User Manual

WARNING: Read the ENTIRE instruction manual to become familiar with the features of the
product before operating. Failure to operate the product correctly can result in damage to
the product, personal property and cause serious injury.
This is a sophisticated hobby product. It must be operated with caution and common sense and
requires some basic mechanical ability. Failure to operate this Product in a safe and responsible
manner could result in injury or damage to the product or other property. This product is not
intended for use by children without direct adult supervision. Do not attempt disassembly, use with
incompatible components or augment product in any way without the approval of Horizon Hobby,
LLC. This manual contains instructions for safety, operation and maintenance. It is essential to
read and follow all the instructions and warnings in the manual, prior to assembly, setup or use, in
order to operate correctly and avoid damage or serious injury.
Age Recommendation: Not for children under 14 years. This is not a toy.
NOTICE: This product is only intended for use with unmanned, hobby-grade, remote-controlled
vehicles and aircraft. Horizon Hobby disclaims all liability outside of the intended purpose and will not
provide warranty service related thereto.
Spektrum
™
Flight Control Board
Instruction Manual
Bedienungsanleitung
Manuel d’utilisation
Manuale di istruzioni
EN
IMPORTANT: Consult local laws and
ordinances before operating FPV (fi rst
person view) equipment. In some areas, FPV
operation may be limited or prohibited. You
are responsible for operating this product in a
legal and responsible manner.
SPMFCM300
NOTICE
All instructions, warranties and other collateral
documents are subject to change at the sole
discretion of Horizon Hobby, LLC. For up-to-date
product literature, visit horizonhobby.com and
click on the support tab for this product.
Meaning of Special Language
The following terms are used throughout the
product literature to indicate various levels of
potential harm when operating this product:
NOTICE: Procedures, which if not properly
followed, create a possibility of physical property
damage AND a little or no possibility of injury.
CAUTION: Procedures, which if not properly
followed, create the probability of physical property
damage AND a possibility of serious injury.
WARNING: Procedures, which if not properly
followed, create the probability of property
damage, collateral damage, and serious injury OR
create a high probability of superfi cial injury.
SPECIFICATION
Input Voltage 5V
Output Voltage 5V
Weight 4g
Size 25 x 25mm
WARNING: All motors should have the propellers removed before any power is fed to the
board. All propellers should remain off during installation and programming.
SPEKTRUM™ FCM300 FLIGHT CONTROL BOARD
BETAFLIGHT INSTALLATION
BASIC PROGRAMMING
BASIC PROGRAMMING-CONTINUED
WARNING: This board does not have reverse polarity protection. Any reverse polarity will
destroy the board and any connected peripherals.
WARNING: This board is a static sensitive device. Use caution when handling and make
sure to follow proper anti static procedures.
TEST FLIGHT
RESOURCES
Once all programing is complete and the model is assembled, it is important to test fl y the aircraft.
If the Accelerometer has not been calibrated yet, now is a good time. With the board connected to Betafl ight
and the aircraft sitting on a level surface, go to the setup tab and click the “Calibrate Accelerometer” button.
• Test the aircraft in a safe environment away from people or animals.
• After confi rming the rotor blades rotate in the correct direction, test the motor response controls.
• Adjust the throttle to a low level of power where the aircraft begins to get “light” on its landing skids.
• Move the rudder stick a small amount to the right. The nose of the quadcopter should start to
rotate to the right (clockwise).
• Move the rudder stick a small amount to the left. The nose of the quadcopter should start to
rotate to the left (counter-clockwise).
• Move the elevator control stick forward. The REAR should lift from the fl oor.
• Move the elevator control stick backward. The FRONT should lift from the fl oor.
• Move the aileron stick right. The LEFT side should lift from the fl oor.
• Move the aileron stick left. The RIGHT side should lift from the fl oor.
• Keep note of any changes that need to be made to the programming.
• ALWAYS REMOVE THE PROPELLERS WHEN MAKING CHANGES TO THE PROGRAMMING.
• When the rotors turn correctly and respond correctly to controls, the aircraft is ready for its fi rst fl ight!
For even more information check out some of these links below.
• https://www.spektrumrc.com/
• https://github.com/betaflight
• https://github.com/betaflight/betaflight/wiki
• https://github.com/cleanflight/cleanflight/blob/master/docs/PID%20tuning.md
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PID_controller
Home Screen
Find support and documentation
Update Firmware
Find drivers here
Com. port
Connect/disconnect
FIRMWARE UPDATE
To update:
1. Click on “Disconnect” if the board is already connected. Do not unplug the board from the
computer at this time.
2. Go to the fi rmware tab on the Betafl ight main screen.
3. In the “Choose a Firmware/Board” drop down menu, choose the newest stable SPRF3 update.
4. Download the Firmware by clicking the “Load Firmware [Online]” button at the bottom of the
screen.
5. Once downloaded, click on the “Flash Firmware” button at the bottom of the screen. Let the
updater work without disturbing the board. When the progress bar shows “Programming: Suc-
cessful” it is now safe to disconnect or go on to programming the board.
IMPORTANT: Flashing the Firmware will erase all content on the board. Always have a back up
saved to your local hard drive. To back up the board, go to the Setup tab and click on Backup.
IMPORTANT: Perform a Back up before changing PID values.
5. Receiver: Use this tab to monitor output direction from the receiver and to set expo, deadband
and rate.
6. Modes: Use this tab to setup switch assignments such as ARM, ANGLE and HORIZON modes.
7. Motors: Use this tab to test output and direction of all or selected motors.
All screens are accurate at time of printing. Future versions of Betafl ight will likely be different. Refer
to the support tab within Betafl ight and our resource section for the most up to date information.
Before using the Spektrum FCM300 Flight Control Board, you must fi rst update the fi rmware.
The Spektrum FCM300 Flight Control Board comes pre confi gured to use the Spektrum SPM4649T
serial telemetry receiver. To fi nish the basic setup, follow these steps below.
1-YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY
What this Warranty Covers - Horizon Hobby, LLC, (Horizon) warrants to the original purchaser that the product
purchased (the “Product”) will be free from defects in materials and workmanship for a period of 1 year from the
date of purchase.
What is Not Covered - This warranty is not transferable and does not cover (i) cosmetic damage, (ii)
damage due to acts of God, accident, misuse, abuse, negligence, commercial use, or due to improper use,
installation, operation or maintenance, (iii) modifi cation of or to any part of the Product, (iv) attempted service
by anyone other than a Horizon Hobby authorized service center, (v) Product not purchased from an authorized
Horizon dealer, (vi) Product not compliant with applicable technical regulations, or (vii) use that violates any
applicable laws, rules, or regulations.
OTHER THAN THE EXPRESS WARRANTY ABOVE, HORIZON MAKES NO OTHER WARRANTY OR
REPRESENTATION, AND HEREBY DISCLAIMS ANY AND ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING, WITHOUT
LIMITATION, THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF NON-INFRINGEMENT, MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A
PARTICULAR PURPOSE. THE PURCHASER ACKNOWLEDGES THAT THEY ALONE HAVE DETERMINED THAT THE
PRODUCT WILL SUITABLY MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE PURCHASER’S INTENDED USE.
Purchaser’s Remedy - Horizon’s sole obligation and purchaser’s sole and exclusive remedy shall be
that Horizon will, at its option, either (i) service, or (ii) replace, any Product determined by Horizon to be
defective. Horizon reserves the right to inspect any and all Product(s) involved in a warranty claim. Service
or replacement decisions are at the sole discretion of Horizon. Proof of purchase is required for all warranty
claims. SERVICE OR REPLACEMENT AS PROVIDED UNDER THIS WARRANTY IS THE PURCHASER’S SOLE
AND EXCLUSIVE REMEDY.
Limitation of Liability - HORIZON SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR SPECIAL, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL OR
CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, LOSS OF PROFITS OR PRODUCTION OR COMMERCIAL LOSS IN ANY WAY,
REGARDLESS OF WHETHER SUCH CLAIM IS BASED IN CONTRACT, WARRANTY, TORT, NEGLIGENCE, STRICT
LIABILITY OR ANY OTHER THEORY OF LIABILITY, EVEN IF HORIZON HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY
OF SUCH DAMAGES. Further, in no event shall the liability of Horizon exceed the individual price of the Product
on which liability is asserted. As Horizon has no control over use, setup, fi nal assembly, modifi cation or misuse,
no liability shall be assumed nor accepted for any resulting damage or injury. By the act of use, setup or
assembly, the user accepts all resulting liability. If you as the purchaser or user are not prepared to accept the
liability associated with the use of the Product, purchaser is advised to return the Product immediately in new
and unused condition to the place of purchase.
Law - These terms are governed by Illinois law (without regard to confl ict of law principals). This warranty
gives you specifi c legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state. Horizon
reserves the right to change or modify this warranty at any time without notice.
WARRANTY SERVICES
Questions, Assistance, and Services - Your local hobby store and/or place of purchase cannot provide warranty
support or service. Once assembly, setup or use of the Product has been started, you must contact your local
distributor or Horizon directly. This will enable Horizon to better answer your questions and service you in the
event that you may need any assistance. For questions or assistance, please visit our website at horizonhobby.
com, submit an inquiry to productsupport@horizonhobby.com or call the toll-free telephone number referenced
in the Warranty and Service Contact Information section to speak with a Product Support representative.
Inspection or Services - If this Product needs to be inspected or serviced and is compliant in the country
you live and use the Product in, please use the Horizon Online Service Request submission process found on
our website or call Horizon to obtain a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) number. Pack the Product
securely using a shipping carton. Please note that original boxes may be included, but are not designed to
withstand the rigors of shipping without additional protection. Ship via a carrier that provides tracking and
insurance for lost or damaged parcels, as Horizon is not responsible for merchandise until it arrives and is
accepted at our facility. An Online Service Request is available at http://www.horizonhobby.com/content/
service-center_render-service-center. If you do not have internet access, please contact Horizon Product
Support to obtain a RMA number along with instructions for submitting your product for service. When
calling Horizon, you will be asked to provide your complete name, street address, email address and phone
number where you can be reached during business hours. When sending product into Horizon, please include
your RMA number, a list of the included items, and a brief summary of the problem. A copy of your original
sales receipt must be included for warranty consideration. Be sure your name, address, and RMA number are
clearly written on the outside of the shipping carton.
Provided warranty conditions have been met, your Product will be serviced or replaced free of charge. Service or
replacement decisions are at the sole discretion of Horizon.
EU Compliance Statement: Horizon Hobby, LLC hereby declares that this product is in
compliance with the essential requirements and other relevant provisions of the EMC directive.
A copy of the EU Declaration of Conformity is available online at:
http://www.horizonhobby.com/content/support-render-compliance.
Instructions for disposal of WEEE by users in the European Union
This product must not be disposed of with other waste. Instead, it is the user’s responsibility to dis-
pose of their waste equipment by handing it over to a designated collections point for the recycling
of waste electrical and electronic equipment. The separate collection and recycling of your waste
equipment at the time of disposal will help to conserve natural resources and ensure that it is recycled in a
manner that protects human health and the environment. For more information about where you can drop
off your waste equipment for recycling, please contact your local city offi ce, your household waste disposal
service or where you purchased the product.
10/15
WARRANTY AND SERVICE CONTACT INFORMATION
Country of
Purchase
Horizon Hobby Contact Information Address
United
States
of America
Horizon Service Center
(Repairs and Repair
Requests)
servicecenter.horizonhobby.com/
RequestForm/
4105 Fieldstone Rd
Champaign, Illinois,
61822 USA
Horizon Product Support
(Product Technical
Assistance)
productsupport@horizonhobby.
com
877-504-0233
Sales
websales@horizonhobby.com
800-338-4639
European
Union
Horizon Technischer
Service
service@horizonhobby.eu
Hanskampring 9
D 22885
Barsbüttel,
Germany
Sales: Horizon Hobby
GmbH
+49 (0) 4121 2655 100
NOTICE: Do not ship LiPo batteries to Horizon. If you have any issue with a LiPo battery, please
contact the appropriate Horizon Product Support offi ce. Warranty Requirements- For Warranty
consideration, you must include your original sales receipt verifying the proof-of-purchase date.
Non-Warranty Service - Should your service not be covered by warranty, service will be completed and
payment will be required without notifi cation or estimate of the expense unless the expense exceeds 50%
of the retail purchase cost. By submitting the item for service you are agreeing to payment of the service
without notifi cation. Service estimates are available upon request. You must include this request with your
item submitted for service. Non-warranty service estimates will be billed a minimum of ½ hour of labor. In
addition you will be billed for return freight. Horizon accepts money orders and cashier’s checks, as well as
Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover cards. By submitting any item to Horizon for service, you
are agreeing to Horizon’s Terms and Conditions found on our website http://www.horizonhobby.com/content/
service-center_render-service-center.
ATTENTION: Horizon service is limited to Product compliant in the country of use and
ownership. If received, a non-compliant Product will not be serviced. Further, the sender will
be responsible for arranging return shipment of the un-serviced Product, through a carrier of
the sender’s choice and at the sender’s expense. Horizon will hold non-compliant Product for a
period of 60 days from notifi cation, after which it will be discarded.
This product uses Betafl ight Third Party Software in portions of its coding.
For more information on Betafl ight Software, please visit:
https://github.com/betafl ight/betafl ight/wiki
THIRD PARTY SOFTWARE This product may include code developed by one or more third parties
(“Third Party Software”). Some Third Party Software may be subject to other terms and conditions
that may be available for download with the product documentation. Notwithstanding the terms and
conditions of this Agreement, the Third Party Software is licensed to you subject to the terms and
conditions of the software license agreement identifi ed in the open source software disclosure. If the
third party terms and conditions include licenses that provide for the availability of source code (such
as the GNU General Public License), the open source software disclosure or the media on which the
software may be delivered will provide instructions where a copy of such source code can be obtained.
The Spektrum FCM300 Flight Control Board comes pre-loaded with Betafl ight and has been
confi gured to use the Spektrum SPM4649T serial receiver with Telemetry.
IMPORTANT: The ESC connections require basic soldering skills to complete installation.
IMPORTANT: The warranty does not cover damage from soldering, static or from reverse polarity.
5V out GND
5V out Positive
Micro USB
ESC Connector
Receiver connector
Bind Button
Bootloader Button
Direction indicator
1. Connect the fl ight cowith a SPM9010 cable. The Flight Controller board comes pre confi gured for the
SPM4649T serial receiver. Do not use a 3.3V serial receiver receiver.
2. The cable from the 4-in-1 ESC to the includes both ESC signals and 5V power for the Flight
Controller and reciever.
Binding
Press the Bind button on the fl ight controller while connecting a battery to put the receiver in bind mode.
The SPMVX180 standoff set is recommended to assemble the Flight controller and 4-in-1 ESC.
Mount the fl ight controller with the arrow on the board pointed forward.
Tip: Ensure the board is mounted fl at and level to the airframe for proper performance
The SPMFCM300 is confi gured to pair with the BLH04008 4-in-1 ESC. Connect the fl ight controller
to the 4-in-1 ESC with the included cable.
RECEIVER INSTALLATION
ESC INSTALLATION
ASSEMBLY
Notice: Confi rm the polarity of all wiring before connecting to power.
The Betafl ight confi gurator is an open source Google Chrome Application that can be found in the
Google Chrome Web Store.
Installation:
1. From the Google Chrome Web Store, search for Betafl ight Confi gurator. Install and run the App
from within Google Chrome. Betafl ight is compatible with any operating system capable of run-
ning Google Chrome.
2. Download the driver required to allow Betafl ight to communicate with the Flight Control Board over
USB. The driver can be found by following the link on the main page of Betafl ight shown above.
IMPORTANT: Betafl ight will need to be restarted and in some cases the operating system may need
to be restarted for the drivers to take effect.
3. Connect the Spektrum SPMFCM300 Flight Control Board to a micro USB cord and then connect
to the computer.
IMPORTANT: A USB charge only cord will not work. The USB cord must be capable of transferring data.
4. Make sure the correct port is selected and push the Connect button. For future connections,
click on Auto-Connect to automatically connect every time the board is connected.
IMPORTANT: Not all options or settings will be discussed in this manual. See the Betafl ight Wiki
website listed in the resources section for more information.
1. Setup: The Setup Screen is the fi rst screen that appears once the board has successfully con-
nected to Betafl ight. Betafl ight has a real time graphical representation of the boards orientation
and is where back up/restore of a model takes place.
2. Confi guration: In the Mixer section, “Quad X” is the default confi guration. Note the number and
direction of each motor.
In the Receiver Mode section, select RX_SERIAL if using the Spektrum 4649T receiver.
3. Failsafe: Use the default settings to get started
4. PID tuning: Use the default settings to get started.
TIP: PID Tuning directly effects the quality of fl ight from the aircraft. There are great resources on the
internet to help with understanding PID tuning. Several resources are listed in the RESOURCES section.
WARNING: All motors should have the propellers removed. Moving the sliders in the
Motors screen will cause the motors to spin up.