JRpropo PCM9X User Manual

MACGREGOR INDUSTRIES

Instruction Manual

PCM9X

JR PROPO

PCM9X

 MacGregor Industries

Canal Estate, Langley, Slough, SL3 6EQ

Phone [phone] • Fax [phone]

2

Table of Contents

CHAPTER 1 (SYSTEM)
Battery Charging 3
Charger 3
Control Stick Length 3
Control Stick Tension Adjustment 3
DSC Cord 4
Lithium Battery Indicator 4
Screen Contrast Adjustment 4
Installation Requirements 4
Setting Up Your PCM9X 5
System Menu 5
Model Select & Copy 6
Model Name 6
Type Select 6
Data Reset 6
Modulation 7
Data Transfer 7
Trim Step 8
Device Select 9
Wing Type 9
Swash Type Select 11
Stick Mode 11

CHAPTER 2 (HELI)
Dual Rates & Exponential 12
Reverse Switch 13
Sub Trim 13
Travel Adjust 14
Swash Mixing 14
Throttle Hold 14
Throttle Curve 15
Pitch Curve 16
Revolution Mixing 16
Gyro 17
Program Mixers 17
Failsafe 19
Trainer 20
Timer 21
Servo Monitor 21
Throttle Cut & Trim Select 21

CHAPTER 3 (AERO)
Dual Rates & Exponential 23
Reverse Switch 24
Sub Trim 24
Travel Adjust 24
Elevator To Flap Mix 25
Aileron To Rudder Mix 25
Throttle Curve 26
Snap Roll 26
Flap System 27
Gyro System 28
Aileron Differential 28
Servo Speed 28
Program Mixers 29
Failsafe 31
Trainer 32
Timer 33
Servo Monitor 34
Throttle Cut & Trim Select 34

CHAPTER 4 (GLIDER)
Dual Rates & Exponential 36
Reverse Switch 37
Sub Trim 37
Travel Adjust 37
Elevator To Flap Mix 38
Aileron To Flap Mix 38
Aileron Differential 38
Flap System 39
Flap To Aileron Mix 39
Aileron To Rudder Mix 39
Butterfly Mix 40
Program Mixers 40
Failsafe 41
Trainer 43
Timer 45
Servo Monitor 45

1

All Models

he JR PCM9X is the latest JR transmitter and features the latest
technology. New to the PCM9X range is the scroll bar interface.

T

Chapter

1

Enter

List

Clear

Timer

Scroll
Bar

The scroll bar is used in conjunction with the side entry buttons to provide a quick
and efficient programming environment.

Rotating the scroll bar left or right will move the highlighted (selected) section of
the screen around available menu choices. Pressing the top of the scroll bar will
activated the highlighted menu item and where appropriate, produce a sub menu.
Within any sub menu, the highlighted menu item is similarly moved by rotating the
scroll bar and selected by pressing the top of the scroll bar. On the lowest sub
menu of any function, pressing the top of the scroll bar will toggle the choice
when there are only two (e.g. ACT/INH) or bring up an entry box where there are
more than two (e.g. when setting a travel adjustment figure). Within an entry box,
rotating the scroll bar will increment or decrement the figure displayed, or rotate
through the alternatives. Pressing the scroll bar completes the entry.

To avoid accidentally pressing the scroll bar during rotation, it is best to rotate the
bottom of the bar. When appropriate, block arrows on the screen point to any
active side input buttons.

To enter the main list of programmable functions of the transmitter please use the

list button. To enter the last edited program function press the enter button. The
clear button will return any currently edited value to default. The remaining button

is used for timer applications, if enabled.

The PCM-9X features digital trims on all controls and digital auxiliary trimmers at
the top of the set. Digital trims allow the transmitter to independently remember
trim positions for every model stored within the transmitter.

2

Battery Charging

The transmitter and receiver battery packs should be charged for at least 16 hours
each evening before flying the next day. The first charge should last between 20
and 24 hours.

Please note: the polarity of the JR charger is negative centre. This may be
different to other manufacturers' chargers. You must make sure that the centre
pin of your JR transmitter is always connected to negative to ensure correct
polarity.

Charger

The charger supplied with your transmitter features two LED lights. These should
always be lit when a battery is connected. If they are not lit make sure both the Tx
and the Rx are turned off.

During charging the charger will rise in temperature. This is completely normal and
should not be a concern.

If you have any worries or concerns about any of the charging equipment please
seek expert advice.

Please ensure the correct charge rate for your battery pack. Any battery over
1000mah should receive a charger rate of 120ma.

Control Stick Length

The stick units of JR radio equipment feature adjustable stick lengths. Please use
the supplied allen key to make adjustments. Loosen the grub screw by turning the
allen key counter clockwise. Then adjust the stick length to your required length.
Lock the stick in place by turning the grub screw clockwise.

Optional coloured sticks are available from your JR/MacGregor dealer, as well as
long or short sticks.

Control Stick Tension Adjustment

Remove the RF module, NiCad battery and the back cover screws. Remove the
transmitter back, being careful not to bend or damage the RF pins. The tension
screws protrude from the back of the stick assemblies, immediately adjacent to the
tension springs. Adjust each screw for the desired tension (anti-clockwise to loosen
the stick feel, clockwise to tighten the feel).

3333

DSC Cord

Direct Servo Connection (DSC) allows you to control the servos of the model
without having to transmit any RF from the transmitter. The lead bypasses the
module of the transmitter and allows safe operation of your radio equipment
without interfering with any other pilots’ transmitted signals.

To use the DSC connection make sure all equipment is turned off. Plug the DSC
cable into the transmitter and then into the receiver’s charge lead. Then turn the
receiver to ON. You do not need to turn the transmitter on as the DSC lead will
automatically power up the transmitter. Turning on the transmitter will result in
your set transmitting RF and possibly interfering with other modellers.

Note: The DSC function will only operate with a JRC498D Deluxe Switch
Harness, or the JRC498 Heavy Duty Switch. These switches include the
orange signal wire, as well as the brown and red power wires.

Lithium Battery Indicator

All pre-programmed data is protected by a five-year lithium battery backup.
If the voltage level of the lithium battery drops below an acceptable level (2.2v)
a low lithium indicator will appear. This indicates that the lithium battery will
no longer maintain program memory. When the lithium indicator appears on
the screen, the system should be sent to the JR/MacGregor Service
Department for a lithium battery replacement.
Should the lithium battery fail, the display will indicate BACK UP ERROR. If
this occurs, it will be necessary to replace the battery and reprogram all data.
All transmitter programs will return to the factory default setting, and the data
you have input will be lost.

Screen Contrast Adjustment

The screen contrast adjustment feature of the PCM9X allows the user to select
the proper tint of the screen for improved clarity and visibility in all weather
conditions and temperatures.
To change the contrast turn the power switch ON and use the scroll button to
highlight the DISP CONT icon on the far right of the display. Press the scroll
button and a box will appear around the icon. To increase the contrast (darken
the screen), rotate the scroll button to the right. To decrease the contrast
(lighten the screen) rotate the scroll button to the left. Press the scroll button
again to retain your new setting.

Installation Requirements

It is extremely important that your radio system be correctly installed in your
model. Here are a few suggestions on the installation of your JR equipment.

4444

1. Wrap the receiver in protective foam rubber that is no less than 10mm
thick. Secure the foam to the receiver with rubber bands. This protects the
receiver in the event of a crash or a very hard landing.

2. The servos should be mounted using the rubber grommets and brass
bushings supplied to isolate them from vibration. Do not over-tighten the
mounting screws — this will negate the vibration absorption effect of the
rubber grommets. The brass bushings are pushed from the bottom up in the
rubber grommets. When the servo screw is tightened securely, it provides the
proper security, as well as the proper vibration isolation for your servo.

3. The servos must be able to move freely over their entire range of travel.
Make sure that the control linkages do not bind or impede the movement of
any of the servos.

4. Mount all switches away from the engine exhaust and away from any high
vibration areas. Make sure each switch operates freely and is able to operate
over its full travel.

5. Mount the receiver antenna firmly to the aeroplane to ensure that it will not
become entangled in the propeller or control surfaces.

Setting up your PCM9X

JR radio control systems include two main menus to program a model. The
System menu is normally only accessed when first setting up a model and allows
you to set basic parameters such as model type, modulation, stick mode etc. The
Function menu allows you to alter parameters dependant upon model type
(aeroplane, helicopter or glider) and allows quick access to set up, trimming and
mixing facilities such as travel adjust, servo reversing and dual rates - and much,
much more!

System Menu

To enter the System menu press and hold the enter key whilst simultaneously
turning on the transmitter. From here you can choose the following functions:

* Aero only

Information Display

Returns you to the main display screen

Model Select
Model Name
Type Select

Aeroplane, Helicopter or Glider

Model Reset
Modulation

Type in your model’s name – 8 characters

Resets selected model memory to factory settings
SPCM (1024), ZPCM (512) or PPM

Transfer
Trim Step
Device Select

Fine tune the sensitivity of the digital trims
New! Assign switches to suit personal preference

Wing Type – (Aero/Glider)
Swashplate Type – (Heli)
Stick Mode

Select stick mode 1, 2, 3 or 4.

Select or copy from one of 20 model memories

Transfer data to another PCM9X Tx.

Normal, Flaperon, Delta(*) and/or V-Tail

Normal or 180o , 120o, 90o

5555

Model Select & Copy

The PCM9X transmitter employs a memory function, which memorises data
for up to 20 individual aircraft. To avoid using incorrect model memories, it is
recommended that you enter a unique name for each aircraft. Press the ENT
key and turn the power switch ON to access the System Set-Up Mode.

The Copy Function enables you to copy all of the settings of your current
model to another memory (model number) within the same transmitter. This is
very useful when setting up one aircraft several different ways.

Model Name

This function is used to input model names individually. Each model’s name is
displayed in the normal screen automatically when that model is selected. To
avoid confusing models, inputting model names is recommended. You can
input a maximum of 8 characters for each model name. In the System Set-Up
Mode, select the Model Name Function using the scroll bar. Once selected,
press the scroll bar to access.

Type Select

The PCM9X is capable of performing as a helicopter, airplane or glider radio
with full functions for each. It can also memorize data for 20 models
individually.

Note:

If the power switch is turned OFF immediately after selecting the new model type, the

change will not be saved.

To change and save the model type use the scroll bat to select the GLID,
ACRO or HELI. Press the scroll bar. At this time, existing model data is
replaced by the model type aircraft data selected. Be sure to confirm the model
name to prevent accidental loss of your important data. To cancel this
function, return to former model type or turn the power switch OFF.

Note:

When you an alternative model type on this transmitter the allocation of lever
switches, etc., will also change. Please refer to the appropriate section of this instruction
manual for their functions.

In the System Set-Up Mode, select the Type Select Function using the scroll
bar. Once selected, press the scroll bar to access.

Data Reset

The Data Reset Function allows you to reset all the functions and settings for
the current model to the factory pre-set conditions. Resetting does not affect
the data already programmed for other models. Be sure to confirm that you
need to reset the data of the currently indicated model in order to prevent
accidental loss of valuable data.
To access Data Reset, select Model Reset in System Set-Up and press the scroll
bar.

6666

Modulation

The Modulation Selection Function enables your PCM9X to transmit to all JR
receiver types. You can select from either S-PCM or Z-PCM mode, depending
on the Central Processing Unit within your receiver, or from PPM (Pulse
Position Modulation—FM).

Caution:

After making modulation changes, you must press the scroll bar to accept the new
modulation type. If the Tx power switch is turned OFF before this procedure, the modulation
change will not be saved.

Data Transfer

This function is used to transfer all existing memorised data for a model from
one PCM9X transmitter to another PCM9X transmitter. Use the scroll bar to
select the model to be transferred and activate by pressing the CLR key. To
avoid the loss of important data, re-confirm model names when transferring.

Caution:

replaced with new data.

Caution:

operational.

Transfer Procedure

1. Select the model number to be transferred (transmitting mode side) through
the model select function.

2. Both transmitters: With the power switches OFF, press and hold the ENT
button while inserting the trainer cord into the DSC jack of the transmitter.

3. Both transmitters: Select the Transfer Function by rotating the scroll bar,
then press the scroll bar to enter the Transfer Function.

Please use special caution when copy function is activated as existing data is

When the battery alarm is activated (battery low), the copy function is not

4. Receiving mode transmitter (Tx to be programmed): Rotate the scroll bar to
highlight the "Transmit" icon. Press the bar and the icon will change to
"Receive". Rotate the scroll bar to highlight the Model Number icon. Press the
bar and the icon will change to a box showing the available model numbers.
Select the receiving model number by rotating and pressing the scroll bar.
Next, press the CLR key to activate the receiving stand-by mode.

7777

5. Transmitting mode transmitter (Tx with program to be transferred): Check
that the Transfer screen shows Transmit mode and press the CLR key to start
transmitting data. Both transmitters will indicate "End ok!" when the transfer
is complete.

When there is a data receiving failure during transfer, the counter will stop. At
this time, press the CLR key to stop the receiving condition. Check to be sure
the receiving counter is operating normally and ended with 100%. When the
receiving counter is stopped or you see ERROR indicated, check the trainer
cord conditions and try again. Be sure that the receiving mode transmitter is in
stand-by condition first. Also ensure that when transferring is complete,
previous data stored in the receiving side transmitter is replaced by the new
data transferred.

Note:

This function does not work when the battery alarm is flashing

(low battery).

Trim Step

The trim step function changes the coarseness of the digital trims from between 1
step per position to 10 steps per position.

8888

Device Select

A new feature of the PCM-9X is the device select menu. From here you can
assign functions to a switch to allow you to tailor the layout of your transmitter
to your own personal taste.
The device select menu also allows you to activate the extra flight modes.

Use the scroll button to highlight a function (top line) and then depress the button
to bring up the assign menu where you can then select the desired switch to assign
the function to.

The bottom line shows other functions for the various switches. The default shows
that the switch is active (ACT) in its usual function. If the cursor is placed over the
ACT symbol and the scroll bar is pressed then a menu of other options is displayed
such as GYRO (for switching gyro gain) and SYS. (for selecting the Flap System).

When using an aero model memory, to allow you to use features such as dual
aileron, rudder, elevator, flap and engine you need to inhibit (INH) an auxiliary
channel within the device select menu to allow it to be available in the wing type
menu. Once available in the wing type menu it can be assigned as the mate (slave)
of the master channel.

Wing Type (Aero & Glider)

The purpose of Wing Mixing or Wing Type Function is to eliminate
mechanical or programmable mixes that would otherwise be necessary for the
proper flight of certain styles of aircraft. Flaperon, elevon (delta) and V tail
configurations are available in aero mode and flaperon (Dual Flap) and V tail
are available in glider mode. Each of the wing type selections will be covered
in a separate section.

Normal Wing Type Selection

This is the first wing type selection that appears on your LCD display. Use this
wing type with common aircraft that utilize only one servo for both ailerons.

Flaperon Wing Type Selection

Flaperon allows you to use the existing ailerons as flaps. The ailerons can be
raised or lowered in unison as flaps, yet still remain fully operational as the
ailerons of your R/C aircraft.

9999

Flaperon Connections: Connect the left aileron to AUX1 Rx port and right
aileron to AILE servo Rx port. In System Set-Up Mode, select the Wing Type
function. Then press the scroll bar to display the Wing Types. Rotate and press
the scroll bar to access the flaperon wing type selection. Note that each servo’s
operational value is automatically set for 75%. The applicable channels’ travel
adjustment is used to adjust the individual servo throw; while the combined
aileron travel is adjusted with the aileron dual rate. It is also possible to set
Aileron differential. Reverse switches are applicable for each servo. The Sub­Trim Function makes neutral adjustments of each servo.

Note:

Flaperon set-up is the recommended way to achieve aileron control when using 2

separate servos.

Elevon Wing Type Selection

Elevon, or delta as it is commonly known, is the final wing mixing selection in
your PCM9X. This style of aircraft also employs two wing servos. Rotate and
press the scroll bar to access the Delta (Elevon) type wing selection. The wing
servos move in the same direction for elevator control and in opposite
directions for aileron control.
Elevon Connections: Link the left moving control surface to the AILE servo
port and the right moving control surface to the ELEV servo port. Each
servo’s operational value is set automatically at 75%. The applicable channels’
servo travel is adjustable by using the travel adjust. Aileron and elevator travels
are adjusted using aileron and elevator dual rates. It is also possible to set
aileron differential. If necessary, use the servo reversing to set the aileron travel
direction and the elevator travel direction will automatically be correct.

V-Tail

When using V-Tail mix, connect the left moveable tail surface servo to the
receiver channel three (ELEV) and the right moveable tail surface servo to the
receiver channel four (RUDD). Note that the servo travel is automatically
reduced to 75% when the mix is active. Individual servo adjustments, servo
reversing, sub-trims etc. may be made for individual servos but the rudder
travel should be adjusted using the dual rate function (both servos are adjusted
together). If an individual servo travel is altered, only that servo will be
affected. Use the elevator dual rate function to adjust the elevator travel.

Dual Controls

The PCM9x has built in facilities for dual controls and twin engines. To allow
a mate (slave) channel to be assigned to your dual control first inhibit the
desired mate (slave) channel in the device select menu. Once this channel is
free it can be selected as a mate (slave) in the wing type menu. You can also
choose whether to have the trim enabled or inhibited. Enabling the trim
function allows the trim to control not only the master dual control but also its
mate (slave).

10

101010

Swash Type Select (Heli)

The PCM9X provides four types of Cyclic Collective Pitch Mixing (CCPM)
mixing. Either normal mechanically mixed CCPM (mCCPM) or three types of
electronically mixed CCPM (eCCPM). The three versions of eCCPM pre
programmed in the software are 90 degree 4 servo, 120 degree 3 servo or 180
degree 2 servo.

Stick Mode

This function enables the stick mode to be changed between Mode 1, 2, 3 or 4.

11

111111

Chapter

2

Function Menu - Helicopter

To enter the function menu, switch on the transmitter then press the enter
key. From here you can choose the following functions:

Dual Rates & Exponential

Dual rates can be defined as the ability to vary the travel or throw rate of a
servo from a switch. Due to differing travel rates, you will find that the
sensitivity of the control either increases or decreases accordingly. A higher
rate, or travel, yields a higher overall sensitivity. You may find it easier to think
of the Dual Rate Function as double-rated or half-rates.
The Dual Rate Function works in conjunction with the Exponential Function
to allow you to precisely tailor your control throws. In Function Mode, use the
scroll bar to select Dual Rate and access by pressing the scroll bar.
Dual rates are available for the aileron, elevator and rudder channels of your
R/C helicopter. The amount of travel is adjustable from 0-125%; exponential
is adjustable from 0% (LIN) to 100% in 1% increments. The factory setting, or
default value, for both the 0 and 1 switch positions is 100%. Either switch
position may be selected as the low or high rate by placing the switch in the
desired position and adjusting the value accordingly. There is also an automatic
dual rate setting for all three channels, operable from the Flight Mode Switch.

You may also assign a dual rate setting to a flight mode. The PCM9X provides the
user with 3 possible dual rate & exponential settings. These settings may then be
assigned to a flight mode using the automatic switching function.

When the Automatic Dual Rate (ADR) function is activated (ACT), when
switching the Flight Mode switch to Stunt 1 and Stunt 2 the Aileron, Elevator,

12

121212

and Rudder channel dual rate values will be switched between the settings
available on screen for those flight modes. To activate ADR please enable the
flight mode switch in the device select menu, and then set the D/R function
to FM (Flight Mode).

Typical dual rate settings are as follows:

Dual Rate Switch Position
0 Position (reduced servo travel, for hovering e.g. 80% D/R, 20% EXP)
1 Position (maximum servo travel, for aerobatics e.g. 100% D/R, 10% EXP)

Reverse Switch

The PCM9X features a servo reverse function. This allows the user to electronically
reverse the direction of a channel. Servo reversing is available for all 9 channels of
the PCM9X. In Function Mode, use the scroll bar to select Reverse Switch and
enter by pressing the scroll bar.

Sub Trim

The sub trim function allows you to individually fine tune the centring of all 9
channels on the PCM9X within a range of + or - 125% (+ or - 30 degrees
servo travel). It is not a good idea to use excessive sub trim as you can
eventually overrun the maximum travel of your servos.
In Function Mode, use the scroll bar to select Sub Trim and access by pressing
the scroll bar.

13

131313