FrSky Archer Plus GR8 ACCESS / ACCST D16 Glider Receiver
The FrSky Archer Plus GR8 is a full-range 8-channel receiver designed for gliders, sailplanes, powered gliders, and larger fixed-wing aircraft that benefit from additional PWM outputs and integrated altitude telemetry. Its eight high-precision PWM channels, upgraded variometer, dual detachable antennas, telemetry support, and receiver-redundancy capability make it a strong choice for thermal soaring, slope flying, electric gliders, scale sailplanes, and more complex aircraft installations.
The Archer Plus GR8 supports both ACCESS and ACCST D16 protocols, providing broad compatibility across FrSky 2.4GHz radio systems. The Archer Plus Series features enhanced anti-RF interference performance and smart protocol matching during binding, helping provide a stable and dependable control connection. A built-in Black Box function can also preserve basic receiver power and signal-related flight data.
The GR8 includes an upgraded high-precision variometer that provides faster and more accurate altitude and vertical-speed information. When used with a compatible FrSky telemetry-enabled transmitter, pilots can receive real-time altitude data, vertical-speed readings, and responsive variometer audio feedback to help identify thermals, sink, and changing lift conditions.
The receiver provides eight high-precision PWM outputs, SBUS Out with 16-channel or 24-channel support, and SBUS In for compatible receiver-redundancy setups. The GR8 can operate as the primary receiver in a redundant installation by connecting its SBUS In port to a compatible secondary FrSky receiver equipped with SBUS Out.
The GR8 supports full-range telemetry through S.Port or FBUS. When configured for FBUS operation, compatible FrSky telemetry sensors, XACT servos, ADV sensors, and other supported devices can share simplified control and telemetry wiring for a cleaner aircraft installation. The receiver also supports external voltage monitoring through AIN2 and Over-The-Air firmware updates with compatible ACCESS systems.
Compatibility Note
The Archer Plus GR8 is compatible with and can bind to all FrSky ECOS, TWIN, and Tandem Series radios that support ACCESS or ACCST D16 protocols. This includes compatible transmitters and RF modules operating in either supported protocol mode.
Some advanced functions, including OTA firmware updates, FBUS device configuration, telemetry setup, Black Box data access, and enhanced variometer integration, require a compatible ACCESS and ETHOS system.
The Archer Plus GR8 is not a TWIN TW receiver, Tandem TD receiver, ELRS receiver, Spektrum receiver, Futaba receiver, or FlySky receiver. Use this receiver only with compatible FrSky ACCESS or ACCST D16 radio systems.
Key Features
Full-range 8-channel FrSky glider receiver
Supports ACCESS and ACCST D16 protocols
Compatible with all FrSky ECOS, TWIN, and Tandem Series radios that support ACCESS or ACCST D16
Designed for gliders, sailplanes, powered gliders, and larger fixed-wing aircraft
Upgraded high-precision variometer
Real-time altitude and vertical-speed telemetry
Responsive variometer audio feedback with compatible FrSky transmitters
Smart protocol matching during binding
Enhanced anti-RF interference performance
Built-in Black Box flight-data function
8 high-precision PWM channel outputs
SBUS Out with 16-channel or 24-channel support
SBUS In for compatible receiver-redundancy setups
Can serve as the primary receiver in a redundant installation
Full-range S.Port and FBUS telemetry support
Up to 24 signal channels in supported configurations
Compatible with supported XACT servos, ADV sensors, and other FBUS devices
External battery or device voltage monitoring through AIN2
Over-The-Air OTA firmware update support
Dual detachable antennas with IPEX4 connectors
Suitable for thermal soaring, slope flying, electric gliders, and scale sailplanes
Brand: FrSky
• Model: Archer Plus GR8
• Receiver Series: Archer Plus Series
• Receiver Type: Glider receiver with integrated variometer
• RF Protocol: ACCESS / ACCST D16
• Frequency: 2.4GHz
• PWM Channels: 8
• Maximum Signal Channels: 8 PWM with 16-channel or 24-channel SBUS modes
• Operating Voltage: 3.5–10V
• Operating Current: Less than 65mA at 5V
• Operating Range: Greater than 2km under ideal conditions
• Telemetry: S.Port / FBUS
• Signal Outputs: PWM / SBUS Out / FBUS
• Redundancy Input: SBUS In
• Variometer: Integrated upgraded high-precision sensor
• Altimeter Measurement Range: -700m to 10,000m
• Altimeter Resolution: 0.1m
• Vertical-Speed Measurement Range: ±10m/s
• Black Box Function: Supported
• External Voltage Detection: AIN2
• AIN2 Measurement Range: 0–35V
• Voltage Divider Ratio: 1:10
• Antennas: Dual detachable 2.4GHz antennas
• Antenna Connectors: IPEX4
• Firmware Updates: Over-The-Air OTA with compatible ACCESS systems
• Dimensions: 54 × 20 × 10mm
• Weight: 9.8g
• Compatibility: FrSky 2.4GHz ACCESS or ACCST D16 capable transmitters and RF modules
Actual operating range may vary depending on antenna installation, transmitter output, aircraft construction, terrain, local RF conditions, and environmental conditions.
Select the Correct RF Protocol
Create or open the aircraft model on your FrSky transmitter and select either ACCESS or ACCST D16 to match the receiver firmware and intended operating mode. ACCESS is recommended when supported because it enables additional receiver, telemetry, and firmware-update features.
Binding
Place the transmitter into registration or binding mode for the selected protocol, then power the receiver and follow the current FrSky binding procedure for your transmitter and firmware version.
PWM Connections
Connect standard servos, the ESC throttle lead, spoilers, flaps, tow-release servos, retracts, or other PWM-controlled accessories to the eight channel outputs. Verify signal, positive, and negative wire orientation before powering the receiver.
Variometer Setup
Discover the receiver’s altitude and vertical-speed telemetry sensors through the transmitter telemetry menu. Configure altitude, vertical-speed, and variometer audio announcements according to your flying style and transmitter capabilities.
Thermal and Vertical-Speed Alerts
Set practical climb and sink thresholds that allow the transmitter to identify useful lift without creating constant alerts from normal control inputs or turbulence. Test the settings at a safe altitude and adjust them gradually.
Variometer Placement
Install the receiver where it is protected from direct propeller wash, cooling airflow, pressure pulses, and rapidly changing internal air pressure. Sudden pressure changes can affect altitude and vertical-speed readings.
SBUS Out
Use SBUS Out when connecting the receiver to a compatible flight controller, stabilization system, channel expander, decoder, or other SBUS device. Configure the receiver for the required 16-channel or 24-channel SBUS mode.
SBUS In and Receiver Redundancy
The Archer Plus GR8 can serve as the primary receiver in a redundant setup. Connect the SBUS Out port of a compatible secondary FrSky receiver to the GR8’s SBUS In port. Confirm that the secondary receiver, signal format, power arrangement, and receiver settings are compatible before flight.
Telemetry and FBUS
The telemetry connection supports S.Port or FBUS operation with compatible FrSky devices. FBUS allows supported sensors, XACT servos, ADV sensors, and other compatible equipment to share simplified control and telemetry wiring.
External Voltage Monitoring
The AIN2 connection supports external battery or device voltage measurement from 0–35V when used with the correct 1:10 voltage divider. Do not connect a flight battery directly to AIN2 without the proper voltage divider or approved voltage-sensing cable.
Antenna Installation
Position the two antennas at different angles to improve signal diversity. Keep both active antenna elements away from carbon fiber, batteries, ESCs, motors, ignition systems, high-current wiring, and other conductive materials. Do not cut, pinch, sharply bend, or modify the antennas.
Firmware Compatibility
Before binding, confirm that the transmitter RF firmware and receiver firmware support the same ACCESS or ACCST D16 version. Firmware mismatches can prevent binding or cause receiver functions to operate incorrectly.
Preflight Check
Confirm correct channel movement, servo direction, failsafe behavior, telemetry operation, altitude readings, vertical-speed response, and control range before flying. Complete a range check after installation and whenever the receiver, antenna placement, transmitter configuration, or aircraft electronics are changed.
