Multiplex RX-5 M-LINK, RX-7 M-LINK Operating Instructions Manual

Operating Instructions for RX-5 M-LINK /

RX-7 M-LINK 2.4 GHz receivers

Page 11

Instructions for RX-5/7 M-LINK 2.4 GHz receivers # 985 5312 LA 30.09.2014 • Errors and omissions excepted! •



MULTIPLEX

! These operating instructions are an integral part
of the product, and contain important information
and safety notes. Please store them in a safe place,
where you can find them at any time, and pass
them on to the new owner if you sell the receiver.

1. SPECIFICATION

RX-5 M-LINK

RX-7 M-LINK

Order No.

# 5 5817 # 5 5818

Reception system

2.4 GHz FHSS M-LINK

Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum

MULTIPLEX-LINK

Servo channel count

5 7

Servo frame rate

Fast Response: 14 ms

Standard: 21 ms

Signal resolution

12-bit, 3872 steps

Current drain

Approx. 45 mA (excl. servos)

Aerial length

Total: approx. 20 cm,

of which feed cable approx. 17 cm and

active aerial section approx. 3 cm

Operating voltage

3.5 V … 9.0 V

 4 - 6 NiCd / NiMH (NiXX) cells

 2S LiPo / LiIo (LiXX)

Operating
temperature range

- 20 °C … + 55 °C

Weight

13 g

Dimensions

Approx. 54.0 x 22.5 x 11.5 mm

2. SPECIAL FEATURES

 High-quality 5-channel / 7-channel receivers assembled

using the latest SMT methods, exploiting MULTIPLEX

2.4 GHz M-LINK technology.

 Supplementary signal pre-amplification:

For maximum sensitivity and great range.

 In-line connectors arranged on the front and back:

Ultra-compact dimensions: suitable for models with very little
internal space.

 HOLD / FAIL-SAFE function.
 Integral SET button and LED:

For binding, FAIL-SAFE programming, RESET and
displaying operating status information.

 Telemetry / feedback channel capability:

Receiver battery voltage and connection quality
= standard features.
Integral sensor interface for connecting external sensor
modules via MSB (MULTIPLEX Sensor Bus).

 Prepared for two-receiver operation:

Diversity lead (# 8 5070) required.

 Prepared for serial servo output:

Servo outputs as sum signal – SRXL-MULTIPLEX.
The receiver’s first twelve channels are carried by a three­cord lead (# 8 5070) via the receiver’s B/D socket, e.g. for
power supply / servo management systems, or for flybarless
systems in model helicopters.

 Prepared for selecting one sensor address as “priority

address”:
The selected sensor value is updated at a faster rate than all
the other sensor values.

 Integral error counter / data logger:

For voltage and signal errors.

 Compatible with the MULTImate (# 8 2094).
 Integral PC interface:

Carry out updates and adjustment using the MULTIPLEX
Launcher PC program in conjunction with the UNI USB PC
lead (# 8 5149).

3. SAFETY NOTES

! Please read the instructions before using the receiver.
! Use the receiver only for the intended applications

( 4.).

! Ensure the power supply is of adequate capacity ( 6.).
! Observe the installation notes ( 13.).
! Carry out regular range checks ( 14.).

4. APPLICATIONS

The RX-5 M-LINK and RX-7 M-LINK 2.4 GHz receivers (abbr e­viated to RX-5/7 M-LINK in this document) are radio control
receivers intended exclusively for use in model sport. It is
prohibited to employ them for other purposes such as full -size
(people-carrying) vehicles or industrial installations.

Typical applications for RX-5 M-LINK and RX-7 M-LINK re­ceivers:

 Gliders and electric gliders up to about 2.50 m wingspan
 Small to medium-sized RC helicopters with rotor diameters

up to about 1 m

 Model aircraft with electric and I.C. power systems and

wingspans up to about 1.60 m

 RC model cars
 RC model boats

 RX-5/7 M-LINK 2.4 GHz receivers can only be operated in

conjunction with transmitters which utilise MULTIPLEX M­LINK transmission technology.

5. POWER SUPPLY

RX-5/7-DR M-LINK

receivers work within a broad range of vol­tages from 3.5 V … 9.0 V, i.e. they can be used with receiver
batteries consisting of four to six NiXX cells or 2S LiPo / 2S LiIo
(LiXX).

! Note: if you intend to use a five-cell or six-cell NiXX b attery,
or a 2S LiPo or 2S LiIo pack, it is essential to check that all the
servos, gyros and other components connected to the system
are approved for use with this higher operating voltage.

! Note: ensure that the power supply is adequate
A power supply system in good condition a nd of adequat e capa­city for the specific application plays an indispens able role in the
safe operation of any model:

 Use only high-quality receiver batteries of adequate capacity.

Balance and maintain them carefully, and charge them fully.

 Ensure that all cables are of adequate conductor cross-

section. Keep all wiring as short as possible, and use the
absolute minimum of plug / socket connections.

 Use high-quality switch harnesses exclusively.
 Brief collapses in the power supply voltage (lasting a few

milli-seconds) have no adverse effect on the receiver. Longer
voltage collapses to below 3.5 V may cause a receiver r eset,
resulting in a brief interruption in reception. This may be due
to a receiver battery which is almost flat, too weak or

Operating Instructions for RX-5 M-LINK /

RX-7 M-LINK 2.4 GHz receivers

Page 12

Instructions for RX-5/7 M-LINK 2.4 GHz receivers # 985 5312 LA 30.09.2014 • Errors and omissions excepted! •



MULTIPLEX

defective, cables of inadequate cross-section, poor-quality
connectors or an overloaded or defective BEC system.

6. RECEIVER CONNECTIONS

This receiver employs the UNI connector system, which is com­patible with the connector systems used by most radio control
manufacturers (e.g. HiTEC, robbe/Futaba, Graupner/JR).

The receiver sockets are marked as follows:

1, 2, 3 … 5
(… 7)

Servo sockets, channels 1, 2, 3 … 5 (… 7).
Alternatively: receiver battery socket.

B

In the case of the RX-5 M-LINK:
Receiver battery socket
(can also be connected to servo sockets 1 … 5).

Duplicated for extra security: twice the conductor
cross-section, twice the number of contacts.

B/D

Receiver battery socket
(can also be connected to servo sockets 1 … 5
(… 7)).

Duplicated for extra security: twice the conductor
cross-section, twice the number of contacts.

Socket for PC or Diversity lead, for the serial
servo output lead (SRXL-MULTIPLEX), and for
the MULTImate.

S

Socket for external sensor module.

! When connecting the receiver battery, servos, speed
controllers, sensors ... it is essential to insert the connector
the correct way round. With other makes of component
always check the pin assignment (see symbols on the
receiver)!

7. FIRST USE, FUNCTIONS

LED Codes

LED code Description

LED Code 0

LED OFF

Battery voltage too low

LED Code 1

LED ON

No reception

LED Code 2

1,6 sec

Binding procedure in progress

1,6 sec

LED Code 3

Normal receiving operation,
no errors

1,6 sec

LED Code 5

Confirmation signal

1 – 19 errors

20 – 49 errors

>= 50 errors

The functions of the SET button

Pressing the SET button on the top of the receiver when
switching on initiates the binding process.

In receive mode, the SET button can be used to trigger two addi­tional functions. The function selected depends on the length of
the button-press:

1.

Save error counter or FAIL-SAFE settings

Press the SET button for 0.5 to 1 second.

2.

RESET receiver to factory default settings

Press the SET button for longer than ten seconds.

While the SET button is pressed, the LED indicates the length of
the button-press with time markers:

Press SET
button con­stantly for

< 2
seconds

2 to 10
seconds

> 10
seconds

LED

OFF ON OFF

Purpose

Save error
counter /
FAIL-SAFE
settings

RESET

to default
settings

!

Note:

When the Save process is complete, the LED flashes in confir­mation (LED code 5).

Binding

The receiver must be set up to match the transmitter before the
system can work. This process is known as “binding”.

! Note:

The signal output to the servo sockets is switched off during the
binding procedure. This means that the servos are “soft”, and do
not move, while the motor connected to a modern electronic
speed controller remains OFF due to the lack of a signal. Ne ver­theless, it is important to secure the model and keep well clear
of the power system.

The binding process is necessary in the following cases:

 The first time the receiver is used.
 After a receiver RESET.
 After the transmitter setting for “Fast Response” has been

changed. For more information on this please refer to the
operating instructions supplied with your M-LINK transmitter
or M-LINK RF module.

 After the transmitter setting for the transmitted frequency

range has been changed. For more information on this
please refer to the operating instructions supplied with your
transmitter or M-LINK RF module (“France mode”).

 If the receiver is to be operated in conjunction with a different

M-LINK transmitter.

Sequence of the binding procedure

1. The first step is always to set the transmitter and receiver to
Binding mode:
 Move the transmitter and the receiver aerial very close to

each other.

 Switch the transmitter ON in binding mode.
(see the operating instructions supplied with your M-LINK

transmitter or M-LINK RF module).

 Switch the RX-5/7 M-LINK receiver ON in binding mode:

 Use a pointed object to press and hold the SET button

on the top of the receiver.
 Switch the receiver ON, or connect the battery:

LED Code 6

1,6 sec

LED Code 7

1,6 sec

LED Code 8

1,6 sec

Operating Instructions for RX-5 M-LINK /

RX-7 M-LINK 2.4 GHz receivers

Page 13

Instructions for RX-5/7 M-LINK 2.4 GHz receivers # 985 5312 LA 30.09.2014 • Errors and omissions excepted! •



MULTIPLEX

 The binding procedure runs, the receiver LED

flashes at high frequency
(LED code 2).

 Now release the SET button.

!

Note:

the binding process starts automatically when
the receiver is used for the first time, and after a RESET ­even if you have not pressed the SET button.

2. Once the transmitter and rec eiver are bound to each other,
both switch automatically to normal operation:

 The LED on the receiver flashes slowly

(LED code 3).

! Note: in most cases the binding process only takes a few
seconds.

Binding: locating and correcting faults
Fault:

During the binding process the receiver LED continues to flash
at a high rate after several seconds.

Cause:

No M-LINK signal of adequate strength detected.

Remedy:

 Reduce the distance between your transmitter and the

receiver aerial.

 Ensure that your transmitter is switched ON in binding mode.
 Repeat the binding procedure.

Switching the receiver ON and OFF
in normal operations

Sequence of switching ON and OFF
To switch the M-LINK RC system ON, please use this

procedure:

1. Switch the transmitter ON.

2. Switch the receiver ON.

The receiver LED flashes slowly and evenly
(LED code ):



An M-LINK signal is being received,

the RC system is ready for use.

To switch the M-LINK RC system OFF, please use this
procedure:

1. Switch the receiver OFF.

2. Now switch the transmitter OFF.

Locating and correcting faults when switching ON
Fault:

The receiver LED lights up constantly when switched on (LED
code 1 ), but does not flash.

Cause:
No M-LINK signal detected.

Remedy:

 Is the transmitter switched on?
 Is the transmitter generating an M-LINK signal?
 Are the transmitter and receiver bound to each other?
 Have you carried out a receiver RESET?
 Have you made changes to the setting for “Fast Response”

or “France mode” ?

Error:

The receiver LED stays off after switching on
(LED code 0).

Cause:
The operating voltage (battery voltage) is too low.

Remedy:

 Recharge the receiver battery or drive / flight battery.

HOLD and FAIL-SAFE

If no signal is picked up, or if the received data is corrupt, the
last valid information is passed on to the servos in order to
bridge the signal loss (HOLD mode).

If interference should occur and FAIL-SAFE has been invoked,
the servos (...) run to a previously defined position at the end of
the HOLD period. FAIL-SAFE mode ends as soon as error-free
signals are picked up again.

The factory default setting for the HOLD period is 0.75 seconds.
This period can be adjusted to meet personal requirements
using the

MULTImate

or the PC program

MULTIPLEX

Launcher

.

FAIL-SAFE is switched OFF in the receiver’s default state (as
delivered), and after a RESET. FAIL-SAFE is activated using the
SET button on the receiver, or - in the case of certain trans­mitters - “by radio”.

If you wish to disable FAIL-SAFE again, the receiver must be
reset to the default state (RESET). After a RESET you must
repeat the binding procedure!

! Note: always activate FAIL-SAFE!

For safety reasons we recommend that you always activate
FAIL-SAFE, and ensure that the selected FAIL-SAFE settings
will cause the model to take up as safe an attitude as possible
(e.g. motor idle / electric motor OFF, control surfaces neutral,
landing flaps deployed, tow-release open, …).

Selecting the FAIL-SAFE settings:

1. The receiver LED must not display any errors
(LED code 3).

If it does: switch the receiver OFF, then ON again.
2 Use your transmitter to move all the servos (and the speed

controller) to your preferred FAIL-SAFE positions. Press the
SET button briefly (0.5 to 1 second). The FAIL-SAFE posi­tions are now stored for all servo channels, and the LED
flashes the confirmation signal (LED code 5).

Testing the FAIL-SAFE positions:
Move the sticks to positions other than the FAIL-SAFE settings,
and then switch the transmitter OFF: the servos should go into
HOLD mode briefly (0.75 seconds), and then move to the FAIL­SAFE positions which you previously selected.

The FAIL-SAFE positions must always be checked and updated
when necessary, e.g. when you install the receiver in a new
model.

! Checking the FAIL-SAFE function:
For testing the FAIL-SAFE function only, the receiver can be
operated with the transmitter switched off. Caution: if the FAIL­SAFE settings are incorrect, the motor could burst into life: injury
hazard!

After sixteen seconds in FAIL-SAFE mode no further signals are
sent to the servos (default setting; this period can be altered
using the

MULTImate

or the

MULTIPLEX Launcher

.

Analogue servos and some digital servos (see instructions) then
become “soft”, to avoid them being stalled. Modern speed con­trollers switch themselves off. However, some digital servos
remain “hard” and maintain their last position.

The FAIL-SAFE function can be activated and disabled servo by
servo using the

MULTImate

or the

MULTIPLEX Launcher

.

Example: throttle only to Idle / OFF, all other servos = HOLD.

RESET to factory default settings

The receiver settings can be reset to the factory default settings.
If you do this, all the settings you have entered, such as bindi ng
information, FAIL-SAFE settings ... are lost permanently.