Futaba 6EXAP User Manual

INSTRUCTION MANUAL for Futaba 6EXAP 6-channel, PCM/PPM(FM) selectable Radio control system for aircraft

Futaba Corporation

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

Entire Contents © Copyright 2005	1M23N12007
	FUTZ8563 V1.0

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction..............................................................................	2
Service......................................................................................	2
Contents and specifications .............................................	3
Glossary...................................................................................	3
Introduction to the 6EXAP 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 T6EXAP radio ........................................	9
Model select / Data reset /
Modulation select / Model name...............................	10
Servo reversing ...............................................................	11
Dual rates ........................................................................	11
Exponentials.....................................................................	12
End Point Adjustments.................................................	12

Trims..................................................................................	13
Programmable Mixer.....................................................	13
Flaperon mixing.............................................................	14
Flap trim ...........................................................................	15
V-tail mixing...................................................................	16
Elevon mixing................................................................	17
Fail safe..........................................................................	18
Flow chart........................................................................	19
OtherT6EXAP functions ......................................................	20
Trainer switch..................................................................	20
Flap control lever............................................................	20
Adjustable-length control sticks ....................................	21
Changing the stick mode...............................................	21
Flying safety guidelines ...................................................	21
Flight preparation ..............................................................	22
Model Data Recording Sheets .........................................	23
Futaba Accessories...........................................................	24

INTRODUCTION

Thank you for purchasing the Futaba® 6EXAP 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 6EXAP 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 anyway. Often, the function or procedure will be explained again later in a different way providing another perspective from which to understand it. Another suggestion is to connect the battery, 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.

SERVICE

(in USA)

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 Service 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 inventory 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

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.

(USA only)

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.

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CONTENTS AND SPECIFICATIONS

Transmitter: T6EXAP

T6EXAP Transmitter with programmable mixing and 6-model memory.

Transmitting on 35, 40, 41, or 72 MHz band.

Operating system: 2-stick, 6-channel system Modulation: FM(PPM) and PCM

Power supply: 9.6V NT8S600B Ni-Cd battery or 12V alkaline battery Current drain: 250mA

Receiver: R127DF or R136F

R127DF/R136F narrow band, FM 7/6 channel receiver.

Receiving on 35, 40, 41, or 72 MHz band.

Type: FM, Dual conversion/FM, Single conversion Intermediate frequencies: 455kHz, 10.7MHz/455kHz Power requirement: 4.8V or 6V

Current drain: 9.5mA @ 4.8V

Size: R127DF- 1.39x2.52x0.82" (35.3x64.0x20.8mm)/ R136F- 1.31x1.98x0.71" (33.4x50.3x18.1mm)

Weight: R127DF- 1.5oz (42.5g) / R136F- 0.98oz (27.8g)

*Specifications and ratings are subject to change without notice

Servos: S3004 or S3003

S3004 ball bearing/S3003 standard servo with mounting hardware and servo arm assortment

Control system: Pulse width control,1.52ms neutral Power requirement: 4.8 or 6V (from receiver) Output torque: 44.4oz-in [3.2kg-cm] @4.8V Operating speed: 0.23sec/60˚@4.8V

Size: 1.59x0.78x1.41" [40.4x19.8x36mm]

Weight: S3004- 1.3oz (37.2g) / S3003- 1.3oz (38.0g)

Servos: S3151

S3151 Digital standard servo with mounting hardware and servo arm assortment

Control system: Pulse width control,1.52ms neutral Power requirement: 4.8 (from receiver)

Output torque: 43.1oz-in [3.1kg-cm] @4.8V Operating speed: 0.21sec/60˚@4.8V

Size: 1.59x0.79x1.42" [40.5x20x36.1mm] Weight: 1.48oz (42g)

Other components:

Switch harness

9"[200mm]aileron extension cord (to facilitate quick connecting and disconnecting of aileron servo with removable wing)

Instruction manual

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 servo's 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 6EXAP the dual rate switch allows you to instantly switch, in flight, between two different control throws for the aileron, elevator and rudder. 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 model's 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, elevators and rudder. 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 servo 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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INTRODUCTION TO THE 6EXAP 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 servos or control surfaces could be damaged, or in the case of electric-powered models, the motor may unexpectedly turn on causing severe injury.

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

Transmits in both FM (PPM) and PCM by selecting modulation/cycling transmitter. Requires receiver of proper modulation. 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 mixing may be selected.

Transmitter controls

The diagram and explanations briefly describe the functions of the Futaba T6EXAP 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 21).

	Carrying handle	Antenna	Aileron, Elevator & Rudder
	Retractable landing		dual rate switch
	gear switch / CH.5		Flap control
			dial / CH.6
	Trainer switch		Neck strap hook
	Throttle/rudder		Aileron/elevator
	control stick
			control stick
	Throttle trim		Elevator trim lever
	lever
			Aileron trim lever
	Rudder trim		Charging jack
	lever		On-off switch
	throttle cut
	button
	MODE key	Liquid-crystal display
	SELECT key		DATA INPUT lever
		screen (LCD)

DESCRIPTIONS:

Aileron, Elevator and Rudder dual rate switch

Use this switch to “flip” between two aileron, elevator and rudder control throw settings. The throws can be set up however you prefer, 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 affecting throttle settings through the rest of the stick movement).

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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 ten or eleven(PCM) different functions. SELECT key - Used to display the values for the current function.

Throttle-cut button - To use the throttle-cut function, lower the throttle stick all the way, then Push the throttle-cut button to fully close the carburetor and shut of the engine.

Throttle/rudder control stick - Operates the servos connected to channel 3 (throttle) and channel 4 (rudder) in the receiver. Trainer switch - Operates the trainer functions. To operate as a trainer switch the transmitter must be connected to another transmitter via. a trainer cord (available separately).

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 battery, 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, servo extension wires (available separately) may be used.

•Always mount the servos with the supplied rubber 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 servo arms. The numbers indicate how many degrees each arm is “off” from 90 degrees to correct for minute manufacturing deviations from servo to servo.

•To center the servos, 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 arms do not bind or contact each other. Also make sure the controls do not require excess force to operate. If there is an objectionable buzzing sound coming from a servo, there is probably too much resistance in the control. Find 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 turned 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 away from metal pushrods, wires and cables; otherwise, range may be decreased. Always perform a range check before flying (see page 22).

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 servo 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: (for USA)

• 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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		RECEIVER AND SERVO CONNECTIONS
Connect the servos to the receiver to perform the functions indicated:
	Receiver	Function
	output
	channel
	1	Aileron -or-right flaperon -or-right elevon (for tailless models)
	2	Elevator -or-left ruddervator (for V-tail models) -or-left elevon (for tailless models)
	3	Throttle
	4	Rudder -or-right ruddervator (for V-tail models)
	5	Retractable landing gear
	6	Flap -or-left flaperon
	7	Not used
	B/8	Receiver on/off switch (the plug colored red goes int o the receiver)

The diagram shown is for aircraft models only. Additional servos may have to be purchased separately.

				Flap (or 2nd
			Receiver	Flaperon) Servo
				(CH6)
				Gear Servo
				(CH5)
			(Red)	Rudder Servo
				(CH4)
	Charging			Throttle Servo
				(CH3)
	Jack		Switch
			Harness
	(Black)			Elevator Servo
				(CH2)
				Aileron Servo
		To Battery		(CH1)

CHARGING THE Ni-Cd BATTERIES

The transmitter and receiver batteries included with your 6EXAP system are rechargeable, Ni-Cd (nickel-cadmium, pronounced ni-kad) batteries. Ni-Cd batteries require special care and charging. Read the charging instructionscarefully.

NOTE: The batteries are supplied partially charged, but will require a full, overnight charge before the model may be flown.

1.Connect the transmitter charging cord coming from the A/C wall charger to the charge jack in the right side of the transmitter case. The receiver charging cord may be connected to the batteries two different ways: The charge cord may be connected directly to the battery pack, or to the vacant charge connector (black) coming from the on/off switch in the model. Charging “through the switch” is preferred as there will be no need to disconnect the battery.

2.Plug the A/C wall charger into a wall outlet. Note: If the wall outlet can be turned off by a switch in the room, be certain the switch remains on after leaving the room. Otherwise, the batteries will not be charged!

3.The LEDs (light-emitting diodes) should light red, indicating that current is flowing and the batteries are being charged. Discharged batteries will take about 15 hours to fully charge. If using an aftermarket fast charger, be certain to follow the manufacturer’s instructions provided with the charger so you do not overcharge the batteries. NEVER charge the batteries at a rate higher than 1,000mAh. The batteries should also be discharged periodically to prevent a condition

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called “memory.” If, for example, only two flights are made each time you go flying, the batteries will not have “reached” very far down into their full capacity. After doing this several times the batteries will “remember” and eventually “think” they can supply only enough power for two flights. After two flights the batteries may not provide enough power to operate the system, thus causing a crash. To erase any potential memory, cycle the batteries by discharging, then charging them with a commercial battery cycler, or leave the system on and exercise the servos by moving the transmitter sticks until the servos are moving very slowly, indicating that the battery is discharged. Cycling should be done every one to two months, even during the winter or periods of long storage. If using a cycler with a readout, note the capacity after the batteries have been cycled. If there is a noticeable drop in capacity the batteries should be replaced.

Note: Charging your batteries with the included Futaba A/C battery charger is always safe. However, fast-charging with an aftermarket charger is acceptable as long as you know how to properly operate the charger. NEVER charge at a rate higher than 1,000 mAh (1 Amp). If not done correctly, fast-charging can damage the batteries.

LIQUID CHIP DISPLAY (LCD) & PROGRAMMING CONTROLS

MODE key - use to select desired function while programming

Throttle-cut button -

To use the throttle-cut function,

To open programming menu;

Press both keys simultaneously and hold for one second

DATA INPUT lever - use this lever to input numbers or settings

SELECT key - use to select items within function to be set or changed in the screen

LCD display screen

When the transmitter is initially turned on, the model memory number, model memory name, modulation type and transmitter battery voltage are displayed on the LCD screen. When prompted by the user, the functions and settings stored in the memory can also be read on the screen. The user accesses the different functions using the MODE and SELECT keys and changes the values and settings using the DATA INPUT lever. (This is called programming!)

Modulation indicator

Current model memory name

Transmitter battery voltage

Current model memory number

Note: Feel free to explore by scrolling through the programs and viewing the displays using the MODE and SELECT keys. The MODE and SELECT keys only determine what will be displayed on the screen and will not change any of the settings. Only when using the DATA INPUT lever will you be able to change any of the settings.

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