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Order Numbers

F4090 - F4091 - F4092

F4095 - F4096 - F4097

Please note that the collective pitch travels must be set symmetri-
cally to +/- 10°; at stick centre collective pitch should be 0°.
Before you switch from Idle-up 1 to Idle-up 2 fly your helicopter to a
safe height and place it in a climb, since the collective pitch setting
is markedly different at the stick centre position, and the model will
otherwise descend abruptly.
Expert 3-D pilots will know that the Idle-up 1 and Idle-up 2 curves
should be set symmetrically.

10.8 Auto-rotation (T-HO)

When you switch the auto-rotation flight mode on, the program
sets the motor to idle (or cuts it completely), regardless of the posi-
tion of the throttle stick. The throttle servo immediately runs to the
pre-set position.

At the same time the program reduces the bottom collective pitch
value to -5°, in order to keep the rotational speed of the rotor head
as high as possible while the helicopter is descending rapidly.

The program also raises the maximum collective pitch value to
+12°, to enable the pilot to flare out as gently as possible with a
high pitch angle, and then to touch down safely.

Once set up, this flight mode can be called up by means of an exter-
nal mixer switch.

A separate switch is essential in order to operate and adjust Auto-
rotation. Connect the switch to socket 8 before you start setting up
the function.

Please note that the auto-rotation mixer switch always has priority,
and over-rides both the switches for Idle-up 1 and Idle-up 2.

44

The set-up procedure is essentially the same as for the "Normal" and
"Idle-up 1" flight modes.
Connect the external mixer switch to socket 7, and the external mix
trimmer for throttle centre point adjustment (T-NT) to socket 6.
Note that the mixer switch for Idle-up 2 has priority, and over-rides
the switch for Idle-up 1.

Cruise trim

The flight mode Idle-up 2 also features a separate trim in addition to
the Idle-up 1 menu. This is designed to cope with the distinct diffe-
rence in trim values between hover and the cruise setting which is
usually apparent in model helicopters.This effect is due to the dyna-
mic effect of changing airflow over the main and tail rotors and the
stabilisers.

When you operate the flight mode switch to activate Idle-up 2, the
program also switches to a second internal trim value memory for
the roll, pitch-axis and tail rotor functions.

You trim your model in the usual way, but the transmitter internally
assigns the trim value to the appropriate flight mode.You can check
the trim values by moving the Idle-up 2 switch (7) between the two
positions IDL-1 and IDL-2. The trim bars on the screen display the
corresponding values.

An internal delay is pre-programmed for the roll, pitch-axis and tail
rotor functions to ensure that the switch in trim values occurs gra-
dually. This is fixed, and cannot be adjusted.

Caution: if you are using a gyro in AVCS (heading lock) mode,
you must not store another value for the tail rotor function
(channel 4).

Transmitter control travel

T-LO

T-NT

T-HI

P-LO

P-NT

P-HI

S

e

rv

o tr

a

v

el

Throttle - collective pitch curve, Idle-up 2 (IDL-2)
Cruise

Throttle and collective pitch curve for the flight mode

"Idle-up 2" for 3-D flying

You can set up Idle-up 2 in either of two ways: either for aerobatics,
with an even greater increase in throttle compared with Idle-up 1,
or, as in the example shown here, as a 3-D curve for "3-D flying" and
inverted flight.

Transmitter control travel

T-LO

T-NT

T-HI

P-LO

P-NT

P-HI

Se

rv

o

 t

ra

v

e

l

Throttle - collective pitch curve, Idle-up 2 (IDL-2)
3-D flying

Throttle

Throttle

Summary of Contents for FX-18 NC

Page 1: ...C T T T T I I I I O O O O N N N N M M M M A A A A N N N N U U U U A A A A L L L L N N N N O O O O T T T T I I I I C C C C E E E E D D D D U U U U T T T T I I I I L L L L I I I I S S S S A A A AT T T T I I I I O O O O N N N N Illustration shows expanded version of the transmitter fitted with optional accessories L illustration présente l émetteur pourvu d extensions et équipé de divers accessoires ...

Page 2: ...ixers VMX1 3 21 7 11 Dual mixers XMIX 23 Section Page 7 12 Digital trims TRIM 23 7 12 1Trim parameters TRIM 24 7 12 2Trim travel RATE 24 7 12 3Trim increment STEP 24 7 13 Motor cut TCUT 24 7 14 Stopwatch ST W 24 25 7 15 External mix trimmers VOLM 25 7 16 Fail Safe settings F S 26 8 Powered model aircraft ACRO 27 8 1 Power program menu structure 27 8 2 Switch and mix trimmer assignment ACRO 27 8 3 ...

Page 3: ...which we expressly recommend Installing the option modules requires the use of tools Please take particular care when using them to avoid injury Always use genuine robbe Futaba connectors and original robbe Futaba plug in crystals It is not permissible to make modifications of any kind to the system components Routine pre flight checks If there are several modellers at your site ensure that yours ...

Page 4: ...ntrols are arranged in easily reached positions where they can be operated without having to take your hands off the sticks Linear sliders can be mounted on the rear panel as well as the front face where they can be operated comfortably with the index fingers A unique feature of this transmitter is the wide range of expansion options which it can accept making the unit able to cope with all modell...

Page 5: ...range Its slim case design with the servo sockets in the practical position on the end of the case makes it an excellent choice for use in mini and small models generally and even in park fly models and HLG gliders The active front end of this receiver provides outstanding narrow band characteristics high adjacent channel separation and very good interference suppression A regulatory stage includi...

Page 6: ...ransmitter neckstrap lug Digital trims for right stick unit Right option well for mixer or channel switches Rear slider channel option well Front slider channels with centre detent Front option wells for external switches and trimmers LCD screen Operating buttons On Off switch 3 D hotkey Aerial storage compartment Charge socket Illustration shows expanded transmitter 4 2 Removing the back panel Th...

Page 7: ...lled position of the ratchet plate 4 4 CAMPac model memory modules The transmitter s model memory capacity can be expanded by fitting CAMPac modules Various CAMPac modules are available offering different numbers of additional model memories 4k CAMPac 3 model memories No F 1508 16k CAMPac 12 model memories No F 1509 64k CAMPac 49 model memories No F 1566 The CAMPac module is plugged onto the pin r...

Page 8: ...9 hours 4 7 Installing and connecting option modules An outstanding feature of the FX 18 transmitter is the wealth of expansion options it offers You can install linear sliders mixer switches and external mix trimmers to suit your own requirements The first step is to decide on an option well where you can reach the control most easily without having to let go of the sticks A total of 4 option wel...

Page 9: ... index line on the knob lines up with that on the pot shaft Secure the trimmer knob with a 1 5 mm allen key Take care to arrange the cables neatly To install the front linear sliders press the blind cover out from the rear of the transmitter using a screwdriver Carefully install the slider with the cable pointing down towards the battery Route the cable under the main circuit board and connect the...

Page 10: ...ge rate of NC cells is around 1 per day This means that after 100 days a previously fully charged battery will be com pletely discharged without ever having supplied current to any load NiMH cells have the same self discharge characteristic but at a hig her rate of around 2 3 per day the pack will be completely flat after about 35 50 days The transmitter battery can be charged and discharged witho...

Page 11: ...Trainer mode sometimes known as a buddy box system is an excellent way for learners students to learn the art of model fly ing with the help of a flight tutor trainer The tutor controls the model during the launch and landing pha ses but transfers control to the learner by operating a push button or switch when the model is in a safe position If the model gets into a potentially dangerous flight a...

Page 12: ...et is marked DATA and is located on the right hand side of the circuit board Special software is in preparation which allows you to call up store and print out model data stored on the PC 5 Connecting the servos The sequence of servo connections at the receiver is pre defined as many mixer functions in the model type menus Glider Power and Heli are pre programmed These mixers are described in the ...

Page 13: ...ough the setup menus if you have accidentally skipped the function you wished to use The menu structure is shown in graphic form in these instruc tions for each of the model types Home menu level The top Home menu level embraces all those functions which are important when the system is actually in use such as model name voltage operating time stopwatch Rotate the 3 D hotkey to change to the displ...

Page 14: ...ecial mixer functions are provided under the menu point TYPE see Section 7 3 The specific mixers are described in detail in Sections 8 9 and 10 The following flow chart shows the menu structure of the BASC functions it also shows the associated sub menus and the Home menus 14 Home menu Setup menu level 1 sec 1 sec 1 sec Page 17 Page 18 Page 18 Page 15 Page 19 Page 19 Page 19 Page 20 Page 20 Page 2...

Page 15: ...n an FM system is operated at the extreme limit of range or when motor interference occurs the servos tend to jitter and PCM modulation suppresses this effect The receiver achieves this by storing the signals briefly If invalid or incorrect signals are picked up by the receiver it continues to give out the stored signals until it picks up correct signals from the transmitter again See also F S Fai...

Page 16: ...ON turning it left swit ches it OFF This function must be combined correctly with the throttle rever se function see Section 7 1 3 It is important to ensure that both the throttle direction and the throttle trim are set correctly 7 1 5 Dual Rates switch DRSW In this menu you can determine the function or functions which are affected by the Dual Rates switch The Dual Rates switch is connec ted to s...

Page 17: ...itched to PPM modulation You can select up to two channels from channels 5 8 for Multi Switch Prop operations by rotating the 3 D hotkey Turning the hotkey to the left activates the 1st channel left number from 5 8 or de activates it if you select Turning the hotkey to the right selects the 2nd channel right number from 5 8 or de activates it if you select In our example channels 5 and 6 are activ...

Page 18: ...he last letter the arrow on the screen disap pears to indicate that you cannot enter any more letters Hold the H button pressed in for one second to move one level hig her into the Select menu level 7 3 Select model type TYPE To control sophisticated model air craft many automatic links mixers between the transmitter controls are generally required To make it easier for the user to set up such mod...

Page 19: ...stem lin kage prevents the servo moving over its full travel The servo travel can then be reduced to suit the installation The function affects the selected servo channel and also reduces all mixed functions involving that channel Any change to the set ting also affects the trim travel proportionally together with any Dual Rate settings you have entered At the top of the screen a small arrow under...

Page 20: ...so all other functions which are affected through mixers by the same transmitter control Other mixed signals which affect the same servo output are not affected in contrast to standard servo travel limiting The external mixer switch should be connected to socket 4 see illustration in Section 4 7 A single switch can control 1 2 or 3 functions This is achieved by setting up the switches in the PARA ...

Page 21: ...r a particular transmitter control or model it is also possible to select the transmitter controls which are assig ned to the switch connected to socket 4 This is done in the PARA DRSW menu An exponential setting also affects a transmitter control for which a D R travel reduction has already been set 7 10 Linking mixers VMIX1 3 Operating the transmitter control normally affects only the servo con ...

Page 22: ... aircraft the optimum mixer value often cannot be predic ted accurately and you have to establish it in a series of test flights If you install an external mix trimmer the convenient linking mixer facility of the FX 18 allows you to use it to override the pre set per centage value by 25 This makes it easy to determine the opti mum value with the model in flight To achieve this connect an external ...

Page 23: ...or elevator control and in the correct opposite directions for aileron control The first step should always be to reverse the servos as required in order to make the elevator function work correctly If the mixer then works in the wrong direction set the elevator mixer input SLV 2 to 50 instead of 50 as shown in the screen shot You may now find that you need more aileron response than eleva tor in ...

Page 24: ...p 0 Trim switched off Step 1 120 Button pushes Step 4 30 Button pushes default value Step 8 15 Button pushes Step 10 12 Button pushes Step 20 6 Button pushes Step 30 4 Button pushes 7 13 Motor cut TCUT The purpose of this option is to ena ble you to cut the motor without adjusting the idle trim You will require an external mixer switch for this function connected to socket 5 see Section 4 7 Use th...

Page 25: ...nu ST W to HOME menu 3 where the stopwatch function is displayed Since we have programmed a count up timer the stopwatch starts at 0 00 and runs up to the pre set time The beeper emits the following signals to keep you informed of progress Every time the stopwatch starts or stops 1 x brief Every full minute 1 x brief The last 10 seconds before reaching the pre set time every second thereafter in e...

Page 26: ...d be set to a broad turning pattern Program the settings which allow the model to fly by itself for a while in an inherently stable flight attitude This should allow the model to survive unscathed if brief interference strikes until con tact with the transmitter is restored You can check the settings by switching off the transmitter and watching the response of the servos in the model The Fail Saf...

Page 27: ...tion can eliminate this effect This mixer function is similar to the V MIX linking mixers part of the aileron signal is passed to the rudder channel and at the same time the rudder stick retains full control of its own function Coupled rudder can be an embarrassment on the landing approach and in some other manoeuvres so this option can be switched on and off in flight by means of a switch connect...

Page 28: ...y to the right and the Setup menu FLPN appears confirm by pressing the S button and the display SET flashes The two aileron servos channels 1 and 6 are now mixed together the flap function FLPN is also active and aileron differential is set to the default of 50 The FLPN function can be operated over its full travel by means of a transmitter control e g linear slider connected to channel 6 Check th...

Page 29: ...easier to control the spoilers in flight it is desirable to set a defined position for the retracted and extended flaps when acting as spoilers This can be achieved by offsetting the centre position of the spoiler control linear slider or stick to any desired position In our example this is the end point of the transmitter control Press the S button until SET on the screen flashes Move the linear ...

Page 30: ...t step should always be to reverse the servos as required in order to make the elevator function work correctly If the mixer then works in the wrong direction set the elevator mixer input 2 to 50 You may find it necessary to set different travels for the two functions In our experience most models are more sensitive to the elevator and therefore require slightly more travel for the ailerons When s...

Page 31: ...o the new neutral position and will be mixed in with the flaps from this position You can set whether the Limit function takes effect above or below the defined point by changing the pre fix this is done by rotating the 3 D hotkey 8 7 V tail mixer VTAL This mixer combines the signals of the rudder and elevator in order to control a V tail on a model aircraft It works in the same way as the XMIX mi...

Page 32: ...th functions use another free mixer V Mix 1 or 3 8 9 Landing pre sets LAND With this option you can determine the servo position of the landing flaps or spoilers and the elevator for the approach phase and landing This manoeuvre is carried out when you operate an external mixer switch Pin 8 This switch or push button is essential if you are to use and adjust this function and should be connected b...

Page 33: ... 8 Auxiliary channel 33 Page 34 Page 36 Page 37 Page 37 Page 38 Page 38 Page 39 Page 39 Select menu level Page 34 Setup menu level Legend Rotate 3 D hotkey Press S button Press H button Press 3 D hotkey 9 Model gliders GLID The mixer program for model gliders provides a range of special menus for this type of model aircraft in addition to the basic func tions already described These menus are inte...

Page 34: ...value of 50 9 5 Wing mixers WING The software of the FX 18 includes a very convenient wing flap mixer This function can be used on the one hand to mix two separate aileron servos with variable differential travel and also as an option to set the ailerons to rise together as a landing aid This func tion is usually termed a flaperon flap aileron mixer The following flow chart is intended to help you...

Page 35: ...a linear slider to chan nel 5 the flap function is operated over its full travel Alternati vely the throttle control can be used see also Section 9 5 1 Check that the right aileron moves up and the left aileron down when you operate the aileron stick to the right If one or both servos works in the wrong direction reverse the servo in the Setup menu REVR Reverse 9 5 4 Setting flap travel Flap Trim ...

Page 36: ...r because the flaps follow the aileron movements giving a more powerful rolling moment Move to the Select menu AI F Press the H button INH OFF now flashes Turn the 3 D hotkey to the left to switch the mixer ON Press the S button to reach the Setup menu where the display is flashing Rotate the 3 D hotkey to set the rate 100 to which the flaps are to follow the ailerons when an aileron command is gi...

Page 37: ...tion In this case it is necessary to set the neutral point for the elevator compensation mixer This is the procedure Press the S button until SET flashes Move the transmitter control for the flaps to the position at which the flaps are retracted neutral point Hold the 3 D hotkey pressed in for 1 second the elevator now moves to the new neutral position and will be mixed in with the flaps from this...

Page 38: ...witch between the two menus 9 10 V tail mixer VTAL This mixer combines the signals of the rudder and elevator in order to control a V tail on a model aircraft It works in the same way as the XMIX mixer see also Section 7 11 but is programmed to act upon the elevator and rudder channels When the elevator stick is operated both servos run in the same direction when the rudder stick is operated they ...

Page 39: ...ayed and an audible alarm sounds if you switch on the system with one of the trim functions active to warn you that an active mixer is in operation Switch the TRM1 function ON Press the H button again an arrow appears under the number 5 and the symbol flashes Now rotate the 3 D hotkey to set the desired control surface travel for the landing camber changing flaps The adjustment range is 100 Holdin...

Page 40: ... must adhere to it as the throttle and collective pitch functions are already mixed at the transmitter the appropriate servos are also already mixed to suit your choice of swashplate type The special features of the individual swashplate mixers are explai ned under the swashplate menu SWSH Transmitter channels 5 and 6 are pre configured for gyro gain adjustment and collective pitch servo trim The ...

Page 41: ... swashplate type The software of the FX 18 transmitter caters for all four of the most important swashplate types Move to the Select menu SWSH and press the 3 D hotkey to enter the Setup menu The screen shows H 1 the basic setting Rotate the 3 D hotkey to select one of the following types H 1 H 2 HR 3 H4 When you have selected the appropriate type hold the 3 D hot key pressed in for 1 second and O...

Page 42: ... Revo Mix set ting which remains constant in all flight modes See the flight mode table on this page Move to the Select menu REVO and press the 3 D hotkey to move to the Setup menu The SET and displays flash Rotate the 3 D hotkey to set the guide value of 25 Press the S button and the INH display flashes Switch the mixer on by turning the 3 D hotkey to the left The direction of rotation of the mai...

Page 43: ...nus T LO Throttle minimum minimum throttle position T NT Throttle neutral setting hover point T HI Throttle maximum full throttle position DELY Throttle servo delay P LO Collective pitch minimum minimum coll pitch position P NT Collective pitch neutral setting hover point P HI Collective pitch maximum maximum climb Press the S button to move forward through the Setup menus and the H button to move...

Page 44: ...hrottle centre point adjustment T NT to socket 6 Note that the mixer switch for Idle up 2 has priority and over rides the switch for Idle up 1 Cruise trim The flight mode Idle up 2 also features a separate trim in addition to the Idle up 1 menu This is designed to cope with the distinct diffe rence in trim values between hover and the cruise setting which is usually apparent in model helicopters T...

Page 45: ... 1 2 and 3 4 No intermediate values can be set Order Numbers F4090 F4091 F4092 F4095 F4096 F4097 Check carefully that the auto rotation switch is set to OFF before you attempt to start the motor otherwise the motor will refuse to start As with the other mixer functions the screen displays the MIX symbol to indicate that a mixer function is active You can adjust the idle speed in flight and even st...

Page 46: ...modules the maximum number of proportional or multi channels may be limited by the number and position of extra controls you have fitted i e the degree to which you have expanded the transmitter For example 4 proportional channels and 36 multi functions are more than sufficient for most applications The physical controls such as linear sliders or switched channels are installed as described in Sec...

Page 47: ...to produce the switching effect Note If you want to use all 8 switch connections for the second part of the Multi module you will need to have stick switches installed since there are not enough option wells present to accept the full number of switches These stick switches are installed in the main stick shafts the work must be carried out by a robbe Service Centre For a more detailed description...

Page 48: ...s are arranged in such a way that all the func tions of both sound modules can be controlled conveniently with the Multi module controlling the Multi decoder which is an inte gral part of the sound module Switches 6 and 7 each control one further free channel at the sound module and can be installed and connected as options if and when required The switches operate the following functions on the s...

Page 49: ...n the plastic housings not on the wires Servo leads should not just be left dangling inside the fuselage it is far better to attach the leads neatly to say the fuselage side or the chassis using adhesive tape or cable ties It is not permissible for modifications of any kind to be made to the receiving system components Avoid reversed polarity and short circuits of all kinds as the electronics are ...

Page 50: ...what is known as electrical noise interference This problem is due to metal parts such as pushrods rubbing against each other intermittently as a result of vibration For this reason the linkage to the engine s carburettor must always terminate in a plastic clevis never connect a metal linkage directly to the carburettor arm without insulation Electric motors All electric motors in RC models must b...

Page 51: ...55 GREBENHAIN Tel 0049 6644 87 0 Fax 0049 6644 74 12 Finland HOBBY NOR KY 02100 ESPOO Tel 0035 89 45 51 13 3 Fax 0035 89 45 51 13 0 Poland JANTAR SP O O 85 078 BYDGOSZCZ Tel Fax 0048 52 34 54 291 Norway NORWEGIAN MODELLERS A S 3101 TØNSBERG Tel 0047 333 78 00 0 Fax 0047 333 78 00 1 England ROBBE SCHLUETER UK LEICESTERSHIRE LE10 1UB Tel 0044 1455 63 71 51 Fax 0044 1455 63 51 51 16 Post Office regul...

Page 52: ...ve range is about 30 lower Single point neckstrap No F 1550 Soft neckstrap adjustable in length with spring clip and swivel FX long rear linear slider No F 1586 Linear slider for installation in the back panel of the transmitter Supplied with 2 long operating levers can be used left or right The version with long levers is recommended for use in a transmitter tray Also expands Multi modules by one...

Page 53: ...xer functions Stick top extension No 8086 Extends the sticks for use in a transmitter tray or with the neckstrap system Variable length 10 5 mm Ø length 47 mm Contents 2 units Long 3 position mixer switch No F 1522 For operating mixer functions Mini battery controller No 8248 For 4 8 Volt receiver batteries 10 stage chain of LEDs provides information about the current voltage level of the receiver...

Page 54: ...1 or 3 and transmitters with DIN 6 pin Trainer socket Student 4 adaptor No F 1581 Adaptor for connecting the trainer lead No 8362 to student transmitters with Trainer module 1 or 3 and transmitters with DIN 6 pin Trainer socket No 8377 Use of 2 FX transmitters trainer lead No 8377 and switch No F 1524 F series transmitter with integral Trainer 4 module No F 1574 Requires trainer lead No 8362 No 83...

Page 55: ...70 Multi decoder required to decode Multi module signals The decoder takes up only one servo channel and directly controls 12 switched channels and 2 servo channels Operating voltage 4 8 24 Volts up to 2 7 A per output Multi Switch 16 decoder memory No 8369 Multi decoder required to decode Multi module signals The decoder takes up only one servo channel and directly controls 16 switched channels O...

Page 56: ... D 36355 Grebenhain Germany Telephone 0049 6644 870 Errors and omissions excepted Modifications reserved Copyright robbe Modellsport 2002 Copying and re printing in whole or in part only with prior written approval of robbe Modellsport GmbH Co KG ...

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