FlySky FS-i6 Setup
Transmitter; receiver for rc racing yachts
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Also See for FS-i6:
- Instruction manual (37 pages) ,
- Programming (16 pages) ,
- Programming instruction (14 pages)
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FlySky FS-i6/FS-i6X Transmitter (Tx) and FS-iA6B Receiver (Rx) for
Background
These notes are written to help the beginner set-up the FlySky Tx/Rx system to operate with the
DF65 and 95. There are also a few tips in an appendix that have nothing to do with the FlySky
system but may provide some useful background.
Any feedback would be much appreciated.
The FlySky FS-i6 system operates under the Digital Proportional Protocol using an Automatic
Frequency Hopping Digital System. It is a pulse digital system on carrier frequencies unique to a
particular transmitter. You don't need to know how that works. The manufacturer claims there is
no risk of interference from another transmitter.
.
Why I Bought the FlySky TX/Rx System
1. It appears to be used by most of the fast sailors!
2. In Australia, the marginal cost is around $20 compared to the Joysway model for many
more useful features. (The cost of FS-i6 system less cost saving on buying the kit without
Tx and Rx). At current Hobby Warehouse prices this represents an extra cost of ($76 -
($237-$179)).
3.
Minimal risk of interference from other sources.
4.
Using its built-in telemetry capability, the condition of both batteries is displayed on Tx
monitor. Visual and audible alarms for Rx battery can be set.
5. Expo (exponential) and or proportional control can be used on rudder and winch
movements.
6. The same Tx can be used with several Rx.
Compatibility
The FlySky Tx will only operate with a FlySky Rx of which there are several types. The Turnigy
and Park Fly products appear to be FlySky re-badged?
FlySky Product Range
The DFs require only a two channel Tx to control rudder and sail winch. The FS-i6 is a 6 channel
controller and the FS-i6X provides 10 channels. There are two Rx types - the iA6A is a lightweight
receiver generally not suitable for a marine environment with an exposed circuit board, while the
"B" version has a more protected hard plastic case.
The supplied Rx from HWH is the FS-iA6B with 7 ports and for neatness the three cables (battery
switch, rudder and sail winch) plug-in horizontally from the end with the black/brown cable on the
bottom. A FS-iA6 Rx is available and has the same functionality but the seven ports are arranged
vertically with exposed pins. Depends how you want to arrange cabling.
Instruction Manual
A 32-page Instruction Manual is available from the web. Search "FlySky FS-i6 manual". These
notes should be read alongside the manual which is incomplete; while some functionality is not
explained. I have given my interpretation but this may be inaccurate and if I err please let me
know.
There are several of videos about the FlySky system used with RC yachts available on YouTube.
Most others relate to control of model aircraft. Search on "FS-i6/RC yachts".
Version 2
Set-up of
RC Racing Yachts
(David Flakelar - Sydney)
1
1 July 2021
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Related Manuals for FlySky FS-i6
Summary of Contents for FlySky FS-i6
- Page 1 FlySky Product Range The DFs require only a two channel Tx to control rudder and sail winch. The FS-i6 is a 6 channel controller and the FS-i6X provides 10 channels. There are two Rx types - the iA6A is a lightweight receiver generally not suitable for a marine environment with an exposed circuit board, while the “B”...
- Page 2 FlySky Operational Range The operational range of the FS-i6 is dependant on the condition of batteries and the orientation of both Rx antenna and how the Tx is held. The Rx may have one or two antennae. The latter should be mounted at a right angles to each other on the underside of the deck or as high as possible above the tray.
- Page 3 Switch off both devices. Remove the binding key tool. Swap the Rx battery lead back into Rx B/VCC port Switch on both devices in the correct sequence. Red LED will be steady. FS-iA6B Receiver Connections ◄ Battery Switch Cable: (Red & Black. Black lead B/VCC down) Ch 6...
- Page 4 CANCEL Exit progressively to main display at any time by Short Selecting Model The example below shows the steps required to assign your DF65 A+ rig to Model 10 in FS-i6 system Action Result on Screen Power up Tx...
- Page 5 Action Result on Screen MENU Exit to upper level with short CANCEL Model select and select “Type select” DF65 A+ Type select MENU Short OK to select Type of Aircraft Model select Model name Type select Use UP/DOWN buttons to select Airplane or Glider Type select Short OK to select Airplane...
- Page 6 High: If LiFe battery is used, set to 6.6v. The Rx battery charge status will be reflected in the number of bars shown in the battery icon. This is a quick reference guide to the battery condition. The actual Rx voltage will also be shown digitally in the pane below. Alarm: Set this to a voltage at which you would like to initiate an audible low battery voltage alarm, say 5.2v.
- Page 7 easing both booms well beyond their normal settings or haul them in. This can be done by manual winch control or using Sw A to invoke Sports mode. See later explanation. Rudder Mid-Point Trim and Weather Helm It is ideal for the DFs to sail to windward perfectly balanced (i.e. no rudder adjustment necessary). If one tack has a marked tendency to round-up on the other tack, it may be due to asymmetrical sheet settings and this should be checked, particularly the position of main sheet bridle on both tacks.
- Page 8 Rudder Sports mode. At Position 1, I have used 8%, Position 2 25% Back Up of Settings When using FlySky it is very easy to initiate system changes that don't work and to then forget System setup/Model what has been changed. It is possible to either reset model settings using...
- Page 9 The Dual Rate features of the FlySky system have been described to highlight the available functionality. It does not follow they should be used. Moreover, some of the suggested settings are nothing more than that. Personal preference and experience are the best guide. I’d like to draw on that experience and over time I’m sure the best techniques and settings will evolve.
- Page 10 Weather Helm These musings are meant to provide some background to the set-up of the DF65 winch and rudder using the FlySky system. When racing, ideally, in steady-state conditions, we want the boat to track in a straight line particularly to windward with nil or only slight weather helm. If there is too much the boat will round-up and go into irons.
- Page 11 The other means of countering the effect of a gust is to ease the sheets for the duration of the gust and a way of doing this is by a Throttle curve set-up using Switch B – Winch Control. It is acknowledged that the sheets can be eased manually at any time.