iFlight Commando 8 User Manual

I. Introduction

The iFlight Commando 8 remote control supports EdgeTX firmware. It features Digital Hall Sensor Gimbals for maximum accuracy and minimum jitter. The built-in ELRS (ExpressLRS) 2400MHz RF module offers OpenSource software development, a strong community, superior signal reception, and extended range, even in challenging terrain with high noise resistance. It is LongRange capable with 2400MHz.

This remote control is compatible with various receivers when purchased with the Multi-protocol and ELRS RF module. It supports D8, D16, S-FHSS, and ELRS protocols. The device is compact, has a long battery life, a foldable single- or dual-band antenna, and removable stick ends.

Control Layout:

• 2 Position Switch
• 3 Position Switch
• Status Indicator LED
• Monitor
• Neck Strap Loop
• Hall Sensor Gimbals
• Battery Status LED
• 5-Axis Menu Button (x2)
• Power Button
• Cooling Fan
• SD Slot
• Type-C port

II. Power On/Off

1. Short Press the Power Button for the LED battery status indicator.
2. Short Press, then press and hold for 3 seconds to power ON or OFF.

[Image of the Commando 8 controller with Power Button labeled]

III. Battery Level Indicator

Battery Status LED:

• 100%-80% power: 4 LEDs
• 80%-60% power: 3 LEDs
• 60%-40% power: 2 LEDs
• 40%-20% power: 1 LED
• 20%-5% power: 1 LED and flashing
• Below 5% power: 1 LED and flashing with continuous beeping

Note: No light and continuous haptic feedback will force automatic shutdown after 2 minutes if the battery is lower than 2.8V.

[Image of the Commando 8 controller with Battery Status LED labeled]

IV. Charging Instructions

It is recommended to use a USB charger of 20W or above that supports PD, Huawei FCP, Samsung AFC, MTK PE+1.1/2.0 fast charge, and complies with FCC/CE standards. The Commando 8 has a built-in Li-ion battery and Type-C fast charging. The nominal battery voltage is 3.6V, and the maximum voltage is 4.2V. Do not charge damaged or faulty cells, and do not charge unattended. Charge in a safe area away from flammable materials.

The user is responsible for all consequences caused by wrong use or abuse of this product.

[Diagram showing AC Power Supply (100-240V) -> USB Charger -> USB Cable -> Remote Control Charging Port]

V. Antenna Adjustment

Antenna Positions:

• Folded (storage only)
• Horizontal
• Vertical

[Images showing the antenna in folded, horizontal, and vertical positions]

Maintaining Optimal Positioning

When operating a craft, ensure you are always in Line of Sight (LOS) with the antenna facing towards your model.

Antenna Signal Radiation:

Horizontal Antenna Signal Radiation: The black arrow indicates strong reception, gray arrow indicates weak reception. Optimal directions are front, up, and down. Left, right, and behind may result in weaker signals.

Vertical Antenna Signal Radiation: Similar to horizontal, but the optimal directions shift. Use a vertical position if moving the aircraft from left to right.

[Diagrams illustrating horizontal and vertical antenna signal radiation patterns]

VI. Binding Instructions

C2500 Multi-Protocol Module

Example: Using the iFlight R81 receiver, Frsky ACCST D8 protocol.

1. Power on the R81 receiver. The receiver LED is off. Press the Bind button for 1 second; the LED turns red. The receiver is now in Bind mode.
2. Power on the radio. Hold the left menu button to enter the MODELSEL page.
3. Push the right menu button to go to the next page: SETUP (2/12).
4. Scroll down to Internal RF, turn on MULTI mode, select Frsky D8 mode, and move to BND for the next step.
5. Select Ch1-8 Telem ON (default) or your preference. Short press the right menu button to confirm Bind mode.
6. The receiver and Remote Control should automatically discover each other. If not successful, try again.

[Screenshots illustrating the binding process on the radio's display]

ELRS Binding and Firmware Update

Methods: Custom Binding Phrase and Traditional.

1. Binding with Custom Binding Phrase:

When flashing the latest ELRS firmware for Receiver and Transmitter, set a unique custom binding phrase to automatically bind your hardware. Avoid overly simple phrases to prevent linking with other pilots' devices.

[Screenshot of the ELRS configurator showing binding phrase setup]

For more information, refer to the ELRS quick start tutorial on the official website.

2. Traditional Binding Procedure

Example: iFlight ELRS 900MHz receiver

1. Power on the radio and hold the left menu button to enter the MODELSEL page.
2. Push the right menu button to go to the next page: SETUP (2/12).
3. Scroll down to External RF and select CRSF/ELRS.
4. Select the ExpressLRS LUA script (latest version installed). Press the right 5-Axis Button to enter.
5. Scroll down to Bind, press the right 5-Axis button to enter. BIND mode active.
6. The binding screen appears. The blue LED on the receiver will turn solid blue. Bind successful.

[Screenshots illustrating the traditional binding process]

Caution:

• Be quick and set the receiver in binding mode first.
• After binding, re-power the receiver and transmitter.
• Maintain a distance of over 1 meter between receiver and transmitter during the process.
• Ensure the receiver firmware version is consistent with the transmitter firmware version. Update if necessary.
• If binding fails, try rebooting multiple times.

VII. USB Functionality

1. Wired Simulator Mode

1. Power on the radio.
2. Connect the Type-C cable to the remote control and your computer.
3. The selection screen appears; USB mode is active.
4. Select USB Joystick (HID) for Simulator mode.
5. Unplug the Type-C cable to exit Simulator mode.

[Image of the Commando 8 controller with Power Button labeled and a screen showing 'Select mode: USB Joystick (HID)']

2. SD-Card Mode

1. Power on the radio.
2. Connect the Type-C cable to the remote control and your computer.
3. The selection screen appears; USB mode is active.
4. Select USB Storage (SD) for Storage mode.
5. Unplug the Type-C cable to exit Simulator mode.

[Image of the Commando 8 controller with Power Button labeled and a screen showing 'Select mode: USB Storage (SD)']

3. BOOT Menu and DFU Mode

Boot menu: Disconnect the USB cable. Hold down the Boot button, then push and hold the Power button. Firmware can be flashed from the SD card via the menu.

DFU mode: Connect the USB cable to your computer and radio. Hold down the Boot button, then push and hold the Power button. The screen stays dark, and LEDs run from left to right. Firmware can be flashed via your computer.

VIII. Gimbal Mode and Calibration

1. Example: Mode1 to Mode2 Throttle

• Loosen the centering screw on the left gimbal until the stick centers itself.
• Adjust the left gimbal resistance screw to your preference.
• Tighten the right gimbal centering screw to lock self-centering.
• Adjust the right gimbal resistance screw to your preference.
• Press and hold the left 5-Axis button (SYS) to enter the menu. Use the right 5-Axis button and push right (next Page) to RADIO SETUP and switch to MODE1.

[Diagram showing resistance screw and centering switch screws]

2. Default Mode: The default MODE for the Commando 8 is MODE2 (Left Stick Throttle).

3. Calibration: Press and hold the left 5-Axis button (SYS) to enter the menu. Use the right 5-Axis button and push right (next Page) to CALIBRATION. Start to calibrate your sticks.

• Step 1: Calibration [ENTER] TO START
• Step 2: Set Sticks Midpoint [ENTER] WHEN DONE - Set the gimbal sticks to the midpoint and press the right button (Enter).
• Step 3: Move Sticks to furthest positions - Gently move the sticks to their furthest positions several times and press the right button (Enter) when finished.

[Screenshots showing the calibration steps on the display]

IX. First Boot Prompt

Before entering the main interface after powering on, the system performs a self-check. If an error occurs, follow the on-screen message or press any button to skip.

• THROTTLE WARNING: Throttle not idle. Move the throttle stick all the way down.
• SWITCH WARNING: One or several switches are not at the default position.
• SD CARD WARNING: The version of your SD-card files does not match your firmware version.

[Screenshots of the warning messages: THROTTLE WARNING, SWITCH WARNING, SD CARD WARNING]

Main Interface: Use the right 5-Axis button (PAGE) left or right to switch between different screen contents.

[Screenshot of the main interface showing model information]

X. Model Setup and Selection

After booting, push the right 5-Axis button (MENU) to enter the system menu. The first page is MODELSEL.

To Create a Model: Move to a free entry, press and hold the right 5-Axis button (Enter). To create the model, press Enter again.

To Use an Existing Model: Move to a set-up model, press and hold the right 5-Axis button (Enter). Press Enter again at Select model.

The iFlight Commando 8 Radio Transmitter comes with a pre-installed factory setup, ready for use after binding. Creating a new model requires setting correct parameters. Using the iFlight factory setup is recommended.

[Screenshots showing MODELSEL pages for creating and selecting models]

XI. Product Specifications

Warning: The Commando 8 is pre-installed with stable firmware. Incorrect updates may render the radio inoperable. For firmware updates, refer to the usage video.

WIFI Upgrade

Procedure:

1. Hold down System Settings to go to the TOOLS screen.
2. Move the cursor to the ExpressLRS option and hold down Enter to proceed.
3. Select WiFi Connectivity from the Lua script, then select Enable WiFi.
4. Press OK again to activate WiFi on the Tx module.
5. Connect to the WiFi access point created by the module (Name: ExpressLRS TXModule, Password: expresslrs).

[Screenshots showing TOOLS screen, WiFi setup in Lua script, and ELRS configurator for WiFi upgrade]

When at the ExpressLRS ground station, select the corresponding setting option, change the brush method to WIFI, select the serial port, click Create, and brush to complete. Refer to the ExpressLRS website's Quick Start tutorial or the iFlight Light Release Account video tutorial for details.

FCC Statement

This equipment complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

RF Exposure Information: The device has been evaluated to meet general RF exposure requirements and can be used in portable exposure conditions without restriction.