RadioLink RC8X Quick Start Guide
(FHSS, 8-Channel Digital Proportional RC System) Adaptable to RC Cars/Boats/Robots
Certifications: CE, FCC, RoHS
For detailed information, refer to the user manual at www.radiolink.com/rc8x_manual and firmware updates at www.radiolink.com/rc8x_firmware.
Safety Precautions ⚠️
- Never operate your model during adverse weather conditions. Poor visibility can cause disorientation and loss of control.
- Never use this product in a crowded and illegal area.
- This product is not a toy and is NOT suitable for children under the age of 14. Adults should keep the product out of the reach of children and exercise caution when operating this product in the presence of children.
- The operating voltage of RC8X is from 7.0V to 17V. Ensure the battery voltage meets the requirement. 8 pieces AAA batteries, a 2S-4S LiPo battery, or a 6S Ni-MH battery are permitted.
- Never charge the RC8X with the USB port. The Type-C port is used for firmware updates, data copying, powering the 5.8G image transmission module, and temporary power supply to RC8X. It cannot be used to charge the RC8X battery.
- Always turn off the receiver before the transmitter.
- Ensure the throttle trigger and trim are set to the neutral position before turning on the transmitter. Check the throttle travel value to confirm it is neutral, then power on the receiver.
- Before running, check if functions move servos to the preset position. Push the throttle trigger and turn the steering wheel to verify motor and servo movement. If unusual behavior occurs, do not operate the model. Also, ensure the model used matches the transmitter's model. Transmitter issues and improper installation can lead to loss of control.
- Never unplug or plug the Micro SD card when the transmitter is on, especially during data reading, as it can damage the SD card or cause data loss.
The above safety warnings must be strictly implemented. RadioLink will not be responsible for any loss caused by not following these safety warnings.
Packing List ?
Transmitter & Receivers:
- RC8X Transmitter ×1
- R8FG Receiver ×1
- R4FGM Receiver ×1 (Installed in RC8X)
- 32G SD Card ×1
- Lanyard ×1
Accessories:
- EXT Connect Cable ×1
- Type-C Cable ×1
- Hex Wrench ×2
- Spare Trigger ×1
- Screen Protector ×1
Additional Items:
- Quick Start Guide ×1
- Packing Box for Accessories ×1
- Carrying Bag ×1
Specifications
RC8X Transmitter
Dimension | L*W*H: 121*163*209mm (4.76"*6.42"*8.23") |
---|---|
Weight | 438.5g (15.47oz) |
Antenna Length | Built-in Antenna |
Dimension of Battery Case | L*W*H =92*52*14.5mm (3.62"*2.05"*0.57") |
Applicable Model Types | Car (Including Crawlers/Tanks/Caterpillars etc.)/Boat/Robot |
Channels | 8 channels |
Screen | 4.3 inches, 800*480 full-color, backlight IPS touch screen |
Ground Control Distance | 600 meters (1968.5ft) (Maximum range tested in unobstructed areas free of interference) |
Operating Current | 250mA±10mA@8.4V (IPS screen light on); 190mA±10mA@8.4V (IPS screen light off) |
Operating Voltage | 7~17V DC (8x AAA batteries, 2S-4S LiPo battery, or 6S Ni-MH battery) |
Type-C Port Voltage & Current | Output Voltage: 5V (RC8X can be powered by computer or mobile power bank via Type-C cable); Output Current: Max 500mA |
DSC Port Voltage & Current | Input Voltage: 4.6V-5.0V; Input Current: Max 1A; Input Voltage: 0-5V; Output Voltage: 0-3.3V |
Frequencies Band | 2.4GHz ISM band (2400MHz-2483.5MHz) |
Modulation Mode | GFSK |
Transmission Power | <20dbm |
Spread Spectrum Mode | FHSS, 67 channels pseudo random frequency hopping |
Channel Resolution | 4096 with regular jitter of 0.5us |
Response Latency | 3ms, 4ms, 14ms can be selected |
Alarm | Low transmitter voltage, low receiver voltage, low model battery voltage, or low RSSI alarm can be customized |
Model Memory | 200 groups of model storage |
ID Seed | 16 groups |
Compatible Receiver | R8FG(Standard)/R8F/R8EF/R7FG/R6FG/R6F/R4FGM/R4F |
Voice Broadcast | Support |
CRSF Protocol | Support |
FPV Head Track | Support |
R8FG Receiver
Dimension | L*W*H =35*24*13.5mm (1.38"*0.94"*0.53") |
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Weight | 10.5g (0.37oz) |
Channel | 8 channels |
Antenna Length | 205mm (8.07") |
Control Distance | Ground 600 meters (1968.5ft) (Maximum range tested in unobstructed areas free of interference) |
Operating Current | 35mA (5V) |
Operating Voltage | 3-12V |
Signal Output | SBUS&PWM |
Telemetry | Real-time built-in telemetry of model battery voltage, RSSI, and receiver voltage |
Gyro | Receiver with gyro integrated, customizable gyro sensitivity |
Water Splash Proof | IPX4 |
Response Latency | 3ms, 4ms, 14ms can be selected (If selecting 3ms or 4ms digital servo speed, ensure it is R8FG V2.1, or R8FG receiver with factory date of 2023/4/26 and later) |
Compatible Transmitter | RC8X/RC6GS V3/RC4GS V3/RC6GS V2/RC4GS V2/RC6GS (3-position switch version)/RC4GS (version with P.D AFTER 180101) /T8FB(BT)/T8FB(OTG)/T8S(BT)/T8S(OTG) |
R4FGM Receiver
Dimension | 25*13mm (0.98"*0.51") |
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Weight | 3g (0.11oz) |
Channel | 4 channels |
Antenna Length | 90mm (3.54") |
Control Distance | 400 meters on the ground |
Operating Current | 30mA@5V |
Operating Voltage | 3-6V |
Signal Output | PWM |
Gyro | Receiver with gyro integrated, customizable gyro sensitivity |
Response Latency | 3ms, 4ms, 14ms can be selected (If selecting 3ms or 4ms digital servo speed, ensure it is R4FGM V2.1, or R4FGM receiver with factory date of 2023/4/26 and later) |
Compatible Transmitter | RC8X/RC6GS V3/RC4GS V3/RC6GS V2/RC4GSV2/RC6GS/ RC4GS/T8FB(BT)/T8S(BT)/T8FB(OTG)/T8S(OTG) |
RC8X Overview ?️
The RC8X transmitter features the following components:
- SD card slot
- Built-in antenna
- Socket head cap screw (2.0mm)
- DSC port for simulator/FPV head track (3.5mm)
- USB Type-C port (for firmware update, data copy, power supply for image transmission module, and temporary power supply to RC8X)
- Earphone jack (3.5mm)
- Throttle trigger
- IPS Touch screen
- Steering wheel
- Power switch/Quick back to homepage
- PS5 Push switch 5
- PS2 Push switch 2
- Grip handle
- Grip handle + TPU grip handle
- Battery tray
- PS4 Push switch 4
Note on USB Type-C Port: This port can be used for firmware updates, data copying, powering the image transmission module, and temporary power supply to the RC8X. You can connect a computer or mobile power bank for 5V power. Important: When using the USB Type-C port for power, remove the internal battery to avoid over-discharging. The maximum input voltage via Type-C is 5V.
Basic Functions
The RC8X offers a wide range of functions accessible through its menus:
System Menu
- Language
- Theme setting
- Backlight
- Sound
- Battery
- Vibration setting
- LED setting
- HOME button setting
- External input output
- Calibration
- Information
Basic Menu
- Channel reverse
- End point (EPA)
- Sub trim
- Channel setting
- Channel limiter
- Trim/Dial select
- Switch select
- Double ratio
- Fail-safe
- Receiver setting
- Receiver signal
Telemetry Setting
- Transmitter voltage
- Receiver voltage
- Engine battery voltage
- Telemetry broadcast
Racing Menu
- Steering delay
- Throttle delay
- Cruise control
- Idle up
- Trigger setting (Trigger)
- Traction control
- A.B.S
- Motor Start
- Engine cut
Mixing Setting
- Steering mixing
- Brake mixing
- Gyro mixing
- 4WS mixing
- Dual ESC mixing
- CPS mixing
- Tank mixing
- Programmable mixing
- Tilt mixing
- Screenshot setting
Tools Menu
- Timer
- Roll out chart
- Gear ratio chart
Model Select Menu
- Model select
- Copy model
- Paste model
- Rename
- Reset
- Delete model
SD Card Folder
- SD Card Folder
Transmitter Low Voltage Alarm ?
The transmitter low voltage alarm is set to 6.8V by default. If the transmitter battery voltage drops below this, an audible alarm ("transmitter voltage low") will sound. Change the battery promptly. This alarm can be adjusted in the Battery menu according to your specific battery type.
For example, using a single cell voltage of 3.7V:
- 2S LiPo battery: Set alarm to 7.4V (3.7V * 2)
- 3S LiPo battery: Set alarm to 11.1V (3.7V * 3)
- 4S LiPo battery: Set alarm to 14.8V (3.7V * 4)
Setting Steps: Power on RC8X, navigate to System menu -> Battery, and adjust the alarm voltage.
R8FG Introduction ?
The RC8X includes the R8FG, an 8-channel, splash-proof receiver with integrated gyro and high-voltage servo support. The gyro function is disabled (Green LED) by default. Refer to the Gyro Function section for activation methods.
Binding ?
The RC8X and R8FG are pre-bound by default. When both are powered on, a signal tower icon will appear on the transmitter screen, indicating successful binding. Each receiver has a unique ID code stored in the transmitter, so re-binding is usually not necessary.
Binding Steps (if re-binding is required):
- Place the transmitter and receiver close to each other (approx. 60 cm / 2 feet).
- Turn on both the transmitter and receiver. The R8FG LED will flash slowly.
- Press and hold the black binding button (ID SET) on the receiver for over 1 second, then release. The LED will flash quickly, indicating the binding process is active.
- When the LED stops flashing and remains solid, binding is complete. A signal tower icon will appear on the transmitter screen. If binding fails, the LED will continue to flash slowly; repeat the steps.
Note: Close proximity between transmitter and receiver can cause signal blockage, leading to unsuccessful binding or signal loss. After successful binding, maintaining a distance of at least 60 cm (2 feet) is recommended to prevent signal loss due to proximity.
Receiver Setting
Receiver Selection (Protocol Selection)
If using a receiver other than the standard R8FG (e.g., R7FG, R6FG), select the appropriate protocol ("FHSS V1" or "FHSS V2") in the RC8X's "Basic Menu" -> "Receiver setting" before binding.
- FHSS V1 receivers: PWM output resolution of 2048.
- FHSS V2 receivers: PWM output resolution of 4096 (higher resolution for more delicate servo motion).
Click "Receivers List" to verify compatibility. Selecting the wrong protocol may result in unsuccessful binding (e.g., R7FG requires FHSS V1).
Servo Speed Setting
- Transmitter: Requires RC8X firmware V1.1.5 or above. Select FHSS V2 protocol to enable servo speed options (14ms, 4ms, 3ms). Default is 14ms (analog), 4ms/3ms (digital).
- Receiver: For digital servos, choose 4ms or 3ms. Confirm receiver compatibility (e.g., R8FG V2.1, R4FGM V2.1, R8FG/R4FGM with factory date 2023/4/26 or later). Older versions default to 14ms.
Status Indication: A successful servo speed switch is indicated by the receiver's green LED flashing twice. No flash means the switch was unsuccessful or the receiver doesn't support digital servos.
Attention:
- R8FG V1.0 (pre-Feb 6, 2023) supports FHSS V1 only. R8FG V2.0+ (Feb 6, 2023+) supports FHSS V2.
- R4FGM V1.0 supports FHSS V1. R4FGM V2.0+ supports FHSS V2.
- Ensure the correct receiver protocol is selected for proper function.
- Compatible receiver lists are updated; check the RadioLink official website for the latest information.
Receiver Connection ?
Receiver connection wires typically consist of signal (light-colored wire), 5V power (middle wire), and ground (dark-colored wire). Common wire colors are white/red/black or yellow/red/brown.
Note: RadioLink receivers have anti-polarity protection. While the receiver won't be damaged by reversed battery polarity, connecting a servo with reversed polarity can damage the servo.
Connection of Servo, ESC, and Receiver
R8FG Receiver Connection: Connect servo and ESC to the receiver's channels. The diagram shows a servo and ESC connected to the R8FG receiver.
R4FGM Receiver Connection: Similarly, connect servo and ESC to the R4FGM receiver. The diagram shows a servo and ESC connected to the R4FGM receiver.
Telemetry of Model and Receiver Battery Voltage ?
The R8FG receiver supports telemetry for model battery voltage, receiver voltage, and RSSI. To display model voltage, connect the telemetry wire to the ESC (Electronic Speed Control) and battery. The R8FG supports telemetry for batteries up to 8S (33.6V). Connect the male end of the telemetry wire to the ESC, the female end to the battery, and the JST connector to the R8FG's Telemetry (+-) port. Once connected, the model voltage will appear on the transmitter's home page.
Attention:
- The R8FG's reverse polarity protection circuit protects vital components, but the JST connector for battery connection does not have reverse polarity protection. Incorrect connection may lead to wrong voltage telemetry.
- The telemetry port is solely for model voltage telemetry and cannot power the receiver.
Low Model Voltage Alarm Setting
The low model battery voltage alarm defaults to 6.6V. If the model battery voltage drops below this, the transmitter will sound "low engine battery voltage". Replace the battery promptly. This alarm value can be set in the Telemetry setting -> Battery menu. A common setting is based on single cell voltage (e.g., 3.7V). For a 3S lithium battery, set the warning value to 11.1V (3.7V * 3).
Working Modes of R8FG ⚙️
The R8FG receiver features a built-in gyroscope and can output PWM or SBUS signals. It supports four working modes:
- Ordinary PWM mode
- SBUS mode
- Gyro mode
- Gyro + SBUS mode
The channel signal corresponding to each mode is detailed in the table below.
R8FG Working Modes Table
Working Mode | Channel Signal | Note | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
PWM Mode | SBUS Mode | Gyro mode | Gyro+SBUS Mode | ||
Telemetry | Telemetry Port of Model Battery Voltage (+ -) | TELEMETRY port is only for 2S-8S battery voltage telemetry. The port cannot be used to power the receiver. | |||
Channel 1 | PWM | PWM | PWM | PWM | Steering |
Channel 2 | PWM | PWM | PWM | PWM | Throttle |
Channel 3 | PWM | PWM | PWM | PWM | Aux |
Channel 4 | PWM | PWM | PWM | PWM | Aux |
Channel 5 | PWM | PWM | PWM | PWM | Aux |
Channel 6 | PWM | PWM | PWM | PWM | Aux |
Channel 7 | PWM | PWM | PWM | PWM | Aux |
8/S.BUS | PWM | S.BUS | PWM | S.BUS | Aux |
Working Mode Setting
- Turn on/off the gyro: Short press the binding button 3 times within 2 seconds to switch the gyro on and off. The LED indicator color will change accordingly.
- Gyro phase switch: Short press the binding button twice within 2 seconds to switch the gyro phase.
- Turning on/off the SBUS: Short press the binding button once to turn on/off the SBUS. The LED indicator color will change accordingly. After SBUS signal is enabled, channels 1-7 output PWM, and channel 8 outputs the SBUS signal.
LED Indicator Color in Different Working Modes
Working Mode | PWM Mode | Gyro mode | SBUS Mode | Gyro + SBUS Mode |
---|---|---|---|---|
Indicator Color | Green | Red | Blue | Red+Blue |
Note: When the receiver is connected to power, if binding is unsuccessful or the receiver loses signal, the indicator will flash slowly.
Gyro Function of R8FG ?️
The R8FG has a built-in gyroscope that uses software filters and PID algorithms to precisely correct sensitivity and improve stability. This provides excellent flexibility for various models, enabling professional performance even with drift cars.
Enable Gyro
The gyro function is off by default. Since the integrated gyro performs a self-check, keep the R8FG still when powering it on. Short press the binding button 3 times within 2 seconds to switch the gyro on and off; the LED indicator color will change accordingly. A Red LED indicates that the gyro is enabled.
Attention:
- It is normal for the servo to shake slightly when connected to the receiver if the gyro is active, as it automatically corrects the steering gear angle. You can disable the gyro if this function is not needed.
- If the servo shakes continuously without the model moving, check these reasons:
- 1. The servo is connected to the S.BUS channel. Reconnect it to CH1/2/3/4/5/6/7, as standard servos only support PWM signal input.
- 2. The gyro sensitivity is too high. Turn the DL1 switch to reduce gyro sensitivity.
Gyro Reverse
To check gyro functions, set the gyro forward and turn the car right or left. The wheel should turn left when the car turns right, and right when the car turns left. If the gyro acts counter, press the binding button twice; the red LED will flash twice, indicating the gyro reverse is corrected.
Gyro Sensitivity Setup
Gyro sensitivity is adjusted by default using the DL1/PS3 knob switch (assigned to channel eight). Turning the knob clockwise increases sensitivity, and anti-clockwise reduces it. A tooltip with a yellow background will appear on screen showing the channel value. A value closer to +100 means higher sensitivity. A value of 0 means the gyro function is turned off.
You can assign other switches to control the gyro function or adjust sensitivity.
After-Sales Service
For more after-sales service, please send an email to: after_service@radiolink.com.cn
The detailed Electronic Instructions can be downloaded from RadioLink: www.radiolink.com/rc8x_manual
Thank you again for choosing our product.