01 / Two readings answer different questions
LQ/LQI is the proportion of successfully received packets; RSSI dBm is received signal strength. Neither replaces the other. A 100% LQ reading indicates good packet reception in the current window, not remaining flight distance.
Editorial advice: watch trends rather than one screenshot. Persistent link-quality deterioration calls for ending outward flight and following your flight safety procedure—not using extra power as proof that the link is healthy.
02 / Match sensitivity to the packet rate
The official Lua guide identifies the dBm figure beside Packet Rate as the sensitivity limit for that mode. Rates and frequency bands have different limits; do not copy an alarm value from another aircraft.
The illustrated 500Hz (-105dBm) is an official example only. Check your firmware, band and actual mode display before configuring anything. This figure is neither a range guarantee nor a target to fly down to.
03 / RSSI percentage is not automatically LQ
Distinguish Link Quality and RSSI dBm fields. The older RSSI Value percentage is not a universal signal scale: official documentation explains that its meaning changes with settings such as RSSI Channel.
In the image, 4:100% combines an RF mode index with LQ; -86dBm is a separate signal-strength reading. These are official screenshot values, not our flight log or recommended readings for your hardware.
04 / Recheck after changing modes
Editorial checklist: record the band and Packet Rate; read its sensitivity limit; identify the OSD fields; save existing alarms and settings; verify control and failsafe procedures with propellers removed.
The official guide warns against changing Packet Rate in flight because it forces a transmitter–receiver disconnect. Make changes while stopped and disarmed. Check alarm thresholds and operating range against your actual equipment and environment.
Sources & verification date
Checked 2026-10-14. This is a documentation-based tutorial, not firmware release news. Images are real screen photographs/OSD captures from official ExpressLRS documentation, used under its GPL-3.0 website license. They are examples, not recommended settings for current hardware. No flight or range test was performed.