Futaba 2PEKA User Manual

2PEKA

INSTRUCTION

MANUAL

For Car's And Boat's
2 Channel Digital Proportional R/C System

1M23N06101

Thank you for purchasing a Futaba 2PEKA.

Before using your 2PEKA, read this manual carefully and use

your R/C set safely.

After reading this manual, store it in a safe place.

APPLICATION, EXPORT, AND RECONSTRUCTION

1. Use this product in models only.
The product described in this manual is subject to regulations of the Ministry of Ra­dio/Telecommunications and is restricted under Japanese law to such purposes.

2. Exportation precautions
(a) When this product is exported from Japan, its use is to be approved by the Radio
Law of the country of destination.
(b) Use of this product with other than models may be restricted by Export and Trade
Control Regulations. An application for export approval must be submitted.

3. Modification, adjustment, and replacement of parts
Futaba is not responsible for unauthorized modification, adjustment, and replace­ment of parts of this product.

COMPLIANCE INFORMATION STATEMENT (FOR U.S.A.)

This device, trade name Futaba Corporation of America, model number R123F com­plies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two condi­tions:
(1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and
(2) This device must accept any interference received, including interference that
may cause undesired operation.

The responsible party of this device compliance is;
Futaba Corporation of America
4 Studebaker
Irvine, CA 92618 USA
TEL (949) 455 - 9888

-No part of this manual may be reproduced in any form without prior permission.

-The contents of this manual are subject to change without prior notice.

-This manual has been carefully written. Please write to Futaba if you feel that any corrections or clarifications
should be made.

-Futaba is not responsible for the use of this product.

2PEKA

Table of Contens

Safety Precautions....................................................................2

Definition of Symbols ........................................................................................................ 2

Running Preparations Safety Precautions ...................................................................... 2

Running Safety Precautions ............................................................................................. 3

Storage and Disposal Safety Precautions....................................................................... 4

Other Safety Precautions .................................................................................................. 5

Before Operation.......................................................................6

System Contents................................................................................................................ 6

Nomenclature / Handling................................................................................................... 7

Assembly / Adjustment ............................................................9

Receiver and Servo Connection....................................................................................... 9

Assembly Precautions .................................................................................................... 10

Digital Proportional Adjustment..................................................................................... 12

Description of Functions........................................................13

Steering Trim.................................................................................................................... 13

Throttle Trim..................................................................................................................... 13

Servo Reverse .................................................................................................................. 14

Throttle ATV ..................................................................................................................... 14

Steering D/R ..................................................................................................................... 14

Reference.................................................................................15

Ratings.............................................................................................................................. 15

Troubleshooting............................................................................................................... 16

Repair Service ..................................................................................................................17

1

2PEKA

For your safety as well as that of others. Please read this manual thoroughly prior to instal­lation and operation of your digital proportional R/C system.

Safety Precautions

Definition of Symbols

Safety Precautions

The following defines the symbols used in this manual.

Explanation of Symbols

Warning

Indicates a procedure that could result in serious injury or death to the user
or other persons if ignored and not performed properly.

Caution

Indicates a procedure that may result in serious injury to the user or other
persons, as well as physical damage. If ignored and not performed properly.

Explanation of Graphic Symbols

Indicates an operation that prompts a warning (including Caution).

Indicates an operation that must not be performed.

Indicates an operation that always must be performed.

Running (Sailing) Preparations Safety Precautions

Warning

(When using a Ni-cad battery to power your system)

Charging

When using a Ni-cad battery to power your system, always charge and check the battery
voltage prior to operation.
Should the battery discharge below the minimum voltage level, control will be lost.

Caution

(When using a Ni-cad battery to power your system)

When the charger is not in use, disconnect from the outlet.
To prevent accidents, overheating and short circuits

2

Running (Sailing) Safety Precautions

Warning

Conduct Tests

Prior to operation always preform a range test.
Even one abnormality in the R/C system may cause loss of control.
[Range Test Procedure]
Have a friend hold the model, or place on a stand where the wheels or prop can not come
in contact with any object. Collapse the transmitter antenna and operate from a distance
of about 10 yards. Be sure to check the movement of each servo to make sure they
follow the movement of the steering wheel and throttle trigger. If the servos do not follow
the commands from the transmitter or any type of interference is detected, Do Not oper­ate the model.

Fully extend the transmitter antenna.
If the transmitter antenna is not fully extended range will be reduced and control may be
lost.

Prohibited

Do not operate two or more models on the same frequency at the same time.
Operation of two or more models on the same frequency at the same time will cause
interference and loss of control of both models.
AM, FM and PCM are different methods of modulation. Nonetheless the same frequency
can not be used at the same point in time, regardless of the signal format.

Do not operate outdoors on rainy days

Never operate in the rain or run through puddles.
The transmitter, receiver, batteries and most servos, and speed controls are not water­proof. Contact with any type of moisture or immersion in water or snow will cause damage
along with possible loss of control. Should any type of moisture enter any component of
the system immediately stop using the R/C system and return to our service center for
inspection.

Prohibited

Do not operate when visibility is limited.
Should you loss sight of the model a collision or other dangerous situation may occur.

Prohibited

Do not operate near people or roads.
Do not operate near high tension power lines or communication broadcasting antennas.
Prior to the operation of any model be sure the area you plan to use is safe. Be aware of
all object that may be in the path of your model. Do not operate the model where people
or any type of moveable object could stray in the path of your model. Control loss due to
interference, component failure, loss of sight or low battery voltage could result in serious
injury to yourself and others as well as damage to your model.

Safety Precautions

Prohibited

Do not Operate your R/C system within 1 mile of another site where radio control activity
may occur.
Interference from other R/C systems will cause loss of control.

3

Prohibited

Do not operate when you are tired, not feeling well or under the influence of alcohol or
drugs.
Your judgement is impaired and could result in a dangerous situation that may cause
serious injury to yourself and others.

Before you turn on the power switch on the transmitter, always check to see that the

Safety Precautions

Adjustment Note

trigger is at the neutral position. Always turn the transmitter on first, then the receiver.
When you turn the system off, always turn the receiver off first then the transmitter. This
step is very important always follow this procedure.
If this procedure is not followed, injury to yourself and others as well as loss of control
could occur.

Make all adjustments to the radio control system with engine not running, or the electric
motor disconnected.
If the engine is running or the motor is connected while adjustments are made the model
may run out of control.

Remove the main battery source from electric powered models when they are not being
used.
Should you accidently leave the receiver switch on the model could run out of control.

Caution

Do not touch

Do not touch the engine, motor, speed control or any part of the model that will generate
heat while running.
Touching hot parts will result in serious burns.

Storage and Disposal Safety Precautions

Warning

(When using a Ni-cad battery to power your system)

At the end of a days operation store the system with Ni-cad battery discharged. Be sure to
recharge the system before it is used again.
You should fully discharge your systems batteries periodicity to prevent a condition called
"memory". For example if you only make two run in a day or you regularly use a small
amount of the batteries capacity, the memory effect can reduce the actual capacity even
if the battery is charged for the recommended amount of time.

Prohibited

Do not throw a Ni-cad battery into a fire. Do not disassemble or attempt to repair a Ni-cad
battery pack.
Overheating, damage and acid leakage may lead to burns, loss of eye sight as well as
numerous other types of injuries. The electrolyte in Ni-cad batteries is a strong alkali.
Should you get even the smallest amount of the electrolyte in your eyes, Do Not rub, wash
immediately with water, seek medical attention at once. The electrolyte can cause blind­ness. If electrolyte comes in contact with your skin or clothes, wash with water immedi­ately.

4

Caution

Prohibited

Do not store your R/C system where it will be exposed to the following conditions.

• Extreme heat or coldness

• Exposed to direct sunlight

• Where humidity is high

• Where vibration is prevalent

• Where dust is prevalent

• Where there is steam and condensation

• Where the system would be exposed to engine exhaust
Storing your R/C system under adverse conditions could cause deformation and numer­ous other problems with operation.

(When using a Ni-cad battery to power your system)

Caution

When disposing Ni-cad batteries, cover any exposed contacts with some type of insula­tion to prevent short circuit.
Improper disposal could cause fire.

*Special Note!
Some states require special handling when Ni-cad batteries are disposed. Con­tact the State Agency responsible for recycling hazardous waste for the proce­dures in your state.

Safety Precautions

Other Safety Precautions

Caution

When operating two or more models at the same time, have a third person act as a
spotter. They will be in charge of safety and you should follow their instructions.

Beginners should receive instructions regarding safety and operation from an experi­enced modeler.

Use genuine Futaba parts only.

Always use only genuine Futaba receiver, servos, electronic speed controls along with
other optional parts and components.
Futaba will not be held responsible for damages caused by other than genuine Futaba
parts and components. Use only genuine Futaba parts and components listed in the in­struction manual and catalog.

(When using a Ni-cad battery to power your system)

Prohibited

Do not short circuit the Ni-cad battery terminals.
Short circuiting the terminals will lead to sparks and overheating and could cause a fire
and burns as well.

5

2PEKA

Before Operation

System Contents

After opening the container, check the contents for the following items. the contents will
vary with the system purchased.

Transmitter

Receiver

Before Operation

Servo

E.S.C.

Switch

Battery Holder

Miscellaneous

System with

2 Servos

S3003 (x2)

SSW-GS (x1)

R2-BSS-B (x1)

Servo mounting hardware and servo horns

System with

1 MC210CB and

1 Servo

T2PEKA (x1)

R123F (x1)

S3003 (x1)

MC210CB (x1)

Mini Screwdriver

System with

1 MC310CB and

1 Servo

MC310CB (x1)

Should any item be missing or you are uncertain of the contents of the system, please
contact the dealer where the unit was purchased.

Receiver R123F

3CH.MICRORECEIVER



Crystal Cover

"3" : (3ch.)
"2" : Throttle Servo
"1" : Steering Servo
"B/C" : Power Supply / DSC

Servo S3003

Servo Horn

To Receiver

Mounting Flange

6

Nomenclature / Handling

Transmitter T2PEKA

Antenna

Servo Reversing Switch
(P14)

Throttle ATV (P14)

Power Switch

*When slid upward, the power is turned on.

Steering Wheel

*Turn model to left or right.

Battery Level Indicator

*Three LED display to indicate
battery voltage level.
*If the Red led flashes, replace
batteries.

Trim Panel Cover

*Open the cover by sliding it
to the left.

E.S.C.

MC210CB
MC310CB

FREQUENCY
MODULATION

Steering Trim (P13)

ST.TRIM

TH.TRIM

*Adjusts the steering in small increments
so the model will run straight.

Throttle Trim (P13)

*Adjusts the throttle in small increments
so the model will not move at neutral.

Throttle Trigger

*Control the speed of the model and movement
forward and backward.

Steering D/R Dial (P14)

Grip Handle

Connects to Motor

Connects to Battery

Before Operation

Monitor lamp

Neutral point trim

High point trim

ON

Power switch

OFF

Connects to Receiver

7

Battery Replacement

Battery cover

Open

AA size Batteries

Before Operation

(x8)

Handling Procedure For Bat­teries (8 AA Size Batteries)

(Battery Replacement Method)

1Remove the batteries from the trans-

Caution

Always be sure you reinsert the
batteries in the correct polarity or-

der.
If the batteries are loaded incorrectly , the
transmitter may be damaged.

When the transmitter will not be

used for any short or long period of

time, always remove the batteries.
If the batteries do happen to leak , clean
the battery case and contacts thoroughly.
Make sure the contacts are free of corro­sion.

(Battery Disposal)

Some states require special handling
when any type of battery is disposed.
Contact the State Agency responsible
for recycling hazardous waste for pro­cedures in your area.

mitter by sliding the cover in the di­rection of the arrow in the figure.

2Remove the used batteries.
3Load the new AA size batteries . Pay

very close attention to the polarity
markings and reinsert accordingly.

4Side the battery cover back onto the

case.

(Check)

Turn the power switch on the trans­mitter to the ON position. Check to
see if the three LEDs light.
If the LEDs fail to light, check the
batteries for insufficient contact in the
case or incorrect battery polarity.

(Battery Alarm Display)

When the Green battery level indica­tor (LED) goes off and the Red LED
flashes, change the batteries immedi­ately.

(Behind cover)

(Green Off)

(Green Off)

(Red Flashing)

8

2PEKA

Assembly / Adjustment

Receiver and Servo Connection

As you connect the receiver, servo's and other components, do so in accordance with the
"Assembly Precautions" listed on the next page.

Connections when a E.S.C. MC210CB or MC310CB are used.

Connects to Motor

Connects to battery

ON

OFF

E.S.C.

3CH.MICRORECEIVER

Receiver

(CH2)
(CH1)

Gas Powered Model

3CH.MICRORECEIVER

To Receiver
Battery

Receiver

Power Switch

(BATT)

(CH2)

(CH1)

Power Switch

Steering Servo

Assembly / Adjustment

Throttle Servo

Steering Servo

9

Assembly Precautions

Warning

Check

Check the receiver, servos, and battery connectors, to be sure they are firmly con­nected.
If a connector is not fully inserted, vibration may cause the connector to work loose
while the model is operating. This will result in loss of control.

Check

Operate each servo horn over its full stroke and check to see that the linkage does not
bind or is not too loose.
Excessive force applied to the servo horn by binding or poor installation may lead to
servo problems and cause result in loss of control.

Prohibited

The receiver antenna may seem long. Do not cut or alter from the original length.
If the receiver antenna length is altered, the receiver will be adversely effected. The
receiver will become considerably more susceptible to interference and high fre­quency noise which will result in loss of range and control.

Assembly / Adjustment

Installation Note

(Electric Car's and Boat's)
Isolate the receiver from vibration by attaching to the chassis or mounting plate with
thick double sided tape.
(Gas Powered Car's and Boat's)
Isolate the receiver from vibration by wrapping it in foam rubber or similar type cush­ioning material. Protect the unit from water damage by placing it in a plastic bag or
waterproof radio box.
The receiver contains precision electronic parts. These parts are vulnerable to vibra­tion and shock. Any contact with moisture (water or condensation) may cause receiver
malfunction and loss of control.

Installation Note

Keep all devises that may omit high frequency noise, such as motor's, batteries, and
wiring that handle heavy current loads, at least 1/2 inch away from the receiver and
receiver antenna.
High frequency noise will cause a decrease in operating range and could cause loss of
control.

Use genuine Futaba parts only.

Use only genuine Futaba crystal set's as specified in this instruction manual.
The use of other than Futaba crystal set's will result in decrease of range as well as
loss of control. There are separate crystal's for the Transmitter and Receiver, there are
also crystal set's for AM, FM and Dual Conversion FM. Use only single conversion AM
crystal set's with this system.
Changing crystals in 72-75 MHz transmitter is illegal, however 27 MHz is allowable.
(For U.S.A.)

10

Install electronic speed control heat sinks as well as other components that conduct
electricity so they can not come in contact with aluminum, carbon fiber or other mate­rials that conduct electricity.
If for example the speed control came loose while the model was running and touched
an aluminum chassis a short circuit may occur that would cause irreparable damage to
the system as well as loss of control.

Installation Note

Noise suppression capacitors should be installed on almost all motors.
If the proper capacitors are not installed, high frequency noise will reduce range and
cause loss of control along with various other problems.

Installation Note

Inspect all linkage installations and any point where metal could come in contact with
other metal parts. Make sure these parts do not touch other metal parts under vibra­tion.
Should a linkage or other metal parts come in contact with other metal parts under
vibration the high frequency noise generated by this contact will cause interference
and possible loss of control.

Caution

Disassembly Prohibited

Do Not disassemble any part of this system that is not specified in the instruction
manual.
Futaba will not be responsible for any damage due to improper disassembly of any
part of the radio control system.

Assembly / Adjustment

11

Digital Proportional Adjustment

ST.

N
R

N
R

SERVO

REV SW

TH.

(Reversing Switches)

Throttle

N Side: Normal

R Side: Reverse

Steering

N Side: Normal

R Side: Reverse

*When making these settings adjustments , do so with the motor disconnected
or the engine not running.

Servo Horn Installation Instructions.

1Connect the receiver, servos, and other components and

then turn on the power switches to transmitter and re­ceiver.

2Be sure the Steering trim and Throttle trim on the transmitter

are at their neutral position .

3At this time install the servo horn in the manner

described in the instruction manual provided
with the model this system will be used in.

Reversing The Servo Operation Direction

Should the servo operate in the opposite direction re-

Assembly / Adjustment

quired for your application, reverse the rotation with the
reversing switch.

E.S.C. MC210CB / MC310CB
(Preparations)

1Set the servo reversing switch on the transmitter to normal

side.

2Turn the high point trim fully clockwise.

(Neutral Adjustment)

3Have the throttle trigger at neutral.

MC210CB

Fully Clockwise

Both servos will move to the neutral
position.

* Adjust the Amp with the mini
screwdriver supplied with this sys­tem.

*(forcing the adjustment trims past
their stop will cause internal damage
to the speed control.)

4Set the neutral trim to the point where the monitor lamp goes

off.

*The point where the monitor lamp changes from a rapid flashing
light to off is the neutral point.

(High Point Adjustment)

5Hold the throttle trigger in the position just before full throttle.
6Set the high point trim at the point where the monitor

lamp changes from a flashing light to steady light.

12

*The point where the monitor lamp
changes from a rapid flashing state to

a steady light is the high point.

MC210CB

The point where the monitor
lamp changes from a rapid
flashing state to a steady light
is the high point.

MC210CB

The point where the monitor
lamp changes from a rapid
flashing light to off is the
neutral point.

(Monitor Lamp Display)

Neutral Point High Point

Back Side Forward Side

Slow Flashing Off Rapid Flashing ON

2PEKA

Description of Functions

Steering Trim

Steering neutral adjustments can be made by moving the Steer­ing trim knob to the left or right.

Racers Tip

When you install a servo always check to be sure the servo
is at its neutral position. Adjust the servo horn hole position
and linkage so both are parallel. When a servo saver is used
place it as close to center position as possible. Be sure the
steering trim on the transmitter is at the neutral position.

Trim Operation and Maximum Travel

Changing the trim can effect the overall settings, when ad­justments are made with the trims recheck your installation
for maximum servo travel. (Steering ATV right side and left
side).

When Trim usage is extreme

If it takes most of your trim movement to get a servo to the
neutral position, reposition the servo horn or servo saver on
the servo and inspect your linkage installation.

Steering Trim

ST.TRIM

TH.TRIM

Servo Saver

Direct Servo Saver Horn

90° 90°

Parallel

Throttle Trim

Throttle neutral adjustments can be made moving the throttle
trim to the left or right.

Racers Tip

When using a electronic speed control set the throttle trim to
neutral and make adjustments to the speed control. On a gas
powered model set the trim to neutral and adjust the linkage
to the point where the carburetor is fully closed in accor­dance with the engine instruction manual.

Trim Operation and Travel

Trim adjustments will effect the overall servo travel, check
the brake side (backward) movement when changes are
made.

When trim movement is extreme

If you use most of the trim movement to get the servo to the
neutral position , recenter the servo horn closer to the neu­tral position and inspect your throttle linkage.

ST.TRIM

TH.TRIM

Throttle Trim

Carburetor Fully Closed

(Drum Type)

(Slide Type)

Description of Functions

13

Servo Reverse

ST.

N
R

N
R

SERVO

REV SW

TH.

(Reversing Switches)

Throttle

N Side: Normal

R Side: Reverse

Steering

N Side: Normal

R Side: Reverse

This function reverses the rotation direction of the Steering and
Throttle servos.

When the trim position deviates from the center, the de­viation will be on the opposite side when the servo is
reversed.

Throttle ATV

This function is used to adjust the forward and brake side servo
travel. Each direction can be adjusted independent of each
other. Use this feature to set the throttle servo travel.

Warning

Be sure that your throttle linkage does not apply
excessive force to the servo.

Description of Functions

If your linkage installation causes an unreasonable
amount of force to be applied to the servo. The servo
may be damaged and result in loss of control.

Steering D/R

Use this function to adjust the steering travel of your
model. If the model understeers (push) while cornering,
add steering by turning the dial clockwise.
When the model oversteers (loose), take away steering
by turning the dial counterclockwise.

HIGH

5

-

-

6

4

-

-

7

3

-

-

8

2

-

1

-

0

-

3

-

2

-

1

-

0

LOW

ATV

4

0 Side: Travel Minimum

-

9

-

1

10 Side: Travel Maximum

0

TH.

5

-

-

6

-

7

-

8

0 Side: Travel Minimum

-

9

-

1

0

10 Side: Travel Maximum

(Throttle ATV)

FREQUENCY
MODULATION

High Side

Low Side

14

Steering D/R

Travel

Minimum

Travel

Maximum

2PEKA

Reference

*Specifications and ratings are subject to change without prior notice.

Ratings

Transmitter

(2 channels, FM transmitter)
Transmitting frequency:

Modulation method: FM
Power requirement:

Current drain: 250mA

Receiver

(3 channels, FM receiver)
Receiving frequency:

Intermediate frequency: 455kHz
Power requirement: 4.8 - 8.4V
Current drain: 10mA (at 4.8V / No signal)
Size: 25.6X37.6X15.5mm
Weight: 15.8g

T2PEKA

27, 29, 40, 41, 72 or 75 MHz

12V (penlight battery X 8)

R123F

27, 29, 40, 41, 72 or 75 MHz

Servo

(standard servo)
Power requirement:

Current drain: 8mA (at 6V / Idle)
Output torque: 3.2kg-cm (at 4.8V)
Operating speed: 0.23sec/60 digree (at 4.8V)
Size: 40.4x19.8x36mm
Weight: 37.2g

E.S.C.

(Electronic speed control)
Voltage drop (at 20A):

Maximum current: 30A (210) , 35A (310)
Power requirement: 7.2 to 8.4V

Regulator output: 6V/3A Max(210)

Size: 45.5X41.5X26.0mm
Weight: 72.5g (210), 78g (310)

S3003

4.8V or 6V (common with receiver)

MC210CB / MC310CB

Approximately 0.52V (210)
Approximately 0.41V (310)
(Between input and output)

(Fuse capacity)

6V/1A Max at 7.2V(310)
6V/0.5A Max at 8.4V(310)

Reference

15

Troubleshooting

If your digital proportional R/C set does not operate, its range is short, it intermit­tently stops operating, or it operates erroneously, take the action shown in the table
below. If this does not correct the trouble, please contact a Futaba dealer.

Check point Check item Action

Transmitter/receiver
battery

Dead battery.
Incorrect loading.
Faulty contact con­nection.
Dirty contacts.

Replace the battery. Charge the nicd
battery.
Reload the batteries in the correct
polarity.
If the contact spring is deformed,
correct it.
Wipe with a dry cloth.

Transmitter antenna Loose.

Crystal Disconnected.

Connector connection Incorrect wiring.

Receiver antenna Close to other wiring.

Reference

Servo linkage Binding or looseness Adjust at the model side.

Motor Noise countermea-

Not extended to full
length.

Wrong band.
Different from specifi­cation.

Disconnection.

Not cut?
Not bundled?

sures.

Screw in.
Extend fully.

Push in.
Match transmitter/receiver band.
Replace with specified crystal.

Reinsert.
Push in.

Separate from other wiring.
Request repair.
Install in accordance with instruction
manual.

Install a noise absorbing capacitor.

16

Reference

17