What's the Difference Between the iKON V1 & iKON V2?Updated 2 years ago

For some years now, we have not introduced any changes in the firmware of the old iKON control units due to the little processing power of the saturated CPU MIPS and the little saturated EEPROM memory where no new routines can be added.

Also, the old units are out of warranty as sales were discontinued over 4 years ago, and the last components purchased 5 years ago for the final production runs are now sold out so we would not be able to perform repairs at reasonable prices.

However, we continue to release firmware updates so that they can continue to work with the new software that we've released for the six models of the new iKON2 control units. Basically, what changes in the new firmware for old units is only the release number controlled by the software to work.

The project for the original control units started in 2009, 10 years ago. Back then, the product was among the most powerful and innovative for the models that were in circulation at that time. Despite continued improvements to the original unit's operation with firmware updates and new features over the years, the hardware has now become inadequate for workload from higher performance demands as the models models, engines, batteries, ESCs, blades, and other components have improved and evolved. For example, the main loop of the new control units runs at twice the speed compared to the old ones and therefore makes twice as many controls at the same time.

Here are advantages of the new six iKON2 models over the original:

1. Logging of vibrations, rpm and up to other 10 user defined values in flight (including esc data for many esc’s) at up to 50Hz sampling rate.
2. Log of the last 200 events.
3. Real time logs during setup. (All these functions are essential to diagnose model problems and to easily optimize the setup at 100%.)
4. Telemetry capabilities: for example, getting main pack mAh consumed (replaces timer), ESC temperature, main pack voltage, BEC voltage (and more) to your radio so you can set vibrations, acoustic, voices alarms on them. Of course, you need compatible hardware (Spektrum, Futaba, Jeti, Graupner, FrSky, Multiplex).
5. 20% of RPM reduction at an adjustable mAh used value (for transmitters without telemetry) to alert of low remaining pack capacity
6. Spektrum integration: to adjust any parameter in iKON2 directly from the radio
7. Jeti integration: to adjust any parameter in iKON2 directly from the radio
8. Graupner integration: to adjust any parameter in iKON2 directly from the radio
9. FrSky integration: to adjust any parameter in iKON2 directly from the radio
10. In flight fine tuning: set up to 3 unused channels to fine tune a specific parameter in flight (for example Tail I gain or Gov. P gain) and memorize new value after landing with only stick movements.
11. Ability to use the iKON2 unit on models with an electric motor-controlled tail
12. The units now can power from only USB, eliminating the need to have the motor and servos powered while performing setup. This is perfect for a safe initial setup and a safe download of flight logs and analysis. Also, for firmware updates. It's extremely convenient to be able to plug in the USB cable and run updates or change parameters without powering the rest of the model.
13. Added a standard servo connector for the governor port. This allows direct connection from a HobbyWing / Castle Creation / Scorpion / YGE RPM-out connector without additional converters/cables.
14. The governor port is now also able to accept full voltage. This allows you to connect a second BEC connector to present more current more current to the servo rail.
15. The port for the external BT module was moved from the servo pins to the side. It is much more convenient.
16. We added two new versions: Standard and HD (Heavy Diameter cabling), with and without integrated Bluetooth. The HD version allows for a heavy duty current input vs. feeding the unit only via servo connectors.
17. A variety of form factors for diverse applications: micro, mini, standard, HD with heavy duty BEC input w/ switch, integrated BT,
18. Much more processing power. All routines are now working at the double of the speed compared to the original iKON, so there is more time to complete all in less time and you can note this in a more fluid flight.
19. Much more memory that allows us to continuously add new features through free firmware updates.