Futaba 6EXA User Manual

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

for Futaba 6EXA 6-channel,

FM radio control system for aircraft

Futaba Corporation

Technical updates available at:http://www.futaba-rc.com

FUTZ9032 for FUTK55** V1.1Entire Contents © Copyright 2003

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EEXXAA

INTRODUCTION

Thank you for purchasing the Futaba®6EXA digital proportional R/C aircraft system. If this is your first “computer” radio, rest
assured that it is designed to make initial setup and field-tuning of your airplane easier and more accurate than would be if
using a “non-computer” radio. Although this is a beginner or sport system with the requirements of those flyers in mind, in
order to make the best use of your Futaba 6EXA and to operate it safely, you must carefully read all of the instructions.

Suggestion: If, while reading the instructions, you are unclear of some of the procedures or functions and become “stuck,”
continue to read on anywa y. Often,the function or procedure will be explained again later in a different way pro viding another
perspective from which to understand it. Another suggestion is to connect the batter y, switch and servos to the receiver and
actually operate the radio on your workbench as you make programming changes. Then, you’ll be able to see the effects of
your programming inputs.

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Introduction..............................................................................2

Service.......................................................................................2

Contents and specifications...............................................3

Glossary.....................................................................................3

Introduction to the 6EXA system ......................................4

Transmitter controls and descriptions.............................4

Radio installation ...................................................................5

Receiver and servo connections.......................................7

Charging the Ni-Cd batteries...............................................7

LCD and Programming controls..........................................8

Programming the T6EXA radio............................................9

Model select/Data reset ..................................................10

Servo reversing..................................................................10

Dual rates ...........................................................................10

Exponentials.......................................................................11

End Point Adjustments .....................................................11

Trims...................................................................................12

Programmable Mixer........................................................12

Pre programmed “wing” mixing......................................13

Flow chart ..........................................................................16

Other T6EXA functions.......................................................17

Trainer switch.....................................................................17

Flap control lever...............................................................17

Adjustable-length control sticks......................................18

Changing the stick mode.................................................18

Flying safety guidelines .....................................................18

Flight preparation .................................................................19

Frequency Chart....................................................................20

Futaba Accessories.............................................................20

Model Data Recording Sheets.........................................21

TABLE OF CONTENTS

This product is to be used for sport and recreational flying of radio-control models only. Futaba is
not responsible for the results of use of this product by the customer or for any alteration of this
product, including modification or incorporation into other devices by third parties. Modification will
void any warranty and is done at the owner’s risk.

Protect the environment by disposing of rechargeable batteries responsibly. Throwing rechargeable
batteries into the trash or municipal waste system is illegal in some areas. Call 1-800-8-BATTERY
for information about Ni-Cd battery recycling in your area.

SERVICE

If any difficulties are encountered while setting up or operating your system, please consult the instruction manual first.
For further assistance you may also refer to your hobby dealer, or contact the Futaba Ser vice Center at the web site, fax
number or telephone number below:

www.futaba-rc.com

Fax: [phone]

Telephone (8:00 am to 5:00 pm Central time Monday through Friday): [phone], extension 2

If unable to resolve the problem, pack the system in its original container with a note enclosed and a thorough, accurate
description of the problem(s). Include the following in your note:

• Symptoms. • Any unusual mounting conditions.

• An inventor y of items enclosed. • The items that require repair.

• Your name, address, and telephone number. • Include the warranty card if warranty service is requested.

Send your system to the authorized Futaba R/C Service Center at the address below:

Futaba Service Center

3002 N Apollo Drive Suite 1

Champaign, IL 61822

GLOSSARY

It will be helpful to understand the following terms before reading the rest of the manual. The terms are not in alphabetical
order,but are in a logical order that prepares the reader for understanding the next term.

Reversing (servo reversing) – A function that allows the user to determine the direction of response of each servo. If,after
hooking up the servos, a control on the model responds in the wrong direction, the user may change the servos direction so
the control responds correctly.

Throw – When speaking of a control surface (such as an elevator or aileron), the throw is the
distance the surface moves. Control surface throw is usually measured at the trailing edge of the
surface and is expressed in inches or millimeters. The model in the diagram has 1/2" [13mm]
of up elevator throw. Throw can also refer to the distance a servo arm (or wheel) travels.

Dual rate (D/R) – On the 6EXA the dual rate switch allows you to instantly switch, in flight,
between two different control throws for the aileron and elevator. Often, different control
throws are required for different types of flying. (“Low” throws may be required for flying at
high speeds where the model’s response becomes more sensitive,and “high” throws may be required for aggressive aerobatic
maneuvers or landing or flying at lower speeds where the models response becomes less sensitive.)

End point adjustment (E.P.A.) – Sets the overall, maximum distance the servo rotates in either direction. (No matter where
the dual rates are set, the servo will never travel beyond the limit set by the end point adjustment.)

Exponential – Normally,servos respond proportionally to control stick input from the transmitter (e.g., if the stick is moved halfway,
the servo will move halfway). However, with “exponential,” the servo can be made to move more or less than initial stick movement
(less servo movement is more common). Exponentials are commonly used to “soften,” or decrease initial servo travel for the ailerons
and elevators. This way,initial control stick inputs from the pilot result in small servo movement for a smoother flying airplane. (Dual
rates adjust the amount of ser vo travel. Exponentials determine where most of the travel will occur.)

Mixing – Two (or more) servos can be made to operate together either by mechanically joining the wires (with a Y-connector)
or by electronically “joining” them through programming functions in the transmitter. When servos are electronically joined
via programming, they are said to be “mixed.” Unlike joining servos with a Y-connector, when servos are mixed electronically
they can be made to move in opposition. Additionally, each servo’s end points can be independently set.

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Transmitter:

T6EXA Transmitter with programmable mixing and 6-model
memory.
Transmitting on 72 MHz band.
Operating system: 2-stick, 6-channel system
Modulation: FM
Power supply: NT8S600B 9.6V, 600 mAh Ni-Cd battery
Current drain: 250mA

Receiver:

R127DF narrow band, FM seven-channel receiver.
Receiving on 72 MHz band.
Type: FM, Dual conversion
Intermediate frequencies: 455kHz, 10.7MHz
Power requirement: 4.8V or 6V Ni-Cd battery
Current drain: 14mA @ 4.8V
Size: 1.39x2.52x0.82" (35.3x64.0x20.8mm)
Weight: 1.5oz (42.5g)

Receiver Battery:

NR-4J 4-cell (4.8 Volt)
Capacity: 600mAh
Weight: 3.4oz/95g

Servos:

Four S3004 ball bearing servos with mounting
hardware and servo arm assor tment
Control system: Pulse width control, 1.52ms neutral
Power requirement: 4.8V (from receiver)
Output torque: 44.4oz-in [3.2kg-cm]
Operating speed: 0.23sec/60°
Size: 1.59x0.78x1.41" [40.4x19.8x36mm]
Weight: 1.3oz [37.2g]
*Specifications and ratings are subject to change without notice.

Other components:

• SWH-13 switch harness with charging jack

• 9" [150mm] aileron extension cord (to facilitate quick

connecting and disconnecting of aileron servo with
removable wing)

• Flap control lever

• AC overnight batter y charger

• Frequency clip

• Neck strap

• Ser vo mounting tray

• Instruction manual

CONTENTS AND SPECIFICATIONS

INTRODUCTION TO THE 6EXA SYSTEM

IMPORTANT!:Always turn on the transmitter first,then the receiver. When turning off the system,always turn off the receiver

first. The object is never to have the receiver on by itself. Otherwise, the ser vos or control surfaces could be damaged, or in
the case of electric-powered models, the motor may unexpectedly turn on causing severe injur y.

IMPORTANT!:Never collapse the transmitter antenna by pushing down from the top. If one of the segments becomes momentarily
stuck you may damage the antenna. Instead, collapse the antenna from the bottom, drawing in one segment at a time.

Transmitter

The T6EXA FM 6-channel transmitter may be used with any Futaba,narrow band, FM receiver. The liquid-crystal display (LCD)
on the face of the compact, ergonomically-designed case is easy to read and allows rapid data input. The system also holds
independent memories for six different models. The new, adjustable-length control sticks provide an improved feel. External
switches operate dual rates (D/R), landing gear, and trainer cord or “buddy-box” capabilities. Programming features include
servo reversing and E.P.A on all channels, dual rates, exponentials and programmable mixing . Additionally, any one of four,
factory-set, preprogrammed “wing-type” mixers including flaperon, V-tail, elevon or flaperon + V-tail mixing may be selected.

Transmitter controls

The diagram and explanations briefly describe the functions of the Futaba T6EXA transmitter. Full instructions on how to
operate the controls are provided beginning on page 9.

NOTE: The diagram shows a Mode 2 system as supplied. (More on flight modes on page 18).

DESCRIPTIONS:
Aileron and Elevator dual rate switch

Use this switch to “flip” between two aileron and elevator control throw settings. The throws can be set up however you pref er,
but generally, when the switch is “up” the throws are greater (“high rate”) and when the switch is “down” the throws are less
(“low rate”). This switch also flips between exponential rates (if used).
Flap control dial/Channel 6 – This dial operates the servo connected to channel 6 in the receiver if your model has flaps
this is the control used to operate them.

Neck strap hook – Mounting point for optional neck strap.
Aileron/elevator control stick – Operates the servos connected to channel 1 (aileron) and channel 2 (elevator) in the receiver.
Trim levers (all) – Used to shift the neutral or center position of each servo as labeled in the diagram.

NOTE: The throttle trim lever is intended for fine tuning the throttle servo when the engine is at idle. Throttle trim does

not affect the throttle servo when the throttle control stick is all the way up (so idle r .p.m. can be adjusted without aff ecting
throttle settings through the rest of the stick movement).

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Trainer /throttle

Throttle trim

Carrying handle

Retractable landing

gear switch / CH.5

cut switch

Throttle/rudder

control stick

lever

Rudder trim

lever

MODE key

SELECT key

Antenna

Liquid-crystal display

screen (LCD)

Aileron & Elevator

dual rate switch

Flap control

dial / CH.6

Neck strap hook

Aileron/elevator

control stick
Elevator trim lever

Aileron trim lever

Charging jack

On-off switch

DATA INPUT lever

Charging jack – Port for charging the transmitter batteries with the included battery charger.
On-off switch
DATA INPUT lever – Used to change the values of the various functions displayed on the LCD screen.
Liquid-crystal display screen (LCD) – Displays programming modes and values entered.
MODE key – Used to scroll through and display the seven different functions.
SELECT key – Used to display the values for the current function.
Throttle/rudder control stick – Operates the servos connected to channel 3 (throttle) and channel 4 (rudder) in the receiver .
Trainer/throttle-cut switch – Operates both the trainer and throttle-cut functions. To operate as a trainer switch the

transmitter must be connected to another transmitter via. a trainer cord (available separately). To use the throttle-cut function,
lower the throttle stick all the way, then rapidly depress the switch twice to fully close the carburetor and shut off the engine.
Retractable landing gear switch/Channel 5 – Switch operates the servo connected to channel 5 in the receiver if your
model has retractable landing gear this is the control used to extend and retract the gear.
Antenna – Radiates signals to the receiver. Never fly a model without fully extending the antenna or you may create
interference to other modelers and decrease operational signal range of the transmitter. The antenna may be removed and
replaced with another in case it is inadvertently broken.

RADIO INSTALLATION

Follow these guidelines to properly mount the servos, receiver and battery.

• Make certain the alignment tab on the batter y, switch and servo connectors is oriented correctly and “keys” into the
corresponding notch in the receiver or connectors before plugging them in. When unplugging connectors, never pull on
the wires. Always pull on the plastic connector instead.

• If any servo wires are not long enough to reach the receiver, ser vo extension wires (available separately) may be used.

• Always mount the ser vos with the supplied r ubber grommets. Do not over tighten the

screws. No part of the servo casing should contact the mounting rails, servo tray or any
other part of the airplane structure. Otherwise, vibration will be transmitted to the servo
causing premature wear and/or servo failure.

• Note the small numbers (1, 2, 3, 4) molded into each arm on the Futaba 4-arm ser vo
arms. The numbers indicate how many degrees each arm is “off” from 90 degrees to
correct for minute manufacturing deviations from servo to ser vo.

• To center the ser vos, connect them to the receiver and turn
on the transmitter and receiver. Center the trims on the
transmitter, then find the arm that will be perpendicular to
the pushrod when placed on the servo.

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• After the servos are installed, operate each servo over its full travel and check that the pushrods and servo ar ms do not
bind or contact each other. Also mak e sure the controls do not require excess f orce to operate. If there is an objectionable
buzzing sound coming from a servo, there is probably too much resistance in the control. F ind and correct the problem.
Even if there is no servo damage, excess battery drain will result.

• Use the mounting plate from the receiver on/off switch as a template for the cutout and screw holes. Mount the switch
on the side of the fuselage opposite the engine exhaust, and where it won’t be inadvertently tur ned on or off during
handling or storage. Be certain the switch moves without restriction and “snaps” from ON to OFF, and that the cutout
allows full motion of the switch in both directions.

• IMPORTANT: NEVER cut the receiver antenna or mount it in the model folded back on itself. Doing so will change its
electrical length, possibly reducing the distance from the pilot that the model can be controlled (“range”).

• The receiver antenna may be mounted inside or outside the model:

Internal antenna mounting:

The antenna may be routed down through the inside of the fuselage,or through any non-metallic housing or tube within the
fuselage. Keep the antenna awa y from metal pushrods,wires and cables; otherwise,range may be decreased. Alw ays perf orm
a range check before flying (see page 19).

External antenna mounting:

A. Use a cut off servo arm as a ”stop”or strain relief inside the fuselage to
keep tension off the solder joint holding the antenna to the receiver. Guide the
antenna through a hole in the fuselage. (If possible, insulate the hole with a rubber
grommet or a small piece of rubber tubing.)

B. Make a hook from another cut off ser vo arm. Insert the end of the antenna
through two holes, then connect the hook to a rubber band around a pin inserted into
the vertical stabilizer. Allow any excess antenna length to trail behind the hook.

• The receiver contains precision electronic parts. It is the most delicate (and expensive) radio component on-board the model
and should be protected from vibration, shock and temperature extremes. To protect the receiver,wrap it in R/C foam rubber
or other vibration-absorbing material. If appropriate, waterproof the receiver by placing it in a plastic bag and closing the open
end with a rubber band before wrapping it in foam. If moisture enters the receiver, intermittent operation or a failure may
result. Wrapping the receiver in a plastic bag also protects it from fuel and exhaust residue which, in some models, can work
its way into the fuselage.

Mounting the frequency clip:

• To announce your frequency and avoid potential interference problems, the
frequency number should always be displayed on the transmitter antenna while
flying. Peel the backing from the numbers and apply them to both sides of the
clip. Snap the end of the clip that fits best to the base of the antenna as shown.
You may cut off the other end of the clip.

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