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1

Periodically move the throttle stick to full and back down to ensure proper servo settings.

2

It is critical that dials

VR

be centered when the pitch and throttle curves are setup.

60

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). Insufficient charge, binding servo linkages,
and other problems can result in a dangerous crash with the possibility of injury to yourself, others and property.

Confirm the swashplate is level at 0 travel. Adjust arms if needed.

Apply full collective and check that the swashplate remained level and there is no binding. Repeat for full cyclic pitch and
roll. If not, adjust as needed to correct in

END POINT

: see p. 32.

Important note: prior to setting up throttle hold, idle-ups, offsets, etc., be sure to get your normal condition operating properly.

Where next?(Other functions you may wish to set up for your model.)

THROTTLE HOLD

: P. 67.

SUB-TRIM

p. 40 and separate trims for conditions (

OFFSETS

): p. 70.

IDLE-UP

p. 69.

Rudder-to-throttle and other programmable mixes p. 53.

Checking setup prior to going airborne:

Check voltage!

Then, with the assistance of an instructor, and having completed

all range checks, etc, gradually apply throttle until the helicopter becomes "light on the skids." Adjust trims as needed to
correct for any roll, pitch, or yaw tendencies. If the tail "wags," the gyro gain is too high. Decrease gyro gain.

Summary of Contents for 7CAP

Page 1: ...CAP 7CHP 7 CHANNEL RADIO CONTROL SYSTEM INSTRUCTION MANUAL Technical updates and additional programming examples available at www futaba rc com faq 7c faq html Entire Contents Copyright 2003 1M23N1360...

Page 2: ...ON 45 V TAIL 46 SNAP ROLL 47 Mixes definitions and types 48 ELE FLP 49 Air Brake A BRAKE 52 FLP ELE 50 AIL RUD 51 Prog Mixes P MIX1 3 53 Other Equipment 56 HELICOPTER FUNCTIONS 57 Table of contents an...

Page 3: ...ure to regularly visit the 7C Frequently Asked Questions web site at www futaba rc com faq faq 7c html This page includes extensive programming use set up and safety information on the 7C radio system...

Page 4: ...ement of parts Futaba is not responsible for unauthorized modification adjustment and replacement of parts on this product Any such changes may void the warranty Compliance Information Statement for U...

Page 5: ...lete checkup and service Ni Cd Battery Charge the batteries See Charging the Ni Cd batteries p 14 for details Always recharge the transmitter and receiver batteries for at least 15 hours before each f...

Page 6: ...ne the cause of the problem For PCM systems only Test to ensure that the FailSafe settings are correct by waiting at least 2 minutes after adjusting and then turning the transmitter off and confirming...

Page 7: ...red Transmits in both FM PPM and PCMby selecting modulation cycling transmitter Requires receiver of proper modulation Permanent memory storage via EEPROM with no backup battery to service or have fai...

Page 8: ...ay PCM but not 1024 are 512 resolution and not compatible NEVER attempt to change a receiver s band by simply changing crystal I E removing a 72MHz crystal and inserting a 75MHz crystal A receiver tha...

Page 9: ...0 mm Weight 1 43 oz 40 5 g Channels 7 Servo S3151 Standard digital Control system Pulse width control 1 52 ms neutral Power requirement 4 8V from receiver Output torque 43 0 oz in 3 1 kg cm at 4 8V O...

Page 10: ...ying precision since your hands won t need to support the transmitter s weight Y harnesses servo extensions etc Genuine Futaba extensions and Y harnesses including a heavy duty version with heavier wi...

Page 11: ...er Dial Elevator Trim Lever Elevator Aileron Stick Aileron Dual Rate Switch Elevator Flap Mixing or Airbrake Mixing Switch Carrying Handle Antenna Antenna must be fully extended when flying Be careful...

Page 12: ...s Aileron Trim Lever Dial Elevator Trim Lever Elevator Aileron Stick Aileron Dual Rate Switch Throttle Hold Switch Trainer Switch Carrying Handle Antenna Antenna must be fully extended when flying Be...

Page 13: ...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...

Page 14: ...teries by overheating and dramatically reduce their lifetime You should fully discharge your system s Ni Cd batteries periodically to prevent a condition called memory For example if you only make two...

Page 15: ...s STK MD Change this to the correct mode Note that this will NOT change the throttle and elevator rachets etc Those are mechanical changes that must be done by a service center To adjust your springs...

Page 16: ...cutting or folding changes the electrical length of the antenna and may reduce range Secure the antenna to the top of the vertical fin and let the excess wire length trail behind You may run the anten...

Page 17: ...olve the cause of interference prior to flying your model What your fully operational system demonstrates is the normal range for your system in those conditions Before every flying session it is crit...

Page 18: ...ELECT CURSOR BUTTONS key Press SELECT CURSOR BUTTON to scroll through and select the option to edit within a function Press SELECT CURSOR BUTTON to page up page down within BASIC or ADVANCE menu Turn...

Page 19: ...ated Switches for which warnings will be issued at power up are listed below ACRO Throttle cut snap roll airbrake HELI Throttle hold idle up If turning a switch OFF does not stop the mixing warning Wh...

Page 20: ...FUNCTIONS 25 MODEL Submenu MODELSEL COPY and NAME 25 Parameter PARA Submenu RESET TYPE MODUL CH5 CH7 28 Servo REVERSE 31 End Point E POINT 32 Idle Management THR CUT 33 Dual Rates and Exponential D R...

Page 21: ...screens in each menu Note FAIL SAFE only shows if the transmitter is set to transmit in PCM Press Mode Page key to toggle back and forth between BASIC and ADVANCE menus Mode Page Mode Page Select End...

Page 22: ...need to change during programming 22 Name the model P 25 Note that you do not need to do anything to save or store this data Only critical changes such as a MODEL RESET require additional keystrokes t...

Page 23: ...desired switch and programming percentages with the switch in each of its 2 or 3 positions From the BASIC menu choose THR CUT Activate assign SWITCH and adjust Close the function From the BASIC menu...

Page 24: ...R Repeat steps above to set low rate 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 o...

Page 25: ...the power the modulation type will flash on the home screen to remind you You are still transmitting on the other modulation until you affect this change 25 Select Model 3 NOTE This is one of several...

Page 26: ...ifferent conditions i e Helicopter using heavier weight blades airplane model at extreme altitudes GOAL of EXAMPLE STEPS INPUTS Radio shows progress on screen as the model memory is being copied Note...

Page 27: ...So the first thing you will want to do after you COPY a model change its type or start from scratch is rename the new copy to avoid confusion GOAL of EXAMPLE STEPS INPUTS 27 Name model 3 CAP 01 where...

Page 28: ...completely overwrites anything in the existing model memory including MODEL NAME The MODEL TYPE function overwrites all data except name and MODUL GOAL of EXAMPLE STEPS INPUTS Radio shows progress on...

Page 29: ...default is H 1 If you are using a heli MODEL TYPE please go to that chapter now to select the proper model type and support your model setup Note that changing MODEL TYPE resets all data for the mode...

Page 30: ...model is set to the other modulation type you must cycle the transmitter power to change modulations The modulation will flash on the home screen to remind you until you do so See p 25 MODEL SELECT f...

Page 31: ...change affects all models in the radio GOAL of EXAMPLE STEPS INPUTS 31 Reverse the direction of the elevator servo Where next Open REVERSE function Choose proper channel and set direction Ex ELE REV C...

Page 32: ...as FLAPERON make the adjustments in that function s controls For CCPM helicopters adjust the total travel of the function such as collective pitch in SWASH AFR Adjust the linkage or the END POINT It...

Page 33: ...eration No more fussing with getting trim in just the right spot for landings GOAL of EXAMPLE STEPS INPUTS Decrease the throttle setting at idle to stop the engine with the flip of a switch default SW...

Page 34: ...5 At 90 High Rate 9 Adjustability Range 0 140 0 setting would deactivate the control completely Initial value 100 Exponential changes the response curve of the servos relative to the stick position to...

Page 35: ...nd switch position Set rate Ex high rate 95 Set expo Ex expo 15 Set expo Ex expo 15 Set 2 expo Ex expo 3 Go to 2nd nd switch position and set rate Ex low rate 70 Optional if using a 3 position switch...

Page 36: ...3 position switch Where next Open D R EXP function Choose the channel to change Ex aileron is already selected Optional change switch assignment Confirm switch is in desired position and set rate Ex...

Page 37: ...1 second Activation by either direction of To quickly reset any timer from the home screen cursor down until the timer blinks Press dial to reset SWITCH A H bySTICK 1 4 THROTTLE STICK is convenient i...

Page 38: ...curve elevator and aileron may be set to the N or F mode with the other channels set to and controlled by the instructor Precautions NEVER turn on the student transmitter power ALWAYS set the student...

Page 39: ...the aircraft Most ordinary aircraft do well at about 2 to 10 units Generally larger trim steps are for models with large control throws or for first flights to ensure sufficient trim to properly corre...

Page 40: ...u 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 tr...

Page 41: ...changes have been transmitted GOAL of EXAMPLE STEPS INPUTS Battery FailSafe F S a second battery low warning feature separate from the transmitter low voltage warning When the airborne battery voltage...

Page 42: ...n travel than down travel for straighter rolls aileron differential see glossary for definition Using the two ailerons not only as ailerons but also as flaps in which case they are called flaperons Op...

Page 43: ...conflicting mix act such as ELEVON 43 Activate twin aileron servos FLAPERON Input 10 more up travel than down travel aileron differential within the FLAPERONprogramming Where next Open the FLAPERON fu...

Page 44: ...be active with the second servo set to CH6 If the FLAP TRIM is inhibited the flap control defaults to the VR dial You can use E POINT to set the travel of the flap if you are using one flap servo If...

Page 45: ...CH2 Independently adjustable aileron elevator travel Adjustable aileron differential NOTE If ELEVON is active you cannot activate FLAPERON You must deactivate the last function to activate ELEVON NOT...

Page 46: ...utilize V TAIL function with v tail aircraft so that elevator and aileron are combined Ex A v tail polyhedral wing with no ailerons would use this option The v tail will have both pitch and roll on t...

Page 47: ...snaps and spins without over rotation see p 56 Adjustability Travel Adjust the amount and direction of elevator aileron and rudder travel Range 120 to 120 on all 3 channels Default is 100 of range of...

Page 48: ...x with all assignments programming set up and ready to use Additionally the7C ACRO and HELI programs provide 3 linear fully programmable mixes that allow you to set up special mixes to resolve flight...

Page 49: ...full up elevator Switch assignable or null so mix is always active GOAL of EXAMPLE STEPS INPUTS 49 Activate ELEV FLAP mixing Adjust flap travel to 45 flaps Set switch assignment to null so the mix is...

Page 50: ...fault 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 STEPS INPUTS Activate FLAP EL...

Page 51: ...ed 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 GOAL of EXAMPLE STEPS INP...

Page 52: ...controlled Elevator and flap may be set independently in AIRBRAKE including set to 0 to have no effect Note If using FRAPERON with channel 5 or 7 the AIRBRAKE has separate settings for the aileron se...

Page 53: ...tain circumstances such as simulating one engine flaming out on a twin or throttle assisted rudder turns also with a twin Adjustability Defaults The 3 programmable mixes default to aileron to rudder m...

Page 54: ...ive at all times Rate the percentage of the slave s range it will move upon maximum input from the master channel Ex RUDDER AILERON mix 50 Ail range 1 When rudder is moved full right ailerons move 1 2...

Page 55: ...of tilting the model 55 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 Where next Open an unused programmable mix Ex us...

Page 56: ...the other direction then mechanically hold the gear into the locked position A regular servo used for mechanical retracts will continue to draw full power the entire time prematurely draining the batt...

Page 57: ...or PCM See ACRO p 30 CH5 CH7 Auxiliary Channel assignment See ACRO p 31 REVERSE See ACRO p 31 SWASH AFR swashplate control direction and travel correction not in H 1 p 63 END POINT See ACRO p 32 Sett...

Page 58: ...ing hold AVCS mode However revo mixing is still used when a heading hold AVCS gyro is in normal mode For additional details see that function s section in this manual The page numbers are indicated in...

Page 59: ...SICmenu Open THR CUT function Activate the function Choose desired switch and position to activate With THROTTLE STICK at idle adjust the rate until the engine consistently shuts off but throttle link...

Page 60: ...te is level at 0 travel Adjust arms if needed Apply full collective and check that the swashplate remained level and there is no binding Repeat for full cyclic pitch and roll If not adjust as needed t...

Page 61: ...faq faq 7c html for specific examples Not operating quite like you expected In many CCPM installations you need to either reverse the direction of a specific function SWASH AFR or reverse a single se...

Page 62: ...on HELI HR3 Where next Confirm you are currently using the proper model memory example 3 Open PARAMETER submenu Change to the desired MODEL TYPE example HR3 Confirm the change Close On home screen che...

Page 63: ...ashplate properly Since aileron always uses no more than 2 servos check it first Either both operate properly no change needed both operate backwards reverse the whole function or one servo operates b...

Page 64: ...32 Set up the normal condition TH CV NOR PI CV NOR REVO NOR see p 65 Set up D R EXP see p 34 HR3 Swash Type AILERON STICK ELEVATOR STICK RUDDER STICK THROTTLE STICK PROPER MOTION Swashplate tilts righ...

Page 65: ...ints are then adjusted to create the desired idle and maximum engine speed and a smooth transition in between For more on throttle curves see p 69 PI CV NOR inputs the normal NORM collective pitch cur...

Page 66: ...odel 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 Adjust throttle curves and rudder trim Repeat until model hovers...

Page 67: ...hrottle is moved to a single preset position no curve is available for THR HOLD Collective pitch curve Independent curve typically adjusted to create a blade pitch range of 4 to 6 to 12 is automatical...

Page 68: ...you are doing forward flight If you are just learning please follow your instructor s guidance Some instructors like a 1 base point for training so that the helicopter comes down very slowly even if y...

Page 69: ...right to inverted and back To do so the pitch curve is set to 0 pitch at half stick positive pitch climb upright above half and negative pitch climb when inverted below half stick The throttle curve i...

Page 70: ...s off the OFFSET and any trim adjustments to it have no effect model obeys the trim settings of the currently active flight condition Defaults to INH When OFFSET is inhibited trim adjustments made in...

Page 71: ...es Adjustments are quickly reset to the initial value by turning the dial until the trim reads 0 memorizing then returning the knob to its center position Note that all functions including these assum...

Page 72: ...html Choosing the right gyro for your skills your helicopter and your budget Mechanical some are still available They are very challenging to set up and not as reliable as piezo or SMM Non Heading Hol...

Page 73: ...etting in idle up2 and normal Where next Open and activate the GYRO function Optional change gyro type to Heading hold GY Optional change switch assignment Ex select E Adjust gyro rates as needed Ex N...

Page 74: ...R AIL 2 second aileron servo assignment See Twin aileron servos Aileron surface that controls the roll of the model Also called cyclic roll on a helicopter Aileron to flap mixing Mixing used to create...

Page 75: ...ges Binding friction in a joint exceeding the movement of the linkage Sticking or inability to continue movement The servo continues to attempt to move the surface beyond its power capabilities rapidl...

Page 76: ...rates by simply assigning dual rates to 3 position switches Includes exponential function see EXP 34 Elapsed Time Counter reset see TIMER 37 Elevator surface which controls the model s rate of climb...

Page 77: ...ircraft 50MHz band is available for model use by those holding a HAM amateur radio operator s license 75MHz is solely for remote control ground models 27MHz is legal for air or ground use 17 Function...

Page 78: ...ing setups in flight adjustments to pitch and throttle curves around center THROTTLE STICK position the ideal hovering point 71 IDLE UP separate condition created to allow inverted and other types of...

Page 79: ...GE BUTTON control button on radio s face used in various parts of programming 11 MODEL COPY used to duplicate the settings of one model already in memory into a second model memory Often used to set u...

Page 80: ...are also adjustable in the ADVANCE menu 68 PPM Pulse Position Modulation Also known as FM Type of signal transmission See Modulation Programmable mix used to cause specific servo responses to specific...

Page 81: ...point of each servo Allows full trim function from the trim sliders for flight trimming 40 SWASH AFR HELI CCPM types only adjustment of the travel of all servos involved in the particular control s mo...

Page 82: ...programmed 37 TRAINER software that allows 2 radios to be connected via trainer cord giving student control of all or some of the channels of the aircraft at the flip of a switch FUNC F trainer mode a...

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