GRAUPNER MX-16S Programming Manual

General Notes

Safety notes ................................................................... 3

Foreword ........................................................................6

Description of radio control system ...............................7

Power supply ............................................................... 10

Adjusting stick length ...................................................12

Opening the transmitter case ......................................12

Changing the stick mode ............................................. 13

Description of transmitter ............................................ 14

DSC (Direct Servo Control) .................................... 15

LCD screen ............................................................. 18

Operating buttons, function ﬁ elds ...........................19

Channel selection, transmitter ..................................... 20

Adjusting screen contrast ............................................21

Channel selection, receiver .........................................22

Installation notes .......................................................... 23

Deﬁ nition of terms ....................................................... 24

Assigning switches and transmitter controls ................ 25

Digital trims ..................................................................26

Position display, INC / DEC buttons .............................27

Servo display ............................................................... 27

Fixed-wing model aircraft ............................................28

Receiver socket assignment .............................. 29/30

Model helicopters ........................................................32

Receiver socket assignment ................................... 33

Program description

Reserving a new memory ............................................34

»Model memories« .................................................... 36

»Base settings« (model)

Fixed-wing model aircraft .......................................38

Model helicopter .....................................................42

»Servo settings« ........................................................ 48

»Control settings«

Fixed-wing model aircraft .......................................50

Model helicopter .....................................................52

Throttle limit function .........................................54

Contents

»Dual Rate / Expo«

Fixed-wing model aircraft .......................................56

Model helicopter .....................................................58

»Phase Trim« (ﬁ xed-wing model aircraft) ....................60

What is a mixer? ..........................................................61

»Wing mixers« ........................................................... 61

»Heli mixer« ...............................................................66

Adjusting the throttle and collective pitch curve ...... 70

Autorotation settings ...............................................74

General notes regarding freely programmable mixers 76

»Free mixers« ............................................................77

Examples ................................................................80

»Swashplate mixers« ................................................ 81

»Fail-Safe« (SPCM modulation only) .......................... 82

Programming examples

Introduction .................................................................. 84

Fixed-wing model aircraft

First steps in programming a new model ................ 86

Including an electric power system ......................... 90

E-motor and butterﬂ y (crow) with the C1 stick ........ 92

Operating the timers ............................................... 94

Using ﬂ ight phases .................................................95

Servos running in parallel ....................................... 96

Model deltas and ﬂ ying wings ......................................97

F3A-models ............................................................... 100

Model helicopters ......................................................104

Trainer (teacher / pupil) systems ...............................110

Appendix

Trainer operations with the mx-16s ............................ 111

Approved frequencies ................................................ 113

Approval certiﬁ cate / Conformity declaration .............114

Guarantee certiﬁ cate ................................................. 115

The sole purpose of this manual is to provide information; it is subject to amendment without prior notiﬁ cation. The GRAUPNER company accepts no responsibility or liability for errors or inaccuracies which may be found in the information section of this manual.

Environmental protection

This symbol on the product, in the operating instructions or the packaging indicates that the product must not be discarded via the normal household refuse at the end of its useful life. Instead it must be taken to a collection point for the recycling of electrical and electronic apparatus.

The materials can be re-used according to their identiﬁ cation code. You can make an important contribution to the protection of our shared environment by recycling old equipment and making use of its basic materials.

Dry and rechargeable batteries must be removed from the device and taken to the appropriate collection point.

Please ask your local authority for the location of your nearest waste disposal site.

Safety notes

Please read carefully!

We all want you to have many hours of pleasure in our mutual hobby of modelling, and safety is an important aspect of this. It is absolutely essential that you read right through these instructions and take careful note of all our safety recommendations.

If you are a beginner to the world of radio-controlled model aircraft, boats and cars, we strongly advise that you seek out an experienced modeller in your ﬁ eld and ask him or her for help and advice.

If you ever dispose of this transmitter, these instructions must be handed on to the new owner.

Application

This radio control system may only be used for the purpose for which the manufacturer intended it, i.e. for operating radio-controlled models which do not carry humans. No other type of use is approved or permissible.

Safety notes

SAFETY IS NO ACCIDENT

and …

RADIO-CONTROLLED MODELS ARE NOT

PLAYTHINGS

Even small models can cause serious personal injury and damage to property if they are handled incompetently.

Technical problems in electrical and mechanical systems can cause motors to rev up or burst into life unexpectedly, with the result that parts may ﬂ y off at great speed, causing considerable injury.

Short-circuits of all kinds must be avoided at all times. Short-circuits can easily destroy parts of the radio control system, but even more dangerous is the acute risk of ﬁ re and explosion, depending on the circumstances and the energy content of the batteries.

Aircraft and boat propellers, helicopter rotors, open gearboxes and all other rotating parts which are driven by

a motor or engine represent a constant injury hazard. Do not touch these items with any object or part of your body. Remember that a propeller spinning at high speed can easily slice off a ﬁ nger! Ensure that no other object can make contact with the driven components.

Never stand in the primary danger zone, i.e. in the rotational plane of the propeller or other rotating parts, when the motor is running or the drive battery is connected.

Please note that a glowplug engine or electric motor could burst into life accidentally if the receiving system is switched on when you are transmitting the transmitter. To be on the safe side, disconnect the fueltank, or disconnect the ﬂ ight battery.

Protect all electronic equipment from dust, dirt, damp, and foreign bodies. Avoid subjecting the equipment to vibration and excessive heat or cold. Radio control equipment should only be used in “normal” ambient temperatures, i.e. within the range -15°C to +55°C.

Avoid subjecting the equipment to shock and pressure. Check the units at regular intervals for damage to cases and leads. Do not re-use any item which is damaged or has become wet, even after you have dried it out thoroughly.

Use only those components and accessories which we expressly recommend. Be sure to use only genuine matching GRAUPNER connectors of the same design with contacts of the same material. Use only genuine GRAUPNER plug-in crystals on the appropriate frequency band – if your equipment still uses them.

Before you use the system, check that all connectors are pushed home ﬁ rmly. When disconnecting components, pull on the connectors themselves – not on the wires.

It is not permissible to carry out any modiﬁ cations to the RC system components. Avoid reverse polarity and short-circuits of all kinds, as the equipment is not protec-

ted against such errors.

Installing the receiving system and deploying the receiver aerial

In a model aircraft the receiver must be packed in soft foam and stowed behind a stout bulkhead, and in a model boat or car it should be protected effectively from dust and spray.

The receiver must not make contact with the fuselage, hull or chassis at any point, otherwise motor vibration and landing shocks will be transmitted directly to it.

When installing the receiving system in a model with a glowplug or petrol engine, be sure to install all the components in well-protected positions so that no exhaust gas or oil residues can reach the units and get inside them. This applies above all to the ON / OFF switch, which is usually installed in the outer skin of the model.

Secure the receiver in such a way that the aerial, servo leads and switch harness are not under any strain.

The receiver aerial is permanently attached to the receiver. It is about 100 cm long and must not be shortened or extended. The aerial should be routed as far away as possible from electric motors, servos, metal pushrods and high-current cables. However, it is best not to deploy the aerial in an exactly straight line, but to angle it: e.g. run it straight to the tailplane, then leave the ﬁ nal 10 - 15 cm trailing freely, as this avoids reception “blind spots” when the model is in the air. If this is not possible, we recommend that you lay out part of the aerial wire in an Sshape inside the model, as close to the receiver if possible.

Installing the servos

Always install servos using the vibration-damping grommets supplied. The rubber grommets provide some degree of protection from mechanical shocks and severe vibration.

Safety notes

Installing control linkages

The basic rule is that all linkages should be installed in such a way that the pushrods move accurately, smoothly and freely. It is particularly important that all servo output arms can move to their full extent without fouling or rubbing on anything, or being obstructed mechanically at any point in their travel.

It is important that you should be able to stop your motor at any time. With a glow motor this is achieved by adjusting the throttle so that the barrel closes completely when you move the throttle stick and trim to their endpoints.

Ensure that no metal parts are able to rub against each other, e.g. when controls are operated, when parts rotate, or when motor vibration affects the model. Metal-tometal contact causes electrical “noise” which can interfere with the correct working of the receiver.

Always extend the transmitter aerial fully before operating your model.

Transmitter ﬁ eld strength is at a minimum in an imaginary line extending straight out from the transmitter aerial. It is therefore fundamentally misguided to “point” the transmitter aerial at the model with the intention of obtaining good reception.

When several radio control systems are in use on adjacent channels, the pilots should always stand together in a loose group. Pilots who insist on standing away from the group endanger their own models as well as those of the other pilots.

Pre-ﬂ ight checking

If there are several modellers at the site, check carefully with all of them that you are the only one on “your” channel before you switch on your own transmitter. If two modellers switch on transmitters on the same channel, the result is invariably interference to one or both models, and the usual result is at least one wrecked model.

Safety notes

Before you switch on the receiver, ensure that the throttle stick is at the stop / idle end-point.

Always switch on the transmitter ﬁ rst, and only then

the receiver.

Always switch off the receiver ﬁ rst, and only then

the transmitter.

If you do not keep to this sequence, i.e. if the receiver is at any time switched on when “its” transmitter is switched OFF, then the receiver is wide open to signals from other transmitters and any interference, and may respond. The model could then carry out uncontrolled movements, which could easily result in personal injury or damage to property. The servos may run to their endstops and damage the gearbox, linkage, control surface etc.

Please take particular care if your model is ﬁ tted with a mechanical gyro:

Before you switch your receiver off, disconnect the power supply to ensure that the motor cannot run up to high speed accidentally.

As it runs down, the gyro can generate such a high voltage that the receiver picks up apparently valid throttle commands, and the motor could respond by unexpectedly bursting into life.

Range checking

Before every session check that the system works properly in every respect, and has adequate range. This means checking that all the control surfaces respond correctly and in the appropriate direction to the transmitter commands at a suitable ground range. Repeat this check with the motor running, while a friend holds the model securely for you.

Operating your model aircraft, helicopter, boat or car

Never ﬂ y directly over spectators or other pilots, and take care at all times not to endanger people or animals.

Keep well clear of high-tension overhead cables. Never operate your model boat close to locks and full-size vessels. Model cars should never be run on public streets or motorways, footpaths, public squares etc..

Checking the transmitter and receiver batteries

It is essential to stop using the radio control system and recharge the batteries well before they are completely discharged. In the case of the transmitter this means – at the very latest – when the message “Battery must be charged” appears on the screen, and you hear an audible warning signal.

It is vital to check the state of the batteries at regular intervals – especially the receiver pack. When the battery is almost ﬂ at you may notice the servos running more slowly, but it is by no means safe to keep ﬂ ying or running your model until this happens. Always replace or recharge the batteries in good time.

Keep to the battery manufacturer’s instructions and don’t leave the batteries on charge for longer than stated. Do not leave batteries on charge unsupervised.

Never attempt to recharge dry cells, as they may explode.

Rechargeable batteries should always be recharged before every session. When charging batteries it is important to avoid short-circuits. Do this by ﬁ rst connecting the banana plugs on the charge lead to the charger, taking care to maintain correct polarity. Only then connect the charge lead to the transmitter or receiver battery.

Disconnect all batteries and remove them from your model if you know you will not be using it in the near future.

Capacity and operating times

This rule applies to all forms of electrical power source: battery capacity is reduced every time you charge the pack. At low temperatures capacity is greatly reduced, i.e. operating times are shorter in cold conditions.

Frequent charging, and / or the use of maintenance programs, tends to cause a gradual reduction in battery capacity. We recommend that you check the capacity of all your rechargeable batteries at least every six months, and replace them if their performance has fallen off signiﬁ cantly.

Use only genuine GRAUPNER rechargeable batteries!

Suppressing electric motors

All conventional electric motors produce sparks between commutator and brushes to a greater or lesser extent, depending on the motor type; the sparking generates serious interference to the radio control system.

If an RC system is to work correctly, it is therefore important to suppress the electric motors, and in electricpowered models it is essential that every motor should be effectively suppressed. Suppressor ﬁ lters reliably eliminate such interference, and should always be ﬁ tted where possible.

Please read the notes and recommendations supplied by the motor manufacturer.

Refer to the main GRAUPNER FS catalogue for more information on suppressor ﬁ lters.

Servo suppressor ﬁ lter for extension leads

Order No. 1040 Servo suppressor ﬁ lters are required if you are obliged

to use long servo extension leads, as they eliminate the danger of de-tuning the receiver. The ﬁ lter is connected directly to the receiver input. In very difﬁ cult cases a second ﬁ lter can be used, positioned close to the servo.

Using electronic speed controllers

The basic rule is that the electronic speed controller must be chosen to suit the size of the electric motor it is required to control.

There is always a danger of overloading and possibly damaging the speed controller, but you can avoid this by

ensuring that the controller’s current-handling capacity is at least half the motor’s maximum stall current.

Particular care is called for if you are using a “hot” (i.e. upgrade) motor, as any low-turn motor (small number of turns on the winding) can draw many times its nominal current when stalled, and the high current will wreck the speed controller.

Electrical ignition systems

Ignition systems for internal combustion engines can also produce interference which has an adverse effect on the working of the radio control system.

Electrical ignition systems should always be powered by a separate battery – not the receiver battery.

Be sure to use effectively suppressed spark plugs and plug caps, and shielded ignition leads.

Keep the receiving system an adequate distance away from the ignition system.

Static charges

Lightning causes magnetic shock waves which can interfere with the operation of a radio control transmitter even if the thunderstorm actually occurs several kilometres away.

Cease ﬂ ying operations immediately if you notice an electrical storm approaching. Static charges through the transmitter aerial can be life-threatening!

Caution

Radio control systems may only be operated on the frequency bands and spot frequencies approved in each EU country. You will ﬁ nd information on frequencies in the section entitled “Approved operating frequencies” on page 113. It is prohibited to operate radio control systems on any other frequency, and such misuse will be punished by the relevant authorities.

Care and maintenance

Don’t use cleaning agents, petrol, water or other solvents to clean this equipment. If the case, the aerial etc. gets dirty, simply wipe the surfaces clean with a soft dry cloth.

Components and accessories

As manufacturers, the company of GRAUPNER GmbH & Co. KG recommends the exclusive use of components and accessories which have been tested by GRAUPNER and approved for their capability, function and safety. If you observe this rule, GRAUPNER accepts responsibility for the product.

GRAUPNER cannot accept liability for non-approved parts or accessories made by other manufacturers. It is not possible for GRAUPNER to assess every in- dividual item manufacture red by other producers, so we are unable to state whether such parts can be used without incurring a safety risk.

Liability exclusion / Compensation

We at GRAUPNER are unable to ensure that you ob- serve the operating instructions, and are not in a position to inﬂ uence the way you install, operate and maintain the radio control system components. For this reason we are obliged to refute all liability for loss, damage or costs which are incurred due to the incompetent or incorrect use and operation of our products, or which are connected with such operation in any way.

Unless otherwise prescribed by law, the obligation of the GRAUPNER company to pay compensation is limited to the invoice value of that quantity of GRAUPNER pro- ducts which was immediately and directly involved in the event in which the damage occurred. This does not apply if GRAUPNER is found to be subject to unlimited liability according to binding legal regulation on account of deliberate or gross negligence.

Safety notes

mx-16s – the latest generation of radio control technology

During the development phase of the mx-16s we retained and further reﬁ ned the overall programming philosophy of the mc-24. This system was introduced in 1997 and is renowned throughout the world; many thousands are already in use.

Although this radio control system has been specially developed for the beginner, it is capable of controlling all current types of model, from ﬁ xed-wing model aeroplanes and helicopters to model boats and cars.

In the area of ﬁ xed-wing models and helicopters it is often necessary to employ complex mixer functions for the control surfaces or the swashplate control system. Computer technology enables you to activate a vast range of functions to cope with special model requirements – just by pressing a button. With the mx-16s all you do is select the appropriate model type, and the software then presents you automatically with the appropriate mixer and coupling functions. This means that the transmitter requires no additional modules in order to implement complex coupled functions, and you can forget all about old-fashioned mechanical mixers in the model. The mx16s provides an extremely high level of safety and reliability in use.

The software is carefully arranged in a logically structured menu system. Options which are inter-connected in terms of function are clearly organised in terms of content.

• Model memories

• Base settings

• Servo settings

• Control settings

• Dual Rate/Expo

• Phase trim (ﬁ xed-wing only)

• Wing mixers / Heli mixer

• Free mixers

Introduction

• Swashplate mixers (helicopter only)

• Fail Safe (SPCM transmission mode only) The mx-16s provides 12 model memories, each of

which can store model settings for different ﬂ ight phases. Individual phases can be called up in ﬂ ight simply by operating a switch, so that you can try out various settings quickly and without risk. This can be for test purposes or for varying parameters for different phases of ﬂ ight.

The large graphic screen makes operating the transmitter a simple, self-explanatory process. Mixers and other functions can be displayed in graphic form, and this is extraordinarily helpful.

The beginner soon becomes familiar with the wide range of functions available thanks to the clear, logically arranged program structure. Adjustments are made using just two rocker buttons, together with the SELECT and CLEAR buttons to either side of the high-contrast screen, and in this way you very quickly learn how to make full use of all the options you need, depending on your experience in handling radio-controlled models.

When used with the new “smc…” receivers the mx-16s can provide servo travel at extremely high resolution with 1024 control “steps” using the SUPER-PCM digital modulation mode, for ultra-ﬁ ne control. Naturally we guarantee full compatibility with earlier PPM-FM and PCM receiver systems.

This manual describes each menu in detail, and also provides dozens of useful tips, notes and programming examples to complement the basic information. More general modelling terms, such as Transmitter controls, Dual-Rates, Butterﬂ y (Crow) and many others, are all explained in the manual.

The appendix contains comprehensive information on the Trainer (teacher / pupil) system. The manual concludes with a table of the frequencies approved for

use in individual European countries, copies of the Approval Certiﬁ cate, the Conformity Declaration and the transmitter’s Guarantee Certiﬁ cate.

Please read the safety notes and the technical information. We recommend that you read right through the instructions with great care, and check all the functions as described in the text. This can be carried out simply by connecting servos to the supplied receiver, and watching their response as you program the transmitter. This is the quickest method of becoming familiar with the essential procedures and functions of the mx-16s.

Always handle your radio-controlled model with a responsible attitude to avoid endangering yourself and others.

All of us in the GRAUPNER team wish you every success and many years of pleasure with your mx-16s, which is an excellent example of the latest generation of radio control systems.

Kirchheim-Teck, november 2006

-16s Computer System

Eight-channel digital proportional radio control system

High-technology micro-computer radio control system with new high-speed single-chip micro-computer, ﬂ ash memory and 10-bit A/D converter

A computer radio control system with twelve model memories, carefully optimised and incorporating top-level technology.

Modern computer system for unbeatable reliability. Simpliﬁ ed, straightforward programming technique using rocker buttons and momentary buttons.

The high-contrast graphic screen provides an efﬁ cient means of monitoring set-up parameters, operating modes, timers and battery voltage.

• Modern hardware and integrated Synthesizer system for channel selection, with security menu to guard against setting the wrong frequency accidentally

• Methods of operation and programming based on the proven concepts of the mc-19 to mc-24

• Eight control functions with extremely convenient, simpliﬁ ed method of assigning controls for auxiliary functions such as switches and proportional controls

• Unrestricted assignment of all switches to switched

functions simply by operating the desired switch

• Twelve model memories for storing all model-speciﬁ c programming and set-up parameters

• The latest back-up system requiring no Lithium battery

• Four switches (of which one is a three-position switch), one momentary button, one analogue control, two digital controls installed as standard; freely programmable for extreme flexibility

• Function encoder with two rocker buttons and two momentary buttons for simplified programming and accurate set-up

• Convenient mode selector provides simple method of switching the stick mode (modes 1 - 4, e.g. throttle right / throttle left). When you change modes, all the affected settings are switched at the same time

• Graphical servo display provides a straightforward overview of the servo set-up and a fast method of checking servo travels

• Receiver output swap

• Wing menu for: 1AIL, 2AIL, 2AIL + 2FLAP, V-tail, delta / ﬂ ying wing and two elevator servos

Wing mixer: AIL diff, FL diff, AIL  RUD, AIL  FL,

Brake  ELE, Brake  FL, Brake  AIL, ELE  FL, ELE  AIL, FL  ELE, FL  AIL and Diff. reduction

Description of radio control system

• Heli menu: 1-point, 2-point, 3-point and 4-point linkages (1 SV, 2 SV, 3 SV (2 roll), 3 SV (2 nick), 4 SV (90°))

• Two selectable modulations:

SPCM – Super PCM modulation with high system re-

solution of 1024 steps per control function. For the following receivers: smc-14, smc-19, smc-20, smc19DS, smc-20DS, smc-16SCAN, smc-20DSYN, smc20DSCAN, R 330 S

PPM – The most widespread standard transmission

method (FM and FMsss). For the following receivers: C12, C16, C17, R16SCAN, C19, DS18, DS19, DS20, plus the following miniature receivers: XP4, XP10, XP12FM, XP14, XN12, XM16, RB14 SCAN, R16 SCAN, R200 FM 40, R600, R600 light, R700 and C6, C8, SB6 SYN 40S, SR6SYN

• Servo travel adjustment +/-150% for all servo channels, variable for each end-point separately (Single Side Servo Throw)

• Sub-trim for fine-tuning the neutral position of all servos

• Servo reverse, programmable for all servos

• DUAL RATE/EXPO system, separately variable, can be switched in-ﬂ ight

• Mixer functions:

Aileron differential mixer, butterfly mixer, flaperon mi-

xer and three freely programmable mixers

• Convenient swashplate programs for model helicopters

• Programmable Fail-Safe function with hold-mode and preset function (SPCM only)

• Stopwatch / count-down timer with alarm function

• Model memory copy function

• Integral DSC socket for use with flight simulators and Trainer systems

Description of radio control system

The sets contain:

mx-16s transmitter with Synthesizer transmitter module on the appropriate frequency band, integral 8NH-1700 mAh NiMH battery (type may differ), R16SCAN receiver on the appropriate frequency, one C 577 servo, switch harness.

Order No. 4701 35 MHz band (A- and B-band) Order No. 4703 40/41 MHz band

Please refer to the table on page 113 for details of approved frequencies in individual EU countries.

Speciﬁ cation of R16SCAN receiver

Operating voltage 4,8 ... 6 V

Current drain approx. 24 mA

Spot frequencies, 35 MHz 61 ... 282 / 182 ... 191*

Spot frequ., 40 / 41 MHz 50 ... 92 / 400 ... 420**

Channel spacing 10 kHz

Sensitivity approx. 10 µV

Modulation PPM

Servo functions 8

Temperature range -15° ... +55° C

Aerial length approx. 1000 mm

Dimensions approx. 46 x 25 x 15 mm

Weight approx. 17 g

* Channels 60, 281 and 282 not approved for use in Germany ** 41 MHz approved for use in France only

Speciﬁ cation of mx-16s transmitter

Transmission system SPCM und PPM (FM / FMsss)

Synthesizer RF section 35 MHz A-band and B-band

40/41 MHz band

Please refer to the table on page 13 for details of approved frequencies in individual EU countries

Channel spacing, Synthesizer 10 kHz

Maximum control functions SPCM = 8, PPM = 8

Control functions 8 functions, 4 with trims

Channel pulse width 1,5 ms +/-0,5 ms

Temperature range -15 ... +55°C

Telescopic aerial 10-section, approx. 1150 mm long

Operating voltage 9,6 ... 12 V

Current drain approx. 225 mA (approx. 65 mA excl. RF)

Dimensions approx. 190 x 195 x 85 mm

Weight approx. 870 g incl. transmitter battery

Accessories

Order No. Description

1121 Neckstrap, 20 mm wide 70 Neckstrap, 30 mm wide 3097 Wind-shield for hand-held transmitter

See page 111 for mx-16s Trainer leads

Replacement part

Order No. Description

3100.6 Telescopic aerial for mx-16s transmitter

Description of radio control system

Operating notes

Power supply

The battery compartment in the mx-16s transmitter is designed to be ﬁ tted with a high-capacity 8NH-1700 TX

9.6 V NiMH battery (Order No. 3414) (type may differ).

When delivered, the standard rechargeable battery ﬁ tted is not charged.

When you are using the transmitter you can monitor the battery voltage on the LCD screen. If the voltage of the transmitter battery falls below a certain point, you will hear an audible warning signal. The screen then displays a message reminding you that the transmitter battery needs to be recharged.

When you see this message, cease operations immediately and recharge the transmitter battery.

Charging the transmitter battery

The rechargeable transmitter battery can be charged via the charge socket ﬁ tted to the right-hand side of the case. Leave the battery inside the transmitter for charging, to avoid premature damage to the internal battery socket.

The transmitter must be switched “OFF” for the whole period of the charge process. Never switch on the transmitter when it is still connected to the charger; even a very brief interruption in the charge process can cause the charge voltage to rise to the point where the transmitter is immediately damaged by the excess voltage. For this reason check carefully that all connectors are secure, and are making really good contact.

Polarity of the mx-16s charge socket

Commercially available battery charge leads produced by other manufacturers are often made up with the opposite polarity. For this reason use genuine GRAUPNER charge leads exclusively.

Charging the transmitter battery using an automatic charger

The transmitter is designed as standard for use with automatic battery chargers. However, this requires care on your part:

The transmitter charge socket is not protected against short-circuit and / or reversed polarity. It is therefore essential to use the correct procedure when connecting the charge lead: ﬁ rst connect the banana plugs on the charge lead to the charger, and only then connect the other end of the lead to the transmitter charge socket. When the charge lead is connected to the transmitter, never allow the bare ends of the plugs to touch!

Charging the transmitter battery using a standard charger

It is also possible to charge the transmitter battery using a charger with no automatic termination (cut-off) circuit. The basic rule in this case is to charge the battery for fourteen hours, assuming that it is initially ﬂ at. The charge current should be one tenth of the capacity printed on the battery. In the case of the standard transmitter battery this means 170 mA. However, you are responsible for terminating the charge process manually if you use a standard charger …

Removing the transmitter battery

The ﬁ rst step in removing the transmitter battery is to open the battery compartment cover in the back of the case. This is accomplished by pushing it in the direction of the arrow; it can then be lifted off:

Disconnect the plug at the end of the transmitter battery lead by pulling carefully on the lead, or by engaging a ﬁ nger nail behind the lug on the top of the connector. However, don’t pull the plug down or up; keep it as parallel as possible to the surface of the transmitter.

brown or black

Transmitter charge plug polarity

Battery timer, bottom left corner of the screen

This timer displays the cumulative operating time of the transmitter since the last time the transmitter battery was charged.

This timer is automatically reset to “0:00” when the transmitter detects that the voltage of the transmitter battery is signiﬁ cantly higher than the last time it was switched on, e.g. as a result of a charge process.

red

Operating notes

Receiver batteries

A wide variety of rechargeable 4.8 V NC and NiMH batteries is available. For safety reasons do not use a battery box, and never use dry cells.

There is no direct method of checking receiver battery voltage when operating a model.

Make it a standard part of your routine to check the state of your batteries at regular intervals. Don’t wait until you notice the servos running more slowly than usual before recharging the packs.

Note: Please refer to the main GRAUPNER FS catalogue for full details of batteries, chargers, measuring equipment and monitor units for checking batteries.

Charging the receiver battery

The charge lead, Order No. 3021, can be connected directly to the NC receiver battery for charging. If the battery is installed in a model and you have installed one of the following switch harnesses: Order No. 3046, 3934 or

3934.1 or 3934.3, the battery can be charged via the separate charge socket, or the charge socket which is built into the switch. The switch on the switch harness must be left at the “OFF” position for charging.

General notes on battery charging

• Observe the recommendations provided by the charger manufacturer and the battery manufacturer at all times. Observe the maximum permissible charge current stated by the battery manufacturer.

The maximum charge current for the transmitter bat-

tery is 1.5 A. Limit the charge current to this value on the charger.

• Carry out a series of test charges to ensure that the automatic charge termination circuit works correctly with your battery.

This applies in particular if you are using an auto-

matic charger designed for NiCd batteries to recharge the standard NiMH battery.

You may need to adjust the Delta Peak trigger volta-

ge, if your charger provides this option.

• Do not discharge the battery or carry out a battery maintenance program via the integral charge socket. The charge socket is not suitable for this application.

• Always connect the charge lead to the charger ﬁ rst, and only then to the transmitter or receiver battery. Observing this rule eliminates the danger of accidental short-circuits between the bare contacts of the charge lead plugs.

• Never leave batteries on charge unsupervised.

Standard chargers

Order No. 6422 Minilader 2 Order No. 6427 Multilader 3 Order No. 6426 Multilader 6E* Order No. 6428 Turbomat 6 Plus* Order No. 6429 Turbomat 7 Plus*

Automatic chargers with special NiMH charge programs

Order No. 6419 Ultramat 5* ** Order No. 6410 Ultramat 10* Order No. 6412 Ultramat 12* ** Order No. 6414 Ultramat 14* Order No. 6417 Ultramat 25* ** Order No. 6416 Ultra Duo Plus 30* **

* To recharge the mx-16s system you will also need the transmitter

charge lead, Order No. 3022, and the receiver battery charge lead, Order No. 3021.

** 12 V power source required

Disposing of dry cells and rechargeable batteries

Never dispose of exhausted batteries in the household rubbish. As end-user you are legally required (by the “Battery Regulation”) to return old and exhausted batteries. They should and must be taken to your local toxic waste collection point so that the materials can be reused or re-cycled. They can also be returned to any retail outlet where batteries are sold.

Please contact your local authority if you are not sure where your nearest battery recycling centre is located.

Operating notes

Adjusting stick length

Both sticks are inﬁ nitely variable in length over a broad range, enabling you to set them to suit your personal preference to provide ﬁ ne, accurate control.

Loosen the locking screw using a 2 mm allen key, then screw the stick top in or out to shorten or extend it. Tighten the grubscrew again carefully to lock the set length.

Locking screw

Loosen

Tighten

Opening the transmitter case

Please read the following notes carefully before you open the transmitter. If you have no experience in such matters, we recommend that you ask your nearest GRAUPNER Service Centre to carry out the work for you.

The transmitter should only be opened in the following cases:

• When a self-neutralising stick needs to be converted to non-neutralising action, or a non-neutralising stick to a self-neutralising action

• If you wish to adjust the stick centring spring tension

Before opening the transmitter check that it is switched off (move Power switch to “OFF”).

There is no need to remove the transmitter battery. However, if you leave it in place be sure not to switch the transmitter on (“ON” position). If you wish to remove the transmitter battery, please read the section on page 10.

Locate the six recessed screws on the back on the transmitter, and undo them using a PH1-size cross-point screwdriver (see drawing right). Hold the two case sections together with your hand, and turn the unit over to allow these six screws to fall out onto the table. Now carefully raise the case back and fold it open to the left, as if you were opening a book.

C A U T I O N A two-core lead connects the case back to the trans-

mitter electronics in the front section. Please take great care not to damage this cable!

Important note:

• Do not modify the transmitter circuit in any way, as this invalidates your guarantee and ofﬁ cial approval for the system.

• Do not touch any part of the circuit boards with any metal object. Avoid touching the contacts with your ﬁ ngers.

• Never switch the transmitter on while the case is open.

Please note the following points when closing the transmitter:

• Make sure that no cables are jammed between the transmitter case sections when you close the back.

• Ensure that the DSC socket engages in its mounting.

• Check that the two case sections fit together flush all round before fitting the retaining screws. Never force the two case components together.

• Fit the case screws in the existing threads, and tighten them gently. Over-tightening them will strip the threads in the plastic.

Arrangement of the transmitter case screws

Operating notes

Changing the stick mode

Either or both sticks can be converted from self-neutralising to non self-neutralising action: Start by opening the transmitter as described on the previous page.

The procedure for changing the default stick mode setting is as follows:

1. Use a pair of tweezers to disconnect the spring from the centring lever on the stick whose mode you wish to change. If you are not sure, move the appropriate stick to make it obvious. Raise the lever and disconnect it.

2. Locate the hexagonal bush supplied in the accessory pack, and screw it into the hole. Now ﬁ nd the ratchet spring (also supplied) and ﬁ x it to the plastic pillar using the black self-tapping screw supplied. You can now set the strength of the ratchet spring on

Brassbush

the side of the hexagonal bush by screwing the M3 screw in or out.

3. Check that the stick works as you prefer, then close

the transmitter case once more.

Resetting the spring to “self-neutralising” action

Open the transmitter as already described.

1. Disconnect and remove the ratchet spring: see picture left.

2. Now re-connect the (previously removed) centring spring to the side of the stick where the ratchet spring was located.

3. First loosen the stick centring spring adjustor screw slightly – see picture right – and then draw a length of thin thread through the upper loop of the spring – but don’t tie it. Now use a pair of tweezers to connect the spring to the bottom loop of the adjustment system, and then engage the top end of the spring to the centring lever using the thread. Once the spring is correctly ﬁ tted, the thread can be removed again.

4. The tension of the stick centring spring can be adjusted as described in the next section.

Stick centring spring tension

The stick centring force can be adjusted to suit the pilot’s personal preference. The adjustment system is located adjacent to the stick centring spring. Rotate the adjustor screw using a cross-point screwdriver until the spring tension feels right to you:

• Turn to the right = harder spring tension;

• Turn to the left = softer spring tension.

Operating notes

Description of transmitter

transmitter controls

Attaching the transmitter neckstrap

You will ﬁ nd a strap lug mounted in the centre of the front face of the mx-16s transmitter, as shown in the drawing on the right. This lug is positioned in such a way that the transmitter is perfectly balanced even when suspended from a neckstrap.

1121 Neckstrap, 20 mm wide 70 Neckstrap, 30 mm wide

CTRL 6: INC / DEC buttons*

SW 3: two-position switch

SW 2: two-position switch

Aerial

Neckstrap lug

CTRL 5: INC / DEC buttons*

Carry handle

Button: SW 4 / PB 8

SW 6 / 7: three-position switch

Important note: In the transmitter’s standard form any servos connected to the receiver can initially only be operated using the dual-axis sticks. For maximum ﬂ exibility, all the other transmitter controls (CTRL 5 ... 7, SW 1 ... 7) are in software terms “free”, and can be assigned to any channels you like, enabling you to set up the system to suit your personal preference or the requirements of a particular model. This is carried out in the »Control settings« menu, as described on pages 50 and 52.

* INC / DEC buttons (CTRL 5 and 6)

Each time you press the button the servo travel changes by 1% of the set maximum; the system works as follows: INC – in the positive direction; DEC – in the negative direction.

Description of transmitter – transmitter controls

CTRL 7: rotary proportional control

Left-hand stick unit

Trims

ON / OFF switch

Input buttons

SW 1: two-position switch

Right-hand stick unit

Trims

Input buttons

LCD screen

Transmitter case back

DSC

Direct Servo Control

Case screw

Transmitter battery charge socket

Case screw

Adjusting the centring spring force

Right vertical

Right horizontal

Case screw

Battery compartment cover

Case screw

mitter circuit board!

Do not touch the trans-

mitter circuit board!

Case screw

DSC socket for connection to ﬂ ight simulators, Trainer lead and Diagnosis (closed loop) lead (see right-hand column)

DSC = Direct Servo Control

Case screw

Caution

The battery lead is polarised, i.e. it can only be plugged in one way round. Don’t use force when disconnecting the battery connector!

Left horizontal

Left vertical

The original function of this socket was for “Direct Servo Control”, and that’s why the abbreviation is still in use. However, it is now much more versatile than simply providing a means of controlling servos by cable. The DSC socket is now also used as an interface for ﬂ ight simulators, and for connecting a Pupil transmitter to a Teacher transmitter to form a Trainer (buddy box) system.

For the DSC connection to work you must check the following:

1. Carry out any adjustments required in the appropriate menus:

If you are connecting the transmitter to a ﬂ ight simu-

lator (for example), these settings are found in the »Modulation« line of the »Base settings« menu – “PPM” is usually required.

If you are connecting a Diagnosis lead (Order No.

4178.1), the modulation must be selected to suit the receiver – see below.

See page 110 for information on setting up the mx-

16s transmitter to work as part of a Trainer system.

2. Always leave the transmitter’s On / Off switch in the “OFF” position, for only in this position is the RF section of the transmitter module switched off (no RF signal) even when the DSC lead is plugged in.

This is particularly important if you are using a Dia-

gnosis lead or a Trainer lead, otherwise you can still cause interference to other pilots.

3. Connect the appropriate connecting lead to the DSC socket on the back of the transmitter. This renders the transmitter ready for use, circumventing the channel section, and the LCD screen operates. At the same time the letters “DSC” appear on the right-hand side of the LCD screen, instead of the usual display of the selected transmission channel.

4. Connect the other end of the connecting lead to the desired apparatus, taking into account the operating

Description of transmitter – case back

instructions supplied with that equipment.

If you wish to use the Diagnosis lead, Order No.

4178.1, do not connect it directly to the receiver. First connect the lead to a receiver battery using a Y-lead, and connect this to the receiver’s battery input socket instead of the receiver battery. The end with the barrel plug can then be connected to the appropriate socket on the back of the transmitter.

Once the transmitter is connected to the receiver as

described above, you can check the control functions or make changes to settings even if another pilot is using “your” frequency. Since in this state (power = “OFF”) the transmitter does not broadcast a ra- dio signal, you can, for example, prepare your model ready to ﬂ y without causing interference to other pilots. Another advantage is that the transmitter’s current drain is reduced to only about 65 mA, since the transmitter’s RF section is not active in this mode of operation. Diagnosis mode operations therefore extend the operating time of the transmitter battery considerably.

Important:

Ensure that all the cables are ﬁ rmly plugged in.

Note regarding ﬂ ight simulators: The range of ﬂ ight simulators available commercially is now very wide, and you may ﬁ nd that it is necessary to swap over certain contacts at the battery plug or the DSC module. Do not attempt this work yourself; it must be carried out by a GRAUPNER Service Centre.

Caution: Certain receivers – such as the R16SCAN – feature a battery socket to which a servo can also be connected via a Y-lead. In this case it is not possible to use a DSC lead.

Description of transmitter – case back

LCD screen and operating buttons

Model name

Memory 1 … 12

Left-hand rocker button

ENTER = conﬁ rm

ESC = interrupt / back

SELECT button

Visual display of trim lever positions; alternatively – if the SELECT button is held pressed in – display of the current set-

tings of the two INC / DEC buttons (CTRL 5 + 6)

Model type display

(ﬁ xed-wing / helicopter)

Error in Trainer mode Throttle stick dange-

student

signal

rously high

throttle

too

high !

Stopwatch in min : sec (count-up / count-down)

Operating voltage in-

adequate

battery needs charging

Flight timer in min : sec (count-up / count-down)

Right-hand rocker button (value change)

CLEAR button (erases, or resets

to default value)

SPCM mode only

adjust fail safe !

Battery voltage

(if voltage falls below a particular value a warning display appears – see images at top right – and an audible warning signal sounds)

Battery operating time since last charge process, in hr : min

Description of transmitter – LCD screen and operating buttons

Modulation type

Flight phase name

transition between ﬂ ight phases using switch

Channel display

(ﬂ ashes if RF section switched off; see pages 20 … 21)

Controlling the “Data Terminal”

Input buttons and function ﬁ elds

ENTER, ESC, SELECT, +, -, CLEAR ... SEL, STO, CLR, SYM, ASY, ,

ENTER button

(conﬁ rm)

ESC button (interrupt / back)

Larger – up button

(+)

Smaller – down

button (-)

Function ﬁ elds

Function ﬁ elds appear in the bottom line of the screen in certain menus; they can be selected using the righthand rocker button –  .

SELECT button

Buttons to the left of the screen

• ENTER button, left-hand rocker button

Pressing ENTER takes you from Channel Select

(which appears when you switch the transmitter on) to the basic display, and then on to the multi-function menus. You can also call up a selected menu using

ENTER.

• ESC button, left-hand rocker button

Pressing the ESC button returns you step by step

within the function select system, taking you right back to the basic display. If you make a change in the meantime, the change is retained.

• SELECT The SELECT button is used for several tasks:

1. A brief press switches from the basic transmitter

display to the »Servo display«; see page 27.

2. Hold the button pressed in to display the current positions of the two INC / DEC buttons CTRL 5 + 6 in the basic display. The information is shown for the duration of the button-press. See page 27.

3. Within the set-up menus press the SELECT button to activate the adjustment ﬁ elds, and then press SELECT again to return to the function ﬁ elds at the bottom edge of the screen.

4. If you hold the SELECT button pressed in, you can “leaf through” the menu lines within the indi-

CLEAR

(reset to standard

value)

vidual set-up menus using the right-hand rocker button – symbolised by  above and below the two buttons.

Buttons to the right of the screen

• “+” and “-“ buttons, right-hand rocker button

1. “Leaf through” the menu lines within the individual

menus when the SELECT button is held pressed in – symbolised by  above and below the two buttons.

2. “Leaf through” lists, e.g. the model select or multi-

function list – symbolised by   on both sides of the right-hand rocker button.

3. Change between the function ﬁ elds, most of which are located at the bottom edge of the screen; see right-hand column – symbolised by   on both sides of the right-hand rocker button.

4. Select and adjust parameters in the adjustment ﬁ elds, after activating them by pressing the SE- LECT button – symbolised by + and – above and below the right-hand rocker button.

• CLEAR Resets a changed parameter value in the active input

ﬁ eld to the default value.

S E L

S T O C L R

S Y M

A S Y

Press the SELECT button to activate a function ﬁ eld.

Function ﬁ elds

• SEL select

switch symbol ﬁ eld

•

(assigning switches of all kinds)

• STO store (e.g. transmitter control position)

• CLR clear reset to default value

• SYM adjust values symmetrically

• ASY adjust values asymmetrically

• switch to second page (next menu) within a

Description of transmitter – Operating buttons

Using the system for the ﬁ rst time

Channel selection

Preliminary notes

In its standard form the mx-16s is programmed to PPM mode, and is therefore suitable for use with receivers of the “FM-PPM” type. If you have purchased a standard radio control set on the 35 or 40 / 41 MHz band, you can immediately operate the supplied R16SCAN receiver in this transmission mode.

The standard PPM mode of operation is supplemented by the SPCM mode, which is suitable for all GRAUPNER/JR receivers of the “smc” type.

The ability of the mx-16s transmitter to switch transmission modes enables you to operate the unit with all GRAUPNER receiving systems supplied with PPM-FM and SPCM transmitters on the 35 and 40 / 41 MHz frequency bands.

For example, if you do not wish to use a “PPM” type receiver, the ﬁ rst step is to change the modulation to suit the type of receiver you wish to use. If you do not set the transmitter correctly, the receiver simply will not work with the transmitter. The transmission mode can be changed in the »Base settings« menu (description: pa- ges 38 and 42); the set mode only applies to the current model memory.

Which crystals can you use?

The mx-16s requires no plug-in crystals. The transmission channel is selected by software: see later.

Battery charged?

When you take receipt of your transmitter, the battery will be in the discharged state, so you must ﬁ rst charge it as described on pages 10 … 11. If you do not do this, the battery will soon fall below the pre-set threshold voltage, and you will see and hear a warning signal to remind you to recharge it.

battery needs charging

Aerial ﬁ tted?

Never switch the transmitter on unless the aerial is screwed in. Even for prolonged testing you should always ﬁ t the aerial and extend it fully, otherwise the transmitter may malfunction, with possible damage to the RF module.

When you wish to control a model it is fundamentally essential to screw the ten-section telescopic aerial into the transmitter and extend it fully. Transmitter ﬁ eld strength is at a minimum in an imaginary line extending straight out from the transmitter aerial. It is therefore fundamentally misguided to “point” the transmitter aerial at the model with the intention of obtaining good reception.

Switching the transmitter on / selecting a channel

Every time you switch the transmitter on you must ﬁ rst conﬁ rm to the integral synthesizer system that you wish to use the set frequency. This takes the form of a security query, intended to prevent you switching the system on accidentally whilst set to the wrong channel. The software asks you: “RF off / on”. The last set channel is initially highlighted (inverse video – black background) and ﬂ ashes:

If you wish to activate this channel, use the right-hand rocker button to move the highlighted square to the “Yes ” response in the function bar …

… and press the ENTER or SELECT button. If not, move to the symbol at bottom right of the

screen. Press the ENTER or SELECT button to take you to the Channel Select screen. The channels available at that point vary according to the RF module currently ﬁ tted:

Frequency band Channels

35/35B MHz band 61 … 282, 182 … 191

40/41 MHz band 50 … 95, 400 ... 420

Note: Channels 281 and 282 in the 35 MHz band, and all channels in the 41 MHz band, are not approved for use in Germany. Please refer to the frequency table on page 113, which lists the channels valid in the European continent at time of going to press (information not guaranteed).

Use the right-hand rocker button to select the channel you wish to use. However, please check before you do this that no other model ﬂ yer is operating a radio control system on the channel you intend to use.

Description of transmitter – Using the system for the ﬁ rst time

Note: You can switch directly to the channel with the lowest number by pressing the CLEAR button.

Press ENTER or ESC to conﬁ rm your choice, and the screen changes back to the previous screen page:

Now switch on the RF module as previously described, by moving the highlighted square to “Yes” using the right-hand rocker button …

... and press the ENTER or SELECT button. The selected channel number now appears (no longer ﬂ ashing) in the basic display:

The transmitter is now ready for use. If you wish to change the channel again, the transmitter

must ﬁ rst be switched off, then on again. You will ﬁ nd a description of the basic procedure when

initially programming a new model memory on page 34;

helpful programming examples are in the section starting on page 86.

W A R N I N G Never switch off the transmitter when you are ﬂ ying

a model! If you do, you run a serious risk of losing the model, as you will be highly unlikely to be able to re-activate the RF signal quickly enough, since the transmitter always responds with the security query “RF signal on YES / NO” when switched on.

IMPORTANT NOTE In the interest of maximum possible ﬂ exibility, con-

trol channels 5 … 8 are not assigned to transmitter controls by default; this also helps to eliminate the danger of inadvertently using them incorrectly. For the same reason virtually all the mixers are inactive by default.

This means that in its standard form the transmitter can only control servos connected to receiver output sockets 1 … 4 using the primary dual-axis sticks. In contrast, any servos connected to receiver sockets 5 … 8 remain ﬁ xed at their centre position. This situation only changes when you have carried out the appropriate settings.

Description of transmitter – Using the system for the ﬁ rst time

Adjusting screen contrast

The contrast of the LCD screen on the mx-16s transmitter is variable, to allow you to read the information clearly in all weathers and at all temperatures.

Hold the “SELECT” button pressed in when the transmitter screen is showing the basic display, then press the “+” button for higher contrast, or the “-” button for lower contrast:

Using the receiving system for the ﬁ rst time

Channel selection

Receiving system

Antenne

LED SCAN

PLL-Synthesizer-MICRO-SUPERHET

R 1 6

für das 35MHz/35MHz-B-Band

SCAN LED

Best.-Nr.

7052

Kanal 60-282/182-191

S C A N

Made in Malaysia

7 6

8/Batt.

5 4

! #

3 2 1

The mx-16s radio control set is supplied complete with a PLL-SCAN narrow-band FM superhet receiver on the 35 / 35B MHz band or the 40 / 41 MHz band. The following section describes how to set the receiver channel to match the transmitter’s channel. The approved channels at the time of going to press are listed in the table on page 113.

If you are using the standard receiver, you need to set the transmitter to PPM transmission mode. You must not activate the channel on the transmitter until you have checked carefully that no other pilot is ﬂ ying his model on your chosen frequency. When you are sure, switch the receiver on. You will see a blue LED light up on the receiver, indicating that the unit is (basically) ready for use.

Setting the receiver to match the transmitter channel

1. Prepare the transmitter ready for use, with the aerial ﬁ tted and extended, and place it in the immediate vicinity of the receiver. The scan program which is run next binds the receiver to the most powerful transmitter signal, so you must ensure that no other radio control transmitter is located very close to your receiver.

2. Locate the push-button marked “SCAN” on the receiver, and use a tool such as a ball-point pen to hold the button pressed in until the LED goes out; this takes about three seconds.

Using the receiving system for the ﬁ rst time

3. Press the SCAN button again immediately when the LED goes out: the LED now ﬂ ashes at a high rate. This indicates that the “Scan” process is under way. As soon as the receiver “ﬁ nds” the transmitter frequency, the LED will glow again constantly. The receiver stores this channel, so that you do not need to repeat the process each time you switch the receiver on; you only need to do this if you change channels.

4. If the LED ﬂ ashes slowly after a few seconds, it is unable to lock onto the transmitter frequency. Check the transmitter, then repeat steps 1 to 3.

Always carry out a range check with the model on the ground before every ﬂ ight.

Note: If you wish to connect a servo in parallel with the receiver battery, i.e. to the socket on the R16SCAN receiver marked “8/Batt”, you need to use a Y-lead, Order No.

3936.11 or 3936.32. As the socket is now in use for two

purposes, Diagnosis mode operations (see pages 15 …

16) are not possible with this receiver.

Please read the information on installing the receiver and receiver aerial on pages 3 to 5 of these instructions.

If you wish to use a different GRAUPNER receiver, ple- ase note that you must set the appropriate transmission mode (PPM or SPCM) on the transmitter; the frequency band and channel number of the receiver must also match those of the transmitter.

The receiver is ﬁ tted with polarised connector sockets, so that the servos and battery can only be connected the right way round. Genuine GRAUPNER plugs feature a slight chamfer on one side to match the sockets. Connect the receiver battery to the receiver socket marked “8/Batt” via an ON / OFF switch harness.

Note: If you wish to use a receiver battery and a speed controller with integral BEC* system, the positive (red) wire must normally be disconnected from the 3-pin plug, although this does vary according to the type of controller. Please be sure to read the instructions supplied with

red

your speed controller before you do this.

Using a small screwdriver, carefully raise the centre lug of the plug (1), withdraw the red wire (2) and insulate the exposed contact with insulating tape to prevent possible short-circuits (3).

* Battery Elimination Circuit

Installation notes

Your receiving system must be installed correctly in the model. The following are a few suggestions when using GRAUPNER equipment:

1. Wrap the receiver in (anti-static) foam rubber at least 6 mm thick. Fix the foam round the receiver using rubber bands, to protect it from vibration, hard landings and crash damage.

2. The receiver aerial must be secured in the model, so that there is no chance of it becoming tangled in the propeller or control surfaces. However, it is best not to deploy the aerial in an exactly straight line, but to angle it: e.g. run it straight to the tailplane, then leave the ﬁ nal 10 - 15 cm trailing freely, as this avoids reception “blind spots” when the model is in the air. If this is not possible, we recommend that you lay out part of the aerial wire in an S-shape inside the model, as close to the receiver as possible.

3. All switches must be installed in a position where they will not be affected by exhaust gases or vibration. The switch toggle must be free to move over its full range of travel.

4. Always install servos using the vibration-damping grommets and tubular metal spacers supplied. The rubber grommets provide some degree of protection from mechanical shocks and severe vibration. Don’t over-tighten the servo retaining screws, as this will compress the grommets and thereby reduce the vibration protection they afford. The system offers good security and vibration protection for your servos, but only if the servo retaining screws are ﬁ tted and tightened properly. The picture on the right shows how to install a servo correctly. The brass spacers should be pushed into the rubber grommets from the underside.

5. The servo output arms must be free to move over their full arc of travel. Ensure that no parts of the mechanical linkage can obstruct the servo in its move-

ment.

The sequence in which the servos are connected to the receiver is dictated by the model type. Please see the socket assignments listed on pages 29 / 30 and 33.

Be sure to read the safety notes on pages 3 … 5. If the receiver is ever switched on when the transmit-

ter is off, the servos may carry out uncontrolled movements. You can avoid this by switching the system on in this order:

Always switch the transmitter on ﬁ rst,

then the receiver.

When switching the system off:

Always switch the receiver off ﬁ rst,

then the transmitter.

When programming the transmitter you must always ensure that any electric motors in the system cannot possibly burst into life accidentally, and that an I.C. engine ﬁ tted with an automatic starter cannot start unintentionally. In the interests of safety it is always best to dis-

Servo mounting lug

Retaining screw

Rubber grommet

Brass tubular spacer

connect the ﬂ ight battery, or cut off the fuel supply.

Range checking:

Before every session you should always check that each working system is functioning correctly, and carry out a range check with the model on the ground. The transmitter aerial should be ﬁ tted but collapsed completely, and should be taken a suitable distance away from the model. All the functions should work smoothly and correctly during this test. If your model is powered, repeat the check with the motor running to ensure that it does not cause interference.

Using the receiving system for the ﬁ rst time

Deﬁ nition of terms

Control functions, transmitter controls, function inputs, control channels, mixers, switches, control switches

To make it easier for you to understand the mx-16s manual, the following two pages contain deﬁ nitions of many terms which crop up again and again in the remainder of the text, together with a basic ﬂ ow diagram showing the course of the signal from the transmitter control to the point at which it is radiated from the transmitter aerial.

Control function

The term “control function” can be thought of as the signal generated for a particular function which needs to be controlled – initially independent of its subsequent progress through the transmitter. In the case of ﬁ xed-wing model aircraft the control functions include throttle, rudder and aileron, whereas collective pitch, roll-axis and pitch-axis are typical of those used for helicopters. The signal of a control function may be assigned directly, or to several control channels simultaneously via mixers. A typical example of the latter is separate aileron servos, or pairs of roll-axis or pitch-axis servos in a model helicopter. The essential feature of a control function is its inﬂ uence on the mechanical travel of the corresponding servo.

Transmitter control

The term “transmitter control” is used for the mechanical elements on the transmitter which are operated directly by the pilot. Their movements in turn generate corresponding movements in the servos, speed controllers etc. at the receiver end. The transmitter controls include the following:

• The two dual-axis stick units for the control functions

1 to 4; these four functions can be interchanged in any way you like through software, e.g. throttle left or right, without having to re-connect the servos; this applies to both ﬁ xed-wing model aircraft and helicopters. The dual-axis stick function for throttle (or airbrakes) is often referred to as the C1 (Channel 1) cont-

Description of transmitter – Deﬁ nition of terms

rol.

• The rotary proportional control ﬁ tted at top left (CTRL

• The INC / DEC buttons (CTRL 5 + 6) located on eit-

her side of the aerial base.

• Switches SW 1 … .8, if they have been assigned to a

control channel in the “Control settings” menu.

When a proportional transmitter control is operated, the servo or servos follow the position of the control directly, whereas a switched channel provides just the two or three set servo positions.

Function input

This is an imaginary point in the signal path, and must not be considered the same as the point on the circuit board where the transmitter control is connected! The two menus »Stick mode« and »Control settings« affect the course of the signal “after” these points, and it is possible (and likely) that there will be differences between the number of the transmitter control (as stated above) and the number of the subsequent control channel.

Control channel

There is a point in the signal path where the signal contains all the control information required for a particular servo – this may be directly generated by a transmitter control or indirectly via a mixer – and from this point on we call the signal a control channel. This signal is speciﬁ c to an individual servo, and is only affected by any adjustments carried out in the “Servo settings” menu before leaving the transmitter via the RF module in order to actuate the corresponding servo in the model.

Mixer

In the signal ﬂ ow diagram you will see a wide range of mixer functions. Their purpose is to enable a control function to affect multiple servos at the branching point

of the mixer input; the range of mixer programs is extremely wide-ranging. For more information please refer to the numerous mixer functions as described in the section starting on page 61 of the manual.

Switch

The three standard switches SW 1 … 3, the three-position switch SW 6/7 and the momentary buttons SW 4 / PB 8 can also be incorporated into the programming of the transmitter controls. However, all these switches are also capable of controlling various program options, e.g. starting and stopping timers, switching mixers on and off, transferring control in Trainer mode etc. Each physical switch function can be assigned to as many functions as you wish.

Numerous examples are described in the manual.

Transmitter control switch

It is often desirable to switch a function on or off automatically at a particular position of another transmitter control, e.g. at a deﬁ ned position of one of the dual-axis sticks. Typical examples are switching a stopwatch on and off to allow you to record the motor run time, extending spoilers automatically (and many others). The program of the mx-16s includes a total of two (or three – for helicopters) “control switches” of this type.

Two transmitter control switches are available for the C1 stick in each model memory, both for ﬁ xed-wing model aircraft and helicopters. For helicopters a third is present in the form of the throttle limiter; see pages 25 and 54.

This manual includes a range of instructive examples which make programming as simple as child’s play. Please refer to the programming examples in the section starting on page 84.

Assigning switches and control switches

The basic procedure

At many points in the program there is the option of using a switch (SW 1 … 4, SW 6/7, PB 8) or a control switch (G1 … 3; see below) to operate a function, or to switch between settings, such as the DUAL RATE / EXPO function, ﬂ ight phase programming, mixers and more. The mx-16s allows you to assign several functions to a single switch.

The process of assigning switches is exactly the same in all the relevant menus, and we will explain the basic programming procedure at this point so that you can concentrate on the special features when reading the detailed menu descriptions.

A switch symbol appears in the bottom line of the screen at all programming points where switches can be assigned:

If you move to this ﬁ eld using the right-hand rocker button, the switch symbol ﬁ eld is highlighted (inverse video – black background):

The procedure for assigning a switch

1. Press the SELECT button.

The following message appears in the display:

2. Now simply move the switch you wish to use to the “ON” position, press the push-button, or move the C1 stick from the “OFF” position in the direction of “ON”. Please note: the so-called control switches assigned to this transmitter control (see right) carry out the task of an ON / OFF switch in software; the same applies to the throttle limiter (see page 54) which is available in the “Helicopter” model type. This comple-

tes the assignment process.

3. Changing the direction of switching: If the switch turns out to work in the wrong direction,

you can correct it as follows: move the switch to the desired OFF position, select the switch symbol once more and assign the switch again, this time with the switch direction you prefer.

4. Erasing a switch: Activate the switch symbol as described under Point

2, then press the CLEAR button.

Special feature: SW 4 / PB 8

This “push-button” can be assigned in two ways:

• A brief press as On / Off switch “4”, i.e. the switched state (“on” or “off”) changes every time you press the button.

• A longer press as momentary button “8”, i.e. the switch is only ON as long as the button is held pressed in.

Note: Every time you switch the transmitter on, switch 4 always defaults to the “OFF” position.

Transmitter control switches

Many functions are best controlled automatically by a particular (freely programmable) position of the C1 transmitter stick (or the throttle limiter in the case of helicopters), rather than by a conventional physical switch.

Typical applications:

• Automatically switching an on-board glowplug energizer on and off according to the throttle position of the C1 stick (“G1” or “G2”). In this case the switch for the plug energizer is controlled by a mixer at the transmitter.

• Automatically switching a stopwatch on and off to re-

cord the pure “ﬂ ight time” of a model helicopter; this is accomplished using the “G3” switch of the throttle limiter.

• Automatically switching the “AIL  RUD” mixer off

when the airbrakes are extended, in order to keep the wings parallel with the ground when landing on a slope face, without the (usually coupled) rudder affecting the model’s heading.

• Automatically extending landing ﬂ aps with coupled elevator trim adjustment on the landing approach, as soon as the throttle stick is reduced below the set threshold point.

• Automatically switching a stopwatch on and off in order to time the run of an electric motor.

For both model types the mx-16s transmitter’s software caters for these purposes with two “control switches” of this type; they can be assigned to the C1 stick: “G1” is switched on at around -80% of full travel, while “G2” is switched on at around +80%. The Helicopter program also includes an extra control switch “G3” on the throttle limiter close to the 100% point; see page 54.

All these control switches can be included without restriction in the free programming of the switches, i.e. they can be assigned to a function instead of a physical switch. This means that you are able to assign one of the control switches G1 … G2 (or G1 … G3) instead of a physical switch at any point in the software where switches are assigned. All you have to do is move the C1 stick or the throttle limiter control (by default the rotary proportional control CTRL 7) from the desired “OFF” position in the direction of “ON”.

Description of transmitter – switch assignment

Digital trims

Description of function, and C1 cut-off trim

Digital trims with visual and audible indicators

Current trim position

Trim at motor OFF position

Both the dual-axis stick units are ﬁ tted with digital trim systems. When you give the trim lever a brief push (one “click”), the neutral position of the stick channel changes by one increment. If you hold the trim lever in one direction, the trim value changes continuously in the corresponding direction with increasing speed.

The degree of trim offset is also “audible”, as the pitch of the tone changes to reﬂ ect the setting. When you are ﬂ ying a model, you can ﬁ nd the trim centre position easily without having to look at the screen: if you over-run the centre setting, the trim stays in the centre position for a moment.

The current trim values are automatically stored when you switch from one model memory to another. The digital trims are also stored separately for each ﬂ ight phase within a model memory, with the exception of the “C1” (Channel 1) trim, which is the throttle / airbrake trim on a ﬁ xed-wing model.

The C1 trim includes another special function which makes it easy to re-locate the idle throttle setting of a glowplug motor.

Last idle position

C1 trim lever

1. Fixed-wing models

The C1 trim features a special cut-off trim which is designed for glowplug motors:

You initially use the trim lever in the usual way to select a reliable idle setting for the motor. If you now move the C1 trim lever to its end-point in the direction of “motor cut-off”, pushing the lever in a single movement, a marker appears on the screen in the last position. You can now return to the idle setting for starting the motor simply by pushing the stick one click in the direction of “open throttle”.

The cut-off trim feature is disabled if you enter “none” in the motor line within the »Base settings« menu (page

38).

2. Model helicopters

In helicopter mode the C1 trim has another feature in addition to “cut-off trim”, as described under “Fixedwing models” on the left; this time in conjunction with the “Throttle limit function” (see page 54): while the throttle limit slider is in the bottom half of its travel, i.e. in the “start-up range”, the C1 trim lever acts as idle trim on the throttle limit, and the idle trim is displayed on the screen:

In contrast to a ﬁ xed-wing model aircraft, this display is suppressed if the throttle limit control is moved to the “upper” half of its travel.

Note regarding helicopters: The C1 trim only affects the throttle servo and not the collective pitch servos; it also works evenly over the full stick travel. Please note that the helicopter throttle servo must be connected to receiver output 6 (see Receiver socket assignment, page 33).

Description of transmitter – Digital trims

Position display

INC / DEC button, CTRL 5 + 6

Servo display

Holding the SELECT button held in while you are at the transmitter’s basic display calls up a visual display of the current positions of the two INC / DEC buttons (CTRL 5 + 6). This display disappears again when you release the SELECT button. At the same time a small symbol appears on the left, adjacent to the channel display:

When you hold the SELECT button pressed in, the position display on the basic transmitter display, consisting of the two central vertical bars, also changes: it switches from a display of the current trim position to the current position of the INC / DEC buttons, CTRL 5 + 6.

As you would expect, the left-hand bar represents the position of the INC / DEC button CTRL 6, located to the left of the aerial base, and the right-hand bar shows the position of CTRL 5 (however, both horizontal bars continue to show the current position of the corresponding transmitter stick trim levers):

As soon as you release the SELECT button, the screen reverts to a display of the current trim position of the four trim levers of the two dual-axis stick units; see picture left.

Pressing the SELECT button at the transmitter’s basic display calls up a visual representation of the current servo positions on the transmitter screen.

This display shows the current position of every servo in the form of a bar diagram, taking into account the transmitter control and servo settings, the Dual Rate / Expo functions, the inter-action of all active mixers etc. The display is accurate, and covers the range -150% to +150% of normal travel. 0% means the exact centre position. This allows you to check your settings quickly without even having to switch the receiver on. However, this does not mean that you don’t need to bother checking all the programming steps on the model; you must do this carefully before operating it for the ﬁ rst time, as this is the only reliable method of picking up and correcting errors.

For ﬁ xed-wing model aircraft the display shows the information arranged in the following way:

Bar 1 = Throttle / brake servo Bar 2 = Aileron or left aileron Bar 3 = Elevator Bar 4 = Rudder Bar 5 = Right aileron Bar 6 = Left camber-changing ﬂ ap / free channel Bar 7 = Right camber-changing ﬂ ap / free channel Bar 8 = Free channel

… and for model helicopters:

Bar 1 = Collective pitch or roll (2) or nick (2)

servo

Bar 2 = Roll (1) servo Bar 3 = Nick (1) servo Bar 4 = Tail rotor servo (gyro) Bar 5 = Nick (2) servo / free channel Bar 6 = Throttle servo or speed controller Bar 7 = Gyro gain / free channel Bar 8 = Speed controller / free channel

Description of transmitter – Servo display

Fixed-wing model aircraft

This program provides convenient support for models with up to two aileron servos and two ﬂ ap servos (conventional aircraft), V-tail models, ﬂ ying wings and deltas with two elevon (aileron / elevator) servos and two ﬂ ap servos.

The majority of power models and gliders belong to the “normal” tail type with one servo each for elevator, rudder, ailerons and throttle or electronic speed controller (airbrakes on a glider). There is also the special model type “2 EL Sv” which provides a means of connecting two elevator servos in parallel to channels 3 and 8.

If your model features two separate aileron servos (and also in some cases two ﬂ ap servos), the aileron travel of both pairs of control surfaces can be set up with differential movement in the »Wing mixers« menu, i.e. the down-travel can be set independently of the up-travel.

Finally the program caters for camber-changing ﬂ aps, which can be operated by any of the transmitter controls “CTRL 5 … 7”. Alternatively a phase-speciﬁ c trim is available for ﬂ aps, ailerons and elevator in the »Phase trim« menu.

If the model features a V-tail instead of a conventional tail, you need to select the tail type “V-tail” in the »Base settings« menu, as this automatically superimposes the elevator and rudder control functions in such a way that each tail panel can be actuated by a separate servo.

For deltas and ﬂ ying wings it is easy to set up mixed elevons, i.e. the aileron and elevator functions can be carried out via common control surfaces at the trailing edge of the right and left wing. As standard the program contains the appropriate mixer functions for the two servos.

Up to three ﬂ ight phases can be programmed in each of the 12 model memories.

The digital trim positions are stored separately for each ﬂ ight phase, with the exception of the C1 trim. The C1 trim provides a simple means of re-locating the correct idle throttle setting.

Two timers are available at all times when ﬂ ying. The screen also displays the transmitter operating time since the battery was last charged.

The switches SW 1 … 8 and the transmitter controls CTRL 5 … 7 can be assigned to any of the inputs 5 … 8 in the »Control settings« menu.

Airbrake-Function 1

left

right

Airbrake Õ Flap

Airbrake

Elevator

Rudder/Elevator

left

V-Tail

right

“Dual Rate” and “Exponential” can be programmed separately for aileron, rudder and elevator, giving two modes of control.

Depending on the model type you have selected, the »Wing mixers« menu presents you with up to 12 additional pre-deﬁ ned mixers and coupling functions which you can simply select and set up when necessary, in addition to three free mixers:

1. Aileron differential

2. Flap differential

3. Aileron  rudder (switchable)

4. Aileron  ﬂ ap (switchable)

5. Airbrake  elevator (switchable)

6. Airbrake  ﬂ ap (switchable)

7. Airbrake  aileron (switchable)

8. Elevator  ﬂ ap (switchable)

9. Elevator  Aileron (switchable)

10. Flap  elevator (switchable)

11. Flap  aileron (switchable)

12. Differential reduction

Airbrake

Airbrake Õ Flap

Airbrake

Aileron

Elevator

Fixed-wing model aircraft

Receiver socket assignment for models with up to two ailerons and two ﬂ aps, plus “normal” tail type, V-tail, and two elevator servos (3 + 8)

8 = 2nd elevator / auxiliary func.

7 = Right ﬂ ap / reserve

6 = Left ﬂ ap / reserve

WARNING

Do not shorten the aerial!

Receiver

battery

Switch harness

Receiver aerial

Y-lead, Order No.

3936.11 or 3936.32

Best.-Nr.

7052

S C A N

Made in Malaysia

8/Batt.

5 4

! #

3 2 1

PLL-Synthesizer-MICRO-SUPERHET

Kanal 60-282/182-191

R 1 6

für das 35MHz/35MHz-B-Band

SCAN LED

5 = Right aileron / reserve

4 = Rudder / right V-tail

3 = Elevator / left V-tail

2 = Aileron / left aileron

4,8 V

1 = Throttle / brake

C 577

Servo

Best.-Nr. 4101

Installation notes

The servos must be connected to the receiver outputs in the following order:

Outputs not required are simply left vacant. Please note the following points in particular:

• If you are using only one aileron servo, receiver output 5 (right aileron) is left unused; it can also be used for another purpose if you select “1 AIL” in the »Base settings« menu.

• If you are using only one ﬂ ap servo, receiver output 7 (right ﬂ ap) must be left unused, assuming that you have selected “... 2 FL” in the »Base settings« menu.

If you are using a Graupner transmitter to control a model ﬁ tted with a PPM-FM receiving system made by another manufacturer*, which was formerly ﬂ own using a different make of transmitter, e.g. when using the mx16s for Trainer mode operations, it may be necessary to re-arrange the servo sequence at the receiver outputs as shown in the diagram on the left. However, an alternative method is to use the »Receiver output« submenu of the »Base settings« menu; see page 41. Dif- ferent methods of installing servos and control linkages may make it necessary to reverse the direction of rotation of some servos when programming. In both cases this is carried out in the »Servo settings« menu; see page 48.

Please also read the information on the following pages.

GRAUPNER does not guarantee that GRAUPNER radio control sys-

tems will work correctly in conjunction with receiving systems and radio control equipment made by other manufacturers.

Fixed-wing models – Installation and connection

Receiver socket assignment for models of the “Delta / Flying wing” type, with up to two ﬂ aps

8 = Auxiliary function

7 = Right ﬂ ap / reserve

6 = Left ﬂ ap / reserve

WARNING

Do not shorten the aerial!

Receiver

battery

Y-lead, Order No.

3936.11 or 3936.32

Switch harness

Receiver aerial

Best.-Nr.

PLL-Synthesizer-MICRO-SUPERHET

Kanal 60-282/182-191

R 1 6

S C A N

für das 35MHz/35MHz-B-Band

Made in Malaysia

SCAN LED

7052

8/Batt.

5 4

! #

3 2 1

5 = Reserve

4 = Rudder

3 = Right elevon

2 = Left elevon

4,8 V

1 = Throttle / brake

C 577

Servo

Best.-Nr. 4101

As there are several possible combinations of servo orientation and control surface linkage, you may ﬁ nd that the direction of rotation of one or more servos is incorrect. Use the following table to solve the problem.

Model

type

Servo rotating

in wrong

Remedy

direction

V-tail

Delta, ﬂ ying wing

Rudder and elevator reversed

Rudder correct, elevator reversed

Elevator correct rudder reversed

Elevator and ailerons reversed

Elevator correct, ailerons reversed

Ailerons correct, elevator reversed

Reverse servos 3 + 4 in the »Servo settings« menu

Swap over servos 3 + 4 at the receiver

Reverse servos 3 + 4 in the »Servo settings« menu, and swap over at the receiver

Reverse servos 2 + 3 in the »Servo settings« menu

Reverse servos 2 + 3 in the »Servo settings« menu, and swap over at the receiver

Swap over servos 2 + 3 at the receiver

Fixed-wing models – Installation and connections

All menus which are relevant to ﬁ xed-wing models are marked with an “aeroplane” symbol in the “Program descriptions”:

This means that you can easily skip irrelevant menus when programming a ﬁ xed-wing model aircraft.

+ 86 hidden pages

GRAUPNER MX-16S Programming Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual

Contents

Safety notes

Description of radio control system

Power supply

Adjusting stick length

Opening the transmitter case

Changing the stick mode

Description of transmitter

Adjusting screen contrast

Installation notes

Digital trims

Servo display

Fixed-wing model aircraft