Turnigy/Flysky i6 Secret Menu

*For updates to firmware flashing please read updates at the bottom of article*

New Github:  https://github.com/benb0jangles/FlySky-i6-Mod-

New Update (05/12/2015): 10ch Firmware beta firmware

I recently discovered that the Turnigy/Flysky i6 transmitter has a secret hidden menu.

By holding both sticks down-left then powering on the transmitter, we then get a new menu with the following display:

And the menu tree is thus:

Update on: i6 Ghetto Controller article

Looking at the code for the i6 updater file today, it's clear that there are two files uploaded to the i6 transmitter each file is 55kb and almost identical in code (I have not figured out the exact differences yet). A good guess would be to assume that one file is for the user menu that users experience, the second file is a backup for factory reset. *It might not be possible it is this way because the MCU is supposed to be 64kb storage so 55kb + 55kb = 110kb too large so I must look more why the updater has two files*

What does this mean? Potentially, it means there is more data for the user to use, more menus can be added (double the amount), and potential for er9x to be ported to this transmitter.

It seems that this transmitter is capable of PPM signal & Telemetry data between transmitter (Tx) and receiver (RX) using the ia6b receiver (is not included as a standard receiver upon purchase yet, but probably eventually), it is also feasible to assume that the transmitter can be hacked to allow full telemetry and more than 6 channels (potentially 16 channels for controlling all the switches, knobs, sticks, and not forgetting trainer port/headtracking channel on this remote.

Some progress is being made on modification of channel numbers here. there is also a need to experiment with the ia6b telemetry data - is it standard ibus or pwm or whatever being sent from tx to rx. Once this is understood it can be used to determine if the code needs to be encoded using an arduino mini in between the ardupilot and the receiver or can it just be sent 'as it is'.

It is potentially possible to not have to just hope for i6/Ardupilot telemetry displayed on the i6 transmitter menu. It is also potentially possible to add a HC-06 bluetooth module to the i6 (tx & rx) and send telemetry to a Droidplanner phone or tablet like it has been done with OrangeRX openLRS radios here.

Also what is the potential for replacing the i6 MCU with a Teensy? More RAM, better processor.

Update (telemetry possible):

Update: How to unbrick your i6.

ftdi diy connection

Update:

a straightforward Mod_i6_Programmer.exe has been created. Some testing to perform, but fingers crossed.

Update:

Hello, I have tested the Rclogger transmitter update on my flysky i6 and it installs just fine.

To perform this experiment you need to (how I did it):

1) use an ftdi adapter connected to the i6 transmitter:

2) Download the Rclogger updater here

3) Turn on the i6 transmitter using firmware mode:

4) Open app, Connect and press update, wait for update:

Result:

Please note that I am using my own ftdi adapter and not the official flysky/turnigy update adapter.

Please also let me know your update experiences.

You perform this at your own risk I am not responsible for your mistakes (However, I had no problems, you can also use the standard flysky updater exe to revert back to standard if you wish to)

Update:

I am now able to use a 18650 lion battery. I am using the Panasonic 3400mah NCR18650B cell, in a 1-cell holder, then soldered to the i6 +ive & -ive terminals. I can adjust the i6 power voltage reading to offset the cell alarm by using the secret menu. The aim is to set the voltage reading so that it triggers the alarm when the 18650 cell reaches 3.2v

Not a perfect solution, but means that the lithium cell won't be damaged. I figure that the flysky i10 uses a li-ion battery so it might be worthwhile searching for one of those cells to fit more easily. Maybe even a flat cell phone or camera lion cell, huawei lion + charger sets are available cheap on ebay

Update:

I designed and 3D Printed a battery holder for a cheap phone battery. A little rectangle hole must be cut to let the wire pass inside the i6 transmitter.

3D Printer File can be found & downloaded here

Update 23/12/2015:

It appears that flysky have responded with a conceptual updated model - "Flysky i6s"

It seems that it is generally similar to the standard i6. The differences include:

- Phone mount

- capacitive touchscreen? (Why?)

- button and potentiometer repositioning

-added usb (inbuilt ftdi/uart?)

-added ps2 port (same trainer port?)

More details: HERE + HERE

Receivers are still ia6/ia6b/ia10

It's just a restyling in my eyes. What model users want is open software utilities to allow us to customise things, which we are doing here.

Also Flysky updated their product page for the i6:

They now describe "Firmware upgrades are now available to expand the channel"

Which makes me think they are referring to my Github page for the Mod-i6 project which is a nice indicator that they are reading. It would be nice though, if they just released a developer code instead of just palming off updates to the community without releasing their programming code files, or even responding to my email requests for code. Protecting but not advancing?

Time will tell.