AR7210BX User Guide 1
EN 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.
EN Introduction Dear Customer: The Spektrum AR7210BX combines the proven BEASTX® flybarless technology with a Spektrum™ high-speed 2048 receiver. This combination provides the ultimate in performance and simple installation. The Spektrum AR7210BX is perfect for ALL sizes of flybarless helicopters. Using an optional DSMX® remote receiver adds necessary path diversity for even the largest electric, glow, gas and turbine-powered helicopters.
EN Box Contents Spektrum AR7210BX Bind Plug Mounting tape Adjustment tool Instruction Manual Program Guide Optional Parts DSMX Remote Receiver (SPM9645) USB interface (SPMA3030) Gas/Nitro RPM Sensor (SPM9560) Preflight Safety Precautions and Checklist • Read all safety precautions and literature prior to use of this product. • Always ensure the receiver and transmitter are properly bound before flight.
EN Specifications Type: DSM® receiver and BEASTX® flybarless technology Channels: 6–9 (8 channels are available, however, Channel 5 is only used as an internal gain channel for the tail gyro/operating SAFE®). Modulation: DSM2, DSMX Main Receiver Dimensions: 36mm x 28mm x 13 mm/1.42 in x 1.1 in x .51 in (Length x Width x Height) Main Receiver Weight: 0.66 oz (18.6 g) Voltage Range: 3.5 to 8.
EN Antenna Polarization For optimum RF link performance, mount the antennas in an orientation that allows for the best possible signal reception when the helicopter is in all possible attitudes and positions. Orient the internal receiver antennas perpendicular to each other (see Receiver Installation). When using a DSMX remote receiver—Use double-sided foam tape to mount the remote receiver so that the antenna is perpendicular to the longer main receiver antenna.
EN Servo Connections and Auxiliary Channels Servo Selection Flight Direction Select servos that are adequate for flybarless operation. The servos must have high torque in addition to being fast and precise. A poor servo-rotor blade combination will cause several issues including oscillation while hovering and unwanted reaction in fast forward flight. Connect all servos to the Spektrum AR7210BX. Refer to the diagram below for your particular helicopter’s cyclic servos.
EN Y-Harnesses and Servo Extensions Do not use amplified Y-harnesses or amplified servo extensions with Spektrum equipment. Use only standard non-amplified Y-harnesses and servo extensions. When converting existing models to Spektrum devices, replace all amplified Y-harnesses and servo extensions.
EN Binding You must bind the receiver to the transmitter before the receiver will operate. Binding is the process of programming the receiver to recognize the GUID (Globally Unique Identifier) code of a single specific transmitter. To bind a Spektrum AR7210BX to a DSM2 or DSMX transmitter: 1. Insert the bind plug in the BIND/DAT port on the receiver. Connect the receiver battery to any of the other ports. When using a heli with an ESC that powers the receiver, connect the controller to THRO port. 2.
EN Accessing Menu Levels From flight-ready mode (A through N LEDs off) you can access two different Menu Levels — Setup Menu and Parameter Menu. You can only access one Menu Level at a time. Setup Menu—Access all basic settings for helicopter setup. To access the Setup Menu: Press and hold the setup button until LED A stops flashing and lights up solid. Parameter Menu—Access settings to adjust the helicopter’s flight characteristics. The Parameter Menu is used between flights.
EN Exiting the Menu When the last menu point of each Menu Level is reached, quickly press the setup button to exit the menu. The Spektrum AR7210BX will also automatically exit the menu after 4 minutes of inactivity. The Spektrum AR7210BX will not automatically exit at points D, G, I and J to allow time for mechanical helicopter adjustments. CAUTION: Never fly the helicopter when the Spektrum AR7210BX is in the Setup or Parameter Menu.
EN B Swashplate Servo Frequency CAUTION: If you do not know the maximum pulse rate for your servos, do not exceed 50Hz servo frequency. A higher servo frequency can lead to servo failure. Analog servos usually tolerate a maximum of 50Hz. Contact the servo manufacturer if you are unsure of the servo frequency. Always use the highest servo frequency that the servos can handle for the best performance.
EN D Tail Servo Frequency CAUTION: If you do not know the maximum frequency for your selected tail servo, do not exceed 50Hz. Exceeding the maximum frequency for the tail servo can lead to servo failure. For best performance, always use a high-quality tail servo capable of at least 270Hz. Depending on the selection chosen in Menu Point C, you may not be able to select a frequency above 333Hz.
EN F Setting the Tail Sensor Direction 1. Move the helicopter nose to the right. The tail rotor blades will move in the same direction as left rudder input. If the tail rotor blades move in the wrong direction, reverse the sensor direction. 2. Move the rudder stick once in any direction. The Status LED will change color. Status-LED Red Solid Normal* Blue Solid Reversed *Factory Setting 3. Repeat Steps 1 and 2. 4. Press the setup button to save the selection and move to Menu Point G.
EN H Swashplate Mixer 1. Select the electronic swashplate mixer required for your helicopter or choose “mechanical” if the helicopter uses a mechanical mixer. The Spektrum AR7210BX supports 90°, 120° and 135–140° swashplates. You can also use any swashplate geometry by selecting User Defined (PC software required). Refer to your helicopter manual for more information on CCPM. CAUTION: NEVER use your transmitter’s electronic swashplate mixing. All CCPM mixing is done by the Spektrum AR7210BX.
EN Status-LED CH1 CH2 CH3 OFF Normal Reverse Reverse Purple Solid Normal* Normal* Reverse* Red Solid Normal Reverse Normal Blue Solid Normal Normal Normal *Factory Setting IMPORTANT: Menu Point I does not have a time limit. If the servos are still not reacting properly after using servo reverse, make sure the servos are connected to the proper receiver channels. Also, make sure any servo mixing in your transmitter is turned off. 6.
EN K Collective Pitch Range and Endpoints At Setup Menu Point K, you adjust the maximum desired negative and positive collective pitch and teach the AR7210BX the pitch directions. By moving the rudder stick, you can reverse the internal collective pitch direction. The current pitch direction is indicated by the color of the Status-LED at Setup Menu Point K. IMPORTANT: This setting is very crucial for proper function of SAFE® technology. Check the setting before flight. 1.
EN L Adjusting the Cyclic Swashplate Limit Menu Point L adjusts the maximum possible tilting of the swashplate for aileron and elevator. The deflection is limited in a circular path, similar to a cyclic ring function, preventing swashplate binding at full aileron and elevator travel. 1. Carefully move the sticks for aileron, elevator and pitch elevator and pitch to all maximum endpoints simultaneously. Watch for binding or lack of movement in the swashplate, linkage rods and servos. 2.
EN N RPM Governor — Operation modes At Menu Point N you can choose from three options: • Deactivated — the RPM Governor is not used. All control commands on the throttle channel will be passed to [THRO] output directly. • Electric — select this option if your helicopter is powered by an electric motor and an electric speed controller is plugged into [THRO] output of the Spektrum AR7210BX.
EN For electric motors, the motor speed can be determined electronically. For this purpose, a phase sensor (e.g. BXA76013) is connected to one or two of the motor phases. Some electronic speed controllers (ESCs) offer a direct signal output for the RPM signal so that no additional sensor is required. To see how the sensor is mounted in detail, please refer to the instruction manual from your sensor or helicopter. The wire with the RPM signal is connected to the [AUX2|RPM] input pin of Spektrum AR7210BX.
EN Combustion Drive System (Nitro/Gas) Magentic sensor located at clutch bell Throttle servo Menu Point A verifies (1) the RPM sensor is functioning properly, (2) the RPM sensor wire is connected correctly and (3) if there is a usable RPM signal. Caution: at this menu point the throttle channel is unlocked. This means you have full control over the throttle output [THRO] with your transmitter to control the speed controller or throttle servo.
EN 5. Move both throttle stick and throttle trim on the transmitter to the “motor off” position. Adjust the servo travel in that direction until the carburetor is closed. If the servo travel must be greatly reduced in both directions, it is recommended that the linkage ball on the servo arm is mounted further in so that the servo can be moved over a wider range. For more information, refer to your helicopter’s instruction manual.
EN B Motor Off/Idle Position Menu Point B is used to set the lowest throttle position. CAUTION: Output [THRO] can be directly controlled by the throttle stick. Electric Model 1. Move the throttle stick to low throttle, just until motor stops. If the stick throw has been correctly adjusted as described at Menu Point A (or the ESC has been programmed to the stick throws), the necessary throttle position should be achieved at the lowest position of the throttle stick.
EN C Full Throttle Position At Menu Point C, you have to set full throttle position of your ESC or throttle servo. Here the output [THRO] can be only controlled by the throttle stick when the RPM Governor type is set to “nitro.” In “electric” mode the throttle output will stay locked to your low throttle value. You can set the full throttle position without the motor running high. Otherwise there is no difference between the modes “electric” and “nitro.” Move the throttle stick to full throttle.
EN 100% Normal flight mode • Motor off • Throttle is 0% over the entire range 100% Idle up 1 • RPM Governor enabled • 1680 RPM = 42% throttle 50% 0% 50% 42% 0% Status-LED OFF Status-LED Red 100% Idle up 2 • RPM Governor enabled • 2200 RPM = 55% throttle 100% Autorotation • RPM Governor on standby • Motor off 55% 50% 0% 50% 10% 0% Status-LED Red Status-LED Blue In “electric” mode, the adjustable throttle range is 3400 RPM.
EN Nitro In “nitro” mode, the throttle servo can be controlled via the throttle channel of the remote control as long as the RPM Governor is switched off. Only when the RPM Governor is switched on this will take over control of the throttle servo to spool up the rotor to the desired speed (if this is not yet reached) and ensure that the rotor speed is maintained during the flight. The manual throttle control is necessary to start and warm up the motor as well as to stop the motor after flight.
EN Throttle curve (throttle channel) Idle up 1 • RPM Governor on • 1800 RPM = 52.5% • Throttle must stay above 25%. V-curve used as backup, in case the governor gets deactivated in this flight mode Governor channel 100% 100% 52.5% 50% 0% 0% Status-LED Red Throttle curve (throttle channel) Governor channel 100% 100% Autorotation • RPM Governor on standby • Increased idle position • Maximum 25% throttle 52.
EN Nitro Governor with Throttle Channel Only If you do not use a separate control channel for the RPM Governor, throttle servo and RPM Governor are solely controlled by the throttle channel. The control range of the throttle channel is divided into two parts; below the center position, the throttle servo is controlled manually by the throttle channel. The RPM Governor is switched off and the servo output range is doubled, so that the throttle servo can be moved over the entire range.
EN Throttle Position 100% Rotor RPM* 3000 Status-LED Purple Solid 95% 2760 90% 85% 80% 75% 70% 65% 60% 55% 50% 2520 2280 2040 1800 1560 1320 1080 840 600 45% Manual control/ Autorotation Blue Solid Manual control OFF 40% Red Solid 35% 30% 25% 20% 15% 10% 5% 0% *The list is not exhaustive. Intermediate values result accordingly.
EN Status-LED OFF Purple Flashing Divider no division (2 motor poles or 1 magnet**) 2 (4 motor poles or 2 magnets**) Purple Solid 3 (6 motor poles) Red Flashing 4* (8 motor poles) Red Solid 5 (10 motor poles) Blue Flashing 6 (12 motor poles) Blue Solid 7 (14 motor poles) *Factory Setting ** magnets used as signal generator for nitro helis The motor poles of an electric motor can be determined by counting the number of magnets built into the motor housing.
EN To proceed to the each menu point press the button. After Menu Point H the initial setup is finished and the button press will lead back to operation mode. Menu Point G Main gear ratio - X.YZ : 1 Menu Point H Status-LED YZ Menu Point F Status-LED X OFF .00 OFF OFF .05 Purple Flashing OFF User Defined OFF .10 Purple Solid 8 OFF .15 Red Flashing Purple Solid 9* Purple Flashing .20 OFF Red Flashing 10 Purple Flashing .25 Purple Flashing Red Solid 11 Purple Flashing .
EN Some transmitters offer a special setting allowing an automatic switch between the auxiliary governor channel and the flight mode switch. The motor can start in the first flight mode; you can spool up the rotor by applying manual throttle and hover the helicopter. With the second flight mode, the throttle curve is switched to a “V”-shaped curve and the RPM Governor is turned by the auxiliary channel.
EN Dials and Tail Gyro Gain To adjust the dials: Only use the original Spektrum AR7210BX adjustment tool to prevent damage to the dials. Do not turn the dials past their end points or damage will occur. Dial 1: Swashplate—Cyclic Gain Turn Dial 1 clockwise to increase the swashplate gain. The factory setting for Dial 1 is horizontal (50% swashplate gain). Use the factory setting for your first flights. This setting is ideal for 450 class helicopters.
EN Dial 3: Tail Dynamic Turn Dial 3 clockwise to increase the tail dynamic or counterclockwise to decrease the tail dynamic. Factory setting for Dial 3 is horizontal Make sure the maximum possible tail gyro gain has already been determined before adjusting the tail dynamic. The tail should stop perfectly, to the point without making any flapping noises. Increasing the Tail Dynamic will lead to harder stopping behavior and more aggressive response to tail stick inputs.
EN Parameter Menu To enter the Parameter Menu: 1. 2. 3. 4. When the Spektrum AR7210BX is ready for flight, press and hold the setup button until the LED flashes next to Menu Point A. Release the setup button. Press the setup button once to move to the next menu point. Press the setup button once at at the last Menu Point to exit the Parameter Menu. It is possible to skip menu points. Do not move the transmitter sticks when you are in a menu point you want to skip.
EN Rudder Servo If the tail gyro is operated in Normal-Rate mode, the rudder servo must often be trimmed precisely so that the tail rotor produces just enough thrust to counteract the rotor torque in hovering flight. Otherwise the helicopter would constantly drift into one or another direction on its vertical axis as the gyro only dampens sudden movements but does not control the tail rotor‘s absolute position.
EN Status-LED Control Behavior OFF User Defined Purple Solid Normal Red Flashing Sport* Red Solid Pro Blue Flashing Extreme Blue Solid Transmitter *Factory Setting If you select one of the preset Control Behaviors, it is not recommended that you use Exponential and/or Dual Rates in your transmitter. However, slightly increasing servo travel in your transmitter should not cause any problems with the Control Behaviors.
EN D Rudder Rate Consistency The setting of Menu Point D determines how constant the tail gyro will maintain the rotation rate from the rudder stick when operated in HeadingLock Mode: 1. 2. Start with Rate Consistency set to low or very low and maximize the tail gain in your transmitter. Increase the Rate Consistency in the Spektrum AR7210BX until the desired result is achieved. Rate Consistency Too Low Pirouettes are inconsistent in fast forward flight or in crosswind conditions.
EN E Stick Deadband Stick deadband is the range around the very center of the stick where the Spektrum AR7210BX will not react. Depending on the calibration of the transmitter, the sticks may not be in the exact same center position each time they return to center. This can cause unwanted rotation on the axis of stick movement and unwanted servo movement even when the heli is standing still on the ground.
EN F Tail—RevoMIX The Spektrum AR7210BX can pre-compensate for torque variations on the tail before any noticeable change. RevoMIX relieves the tail control loop and improves tail performance on helicopters with insufficient tail authority and/or high powered electric helicopters. To see the compensation direction: 1. Move the collective pitch, roll and elevator stick at any time. The tail rotor has to deflect to counter the rotor torque.
EN G Cyclic Response Menu Point G adjusts how aggressively the Spektrum AR7210BX responds to cyclic commands (roll and pitch). Adjusting the cyclic response can reduce the linear control feeling of flybarless systems and make the helicopter response feel more or less aggressive. The factory setting is “Normal.” To use the cyclic response feature, select “Slightly Increased” from the options. Gradually increase the cyclic response until you reach the desired level.
EN Status-LED Pitch Boost OFF User Defined Purple Solid Off* Red Flashing Low Red Solid Medium Blue Flashing High Blue Solid Very High *Factory setting The option “User Defined” allows you to define your own settings using the optional PC Software. Press the setup button once to move to Parameter Menu Point I. I RPM Governor — Throttle Response If the Governor Mode is “deactivated,” skip through the following Parameter Menu points by Pressing the setup button at Menu Points I, J, and K.
EN J RPM Governor — Initial Spool Up Rate When activating the RPM Governor this will not apply full throttle immediately but will increase the rotor head speed slowly until the desired preset head speed is reached. At Menu Point J you can determine how quickly this soft start occurs when the RPM Governor is activated initially. The speed is given in number of revolutions by how much the rotor speed is increased per second. The higher the speed the faster your preset head speed will be reached.
EN K RPM Governor — Quick Change Rate If the RPM Governor is enabled and you increase the preset rotor head speed there will not be an abrupt change but the system will increase the rotor RPM with a given spool up rate that can be set at Menu Point K. This rate also determines how fast the rotor head speed will increase when reactivating the RPM Governor after an autorotation maneuver.
EN Operating Principles of SAFE Technology ® When SAFE® technology is used in this manual, reference is made to leveling the model, regardless of a particular operating mode (e.g. “Bail out rescue mode,” “3D - Mode” or “Flight trainer mode”). SAFE® technology can be enabled or disabled via Parameter Menu Point L by selecting one of the operating modes as mentioned above. Only if SAFE® technology is enabled, i.e.
EN Bail Out Rescue Mode This operation mode can be used if the pilot becomes disoriented and would like to save the helicopter from crashing. In such case he just needs to let go the stick(s) for aileron and elevator and activate the SAFE® technology by flipping the assigned switch for SAFE® technology function. The helicopter then is rotated back into normal horizontal position by the shortest route over roll or pitch.
EN 3D - Mode with Collective Pitch Control 3D - Mode with collective pitch control provides the same functionality as the “3D - Mode.” In addition, here SAFE® technology takes over the collective pitch function. When reaching horizontal position SAFE® technology gives a positive or negative pitch input, so that the heli is held in the hover position or climbs up slightly. Here, the throttle stick is locked into each “wrong” direction.
EN If the maximum positive/negative pitch angle is changed at Setup Menu Point K then also the hovering pitch will change! So after re-adjusting the maximum angles also check and re-adjust the hovering pitch at Parameter Menu Point M. When using the “3D — Mode with pitch control” make sure that the pitch range is symmetrical, i.e. the maximum positive and negative pitch angles are of same size.
EN Usage of SAFE Technology ® Once SAFE® technology was enabled by choosing one of the five SAFE® technology types at Parameter Menu Point L, SAFE® technology can be activated and deactivated in flight by using the switch on the transmitter whose channel was assigned as actuator for SAFE® technology in Receiver setup menu.
EN If SAFE® technology works reversed, e.g. one of the Menu-LEDs B through N lights up when the switch for SAFE® technology is in “off”-position and the Menu-LED A does not disappear independant of the servo throw when the switch is in “on”-position, then simply reverse the channel for SAFE® technology in your transmitter by using the servo reverse function. SAFE® Technology with Combined Switch Channel The tail gyro gain channel is also used for SAFE® technology.
EN Functional Test of SAFE Technology ® When activating SAFE® technology you should be able to see an immediate impact on the swashplate control. If the heli is tilted to one side, Spektrum AR7210BX permanently steers the swashplate opposed to the inclination. In the region around horizontal position the swashplate will always stay nearly horizontal to the ground. The system constantly tries to bring the helicopter back to the horizontal position as long as the helicopter is oblique.
EN Flying with SAFE® Technology First Test Flight If not done already, for the first flight keep SAFE® technology deactivated and adjust all flight parameters like tail gyro gain, cyclic gain, etc. If the heli is setup well, you can familiarize yourself with the effect of SAFE® technology. For this we suggest to use the “Bail out rescue mode.” Fly the helicopter in a sufficient amount of height in a stable hover and activate the SAFE® technology by using the appropriate switch.
EN If the helicopter is not aligned horizontally as desired with active SAFE® technology, i.e drifts to one side in hovering, the artificial horizon can be readjusted. This is done at Parameter Menu Point A which also serves as servo trim function. If you activate SAFE® technology at Parameter Menu Point A via the transmitter’s SAFE® technology channel, you switch to trimming of the horizon instead of trimming the servos.
EN Menu Overview SETUP MENU (Menu-LED is steady ON ) OFF Purple Flashing Purple Solid Red Flashing Red Solid Blue Flashing Blue Solid Red/ Blue A Mounting orientation horizontal socket, front vertical socket, front hor. inv. socket, front vert. inv. socket, front horizontal socket, back vertical socket, back hor. inv. socket, back vert. inv.
EN Adjustment Options Overview Menu LEDs: Amount of tail gain A = 0% to N = 100% SAFE® technology gain A = “off” to N = 100% Button: (only shown after powering up or when adjusting the gain) —to enter Setup menu press down several seconds until LED A is steady on —to enter Parameter menu press quickly until LED A is flashing Status-LED Tail gyro mode blue = HeadingLock mode purple = Normal-Rate mode* —to enter Channel Assignment Menu hold button before and while powering on red = SAFE® technology D
EN 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 at the date of purchase.
EN 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 www.horizonhobby.com, submit a Product Support Inquiry, or call the toll free telephone number referenced in the Warranty and Service Contact Information section to speak with a Product Support representative.
EN Warranty and Service Contact Information Country of Purchase Horizon Hobby Contact Information Horizon Service Center (Repairs and Repair Requests) Horizon Product Support (Product Technical Assistance) servicecenter.horizonhobby. com/RequestForm/ Address 4105 Fieldstone Rd Champaign, Illinois 61822 USA Sales www.quickbase.com/db/ bghj7ey8c?a=GenNewRecord 888-959-2306 sales@horizonhobby.com 888-959-2306 United Kingdom Service/Parts/Sales: Horizon Hobby Limited sales@horizonhobby.co.
© 2015 Horizon Hobby, LLC. DSM, DSM2, DSMX and SmartSafe are trademarks or registered trademarks of Horizon Hobby, LLC. The Spektrum trademark is used with permission of Bachmann Industries, Inc. BEASTX and StudioX are registered trademarks of Markus Schaack and are used with permission. The Spektrum AR7210BX employs technology exclusively licensed to Horizon Hobby, LLC. from Freakware GmbH. All other trademarks, service marks and logos are property of their respective owners. US 7,391,320.
