1. This product may be used for model airplane or surface use if on the correct frequency.
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.
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation is subject to the follo wing
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 RBRCTM SEAL 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 RBRC
TM
program provides a convenient
alternative to placing used nickel-cadmium batteries into the trash or municipal waste which
is illegal in some areas.
Futaba Corporation of America's payments to RBRC
TM
makes it easy for you to return the
spent battery to Futaba for recycling purposes. You may also 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.
NOTE: Our instruction manuals need to encourage our customers to return
spent batteries to Futaba or a local recycling center in order to keep a healthy
environment.
TM
RBRC
is a trademark of the Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation.
Pay special attention to the safety at the parts of this manual that are indicated by the
following marks.
:Procedures which may lead to a dangerous condition and cause death or
serious injury to the user if not carried out properly.
:Procedures which may lead to a dangerous condition or cause death or
serious injury to the user if not carried out properly, or pro cedures where the probability of
superficial injury or physical damage is high.
:Procedures where the possibility of serio us injury to the user is small, but
there is a danger of injury, or physical damage, if not carried out properly.
Symbol:
; Prohibited
; Mandatory
I
NSTRUCTION
6XAs / 6XHs
M
ANUAL
FOR AIRCRAFT / HELICOPTERS
FM/PCM SYSTEM, 6 CHANNELS
Futaba Corporation
INTRODUCTION
Thank you for purchasing a Futaba® 6XAs/6XHs series digital proportional R/C system.
This system is extremely versatile and may be used by both beginners and experts. In order for
you to make the best use of your system and to fly safely, please read this manual carefully. If
you have any difficulties while using your system, please consult the manual, your hobby dealer,
or Futaba. 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 owner’s risk..
Your T6XAs or T6XHs system includes the following components:
• T6XAs/T6XHs Transmitter. May be programmed for planes or helicopters, both with
special mixing function, 6 model memories. (Transmitting frequency: 29, 35, 36, 40, 41, 50,
60 or 72 Mhz band)
• R127DF or R116FB Receiver (FM system). R138DP or R148DP Receiver (PCM system).
(Receiving frequency: 29, 35, 36, 40, 41, 50, 60 or 72 Mhz band)
• Servos, S3003 with mounting hardware and servo arm assortment (or S148 Servo)
• Receiver battery (or Battery Box)
• Switch harness with charging jack
• Aileron extension cord (use to easily connect to an aileron servo in a detachable wing)
• AC battery charger
• Owner’s Manual
Owner’s Manual
This manual is not just a translation — it has been carefully written from scratch to be as
helpful to you, the new owner, as possible. There are many pages of setup procedures,
examples, explanations, and trimming instructions. If you feel that any corrections or
clarifications should be made, please jot them down on a piece of paper and send them to the
factory. The information contained in this manual is subject to change without notice due to
possible changes in manufacturing procedures or updates.
The versatile T6XAs/T6XHs
PCM1024 multi-function 6-channel
transmitter may be used with any Futaba
FM/PPM receiver! In addition, your system
will work with Futaba PCM1024 receivers
when you select the built-in PCM
transmission option. The liquid-crystal
display panel allows rapid data input into its
easy-to-read LCD display.
The T6XAs/T6XHs system comes
complete with programming for ACRO
(aircraft) and HELI (helicopter) mixing and
can accommodate virtually any model
configuration. The compact, ergonomicallydesigned transmitter holds completely
independent memories for six different
models.
The T6XAs/T6XHs features a new
stick design which provides an improved
preprogrammed mixing features include:
flaperon, V-tail, elevon, airbrake, elevator ->
flap, and flap -> elevator. Helicopter
features include hovering pitch and throttle,
revolution mixing, swashplate type
selection, and rudder offset. [Note: the
T6XAs/T6XHs may be used for sailplanes.
For these we recommend Futaba’s System 8,
which contains extensive sailplane
programming.]
Transmitter Specifications:
Operating system: 2-stick, 6 channels,
PCM1024 system
Modulation: FM/PPM or PCM, switchable
Power supply: 9.6V Ni-Cd battery
Current drain: 250mA
RECEIVER
The R127DF seven-channel receiver
included with your system is a compact
high-sensitivity narrow-band unit, providing
superior range and performance.
feel. The sticks’ length and tension may be
adjusted. Switches are provided for dual
rate (D/R), programmable mixers (PMX),
and other functions. For those learning to
fly, the transmitter has “buddy-box”
capability where a second transmitter may
be used by an experienced pilot as an
instructor. [The trainer cord is sold
separately.]
Standard programming features
include servo reversing for all channels,
ATV on all channels, dual rates,
exponential, and fail safe on all channels
(PCM transmission only). In addition, the
T6XAs/T6XHs features a number of handy
mixing features applicable to all types of
flying models. For aircraft, the extensive
Receiver Specifications (FP-
R127DF)
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
4-cell NR-4J (NR-4RB for heli version)
Capacity: 500mAH (1,000mAH for NR-4RB)
Weight: 3.3oz/94g (3.9oz/111g for NR-4RB)
*Specifications and ratings are subject to change without notice.
– 1 –
– 2 –
TRANSMITTER CONTROLS – AIRCRAFT (T6XAs System)
Elevator Dual
Rate Switch (A)
Landing Gear
Switch (Ch. 5,
Sw. E)
Trainer Pushbutton Switch
ON indicator
light
Rudder / Throttle
Stick
Throttle Trim
Rudder Trim
Crystal Cover
Flap Knob (Ch. 6)
Carrying
Handle
FUTABAFLIGHTCOMFORTNARROWBANDTECHNOLOGY
X'TAL
Antenna
T6XH
COMPUTER RADIO
PCM / PPM SELECTABLE
Airbrake Switch (B)
Liquid-Crystal
Display
Fun to Fly
Aileron Dual
Rate Switch (C)
Elev -> Flap
Mixing Switch
(D)
Neckstrap Hook
Elevator Trim Lever
Aileron / Elevator
Stick
Aileron Trim Lever
Programming Keys
Charging Jack
On-Off Switch
This figure shows the default assignments for a Mode 2 aircraft system as supplied by the factory.
SWITCH ASSIGNMENT TABLE
The functions activated by the switches and knobs for a Mode 2 transmitter are shown in the
table below. Note that some of the functions will not operate until activated in the mixing
menus. For a Mode 1 transmitter, elevator and throttle are reversed, as are switches D and E.
Switch / Knob ACRO HELI
Switch A
Switch B
Switch C
Switch D
Switch E
Switch F
Up = Elevator Dual Rate 1;
Down = PMX1 & PMX2 on; Elev D/R 2
Down = Airbrake on Gyro sensitivity (if desired)
Up = Aileron Dual Rate 1
Down = Aileron Dual Rate 2
Forward = 2 -> 6 (Elev -> Flap) on Forward = Throttle Hold on, and
Landing Gear Forward = Idle-up on, Rudder
Trainer Trainer
Up = Elevator Dual Rate 1;
Down = Elev D/R 2
Up = Aileron Dual Rate 1
Down = Aileron Dual Rate 2
REVO off
offset on, and REVO off
(Push-button)
CH6 knob
Flap or Flap trim if flaperon function
(FLPR) on
Hovering Pitch
– 3 –
CHARGING THE Ni-Cd BATTERIES
1. Connect the transmitter charging cord into the charging socket (on the right of the case,
when facing the front) and airborne Ni-Cd batteries to the receiver connector on the
charger.
2. Plug the charger into a wall socket.
3. The charger’s LEDs should light, indicating charging current is flowing. The batteries
should be left on charge for about 15 hours.
Only charge the batteries with the charger supplied with
your system. The use of a fast charger may damage the batteries by overheating and
dramatically reduce their lifetime.
You should fully discharge your system’s batteries
periodically to prevent a condition called “memory.” For example,
if you only make two flights each session, or you regularly use only a small amount of the
batteries’ capacity, the memory effect can reduce the actual capacity even if the battery is
fully charged. You can cycle your batteries with a commercial cycling unit, or by leaving the
system on and exercising the servos by moving the transmitter sticks. Cycling should be
done every one to two months, even during the winter or periods of long storage. Keep track
of the batteries’ capacity during cycling; if there is a noticeable change, you may need to
replace the batteries.
NOTE: If you need to remove or replace the transmitter battery, do not pull on its wires to
remove it. Instead, gently pull on the connector’s plastic housing where it plugs in to the
transmitter.
Operating With The Trainer Cord
An optional training cord is available from your dealer. The cord may be used to help
a beginning pilot learn to fly easily by allowing a second transmitter, operated by an
experienced instructor, to be connected to this system. The instructor may override the
beginning pilot at any time to bring the model back under safe control. For training, the
T6XAs/ T6XHs transmitter may be connected to another T6XAs/XHs system, as well as to
any 4VF, 6VA Skysport, 6XA, Super 7, System 8, or 9Z series transmitter.
To use the trainer cord:
1. Set up both the student’s and instructor’s transmitters to have identical trim and control
motions. If the instructor’s transmitter is on a different frequency than the student’s, use
the student’s as the master transmitter and the other as the student’s.
– 4 –
2. Set the student transmitter modulation mode to PPM. Collapse the student’s antenna, and
fully extend the instructor’s antenna. Remove the RF module from the transmitter held
by the student (if it is a module-type transmitter).
3. Plug one end of the trainer cord into each
transmitter, with power switched off. The trainer
jack is in the center of the rear face of the
transmitter. Do not force, the connector is keyed.
4. Turn on the instructor’s transmitter. DO NOT turn
on the student transmitter power. Move the controls
on the instructor’s transmitter, and verify each
control moves the proper direction. Now verify that
the student’s trims and control travels match the instructor’s by using the trainer button
and switching back and forth while leaving the control sticks and trims alone, then
moving the control sticks.
5. The instructor’s transmitter has normal control over the model unless the trainer button is
pushed, when the student’s has control. If control is lost, the instructor should release the
trainer button and resume controlling the model.
OTHER T6XAS/XHS ADJUSTMENTS
Adjustable length non-slip control sticks
You may change the length of the
control sticks to make your transmitter more
comfortable to hold and operate. To lengthen
or shorten your transmitter’s sticks, first unlock
the stick tip by holding locking piece B and turning stick tip A counterclockwise. Next,
move the locking piece B up or down (to lengthen or shorten). When the length feels
comfortable, lock the position by turning locking piece B counterclockwise.
Stick lever tension adjustment
You may adjust the stick tension of your
sticks to provide the “feel” that you like for
flying. To adjust your springs, you’ll have to
remove the rear case of the transmitter. Using a
screwdriver, remove the four screws that hold
the transmitter’s rear cover into position, and put them in a safe place. Gently ease off the
transmitter’s rear cover. You may wish to unplug the battery wire. Carefully rotate the rear
of the case you you have access to the rear of the sticks. Now you’ll see the view shown.
Using a small screwdriver, rotate the adjusting screw for each stick for the desired
spring tension. The tension increases when the adjusting screw is turned clockwise, and
– 5 –
decreases for counterclockwise motion. When you are satisfied with the spring tensions, you
may close the transmitter. Very carefully reinstall the rear cover. When the cover is properly
in place, tighten the four screws.
Changing the T6XAs/Hs transmitter’s mode
If you wish to change the mode of the transmitter, say
from mode 1 to mode 2, turn on the transmitter holding the two
MODE buttons down. You’ll see a display “STCK X,” where X
flashing
is a number representing the current transmitter mode. Press the
plus (+) or minus (–) DATA INPUT key to change the mode number as desired. You’ll see the
effect of you changes when you next turn on your transmitter. In some cases, you’ll have to
swap the throttle detent mechanism with the elevator centering mechanism. This can be done
by Futaba.
Reversing the throttle stick’s action
If for some reason you wish to reverse the action of the throttle
stick (for example, to get throttle trim at the top of the stick’s travel), you
may reverse it by turning on the transmitter holding the two MODE
buttons down, then pressing either of the MODE buttons to get to the
TREV menu. You may then use the (+) or (–) keys to switch between normal and reversed
functioning.
– 6 –
RECEIVER AND SERVO CONNECTIONS
Receiver output
channel
1 Right aileron or
combined right flap + aileron
right elevon
2 Elevator or
left elevon
3 Throttle Throttle
4 Rudder or
5 Landing Gear Gyro sensitivity
6 Flap or
combined Left flap + aileron
Multiple entries indicate that the servo function varies with the selected programming (*=FLPR mode,
†
=ELVN mode, ‡=VTAL mode). Outputs with no mixing functions are shown first.
The diagram below shows the default servo connections for a model using the ACRO
V-tail
V-tail
Aircraft
(ACRO)
†
(tailless)
‡
right side or
†
(tailless)
‡
left side
*
or
*
Helicopter
(HELI)
Aileron
Elevator
Rudder
Pitch
mode (only three or four servos are included in the T6XAs system). Two possible model
formats are shown on the ACRO contents page. Suggested helicopter connections are given
within the helicopter setup example.
– 7 –
RADIO INSTALLATION
While you are installing the battery, receiver, and servos into your model’s fuselage, please
pay attention to the following guidelines:
Servo Notes
Mounting
Use the supplied rubber grommets when you mount each servo.
Be sure not to overtighten the screws. If any portion of the servo case
directly contacts the fuselage or the servo rails, the rubber grommets will not attenuate
vibration, which can cause mechanical wear and servo failure.
Servo Throw
Once you have installed the servos, operate each one over
its full travel and check that the pushrod and output arms do
not bind or collide with each other, even at extreme trim
settings. Check to see that each control linkage does not require undue force to move (if
you hear a servo buzzing when there is no transmitter control motion, most likely there is too
much friction in the control or pushrod). Even though the servo will tolerate loads like this,
they will drain the battery pack much more rapidly.
Switch Harness Installation
When you are ready to install the switch harness, remove the switch cover and use it as a
template to cut screw holes and a rectangular hole slightly larger than the full stroke of the
switch. Choose a switch location on the opposite side of the fuselage from the engine
exhaust, and choose a location where it can’t be inadvertently turned on or off during
handling or storage. Install the switch so that it moves without restriction and “snaps” from
ON to OFF and vice versa.
Receiver Notes
Antenna
DO NOT cut or coil the receiver antenna wire. It is normal for the
receiver antenna to be longer than the fuselage.
DO NOT cut it or fold it back on itself – cutting or folding changes
the electrical length of the antenna and may reduce range. Secure the antenna to the top of
– 8 –
the vertical fin or the tailboom, and let the excess length trail behind the aircraft (be sure it
cannot tangle with the tail rotor on a helicopter).
You may run the antenna inside of a non-metallic housing within the fuselage, but range may
suffer if the antenna is located near metal pushrods or cables. Be sure to perform a range
check before flying. With the antenna collapsed, you should be able to walk 20 - 30 paces
from the model without losing control or seeing “jitter” in the servos.
Connectors
When you insert servo or battery connectors into the
receiver, note that each plastic housing has an alignment tab.
Be sure the alignment tab is oriented properly before
inserting the connector. To remove a connector from the
receiver, pull on the connector housing rather than the wires.
Using The Aileron Extension
If your aileron servo (or others) are located too far away
to plug into the receiver, use an aileron extension cord to
extend the length of the servo lead. Additional extension cords of varying
lengths are available from your hobby dealer or Futaba.
Vibration and Waterproofing
The receiver contains precision electronic parts. Be sure to avoid vibration, shock, and
temperature extremes.
For protection, wrap the receiver in foam rubber or other
vibration-absorbing materials. It’s also a good idea to waterproof the receiver
by placing it in a plastic bag and securing the open end of the bag with a rubber band before
wrapping it with foam. If you accidentally get moisture inside the receiver, you may
experience intermittent operation or a crash.
– 9 –
Airplane Frequencies
The following frequencies and channel numbers may be used for flying aircraft in the U.S.:
It’s very important that you display
your transmitting channel number at all times.
To install your indicator, peel off the channel
number’s backing sheet, and carefully stick
the numbers to both sides of the number
holder. Now you can snap the number holder
onto the lower portion of the antenna as
shown in the figure – use the clip that fits
more snugly on your antenna. You may wish
to cut off the other, unused clip on the
indicator.
– 10 –
TRANSMITTER DISPLAYS & BUTTONS
When you first turn on your transmitter, the screen shown below appears on the LCD
display. Before flying, or even starting the engine, BE SURE that the model number appearing
in the lower right of the display matches the model that you are about to fly! If you don’t, servos
may be reversed, and travels and trims will be wrong, leading to an immediate crash. (If you
have trouble remembering which model memory to use, write them on a small piece of tape
affixed to the front of the transmitter.)
Startup Screen (appears when system is first turned on)
Modulation
indicator
PPM shown
Edit keys
Battery voltage
(Alarm goes off at 8.5V)
MODE keys - use to
select desired function
while programming
DATA INPUT keys - use
these to input numbers or
settings
Current model memory
Model 1 shown
Press these two
keys to enter the
programming
menu
CURSOR key - use to
step through menu and
select item to be set or
changed in the screen
– 11 –
WARNING DISPLAYS
Your transmitter is designed to warn you about several potential problems that may occur,
including low battery voltage and switching on with mixing functions active. Each display has a
unique sound associated with it, as described below.
Low battery
The LOW BATTERY warning is displayed
flashing
when the transmitter battery voltage drops below
Warning sound: Beep beep beep —
(beeping does not stop
until transmitter is
turned off)
Backup error
Warning sound: Beep beep beep beep
(repeated)
Mixer warning
8.5V.
LAND YOUR MODEL AS SOON AS
POSSIBLE BEFORE LOSS OF CONTROL
DUE TO A DEAD BATTERY.
The BACKUP ERROR warning occurs when
the transmitter memory is lost for any reason. If
this occurs, all of the data will be reset when the
power is turned on again.
DO NOT FLY when this message is
displayed – all programming has been erased
and is not available. Return your transmitter
to Futaba for service.
flashing
Warning sound: beep beep beep pause
(repeated)
The MIXER warning is displayed to alert you
whenever you turn on the transmitter with any of
the mixing switches active. This warning will
disappear when the offending switch or control is
deactivated. At power-up, warnings will be
issued for the following switches:
ACRO: Airbrake
HELI: Throttle hold, idle-up
– 12 –
Flying Safety
To ensure the safety of yourself and others, please observe the following precautions:
Ni-cd Battery
Charge the Batteries! Don't forget to recharge the batteries before each flying session. A battery low
in charge will soon die, causing loss of control and a crash. Plug in the charger that comes in this system
and hook up the transmitter and airborne batteries the day before a planned flying session. When you
begin your flying session, keep track of how long the system’s been used, and monitor the transmitter’s
voltage display. Quit flying long before your batteries become low.
On-field charging of your batteries with a field charger is not recommended. A fast-charger may
overcharge the Ni-Cd batteries, causing overheating and a premature failure.
Flying field
We recommend that you fly at a recognized model airplane flying field. You can find model clubs
and fields by asking your nearest hobby dealer, or contacting the Academy of Model Aeronautics.
Always pay particular attention to the flying field’s rules, as well as the presence and location of
spectators, the wind direction, and any obstacles on the field. Be very careful flying in areas near power
lines, tall buildings, or communication facilities as there may be radio interference in their vicinity. If
you must fly at a site that is not a club field, be sure there are no other modelers flying within a two-mile
range, or you may lose control of your aircraft.
Once you arrive at the flying field …
Before flying, be sure that the frequency you intend to fly with is not in use, and secure any
frequency control device (pin, tag, etc.) for that frequency before turning on your transmitter. Never
believe that it’s possible to fly two or more models on the same frequency at the same time. Even though
there are different types of modulation (AM, FM, PCM), only one model may be flown on a single
frequency.
When you are ready to fly your model, position the throttle stick to its low speed position, or do
whatever is necessary to command your motor NOT to run. Then, you may turn on the transmitter power
followed by the receiver power. When you have finished flying, begin by turning off the receiver power,
then turn off the transmitter power. If you do not follow these procedures, you may damage your servos
or control surfaces, flood your motor, or in the case of electric-powered models, the motor may
unexpectedly turn on and cause a severe injury.
Before starting the engine, fully retract the transmitter antenna, power up the transmitter and receiver,
and check to be sure that the servos follow the movement of the sticks. If a servo operates abnormally,
don’t attempt to fly until you determine the cause of the problem. We recommend that you range-check
your system before each flying session. Have an observer verify that the system works with the
transmitter about 30 paces away with the transmitter antenna collapsed. Finally, before starting the
engine, be sure to check that the transmitter model memory is correct for the chosen model, and (for PCM
receivers only) that the fail safe system functions properly when the transmitter is shut off.
While you’re getting ready to fly, if you place your transmitter on the ground, be sure that the wind
won’t tip it over. If it is knocked over, the throttle stick may accidentally move causing the engine to race
unexpectedly.
Before taxiing, be sure to extend the transmitter antenna to its full length. A collapsed antenna will
reduce your flying range and may cause a loss of control. It is a good idea to avoid pointing the
transmitter antenna directly at the model at all times, since the signal is weakest in that direction.
Don’t fly in the rain!
Water or moisture may enter the transmitter through the antenna or stick openings and cause erratic
operation or loss of control. If you must fly in wet weather during a contest, be sure to cover your
transmitter with a plastic bag or waterproof barrier.
– 13 –
AIRCRAFT (ACRO) MENU FUNCTIONS
*Pages 14 to 42 describe the Basic Menu functions for fixed-wing aircraft, provide a
detailed setup example, and then describe the functions individually. Helicopter
functions may be found in the following section, pages 43 to 54.
Map of ACRO Menu Functions .................................................. 14
Aircraft Setup Example ............................................................... 15