XT60 connector)
- Belt-style clip
Mounting
With the antennas installed, the receiver weighs around 78g.
That is not particularly lightweight, so you may notice the extra weight if you mount it on the outside of your goggles.
There is also a tripod mount on the bottom, and personally I think using it as a standalone receiver or ground-station-style setup makes more sense.
The receiver also has mounting points on the back for the supplied clip, so you could potentially wear it on a belt or attach it to a pocket.
Controls and Connections
The receiver uses the same controls as the VR04 HD goggles:
- 5-way navigation joystick
- Back button
- Record button
On the side you get:
- Mini HDMI Output
- MicroSD card slot
- USB-C
- DC power input
There are 2 SMA antenna connectors.
How to Power
Note that the receiver cannot be powered through USB-C. The USB-C port is mainly for accessing the SD card and performing firmware updates.
Power is supplied through the barrel connector, and the receiver supports approximately 2S to 6S input voltage, making it easy to power from either LiPo or Li-ion batteries with XT60 connector.
DVR
There is a microSD card slot for DVR recording.
Binding
To bind, there’s no longer a physical bind button to press, you enter bind mode in the menu. The same applies to the Nano VRX and monitor.
P1 Nano VRX for Fatshark and Skyzone Goggles
What Is It For?
Many high end analog FPV goggles have a module bay for installing an external receiver, such as Fat Shark and Skyzone.
BetaFPV has designed a P1 Nano VRX that fits directly into the module bay. Instead of mounting a bulky external receiver on the outside of your goggles, the Nano VRX offers a much cleaner and more compact solution.
There are separate versions for Fatshark and Skyzone goggles, so make sure you order the correct one. My sample is the Skyzone version because I use the Skyzone SKY04X Pro.
With the antennas, the module weighs around 60g, making it slightly lighter than the standalone external receiver.
Installation
Installation was tighter than I expected.
It takes a bit of wiggling to slide the module into place, and there is also a flexible ribbon cable that needs to be tucked away carefully. You definitely do not want to force it and damage the module or the goggles.
Hopefully, the final production version has slightly better tolerances and is easier to install.
HDMI Cable Is Still Required
Unfortunately, the module does not send the digital video signal to the goggles through the module-bay header pins. You still need to connect an HDMI cable between the Nano VRX and the goggles.
BetaFPV supplies a short Mini HDMI to Mini HDMI cable, and it works fine in my setup. It is the right length without making the whole setup feel too bulky. However, I think a cable with right angle connectors could make the setup even cleaner and reduce the amount of cable sticking out.
Connections and Controls
On the module you have:
- Two SMA antenna connectors
- Navigation joystick
- Back button
- Record button
- USB-C Port
- Mini HDMI Output
- Power Connector
- Cooling fan
Power Cable
The beta version includes a power splitter cable, allowing one battery to power both the goggles and Nano VRX separately. It works, but it also creates more dangling wires around the goggles. Cable-routing clips are included, which helps tidy things up.
My understanding is that BetaFPV plans to remove the need for this splitter in the final version by powering the Nano VRX directly through the module-bay header. If they can do that, it should result in a much cleaner installation with fewer cables hanging around the goggles.
Fan Noise
The cooling fan is quite loud.
Because the module sits directly on the goggles and close to your ears, the noise can become irritating.
I hope BetaFPV can reduce the fan noise in the final version while still providing enough cooling.
DVR
DVR recording is handled by the Nano VRX rather than the goggles.
There is a microSD card slot on the back of the module, which is only accessible when you take the module out of the goggles.
Fortunately, you do not need to remove the VRX every time you want to download the footage. You can read the microSD card through the USB-C port.
Firmware updates can also be performed through USB-C without removing the module.
P1 Monitor
What Is It For?
The P1 Monitor is essentially an external P1 receiver with a built-in screen. It is compact, lightweight and fairly clean in design.
You can certainly fly your models using the monitor, but personally I still much prefer goggles for FPV drones because they are more immersive and make it easier to focus your attension. For slow cruising in open areas, I found the monitor perfectly fine. However, for tighter proximity flying, it becomes more difficult to concentrate and judge movement precisely.
So for me, the monitor would not replace FPV goggles, but I can see it being particularly useful for:
- Spectators
- Fixed-wing pilots
- Bench testing
- Ground stations
- Showing footage to other people
Mounting
With the antennas installed, the monitor weighs around 160g, it’s very portable.
There is a tripod mount on the bottom, it’s easy to use as a small ground station. BETAFPV also includes a strip of double-sided Velcro, presumably for attaching the monitor to a flat surface.
Screen
The display runs at 1080p 60Hz resolution, which matches the output of the ArtLynk P1 system nicely.
I found the screen bright enough to remain usable outdoors in daylight, although I would still recommend using some kind of sunshade if you plan to use it regularly in direct sunlight. It would be nice if BetaFPV included one in the package.
Power
The monitor does not have a built-in battery. Instead, it runs from an external DC power source.
There are two power-input options:
- Barrel connector
- XT30 input
The input voltage is 2S to 6S, so it is easy to find a suitable battery.
DVR Recording
The monitor has a built-in DVR and records directly to a microSD card. You can also access the card through USB-C, which is convenient if you do not want to remove it physically.
Connections
On the sides you get:
- DC barrel input
- XT30 connector
- USB-C
- MicroSD card slot
Like the external receiver, the monitor accepts 2S to 6S input voltage, that makes it easy to power from a LiPo in the field.
The USB-C connection again is primarily for accessing the SD card rather than powering the display.
The antenna connectors are SMA, so keep that in mind when buying replacement or upgraded antennas.
No HDMI Output
The monitor appears to use similar receiving hardware to the external VRX, but unfortunately it does not have an HDMI output.
I think that is a missed opportunity. It would have been useful to output the received video to a pair of goggles or even a second monitor.
Final Thoughts
These new P1 receiving hardware are promising because they make the ArtLynk ecosystem much more flexible. Previously, using P1 effectively meant buying the dedicated VR04 HD goggles. Now you can use your existing goggles, monitors and HDMI displays instead.
The P1 External Receiver is the most versatile option if you want to connect P1 to different HDMI displays.
The Nano VRX is probably the cleanest solution for pilots who already own compatible Fatshark or Skyzone goggles, although the beta version I tested still has some rough edges.
The P1 Monitor makes sense as a compact standalone display for spectators, fixed-wing use, bench testing or a portable ground station.
The ArtLynk ecosystem is expanding quickly, which is encouraging.
However, whether P1 becomes a serious alternative to analog and more established digital FPV systems will ultimately depend on how well the platform continues to mature.
For me, the biggest drawback is still latency. The image quality and hardware integration are already quite impressive for the price, but latency remains the main limitation for aggressive freestyle, racing and fast proximity flying.
If BetaFPV and the wider ArtLynk ecosystem can improve that while retaining the low cost, lightweight hardware and good image quality, P1 could become much more compelling.
