BETAFPV ArtLynk Firmware Update Guide: VR04 & P1 Air Unit

Understanding Firmware Compatibility Before You Begin

Before diving into any firmware update for the BETAFPV ArtLynk system, there is one critical concept every pilot needs to grasp: V1 and V2 firmware versions are not cross-compatible. If your VR04 HD goggles are running V2 firmware while your P1 Air Unit remains on V1, the two devices simply will not communicate with each other, and the same applies in reverse. This can cause a frustrating experience if you rush into updating without a plan.

The safest approach is to update all your ArtLynk hardware to the same firmware generation at the same time. Whether you choose to stay on V1 or move everything to V2 is entirely up to you, and the good news is that downgrading from V2 back to V1 is supported if you need to maintain compatibility with older gear.

For pilots who already own or are considering a 4K camera drone setup, understanding this compatibility layer is especially important. A mismatched firmware pair could leave your video feed unavailable mid-session, which is the last thing you want when flying a premium 4K Drone. Take a few minutes to plan your update strategy before touching any files, and the rest of the process will be much smoother.

Why Upgrade to V2 and How to Download the Right Files

The V2 firmware brings meaningful improvements including bug fixes, performance enhancements, and expanded cross-compatibility with other Artosyn-based FPV systems such as the HGLRC Draco lineup. This cross-compatibility is a significant advantage, effectively broadening the ecosystem and giving pilots more hardware flexibility going forward. If you are investing in a quality GPS Drone or a high-performance 4K drone build, having firmware that plays nicely with a wider range of hardware only adds long-term value.

When downloading firmware, precision matters. The VR04 HD and VR04 HD Pro goggles use completely different firmware files. An easy way to identify which version you own is by checking the battery capacity: a 2600mAh battery indicates the standard VR04 HD, while a 3800mAh battery points to the Pro model. Downloading the wrong file is a common mistake that is easily avoided with this quick check.

Firmware files for the P1 Air Unit and both goggle variants are available directly through BETAFPV’s official support pages. Always download from official sources to avoid corrupted or unofficial files that could cause unexpected behavior. Before flashing, it is also worth reviewing the release notes for each version so you know exactly what changes are being introduced to your setup.

Step-by-Step Firmware Flashing Process and Key Tips

One unique aspect of the ArtLynk system is that the P1 Air Unit receives its firmware update through the goggles rather than independently. This means both your goggles and your drone must be powered on and actively connected, with a live camera feed visible, before you initiate the upgrade process.

Start by copying the correct firmware files onto an SD card and inserting it into your goggles. Power on both your aircraft, whether that is a compact freestyle quad, a GPS drone, or a 4K camera drone build, and your goggles, then confirm the video link is established. Navigate through the goggles menu to Settings, then System, followed by Upgrade, and select Start. From this point, patience is essential. Do not power off either device while the update is running, as interrupting the process can cause serious issues.

Once the update completes, power cycle both devices and perform a fresh bind by pressing the bind buttons on both the air unit and goggles. It is also wise to take note of your current settings before flashing, since some configurations may reset after the update. Finally, verify success by checking Settings, then System, then Device Info, where firmware versions for both devices are displayed. Comparing before and after confirms everything went as planned.

Source: How to Update BetaFPV ArtLynk Firmware on VR04 HD Goggles and P1 Air Unit – Oscar Liang