6EX-2.4GHz INSTRUCTION MANUAL for Futaba 6EX-2.4GHz 6-channel, FASST Radio control system for Airplanes/Helicopters Futaba Corporation Technical updates available at: http://www.futaba-rc.
TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction ..........................................................................3 (HELI functions) N-TH Normal Throttle Curve ........................................24 N-PI Normal Pitch Curve..............................................24 I-TH Idle-Up Throttle Curve function............................24 I-PI Idle-Up Pitch Curve function .................................25 HOLD Throttle hold function ........................................25 REVO Pitch - rudder mixing function .
INTRODUCTION Thank you for purchasing the Futaba 6EX-2.4GHz FASST*1 digital proportional R/C airplane/helicopter system. If this is your first “computer” radio, rest assured that it is designed to make initial setup and field-tuning of your airplane/helicopter easier and more accurate than using a “non-computer” radio. Although this is a beginner or sport system with the requirements of those flyers in mind, in order to make the best use of your Futaba 6EX-2.
CONTENTS AND SPECIFICATIONS Transmitter: T6EX-2.4G T6EX-2.4GHz Transmitter of FASST system. Transmitting on 2.4GHz band. Operating system: 2-stick, 6-channel system Power supply: 9.6V NT8F600B Ni-Cd battery Current drain: 170mA Other components: Switch harness Instruction manual *Specifications and ratings are subject to change without notice. Receiver: R606FS 6 channel receiver of FASST system. Receiving on 2.4GHz band. Power requirement: 4.
INTRODUCTION TO THE 6EX-2.4GHz 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. Transmitter ACRO mode: External switches operate dual rates (D/R), landing gear, and trainer cord or “buddy-box” capabilities.
Trim levers (all) - Used to shift the neutral or center position of each servo as labeled in the diagram. Once either trim lever is operated, the trim position is displayed on the LCD screen. Also once either edit key is operated, all trim positions are displayed sequentially on the LCD screen. NOTE: The throttle trim lever is intended for fine tuning the throttle servo when the engine is at idle. Throttle trim does not affect the throttle servo when the throttle control stick is all the way up (so idle r.p.
RADIO INSTALLATION Follow these guidelines to properly mount the servos, receiver and battery. • Make certain the alignment tab on the battery, switch and servo connectors is oriented correctly and “keys” into the corresponding notch in the receiver or connectors before plugging them in. When unplugging connectors, never pull on the wires. Always pull on the plastic connector instead. • If any servo wires are not long enough to reach the receiver, servo extension wires (available separately) may be used.
• IMPORTANT: Since the 2.4GHz have different characteristics than that of the conventional 27MHz and 72MHz frequencies, please read this section carefully to enjoy safe flight with the 2.4GHz system. Receiver's Antenna Installation: • The R606FS has two antennas. These antennas have a diversity function to decrease the chance of a receiving error. • Since the wavelength of the 2.
Transmitter Antenna 1. The transmitter antenna is adjustable so please make sure that the antenna is never pointed directly at the model when flying as this creates a weak signal for the receiver. 2. Keep the antenna perpendicular to the transmitter's face to create a better RF condition for the receiver. Of course this depends on how you hold the transmitter, but in most cases, adjusting the transmitter antenna so that it is perpendicular to the face will give the best results.
RECEIVER AND SERVO CONNECTIONS Connect the servos to the receiver to perform the functions indicated: Receiver output channel Function Aircraft (ACRO) Helicopter (HELI) Aileron -or-right flaperon -or-right elevon (for tailless models) Elevator -or-left ruddervator (for V-tail models) -or-left elevon (for tailless models) 1 2 Aileron Elevator 3 Throttle Throttle 4 Rudder -or-right ruddervator (for V-tail models) Rudder 5 Retractable landing gear Gyro sensitivity 6 Flap -or-left flaperon Pitch
CHARGING THE NiCd BATTERIES The transmitter batteries included with your 6EX-2.4GHz system are rechargeable, NiCd (nickel-cadmium, pronounced nikad) batteries. NiCd batteries require special care and charging. Read the charging instructions carefully. NOTE: The batteries are supplied partially charged, but will require a full, overnight charge before the model may be flown. 1. Connect the transmitter charging cord coming from the A/C wall charger to the charge jack in the right side of the transmitter case.
LIQUID CHIP DISPLAY (LCD) & PROGRAMMING CONTROLS MODE key - use to select desired function while programming Throttle-cut button To use the throttle-cut function, To open programming menu; Press both keys simultaneously and hold for one second DATA INPUT lever - use this lever to input numbers or settings SELECT key - use to select items within function to be set or changed in the screen LCD display screen When the transmitter is initially turned on, the model type, model memory name, modulation type and
Transmitter battery voltage “Battery” icon In addition to the model type, the LCD screen also displays the transmitter battery voltage. When the voltage goes below approximately 8.5 Volts the “battery” icon will flash and the lowbattery alarm will continuously beep until the transmitter is turned off. When the low-battery alarm sounds, land immediately your model before losing control. Note: If the transmitter ever reaches 8.9 Volts, land as soon as safely possible.
PROGRAMMING THE 6EX-2.4GHz RADIO Anytime you wish to view or change any of the current settings in the transmitter, the programming mode must first be entered by, of course, turning on the power, then by pressing the “MODE” and “SELECT” keys simultaneously and holding them down for one second.
ACRO/HELI Model type select function The Model type select function is used to select the ACRO or HELI mode of model type. ACRO: Powered aircraft memory type (with multiple wing and tail configurations. See Wing mixing type selection for further information, p20.) HELI: Helicopter memory type (with three helicopter swashplate type. See Swashplate types selection for further information, p28.
Model name function Assign a name to the model memory. By giving each model a name that is immediately recognizable, you can quickly select the correct model, and minimize the chance of flying wrong model memory that could lead to a crash. To assign a name 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). To select the model number you wish to change, press the DATA INPUT lever and hold it down for 0.
the throw. 5. Repeat the procedure for the other dual rate (channel 2-elevator, 4-rudder). EXPO Exponential Settings The “exponentials” are in the same function as the dual rates. (Pressing the MODE key will take you to the next function which is End Point Adjustments). The same as dual rates, “expos” can be set for both switch positions. Negative exponential (-) decreases initial servo movement. Positive exponential (+) increases initial servo movement.
TRIM Trim Settings There are four trim levers (“trims”) on the front of the transmitter. Three of the trims are for adjusting the neutral position of the aileron, elevator and rudder servos. The fourth trim is for setting the idle r.p.m. of the engine when the throttle stick is all the way down. The intended use of the trims is to make small servo adjustments, in flight, to get the model properly “trimmed” (so it will fly straight-and-level).
PMIX1/2 Programmable Mixer 1/2 (ACRO only) Unlike the “wing mixing” function (explained later) where the channels to be mixed are factory-set, the T6EX-2.4GHz also contains two programmable mix where you, the pilot determine the channels to be mixed. This could be used to correct unwanted flight tendencies (by mixing rudder to aileron, or aileron to rudder for example). To set up a programmable mix: 1. Enter the programming mode. Access the “PMIX” screen with the MODE key. 2.
Wing Mixing Type Selection (ACRO only) With the programmable mix (previously described) the user determines the two channels to be mixed. The wing mixing function is another mix that may be used, but the channels mixed are predetermined. There are three different wing mixing functions to select from: FLPR Flaperon mixing (ACRO only) This function allows the ailerons to be used both as ailerons and as flaps. The flap control switch (CH 6) operates the flap function.
To activate flap trim: 1. Enter the programming mode. Access the “FLTR” screen with the MODE key. 2. If “INH” is blinking, push DATA INPUT lever upward for 0.5 seconds. Then you will see that the blinking “INH” changes to “ON”. Your flap trim is now turned on. 3. Set the travel of the flap switch at between -100% and +100% by using DATA INPUT lever. Two rates (upward and downward of flap switch) are adjustable.
4. Next you may set the elevator. Press the SELECT key to display the “CH2” and flashing “%” sign. Use the DATA INPUT lever to set the percentage of elevator travel rate from -100% to +100% 5. Next you may set the rudder. Press the SELECT key to display the “CH4” and flashing “%” sign. Use the DATA INPUT lever to set the percentage of rudder travel rate from -100% to +100% 6. Once this mix has been activated, move the servos to their full extremes to make certain they are not overdriving the controls.
3. Push the DATA INPUT lever upward for 0.5 seconds. This will cause the flashing “INH” display to change to a flashing “ON” display. Now the mixing is on. 4. Next you set the left wing to channel 1 (aileron) setting. Press the SELECT key to display the “CH1” and flashing “%” sign. Use the DATA INPUT lever to set the percentage of elevator travel rate from -100% to +100% 5. Next you set the right wing to channel 2 (elevator) setting. Press the SELECT key to display the “CH2” and flashing “%” sign.
N-TH Normal throttle curve function (HELI only) Used to set throttle curve for normal flight. 5-point throttle curve is utilized to best match the blade collective pitch to the engine RPM for consistent load on the engine. Throttle curve can be adjusted from 0-100% each point. This normal throttle curve creates a basic curve for hovering. Use this function together with the normal pitch curve (see Normal pitch curve) so that up/down control has a constant engine speed. To set the normal throttle curve: 1.
3. Use SELECT key to select the desired curve point. Point 1 is shown initially which is throttle stick’s all the way downward (slow) position. Point 5 is throttle stick’s all the way upward (hi) position. 4. Push up or down DATA INPUT lever to set the servo position. 5. Use SELECT key to set other points in same manner. I-PI Idle-up pitch curve function: (HELI only) Used to set pitch curve for idle up flight.
REVO Pitch-rudder mixing function (HELI only) This mix adds rudder in conjunction with pitch. This helps compensate for rotation of the helicopter caused by the increased engine torque. (Never use revo. mixing with a heading-hold/AVCS gyro which is in heading hold/AVCS mode. However, revo. mixing is still used when a heading-hold/AVCS gyro is in normal mode.) To set the REVO mixing: 1. Enter the programming mode and use the MODE key to access the “REVO” function. 2. Push the DATA INPUT lever upward for 0.
specialized digital servos. Examples: • GY401: Simpler set up. Ideal for learning aerobatics through 3D. • GY502: Better centering than 401 for more advanced aerobatics. Ideal through Class III competition. • GY611: Exceptional center. Extremely fast response time. Requires specialized servo. Gyro mixing function is used for adjusting the gain of the gyro. Select from two different gain settings using a switch on the transmitter. To set the GYRO mixing: 1.
SW-T Swash to throttle mixing (HELI only) This function corrects slowing of engine speed caused by swashplate operation at aileron or elevator operation. To activate swash to throttle mixing: 1. Enter the programming mode. Access the “SW-T” screen with the MODE key. 2. Push the DATA INPUT lever upward for 0.5 seconds. This will cause the flashing “INH” display to change to a flashing “ON” display. Now the mixing is on. NOTE: The throttle to swash mixing function only operates in the Idle up flight mode. 3.
To select the swashplate types: 1. Enter the programming mode and use the MODE key to access the “SWSH” function. 2. To select swashplate type press the DATA INPUT lever upward or downward for about two seconds. When you are changing swashplate type to 1-S, 3-S or 3-E, the 1-S, 3-S or 3-E on the display flashes slow, becomes rapid, and then returns slow flashing with confirmation sound. 3. Now set the swashplate type.
F/S Fail Safe (Throttle channel only) The Fail Safe function is recommended to use for safety reasons in the event of radio interference. In this menu, you may select from one of two options. The “NOR”(normal) setting holds the servo in its last commanded position, while the “F/S”(Fail Safe) function moves the servo to a predetermined position. The setting is set to “F/S” as a default. The use of the failsafe function is recommended from the standpoint of safety.
FLOW CHART ACRO MODE FUNCTIONS Stick Mode To enter or leave Programming Mode, press MODE and SELECT keys simultaneously for one second. (Screen at Startup) To change the Stick Mode, turn on the transmitter and hold the MODE and SELECT keys down simultaneously. Use the DATA INPUT lever to display the desired stick mode. (press MODE and SELECT keys for one second) [Model 2-5] *1 [CH 2-5] MODE key [CH 2-5] SELECT key DATA INPUT lever [CH 2-3] *1. Press the DATA INPUT lever for 0.
FLOW CHART HELI MODE FUNCTIONS Stick Mode To enter or leave Programming Mode, press MODE and SELECT keys simultaneously for one second. (Screen at Startup) To change the Stick Mode, turn on the transmitter and hold the MODE and SELECT keys down simultaneously. Use the DATA INPUT lever to display the desired stick mode. (press MODE and SELECT keys for one second) [Model 2-5] *1 [CH 2-5] [CH 2-5] MODE key [CH 2-3] SELECT key DATA INPUT lever [2-4] *1. Press the DATA INPUT lever for 0.
OTHER 6EX-2.4GHz FUNCTIONS Trainer switch (ACRO mode) 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).
Adjustable-length control sticks The control stick length is adjustable to make the transmitter more comfortable to hold and operate. To adjust the length, hold the locking piece (B) and turn the stick tip (A) counterclockwise. Turn the locking piece B up or down to lengthen or shorten the stick. When the length is suitable, lock the stick in position by turning locking piece B counterclockwise. Changing the 6EX-2.4GHz stick mode The transmitter may be operated in four different stick “modes” (1, 2, 3 & 4).
FLIGHT PREPARATION Flight preparation is to be done at the flying field. If you are an inexperienced pilot, be certain your flight instructor performs these following checks with you. Check the controls 1. Get the frequency clip from the frequency control board at your flying site if the site has a clip for 2.4GHz. 2. Mount the wing to the fuselage. Turn on the transmitter, then the receiver (remember to do this in reverse order when turning off the system).
MODEL DATA RECORDING SHEET (ACRO) (Make copies before using) Model name: Model No.
MODEL DATA RECORDING SHEET (HELI) (Make copies before using) Model name: Model No.
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