FSK-03021860 FrSky RF007 AP FBL Rotorflight Flybarless Controller Access Protocol

FSK-03021860 FrSky RF007 AP FBL Rotorflight Flybarless Controller Access Protocol

Introducing the VANTAC RF007!

FrSky is proud to announce the launch of the VANTAC RF007, a cutting-edge flybarless (FBL) helicopter flight controller with a built-in FrSky receiver. Built upon RotorflighRotorflight 2's advanced flight control technology, the RF007 seamlessly integrates with ETHOS radios for intuitive configuration and real-time tuning, putting unparalleled control at your fingertips.

At its core, the RF007 is powered by an STM32F722 MCU, paired with an ICM42688P gyro/accelerometer and SPL06 barometer. For added performance insight, the RF007 includes a generous 128MB Blackbox for flight data logging, making it easier than ever to fine-tune and troubleshoot your setup.

The RF007 simplifies receiver integration with its built-in FrSky Archer+ or TWIN receivers, supporting the ACCESS/ACCST V2 and TW protocols respectively. For users with unique requirements, the RF007 also supports external receiver connections via its main header or two UART/I2C expansion ports. With 9 main header ports, the RF007 provides substantial flexibility to connect spare servos, glow ignitors, buffer/backup packs, or other auxiliary equipment, ensuring maximum convenience for a variety of setups.

The RF007 leverages ETHOS' powerful telemetry connectivity, offering a streamlined and user friendly Lua-based interface for tuning and programming directly from your FrSky transmitter. Adjust PIDs, servo trims, rates, mixing, filter settings, and more — all from the convenience of your radio screen. Even ESC configuration is supported for select ESCs, making the RF007 an all-in-one solution for advanced helicopter pilots.

This product would not have been possible without the dedicated efforts of the ROTORFLIGHT technical team and volunteers, whose expertise and rigorous testing have brought the RF007 to life.

Experience the future of FBL helicopter flight control with the FrSky VANTAC RF007. Testing and final checks are coming to a close, and availability is expected soon. Stay tuned for updates!

Q: Is the RF007 an official product?
A: Yes.  The RF007 was developed by FrSky in conjunction with the Rotorflight development team and testers, and follows the F7B reference design.
https://github.com/rotorflight/rotorflight-ref-design/blob/master/Reference-Design-F7B.md

Q: What makes the RF007 unique?
A: The RF007 is the first 9-pin Rotorflight FC based on the new F7B reference design, and it has a built in FrSky receiver connected via FBUS (or FPort), allowing for easy connection to most any FrSky radio without an external module.

Q: What RF protocols does RF007 use on the internal receiver?
A: There are two versions: Archer+ and Twin.  The Archer+ version supports both ACCESS and ACCST V2, which all current and most older FrSky radios support.  The Twin version supports the TW protocol, suitable for FrSky TW radios (e.g. TW X-Lite, X14) as well as the PRO/R/RS radios, or any FrSky Ethos radio with the Twin Lite Pro external module.

Q: Can I program the RF007 using my FrSky radio?
A: Lua scripts are available thanks to the hard work of Rob Thomson, Egon Lubbers et al and offer full Rotorflight integration with Ethos.
https://github.com/rotorflight/rotorflight-lua-ethos
https://github.com/rotorflight/rotorflight-lua-ethos-suite

Q: Can I use the RF007 with EdgeTX/MPM?
A: The Archer+ version of RF007 has a built-in Archer Plus receiver, which can bind to ACCST V2.  This is "FrSkyx2" in the Multiprotocol system.  Integration/telemetry is supported in this configuration.

Q: Can I use the RF007 without the built-in receiver?
A: Yes, absolutely.  Just connect a receiver of your choice to either the main header (e.g. SBUS port) or expansion Port A or C and reconfigure Rotorflight to use that receiver instead of the internal.

Q: What's the hardware?
A: The RF007 is powered by an STM32F722 MCU, ICM-42688P IMU, SPL06 Barometer, and W25N01 128MB Blackbox.  It has a 5V rail capable of 1.5A continuous load and has a working voltage up to 15V, suitable for 12V UHV servo systems.  It has a total of 9 main header ports, allowing easy connection of buffer packs, redundant BEC leads, ESC telemetry, servos/glow drivers, etc as well as Port A and C for UART/I2C connections.  It also has a VBAT/AIN port capable of up to 80V input.

Q: What comes in the box?
A: You will receive: RF007 Unit, 2 x JST-GH 4pin pigtails, 1 x USB-A to USB-C cable, 1 x JST-GH 2pin VBAT/AIN port cable, 1 x RxUG cable for updating the internal RX in case of OTA failure, and 3 x double sided tape pre-cut pieces.

Q: Can I remove the heat shrink from the antennas? 
A: The heat shrink is added to protect the fragile whiskers, but may not fit all antenna guides, so it can be removed easily.  It is hot-glue heat shrink, and can be removed by gently heating with a lighter for 5-10s then simply sliding it off.

Q: Can I use a USB-C to USB-C cable to connect to the RF007?
A: Yes, the RF007 USB-C port has the correct data pin pulldowns to support C to C operation.  It has been tested both on Android as well as RFC on macOS.

Q: When will the RF007 be available?
A: We do not currently have an exact availability date, but provided final testing and configuration goes well, availability is expected soon.