Flysky FS-i4 AFHDS 2A 2.4GHz 4CH Radio System Instruction Manual

1. Introduction

The Flysky FS-i4 AFHDS 2A 2.4GHz 4CH Radio System is a digital proportional radio control system designed for various RC models, including helicopters, gliders, airplanes, drones, cars, and boats. This system utilizes Flysky's Automatic Frequency Hopping Digital System Second Generation (AFHDS 2A) technology, providing reliable, interference-free operation with low power consumption and high receiver sensitivity. This manual provides detailed instructions for the setup, operation, and maintenance of your FS-i4 transmitter and FS-A6 receiver.

Image 1.1: The Flysky FS-i4 transmitter and FS-A6 receiver, forming a 4-channel 2.4GHz AFHDS 2A digital proportional computerized R/C system.

2. What's in the Box

Upon opening your product packaging, please verify that all the following components are included:

• Flysky FS-i4 RC Transmitter
• Flysky FS-A6 Receiver
• Bind Plug

Image 2.1: The FS-i4 transmitter, FS-A6 receiver, and bind plug as typically included in the product package.

3. Product Overview

3.1 FS-i4 Transmitter Components

Image 3.1: Diagram illustrating the key components of the FS-i4 transmitter, including gimbals, trims, switches, antenna, handle, PS/2 port, battery compartment, bind key, and power switch.

The FS-i4 transmitter features intuitive controls and indicators:

• Antenna: Transmits the radio signal.
• Handle: For comfortable grip and carrying.
• Left Gimbal: Controls throttle and rudder (Mode 2).
• Right Gimbal: Controls aileron and elevator (Mode 2).
• Trim Levers: Fine-tune control surface neutral positions (V-Mix, Rud, Thr, Ele, Ail).
• Reverse Switches: Reverse servo direction for specific channels.
• Power Switch: Turns the transmitter on/off.
• Bind Key: Used for pairing the transmitter with the receiver.
• PS/2 Port: For simulator connection or firmware updates.
• Battery Compartment: Houses the AA batteries.

3.2 FS-A6 Receiver Overview

Image 3.2: Diagram showing the FS-A6 receiver's antenna, battery port (BAT), and channels (CH1-CH6), along with a typical connection setup for rudder, throttle, elevators, and ailerons.

The FS-A6 receiver is a 6-channel receiver compatible with the FS-i4 transmitter. It features a single antenna for signal reception and multiple ports for connecting servos and power.

4. Key Features

The Flysky FS-i4 radio system offers several advanced features for reliable and efficient control:

Image 4.1: Visual representation of the key features of the Flysky FS-i4 RC Transmitter.

• Bidirectional Communication: Capable of sending and receiving data, allowing for potential telemetry feedback (though the FS-i4 is a basic model, this is a system capability).
• Multi-channel Hopping Frequency: The system operates within a bandwidth range of 2.4055GHz to 2.475GHz, divided into 140 channels. Each transmitter hops across 16 channels (32 for Japanese and Korean versions) to minimize interference.
• Omni-directional Gain Antenna: Features a high-efficiency omni-directional antenna that reduces interference, conserves power, and maintains a strong, reliable connection.
• Unique ID Recognition System: Each transmitter and receiver pair has a unique ID. Once paired, they communicate exclusively with each other, preventing interference from other systems.
• Low Power Consumption: Built with highly sensitive, low-power consumption components, the system maintains high receiver sensitivity while consuming significantly less power than standard FM systems, extending battery life.

5. Setup

5.1 Transmitter Battery Installation

The FS-i4 transmitter requires 4 AA batteries for operation.

1. Open the battery compartment cover on the back of the transmitter.
2. Insert 4 AA batteries, ensuring correct polarity (+/-) as indicated inside the compartment.
3. Close the battery compartment cover securely.

Image 5.1: View of the battery compartment on the back of the FS-i4 transmitter, showing where to insert 4 AA batteries.

5.2 Receiver Connection

Connect the FS-A6 receiver to your RC model's components (servos, ESC) as follows:

1. Identify the appropriate channels on the receiver for your model's components (e.g., CH1 for Aileron, CH2 for Elevator, CH3 for Throttle, CH4 for Rudder).
2. Connect the servo leads or ESC leads to the corresponding channels on the FS-A6 receiver. Ensure correct polarity (signal, positive, negative).
3. Connect the receiver to a power source (e.g., BEC from ESC or a dedicated receiver battery) via the BAT port or any available channel port.

6. Binding Procedure

Binding is the process of pairing the transmitter with the receiver so they can communicate exclusively. This procedure needs to be performed only once per transmitter/receiver pair.

1. Ensure the transmitter is turned OFF.
2. Insert the bind plug into the 'BIND' port on the FS-A6 receiver.
3. Power on the receiver. The receiver's LED should start flashing rapidly, indicating it is in binding mode.
4. While holding down the 'BIND KEY' button on the FS-i4 transmitter, turn on the transmitter.
5. Continue holding the 'BIND KEY' until the receiver's LED stops flashing and remains solid, indicating successful binding.
6. Release the 'BIND KEY' on the transmitter.
7. Turn off both the transmitter and the receiver.
8. Remove the bind plug from the receiver.
9. Turn on the transmitter first, then power on the receiver. The receiver's LED should illuminate solid, confirming a successful connection.

Note: Always turn on the transmitter before the receiver and turn off the receiver before the transmitter to prevent unintended model operation.

7. Operating Instructions

Once the transmitter and receiver are bound, you can operate your RC model. The FS-i4 is a 4-channel system, typically controlling the following functions:

• Channel 1 (Aileron): Controls roll (left/right tilt).
• Channel 2 (Elevator): Controls pitch (nose up/down).
• Channel 3 (Throttle): Controls engine/motor speed.
• Channel 4 (Rudder): Controls yaw (nose left/right).

7.1 Trim Adjustments

Use the trim levers located around the gimbals to make small adjustments to the neutral position of your control surfaces. This helps the model fly straight without constant stick input.

• Move the trim lever in the opposite direction of the unwanted movement. For example, if the model drifts left, apply right aileron trim.

7.2 Servo Reversing

If a control surface moves in the wrong direction relative to stick input, use the servo reverse switches on the transmitter's front panel. Flip the switch for the corresponding channel to reverse its direction.

8. Maintenance

Proper maintenance ensures the longevity and reliable performance of your radio system.

• Cleaning: Use a soft, dry cloth to clean the transmitter and receiver. Avoid using solvents or abrasive cleaners.
• Battery Care: Remove batteries from the transmitter if it will not be used for an extended period to prevent leakage.
• Storage: Store the radio system in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.
• Physical Inspection: Regularly check for any visible damage to the antenna, gimbals, switches, and wiring.

9. Troubleshooting

Here are some common issues and their potential solutions:

10. Specifications

Detailed technical specifications for the Flysky FS-i4 Transmitter and FS-A6 Receiver:

Image 10.1: Diagram illustrating the dimensions of the FS-i4 transmitter and FS-A6 receiver in both centimeters and inches.

11. Safety Guidelines

Always adhere to the following safety guidelines when operating your RC equipment:

• Operate RC models in open areas, away from people, animals, and property.
• Never operate your RC model near power lines, roads, or bodies of water.
• Ensure all batteries are fully charged before operation.
• Always turn on the transmitter before connecting the receiver battery, and disconnect the receiver battery before turning off the transmitter.
• Regularly inspect your model and radio system for any damage or loose connections.
• If you are new to RC, seek guidance from experienced hobbyists or join a local RC club.