4EX INSTRUCTION MANUAL for Futaba 4EX 4-channel, FM radio control system for aircraft Futaba Corporation Technical updates available at: http://www.futaba-rc.
TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction..................................................................... 2 Service ............................................................................ 2 Contents and specifications........................................... 3 Glossary.......................................................................... 3 Introduction to the 4EX system ...................................... 4 Transmitter controls and descriptions ........................... 4 Radio installation ......
CONTENTS AND SPECIFICATIONS Transmitter: T4EX T4EX Transmitter with 4-model memory. Transmitting on 29, 35, 36, 40, 41, or 72 MHz band. Operating system: 2-stick, 4-channel system Modulation: FM(Frequency modulation) Power supply: 9.6V NT8S600B Ni-Cd battery or 12V alkaline battery Current drain: 250mA Receiver: R127DF, R136F, R124F, or R114F R127DF FM Dual conversion 7 channel receiver. R136F FM 6 channel receiver. R124F/R114F FM 4 channel micro receiver. Receiving on 29, 35, 36, 40, 41, or 72 MHz band.
INTRODUCTION TO THE 4EX SYSTEM IMPORTANT!: Always turn on the transmitter first, then the receiver. When turning off the system, always turn off the receiver first. The object is never to have the receiver on by itself. Otherwise, the servos or control surfaces could be damaged, or in the case of electric-powered models, the motor may unexpectedly turn on causing severe injury. IMPORTANT!: Never collapse the transmitter antenna by pushing down from the top.
Charging jack - Port for charging the transmitter batteries with the included battery charger. On-off switch DATA INPUT lever - Used to change the values of the various functions displayed on the LCD screen. Liquid-crystal display screen (LCD) - Displays programming modes and values entered. MODE key - Used to scroll through and display the seven different functions. SELECT key - Used to display the values for the current function.
• After the servos are installed, operate each servo over its full travel and check that the pushrods and servo arms do not bind or contact each other. Also make sure the controls do not require excess force to operate. If there is an objectionable buzzing sound coming from a servo, there is probably too much resistance in the control. Find and correct the problem. Even if there is no servo damage, excess battery drain will result.
RECEIVER AND SERVO CONNECTIONS Connect the servos to the receiver to perform the functions indicated: Receiver output channel Function 1 Aileron -or or-left elevon (for tailless models) 2 Elevator -or or-left ruddervator (for V-tail models) -or or-right elevon (for tailless models) 3 Throttle 4 Rudder -or-right ruddervator (for V-tail models) 5 (Not used) 6 (Not used) 7 (Not used) B Receiver on/off switch (the plug colored red goes into the receiver) The diagram shown is for aircraft models
called “memory.” If, for example, only two flights are made each time you go flying, the batteries will not have “reached” very far down into their full capacity. After doing this several times the batteries will “remember” and eventually “think” they can supply only enough power for two flights. After two flights the batteries may not provide enough power to operate the system, thus causing a crash.
Model memory number The Futaba T4EX stores model memories for four models. This means all the data (control throws, end points, etc.) for up to four different models can be stored in the transmitter and activated at any time (depending upon which model you choose to fly that day).
Model Select/Data Reset MODEL Model select function To select model memory: 1. Access the Model Select function in the programming mode (by pressing the MODE and SELECT keys simultaneously and holding them down for one second). The number for the current, active model will be blinking. 2. To activate a different model memory press the DATA INPUT lever for a half second until the desired model number appears. 3. Now the model has been selected.
E.P.A End Point Adjustment The EPA function is designed to “fine tune” the servo throws in cases where changing the pushrod hookup will not achieve the correct throw. The pushrods should first be connected to the servo arms and control horns so the correct, or near correct control surface throw will be achieved. THEN the EPAs may be used to make small changes in the servo throw until the desired control throw is achieved.
Wing Mixing Type Selection There are two different wing mixing functions to select from: V-tail mixing Intended for V-tail aircraft (such as a Beechcraft Bonanza), V -tail mixing allows the ruddervators to operate both as rudders and elevators. V -tail mixing requires that each ruddervator be operated by a separate servo. CH2 CH2 CH4 Up Elevator CH4 Left Rudder (view from rear) To activate V-tail mixing: *If necessary, use the Servo Reversing 1.
FLOW CHART 4EX FUNCTIONS Stick Mode (Screen at Startup) To enter or leave Programming Mode, press MODE and SELECT keys simultaneously for one second. To change the Stick Mode, turn on the transmitter holding MODE and SELECT keys down simultaneously. Use the DATA INPUT lever to display the desired stick mode.
OTHER 4EX FUNCTIONS Trainer switch To utilize the trainer function, the appropriate trainer cord (available separately) and a second Futaba transmitter (usually provided by your flight instructor or R/C club) will be required. When two radios are connected with the trainer cord, they are both capable of operating the model, but it's usually best for the instructor to hold the radio that has been setup for the plane to be flown (as it is already programmed to fly the model).
FLYING SAFETY GUIDELINES Find a suitable flying site (for USA) If you are a beginning modeler and not yet a member of an R/C club, joining a club and flying at a site specifically intended for R/C model aircraft is highly recommended. recommended In addition to joining a club, we strongly recommend joining the AMA (Academy of Model Aeronautics). AMA membership is required to fly at AMA clubs. There are over 2,500 AMA-chartered clubs across the country.
FLIGHT PREPARATION Flight preparation is to be done at the flying field. IMPORTANT: Your radio control system transmits a signal on a certain frequency. Be certain you know what the frequency is. This is expressed as a two-digit number (42, 56, etc.), and can be found on the container the transmitter came in and is also located on the transmitter and receiver. There are several different frequencies, but there is still a chance that someone else at the flying field may be on the same frequency as you.
MODEL DATA RECORDING SHEET (Make copies before using) Model name: Model No. 1•2•3•4 Wing Mixing Inh • EL • v MENU FUNCTION REVERSE Servo Reverse E. P. A EXP End Point Adjust Exponential setting CH 1 CH 2 CH 3 CH 4 N • R N • R N • R N • R % % % % % % % % % % % Model name: Model No. 1•2•3•4 MENU FUNCTION REVERSE Servo Reverse E. P.
FUTABA ACCESSORIES AND REPLACEMENT PARTS (for USA) REPLACEMENT PARTS ANT-5 Transmitter antenna ............................... FUTM5040 NR-4J 4.8 Volt, 600 mAh receiver battery......... FUTM1280 NT-8F 600B 9.6 Volt, 600 mAh Transmitter battery............................. FUTM1440 SWH-13 Switch Harness w/charge plug ........... FSH-6X Servo arm ............................................ FSH-6S Servo arm ............................................ FSH-32 Servo mounting screws (10) ................
