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Introduction
The FX-40 is a premium-class radio control system which sets
new standards in many areas.
2. GENERAL DESCRIPTION
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Third-generation PCM system (PCM-G3) offering unsur-
passed transmission speed and accuracy.
Compared to the previous PCM 1024 system, the number
of steps (increments) has been doubled from 1024 to 2048,
but at the same time the repeat time has been reduced
from 28.5 ms to 17.6 ms - an improvement of around 40%.
In all RC systems there is inevitably a response lag, i.e. a
delay between the movement of the transmitter stick and
the initial movement of the corresponding servo, but this
has also been reduced by 25%.
The net result is virtually real-time control, i.e. the control
signals arrive at the servos practically at the same instant
and with virtually zero lag, giving the pilot a completely new
feeling of direct control.
As you would expect, it is possible to switch the modula-
tion to the PCM 1024 system and to 8 / 12 channel PPM
(FM), to enable existing receivers to continue to be used.
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The system is unusually easy to use thanks to the clearly
arranged graphical Windows CE™ user interface, which is
very easy to understand.
The system includes a completely new, extremely simple
mixer select system based on an initial selection of the
model type using a graphic image of the layout. Simply
select the wing and tail type, and the transmitter sets up
the correct mixers and channel sequence.
Data can be entered either using the 3-D Hotkey or the
LCD screen’s touch-screen function.
The transmitter incorporates two independent operating
systems: Windows CE™, which is used for entering data
and controlling the screen, and a Futaba operating system
for processing and transmitting data. If the Windows CE™
operating system should fail or crash at any time, this
would only affect the screen display. The Futaba operating
system is unaffected by any Windows problem, and the
system is guaranteed to continue working at all times.
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The backlit LCD screen has been developed specifically for
this system, and its excellent performance is evident in dif-
fuse light as well as in bright sunlight. With its generous
size of 151 x 57 mm it provides a clear, easily legible dis-
play of the transmitter’s functions.
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The transmitter spot frequency is generated using a Direct
Digital Synthesizer (DDS), i.e. no crystals are required. It is
possible to select all channels approved for use in Europe
in the 35 (A + B), 40 and 41 MHz bands. The selected spot
frequency is amplified selectively in the RF amplifier
module, which produces the level of output power appro-
ved for radio control use.
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The receiver also features a DD Synthesizer, but this opera-
tes on a fixed frequency band which cannot be changed. If
you change frequency band on the transmitter, you must
switch to a receiver on the corresponding frequency band.
When you switch transmitter channels, the appropriate
information is sent to the receiver via the Wireless Fre-
quency Setting System (WFSS), ensuring that the receiver
switches to the correct channel automatically.
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Thirty internal model memories provide ample space for
model-specific data, but in any case additional model
memory capacity for up to 246 models is provided on the
32 MB data pack card (DP card), which is supplied as stan-
dard. The DP card can be used as a simple method of
transferring model data from one transmitter to another.
The data can also be stored and backed-up on a PC which
has a Compact Flash Card reader; it can also be sent by
email.
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The DP card can be used to store speech files (wav), music
files (wma) and picture files (bmp), and a photo of the
model can be assigned to each model memory.
Speech output can be assigned to particular events such
as switching to a new flight mode, switching model memo-
ries, invoking certain flight manoeuvres, flying freestyle
schedules etc.; the transmitter is then able to act as your
personal “caller”.
The transmitter features an integral microphone for speech
recording; the recording can then be played back either via
the internal loudspeaker or headphones, which are con-
nected to an external socket on the transmitter.
Picture and music files are created on a PC and stored on
the DP card.
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The transmitter is fitted with new precision-made dual-axis
stick units featuring four ballraces and special long-life
potentiometers of industrial quality. The potentiometer
cable guidance system is very elegant: the cable only
moves through about 45°, which helps to avoid cable frac-
tures.
A new Rotary Trim System is employed, combining the tra-
ditional method of operation with the advantages of digital
storing. Trims are provided for all stick functions, and each
can be set to normal, centre or ATL (asymmetrical) func-
tion. The integral screen provides a clear on-screen display
of trim positions. Trim values are stored in the model
memory, either globally (for all flight modes) or separately
(for each flight mode individually).
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Freely programmable 17-point AFR transmitter control cur-
ves, with separate speed adjustment for each of the twelve
proportional channels.
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Ten freely programmable 17-point curve mixers; six diffe-
rent D/R settings can be superimposed on them, with
separately variable delay and speed for both directions of
the servo (“there and back”).
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Eight flight modes with selectable priority and variable
transition delay, plus unrestricted name and copy func-
tions.
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Trainer (teacher-pupil, buddy-box) system fitted as stan-
dard, plus DSC socket. The Trainer system features indivi-
dual channel transfer and optional mixed operation.
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Lithium-Ion battery technology; mains battery charger
included in the set.
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Programmable count-up or count-down stopwatch with up
to 100 intermediate / lap-times.
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Two of the twelve proportional channels can be expanded
to provide eight functions each by using Multi-Decoders at
the receiver end.
R 5014 DPS RECEIVER
Small dual-conversion PCM receiver weighing only 33 g, with
end-mounted sockets for up to fourteen servos.
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G3-PCM 2048-step system for ultra-precise control.
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DD Synthesizer technology generates spot frequencies
without requiring crystals; channel information is sent from
the transmitter via the Wireless Frequency Setting System
(WFSS). Each receiver is assigned an individual receiver
code number.
