HITEC Flash 5 SX User Manual

5 Model Memory and 3 Pre-set Mixes

3 Model Flight Modes and Auto Save Feature

4/5 Channel Programmable Radio Control System

Operational Manual

2

I. Introduction

II. Features and Specifications

1. Transmitter

2. Receiver

3. Battery Use in The Flash System X

III. System Layout

1. Channel Assignment

2. Mode 1 and 2 Information

3. Switch Assignment

4. Digital Trims

5. System Overview and Menu Defaults

IV. Programming Your System X Radio

1. Model Selection

2. Initial Mode Programming

a. Aircraft Model Change
b. Stick Mode Change
c. Countdown Timer Feature
d. Mixing Functions, Elevon and V-tail
e. Data Reset Feature
f. Initial Mode Programming Review

3. Main Edit Mode Programming

a. End Point Adjustment
b. Exponential Rate Adjustment
c. Dual Rate Adjustment
d. Servo Reversing
e. GLID ACRO FKP 1 and GLID FLP 2
f. Aileron / Rudder Mixing
g. GLID Mode or Glider Mode Programming

s Supplement

h. GLID ACRO Mode or Combination Aerobatic Glider Supplement

T a b le of contents

I. Intr oduction

While computerized radios are now a common sight at most flying fields around the country, until now they have all been 6 to 9
channel versions loaded with exotic mixing functions and programs. They also had an equally exotic price tag. With the
introduction of the Hitec Flash System X series of computer controlled radios, that has now been changed. By placing our
emphasis on simplified programming and enhanced flight control, even novice modelers can now enjoy the benefits of computer
control.

Starting from the premise that all modelers could benefit from the control provided by digital electronics and computerized mixing.
Hitec

s engineers looked at every feature available on today s four and five channel radios. The first step was to design a new
ergonomic transmitter case that is truly comfortable to hold and is well balanced when in use. They eliminated the mechanical
trim levers and replaced them with precise digital electronic switches. To improve safety, an engine cut feature allows the pilot to
kill the engine at the touch of a key. A low battery alarm along with a built in timer guards against flying when batteries are too low
to fly safely.

On the inside, the Flash System X employs our custom designed EEPROM chip with a non volatile memory for up to 10 years of
use without having to depend on back up batteries. This assures that all trim memories, mixes and settings will remain just as
you assigned them until you are ready for them to change. In fact, with the digital trim feature, this means no more accidental trim
changes while your radio sits in the impound area.

To get the most out of your new Flash System X radio, we suggest that you read through these instructions while charging up the
batteries. After the batteries are fully charged, plug in the battery and servos to the receiver and walk through each procedure to
fully familiarize yourself with each of the functions available. Please note that the Flash System X operates on the FM(Frequency
Modulation) mode only and cannot be converted to PCM mode.

Special Note: These instructions were written using a radio set up for Mode II operation which is the normal mode for most US
and Canadian fliers. For those fliers in countries where Mode I is the standard, the Flash System X radios will be delivered in that
configuration. All programming sequences remain the same regardless of stick configuration.

II. F e a tur e s and Specifications

1. Transmitter

Your Flash System X transmitter also features several creature comforts to help customize the transmitter to your individual style.
The control sticks are adjustable in height, allowing you to raise or lower the stick length to better fit your fingers. You may adjust
the stick length by simply twisting the upper portion of the stick counter-clockwise. The lower portion will separate away. As
supplied from the factory, your sticks are at the shortest possible length. Once you have adjusted the stick length, twist the lower
portion of the stick tip to meet and cinch down against the upper stick tip, locking the tip in place.

A low voltage alarm is featured with the System X. This audible alarm will sound as a series of

beeps to warn you that the
transmitter battery is almost depleted. If you hear this alarm while flying, land your aircraft immediately! Continued use of the
transmitter with a low battery will result in transmitter failure in a very short period of time and loss of radio signal to your plane.
For those who wish to teach the art of flying to others, or wish to learn model aircraft flight using the System X radio, rest assured
that your System X radio can be of great assistance. The System X radio is equipped with a trainer cord jack and activation
switch to allow

buddy box flight instruction with another Hitec FM transmitter. (Trainer cord option, Part Number 58310, is

available from your Hitec dealer).

NOTE: When the Flash System X radios are used with the Prism 7X radio to train pilots with the buddy
cord, the elevon function will not work.

3

4

Flash 4 and 5 System X

- 4/5 channel Microprocessor design - 5 model memory

- In-flight timer and alarm - Mode I or Mode II capable

- Low battery warning - End point adjustments for all channels

- All channel servo reversing - Exponential rates on channels 1, 2 and 4

- Data reset to defaults - Trainer jack

- Auto engine cut switch - 3 pre-set mixes, Ail-Rud, Elevon, V-tail

Flash 5 System X Only

- Flaperon capable - 3 flight modes, ACRO, GLID and GLIDACRO

- Channel 5 retract switch - Camber adjustment

- Dual rates on channel 1 and 2 - Proportional flaps on throttle stick

- Electric motor controller 3 position switch

2. Receiver

a. Super Slim(Flash 5 System X)

- 8 Channel FM - Dual Conversion

- Ultra narrow band - Dimension: 49 x 28 x 17 mm(1.9 x 1.1 x 0.7 inch)

- Weight: 22.5g(0.79oz) - U Hole connector type

b. HFD-08RD(Flash 4 System X, 72MHz)

- 8 Channel FM - Dual Conversion

- 10kHz Spacing - With preserver foam

- Weight: 38g(1.34oz) - Dimension: 58.6 x 35.2 x 21.5mm(2.3 x 1.4 x 0.8 inch)

- U Hole connector type

c. HFS-04MI+(Flash 4 System X)

- 5 Channel FM - 10kHz Spacing

- Weight: 26g(0.91oz) - Dimension: 30 x 48 x 19 mm(1.2 x 1.9 x 0.7 inch)

- U Hole connector type

3. Battery Use in The Flash System X

Before we move forward into the exciting world of programming your Flash System X, we need to make sure that your batteries
are charged and ready to use. As the Flash System X is available in both rechargeable battery versions as well as dry battery
versions, please read this section carefully. For dry systems using non-rechargeable batteries, you will need 12 type AA alkaline
battery cells to power the transmitter and receiver. To install batteries in the transmitter, remove the rear cover of the transmitter
and insert 8 AA alkaline battery cells into the battery holder. Insert 4 AA alkaline cells into the flight battery holder for the receiver.
Please observe proper battery polarity when placing cells into their holders. For rechargeable system users, remove the
transmitter, flight pack battery and system charger from the box. Your system charger is a standard 110 VAC wall charger and
has two wire sets attached. A 220v system charger is also available and is supplied in areas where this type of power is common.
The round connector is for use on the transmitter, and fits into the left bottom side of the transmitter. The other wire has a flat, 3
wire connector and will fit into the flight pack battery connector.
DO NOT FORCE THE CONNECTORS TO FIT. Both connectors should be a smooth fit into the proper receptacles. Your wall
charger is equipped with separate LED monitor lights, which illuminate when the charger is passing power properly to the
transmitter and flight pack battery. You do not have to charge both at the same time for proper charging. The recommended
charge time is 16 hours normal for both transmitter and flight pack battery. Begin charging your system right away so we can get
familiar with the Flash System X programming!

5

III. System Layout

1. Channel Assignment

Channel 1: Aileron
Channel 2: Elevator
Channel 3: Throttle or Flap
Channel 4: Rudder
Channel 5: Gear or Aileron/Elevon or Flap/Flaperon function. (Flash 5 System X model only)

2. Mode 1 and 2 Information

As shipped from the factory, your radio was set up to operate in either Mode I or Mode II configuration. Mode I means that the
four primary controls have been assigned to work from the sticks in the following manner: The right stick controls the ailerons (Ch

1) and throttle (Ch 3) and the left stick will control the elevator (Ch2) and rudder (Ch 4). Mode II, the dominant style within the
United States, will have the right stick operate the ailerons (Ch1) and elevator (Ch2) and the left stick will operate the throttle
(Ch3) and rudder (Ch4). See page 11 of this manual for complete details of how to change the stick mode if desired.

SW#2 TRAINER

SW#1 (3 POSITION)

(FLASH 5 SYSTEM X ONLY)

THROTTLE / ELEVATOR TRIM

THROTTLE / RUDDER(MODE2)
ELEVATOR / RUDDER(MODE1)

RUDDER TRIM

CHARGING JACK

POWER SWITCH

ANTENNA

NECK STRAP EYELET

SW#3 (3POSITION)
(FLASH 5 SYSTEM X ONLY)

SW#4
(FLASH 5 SYSTEM X ONLY)

ELEVATOR / THROTTLE TRIM

AILERON / ELEVATOR(MODE2)
AILERON / THROTTLE(MODE1)

AILERON TRIM

CRYSTAL

LCD DISPLAY INPUT KEY

6

TX CHARGING PLUG

TRAINER JACK

SPARE X-TAL STORAGE

BATTERY

(600mA 8 CELL NICDS)

BATTERY COVER

CHARGING PLUG

RX CHARGING PLUG

SWITCH HARNESS

RETRACT LANDING GEAR

RUDDER

THROTTL

ELEVATO

AILERON

RECEIVER

RECEIVER
ANTENNA

Mode & Switch Function Channels

7

4. Digital Trims

Your System X radio features electronic digitally controlled trim keys as opposed to conventional, mechanically operated trim
levers. This digital trim feature allows for very precise trim movements that are just not possible with mechanical trim levers. A
typical radio system with mechanical trim levers may have 20 to 30 trim

clicks available to the pilot for trim purposes, the
System X has 50 trim positions possible. Setting the trims is quite similar to conventional radios with the exception that for each
input, either plus or minus, you will hear a short beep to let you know that a change has been made by the trim key. You may
also hold the trim key down for large amounts of trim movement. Each time you use the trims, the setting will appear on the LCD
screen for a short period, after which the screen will return to Operational Mode display. To review how much trim has been
used, depress the trim key for the desired channel you wish to review and the value will be displayed on the LCD screen. Your
System X system will automatically save the information, even after changing to a different model in memory.

5. System Overview and Menu Defaults

In order to take full advantage of the System X radio programming, you will need to take a few moments to become familiar with
the input keys that make all this possible. The programming input operation requires the following keys and switches on the
transmitter:

1. The LCD display

2. The 3 main input keys (UP, DN/TIMER, CUT/SAVE keys)

3. Rudder (CH4 ) trim key

4. Aileron (CH1) trim key

5. Main Power switch

3. Switch Assignment

The Flash 5 System X is capable of three different flight modes and the switches have different functions in the different flight
modes.

ACRO Mode
Switch 1 Elevator Dual and Exponential rates. 2
Switch 2 Trainer Switch All
Switch 3 3 position Flap or Retract 5
Switch 4 Aileron Dual and Exponential rates 1

GLID Mode
Switch 1 3 position Throttle or Flap in channel 3 3
Switch 2 Trainer Switch All
Switch 3 Flaperon / Camber and Elevator, FLP2 1/5 & 2
Switch 4 Aileron and Elevator Dual and Exponential rates 1 & 2 or 1/5 & 2

GLIDACRO Mode
Switch 1 Elevator Dual and Exponential rates 2
Switch 2 Trainer Switch All
Switch 3 Flap / Spoileron, FLP1 1/5 & 2
Switch 4 Aileron Dual and Exponential rates 1 or 1/5