7CAP / 7CHP 7 CHANNEL RADIO CONTROL SYSTEM INSTRUCTION MANUAL Technical updates and additional programming examples available at: www.futaba-rc.com\faq\7c-faq.
TABLE OF CONTENTS INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 Additional Technical Help, Support and Service . . . . .3 Application, Export and Modification . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 Meaning of Special Markings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 Safety Precautions (do not operate without reading) . .5 Introduction to the 7C . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 Contents and Technical Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . .9 Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
INTRODUCTION Thank you for purchasing a Futaba® 7C series digital proportional R/C system. This system is extremely versatile and may be used by beginners and pros alike. In order for you to make the best use of your system and to fly safely, please read this manual carefully. If you have any difficulties while using your system, please consult the manual, our online Frequently Asked Questions (on the web pages referenced below), your hobby dealer, or the Futaba Service Center.
Application, Export, and Modification 1. This product may be used for model airplane or surface (boat, car, robot) use, if on the correct frequency. It is not intended for use in any application other than the control of models for hobby and recreational purposes. The product is subject to regulations of the Ministry of Radio/Telecommunications and is restricted under Japanese law to such purposes. 2.
Meaning of Special Markings Pay special attention to safety where indicated by the following marks: DANGER - Procedures which may lead to dangerous conditions and cause death/serious injury if not carried out properly. WARNING - Procedures which may lead to a dangerous condition or cause death or serious injury to the user if not carried out properly, or procedures where the probability of superficial injury or physical damage is high.
Always pay particular attention to the flying field's rules, as well as the presence and location of spectators, the wind direction, and any obstacles on the field. Be very careful flying in areas near power lines, tall buildings, or communication facilities as there may be radio interference in their vicinity. If you must fly away from a club field, be sure there are no other modelers flying within a three-to-five-mile range, or you may lose control of your aircraft or cause someone else to lose control.
A QUICK INTRODUCTION TO THE 7C SYSTEM Note that in the text of this manual, beginning at this point, any time we are using a featureís specialized name or abbreviation as seen on the screen of the 7C, that name, feature, or abbreviation will be exactly as seen on the radioís screen, including capitalization, and shown in a DIFFERENT TYPESTYLE for clarity.
RECEIVER: R127DF/R138DP • The R127DF FM 7-channel or the R138DP PCM 7-channel receiver included with your system is a high-sensitivity narrow-band dual-conversion receiver. • Any Futaba narrow band FM receiver (all produced after 1991) on the correct frequency band and frequency may be used with the 7C.
CONTENTS AND TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS (Specifications and ratings are subject to change without notice.
The following additional accessories are available from your dealer. Refer to a Futaba catalog for more information: • NT8S Transmitter battery pack - the (600mAh) transmitter Ni-Cd battery pack may be easily exchanged with a fresh one to provide enough capacity for extended flying sessions. • Trainer cord - the optional training cord may be used to help a beginning pilot learn to fly easily by placing the instructor on a separate transmitter.
TRANSMITTER CONTROLS - AIRPLANE Antenna SW(F) Snap Roll or Trainer Switch Be careful not to bend your antenna when you collapse or extend it. Antenna must be fully extended when flying. SW(E) Landing Gear Switch /CH5 SW(B) Rudder Dual Rate Switch /CH7 VR Flap Trim Control This controls CH6, and if flaperon mixing is activated controls the flap.
TRANSMITTER CONTROLS - HELI Antenna Be careful not to bend your antenna when you collapse or extend it. Antenna must be fully extended when flying.
Trainer connector Ni-Cd battery pack Charging jack Battery connector location Battery cover NOTE: If you need to remove or replace the transmitter battery, do not pull on its wires to remove it. Instead, gently pull on the connector's plastic housing where it plugs into the transmitter. SWITCH ASSIGNMENT TABLE • The factory default functions activated by the switches and knobs for a Mode 2 transmitter are shown below. • Most 7C functions may be reassigned to non-default positions quickly and easily.
RECEIVER AND SERVO CONNECTIONS Receiver Output and Channel 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Aircraft (ACRO) Helicopter (HELI) ailerons/combined right flap & aileron 1 elevator throttle rudder spare/landing gear/combined left flap and aileron 1,2 spare/ flap(s)/combined left flap and aileron 1,2 spare/combined left flap and aileron 1,2 aileron (cyclic roll) elevator (cyclic pitch) throttle rudder spare/gyro pitch (collective pitch) spare/governor 1 Flaperon mode. (See p. 43).
Adjusting the length of the non-slip control sticks Stick tip A Locking piece B You may change the length of the control sticks to make your transmitter more comfortable to hold and operate. To lengthen or shorten your transmitterís sticks, first unlock the stick tip by holding locking piece B and turning stick tip A counterclockwise. Next, move both pieces up or down (to lengthen or shorten).
RADIO INSTALLATION While you are installing the battery, receiver, switch harness and servos into your model's fuselage, please pay attention to the following guidelines: Wood screw Rubber grommet Brass eyelet Use the supplied rubber grommets when you mount each servo. Be sure not to over-tighten the screws. If any portion of the servo case directly contacts the fuselage or the servo rails, the rubber grommets will not dampen the vibration, which can cause mechanical wear and servo failure.
Range Testing Your R/C System Please note that different systems demonstrate different range checks and the same system will range check differently in different conditions. Also, the receiver antenna's installation affects the range test -- exiting the top of the model is ideal. This is a brief explanation of range test. For more in-depth specifics on receiver antenna mounting, additional checks if unsatisfactory range is demonstrated, range checking with gasoline powered engines, etc, please see our F.A.
TRANSMITTER DISPLAYS & BUTTONS When you first turn on your transmitter, a confirmation double beep sounds, and the screen shown below appears. Before flying, or even starting the engine, be sure that the model type and name appearing on the display matches the model that you are about to fly! If you are in the wrong model memory, servos may be reversed, and travels and trims will be wrong, leading to an immediate crash.
WARNING & ERROR DISPLAYS An alarm or error indication may appear on the display of your transmitter for several reasons, including when the transmitter power switch is turned on, when the battery voltage is low, and several others. Each display has a unique sound associated with it, as described below. LOW BATTERY ERROR: Warning sound: Continuous beep until transmitter is powered off. The LOW BATTERY warning is displayed when the transmitter battery voltage drops below 8.5V.
AIRCRAFT (ACRO) MENU FUNCTIONS Please note that all BASIC menu functions are the same for airplanes (ACRO) and helicopters (H-1/H-2/HR3/HN3/H-3/HE3). ; the helicopter BASIC menu includes additional features (swashplate adjustment and throttle/pitch curves and revo for Normal flight mode) that are discussed in the Helicopter section. AIRPLANE (ACRO) FUNCTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20 Map of Basic Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(Startup screen) Mode/Page To enter the Basic Menu, press the Mode key for one second. End To return to the Startup screen, press the End key. ( for one second) ACRO Basic Menu (Basic Menu 1) Mode/Page Select (Cursor) ACRO ADVANCE Menu (Basic Menu 2) Press Mode/Page key to toggle back and forth between BASIC and ADVANCE menus. Note FAIL SAFE only shows if the transmitter is set to transmit in PCM.
A QUICK GUIDE: GETTING STARTED WITH A BASIC 4-CHANNEL AIRCRAFT This guide is intended to help you get acquainted with the radio, to give you a jump start on using your new radio, and to give you some ideas and direction in how to do even more than you may have already considered.
With digital trims you don't shut the engine off with THROTTLE TRIM. Let's set up throttle cut (THR-CUT) now. GOALS of EXAMPLE STEPS INPUTS for EXAMPLE THR-CUTshuts the engine off completely From the BASIC menu, choose THR-CUT. for 1 second. (If ADVANCE, with the flip of a switch. P. 33. to THR-CUT. again.) to choose THR-CUT. Activate, assign SWITCH and adjust. Close the function. to OFF. to SW. to desired switch and position. (default: A and down position) to RATE . A to down position.
GOALS of EXAMPLE STEPS INPUTS for EXAMPLE Set the second (low) rate throws and exponential. A to down position. to D/R. Repeat steps above to set low rate. Optional: change dual rate switch assignment. Ex: elevator to switch G (7CA) or E (7CH) with 3 positions. Where next? to SW. to G or E. G or E to center position. Repeat steps above to set 3rd rate. (Other functions you may wish to set up for your model.) TRAINER p. 38. Multiple wing and/or tail servos: see wing types and tail types, p. 42, 45.
A LOOK AT THE RADIO'S FUNCTIONS STEP BY STEP MODELsubmenu: includes three functions that manage model memory: MODEL SELECT, MODEL COPY and MODEL NAME. Since these functions are all related, and are all basic features used with most models, they are together in the MODEL submenu of the BASIC menu. MODEL SELECT: This function selects which of the 10 model memories in the transmitter to set up or fly. (Each model memory may be of a different model type from the other memories.
MODEL COPY: copies the current model data into another model memory in the transmitter. The number of the model memory you are copying from and into is displayed. Notes: Any data in the model copied to will be written over and lost, including name, type and modulation. It cannot be recovered. With the trainer FUNC mode it is not necessary to have the student radio contain the setup of the aircraft. See TRAINER, p. 38. • • Examples: Start a new model that is similar to one you have already programmed.
MODEL NAME: assigns a name to the current model memory. By giving each model a name that is immediately recognizable, you can easily comfirm the correct model, and minimize the chance of flying the wrong model memory which could lead to a crash. Adjustability and values: Up to 6 characters long. Each character may be a letter, number, blank, or a symbol. The default names assigned by the factory are in MDL-xx format (MDL-01 for first model memory, etc.
PARAMETER submenu: sets those parameters you would likely set once, and then not disturb again. Once you have selected the correct model you wish to work with, the next step is setting up the proper parameters for this specific model: • What is the model's type? • What type is the receiver's modulation [PPM(FM) or PCM]? • Assign the desired SW to CH5 and CH7. First it is important to clear out any old settings in the memory from prior use, using the MODEL RESET.
MODEL TYPE: sets the type of programming used for this model. The 7C has 10 model memories, which can each support: • one powered aircraft (ACRO) memory type (with multiple wing and tail • configurations. See FRAPERON, ELEVON and V-TAIL for further information.); six helicopter swashplate types, including CCPM. See Helicopter MODEL TYPE for details, p. 61. Before doing anything else to set up your aircraft, first you must decide which MODEL TYPE best fits this particular aircraft.
Modulation select (MODUL): sets the type of modulation transmitted. The modulation of your receiver will determine whether you utilize PPM or PCM setting in MODUL during transmission. Note that you have to turn your transmitter off and back on before a modulation change becomes effective. If you choose PCM, be sure you understand and set the FailSafe (F/S) settings as you intended (see p. 41). PCM = Pulse Code Modulation PPM = Pulse Position Modulation (also called FM).
Auxiliary channel function (CH5 and CH7): defines the relationship between the transmitter controls and the receiver output for channels 5 and 7. Adjustability: channels 5 and 7 may be assigned to any SWITCH (A-H) or none (null). (for example, moving flaps to a switch) multiple channels may be assigned to the same switch. channels set to "NULL" are only controlled by mixes. • • • GOAL of EXAMPLE: Change channel 5 to switch D. STEPS: Open BASIC menu then PARAMETER submenu. INPUTS: for 1 second.
End Point of servo travel adjustment (E.POINT , also called EPA): the most flexible version of travel adjustment available. It independently adjusts each end of each individual servoís travel, rather than one setting for the servo that affects both directions. Again, for CCPM helicopters, be sure to see SWASH AFR (see p. 63) prior to adjusting end points. Adjustability: Can set each direction independently. Ranges from 0% (no servo movement at all) to 140%.
Engine idle management: THR-CUT: functions which work with the digital THROTTLE TRIM to provide a simple, consistent means of engine operation. No more fussing with getting trim in just the right spot for landings! Throttle cut (TH-CUT ) (ACRO/HELI): provides an easy way to stop the engine by flipping a switch (with THROTTLE STICK at idle). The movement is largest at idle and disappears at high throttle to avoid accidental dead sticks. In HELI, there is an additional setting, TH-CUT See p. 66.
Dual/triple rates and exponential (D/R,EXP): assigns adjusted rates and exponential. Dual/Triple Rates: reduce/increase the servo travel by flipping a switch, or (ACRO) they can be engaged by any stick position. Dual rates affect the control listed, such as aileron, not just a single (ex: channel 1) servo. For example, adjusting aileron dual rate will affect both aileron servos when using FLAPERON, ELEVON, and a CCPM helicopter. Activation: Any SWITCH, A-H.
Adjustability: • More sensitive around neutral. (positive exponential, see example) • Less sensitive around neutral. (negative exponential, see example) For ACRO throttle, exponential is applied at the low end to help nitro and gasoline engines have a linear throttle response, so that each 1/4 stick increases engine RPM 25% of the available range. (In most engines this ranges from 5-60%.) GOAL of EXAMPLE: Set up dual rates and exponential in ACRO mode. STEPS: Open D/R,EXP. INPUTS: for 1 second.
GOAL of EXAMPLE: STEPS: INPUTS: Set up aileron triple rates on SWITCH G Open D/R,EXP function. for 1 second. (If ADVANCE, again.) with travel settings of 75% (normal), to D/R,EXP. 25% (slow roll) and 140% (extreme aerobatics) and exponential settings of Choose the channel to change to desired channel. 0%, +15%, and -40% respectively. (Ex: aileron is already selected) Optional: change switch assignment. to G. NOTE: This normal rate has no G to up position.
TIMERsubmenu (stopwatch functions): controls an electronic clock used to keep track of time remaining in a competition time allowed, flying time on a tank of fuel, amount of time on a battery, etc. Adjustability: Count down timer: starts from the chosen time, displays time remaining. If the time is exceeded, it continues to count below 0. Count up timer: starts at 0 and displays the elapsed time up to 99 minutes 59 seconds. Independent to each model, and automatically updates with model change.
TRAINER: for training novice pilots with optional trainer cord connecting 2 transmitters. The instructor has several levels of controllability. Adjustability: "N": When the TRAINER SWITCH is ON, the channel set to this mode can be controlled by the student. The set channel is controlled according to any programming set at the student's transmitter.
TRIM submenu: resets and adjusts effectiveness of digital trims. The 7CA has digital trims which are different from conventional mechanical trim sliders. Each TRIM LEVER is actually a two-direction switch. Each time the TRIM LEVER is pressed, the trim is changed a selected amount. When you hold the TRIM LEVER, the trim speed increases. The current trim position is graphically displayed on the start up screen. The TRIM submenu includes two functions that are used to manage the trim options.
SUB-TRIM: makes small changes or corrections to the neutral position of each servo. Range is -120 to +120, with 0 setting, the default, being no SUB-TRIM. We recommend that you center the digital trims before making SUB-TRIM changes, and that you try to keep all of the SUB-TRIM values as small as possible. Otherwise, when the SUB-TRIMs are large values, the servo's range of travel is restricted on one side.
FailSafe (loss of clean signal and low receiver battery) submenu (PCM mode only) (F/S ): sets responses in case of loss of signal or low Rx battery. FailSafe (F/S ): instructs a PCM receiver what to do in the event radio interference is received. Adjustability: Each channel may be set independently. The NOR (normal) setting holds the servo in its last commanded position. The F/S (FailSafe) function moves each servo to a predetermined position.
ACRO ADVANCE MENU FUNCTIONS: Aircraft wing types (ACRO): There are 3 basic wing types in aircraft models: Simple. Model uses one aileron servo (or multiple servos on a Y-harness into a single receiver channel) and has a tail. This is the default setup and requires no specialized wing programming. Twin Aileron Servos. Model uses 2 aileron servos and has a tail. see Twin Aileron Servos. Tail-less model (flying wing). Model uses 2 wing servos working together to create both roll and pitch control. see ELEVON.
Using FLAPERON (ACRO): The FLAPERON mixing function uses one servo on each of the two ailerons, and uses them for both aileron and flap function. For flap effect, the ailerons raise/lower simultaneously. Of course, aileron function (moving in opposite directions) is also performed. Once FLAPERON is activated, any time you program CH6 or "Flap" (ie. FLAP-ELEVATOR mixing), the radio commands both servos to operate as flaps.
FLAP-TRIM allows the flap action to be set in a way that it can be adjusted with the VR dial. AIRBRAKE will also move the flaps to a specified position via movement of a switch. The flaps can also be moved with switch using a programmable mix. See offset as master p.53. Add FLAP-TRIM to allow the model's ailerons to drop 30% together as flaps from the VR dial. Open FLAP-TRIM. for 1 second.(If basic, again.) to FLAP-TRIM. The function is automatically activated with the FRAPERON.
There are 3 basic tail types in aircraft models: Simple. Model uses one elevator servo and one rudder servo (or multiple servos on a Y-harness). This is the default. Tail-less model. Model uses 2 wing servos together to create roll and pitch control. see ELEVON. see p. 45. V-TAIL. Model uses 2 surfaces, at an angle, together to create yaw and pitch control. see V-TAIL. see p. 46. Note: Only one of the two tail-type functions ( V-TAIL, and ELEVON) can be used at a time. (See the wing type example on page 42.
Using V-TAIL(ACRO): V-TAIL mixing is used with v-tail aircraft so that both elevator and rudder functions are combined for the two tail surfaces. The elevator and rudder travel can be adjusted independently. NOTE: If V-TAIL is active, you cannot activate ELEVON functions. If one of these functions is active, an error message will be displayed and you must deactivate the last function prior to activating ELEVON. See the wing example on page 42.
Snap Rolls at the flick of a switch (SNAP-ROLL) (ACRO): This function allows you to execute snap rolls by flipping a switch, providing the same input every time. It also removes the need to change dual rates on the 3 channels prior to performing a snap, as SNAP-ROLL always takes the servos to the same position, regardless of dual rates, inputs held during the snap, etc. Note: Every aircraft snaps differently due to its C.G., control throws, moments, etc.
MIXES: the backbone of nearly every function Mixes are special programs within the radio that command one or more channels to act together with input from only one source, such as a stick, switch or knob. There are a variety of types of mixes. Types: • Linear: Most mixes are linear. A 100% linear mix tells the slave servo to do exactly what the master servo is doing, using 100% of the slave channel's range to do so. An example is FLAPERON.
ELEV-FLAP mixing (ACRO): ELEV-FLAP mixing is the first pre-programmed mix we'll cover. This mix makes the flaps drop or rise whenever the ELEVATOR STICK is moved. It is most commonly used to make tighter pylon turns or squarer corners in maneuvers. In most cases, the flaps droop (are lowered) when up elevator is commanded.
FLAP-ELEV mixing (ACRO ): FLAP-ELEV mixing is a pre-programmed linear mix. This mix makes the elevator move whenever the flaps are moved. This mix is used to compensate for any pitching created by the flap. Adjustability: Rate: -100% (full up elevator) to +100 (full down elevator), with a default of +50% (one-half of the elevator range is achieved when the flaps are lowered to full range.) Offset: offsets the elevator's center relative to the flaps. GOAL of EXAMPLE: Activate FLAP-ELEV mixing.
AILE-RUDD mixing (ACRO): AILE-RUDD mixing is a pre-programmed linear mix. This mix is used to mix rudder operation with aileron operation automatically, to make realistic coordinated turns. It is especially effective when turning and banking scale models or large models that resemble full-sized aircraft. Adjustability: Rate: -100% to +100, with a default of +50% (one-half of the rudder range is achieved when the AILERON STICK is pulled to provide full left or right aileron.
AIRBRAKE mixing(ACRO): Like FLAPERON, AIRBRAKE is one function that is really made up of a series of pre-programmed mixes all done for you within the radio. AIRBRAKE simultaneously moves the flap and elevator, and is usually used to make steep descents or to limit increases in airspeed in dives. This function is often used even on models without flaps as an easy way to use the flaperons. Adjustability: Activation: set positions by flipping SWITCH G.
PROGRAMMABLE MIXES (PROG.MIX1-3): Your 7C contains three separate linear programmable mixes. There are a variety of reasons you might want to use these mixes. A few are listed here. Sample reasons to use linear programmable mixes: • To correct bad tendencies of the aircraft (such as rolling in response to rudder input). • To automatically correct for a particular action (such as lowering elevator when flaps are lowered).
• Slave: the controlled channel. The channel that is moved automatically in response to the movement of the master channel. The second channel in a mixís name (i.e. aileron-to-rudder). • On/off choices: • SWITCH: Any of the positions of any of the 5 switches may be used to activate a mix. Up&Cntr, Cntr&Dn options allow the mix to be ONin 2 of the 3 positions of a 3-position SWITCH. • NULL (--): No SWITCH can turn this mix OFF. This mix is active at all times.
GOAL of EXAMPLE: Set up a Smoke system: ON when SWITCH E is in the down position. *Adjust the CH7 switch to NULL prior to this setting. See page. 28. STEPS: Open an unused programmable mix. (Ex: use PROG.MIX3.) Activate the function. Choose master and slave channels. INPUTS: for 1 second.(If basic, again.) to PROG.MIX3. to CH3. to CH7. Assign SWITCH and position. (Ex: E DOWN.) to E DOWN. Set rates. (Ex: Lo=100%, Hi=0%.) THROTTLE STICK past center. to +100%. THROTTLE STICK past center. to 0%.
Special Additions, Functions, And Added Equipment Commonly Used On Powered Aircraft Gyros: Just as torque rotates an aircraft on the runway during take-off, helicopters struggle with torque twisting the model every time throttle is applied. For many years gyroscopes have been used on model helicopters to control this. In competition aerobatics and scale aircraft competition alike, the usefulness of gyros has recently come to light. For in-depth information on gyro types, please see p. 72.
HELICOPTER MODEL FUNCTIONS Please note that nearly all of the BASIC menu functions are the same for airplane (ACRO setup) and helicopter (H-1/H-2/HR3/HN3/H-3/HE3) setups. The features that are identical refer back to the ACRO chapter. The Helicopter BASIC menu includes the normal conditionís throttle and collective pitch curves and revo. mixing. (idle-ups and throttle hold are advanced features and are in the ADVANCE menu). Helicopter Setup Example . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
GETTING STARTED WITH A BASIC HELICOPTER This guideline is intended to help you set up a basic ( H-1 ) heli, to get acquainted with the radio, to give you a jump start on using your new radio, and to give you some ideas and direction on how to do even more with this powerful system than you may have already considered.
Reverse servos as needed for proper control operation. Ex: LEFT RUDDER STICK results in leading edge of tail rotor blades moving left. Reverse to operate properly. P. 31. In the BASIC menu, open REVERSE. to REVERSE. to choose REVERSE. Choose desired servo and reverse its direction of travel. (Ex: reverse rudder servo.) to CH4: RUDD. so REV is selected. Repeat as needed. Adjust Travels as needed to match model's recommended throws (usually listed as high rates). P. 32.
Be sure to follow your model' s instructions for preflight checks, blade tracking, etc. Never assume a set of blades is properly balanced and will track without checking. Check receiver battery voltage! Always check voltage with a voltmeter prior to each and every engine start. (Never assume being plugged in all night means your radio gear is ready to fly).
HELI-SPECIFIC BASIC MENU FUNCTIONS MODEL TYPE: This function of the PARAMETER submenu is used to select the type of model programming to be used. Before doing anything else to set up your model, first you must decide which MODEL TYPE best fits your aircraft. If your transmitter is a 7CA, the default is ACRO. If it is a 7CH, the default is HELI(H-1).
GOAL of EXAMPLE: STEPS: INPUTS: Change the MODEL TYPE of model #3 Confirm you are currently using the On home screen, check model name and # on top left and right. from aircraft to 120 degree CCPM with 2 proper model memory. (example: 3) If it is not the correct model (example: servos working in unison for collective 3), see MODEL SELECT, p. 25. pitch and aileron [HELI(HR3)]. Open PARAMETER submenu. for 1 second.(If ADVANCE, again.) to PARAMETER. Change to the desired MODEL TYPE(example, HR3.
SWASH AFR [HELI(H-2/HE3/HR3/H-3/HN3)only]: Swashplate function rate settings (SWASH AFR) reduce/increase/reverse the rate (travel) of the aileron, elevator (except H-2 ) and collective pitch functions, adjusting or reversing the motion of all servos involved in that function, only when using that function. Since these types utilize multiple servos together to create the controls, simply adjusting a servo' s REVERSE or END POINT would not properly correct the travel of any one control.
HR3 Swash Type AILERON STICK. CHECKING FOR PROPER MOTION ON AN HR3 SWASHPLATE PROPER MOTION WRONG MOTION HOW TO FIX Swashplate tilts right. Blades rotated right. Reverse AIL setting in SWASH to -50%. Ch6 servo moves incorrectly; REVERSE. Ch1 servo moves incorrectly; REVERSE. Reverse ELE setting in SWASH. (ex: +50 to -50 ) Ch2 servo moves incorrectly; REVERSE. REVERSE the rudder servo. Swashplate lowers. Reverse PIT setting in SWASH. Swashplate tilts left. Back of Swashplate moves up. ELEVATOR STICK.
Setting up the Normal Flight Condition: The Normal flight condition is typically utilized for hovering. The throttle and collective pitch curves are adjusted to provide consistent engine RPM despite the increase/decrease in collective pitch of the blades. This keeps the engine from "bogging down" under excessive load (like trying to accelerate a car on a steep hill in 5th gear) or excessive RPM under insufficient load (like flooring the throttle while in neutral), risking engine damage.
GOAL of EXAMPLE: Set up Normal Flight Condition Throttle/Collective Pitch Curves and Revo. Base point: Adjust base point of throttle curve until engine idles reliably on ground. Adjust base point of collective pitch curve to achieve -4 degrees of blade pitch. Apply throttle until the model sits "light" on its skids. Adjust base point of REVO. until model does not rotate its nose at all. Hover point: Adjust collective pitch curve to +5 degrees. Ease heli into a hover. Land/shut engine off.
HELI-SPECIFIC ADVANCE MENU FUNCTIONS THR-HOLD: This function holds the engine in the idling position and disengages it from the THROTTLE STICK when SWITCH E (7CH) or G (7CA) is moved. It is commonly used to practice auto-rotation. Prior to setting up THR-HOLD, hook up the throttle linkage so that the carburetor is opened fully at high throttle, then use the digital trim to adjust the engine idle position.
THR-CURVE and PIT-CURVE: These 5-point curves are utilized to best match the blade collective pitch to the engine RPM for consistent load on the engine. Curves are separately adjustable for normal, idle-up 1 and idle-up 2. In addition, a separate collective pitch curve is available for throttle hold. Sample curves are displayed in the appropriate setup types (ex: normal flight condition, p. 65) for clarity.
Revo. mixing rates are linear curves. For a clockwise-turning rotor, the rudder is mixed in the clockwise direction when collective pitch is increased; for counterclockwise-turning, the opposite. Change the operating direction setting by changing the signs of the numbers in the curve from plus (+) to minus (-) and vice versa. Revo. curves for idle-ups are often v-shaped to provide proper rudder input with negative pitch and increased throttle during inverted flight.
OFFSET: Optional separate trims in addition to those for the normal condition. This function is used to automatically change the trim of a helicopter, for example, when transitioned from hover to flying at high speed. A clockwise-rotation rotor helicopter tends to drift to the right at high speed, so an aileron offset may be applied to offset the helicopter to the left. The necessary elevator offset varies with model geometry, so it must be determined by noting collective pitch changes at high speed.
HOVERING ADJUSTMENTS (HOV-THR and HOV-PIT): Hovering throttle and hovering pitch are fine-tuning adjustments for the throttle and collective pitch curves individually, affecting performance only around the center point. They allow in-flight tweaking of the curves for ideal setup. Note: HOV-THR is active in normal with and option for normal and idle up 1. HOV-PIT is only active in normal condition. Adjustability: Rotor speed changes caused by temp.
GYROS : Using electronics to take some of the complexity out of setups and flight. What is a gyro? A gyroscope is an electronic unit that senses motion and corrects for it. For example, if the wind blows your helicopterís tail to the left, a gyro will sense that motion (and confirm that no input was given) and will correct for it. How does it help in helicopter setup? A good gyro will totally eliminate the need for revo. mixing.
Gain Example for AVCS/Heading-hold Gyros (GY) GOAL of EXAMPLE: Set up a heading-hold/AVCS gyro with heading-hold/AVCS setting in idle-up 1 and normal mode setting in idle-up2 and normal. STEPS: INPUTS: Open and activate the GYRO function. for 1 second.(If basic, to ON. to GYRO. Optional: change Heading-hold (GY). gyro type to GY. to Optional: change switch assignment. Ex: select E. Adjust gyro rates as needed. (Ex: NORM to A80%, IDL1 to A70%, IDL2 to N70% as starting points.) to SW. to E. to A80%.
GLOSSARY 3D: Common name for certain types of aerobatic maneuvers. Aircraft: flying below the modelís stall speed, such as torque rolls. Helicopters: combining 2 or more maneuvers, such as rolling loop. 4.8V: 4.8 volt battery pack, made of 4 Ni-Cd 1.2V cells. See Accessories. 5-cell: 6.0 volt battery pack, made of 4 alkaline cells or 5 Ni-Cd cells. See Accessories. 6V (6Volt): battery pack, made of 4 alkaline cells or 5 Ni-Cd cells. See Accessories.
Backup battery: battery used to protect data storage in case of removal of master transmitter battery. In most Futaba radios, including the 7C, EEPROM data storage is used, so no backup battery is used or needed. BACKUP ERROR: transmitter's hard-coded memory has been lost. Send for service immediately. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19 Base-Loaded antenna: also called Whip antenna. Aftermarket equipment not approved by Futaba.
Data reset: erase all data in a specific model. See RESET. Delta peak charger: common name for a specialized charger designed and required to properly peak charge both NiMH and NiCd batteries, actually called a Zero Delta V Peak Charger. See Battery Care and Charging. Dial: transmitterís rotary control and button used in various ways during programming. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 Differential: uneven movement in each direction of a control surface.
FailSafe (F/S ): sets servo positions when interference is encountered or signal is lost. Available only in PCM transmission mode. Also includes Battery FailSafe settings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41 Flap-to-aileron mix: (ACRO ) used to create full span flap reaction in flight. Not a preprogrammed mix. See Programmable mix. . Flap-to-elevator mix: (ACRO ) used to counteract unwanted changes in pitch when flaps are deployed.
Heading-hold gyro: gyro that specifically measures the unwanted deflection angle and compensates until a corresponding angle has been returned. See Gyros. HELI: model type, rotary wing. See MODEL TYPE. Helicopter radio: transmitter that includes helicopter-friendly switch and control layout and sufficient programming to at least support a 5-channel helicopter. The 7CA and 7CH radios both contain all needed programming.
Linear Mix: a mix that maintains the same relationship of master to slave throughout the whole range. Ex: a mix from one flap servo to another flap servo at 100% causes the 2nd servo to follow the first servo' s movement exactly through all points of travel. See Programmable mix. Lithium battery: see Backup battery. Low Band: 72MHz equipment on a channel from 11 to 35. Receiver channel may be changed to any channel within the low band without needing retuning. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
OFFSET: (HELI) separate trim settings available to each idle-up setting, or assigned to separate switches from the idle-up switch. When offset is ON, movement of the trim levers adjusts the OFFSET, not the normal condition's trims . . . . . .70 Offset mix: mix that independently moves the slave servo a set percentage of its total throw, not in relation to any master. See Programmable mix. PA2: Pilot Assist. Optional onboard device that uses optical sensors to correct model' s orientation to upright.
SELECT (CURSOR) BUTTONS: controls used in various ways during programming. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 Select a model: see MODEL SELECT. Service Center. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 Servo reversing: see REVERSE. SET: to accept. Usually done by pressing and holding the dial when instructed.
Technical Specifications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 THR-REV: reverses the throttle trim function to the top of the THROTTLESTICK. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31 Throttle-to-rudder mix: used to compensate with rudder when throttle is applied on take off. Not a preprogrammed mix. See Programmable mix.
