6EXP INSTRUCTION MUNUAL for Futaba 6EXP 6-channel, PCM/PPM(FM) selectable Radio control system for Airplane/helicopter Futaba Corporation Technical updates available at: http://www.futaba-rc.
TABLE OF CONTENTS (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 ...........................26 GYRO Gyro mixing function....................................
INTRODUCTION Thank you for purchasing the Futaba 6EXP 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 would be if using a “non-computer” radio.
CONTENTS AND SPECIFICATIONS Transmitter: T6EXP T6EXP Transmitter with 6-model memory. Transmitting on 29, 35, 36, 40, 41, or 72 MHz band. Operating system: 2-stick, 6-channel system Modulation: FM(PPM) and PCM Power supply: 9.6V NT8S600B Ni-Cd battery or 12V alkaline battery Current drain: 250mA Servos: S3004/S3003 S3004 ball bearing/S3003 standard servo with mounting hardware and servo arm assortment Control system: Pulse width control,1.52ms neutral Power requirement: 4.
Receiver crystals: The receiver frequency may be changed as long as it remains within the “low” and “high” band frequency range. If your receiver is on any channel from 11 through 35, it is a “low band” receiver and the frequency may be changed to any other channel from 11 through 35 without having to perform any other service. Simply purchase a crystal on the desired channel, then replace the existing crystal in your receiver with the new one.
INTRODUCTION TO THE 6EXP 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.
H:Throttle – hold switch - This switch operates to hold the engine in the idling position and disengaged it from the Throttle Stick. It is commonly use to practice auto-rotation. Neck strap hook - Mounting point for optional neck strap. Aileron/elevator control stick - Operates the servos connected to channel 1 (aileron) and channel 2 (elevator) in the receiver. Trim levers (all) - Used to shift the neutral or center position of each servo as labeled in the diagram.
RADIO INSTALLATION Follow these guidelines to properly mount the servos, receiver and battery. INPORTANT!: Please use PCM receiver if the composition parts of the model used much metal, carbon graphite etc. because they will generates quite a lot of the noise. • 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.
• IMPORTANT: NEVER cut the receiver antenna or mount it in the model folded back on itself. Doing so will change its electrical length, possibly reducing the distance from the pilot that the model can be controlled (“range”). • The receiver antenna may be mounted inside or outside the model: Internal antenna mounting: • You may run the antenna inside of a non-metallic housing within the fuselage, but range may suffer if the antenna is located near metal or carbon fiber pushrods or cables.
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 Ni-Cd BATTERIES The transmitter and receiver batteries included with your 6EXP system are rechargeable, Ni-Cd (nickel-cadmium, pronounced Read the charging instructions carefully. ni-kad) batteries. Ni-Cd batteries require special care and charging. NOTE: The batteries are supplied partially charged, but will require a full, overnight charge before the model may be flown. 1.
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 Modulation indicator LCD display screen When the transmitter is initially turned on, the model type, model memory nam
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 you will have approximately four minutes (or less) to land your model before losing control.
PROGRAMMING THE 6EXP 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 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 T6EXP also contains two programmable mix where the 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 dial (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 the elevator setting. 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 the rudder setting. 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.
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 adjust from 0-100% each point. This normal throttle curve create basic curve for around 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 desire curve point. Point 1 is shown initially which is throttles stick all the way downward (slow) position. Point 5 is throttles stick 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 with 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.
• 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 use for adjusting the gain of the gyro and selecting the gain from two different gain settings by switch on the transmitter with the gyro that can set two different gains witch placed on the model. 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. 3. Press the SELECT key to display the “CHA”.
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 to change rapid and then returns slow flashing with conformation sound. 3. Now it set the swashplate type.
F/S Fail Safe (PCM mode only) The Fail Safe function is used to prescribe what the PCM receiver will do in the event radio interference is received, and doesn’t work FM(PPM) receivers. In this menu, you may select from one of two options of operation for each channel. The “NOR”(normal) setting holds the servo in its last commanded position, while the “F/S”(Fail Safe) function moves each servo to a predetermined position. Throttle channel is set to “F/S” as a default. All the other channels are set to “NOR”.
FLOW CHART ACRO MODE FUNCTIONS 3TICK -ODE 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 holding 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 3TICK -ODE 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 holding 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 6EXP 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 6EXP 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. 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 (ACRO) (Make copies before using) Model name: Model No.
MODEL DATA RECORDING SHEET (HELI) (Make copies before using) Model name: Model No.
