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SPEKTRUM DX5e • RADIO USER’S GUIDE
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SPEKTRUM DX5e • RADIO USER’S GUIDE
AR500 fAIlSAfE
• Prevents unintentional electric motor response on
start-up.
• Eliminates the possibility of over-driving servos on
start-up.
• Establishes low-throttle failsafe if the RF signal is lost.
• The AR500 removes servo output pulses to all channels
except the throttle channel during failsafe.
• The AR500 throttle failsafe position is stored via the
throttle stick position on the transmitter.
hOw AR500 fAIlSAfE wORKS
RECEIvER POwER Only
• In electric aircraft, when the receiver only is turned on
(no transmitter signal is present), the throttle channel
has no output, to avoid operating or arming the
electronic speed control.
• In glow-powered models, the throttle servo receives no
input so it remains in its current position.
note
: Some analog servos will coast slightly even
though there is no signal present. This is normal.
• All other channels will move to the positions set
during binding
AfTER COnnECTIOn
• When the transmitter is turned on, and after the receiver
connects to the transmitter, normal control of all
channels occurs.
• After the system makes a connection, if loss of signal
occurs, the AR500 failsafe drives the throttle servo only
to its preset failsafe position (low throttle) that was set
during binding.
• All other channels receive no output pulses/ commands,
and are not active during failsafe.
SERvO REvERSInG
The DX5e features servo reversing on channels 1-4. The
switches are located at the lower front of the transmitter
and are used to select the direction of each channel. Use
a small screwdriver to change the switch position to
normal or reverse.
hI/lO RATE
The DX5e offers a high/low rate function on aileron,
elevator and rudder. When the HI/LO rate switch is in the
upper position or “HI” position, 100% travel is achieved
on the aileron, elevator and rudder channels. When the
switch is in the lower position a reduced travel of 70% is
achieved on the aileron, elevator and rudder channels. This
is useful allowing the aircraft to have a high control rate
(switch in the “HI” position) for aggressive maneuvers and
a low control rate (switch in “LO” position) for smooth,
precise maneuvers.
• High 100% rate on aileron, elevator and rudder
• Low 70% rate on aileron, elevator and rudder
ElEvOn/ DElTA MIXInG
The DX5e offers an Elevon mix. Elevon (also called delta
wing) mixing combines the function of ailerons with the
function of the elevator to allow precise control of both roll
and pitch for delta wing aircraft. To activate the Elevon mix,
move the mix switch to the on (up) position.
AILE Servo Port
(Left Elevon)
ELEV Servo Port
(Right Elevon)
Elevon Wing Type Connection
• ELEV servo port (right aileron)
• AILE servo port (left aileron)
note
: If proper servo direction cannot be achieved
with the servo reversing switches, swap the servo input
leads from AILE to ELEV or vice versa.
RECEIvER POwER SySTEM
REqUIREMEnTS
With all radio installations, it is vital the onboard power
system provides adequate power without interruption to the
receiver even when the system is fully loaded (servos at
maximum flight loads). This becomes especially critical with
giant-scale models that utilize multiple high-torque/ high-
current servos. Inadequate power systems that are unable
to provide the necessary minimum voltage to the receiver
during flight loads have become the number-one cause of
in-flight failures. Some of the power system components
that affect the ability to properly deliver adequate power
include: the selected receiver battery pack (number of cells,
capacity, cell type, state of charge), switch harness, battery
leads, regulator (if used) and, unless it’s a regulator, power
bus (if used).
While a Spektrum receiver’s minimum operational voltage is
3.5 volts, it is highly recommended the system
be tested per the guidelines below to a minimum acceptable
voltage of 4.8 volts during ground testing. This
will provide head room to compensate for battery
discharging or if the actual flight loads are greater than the
ground test loads.
RECOMMEnDED POwER SySTEM
GUIDElInES
1. When setting up large or complex aircraft with multiple
high-torque servos, it’s highly recommended that a
current and voltmeter (Hangar 9 HAN172) be used. Plug
the voltmeter in an open channel port in the receiver
and, with the system on, load the control surfaces
(apply pressure with your hand) while monitoring the
voltage at the receiver. The voltage should remain above
4.8 volts even when all servos are heavily loaded.
2. With the current meter in line with the receiver battery
lead, load the control surfaces (apply pressure
with your hand) while monitoring the current. The
maximum continuous recommended current for a
single heavy-duty servo/battery lead is three amps
while short-duration current spikes of up to five amps
are acceptable. Consequently, if your system draws
more than three amps continuous or five amps for short
durations, a single battery pack with a single switch
harness plugged into the receiver for power will be
inadequate. It will be necessary to use multiple packs
with multiple switches and multiple leads plugged into
the receiver.