Update Infos iFS-Version 3
Is a hardware replacement necessary?
Contrary to many claims in the relevant modelling forums the update does not involve the replacement of any hardware components at all. The update to Version 3 is a pure software upgrade for the RF module and receiver.
How does updating to iFS - Version 3 work?
The RF module and receiver must be sent to the GRAUPNER Service department.
Please note: if possible please be sure to use our iFS update card. The iFS update card can be downloaded from our website: www.graupner-ifs-system.de.
Please send your iFS components together with the iFS update card to us at the following address:
Graupner GmbH & Co. KG
IFS - Update
Henrietten Str. 94 - 96
D-73230 Kirchheim unter Teck
Germany
Why can I not carry out the update to Version 3 myself using the Programmer, Order No. 23300?
To allow the system to carry out frequency hopping over sixteen channels, the update to Version 3 includes loading the latest firmware version onto the RF circuit boards of the receiver and transmitter module. For this reason we regret that it is impossible for the user to carry out the update himself using the XZ-P1 iFS Programmer (Order No. 23300).
Of course, it will be possible for the user to carry out future software updates with the help of the Programmer.
Is there a charge for the update to Version 3?
The update to Version 3 is free of charge to you.
(Please note that we can only accept parcels sent with postage pre-paid.)
Can I send my iFS components back already before the 26th of November 2008?
Naturally you can send your first-generation iFS components to us before 26 November 2008. However, please note that the work will not be carried out before that date. As of 26 November we guarantee that the update will be completed as quickly as possible. The work is carried out at no cost to you.
After updating to Version 3 I cannot bind my receivers to the transmitter
Binding the primary receiver:
Switch the Graupner | iFS receiver on.
After three seconds the Status LED starts to flash red.
Hold the programming button pressed in until the LED goes out, then glows green. Release the button.
The STATUS LED will now flash orange: this indicates that the receiver is waiting for a Graupner | iFS transmitter for the binding process.
Transmitter:
The first step must always be to set the transmitter modulation correctly, as previously described. At present this means PPM, MPX, PPM18 or PPM24. Now hold the PROG button on the Graupner | iFS RF module pressed in while you switch the transmitter on. Continue to hold the button pressed in while the Status LED first goes out, and then glows green. Release the PROG button. All the components should bind to each other the moment you release the PROG button. Assuming that the binding process has been completed successfully, all the STATUS LEDs now switch to green simultaneously. If one STATUS LED does not glow green, repeat the whole procedure.
Switch the transmitter and receiver off again.
Your Graupner | iFS system is now ready to use.
Range checks show that effective range with Version 3 is significantly less than previously. Why is that?
During a range check the effective range of your Graupner | iFS system V 3.0 is much lower than with earlier versions. The reason for this is that the transmitted power when the PROG button is pressed is now 25 times lower than with previous versions.
Please note the figures stated in the operating instructions in this regard.
Why does the Status LED on the transmitter constantly flicker?
The “flickering of the Status LED” indicates the constant frequency swapping which the module carries out when set to Hopping Codes 2, 3, 4 and 5.
My receiver LED glows orange. What does that mean?
When the receiver LED glows orange, the low voltage warning indicator is active.
The voltage is or has been below 4.4 V. Usually this means that the battery is not fully charged, and is “failing to cope” with powerful (digital) servos.
A brief power-on surge can also trigger the warning indicator.
Please ensure that your batteries are fully charged before flying a model.
It is important that all control surface linkages should be free-moving, and that you measure the voltage drop via any switch harness you are using. In practice we have discovered that switch harnesses can easily “swallow” up to 0.7 V; the receiver input then only sees the lower voltage.
IFS systems continue to work at voltages down to 3.0 V, but despite this you should not ignore the orange warning indicator, as in most cases it is a warning that the power supply system is not “up to the job”.
Please note that a good flight ending in a successful landing is only possible if the receiver power supply is in perfect condition. If the receiver LED cannot be made to glow a constant green, even though your model’s linkages are free-moving, your battery is fully charged, the leads are of adequate cross-section, and the transfer resistance of all the connectors is minimal, then the servos are simply drawing too much current from the system. In this case you should perhaps consider installing a five-cell receiver battery.