48
Charge the batteries! (
See Caring for your NiCd batteries, p. 49, for details.
)
Always recharge the transmitter and
receiver batteries for at least 8 hours before each session. A low battery will soon die, causing loss of control and a
crash. When you begin your session, reset your radio's built-in timer, and during the session pay attention to the
duration of usage.
Stop operating your radio long before your batteries become low on charge. Do NOT rely on your radio’s low
battery warning systems, intended only as a precaution, to tell you when to recharge. Always check your
transmitter
and
receiver batteries prior to each use.
Before operating, make sure that your frequency is not already in use
, and secure any frequency control device
(pin, tag, etc.) for that frequency before turning on your transmitter.
It is never possible to operate two or more
models on the same frequency at the same time.
Even though there are different types of modulation (AM, FM,
PCM) and brands, only one model may be operated on a single frequency at any one time.
To prevent possible damage to your radio gear, turn the power switches on and off in the proper sequence:
1. Position throttle at idle, or otherwise disarm your motor/engine.
2. Turn on the transmitter power and allow your transmitter to reach its home screen (if applicable.)
3. Confirm the proper model memory has been selected (if applicable.)
4. Fully extend the transmitter antenna.
5. Turn on your receiver power or speed control power switch.
6. Test all controls. If a servo operates abnormally, don’t use until you determine the cause of the problem.
(For PCM
and HRS systems only: Test to ensure that the FailSafe settings are correct by waiting at least 2 minutes after
adjusting; then, turn the transmitter off and confirm the proper servo movements. Turn the transmitter back on. See
page 17 for details on FailSafe functions.)
7. Complete a full range check.
8. After use, bring your throttle to idle, engage any kill switches or otherwise disarm your motor/engine.
9. Turn off receiver power.
10. Turn off transmitter power.
If you do not turn on your system in this order, you may damage your servos or control surfaces, flood your engine, or in the
case of electric-powered or gasoline-powered models, the engine may unexpectedly turn on and cause a severe injury.
If you place your transmitter on the ground, be sure that the wind won’t tip it over.
If it is knocked over, controls
may be accidentally moved. Also, damage to your transmitter may occur.
Before running the model, be sure to extend the transmitter antenna to its full length.
A collapsed antenna will
reduce your range and cause a loss of control. Try to avoid pointing the transmitter antenna directly at the model, since the
signal is weakest in that direction.
Don’t operate in the rain, drive unprotected electronics through puddles or use when visibility is limited!
Water or
moisture may enter the transmitter through the antenna or other openings and cause erratic operation or loss of control. If you
must use in wet weather during a contest, be sure to cover your transmitter with a plastic bag or waterproof barrier. Never use
if lightning is expected.
MANDATORY PROCEDURES for use with the High Response System (HRS) receivers
Use ONLY:
•
Servos: Unregulated 6-Volt compatible Digital servos
•
Battery: 6-Volt Unregulated NiCd or NiMH battery
•
Mode: Transmitter MUST be set to HRS mode (see p. 7 and p.16 for details)
•
Transmitter: Futaba’s 3PK is the first radio sold in the US with HRS capability. At this time, only the 3PK may be
used with the HRS receivers. Be sure to check any other transmitter’s operator’s manual before attempting to use with
an HRS receiver.
•
NOTE: Do not attempt to operate with the Futaba FailSafe Unit (FS1) with an HRS receiver. Instead use the FailSafe
settings built into the transmitter. (see p. 17 for details.)
