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KAVAN R6 / Vario - Instruction manual

KAVAN R6
KAV18.10006

KAVAN R6

KAVAN R6 Vario
KAV18.10006V

KAVAN R6 Vario

Introduction​

Congratulations on your purchase of the KAVAN R6, a 6-channel telemetry receiver. It operates on ACCESS transmission system and has 6 high-precision PWM channels and 16 or 24-channel modes using S.BUS. Two detachable antennas with IPEX4 connectors provide full signal strength throughout the range. It's especially perfect for gliders, but you can use it for a variety of other models as well. Thanks to its small size and light weight, it is also suitable for small models. With redundancy support, it can be connected as a primary receiver via S.BUS. Thanks to the F.BUS connection option, you can also connect it to compatible telemetry devices.

It features advanced interference suppression for reliable stable signal transmission across the entire range. Smart transmission system assignment speeds up pairing. The black box function stores essential flight data. Receiver operating statuses are indicated by an LED indicator. Smart pairing allows firmware updates wirelessly.

It is also available in a variometer version, which provides more accurate and faster measurement and transmission of altitude and vertical speed data. It also allows instant audio feedback from the variometer to the ACCESS transmitters.

Firmware​

Download the latest firmware '''Archer Plus R6 / GR6''' in the ETHOS Suite or directly:

Overview​

R6 and Vario receiver connections and dimensions

Technical specifications​

Dimensions33×15×9.7 mm (L×W×H)
Weight4.2 g
Number of channels6 PWM channels + 16/24 channel mode via S.BUS
Operating voltage range3.5–10 V
Operating current65 mA at 5 V
Operating frequency2.400–2.4835 GHz
Operating range2 km; actual range depends on local conditions
Max. radiated power< 20 dBm (EIRP)
Vario - vertical speed measurement range±10 m/s (R6 Vario)
Vario - altimeter range and resolution−700 m to 10 000 m, 0.1 m (R6 Vario)
External voltage measurement range via AIN20–35 V (battery voltage divider ratio: 1:10)
Antenna connectorIPEX4
Compatibility2.4GHz ACCESS transmitters

Features​

  • Increased RF interference protection and more stable RF transmission
  • ACCESS transmission mode with smart pairing
  • Basic black box function support
  • 6 high-precision PWM channels
  • S.BUS output port with 16/24 channel mode
  • S.BUS input port (with support for redundant connection of 2 receivers)
  • Full-range telemetry (S.Port or F.BUS)
  • Wireless firmware updates (OTA)
  • External battery/device voltage detection

LED indicator​

Green LEDRed LEDStatus
OnOnRegistration
FlashingFlashingRegistration complete
OnOnPairing
OnOffPairing complete
OnOffWorking properly
OffOnFail-safe mode

Main section​

Registration and pairing​

Registration​

Before you can start using your receiver, you must first register it.

  1. Begin the registration process by selecting [Register].
  2. A window displays „Waiting....“ and the voice prompt „Register“ repeats.
  3. Hold the receiver’s F/S pairing button and switch on its power. Wait for both the red and green LEDs to light up. Set the following registration details as required:
    • RID: This is the transmitter’s unique Owner Registration ID, written into the receiver memory. To share models and their receivers between your transmitters, or with other modellers, set the same RID on those transmitters and use Smart share.
    • RX name: The receiver is named automatically on first pairing. You can change its name at any time, for example to identify channel assignments when several receivers are used:
      • RX4R1 for CH1–8.
      • RX4R2 for CH9–16.
      • RX4R3 for CH17–24.
    • UID: Distinguishes receivers used together in one model. Leave the default 0 for a single receiver. With several receivers, the usual assignments are:
      • 0 for CH1–8.
      • 1 for CH9–16.
      • 2 for CH17–24.
    • The UID cannot be read back from the receiver, so label the receiver with it. These channel groups are registration examples; they do not increase the number of physical PWM outputs.
  4. Select [Register] to finish. When „Registration OK“ appears, select [OK].
  5. Switch off the receiver. It is now registered, but must still be paired with the transmitter.
Danger

Do not perform pairing with an electric motor connected or an internal combustion engine running.

Pairing​

Pairing associates the registered receiver with one transmitter. It will communicate only with that transmitter until paired with another. Perform a range check before first use.

  1. Switch off the receiver power.
  2. At RX1, select [Pairing]. The voice prompt „Pairing“ repeats every few seconds and the screen displays „Waiting for receiver...“.
  3. Switch on the receiver without holding its F/S button. The device-selection window displays the receiver name.
  4. Select the receiver name. A message confirms successful pairing.
  5. Switch off the transmitter and receiver.
  6. Switch on the transmitter, then the receiver. A steady green LED with the red LED off confirms connection. Pairing need not be repeated unless either device is replaced.
  • The receiver responds only to its paired transmitter; other transmitters nearby do not control it.
  • The receiver name is displayed next to RX1.
  • The receiver is ready for use.
  • For a redundant installation, repeat for receivers 2 and 3 as required.

Video tutorial​

If you have difficulty with registration or pairing, the video tutorial will show you the process step by step.

High-speed PWM mode​

  1. This function is disabled [OFF] at the factory.
  2. In [RF system], open the receiver’s [Setup] menu.
  3. Set high-speed PWM to [ON].
Caution

High-speed PWM is for digital servos only. Disable it when using analogue servos; otherwise they can overheat and burn out.

Altitude telemetry (R6 Vario only)​

  1. Pair the receiver with the built-in variometer to the transmitter.
  2. In [MODEL → TELEMETRY], search for new sensors.
  3. The detected sensor and [Altitude] entry should flash in the list.
  4. Press and hold the [Altitude] row to open [Edit].
  5. Set the variometer telemetry options, including [Range] and [Units].

Switching S.Port/F.Port/FBUS​

Open [RF system → RX1 → Set], then expand [Telem. Port] and select [S.Port], [F.Port] or [FBUS].

Switching the S.BUS channel mode​

Open the receiver settings under [RF system → RX1 → Setup], expand [SBUS] and select [SBUS-16] or [SBUS-24].

OTA firmware update​

  1. Open [File Manager], select the receiver firmware file and press ENTER.
  2. Select [Flash RX by int.OTA] and switch on the receiver.
  3. Select the receiver and confirm with ENTER. Wait until the transmitter displays [Success].
  4. Wait 3 seconds, then verify normal receiver operation.
Note

Do not start pairing or registration nearby during the update. Register the receiver before updating its firmware by OTA.

Range check​

Perform a range check before every flight. Reflections from metal or concrete structures, or obstruction by buildings or trees, can cause signal loss.

  1. Place the model at least 60 cm above the ground on a non-metallic support such as a wooden bench. Keep the receiver antenna vertical.
  2. In ETHOS, open [RF system], select [RANGE] and press ENTER. In this mode, effective range is reduced to 1/30 of normal range.

Perform the test on the ground with the propulsion system made safe. Follow the transmitter manual for the required distance and pass criteria, and investigate unexpected loss of control before flying.

Fail-safe channel positions​

When Fail-safe is turned on, 3 modes are available: No signal, Hold, Custom.

No signal​

When the signal is lost, the receiver does not send control pulses on the channels. To use this mode, select it from the menu and wait 9 seconds for the Fail-safe setting change to take effect.

Hold​

The receiver keeps the channel positions as they were before the signal was lost. To use this type, select it from the menu and wait 9 seconds for the Fail-safe setting change to take effect.

Custom​

The receiver keeps the positions on all channels as you preselect them. Select the Fail-safe setting menu. Switch from Disconnect/Hold/Not Set to [Custom]. Select the channel for which you want to set fail-safe positions and confirm the selection. Then set the position on each desired channel and confirm the selection. Wait 9 seconds for the Fail-safe setting change to take effect.

Note

If the fail-safe is not set, the model will always operate with the last functional state of the channels before the signal loss. This could potentially cause damage. If the fail-safe is disabled on the RF module side, the receiver will go to the default Hold mode. Do not set the Fail-safe mode for the S.BUS port to No Signal mode, as the signal would be continuously transmitted. Set the S.BUS port to Hold or Custom mode instead.

Before use, test the complete model’s fail-safe response on the ground with the propulsion system made safe. Verify that the connected S.BUS device and ESC actually stop the motor when the radio signal is lost.

Appendix​

Warranty and post-warranty service​

All KAVAN® receivers are covered by an extended 3-year warranty covering all manufacturing defects and faults. When claiming within the warranty period, please always present a copy of the proof of purchase with the product and provide the service personnel with as detailed and complete information as possible about the defect found, your usage and other information that will facilitate the assessment of the claim and speed up its settlement. Please make your claim at the shop where you purchased the product. If this is not possible, you can contact KAVAN Europe s.r.o. directly:

KAVAN Europe s.r.o. | Doubravice 110, 533 53 Pardubice | Czechia | +420 466 260 133 | info@kavanrc.com

Warranty and limitation of liability​

As the manufacturer of this product, we have no control over your compliance with these instructions when wiring and installing the receiver into your model. Likewise, we have no control over how you build, operate and maintain the parts of the receiver. For this reason, KAVAN must disclaim all liability for any loss, damage or financial cost that is caused by the improper use or operation of products imported by us, or that is in any way connected with such activity.

Except as otherwise provided by law, KAVAN's obligation to pay compensation shall (regardless of the legal arguments asserted) be limited to the purchase price for those KAVAN products that were directly involved in the event that caused the damage. This does not apply if the manufacturer has been judicially obliged to make unlimited compensation on the basis of proven wilful or reckless negligence. We warrant that our products are in compliance with current legal provisions. The warranty does not cover failures and defects caused by:

  • Misuse or improper use.
  • Delayed, improper or no maintenance, or maintenance performed by unauthorised service.
  • Incorrect wiring.
  • Use of accessories not approved or recommended by KAVAN Europe s.r.o.
  • Modifications or repairs not carried out by an authorised KAVAN Europe s.r.o.
  • Inadvertent or deliberate damage.
  • Normal wear and tear.
  • Operation of the equipment outside the operating limits specified in the specification

KAVAN Europe s.r.o. warrants that this product is free from defects in both material and workmanship at the time of sale. KAVAN Europe s.r.o. also reserves the right to change or modify this warranty without notice. The equipment is subject to continuous improvement and refinement – the manufacturer reserves the right to change the design without notice.

This warranty certificate entitles you to a free warranty repair of the product supplied by KAVAN Europe s.r.o. within the extended 3-year warranty period stated above. The warranty does not cover natural wear and tear due to normal use, as this is a product for modelling use, where the individual parts operate under much higher loads than normal toys are subjected to.

The warranty also does not cover any part of the equipment that has been improperly installed, roughly or improperly handled, or damaged in an accident, or any part of the equipment that has been repaired or altered by an unauthorised person (this includes the application of any waterproof sprays/coatings by the user). Like other fine electronics products, do not expose this equipment to high temperatures, low temperatures, moisture, dusty environments, violent mechanical shocks and impacts. Do not leave it in direct sunlight for extended periods of time.

Recycling (European Union)​

Electrical equipment bearing the crossed-out bin symbol must not be disposed of in normal household waste but must instead be taken to a specialised collection and recycling facility. In EU (European Union) countries, electrical equipment must not be disposed of in normal household waste (WEEE - Waste of Electrical and Electronic Equipment, Directive 2012/19/EU). You can take unwanted equipment to your nearest collection or recycling centre. The equipment will then be disposed of or recycled safely, free of charge. By handing in your unwanted equipment, you can make an important contribution to protecting the environment.

EU declaration of conformity​

KAVAN Europe s.r.o. hereby declares that the radio equipment type R6 and other equipment supplied with it comply with Directive 2014/53/EU. The full form of the EU Declaration of Conformity is available at the following website: https://kavanrc.com/doc. This 2.4 GHz radio equipment can be used without prior registration or individual approval in all countries of the European Union.