Fly Sky FS-i4X Instruction Manual

Digital proportional radio control system

WARNING:

This product is only for 15 years
old or above

INSTRUCTION

MANUAL

Digital proportional radio control system

Copyright ©2013-2017

Flysky RC model technology co., ltd

1

Thank you for purchasing our product, an ideal radio system for beginners or experienced users alike.

Read this manual carefully before operation in order to ensure your safety, and the safety of others or the
safe operation of your system.

If you encounter any problem during use, refer to this manual first. If the problem persists, contact your
local dealer or visit our service and support website for help:

www.flysky-cn.com/service.asp

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Digital proportional radio control system

Table of Contents

1. Safety ................................................................................................................................................4

1.1 Safety Symbols ................................................................................................................................................ 4

1.2 Safety Guide ....................................................................................................................................................... 4

2. Introduction ..................................................................................................................................... 6

2.1 System Features ................................................................................................................................................6

2.2 Transmitter Overview .................................................................................................................................... 7

2.2.1 Transmitter Antenna ............................................................................................................................ 8

2.2.2 Gimbals and Sticks .................................................................................................................................8

2.2.3 Status Indicator ....................................................................................................................................... 8

2.2.4 Trims ........................................................................................................................................................... 8

2.3 Receiver Overview .......................................................................................................................................... 8

2.3.1 Receiver Antenna ................................................................................................................................... 8

2.3.2 Status Indicator ....................................................................................................................................8

2.3.3 Connectors .............................................................................................................................................. 9

3. Getting Started ..............................................................................................................................10

3.1 Transmitter Battery Installation ................................................................................................................. 10

3.2 Connecting the Receiver and Servos ..................................................................................................... 10

4. Operation Instructions .................................................................................................................11

4.1 Power On ..........................................................................................................................................................11

4.2 Switching Between AFHDS 2A and AFHDS ...........................................................................................11

4.3 Binding...............................................................................................................................................................12

4.4 Pre-use Check .................................................................................................................................................12

4.5 Changing Stick Modes .................................................................................................................................12

4.6 Power Off ..........................................................................................................................................................13

5. Function Descriptions .................................................................................................................... 14

5.1 Flight Controls .................................................................................................................................................14

5.2 Reverse Function ............................................................................................................................................15

5.3 V-Mix ..................................................................................................................................................................15

6. System Customization ...................................................................................................................16

6.1 Switching Channel Asignments ................................................................................................................16

7. Customization Selection Sheet ..................................................................................................... 20

8. Package Contents ...........................................................................................................................21

9. Product Specification .................................................................................................................... 22

9.1 Transmitter Specification (FS-i4X) ............................................................................................................22

9.2 Receiver Specification (FS-A6) ..................................................................................................................22

Appendix 1 FCC Statement ..............................................................................................................23

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Digital proportional radio control system

1. Safety

1.1 Safety Symbols

Pay close attention to the following symbols and their meanings. Failure to follow these warnings could
cause damage, injury or death.

Danger • Not following these instructions may lead to serious injuries or death.

Warning • Not following these instructions may lead to major injuries.

Attention • Not following these instructions may lead to minor injuries.

1.2 Safety Guide

Prohibited

Mandatory

• Do not use the product at night or in bad weather like rain or thunderstorm. It
can cause erratic operation or loss of control.

• Do not use the product when visibility is limited.

• Do not use the product on rain or snow days. Any exposure to moisture (water

or snow) may cause erratic operation or loss of control.

• Interference may cause loss of control. To ensure the safety of you and others,
do not operate in the following places:

• Near any site where other radio control activity may occur

• Near power lines or communication broadcasting antennas

• Near people or roads

• On any pond when passenger boats are present

• Do not use this product when you are tired, uncomfortable, or under the
influence of alcohol or drugs. Doing so may cause serious injury to yourself or
others.

• The 2.4GHz radio band is limited to line of sight. Always keep your model in
sight as a large object can block the RF signal and lead to loss of control.

• Never grip the transmitter antenna during operation. It significantly degrades
signal quality and strength and may cause loss of control.

• Do not touch any part of the model that may generate heat during operation, or
immediately after use. The engine, motor or speed control, may be very hot and
can cause serious burns.

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• Misuse of this product may lead to serious injury or death. To ensure the safety
of you and your equipment, read this manual and follow the instructions.

• Make sure the product is properly installed in your model. Failure to do so may
result in serious injury.

• Make sure to disconnect the receiver battery before turning off the transmitter.
Failure to do so may lead to unintended operation and cause an accident.

• Ensure that all motors operate in the correct direction. If not, adjust the
direction first.

• Make sure the model flies within a certain distance. Otherwise, it could cause
loss of control.

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Digital proportional radio control system

2. Introduction

The FS-i4X transmitter and FS-A6 receiver constitute a 4-channel 2.4GHz AFHDS 2A digital proportional
computerized R/C system. It is compatible with fixed-wing and helicopters.

2.1 System Features

The AFHDS 2A (Automatic Frequency Hopping Digital System Second Generation) developed and
patented by FLYSKY is specially developed for all radio control models. Offering superior protection
against interference while maintaining lower power consumption and high reliable receiver sensitivity,
FLYSKY's AFHDS technology is considered to be one of the leaders in the RC market today.

Bidirectional Communication

Capable of sending and receiving data, each transmitter is capable of receiving data
from temperature, altitude and many other types of sensors, servo calibration and i-BUS
Support.

Multi-channel Hopping Frequency

This systems bandwidth ranges from 2.4055GHz to 2.475GHz. This band is divided in
140 channels. Each transmitter hops between 16 channels (32 for Japanese and Korean
versions) in order to reduce interference from other transmitters.

Omni-directional Gain Antenna

The high efficiency Omni-directional high gain antenna cuts down on interference, while
using less power and maintaining a strong reliable connection.

Unique ID Recognition System

Each transmitter and receiver has it's own unique ID. Once the transmitter and receiver
have been paired, they will only communicate with each other, preventing other systems
accidentally connecting to or interfering with the systems operation.

Low Power Consumption

The system is built using highly sensitive low power consumption components,
maintaining high receiver sensitivity, while consuming as little as one tenth the power of a
standard FM system, dramatically extending battery life.

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2.2 Transmitter Overview

Handle

Antenna

Lanyard Hook

Right Gimbal

Left Gimbal

Trim 3

Trim 1

Trim 4Trim 2

Power Switch

Bind Button

V-MIX

Reverse
Switches

Trainer Port

Battery Compartment

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Digital proportional radio control system

2.2.1 Transmitter Antenna

Precautions:

• For best signal quality, make sure that the antenna is at about a 90 degree angle to the model. Do not
point the antenna directly at the receiver.

• Never grip the transmitter antenna during operation. It significantly degrades the RF signal quality
and strength and may cause loss of control.

2.2.2 Gimbals/Sticks

There are two sticks on the transmitter and two preset modes for the functions of the sticks.

2.2.3 Status Indicator

The status indicator is used to indicate the power and working status of the transmitter.

• Off: the transmitter is powered off.

• Green light: Battery is fully charged (5.3-6V)

• Orange light: Battery is half full (4.8-5.3V)

• Red light: Low Battery (4.2-4.8V)

2.2.4 Trims

There are 4 trims affecting stick functionality, one for rudder (Channel 4), elevator (Channel 2), throttle
(Channel 3) and ailerons (Channel 1). Each time a trim is toggled, the trim will move one step. It is possible
to make quicker trim adjustments by holding the trim in the desired direction. When the trim position
reaches the middle, the transmitter beeps in a higher tone.

2.3 Receiver Overview

2.3.1 Receiver Antenna

Attention

• For best signal quality, ensure that the receiver is mounted away from motors
or metal parts.

2.3.2 Status Indicator

The status indicator is used to indicate the power and working status of the receiver.

• Off: the power is not connected.

• Lit in red: the receiver is on and working.

• Flashing quickly: the receiver is binding.

• Flashing slowly: the bound transmitter is off or signal is lost.

Antenna

To Servos

BAT/BIND

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2.3.3 Connectors

The connectors are used to connect the parts of model and the receiver.

• CH1 to CH6: used to connect the servos, power or other parts.

• BAT: used to connect the bind cable for binding, and the power cable during normal operation.

Rudder

Switch

Throttle

Elevators

Ailerons

To Battery

Receiver

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Digital proportional radio control system

3. Getting Started

Before operation, install the battery and connect the system as instructed below.

3.1 Transmitter Battery Installation

Danger • Only use specified battery.

Danger • Do not open, disassemble, or attempt to repair the battery.

Danger • Do not crush/puncture the battery, or short the external contacts.

Danger • Do not expose to excessive heat or liquids.

Danger • Do not drop the battery or expose to strong shocks or vibrations.

Danger • Always store the battery in a cool, dry place.

Danger • Do not use the battery if damaged.

Follow the steps to install the transmitter battery:

1. Open the battery compartment.

2. Insert 4 fully-charged AA batteries into the compartment. Make sure that the batteries makes good
contact with the battery compartment's contacts with the correct polarity.

3. Replace the battery compartment cover.

3.2 Connecting the Receiver and Servos

Connect the receiver and the servos as indicated below:

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4. Operation Instructions

After setting up, follow the instructions below to operate the system.

4.1 Power On

Follow the steps below to turn on the system:

1. Check the system and make sure that:

• The batteries are fully charged and installed properly.

• The receiver is off and correctly installed.

2. Toggle the power switch to its upward position.

3. Connect the receiver power supply to the

BAT

port on the receiver.

The system is now powered on.

4.2 Switching Between AFHDS 2A and AFHDS

To switch between AFHDS 2A and AFHDS , hold both stick at the bottom left corner and turn on the
transmitters power at the same time. Wait for 1 second then turn the power off again to save the new
setting.

AFHDS : The LED will light up for one second.
AFHDS 2A : The LED will light up for one second followed by a sound.

RF Protocol Receiver

AFHDS GR3F, GR3E, R6B, R9B
AFHDS 2A A3, A6, iA4B, iA6, iA6B, iA10,

iA10B

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Digital proportional radio control system

4.3 Binding

The transmitter and receiver have been pre-bound before delivery. If you are using another transmitter or
receiver, follow the steps below to bind the transmitter and receiver:

1. Connect the supplied bind cable to the

BAT

port on the receiver.

2. Insert power into any other port.

3. Hold the bind key while powering on the transmitter to enter bind mode.

• When the receiver and transmitter have bound the red LED will stop flashing.

4. Remove the power and bind cable from the receiver. Then connect the power cable to the

BAT

port.

5. Turn on the transmitter.

6. Check the servos' operation. If anything does not work as expected, restart this procedure from the
beginning.

4.4 Pre-use Check

Before operation, perform the following steps to check the system:

1. Check to make sure that all servos and motors are working as expected.

2. Check operating distance: one operator holds the transmitter, and another one moves the model
away from the transmitter. Check the model and mark the distance from where the model starts to
lose control.

Danger • Stop operation if any abnormal activity is observed.

Danger • Make sure the model does not go out of range.

Attention • Sources of interference may affect signal quality.

4.5 Changing Stick Modes

There are two sticks on the transmitter and two preset modes for the functions of the sticks. Usually the
stick with the self centring feature on both axes will be mapped to the Elevator, while the other to the
Throttle.

The functions of the sticks in respective modes are shown below:

Mode 1 Mode 2

8[JJKX 'ORKXUT

+RK\GZUX

:NXUZZRK

8[JJKX 'ORKXUT

:NXUZZRK

+RK\GZUX

You can switch the stick modes to suit your operation habit. To switch the sticks:

1. Take the battery out from the transmitter. Loosen the four screws that hold the rear cover shown in
green on page 13.

2. Carefully take the back off the transmitter and disconnect the cables connected to it.

3. Unscrew the screws around the gimbals, marked in green in the picture on page 13.

4.2

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4. Switch the gimbals to the opposite side. Make sure the gimbals have been rotated 180 degrees so
that the wires are facing towards the middle of the system.

5. Move hat of the S16 connector so that one side is on the L or R pin, L for when the self centring stick
is on the left side and R for when its on the right.

Left Seat

Right Seat

S16

6. Reconnect the back's cables, reattach the back and tighten the screws.

4.6 Power Off

Follow the steps below to turn off the system:

1. Disconnect the receiver power.

2. Toggle the transmitter's power switch to its low position.

Danger

• Make sure to disconnect the receiver power before turning off the transmitter.
Failure to do so may lead to damage or serious injury.

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Digital proportional radio control system

5. Function Descriptions

5.1 Flight Controls (Default Mode 2)

The sticks are used for controlling the aircraft, each stick has 2 functions. The right stick controls pitch and
roll, the left stick controls throttle and yaw.

Pitch (Right Stick Up/Down)

Roll (Right Stick Left/Right)

Yaw (Right Stick Left/Right)

UP

DOWN

LEFT RIGHT

LEFT RIGHT

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Throttle (Right Stick Up/Down)

5.2 Reverse Function

Channels 1-4 can be reversed, to reverse a channel:

• 1. Test the servo/throttle to make sure that the action corresponds as expected with the transmitters
controls.

• 2. If the direction of travel is wrong then toggle corresponding switch located at the bottom of the
transmitter, labled as RUD (Rudder), THR (Throttle), ELE (Elevator), AIL (Aileron). Up position being
reverse and down position being normal.

• 3. Test the servos again to make sure the direction of travel is correct.

5.3 V-MIX

The V-MIX function (5.6) is used for models that have no rudder.

No rudder: Creates a mix between channels 1 and 2, ailerons and elevators.

THROTTLE UP

THROTTLE DOWN

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Digital proportional radio control system

6. System Customization

The FS-i4X's switches and knobs can be moved
to other channels. Or if using receivers with more
channels, the system can be expanded with extra
switches or knobs.

By default, from left to right, the switches and knobs
are channels 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10.

FS-A6/FS-iA6B 4CH, 5CH, 6CH
FS-iA10B 4-10CH

5

6 7 8 9

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6.1 Switching Channel Asignments

To change a switch or knobs channel, the system
must be taken apart. The first step is taking the back
cover off.

• 1. Remove any batteries from the system and
replace the battery cover.

•

• 2. Remove the screws market in green.

Note: Make sure the screw driver you are using
is not too big or too small. Failure to do so could
damage the head of the screw.

• 3. Carefully pry the front and back apart, this
may take some force.

Note: Don't pull the pieces too far apart, doing so
could damage cables attacking the front and back
together.

• 4. Carefully disconnect the cables connecting the front to the back.

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• 5. Carefully remove the screws marked below in red.

Note: Make sure you keep the screws in a safe place.

• 6. Remove the power button cover from the front side of the system. To do so simply put the end of a
screw driver under and and gently lift it off.

• 7. Carefully pull the circuit board out and towards you.

Note: Remember that there are wires on the other side of the board. To avoid damage do not pull or put
any tension on the wires.

Note: Make sure that the wires are fitted along beside each of the gimbals as show above.

Note: Make sure that all switches are installed with the correct orientation shown above.

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Digital proportional radio control system

• 8. The connectors for channels 5 - 10 are
marked in red on the diagram . On the
circuit board each channel is labled, making
it easy to find the correct channel. Follow
the cables leading from each connector to
identify which switch or knob goes to each
channel.

• 9. Carefully remove the desired connectors
from the board.

Note: Do not pull on the wires themselves, doing so
may damage the connector or wire.

• 10. Replace the desired switch/knob connectors into the corrsponding channel slot.

• 11. Put the circuit board back in place and replace the screws.

Note: Make sure that you don't over tighten the screws, this could lead to damage of the system or the
screws.

• 12. Put the back cover back in place, and squeeze the handle until the two pieces click together.

• 13. Replace the cover screws.

• 14. Replace the power button cover.

To change a toggle:

• 1. Take the receiver apart following the above instructions.

• 2. Remove the toggles connector from the circuit board.

• 3. Unscrew the plate holding the toggle in place on the front of the transmitter.

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Adding a knob:

• 1. Using a flathead screwdriver carefully
release the clips holding the plate on the
front. The clips are marked in red in the
picture .

• 2. Carefull remove the cover plate and replace
it with the new coverplate designed to hold 2
knobs.

• 3. Insert the 2 knobs from the back to the
front. Make sure the knobs have the correct
orientation shown in the picture .

Note: First make sure that the plastic knob cover
has been remove, otherwise it will not fit.

Make sure that the wires are layed down beside
the gimbals in order to stop them from catching
on any moving parts.

• 4. Secure the knob by placing the nut on
the threads and tightening. Make sure that
the nut is not too tight as this could lead to
damage to the plastic.

• 5. Place the plastic knob onto the metal rod.
Make sure it lines up correctly, do not force
the knob onto the rod.

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Digital proportional radio control system

7. Customization Selection Sheet

Addition Option 1 Option 2 Option 3

Left Side Switch 1 No Switch

2 Way Switch

Long

Short

3 Way Switch

Long

Short

Left Side Switch 2 No Switch 2 Way Switch

Long

Short

3 Way Switch

Long

Short

Knob

Right Side Switch 1 No Switch

2 Way Switch

Long

Short

3 Way Switch

Long

Short

Right Side Switch 2 No Switch 2 Way Switch

Long

Short

3 Way Switch

Long

Short

Central Knobs No Yes

Black

White

Silver Plating

Silver Injection

Black

White

Silver Plating

Silver Injection

Left Side SW 1

Left Side SW 2

Right Side SW 2

Right Side SW 1

Knobs

Option 4

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8.Package Contents

4-10 Channel 2.4GHz Transmitter (FS-i4X)

2.4GHz Receiver (FS-iA10B (10 CH) or FS-iA6B
(6 CH) or FS-A6 (6 CH))

User Manual

PS/2 to USB Update Cable

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Digital proportional radio control system

9. Product Specification

9.1 Transmitter Specification (FS-i4X)

Channels 4 - 10 (Default 4)
Model type Fixed-Wing/Glider/Helicopter
RF range 2.4055-2.475GHz
Bandwidth 500 KHz
Band 140
RF power Less then 20 dBm

2.4G system AFHDS 2A and AFHDS
Code type GFSK
Sensitivity 1024
Low voltage alarm Yes (lower than 4.2V)
DSC port Yes (PS/2 PPM)
Power input 6V DC 1.5AA*4

Antenna length 26 mm

Weight 323g
Dimension (Length x Width x Height) 174 x 89 x 190mm
Color Black
Certificate CE0678, FCC

9.2 Receiver Specification (FS-A6)

Channels 6
Model type Fixed-Wing/Glider/Helicopter
RF range 2.4055-2.475 GHz
Band 140

2.4G system AFHDS 2A
Code type GFSK
Power input 4.0 to 6.5 V DC
Weight 13 g
Antenna length 26 mm
Dimension (Length x Width x Height) 45 x 23 x 9 mm
Color Grey (Transparent)
Certificate CE0678, FCC
RX sensitivity -105dBm
i-Bus port No
Data acquisition port No

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Appendix 1 FCC Statement

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device
pursuant to part 15 of theFCC rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection
against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can
radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions,
may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that
interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful
interference to radio or televison reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off
and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following
measures:

• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.

• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is

connected.

• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

To assure continued compliance, any changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party
responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate this equipment. (Example use
only shielded interface cables when connecting to computer or peripheral devices).

This equipment complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following 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.

Caution!

The manufacturer is not responsible for any radio or TV interference caused by unauthorized
modifications to this equipment. Such modifications could void the user authority to operate the
equipment.

Digital proportional radio control system

http://www.flysky-cn.com

Copyright ©2013-2017 Flysky RC model technology co., ltd

Edition: 2015-9-1