ExpressLRS on the Flysky FS-i6 Radio Tutorial 🎓

[@AlbertKimTV]

This ONLY works on the FS-i6. Does not work on any other radio! If you have an FS-i6X, watch this video... kzbin.info/www/bejne/mpyriX-tbLlrbdU Programmer - amzn.to/3r3uBjO | bit.ly/3fYDLYK Flysky FS-i6 Transmitter - amzn.to/3H5lrcf | bit.ly/3H55rH8 Link to Github project - bit.ly/3r1VFA6 RCgroups thread - bit.ly/3HfgCgs ExpressLRS Playlist - bit.ly/370CYSH If you have an FS-i6S, sorry you're SOL. 🤣 🙏 Please support with a 👍 and don’t forget to hit the 🔔 thanks! 💲 If you enjoy my content, please support my channel through these links Patreon - www.patreon.com/albertkim Amazon - amzn.to/3zq84zp RaceDayQuads - bit.ly/RDQ-BF Pyrodrone - bit.ly/3Bfo3BP Banggood - bit.ly/3imXlie Airblade - bit.ly/3ilYVRr NewBeeDrone - bit.ly/3BhFdPu Makerfire - bit.ly/2VGI3Kg Aliexpress - bit.ly/3im17IF XT-XINTE - bit.ly/3inl7KQ Insta360 - bit.ly/2VRDNe5 PayPal - paypal.me/marblekit 👉 Old gear for sale here - bit.ly/AlbertGearFS 👉 Follow me on social 🐤 twitter.com/albertkim 📸 instagram.com/marblekit/

[@RADE_HEHO]

Thanks you for your video ! I have a question, can i keep the 10 channels upgrade in my fs-i6 ( i have upgraded the firmware with 10channel upgrade), i would like to add elrs to it but i need the 10 channels. Thanks in advance !

[@frankcastillo8869]

Making our old gear useful again and saving us some bucks! How does this guy not have 100K subs yet?

[@AlbertKimTV]

Maybe one day!

[@BueJensen]

@@AlbertKimTV I am number 61800 :-)

[@aleks3a00]

Albert. Thank you so much for responding to the request of subscribers!!

[@AlbertKimTV]

😎

[@ilan8465]

I followed these instructions and successfully updated my fs-i6 with an openTX. Thank you for uploading this important video.

[@AlbertKimTV]

You're welcome!

[@vanlifefpv6340]

Another great video helping out the community. You deserve a lot of props for this!

[@AlbertKimTV]

I appreciate that!

[@ilan8465]

Got the programmer and the cable, very easy instructions, I flashed both flysky tx that I have (is6 and x), everything works great without anything special. Thanks Albert Kim for the tutorial.

[@AlbertKimTV]

Glad it helped

[@koki.k]

Old radio but still useful. Thanks for the video

[@AlbertKimTV]

You're welcome

[@MCsCreations]

Fantastic! Thanks a lot for the tutorial, Albert! 😃 Stay safe there with your family! 🖖😊

[@AlbertKimTV]

😎

[@KolibriFPV]

Thank you albert! This is the tutorial I've been searching for for soo long, I've been asking everywhere, whether it be the rcgroups, the er9x devs, and opentx devs. specifically I've been asking whether or not the ersky (flysky i6 version of er9x) would support CRSF protocol, or whether opentx would ever have an flysky i6 version (which in this case no, because of the MCU chip for i6 has memory limitations, therefore only the i6x opentx exists, which has an MCU with larger flash storage). and it seems this particular github repo is also fairly new, so am i glad that the community is still very curious. now I can happily repurpose my old flysky i6 Thanks! Can't wait for you next video on how to actually use the ELRS module

[@AlbertKimTV]

There's nothing different about how to use the ELRS module. It works like it does in any other radio so there's already many videos including a whole playlist of videos... bit.ly/370CYSH

[@RyanStonedonCanadianGaming]

Thank you for this Albert!

[@AlbertKimTV]

Welcome!

[@manski209]

WoW, Great video. i have a Flysky radio on the wall collecting dust, now i can do this and use as a backup ELRS radio.

[@AlbertKimTV]

😎

[@ArmageddonYT]

The tutorial i needed 😉👍

[@AlbertKimTV]

😎

[@ojkolsrud1]

Do you really need that particular programmer? I have an ST-Link programmer, and I've used it before to flash my i6 to the FlyPlus firmware. I wouldn't think the choice of programmer matters? It's all a matter of getting an hex file into a chip, using a shared IO and Clock line. Anyway, very cool stuff. Before I got my Tango 2, I was searching high and low on how to get OpenTX for the i6. I seem to remember that in order to do anything of the sort, you actually had to swap out the main firmware chip. I didn't think it was worth it, but now I might very well do this! I haven't watched your whole video yet, but do you experience any type of added latency with this? The stock/upgraded firmware with AFHDS2 is a very fast protocol, and it would be bad to upgrade the radio just to have added latency.

[@AlbertKimTV]

I searched for a way to program this with my ST-Link as well since I didn't want to buy a new programmer. I was not able to find a method that would work with the i6. Also, isn't the Flyplus firmware only for the i6X? I didn't think it worked with withe i6. I did not notice any latency as this is not using the PPM protocol but CRSF serial so it's running at full speed and you're just limited by ExpressLRS latency which is very low.

[@teklisbenzi]

I know I am late but isn't ST-Link programmer only used to program STM32 or any other STM microcontroller? The microcontroller in the transmitter looks like one form NXP. And the particular programmer used in this video uses J-link as a protocol, unless ST-link and J-link are compatible, I don't think it will work.

[@chnstark458]

hey sir.I Can flash the old fw i6?

[@sodhibattva]

specifically what version of the er9x firmware are you running, also what version of elrs? I am using the same module as you in this video but when i select the ELRS2 protocol option on the radio it just says loading. Thanks.

[@AlbertKimTV]

Watch the video at 2:22. ELRS firmware is 1.x I think. I don't remember exactly.

[@dyeballer777]

Can you use an stlink programmer?

[@neversettle8166]

does it work?

[@debashishdas4865]

Finally finally I got it

[@AlbertKimTV]

😎

[@abdulr5320]

thanks a lot ☺️

[@AlbertKimTV]

😎

[@othermichigansaturn]

QUESTION: What changes would need to be made to make this work with the FS-I6S, or at least let it run EdgeTX/OpenTX? How SOL am I?? I just happen to have one lying around and I like to make my old gear useful and gift it to folks that are new in the hobby.

[@AlbertKimTV]

Sorry, there is no solution yet for that model. If I find firmware that works I'll post a new video.

[@loopfpv6031]

lol I can use my old fleshy for another 4 years😂thinking to move for a tx16/tango2,,but this came😂😂

[@AlbertKimTV]

😎

[@loopfpv6031]

@@AlbertKimTV The tutorial I needed ,,,thank you

[@givanthadimuthu3192]

Thanks a lot for the video. Im going to try this on my I6. But its been nearly a year now since this was released. what is the best ELRS 2.X version to have this flashed on the external module?

[@AlbertKimTV]

Probably the latest version? 2.5.4?

[@givanthadimuthu3192]

Thanks a lot. Ill try that @@AlbertKimTV

[@rolisaenz]

Thanks Albert!!! i was going to sell my, but now ? Helll noooo !! hey, is there hall gimball mods for it ? and whats the blue LiIons Batts you show on your I6 ?

[@AlbertKimTV]

I'm sure someone has put hall sensor gimbals on this but I don't know of any personally. The batteries were reviewed in this video... kzbin.info/www/bejne/nIK2fZqcrLqfq5Y

[@j.j.2953]

I have the eachine i6 version of the FS-i6. I understand that I need to flash to the original FS-i6 firmware before flashing alternative FS-i6 firmware. Then based on your reply to another poster I can buy any ELRS module ( ie a Jumper radio module ) as they all have the CRSF protocol port? Can someone please confirm?

[@AlbertKimTV]

I think the Eachine version is exactly the same. I don't know why you have to flash the Flysky firmware first. I've never heard of that before. It should work the same way AFAIK.

[@grampafpv8013]

Hi Albert, just a question what power do you use for daily flying freestyle i just bought one of these and can i use the lower power settings or should i use 100 to 250.

[@AlbertKimTV]

I generally just run 100mW on dynamic power unless I plan to go far away. Then, I'll bump up to 500mW or 1W but this is almost never.

[@ethankey5805]

Where do I connect my pins for the elrs module i do not have the one you have in the vid mine has 4 holes where you would connect it to a jr bay but I don’t know where to solder them on the bord????????? Pls help someone!!!!

[@AlbertKimTV]

It's the same pins. All modules have the same JR module bay connector. I just soldered mine on the opposite side.

[@ethankey5805]

@@AlbertKimTV so where would I connect the S port on the controller??

[@enzoventer1922]

My question is: Can you still connect to flysky receivers after flashing the transmitter? I would still like to use my old receiver on my RC Plane but ELRS on my Quads.

[@AlbertKimTV]

I think so but I never tested that.

[@eskrace1104]

Thank you so much! ;)

[@AlbertKimTV]

😎

[@Sunnyfpv1617]

Sir which elrs module works with hardware of flysky i6x

[@AlbertKimTV]

Any and all as long as it's running firmware 2.x

[@Sunnyfpv1617]

@@AlbertKimTV ok means it is only compatible with 2.10 firmware

[@vincenzocaramia7980]

Great mod for this great radio! Is it possible to use ST-LINK V2 to flash the new firmware on the radio? Many tnx!!!

[@AlbertKimTV]

You'd have to ask the developers that questions. I have a feeling the answer is no because that programmer is specialized for the chips on that radio.

[@wibbyarief8958]

You could use STLINK V2 to flash I6. Look for OpenOCD tutorial to flash almost any board with any SWD programmer

[@KJIaBogaB]

Thanks you Albert!!!

[@AlbertKimTV]

You're welcome!

[@aannur6057]

Thx for the tutorial Albert

[@AlbertKimTV]

You're welcome 😁

[@GUARD14N]

Great video as always Albert! Quick question though, I watched Drone Mesh's video on adding a multi-protocol module to the FS-i6. But in his example, he tapped the module to the PPM-OUT pad. Which in my head makes sense because it takes the PPM signals OUT from the transmitter and IN to the module. Any particular reason you tapped in to the PPM-IN pad? plan on doing this in the near future. Thanks in advance!

[@AlbertKimTV]

What he did was totally different from this new method. Also, if you want details explained, you need to read the github page (link in the description). I don't know how this works other than I followed their instructions and made a video on the steps I took.

[@mystupidvideos4347]

Hey, thanks for the great video on showing us what we are in for, should we decide to try this. My question is, once you do this, can you still use the transmitter"s integrated module and fly your original flysky receivers. And if it can use both the integrated module, and the elrs module, do you chose which module per model settings, or would you have to change the whole transmitter mode everytime you want to switch between a model that is elrs vs afhds2a? I thought about buying the TX12 transmitter for elrs, but if I could use my existing fsi6 and switch to elrs one model at a time as I buy receivers, that would be awesome, and I still like this transmitter.

[@AlbertKimTV]

I think you can use the internal Flysky TX but I got rid of all my Flysky receivers and did not test this scenario.

[@ethankey5805]

Hi there I have put this software on and wired up the module but I don’t get anything on the screen of the transmitter when I go into the protocol section any ideas??

[@AlbertKimTV]

It is unable to talk to the ELRS module. Something is not wired up right.

[@ethankey5805]

@@AlbertKimTV finally I figured it out, where I have put a jrbay in my controler and are using the jr bay plug you need the ground connected to your controller elce it don’t work. Btw I was using an external battery for power

[@ethankey5805]

@@ravindupramod5998 yer I got it all working now

[@ethankey5805]

@@ravindupramod5998 idk I’ll have a look why do u want that??

[@ethankey5805]

@@ravindupramod5998 I had this problem

[@ahmicm23]

Hi, thank you very much for very detailed video on how to flash FS-i6 radio. I did everything like in video, it passed great, but I have one issue. Whenever I go to Protocols section, and choose ELRS2, on my transmitter lights go off and some screechy sound its started. If I return all the way back on home screen, graphics are weird. What could be the issue? I tried older firmware and it's the same as on the newest (1.0.8.2). ELRS module is BetaFPV 2.4ghz flashed on 2.5.1 version.

[@AlbertKimTV]

I have no idea. I would go to the RCgroups link and ask over there.

[@truth409]

Really like your channel I've got a glitch on my fly sky on channels 1 and 2 when moving the stick was it just need to potentially Do you have any idea Air spray do you have any idea what to do?

[@AlbertKimTV]

Potentiometers might be bad and you'll have to replace the gimbals.

[@Donalds-r8n]

Hi .i have on my rc boat an andruino progect for gps telemetry so i send by i bus on flysky i6 the data. Can i connect tha hc-05 to transmitter board to have it on my phone to telemetry app??if yes how to connect hc-05?

[@AlbertKimTV]

Sorry, I have no idea. I would ask the developers via the link in the description.

[@StuckOnAFireHydrant]

I don't know how dumb of a question this is, but seeing as how I want to invest in expresslrs and really like the feel of my fs-i6 this seems like a really good option for me! So my question is would you still be able to use the simulator functionality through the the socket on the back? I myself have already took a power only USB cable and soldered it up to my radio so I can just use battery banks to power it lmao. 5v and more mAh than I ever need! I've only charge the thing 6 times and I've been flying pretty much daily since almost 2 years now lmao

[@AlbertKimTV]

Not sure if the simulator functionality will work the same or not but you can enable the bluetooth joystick on the ELRS module to connect to your PC wirelessly for use with simulators.

[@ientusangtao2083]

After I upgrade ExpressLRS for Flysky FS-i6, will I still be able to use rx fs-ia6b again? Thank you.

[@AlbertKimTV]

I think so but I would ask the developers for an exact answer.

[@ientusangtao2083]

@@AlbertKimTV Thank you, I will wait for your reply.

[@myaccountishacked6417]

Thanks! 😊

[@AlbertKimTV]

Welcome!

[@rsmgaming4384]

Hi I am getting could not find cfi compliant flash device failed to auto program target Any fix to this error ???

[@AlbertKimTV]

I have no idea.

[@domenicocorapi1437]

how many channels were you able to unlock with this firmware? since the fsi6 has 6 channels but 10 channels total unlockable

[@aaronmarkstaller]

Wait, what's the elrs module on the back? Is that needed?

[@AlbertKimTV]

Yes, it is required.

[@zafosinferno888]

Can I use the original Flysky USB connector to flash this firmware?

[@AlbertKimTV]

I don't think so but you can ask the developers. They know more than me.

[@zafosinferno888]

@@AlbertKimTV Thank you. An other question that i don't know if you mentioned it. Does the radio retain compatibility with the original Flysky receivers or does it because ExpressLRS only?

[@phillipeandreewich5993]

Hi, I'd like to carry out this procedure on my i6 but I'm being told by an expert that it will have degraded functionality compared to native ELRS because sticks will have reduced sensitivity, high latency and because the ELRS will be OpenTX vs EdgeTX, lacks ELRS lua and is otherwise antiquated. I just need RSSI and a more reliable signal than the proprietary FS i6 one, I don't need cushy hall modules or extra functionality. I don't want to throw money at the latest ELRS iteration if I don't need it to achieve my objectives. The premise of my question is to find the cheapest way to achieve my goals.

[@AlbertKimTV]

Yeah, this is a hack with some downsides but I think those you listed might be somewhat exaggerated. If you need this for high-end competitive racing, spend the money on a real setup. If you just need something to casually fly, this setup is adequate but I don't know what your objectives are specifically so I can't be the best judge of that.

[@nectronx]

OMG very cool. If I have the Flysky I6S with touch screen Can I do the Flash ?

[@AlbertKimTV]

Sorry, there is no solution yet for that model. If I find firmware that works I'll post a new video.

[@CapungPlastik]

I had cover this mod on my channel too. But I'm still using the "old" firmware which is modified one that compatible with ELRS v1 & v2.0.1. :)

[@AlbertKimTV]

😎

[@MisterM18]

Lets say I was trying to get this for ELRS... what next? I came across some things that indacated I needed a external module, then other things said it was internal. So I am confused looll expescialy since this isnt on the list on ELRS setup thing (the download software for elrs)

[@AlbertKimTV]

I would not recommend this idea for you.

[@MisterM18]

@@AlbertKimTV ight, my next best is just scrap the old controller and get a new one. Thanks anyway!

[@AlbertKimTV]

@@MisterM18 Yes, that would be a lot easier than this.

[@pilotgalau4614]

Are save for long range, how far can fly ?

[@AlbertKimTV]

Info about that is here... www.expresslrs.org/info/long-range/

[@apicturestudio]

What's the difference between i6 and i6x

[@AlbertKimTV]

The internal chipset is newer and more powerful on the i6x.

[@nectronx]

Ho can I use ELRS and OPEN TX on my Flysky I6s touch screen?

[@AlbertKimTV]

Sorry, there is no solution yet for that model. If I find firmware that works I'll post a new video.

[@ridlespriger2120]

Hopefully I'll never escape 🔥🔥

[@AlbertKimTV]

🤫

[@ansar1809]

Does the i6x version of opentx work on i6s?

[@AlbertKimTV]

No

[@timelord-zj8qd]

well someone have to make fs-i6s version

[@ditoXvon]

How about the max range?

[@AlbertKimTV]

That depends on the power output of the transmitter module you use. If you use one of the 1W modules, the range could be as much as 50KM or a lot more.