Spectrum DX8, Instruction Manual

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12 SPEKTRUM DX8 • RADIO INSTRUCTION MANUAL
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. The LED on the receiver will be flashing, indicating the
receiver is 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. Press and hold the trainer button while powering on transmitter.
5. The system will connect within a few seconds. Once connected, the LED on the
receiver will go solid indicating connection.
6. Remove the bind plug from the BATT/BND port on the receiver. Power off the
transmitter and store the bind plug in a convenient place.
NOTICE: Remove the bind plug to prevent the system from entering bind mode
the next time the power is turned on.
7. After setting up your model, rebind the system so the true low throttle and
neutral control surface positions are set.
FAILSAFES
When you bind your transmitter, you are programming the receiver with failsafe
defaults. If connection is lost between the transmitter and receiver, the receiver
immediately operates in those preprogrammed default positions. Those positions
are failsafes. The AR8000 has three failsafes: SmartSafe Failsafe, Hold Last
Command Failsafe, and Preset Failsafe.
SmartSafe Failsafe
SmartSafe Failsafe is always active in both hold last command failsafe and in
preset failsafe. SmartSafe is a safety feature on the throttle channel only that offers
the following benefits:
• Prevents electric motors from operating when the receiver only is turned on
(no signal present)
• Prevents the speed controller from arming until the throttle is moved to low
throttle position after connection is made
• Shuts off electric motor and reduces gas/glow engines to idle if signal is lost
• If throttle is at any position other than low, the ESC won’t arm
• If connection is lost in flight:
-SmartSafe sets the throttle to the position it was in during the binding
process.
how To Program
SmartSafe is automatically set when hold last command failsafe or Preset failsafe
is programmed or the system is bound.
Note: It’s important to have the throttle
stick in the low position to store low throttle during binding
To Test
Confirm the failsafe setting is correct by turning off the transmitter. The throttle
should go to the preset low throttle position.
CAUTION: Make sure the aircraft is restrained on the ground. If failsafe is
not set, your aircraft might advance to mid or full throttle.
Hold Last Command
If you lose connection, all channels except for throttle channel hold last given
command and the aircraft continues on its path. So, if you were turning when
connection was lost, your aircraft would continue turning.
how to Program
1. Leave the bind plug in the bind port through the entire binding process.
2. Remove bind plug only after receiver connects to transmitter
To Test
Confirm the failsafe settings are correct by turning off the transmitter. All channels
except for the throttle should hold the last command.
CAUTION:
Make sure the aircraft is restrained on the ground. If failsafe
is not set, your aircraft might advance to mid or full throttle.
Preset Failsafe
If the signal is lost, all channels are driven to their failsafe position set during
binding.
Preset Failsafe is ideal for sailplanes, as spoliers can be deployed during loss of
signal, preventing a flyaway.
how To Program
1. Insert the bind plug and power on the receiver.
2. When the receiver LEDs blink indicating bind mode, remove bind plug
before binding the transmitter to the receiver.
3. LED lights will continue to blink.
4. Move transmitter’s control sticks and switches to the desired Preset Failsafe
positions then turn it on in bind mode.
5. The system should connect in less than 15 seconds.
NOTICE: Failsafe features vary according to receiver, so if using a receiver other
than the AR8000, consult your receiver’s instructions for the failsafes that apply.
Before flight, ALWAYS confirm your binding is good and failsafe is set. To do
this, make sure the system is connected, turn your transmitter off. Confirm that
low-throttle is active.
CAUTION: Make sure the aircraft is restrained on the ground. If failsafe is
not set, your aircraft might advance to mid or full throttle.
EN