Futaba 3GR User Manual
Thank you for purchasing a Futaba 3GR-2.4GHz system.
Before using your 3GR-2.4GHz system, read this manual carefully in order to use your R/C set safely.
After reading this manual, store it in a safe place.
Application, Export, and Modification
1. This product may be used for models only. It is not intended for use in any application other than the
control of models for hobby and recreational purposes.
2. Exportation precautions:
(a) When this product is exported from the country of manufacture, its use is to be approved by the laws governing the country of destination for devices that emit radio frequencies. If this product is then re-exported to other
countries, it may be subject to restrictions on such export. Prior approval of the appropriate goverment authorities may be required. If you have purchased this product from an exporter outside your country, and not the
authorized Futaba distributor in your country, please contact the seller immediately to determine if such export
regulations have been met.
(b) Use of this product with other than models may be restricted by Export and Trade Control Regulations, and
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 on this product. Any such changes may void the
warranty.
Compliance Information Statement (for U.S.A.)
This device, trade name Futaba Corporation of America, model number R603FF, 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 Service Center
3002 N Apollo Drive Suite 1, Champaign, IL 61822 U.S.A.
TEL (217)398-8970 or E-mail: support@futaba-rc.com (Support)
TEL (217)398-0007 or E-mail: service@futaba-rc.com (Service)
Battery Recycling (for U.S.A.)
The RBRCTMSEAL on the (easily removable) nickel-cadmium battery contained in
Futaba products indicates that Futaba Corporation of America is voluntarily participating
in an industry program to collect and recycle these batteries at the end of their useful
lives, when taken out of service within the United States. The RBRCTMprogram provides
a convenient alternative to placing used nickel-cadmium batteries into the trash or mu-
nicipal waste system, which is illegal in some areas.
You may contact your local recycling center for information on where to return the spent battery.
Please call 1-800-8-BATTERY for information on Ni-Cd battery recycling in your area. Futaba Corporation of America's involvement in this program is part of its commitment to protecting our environment and conserving natural resources.
RBRCTM is a trademark of the Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation.
Warning: This product contains a chemical known to cause cancer and birth defects (or other
reproductive harm).
•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.
Table Of Contents
For Your Safety As Well As That Of Others...........6
Explanation of Symbols ................................................................................ 6
2.4GHz System Precautions ......................................................................... 6
Operation Precautions .................................................................................. 7
NiCd Battery Handling Precautions ............................................................. 9
Storage and Disposal Precautions ............................................................ 10
Other Precautions ....................................................................................... 11
Before Using ...........................................................12
Features........................................................................................................ 12
Set Contents ................................................................................................ 14
Nomenclature (Transmitter/Receiver/Servo) ............................................ 15
Installation ..............................................................21
Receiver and Servo Connections .............................................................. 21
Installation Safety Precautions .................................................................. 21
Initial Set-Up ...........................................................23
How to link the transmitter and the receiver............................................. 23
Preparations (Transmitter) ......................................................................... 24
Function Map ..........................................................28
(Function Selection) .................................................................................... 28
Functions ................................................................30
End Point Adjuster ...................................................................................... 30
Steering Speed ............................................................................................ 33
Steering EXP / Throttle EXP ....................................................................... 34
A.B.S. Function ............................................................................................ 36
Throttle Acceleration................................................................................... 38
Brake Mixing ................................................................................................ 40
Programmable Mixing ................................................................................. 41
Fail Safe/Battery Fail Safe (HRS System Only) ......................................... 42
Trim ............................................................................................................... 43
Steering D/R ................................................................................................. 44
ATL Function ............................................................................................... 44
Channel 3 Position ...................................................................................... 45
Subtrim ......................................................................................................... 46
Servo Reverse.............................................................................................. 47
4
Model Select ...................................................................................... 48
Timer................................................................................................... 49
(System Functions)
Model Copy ........................................................................................ 51
Model Reset ....................................................................................... 52
Model Name ....................................................................................... 52
HRS/PPM Select ................................................................................ 53
Function Select Switch ..................................................................... 54
Function Select Lever ....................................................................... 55
Condition 2 Selection........................................................................ 56
LED Mode Selection .......................................................................... 56
Throttle Neutral Adjuster .................................................................. 57
For Your Safety
As Well As
That Of Others
Before
Using
Reference .........................................................58
Ratings ............................................................................................... 58
Optional Parts .................................................................................... 59
Troubleshooting ................................................................................ 60
Error Displays .................................................................................... 61
When requesting repair .................................................................... 62
Installation
Initial
Set-Up
Function
Map
Functions
Reference
5
For Your Safety As Well As That Of Others
Use this product in a safe manner. Please observe the following safety precautions at
all times.
Explanation of Symbols
For Your Safety As Well As That Of Others
The parts of this manual indicated by the following symbols are extremely important
and must be observed.
Symbols Explanation
Indicates a procedure which could lead to a dangerous situ-
Danger
Warning
Caution
Symbols: ; Prohibited ; Mandatory
ation and may cause death or serious injury if ignored and
not performed properly.
Indicates procedures which may lead to dangerous situations and could cause death or serious injury as well as superficial injury and physical damage.
Indicates procedures that may not cause serious injury, but
could lead to physical damage.
2.4GHz System Precautions
6
Warning
Prohibited Procedures
Special attention should be paid before turning on the system while other cars are running or other airplanes are flying because the 2.4GHz RC system could potentially affect them.
Caution
Mandatory Procedures
Always use R603FF under the following conditions;
Power supply: 6V Nicd battery (PPM/HRS mode)
Servo: 6V type Futaba Digital Servo (HRS mode)
If these conditions are not followed, control may be impossible or the servo may be damaged.
Warning
Operation Precautions
Prohibited Procedures
Do not operate outdoors on rainy
days , run through puddles of water,
or use when visibility is limited.
Should any type of moisture (water or snow) enter any
component of the system, erratic operation and loss
of control may occur.
Do not operate this R/C system when
you are tired, not feeling well or under
the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Your judgment is impaired and could result in a dangerous situation that may cause serious injury to yourself as well as others.
Do not operate in the following
places.
-Near people or roads.
-On any pond when boats are present.
-Near high tension power lines or communication broadcasting antennas.
Interference could cause loss of control. Improper installation of your Radio Control System in your model
could result in serious injury.
Mandatory Procedures
Adjust the antenna vertically to the ground.
Otherwise, the operating range may become shorter.
Always perform an operating range check prior to use.
Problems with the radio control system as well as improper installation in a model could cause loss of control.
Simple range test method;
Have a friend hold the model, or clamp it down or place it where the wheels or prop cannot come in contact with any
object. Walk away and check to see if the servos follow the movement of the controls on the transmitter. Should you
notice any abnormal operation, do not operate the model. Also check to be sure the model memory matches the
model in use.
For Your Safety As Well As That Of Others
Caution
Prohibited Procedures
Never hold only the antenna.
Hold the grip handle, otherwise the
antenna may be damaged.
Mandatory Procedures
When making adjustments to the model, do so with the engine not running or the motor
disconnected.
You may unexpectedly lose control and create a dangerous situation.
Do not touch the engine, motor, speed control or
any part of the model that will generate heat while
the model is operating or immediately after its use.
These parts may be very hot and can cause serious burns.
7
(Turning on the power switches)
Always check the throttle stick on the transmitter to be sure it is at the neutral position.
1. Turn on the transmitter power switch.
2. Turn on the receiver or speed control power switch.
(Turning off the power switches)
Always be sure the engine is not running or the motor is stopped.
For Your Safety As Well As That Of Others
1. Turn off the receiver or speed control power switch.
2. Then turn off the transmitter power switch.
If the power switches are turned off in the opposite order the model may unexpectedly run out of control and cause
a very dangerous situation.
(Fail safe function) ---when using HRS mode
Before running (cruising), check the fail safe function.
Check Method:
Before starting the engine, check the fail safe function as follows:
1. Turn on the transmitter and receiver power switches.
2. Wait at least one minute, then turn off the transmitter power switch. (The transmitter automatically transfers the fail
safe data to the receiver every minute.)
3. Check if the fail safe function moves the servos to the preset position when reception fails.
The fail safe function is a safety feature that minimizes set damage by moving the servos to a preset position when
reception fails. However, if set to a dangerous position, it has the opposite effect.
Setting example: Throttle idle or brake position
8
NiCd Battery Handling Precautions
Shock
Prohibited
(Only when NiCd batteries are used)
Warning
Mandatory Procedures
Always check to be sure your batteries have been charged prior to operating the model.
Should the battery go dead while the model is operating, loss of control will occur and create a very dangerous situation.
When the model is not being used,
always remove or disconnect the
NiCd battery.
Leaving the battery connected could create a dangerous
situation if someone accidentally turns on the receiver
power switch. Loss of control would occur.
When the system will not be used for
any length of time store the system
with batteries in a discharged state.
Be sure to recharge the batteries prior
to the next time the system is used.
If the batteries are repeatedly recharged in a slightly
discharged state the memory effect of the NiCd battery may considerably reduce the capacity. A reduction in operating time will occur even when the batteries are charged for the recommended time.
To recharge the transmitter and/or receiver NiCd batteries, use the special
charger made for this purpose.
Overcharging could cause the NiCd battery to overheat, leak or explode. This may lead to fire, burns,
loss of sight and many other types of injuries.
Special
Charger
Prohibited Items
Do not throw NiCd batteries into a
fire. Do not expose NiCd batteries to
extreme heat. Also do not disassemble or modify a NiCd battery
pack.
Overheating and breakage will cause the electrolyte
to leak from the cells and cause skin burns, loss of
sight as well as other injuries.
For Your Safety As Well As That Of Others
Caution
Prohibited Items
Do not use commercial AA
size NiCd batteries.
Quick charging may cause the
battery contacts to overheat and
damage the battery holder.
Use
prohibited
NiCd AA size
batteries.
Do not short circuit the NiCd battery
terminals.
Causing a short circuit across the battery terminals
may result in abnormal heating, fire and burns.
<NiCd Battery Electrolyte>
The electrolyte in NiCd 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 and seek medical attention at
once. The electrolyte can cause blindness. If electrolyte comes in contact with your skin or clothes,
wash with water immediately.
Do not drop the NiCd battery or expose it to strong shocks or vibrations.
The battery may short circuit and overheat. Electrolyte
may leak out and cause burns or chemical damage.
9
Storage and Disposal Precautions
Warning
Prohibited Procedures
Do not leave the radio system or models within the reach of small children.
For Your Safety As Well As That Of Others
A small child may accidentally operate the system. This could cause a dangerous situation and injuries. NiCd
batteries can be very dangerous when mishandled and cause chemical damage.
Caution
Prohibited Procedures
Do not store your R/C system in the
following places.
- Where it is extremely hot or cold.
- Where the system will be exposed to direct
sunlight.
- Where the humidity is high.
-Where vibration is prevalent.
-Where dust is prevalent.
-Where the system would be exposed to
steam and condensation.
Storing your R/C system under adverse conditions
could cause deformation and numerous problems
with operations.
Mandatory Procedure
If the system will not be used for a
long period of time, remove the batteries from the transmitter and model
and store in a cool, dry place.
If the batteries are left in the transmitter, electrolyte
may leak and damage the transmitter. This applies to
the model also. Remove the batteries from it also to
prevent damage.
<NiCd Battery Recycling>
A used NiCd battery is valuable resource. Insulate the battery terminals and dispose of the battery by
taking it to a battery recycling center.
10
Caution
Other Precautions
Prohibited Procedures
Do not expose plastic parts to fuel,
motor spray, waste oil or exhaust.
The fuel, motor spray, waste oil and exhaust will penetrate and damage the plastic.
Mandatory Procedures
Always use only genuine Futaba
transmitters, receivers, servos, FET
amps (electronic speed
controls),NiCd batteries and other optional accessories.
Futaba will not be responsible for problems caused by
the use of other than genuine Futaba parts. Use the
parts specified in the instruction manual and catalog.
For Your Safety As Well As That Of Others
11
This system is based on the combination of the newly developed 2.4GHz transmitter
and its corresponding receiver. The system utilizes the 2.4GHz-SS radio communication and an ultra small antenna. In addition, the system inherits Futaba's unique HRS
(High Response System).
- 2.4GHzSS (Spread Spectrum) radio communication system
- Frequency channel setting unnecessary
Before Using
Sifting the channels within the 2.4GHz band automatically, this system minimizes
the interference from other 2.4GHz systems.
- Accepts no unwanted signals by using ID code
- The function "Auto-Detect" is utilized to automatically determine which mode
is active, HRS or PPM mode. (R603FF)
- Short and small antenna (T3GR-2.4G)
- Simple segment type LCD display and four edit keys for easy data setup
- 10 model memory
Model names can use up to 3 letters, numbers, and symbols so that easily understood
names can be set. Model copy function simplifies creation of a model memory with
different fine setups.
- Two function groups: Frequently used functions / System functions
Frequently used functions can be easily called from the initial screen with Select Key
(SEL).
- Brake mixing for large cars (BMX)
Brake mixing of the front and rear wheels of 1/5GP cars, etc. has balance adjustment
functions.
- Steering dual rate (D/R-ST)
Steering angle can be adjusted with digital trim lever.
- Anti-skid Braking System (ABS)
This function applies the brakes so that the tires of gasoline engine cars, etc. do not
lose their grip on the road even when braking at corners.
- Throttle acceleration (ACC)
Gasoline engine cars have a time lag before the clutch and brakes are connected. The
ACC function minimizes this time lag.
- Steering speed (SPD)
When you sense that the steering servo is too fast, etc., the servo operating speed
(direction that suppresses the maximum speed) can be adjusted.
- Racing timer (TIMER) : Up timer or Down timer can be selected.
A lap time can record 100 lap times and the total time. The timer can also be started
automatically by trigger operation. The race time can be set.
Before Using
Features
12
- Digital trim: Steering trim, Throttle trim, Steering D/R
The current position is displayed on the LCD screen for about three seconds when
each digital trim is operated.
- Function select lever function (FNC-DT1/DT2/DT3/DT4)
This function assigns a function to levers (digital trims, grip levers). Trim positioning
at each model call is unnecessary because all the levers are digital.
- Function select switch function (FNC-SW1/SW2)
This function assigns a function to the two installed switches.
- Condition 2 Selection (COND2)
In specific functions, two rates can be set up, and switched with SW1 switch simultaneously during a run.
- NEW design considers operability and weight balance
- Stick Lever Head Adjustment
- High luminosity blue LED pilot lamp (LED-MD)
You can select your desired brightness of the pilot lamp. (Four steps)
- Throttle Neutral Adjuster (THR-NT)
You can select your desired throttle neutral position. (7:3 or 5:5)
Before Using
13
Set Contents
Your 3GR-2.4GHz system includes the following:
3GR-2.4GHz System
Transmitter
Receiver
Before Using
Miscellaneous
- If any of the set contents are missing, or you have any questions, please contact the
dealer where the unit was purchased.
Caution
Always use R603FF under the following conditions:
Power supply: 6V NiCd battery (PPM/HRS mode)
Servo: 6V type Futaba Digital Servo (HRS mode)
If the conditions are different, control is impossible or the servo may be damaged.
T3GR-2.4G
R603FF
Receiver switch
Instruction manual
14
Caution
Always use only genuine Futaba transmitter, receiver, FET amp, NiCd battery and other
optional parts.
Futaba will not be responsible for damage caused by other than genuine Futaba parts and components. Use only
the genuine Futaba parts and components listed in the instruction manual and catalog.
Transmitter T3GR-2.4G
Warning
Adjust the antenna vertically to
the ground.
Otherwise, the operating range may become
shorter.
Carrying handle
Pilot lamp
Switch ( SW2)
Throttle
stick
Caution
Never hold the antenna alone.
Hold the carrying handle. Otherwise the antenna may be damaged.
Neck strap hook
Antenna
Switch (SW1)
Before Using
Steering
stick
Throttle
trim
(DT2)
ATL
lever
(DT4)
Edit keys
LCD screen
*The switches and levers in the figure are shown in the initial
setting position.
Precautions when turning the power switch on and off.
When the data is changed using the edit keys or trim levers, wait
at least two seconds before turning off the power. If the power is
turned off within two seconds after the data was changed, the
new data will not be written to memory.
Edit keys
Steering
dual rate
lever(DT3)
Steering
trim
(DT1)
Power
switch
15
Digital Trim Operation
(Initial settings: DT1: Steering trim, DT2: Throttle trim, DT3=Steering D/R, DT4=Throttle ATL)
Push the lever to the left or right (up or down).
The current position is displayed on the LCD screen for about three seconds when
each digital trim is operated.
DT2
DT3
Steering trim
position
Throttle trim
position
Before Using
DT4
Trim Operation
With the digital trim feature, trim adjustments have no effect on the maximum servo
travel. This prevents the linkages from binding when adjustments are made.
Stick Lever Head Adjustment
The length of the lever head of the steering and throttle sticks can be adjusted.
DT1
Steering D/R rate
- Each step is indicated by a tone.
- When the trim exceeds the maximum trim adjustment range, the tone will change pitch and the lever
will not move any farther.
ATL position
16
Adjustment
1 Unlock lever head “A” by turning it counter-
clockwise.
2 Adjust the head to the length best for you,
then lock the heads by turning lever head
“A” clockwise and lever head “B” counterclockwise.
Lever head
“A”
Lever head
“B”
Battery Replacement
For dry cell battery system
Load the eight batteries in accordance with the polarity markings on the battery
holder. (8 AA Size Batteries)
Battery Replacement
1 Remove the battery cover from
the transmitter by sliding it in
the direction of the arrow in the
figure.
2 Remove the used batteries.
3 Load the new AA size batteries.
Pay very close attention to the
polarity markings and reinsert
accordingly.
4 Slide the battery cover back
onto the case.
Caution
Always be sure you reinsert the bat-
teries in the correct polarity order.
If the batteries are loaded incorrectly, the
transmitter may be damaged.
When the transmitter will not be
used for any 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.
Before Using
Check:
Turn the power switch on the transmitter to the ON position. Check the
battery voltage display on the LCD
screen.
If the voltage is low, check the batteries for insufficient contact in the case
or incorrect battery polarity.
Low Battery Alarm:
If the transmitter battery voltage
drops below 8.5V, an alarm will
sound and "LOW BT" will be displayed on the LCD screen.
The low battery alarm is meant to be a
safety feature only. Do NOT operate
your radio below 9V. Always shut
your radio off as soon as possible after the low battery warning tone to
avoid loss of control.
17
For NiCd battery system
- Always use an NT8F700B NiCd battery.
Before Using
Charging the NiCd Battery
NiCd battery
NT8F700B
Charging jack
1 Plug the transmitter cord of the
special charger into the charging jack on the side of the transmitter.
AC outlet
Charger
2 Plug the charger into an AC out-
let.
3 Check that the charging LED
lights.
When charging the NT8F700B NiCd battery with the special charger, allow about 15
hours for charging. If the transmitter has not been used for some time, cycle the
battery by charging and discharging it two or three times.
Over current protection
The transmitter charging circuit is equipped with an over current protection circuit. If
the battery is charged with a quick charger for other than digital proportional R/C
sets, it may not be fully charged.
Transmitter charging
LED
Cord to transmitter
charging jack
18
Warning
Never plug it into an outlet of other
than indicated voltage.
Plugging the charger into the wrong outlet may result in an explosion, sparking, or fire.
Always use the special charger or a quick charger for digital proportional R/C sets to charge a digital proportional R/C set NiCd
battery.
Overcharging a NiCd battery can result in burns, fire, injuries, or loss of sight due to
overheating, breakage, or electrolyte leakage.
Do not insert and remove the
charger when your hands are wet.
It may cause an electric shock.
Caution
Never try to recharge a dry cell battery.
The transmitter may be damaged or the battery
electrolyte may leak or the battery may break.
When the charger is not in use, disconnect it from the AC outlet.
Do this to prevent accidents and to avoid overheating.
Use the
special
charger.
Before Using
Set data backup
The set data of each function of the T3GR-2.4G transmitter is stored in a memory
element that does not require a backup battery. Therefore, the transmitter can be used
without paying attention to the backup battery life.
19
Receiver
Connectors
3: CH3 servo (CH3)
2: Throttle servo (CH2)
1: Steering servo (CH1)
B/C: Power connector/DSC connector
RS232C: (for factory use only)
Antenna
Before Using
For the receiver, servos, and other connections, see page 21.
Coaxial cable
R603FF
receiver
20
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