Binding
The AR500 receiver must be bound to the transmitter before it will operate. Binding is the process
of teaching the receiver the specific code of the transmitter so it will only connect to that specific
transmitter.
1.
To bind an AR500 to a DSM2 transmitter, insert the bind plug in the BATT/BIND port on the receiver.
Note:
To bind an aircraft with an electronic speed controller that powers the receiver through the
throttle channel (ESC/BEC), insert the bind plug into the BATT/BIND port in the receiver and the
throttle lead into the throttle (THRO) port. Proceed to Step #2.
2.
Power the receiver. Note that the LED on the receiver should be flashing, indicating that the receiver
is in bind mode and ready to be bound to the transmitter.
3.
Move the sticks and switches on the transmitter to the desired failsafe positions (low throttle and
neutral control positions).
4.
Follow the procedures of your specific transmitter to enter Bind Mode, the system will connect
within a few seconds. Once connected, the LED on the receiver will go solid indicating the system
is connected.
5.
Remove the bind plug from the BATT/BIND port on the receiver before you power off the transmitter
and store it in a convenient place.
6.
After you’ve set up your model, it’s important to rebind the system so the true low throttle and
neutral control surface positions are set.
IMPORTANT
: Remove the bind plug to prevent the system from entering bind mode the next time the
power is turned on.
AR500 User Guide
The AR500 features DSM2
™
technology and is compatible with all Spektrum
™
and JR
®
aircraft
radios that support DSM2 technology, like the 12X, X9303, DX7, DX6i, DX5e and Module
Systems.
Note
: The AR500 receiver is not compatible with the DX6 parkflyer radio system.
Features
• Full Range
• Dual Aileron Ports
• QuickConnect with Brownout Detection
Specifications:
Type: Full Range Sport Receiver
Channels: 5
Modulation: DSM2
Dimension (WxLxH): 21.6 x 30.1 x 12.3mm
Weight: 7.0 Grams
Input Voltage Range: 3.5–9.6V
Resolution: 1024
Compatibility: All DSM2 Aircraft Transmitters and Module Systems
Receiver Installation
Example of AR500 installed in E-flite
®
Apprentice
Optimum installation of the antennas is to orient the tip of the long antenna perpendicular to the
short antenna. The tip on the long antenna should be a least 2 inches from the short antenna.
Example of AR500 installed in Hangar 9
®
Pulse XT 60
Important: Y-Harnesses and Servo Extensions
When using a Y-harness or servo extensions in your installation, it’s important to use standard non-
amplified Y-harnesses and servo extensions as this can/will cause the servos to operate erratically
or not function at all. Amplified Y-harnesses were developed several years ago to boost the signal
for some older PCM systems and should not be used with Spektrum equipment. Note that when
converting an existing model to Spektrum be certain that all amplfied Y-harnesses and/or servo
extensions are replaced with conventional non-amplified versions.
Tape antenna in place.
Do not allow tip to touch metal.
AR500 Failsafe
•Preventsunintentionalelectricmotorresponseonstart-up.
•Establisheslow-throttlefailsafeiftheRFsignalislost.
•
The AR500 removes servo output pulses to all channels except the throttle channel during failsafe.
•TheAR500throttlefailsafepositionisstoredviathethrottlestickpositiononthetransmitter
during binding.
HOW AR500 FAILSAFE WORKS
Receiver Power Only
•Inelectricaircraft,whenthereceiveronlyisturnedon(notransmittersignalispresent),thethrottle
channel has no output, to avoid operating or arming the electronic speed control.
•Inglow-poweredmodels,thethrottleservoreceivesnoinputsoitremainsinitscurrentposition.
Note:
Some analog servos may coast slightly even though no signal is present. This is normal.
•Allotherchannelswillmovetothepositionssetduringbinding.
After Connection
•Whenthetransmitteristurnedon,andafterthereceiverconnectstothetransmitter,normalcontrol
of all channels occurs.
•Afterthesystemmakesaconnection,iflossofsignaloccurs,theAR500Failsafedrivesthethrottle
servo only to its preset failsafe position (low throttle) that was set during binding.
•Allotherchannelsreceivenooutputpulses/commands,andarenotactiveduringfailsafe.
Plugging in the Leads
Plug the servo leads into the appropriate servo ports in the receiver noting the polarity of the
servo connector.
Note:
The AR500 features dual aileron channels (channel 2 & 6) making it convenient when using
aircraft with two separate aileron servos, no Y-harness or when mixing will be needed.
Range Testing
Before each flying session and especially with a new model, it is important to perform a range check.
All Spektrum aircraft transmitters incorporate a range testing system which, when activated, reduces
the output power, allowing a range check.
1. With the model restrained on the ground, stand 30 paces (approx. 90 feet/28 meters) away from the
model.
2. Face the model with the transmitter in your normal flying position and place your transmitter into
range check mode.
3. You should have total control of the model with the button depressed at 30 paces (90 feet/28 meters).
4. If control issues exist, call the Spektrum Service Center in the U.S. at 1-877-504-0233 for further
assistance. In the UK or Germany use one of the following addresses.
European Union: +49 4121 46199 66 (Deutschland)
or email [email protected]
+44 (0) 1279 641 097 (United Kingdom)
or email [email protected]
Shown using a ESC/BEC and a flight pack.
Shown using a separate receiver pack.
(Battery can be plugged into any open port.)
Pull and hold the Trainer Switch
30 paces (90 feet/28 meters)