20 ® 20 Instruction Manual ®
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 DX20 Features • • • • • • • • • • Assign five Airplane flight modes to any combination of up to two switches Multi-Engine support Multi-Rotor Airware ProTrim feature to fine tune rates, expos, differential, and mixes in flight “Roll” to telemetry screens without entering the Settings menu Selectable sound menu lets you activate or inhibit specific DX20 sounds Switch between Function List and System Settings menus without powering off the transmitter Virtually Unlimited Model Memory (250 models) Voice a
EN Table of Contents Battery and Charging Precautions and Warnings...........................5 Charging Your Transmitter................................................................5 Transmitter Functions.......................................................................6 Main Screen......................................................................................8 Navigation.........................................................................................8 Auto Switch Select.............
EN 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 Elevator Trim (Mode 2, 4) 1 Throttle Trim (Mode 1, 3) 2 Right Trim 3 4 5 Switch E Switch G Switch F Throttle Spring Tension Adjustment (Mode 1,3) Throttle Ratchet Adjustment (Mode 1,3) Throttle limiter (Mode 1, 3) Up/Down Gimbal Stick Tension Adjustment Throttle/Aileron Stick (Mode 1) Elevator/Aileron Stick (Mode 2) Throttle/Rudder Stick (Mode 3) Elevator/Rudder Stick (Mode 4) Gimbal Centering Screw 6 7 8 9 10 Function Left/Right Gimbal Stick Tension 11 Adjustment Ai
EN Transmitter Functions Function Function Function 33 Antenna 38 Battery Cover 43 Switch H 34 Handle / Antenna 39 Trainer Port 44 R Knob 35 Bind/Switch I 40 Charge Port 45 SD Card Slot 36 Switch A 41 Audio Jack 37 Left Lever 42 Right Lever The transmitter comes with a thin, clear plastic film applied to some front panels for protection during shipping. Humidity and use may cause this film to come off. Carefully remove this film as desired.
EN Main Screen Function A Model Name B DSMX/DSM2 If not shown, this indicates not bound C Displays throttle position D Displays the Volume Level when the BACK button is pressed E Digital Battery Voltage (an alarm sounds and the screen flashes when battery charge gets down to 6.4V for a LiPo/Li Ion battery.
EN SD Card Installing the SD Card The SD Card (not included) enables you to: • Import (copy) models from any compatible* Spektrum AirWare™ transmitter • Export (transfer) models to any Spektrum AirWare transmitter* • Update AirWare software in the transmitter • Install/Update sound files To install the SD Card: 1. Power off the transmitter. 2. Remove the battery door. 3. Press the SD Card into the card slot with the card label facing up as shown.
EN SD Card Update AirWare™ Software NOTICE: The orange LED Spektrum bars flash and a status bar appears on the screen when AirWare software updates are installing. Never power off the transmitter when updates are installing. Doing so may damage the system files. NOTICE: Before installing any AirWare files, always Export All Models to an SD Card separate from the SD Card containing the update. The update may erase all model files. For more information on AirWare software updates, visit www.spektrumrc.
EN Binding Binding is the process of programming the receiver to recognize the GUID (Globally Unique Identifier) code of a single specific transmitter. You must bind the receiver to your transmitter before it will operate. Binding Using the Receiver and Receiver Battery 1 2 3 4 5 6 1. Lower throttle to the lowest position and make sure the transmitter is powered off. 2. Insert the bind plug into the BIND/DATA port. 3. Insert the receiver battery into ANY open port.
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.
EN X-Plus™ Module 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 X-Plus Channels and Failsafe Failsafe is not supported for servos connected to the X-Plus Module. 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 XPlus Inputs screen is now active in the Channel Assign menu.
Gyro2 Trim Setup Gyro3 Model Utilities EN Pitch Curve Warnings Flap System Telemetry Mixing Preflight Setup Sequencer Frame Rate ProTrim Menu options show up on model type selection. These menu options varyBind between Model Types (Airplane, Helicopter,Sailplane and Range Test Trainer Multirotor), but are identical for all models in that type. Subsequent aircraft type (Aircraft, Swashplate,Sailplane or Multirotor) selections make Timer Analog Switch Setup other menu options appear.
EN System Setup Press and hold the scroll wheel while powering on the transmitter to show the System Setup list. No radio transmission occurs when a System Setup screen is displayed, preventing accidental damage to linkages and servos during changes to programming. You can also enter the System Setup from the Function list without turning the transmitter off. A Caution screen will appear that warns that RF will be disabled (the transmitter will no longer transmit).
EN System Setup Model Name Model Name enables you to assign a custom name to the current model memory. Model names can include up to 20 characters, including spaces. To add letters to a Model Name: 1. Scroll to the desired letter position and press the scroll wheel once. A flashing box appears. 2. Scroll left or right until the desired character appears. Press the scroll wheel once to save the character. 3. Scroll to the next desired letter position. Repeat Steps 1 and 2 until the Model Name is complete.
EN System Setup Helicopter Flight Mode Setup You can assign up to five flight modes including throttle hold using any combination of up to three switches including a throttle hold switch. Sailplane Flight Mode Setup You can assign up to ten flight modes using any combination of up to three switches. You can also assign a priority switch. When the priority switch position is active, only the current flight mode is active, regardless of other switch positions.
EN System Setup Spoken Flight Mode Setup Enables you to assign custom names to the Flight Mode positions. Flight Mode names can include up to 20 characters, including spaces. To change the Flight Mode name: 1. Scroll to the Flight Mode name you wish to change and press the scroll wheel. 2. Scroll to the character position you wish to change and press the scroll wheel once. A flashing box appears. 3. Scroll left or right until the desired character appears. Press the scroll wheel once to save the character.
EN System Setup X-Plus Input Configuration The X-Plus Input Configuration screen enables you to assign any X-Plus channel to any transmitter input. 1. Select NEXT on the Channel Input Config screen to access the X-Plus Input Config screen. 2. Scroll to the X-Plus channel you wish to change. 3. Press the scroll wheel once and scroll left or right to change the X-Plus Input for that X-Plus channel. CAUTION: Do NOT connect throttle or any primary control surface to the X-Plus Module.
EN System Setup Model Utilities In the Model Utilities function you can create a new model, delete a model, copy a model, reset a model to default settings and sort the model list. Create New Model Use this selection to create a new model in the model select list. When adding a new model from the Model Select screen or Model Utilities, the new model created is the same type of model (Acro, Heli, Sail or Multi) as the current model.
EN System Setup Model Reset Use the Model Reset menu to delete all model programming in the active model memory. Reset returns all model settings to the default settings and erases all programming in the selected model. After a model reset, it is necessary to re-bind. 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.
EN System Setup Telemetry Installing the optional telemetry module and sensors enables the display of aircraft performance data on the transmitter screen. You can also enable Data Logging to save a telemetry file on the SD Card and view the data in the Spektrum STiTM mobile application. Telemetry Settings Display Telemetry display options include: Tele: When you press the scroll wheel, the Telemetry screens appear and the Main Screen is disabled.
EN System Setup Telemetry Alarms Select Inh under Alarm to select the type of alarm desired. Options include Inh, Tone, Voice. Status Reports (Spoken Telemetry) 1. Select Inh next to Status Reports in each telemetry setting to add spoken telemetry feedback as desired. 2. Scroll to select how often you want to hear the status report. Warning Reports (Spoken Telemetry) 1. Select Inh next to Warning Reports in each telemetry setting to add spoken telemetry feedback for telemetry warnings as desired. 2.
EN System Setup Bind The Bind menu enables you to bind a transmitter and receiver without powering off the transmitter. This menu is helpful if you are programming a model and need to bind the receiver for failsafe positions. See “Programming Failsafe Positions” for more information. TRAINER The DX20 features a programmable trainer function with 4 wired trainer modes, 2 wireless trainer modes and a trainer FPV mode. The transmitter assigns the trainer function to Switch I.
EN System Setup 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 System Setup Trainer FPV Mode The Trainer FPV function enables you to control FPV head-tracking in either wired or wireless mode. You may assign incoming headtracker channels to any available output channel in the transmitter. To use the FPV mode: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. Select Wired Trainer or Wireless Trainer from the Trainer menu. Change the trainer mode from Inhibit to FPV. Select the switch you wish to use for the head tracker, then select NEXT.
EN System Setup Center Tone Allow any analog input (stick, knob, or lever/slider) to provide feedback when passing through center. In addition, this function allows you to disable the center tone that normally occurs on the knob and sliders. On voice-capable radios, a spoken alert can be made. Tip: This will not provide telemetry-like data; only the specified sound will be played.
EN System Setup Backlight The Backlight field adjusts the backlight appearance time and brightness. You have the option to turn the backlight off for models you fly during the day and turn the backlight on for night flying models. The backlight time options are: Off: Appears for a short time when you power on the transmitter. On: The backlight is always on. Set Time: The backlight is on for 3, 10, 20, 30, 45 or 60 seconds before automatically turning off.
EN System Setup Extra Settings The Extra Settings screen enables you to: • Turn sounds off or on • Change the appearance of the trim indicators • Change system voice volume settings 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. Vibrator The Vibrator value determines how many times the vibration alert pulses each second. A value of “1” = 1 pulse/second.
EN System Setup Channel Monitor Allows you to select how many channels are displayed on the monitor screen (4-12 channels). Default will set the monitor screen to display 12 channels. Serial Number The Serial Number screen displays the transmitter serial number and AirWare software version. Reference the Serial Number screen any time you need to register your transmitter or update the AirWare software from the Spektrum Community website.
EN System Setup Transfer SD card The SD Card enables you to: • Import (copy) models from another DX20 transmitter • Export (transfer) models to another DX20 transmitter • • • Update AirWare™ software in the transmitter Install/Update sound files Screen Print Import Model Back up your models currently in your transmitter on an SD card separate from the transmitter before performing these functions. To import an individual model file from the SD Card: 1.
EN System Setup Updating Spektrum DX20 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 DX20 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.
EN function list The Main Screen appears when you power on the transmitter. Press the scroll wheel once to display the Function List. Press Servo Setup The Servo Setup menu contains the following functions: • Travel Adjust • Sub-Trim • Reverse • Speed • ABS. 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.
EN function list Reverse Use the Reverse menu to reverse the channel direction. For example, if the elevator servo moves up and it should move down. To reverse a channel direction: 1. Scroll to Travel and press the scroll wheel. Scroll left until Reverse appears and press the scroll wheel again to save the selection. 2. Scroll to the channel you wish to reverse and press the scroll wheel. If you reverse the Throttle channel, a confirmation screen appears. Select YES to reverse the channel.
EN function list 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 Switch and select the switch to activate D/R and Expo for that channel. 3. Scroll to dual rate and press the scroll wheel.
EN function list AS3X Gain Live View (ACRO and SAIL Types only) When using a compatible AS3X receiver (AR636, AR6335, AR7350, AR9350, etc.
EN function list Mixing Mixing allows control input for a channel to affect more than one channel at a time. Mixing functions support: • Mixing a channel to another channel. • Mixing a channel to itself. • Assigning offset to a channel. • Linking primary to secondary trim. These mixes are available for each model memory: • • • • • • 16 programmable mixes Cyclic to Throttle (HELI) Swashplate (HELI) Elevator to Flap (ACRO) Aileron to Rudder (ACRO) Rudder to Aileron/Elevator (ACRO).
EN function list Combo Mixing Combination Mixing is available to create AND/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.
EN function list Sequencer The Sequencer menu option provides this-then-that mixing with a time delay. Five different sequences (S1 through S5) are available to control 2 functions each (A and B), in 2 timing directions (forward or reverse). Sequences appear throughout function screens as assignable switches. CAUTION: Always review the action of a sequence on the Monitor or X-Plus Monitor screen BEFORE operating the model to ensure controls act as desired.
EN function list ProTrim ProTrim allows the Rates, Expo, Mixes, and Differential (Aileron, V-Tail, Rudder, Tip-Aileron, and Flap) to be adjusted by the left and/ or right trims during initial trimming flights. To setup Left or Right ProTrim: 1. Scroll to CENTER, then press the scroll wheel to zero the value of the trim in it’s current position. Pressing CENTER will center the Trims and allow for further trimming even if the trims have been moved to there end points. 2.
EN function list Timer Event and Timer Control Alerts Press NEXT to select the Timer Event Alerts settings. These include options for the alerts at every minute for down timers, 1 minute remaining alert, 30 seconds remaining alert, 10 second to 1 second remaining alerts, expiration alert, and every minute up alert. Press NEXT again to select the Timer Control Alerts settings. Available options include Timer Start alert, Timer Stop alert, and Timer Reset alert.
EN function list System Setup Use System Setup to enter the System List from the Function list without turning the transmitter off. A Caution screen will appear that warns that RF will be disabled (the transmitter will no longer transmit). Press YES if you are sure and want to access the System List. If you are not sure, press NO to exit to the main screen and continue operation. If you do not press YES or NO, the system will exit to the main screen and continue operation within approximately 10 seconds.
EN ACRO (Airplane) Acro Model 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. Aircraft Type 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. Refer to spektrumrc.
EN ACRO (Airplane) 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 to Elevon-B.
EN ACRO (Airplane) 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 ACRO (Airplane) Multi-Engine Control In Acro mode a Multi-Engine screen is available that allows programing for up to 4 engine aircraft. To activate Multi-Engine Control: 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. 3. Scroll to Multi-Engine, press the scroll wheel and roll right to select number of engines. 4.
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 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. The Swash Type will affect menu options in the Function List.
EN HELI (Helicopter) Swashplate The Swashplate menu option enables you to adjust the following: • Swashplate Mix • Exponential • E-Ring • Elevator Compensation Use positive or negative Swashplate mix values as needed for correct direction response of the helicopter. Before making adjustments to the Swashplate mix, make sure the throttle/collective pitch input moves the entire swashplate up or down. If the servos are not moving in the same direction, reverse them as necessary in the Servo Setup menu option.
EN sail (sailplane) Sailplane Model 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. Sailplane Type 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. Refer to spektrumrc.
EN sail (sailplane) 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 commonly used for coordinated turns.
EN MULTI (Multirotor) Multirotor Model Type NOTICE: Refer to your multirotor manual for programming recommendations. CAUTION: Always do a Control Test of your model with the transmitter after programming to make sure your model responds as desired. The Aircraft Options menu allows you to select a camera gimbal axis. Select None, 1–Axis, 2–Axis or 3–Axis from the Camera Options box. The model icon can be changed by selecting the icon and scrolling left or right to select.
EN MULTI (Multirotor) D/R & Exponential Dual Rates and Exponential are available on the PIT, ROL and YAW 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 Switch and press the scroll wheel to select. Move the switch you want to assign to D/R. 3. Scroll to dual rate and press the scroll wheel.
EN physical transmitter adjustments The DX20 has all the physical transmitter adjustments located around the gimbal face of each gimbal. This arrangement allows for quick and easy adjustments with out taking the back cover off or removing any plugs to access adjustment screws or wedges. Available adjustments: Mode Change Change the Throttle Ratchet Change the Throttle Tension Adjust stick tension Transmitter Mode Conversion You can change to transmitter modes 1, 2, 3 or 4.
EN physical transmitter adjustments Adjust Stick Tension Turn the screws clockwise a small amount using a small Phillips screwdriver to tighten the stick tension and counter clockwise to loosen. Vertical Tension NOTICE: Always do a test of stick tension while turning these screws to ensure stick tension is not too loose or too tight. Tightening a screw too much can damage a spring. Loosening a screw too much can let a spring fall off and cause short-circuit in the transmitter.
EN Troubleshooting Guide Problem Aircraft will not Bind (during binding) to transmitter Aircraft will not link (after binding) to transmitter Possible Cause Solution Transmitter too near aircraft during binding process Move powered transmitter a few feet from aircraft, disconnect and reconnect flight battery to aircraft Aircraft or transmitter is too close to large metal object Move the aircraft or transmitter away from the large metal object The bind plug is not installed correctly in the bind po
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.
EN Warranty and Service Contact Information Country of Purchase United States of America Horizon Hobby Contact Information Horizon Service Center (Repairs and Repair Requests) servicecenter.horizonhobby.com/ RequestForm/ productsupport@horizonhobby.com Horizon Product Support (Product Technical Assistance) 877-504-0233 Sales United Kingdom Germany France Address 4105 Fieldstone Rd Champaign, Illinois, 61822 USA websales@horizonhobby.
EN Compliance Information for the European Union Horizon Hobby, LLC hereby declares that this product is in compliance with the essential requirements and other relevant provisions of the R&TTE, EMC and LVD Directives. 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.
ES © 2016 Horizon Hobby, LLC DSM, DSM2, DSMX, the DSMX logo, the BNF logo, AirWare, ModelMatch, X-Plus, AS3X, SmartSafe, 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. The SD Logo is a trademark of SD-3C, LLC US 7,391,320. Other patents pending. www.spektrumrc.
