FrSky Archer Plus R6/GR6 Receiver Instruction Manual

Introduction

The Archer line of receivers has been enhanced with the new Archer Plus Series. These receivers offer improved anti-RF-Interference capability for solid RF performance, especially in spark ignition environments. They support both ACCESS and ACCST D16 modes, with smart RF protocol matching during binding. A Black-Box function preserves basic flight data like Power & Signal.

The Archer Plus R6/GR6 are 6-channel PWM receivers ideal for glider pilots, featuring full-range signal strength with dual detachable antennas for optimal reception and range. The R6/GR6 can serve as a primary receiver in a redundant setup by connecting to another FrSky receiver via the SBUS In and SBUS Out ports. The FBUS protocol allows seamless pairing with multiple telemetry devices like XACT servos and ADV Sensors, simplifying setup.

The Archer Plus GR6 includes an upgraded high-precision variometer for accurate altitude and vertical speed data, providing quicker vario audio feedback through compatible FrSky ACCESS transmitters. (*Some features require ACCESS and ETHOS support.)

Overview

The Archer Plus R6 and GR6 receivers share a similar physical layout. They are compact devices with multiple ports for connection.

Specifications

• Dimension: 33*15*9.7mm (L*W*H)
• Weight: 4.2g (ARCHER PLUS R6) / 4.3g (ARCHER PLUS GR6)
• Number of Channels: 6/24 channels (6 High-precision PWM & 16 SBUS channels Mode, or 6 High-precision PWM & 24 SBUS channels Mode)
• Operating Voltage Range: 3.5 - 10V
• Operating Current: <65mA@5V
• Operating Range: >2km (Full range) (*Range may vary based on local conditions.)
• Variometer Measurement Range (ARCHER PLUS GR6):
  
  • Altimeter Range & Resolution: -700m to 10000m & 0.1m
  • Vertical Speed Range: ±10m/s
• Voltage Measurement Range via AIN2 (External device): 0-35V (Battery Voltage Divider Ratio: 1:10)
• Antenna connector: IPEX4
• Compatibility: FrSky 2.4GHz ACCESS / ACCST D16 capable transmitters

Features

• Enhanced Anti RF-Interference capability with more solid RF performance.
• Smart-matched ACCESS & ACCST D16 modes.
• Supports basic Black-Box function.
• Upgraded variometer sensor (ARCHER PLUS GR6).
• 6 high-precision PWM channel ports.
• SBUS Out port (Supports 16CH / 24CH mode).
• SBUS In port (Supports Signal Redundancy).
• Full control range with telemetry (S.Port or FBUS).
• Over-The-Air (OTA) FW update.
• External battery / device voltage detection.

LED State (ACCESS)

Registration & Automatic Binding

Follow these steps for registration and binding:

1. For TANDEM X20, navigate to Model > RF System. Turn on the internal module, select ACCESS status [ON]. Choose antennas (internal or external) and set RF power. The ACCESS receiver can be registered now. (Note: "Registration" is not required for ACCST D16 binding.)
2. Connect the battery to the receiver while holding the button. Both RED and GREEN LEDs will illuminate, indicating [Reg] status.
3. When the Register ID, RX name, and UID are displayed, click [Register]. The RED and GREEN LEDs will flash, and the transmitter will show [Registration OK].
4. Power off the receiver.
5. Select a receiver and press [Bind].
6. Connect the battery to the receiver.
7. The GREEN LED will remain lit, and the transmitter will display [Bind successful].

Note: Once registered, the button is not needed for future binding in ACCESS mode.

How to Switch High PWM Speed mode

The factory default is OFF. To enable high speed mode:

1. Navigate to receiver [Options] and select On.

Warning: High PWM speed mode is for digital servos only. Disabling it when using analog servos prevents overheating and potential damage.

Configuration Example (ETHOS):

In the transmitter's RF System settings, select the desired Channel Range and Racing Mode. Under RX Settings, locate the High PWM Speed option and toggle it ON.

How to set the altitude telemetry data (ARCHER PLUS GR6)

1. Bind the receiver with the variometer sensor to the transmitter.
2. Access the [Model] menu and use the [Telemetry] tool.
3. Discover new sensors; the [Altitude] data should appear and flash.
4. Press and hold the [Altitude] bar to access the [Edit] menu.
5. Configure telemetry data like [Range] and [Unit] for the variometer.

Configuration Example (ETHOS Telemetry Sensor):

In the Telemetry sensor settings, you can view and adjust parameters like Value, ID, Name, Unit, Decimals, Range, and Write Logs for the Altitude sensor.

How to switch the S.Port/F.Port/FBUS

To configure the telemetry port:

1. Enter the receiver's RX Settings.
2. Click the Telem. Port option and select S.Port, F.Port, or FBUS.

Configuration Example (ETHOS):

In the transmitter's RF System settings, configure Channel Range and Racing Mode. In RX Settings, select the desired Telem. Port (S.Port, FBUS) and SBUS mode (SBUS-16, SBUS-24).

How to switch SBUS channel mode

To change the SBUS channel output mode:

1. Navigate to the receiver's RX Settings.
2. Click [SBUS] and select either SBUS-16 mode or SBUS-24 mode.

About OTA function

1. Go to the [File manager] on your transmitter.
2. Select the firmware file (FW) and press the enter button.
3. Choose [Flash RX by int.OTA].
4. Power on the receiver, select the RX, and go to [ENTER] to complete the flashing process. The transmitter will display [Success].
5. Wait 3 seconds for the receiver to function correctly.

Note: Avoid binding operations at close range during firmware upgrades. Update the firmware after the receiver is registered (OTA).

Range Check

Perform a pre-flight range check to ensure signal integrity, especially in environments with potential signal interference (metal fences, buildings, trees).

1. Position the model at least 60 cm (2 feet) above non-metal ground (e.g., a wooden bench), with the receiving antenna vertical.
2. In the transmitter's ETHOS system, go to "RF System", select "RANGE" mode, and press the Encoder. Range check mode reduces the effective distance to 1/30.

Configuration Example (ETHOS):

In the transmitter's RF System settings, select "RANGE" mode. The display will show VFR and RSSI values for the range check.

How to set Failsafe

There are three failsafe modes: No Pulses, Hold, and Custom.

• No Pulses Mode: On signal loss, the receiver outputs no pulses on any PWM channel. Select this mode and wait 9 seconds for it to take effect.
• Hold Mode: The receiver maintains the last signal positions. Select this mode and wait 9 seconds for it to take effect.
• Custom Mode: Allows pre-setting specific positions for each channel. Navigate to the failsafe mode, select Custom, then choose the channel and set the desired failsafe position. Wait 9 seconds for the setting to take effect.

Note:

• If failsafe is not set, the model will retain its last working status, which could be hazardous.
• If failsafe is disabled on the RF module, the receiver defaults to Hold mode.
• When using No Pulses Mode, do not set the SBUS port to No Pulses. Use "Hold" or "Custom" mode for the SBUS port to prevent continuous signal output.

FCC STATEMENT

This device 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.

Unauthorized changes or modifications may void the user's authority to operate the equipment.

NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with Class B digital device limits per Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in residential installations. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy. If not installed and used per instructions, it may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a specific installation. If interference occurs, try the following measures:

• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase separation between the equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment to a different circuit outlet than the receiver.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced transmitter/TV technician.