Futaba TM-8 User Manual

How to Get the Best Performance from Your Futaba® 2.4GHz
FASST™ Aircraft Receivers
Every R/C pilot learns by experience what methods work well for installing and maintaining radio equipment. At the same time, we also want our aircraft to have the advantage of up-to-the-minute technology...which means that every now and then, we must master some new techniques.
Spread spectrum radio technology offers the perfect example. When Futaba introduced 2.4GHz FASST radio equipment, R/C hobbyists quickly jumped to the front of electronic technology’s cutting edge. Not surprisingly, those new, state-of-the-art
2.4GHz receivers have significant differences compared to old 72MHz units. So it’s time to change a few old habits.
Below are some recommendations for updating the way you install and maintain radio gear. Make them a part of your routine, and you’ll enjoy the best performance from your
2.4GHz FASST radio gear.
1. Don’t wrap your FASST receiver in foam.
Protecting your receiver from vibration by wrapping it in foam used to be a “must”. Not so with 2.4GHz FASST receivers. Unlike 72MHz equipment, they’re not as vulnerable to vibration. Using less foam lets them operate cooler — which is a plus for all electronics. Tip: To keep the receiver cooler use small foam blocks (like standoffs) so that there is an air channel around the receiver.
2. Shade your model from sunlight when not flying.
Clear canopies expose the radio compartment to direct sunlight which results in additional heat in the model interior. This causes no problems during flight, but makes shading your model on the ground very important. Cover the canopy with a white towel; or better yet, park your airplanes in the shade. This will help keep the electronic components cool. Tip: It is important to note that lighter covering colors will absorb less heat whereas darker colors will absorb more heat.
3. Mount your FASST receiver away from heat sources.
We had to avoid mounting 72MHz receivers near anything that might produce RF noise. That’s not as much of a concern with 2.4GHz FASST receivers — you should instead make sure that you’re mounting the unit in the coolest part of the radio compartment. Stay away from the muffler exhaust, battery packs, regulators or any other heat source. We also recommend that you use the receiver’s long, narrow side as its base
(rather than mounting it with the bottom flat against the radio compartment floor). Secure the receiver using a Velcro® strap or gel tape.
We hope that these tips help you with your 2.4GHz FASST receiver installation and maintenance. If you have any questions, please let us know. Just contact us at the Futaba Service Center, by e-mail at: service@futaba-rc.com.
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ou with a second safety system, the Battery F/S
e drops below 3.8V, the
attery failsafe function moves the throttle to a pre-determined
pos
on. If this happens, you should land immediately! If you nee you may temporar throttle stick to the predetermined position, after which
to increase the throttle for your landing approach,
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ou'll have about 30 seconds of throttle control before the batter function reactivat
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Range Check the Radio
It is extremely important to range check your models prior to
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from your time flying. The TM-8 transmitter module incorporates a s
blinkin switch located on the rear of the TM­As indicated by the blinkin power has been reduced to allow
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s functioning as it should and to obtain maximum enjoyment
stem that reduces its power output and allows
ou to perform such a range check
urn on the transmitter.
fter the radio frequency link has been established
as indicated by either a solid green LED or a
reen LED), press and hold the "F/S, Range"
transmitter module.
red LED, the radio frequency
or the range check.
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Walk away from the model while simultaneously operatin
the controls. Have an assistant stand
the model to confirm that all controls are completely nd correctly operational. You should be able to walk pproximately 30-50 paces from the model without losing
ontrol.
If everything operates correctly, return to the model.
et the transmitter in a safe, yet accessible, location
o it will be within reach after starting the engine or motor.
e certain the throttle stick is in the low throttle position,
hen start the engine or motor. Perform another range
heck with your assistant holding the aircraft with the ngine running at various speeds. If the servos jitter or
ove inadvertently, there may be a problem. We would
trongly suggest you do not fly until the source of the
ifficulty has been determined. Look for loose servo
onnections or binding pushrods. Also, be certain that
he battery has been fully charged.
WARNIN
Please make sure that you do not push and hold the F/S,
ange switch when flying as this reduces the power
utput of the transmitter and reduces the overall range of your
transmitter
ther precautions
hen utilizing the trainer function of the transmitter as an
nstructor, please do not switch to the student's control
nit until the RF is active after turning the transmitter
n. Failure to adhere to this procedure may result in a
alfunction.
FASST Air Syste
TM-8 RF Module
n
R608FS Receiver
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T7U, T8U, T9C and T9Z
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Important: The 2.4GHz band offers different characteristics than
hat of the conventional 50MHz and 72MHz. As such, we strongly
ncourage you to read this manual carefully prior to utilizing the TM-8 nd R608FS FASST system
Thank you for purchasing the TM-8 2.4GHz FASST transmitter module and R608FS receiver. This s F
a transmitters indicated el
stem is designed for use only with the
in this manual. In order to
th TM-8 transmitter module, you will need to carefully remove the existin transmitter module and replace it with the TM-8 transmitter module. The receiver R608FS, as the model number indicates, is capable of controllin models up to e
t channels. Please note: The installation of the R608FS
ffers slightly from that of a typical receiver. Please pay special attention
formation contained within this manual in order to have a pleasant
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that you read and abide by the Safety Code created by the Academy of
odel Aeronautics as well as any site specific rules and regulations that ight exist. Doing so will greatly increase your enjoyment of the hobby.
2)n order to maintain complete control of your aircraft it is important that t remains vis ngs, grain bins, etc. is not suggested. Doing so may result in the reduc
tion of the quality of the radio frequency link to the model
3)Please do not grasp the transmitter module's antenna during flight. D ng so may degrade the quality of the radio frequency transmission
e at all times. Flying behind large objects such as bu
ASST transmitter module, system and receiver
ompatibilit
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FCC Informati
To assure continued FCC compliance:
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void the user's authority to operate the equipment.
FCC Label Compliance Statement This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the followin
wo 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
©Copyright 2008. 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
otice. While this manual has been carefully written, there may be inadvertent errors or omissions. Please contact our service center if you feel that any corrections or
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FUTABA CORPORATION P
Techno Garden B
one: (043) 296-5118 Facsimile: (043) 296-512
., B6F 1-3 Nakase, Mihama-ku, C
epair Service (in U.S.A.)
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your TM-8 transmitter module and R608FS receiver, please
t this instruction manual first. For further assistance
consu
ou may also refer to your ho
ce Center at the web site, fax or telephone number below
Serv
ww.futaba-rc.com, www.2.4gigahertz.co
ax (217) 398-7721, Tel (217) 398-8970 (option 2)
f you are unable to resolve the issue, pack the system in its
original container with a note enclosed and a thorough, accurate
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ymptoms (Including when the problem occurred)
stem (transmitter, Receiver, Servos and model
umbers
odel (Model name odel numbers and quantity
our Name, Address and Telephone number
Send the res
enter address below:
ective items to the authorized Futaba Service
utaba Service Center
002 N Apollo Drive Suite 1
Champai
a 261-8555, Japa
©FUTABA CORPORATION 2008, 01 (1
er, or contact the Futaba
n, IL 6182
- 4
Your 2.4GHz system includes the following components
actory use only.
Do not connect anything.
608FS Receiver
ini screwdriver
rea Selec hannel Mode
H
ANCE
M-8 RF Module
Special Markings;
Pay special attention to the safety at the parts of this manual that are indicated by the following marks.
[Symbol] ; Prohibited ; Mandatory
Mark Meaning
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TM-8 RF Module
Communication Antenna: 1/2 wavelength-po Currentconsumption:50mAmaximu SettingwitchforailafeF/S) setting
(light
608FS Receiver-
Powerequirement:4.8V or 6.0V
utfrom ESC,tc
F/S andattery/S function forthrottlechannel(channel
three)
• Size:.98
• Weight:0.48z.
1
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 procedures where the probability of superficial injury or physical damage is high.
Procedures where the possibility of serious injury to the user is small, but there is a danger of injury, or physical damage, if not carried out properly.
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Installing the TM-8 Module and R608FS Receiver
Attachment of the Module
CAUTION
Be sure to turn off the power of the transmitter before
you install or replace the module.
Ensure that the transmitter is set to the PPM (pulse position modulation) mode. Please consult the
1
respective owner's manual for your particular transmitter for information on how to do so.
While it is unlikely that the existing transmitter antenna will interfere with the radio frequency
2
transmission of the TM-8, we suggest removing it from the transmitter if possible as a precaution.
Next, with the transmitter's power
3
off, remove the existing transmitter module and install the TM-8 module with care so that the connector pins of the transmitter won't be damaged.
Antenna of TM-8
As with all radio frequency transmissions, the strongest area of signal transmission is from the
1
sides of the TM-8 transmitter module's antenna. As such, the antenna should not be pointed directly at the model. If your flying style creates this situation, easily move the antenna to correct this situation.
Please do not grasp the transmitter's antenna during flight. Doing so may degrade the quality of the RF
2
transmission to the model
Easy Link
Each TM-8 transmitter module has an individually assigned unique ID code. In order to start operation, the receiver must be linked to the respective TM-8's ID code. Once the linking is done, the ID code is stored in the receiver and the re-linking is not necessary unless the receiver is to be used with a different TM-8 module.
Additionally, it is important to note that this TM-8 and R608FS receiver set has already been linked by the factory. Should you wish to re-link them, or if you have purchased a separate receiver and would like to link it to this TM-8, please adhere to the following procedure.
WARNING
After the linking is done, please cycle receiver power
and check if the receiver to be linked is really under the
control by the transmitter to be linked.
Do not perform the linking procedure with motor's main
wire is connected or the engine is operating as it may
result in serious injury.
Ensure that the ch-mode select is set to the position
1
of the receiver's operation protocol. Please refer the compatibility table in P4 for ch-mode select versus the receiver to be paired.
If the fuselage is made of conductive materials such as metal and carbon, the antennas part MUST be
6
After the TM-8 module has been installed into the transmitter, using the aforementioned steps, turn on
2
the transmitter. The green LED, located on the rear of the TM-8 transmitter module, should begin to blink. If not, power down the transmitter and turn it on once again.
With the transmitter on, and the green LED blinking, turn on the receiver.
3
With the receiver on, press and hold the Easy Link button, located on the receiver, for approximately
4
two seconds and release it. Then the receiver starts linking procedure. When the linking process has been completed, the LED on the receiver will change to a solid green and the linking is established.
positioned so that they exit the fuselage. Additionally, do not attach the antenna itself to this fuselage.
* For example, there are many types of gliders which use carbon fu-
selage. When install the receiver into such models, it is imperative that the antenna precautions are adhered to strictly.
WARNING
Be very careful when handling the receiver antennas.
Repeated bending and flexing of the antennas or ex­cessive force could weaken or compromise the internal an­tenna connections.
Keep the antennas away from the motor, ESC, and
other noise sources as much as possible.
Receiver Installation
You will note that the R608FS differs in appearance from the standard Futaba receiver. The R608FS incorporates two separate antennas into its design which enables it to receive the radio frequency transmission at two different locations. Futaba's dual antenna diversity, or DAD, then seamlessly selects the best signal reception between these antennas to ensure that there is no loss of signal.
*Must be kept as straight as possible.
Antenna
Coaxial cable
To obtain the best results from the R608FS receiver, please refer to the following instructions and precautions:
Install the receiver in the aircraft using the same methodology as you would handle a standard
1
receiver. That is, make sure that you wrap the receiver in foam rubber or other such material to make it less susceptible to vibration, etc.
Ensure that the two receiver antennas are kept as straight as possible. This will allow you to obtain the
2
maximum effective range from your model.
If possible, please make sure that the two antennas are placed at 90 degrees to each other. Please note:
3
This is not a critical figure, however, the most important thing is to keep the antennas away from each other as much as possible.
* The main purpose of the photo demonstrates how the antenna
should be placed. For actual installation the receiver must be
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from vibration.
* The receiver contains delicate electronic parts and should be pro
tected from vibration, shock and temperature extremes.
* The receiver is not impervious to damage from moisture. If moisture
should enter the receiver, intermittent operation or failure may result. To prevent this from occurring, we suggest wrapping the receiver in a plastic bag or similar protective covering. This will also protect the receiver from any fuel or exhaust residue which can work its way into the fuselage.
Area select
The TM-8 transmitter module has been designed to function in many countries. If you will be utilizing this module in a country other than France, please make sure that the switch is set to the "General" position. If, however, this module will be utilized in France, the switch must be set to "France".
Operation of the TM-8
When the transmitter is powered up, the LEDs on the rear of the module will begin to glow or blink accordingly. The chart below provides you with an easy reference as to the meaning of the LEDs.
LED indication
Green Red Status Fail safe (F/S)
Solid Solid Initializing (When Power Up) ---
Alternate blink Check RF condition nearby ---
If your model includes metal conductive items which may impact the receiver's ability to clearly receive
4
the radio frequency signal, we suggest mounting the receiver so that the receiver antennas exit both sides of the model. This will allow the best radio frequency signal condition at any flying attitude.
Ensure that the antennas are at least 1/2" away from any conductive materials such as metal and carbon.
5
Please note: this is not applicable to the coaxial portion of the antenna. It is important, however, to not bend the coax, or antenna in a tight radius.
Solid Off RF power on Off
Solid Blink
Blink Off RF power on On
Blink Blink
F/S (Fail Safe) mode setting
The F/S is suggested for use as it offers a safety factor when controlling your models. It is also possible to cancel the F/S operation if you do not wish to use it.
- 2 - - 3 -
Antenna Antenna
RF power on (Power reduced to perfor m the range check function)
RF power on (Power reduced to perfor m the range check function)
-
Off
On
De-activating the F/S (Failsafe)
As noted above, it is also possible to de-activate the failsafe setting of the receiver.
Depress the F/S button on the rear of the transmitter while turning the transmitter's power on. The LEDs should begin to glow. Continue holding the button until the green LED begins to glow solidly and the red LED blinks.
Re-Arming the F/S (Failsafe)
To activate the failsafe once again, depress the F/S button on the rear of the transmitter while turning the transmitter's power on. The LEDs should begin to glow. Continue holding the button until the green and Red LED's begin blinking.
* Please note: re-arming the F/S does not alter the pre-determined
throttle servo position. To modify this setting, please follow the F/S position setting procedure.
F/S position setting procedure
As mentioned at "Easy Link", the R608FS starts linking process by press the Easy Link button more than two seconds. Meanwhile, when linking is done, the R608FS stores 3ch(Throttle) position as the F/S position automatically. If you need to change the F/S position but not need to re-link, set the 3ch(throttle) stick as desired position and press and hold the Easy Link button just one second. By this way, the receiver renew the F/S data for current 3ch position. Prior to doing so, ensure that the F/S is active. If not, please follow the Re­Arming of the F/S procedure as noted previously.
With the transmitter's throttle stick in the desired F/S position, and the receiver located within one
1
(1) meter of the transmitter, turn on the transmitter. The green LED, located on the rear of the TM-8 transmitter module, should begin to blink. If not, power down the transmitter and turn it on once again.
With the transmitter on, and the green LED blinking, turn on the receiver. Press and hold the Easy Link
2
button, located on the receiver, for approximately one second.
Turn off the transmitter. The throttle servo should move to the pre-determined F/S position.
3
R608FS “F/S set” and “Easy-link” Operation
Press and Hold time
With TM-14
(not included in this set)
Please refer to the table below for the LED status of the receiver's condition.
Green Red Status
Off Solid No signal reception
Solid Off Receiving signals
Blink Off Receiving signals but ID is unmatched
Alternate blink Unrecoverable failure (EEPROM, etc.)
0 sec. 1 sec. 2 sec.
0 to 1 sec. 1 to 2 sec. More than 2 sec.
No functionWith TM-8
To set the F/S
position(No re-link)
No function
Re-link(ID set) and to
set the F/S position
Re-link(ID set)
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