8 18 ® Instruction Manual Bedienungsanleitung Manuel d’utilisation Manuale di Istruzioni ®
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 BEFORE USING YOUR TRANSMITTER: Before going any further, visit the Spektrum Community website at spektrumrc.com to register your transmitter and download the latest AirWare™ firmware updates. A registration reminder screen occasionally appears until you register your transmitter. When you register your transmitter, the reminder screen does not appear again.
EN Table of Contents System Overview ................................................... ACRO (Airplane) ................................................. 33 Transmitter Batteries ............................................................. 5 Charging Your Transmitter ........................................................ 5 Transmitter Functions ........................................................... 6 Main Screen ...........................................................................
EN Transmitter Batteries Battery and Charging Precautions and Warnings Failure to exercise caution while using this product and comply with the following warnings could result in product malfunction, electrical issues, excessive heat, FIRE, and ultimately injury and property damage.
EN Transmitter Functions Function 3 Right Knob Function Elevator Trim (Mode 2, 4) 9 Throttle Trim (Mode 1, 3) Aileron Trim (Mode 1,2) 10 Rudder Trim (Mode 3,4) 4 Switch E 11 Roller 5 Switch H 12 Charge Port 6 Switch G 13 On/Off Switch 7 Switch F 14 LCD Throttle/Aileron Stick (Mode 1) Elevator/Aileron Stick 8 (Mode 2) Throttle/Rudder Stick (Mode 3) Elevator/Rudder Stick (Mode 4) 15 Clear Button 1 Antenna 1 2 RIght Trim Function Elevator Trim (Mode 1,3) 19 Throttle Trim (Mode 2,4) Elevator/Rudd
EN Transmitter Functions Function Throttle Spring Tension 1 Adjustment (Mode 2,4) Function Function 6 SD Card 10 Right Rear Grip 2 Left Lever 7 Battery Cover 11 Right Lever 3 Left Rear Grip 8 Charge Port 12 4 Audio Jack 9 Throttle Spring Tension Adjustment (Mode 1,3) Gimbal Stick Tension Adjustment 13 Handle/Antenna 2 5 Trainer Port 13 1 12 2 11 3 10 4 5 9 8 6 7 SPEKTRUM DX18 • TRANSMITTER INSTRUCTION MANUAL 7
EN Main Screen Function A Model Name I B DSMX®/DSM2® If not shown, this indicates “not bound” Also displays the Volume Level Transmitter Battery when the BACK button is pressed Charge Level Digital Battery Voltage (an alarm sounds and the screen D flashes when battery charge gets down to 4.3V when using an NiMH battery or 6.4V for a LiPo/Li Ion battery.
EN BINDING Binding is the process of programming the receiver to recognize the GUID (Globally Unique Identifier) code of a single specific transmitter. The DX18 and AR9020 are pre-bound at the factory. You will need to rebind after the model programming is initially set up to fully program the model’s failsafe positions. Binding Using the Receiver and Receiver Battery 2. 3. 4. Hold button while powereing on 5. 6. 1. Mode 2 shown 1.
EN PROGRAMMING FAILSAFE POSITIONS You establish failsafe positions when you bind your transmitter and receiver. If the radio signal connection is lost between the transmitter and receiver, the receiver immediately moves the aircraft control surfaces to the failsafe positions. If you assign the receiver THRO channel to a transmitter channel other than throttle, we recommend using Preset failsafe with the throttle in the low position. NOTICE: Failsafe features vary according to receiver.
EN X-PLUS™ The X-Plus™ 8 module is designed to allow expansion of up to 8 servos for non-control surface functions such as bomb drops, lights, winches, retractable landing gear, and many more. The X-Plus 8 is compatible with Spektrum™ X-Plus transmitters and receivers. The X-Plus 8 module offers the option to power the connected servos via dual auxiliary battery ports with separate batteries and switch harnesses (sold separately) independent of the receiver.
EN X-Plus Channels and Failsafe Failsafe is not supported for servos connected to the X-Plus Module. We recommend that no failsafe should be expected or attempted for a servo connected through the X-Plus Module. However, servos connected to the X-Plus Module will hold last command in the event of a failsafe condition. To Activate X-Plus 1. Open the Frame Rate Menu in System Setup. 2. Scroll to X-Plus and press the scroll wheel to activate. The X-Plus Inputs screen is now active in the Channel Assign menu.
EN MODEL TYPE PROGRAMMING GUIDE Menu options show up on model type selection. These menu options vary between Model Types (Airplane, Helicopter and Sailplane), but are identical for all models in that type.
EN COMMON SYSTEM SETUP FUNCTIONS Model Select Model Select enables you to access any of the 250 internal model memory locations in the Model Select list. 1. Scroll to the desired model memory in the Model Select list. 2. When the desired model memory is highlighted, press the scroll wheel once to select the model. The transmitter returns to the System Setup List. 3. Add a new model by rolling to the bottom of the list.
EN F-Mode Setup Aircraft and Sailplane Flight Mode Table Use the Flight Mode Setup menu to assign switches to flight modes. You can assign the available flight modes (up to 5 for Air, up to 10 for Sail) to each of the switch positions (up to 3 switches can be used for sailplane and up to 2 switches can be used for aircraft). Press NEXT from the Flight Mode Name page to access the flight mode table assignment page when Custom flight mode has been selected in the Flight Mode Setup page.
EN Channel Assign The Channel Assignment function allows you to reassign almost any receiver channel to a different transmitter channel. For example, the receiver gear channel could be re-assigned to the transmitter throttle channel. 1. Scroll to the receiver channel you wish to change. 2. Press the scroll wheel once and scroll left or right to change the receiver input selection. 3. Press the scroll wheel a second time to save the selection.
EN Active Gyro and Governor Trim— Used to trim the gyro and governor settings in flight. • L Trim • R Trim Cross trims reverse the position of the trims; for example, the throttle trim is next to the elevator stick and vice versa. To change the Trim Position from Normal to Crossed, select Normal at the bottom of the Trim Setup screen and press the scroll wheel. Trim Location Normal and Cross trim types are available.
EN Sort Model List With this function you can sort the model order in the model select function. This is helpful to group similar models together to make them easy to find. To move a model, highlight the model that you wish to move with the roller, then press the roller to highlight it. Then roll with the roller to move the selected model to the position desired. Press the roller when you have the model in the position desired.
EN File Settings This is used to select the data logging settings. File Name 1. Select File Name to assign a custom file name. 2. The File Name screen appears, allowing you to name the file as you would for a Model Name or Flight Mode Name. The file name can include a maximum of 8 characters. 3. Press BACK to save the name. Enabled When Enabled is set to NO, Data Logging is turned off. Select YES to save Telemetry data to the SD Card. The SD Card must be installed in the transmitter to select YES.
EN Trainer The DX18 features a programmable trainer function with 4 wired trainer modes and 2 wireless trainer modes. The transmitter assigns the trainer function to Switch I. Wired Trainer The 4 wired trainer modes include: Inhibit In Inhibit, the slave transmitter must have the same programming as the master transmitter (e.g., servo reversing, travel adjust, sub-trim, trims).
EN Wireless Trainer Wireless Trainer works just like the Wired Trainer, without the wire. Select Wireless Trainer to bind a DSM2 or DSMX slave transmitter to the master transmitter. With this option, when the master presses the trainer button or switch, control is given to the currently bound slave transmitter.
EN EN Analog Switch Setup Allows all sticks and pots to be used as a kick point to turn on functions like mixes. To add a kick point: 1. Move the control stick, lever or knob to the desired kick point position. 2. Scroll to the desired kick point and press the scroll wheel once to save the selection. To delete a kick point, scroll to the desired kick point and press the Clear button.
EN Extra Settings Serial Number The Extra Settings screen enables you to: • Turn sounds off or on • Turn vibration off or on • Change the appearance of the trim indicators. System Sounds Scrolling to System Sounds and pressing the scroll wheel turns sounds on (Active) or off (Inhibit). You may disable all sounds by changing the volume to 0. The Serial Number screen displays the transmitter serial number and AirWare software version.
EN Transfer SD Card Import Model This function overwrites all model memories. Ensure that the models currently in your transmitter are saved on an SD card separate from the transmitter before performing this function. To import an individual model file from the SD Card: 1. Save the model file to the SD Card. 2. Select the Model List location where you wish to import the new model file. 3. In the SD Card menu, scroll to Select Option and press the scroll button once. 4.
EN Updating Spektrum DX18 Sound Files NOTICE: NEVER disconnect the battery from the transmitter while the file transfer is in process. Doing so will damage the transmitter, and the transmitter will need to be returned for service. You have the option of installing new sound files in the DX18 transmitter. Before updating the sound files, make sure the transmitter battery is fully charged. To install new sound files: 1. Download the desired sound file from the Spektrum Community at www.SpektrumRC.com.
EN FUNCTION LIST Servo Setup The Servo Setup menu contains the following functions: • Travel Adjust • Sub-Trim • Reverse • Speed • Abs. (Absolute) Travel • Balance Travel Adjust Travel Adjust sets the overall travel or endpoints of the servo arm movement. To adjust travel values: 1. Scroll to the channel you wish to adjust and press the scroll wheel. When adjusting travel values assigned to a control stick: a. Center the control stick to adjust both directions at the same time. b.
EN D/R & Exponential Dual Rates and Exponential are available on the aileron, elevator and rudder channels. To adjust the Dual Rate and Exponential: 1. Scroll to the channel and press the scroll wheel once. Scroll left or right to select the channel you wish to change and press the scroll wheel again to save the selection. 2. Scroll to dual rate and press the scroll wheel. Scroll left or right to change the value and press the scroll wheel again to save the selection.
EN Throttle Cut The Throttle Cut menu option enables you to assign a switch position to stop an engine or motor. Throttle Cut activates regardless of flight mode. When you activate Throttle Cut, the throttle channel moves to the pre-programmed position (normally off). You may need to use a negative value to move the throttle channel to the off position. CAUTION: Always test the model after making adjustments to make sure the model responds to controls as desired.
EN Combo Mixing Combination Mixing is available to create OR mixing. OR mixing allows you to assign 2 conditions where the mix will activate if either condition occurs. You can also create AND mixing where 2 conditions must occur to activate the mix. To program Combination Mixing: 1. Activate a mix. 2. Select Combo Sw. in the Switch Selection. The Combo screen appears. 3. Select the desired switch and active switch position for Switch 1.The mix is Active when the switch position box is filled. 4.
EN 3. Assign the timing for the Forward and Reverse directions as desired. There is no delay when you use the Nor option. You may also select a delay time between 0 and 30 seconds. 4. Assign names for each sequencer function as desired. 5. Select either Step (S) or Proportional (P) for the Sequencer output. Step: The sequence only changes at kick points. Otherwise, there is a delay in the sequence until it reaches the next kick point. Proportional: The sequence movement is proportional between kick points.
EN Telemetry Telemetry is in both the system setup and the function list so you can access the telemetry functions from either list. You must power off the receiver and transmitter, then power them both on to reset the telemetry data. You can reset min/max values by pressing the CLEAR button. NEVER change Telemetry settings when the aircraft is powered on. There is a brief interruption in RF output when exiting the Telemetry screen, and may cause a “Hold” condition.
EN Monitor The Monitor screen displays the servo positions for each channel graphically and numerically. This is useful to verify programming functions, trim settings, mix directions, etc. The numeric value is directly relative to the travel adjust and mix values (e.g., 100% travel adjust equals 100% value in the Monitor). X-Plus Monitor Use of the X-Plus Monitor requires X-Plus to be active. The X-Plus Monitor screen displays the output position for each X-Plus channel graphically and numerically.
EN ACRO (AIRPLANE) Aircraft Type NOTICE: Refer to your airplane manual for recommended control throws. CAUTION: Always do a Control Test of your model with the transmitter after programming to make sure your model responds as desired. Use the Aircraft Type Screen to select wing and tail types to match your airplane model. Diagrams and setup names show on the transmitter screen to show the available setups.
EN Elevon Servo Control The possible servo reversing options for a delta wing model are: Aileron Normal Normal Reverse Reverse Elevator Reverse Normal Reverse Normal Tip: If you test all servo reversing options and the control surfaces do not move in the correct direction, change the Elevon wing type in the System Setup list from Elevon-A to Elevon-B.
EN Acro Gyro Function The Gyro menu option enables you to create up to 7 gyro gain points on a maximum of 4 curves. Gyro gain curves also provide flexibility in reducing gyro gain as the control stick moves farther away from the center. To access the Gyro screen 1. In the System Setup List, highlight Aircraft Type 2. In the Aircraft Type Screen, select NEXT at the bottom right of the screen. This will access the Aircraft Options screen. Activate the desired Gyro function(s).
EN HELI (HELICOPTER) Heli Model Type NOTICE: Refer to your helicopter, gyro and governor manuals for programming recommendations. CAUTION: Always do a Control Test of your model with the transmitter after programming changes to make sure your model responds as desired. Swash Type Swashplate Type The Swash Type menu option assigns the swash type for your particular helicopter model. Select the Swash Type before completing any programming in the Function List.
EN Gyro The Gyro menu option enables you to assign a gyro gain value to an independent switch or a Flight Mode. Assign the receiver channel connected to the gyro, then assign the switch for gyro options. You can also assign values to available switch positions (from 1 to 5 rates are available, depending on the switch assigned). Make sure the gyro operates correctly and compensates in the correct direction.
EN SAIL (SAILPLANE) Sailplane Type NOTICE: Refer to your sailplane manual for recommended control throws. CAUTION: Always do a Control Test of your model with the transmitter after programming to make sure your model responds as desired. Use the Sailplane Type Screen to select wing and tail types to match your sailplane model. Diagrams and setup names show on the transmitter screen to show the available setups.
EN SAIL Mixing For each of these mixes, you can program each flight mode with different mix values or at 0% if no mix is desired for that specific flight mode. Programming values include independent control of the direction and amount a slave surface moves in relationship to the master surface. Aileron to Rudder The Aileron to Rudder mix is a commonly used for coordinated turns.
EN RECEIVER INSTALLATION AND POWER SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS AR9020 Receiver Specifications: Power System Requirements Weight: 0.42 oz (11.9 g) Voltage Range: 3.5V-9.6V Length: 1.61 in (41mm) Width: 0.91 in (23mm) Height: 0.79 in (20mm) Range: Full Number Of Channels: 9 Band: 2.4GHz Model Type: Airplane/Heli/Sailplane Telemetry: Yes Set up and operate a model so power to the receiver is NEVER interrupted while flying.
EN PHYSICAL TRANSMITTER ADJUSTMENTS Mode Conversion You can perform mode changes in the System Settings screen. However, if you desire to change modes between 1 and 2 or between 3 and 4, please contact Horizon Hobby for assistance due to requirements for changing gimbals. Adjust Stick Tension Adjust stick tension using the screws on the stick gimbals through holes in the back of the transmitter. 1. Remove rubber plugs from holes marked with a vertical arrow or a horizontal arrow. 2.
EN TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE Problem Aircraft will not Bind (during binding) to transmitter Possible Cause Solution Move powered transmitter a few feet from Transmitter too near aircraft during binding process the aircraft, disconnect and reconnect the flight battery to the aircraft Aircraft or transmitter is too close to large Move the aircraft or transmitter away from the metal object large metal object The bind plug is not installed correctly in the bind port Flight battery/Transmitter battery charge is
EN 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 years from the date of purchase. assistance. For questions or assistance, please visit our website at www.horizonhobby.
EN WARRANTY AND SERVICE CONTACT INFORMATION Country of Purchase Horizon Hobby Contact Information Horizon Service Center (Repairs and Repair Requests) servicecenter.horizonhobby.com/ RequestForm/ Horizon Product Support (Product Technical Assistance) United States of America www.quickbase.com/db/ bghj7ey8c?a=GenNewRecord Heli 888-959-2304 Address 4105 Fieldstone Rd Champaign, Illinois, 61822 USA Air 888-959-2305 sales@horizonhobby.
EN ACADEMY OF MODEL AERONAUTICS NATIONAL MODEL AIRCRAFT SAFETY CODE Effective January 1, 2014 A. GENERAL: A model aircraft is a non-human-carrying aircraft capable of sustained flight in the atmosphere. It may not exceed limitations of this code and is intended exclusively for sport, recreation, education and/or competition. All model flights must be conducted in accordance with this safety code and any additional rules specific to the flying site. 1.
EN COMPLIANCE INFORMATION FOR THE EUROPEAN UNION AT EE IE PL IS BE BG ES FI IT LT PT RO LI NO Instructions for disposal of WEEE by users in the European Union CZ CY DE DK FR GR HR HU LU LV MT NL SE SI SK UK CH Declaration of Conformity (in accordance with ISO/IEC 17050-1) No.
© 2014 Horizon Hobby, LLC. DSM, DSM2, DSMX, the DSMX logo, AirWare, SimpleScroll, ModelMatch, QuickConnect, SmartSafeBind-N-Fly, the BNF logo, X-Plus, Hangar 9 and the Horizon Hobby logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Horizon Hobby, LLC. The Spektrum trademark is used with permission of Bachmann Industries, Inc. JR is a registered trademark of JR Americas. The SD Logo is a trademark of SD-3C, LLC US 7,391,320. Other patents pending. www.spektrumrc.
