Spektrum DX18 User guide

Instruction Manual

Bedienungsanleitung

Manuel d’utilisation

Manuale di Istruzioni

NOTICE

All instructions, warranties and other collateral documents are subject to change at the sole discretion of Horizon Hobby, LLC. For up-to-date product literature, visit horizonhobby.com and click on the support tab for this product.

Meaning of Special Language

The following terms are used throughout the product literature to indicate various levels of potential harm when operating this product:

NOTICE: Procedures, which if not properly followed, create a possibility of physical property damage AND little or no possibility of injury. CAUTION: Procedures, which if not properly followed, create the probability of physical property damage AND a possibility of serious injury. WARNING: Procedures, which if not properly followed, create the probability of property damage, collateral damage and serious injury

OR create a high probability of super cial injury.

WARNING: Read the ENTIRE instruction manual to become familiar with the features of the product before operating.

Failure to operate the product correctly can result in damage to the product, personal property and cause serious injury.

This is a sophisticated hobby product. It must be operated with caution and common sense and requires some basic mechanical ability. Failure to operate this Product in a safe and responsible manner could result in injury or damage to the product or other property. This product is not intended for use by children without direct adult supervision. Do not attempt disassembly, use with incompatible components or augment product in any way without the approval of Horizon Hobby, LLC. This manual contains instructions for safety, operation and maintenance. It is essential to read and follow all the instructions and warnings in the manual, prior to assembly, setup or use, in order to operate correctly and avoid damage or serious injury.

WARNING AGAINST COUNTERFEIT PRODUCTS

Always purchase from a Horizon Hobby, LLC. authorized dealer to ensure authentic high-quality Spektrum product. Horizon Hobby, LLC. disclaims all support and warranty with regards, but not limited to, compatibility and performance of counterfeit products or products claiming compatibility with DSM or Spektrum.

NOTICE: This product is only intended for use with unmanned, hobby-grade, remote-controlled vehicles and aircraft. Horizon Hobby disclaims all liability outside of the intended purpose and will not provide warranty service related thereto.

Age Recommendation: Not for Children under 14 years. This is not a toy.

Warranty Registration

Visit spektrumrc.com today to register your product.

NOTICE:

While DSMX allows you to use more than 40 transmitters simultaneously, when using DSM2 receivers, DSMX receivers in

DSM2 mode or transmitters in DSM2 mode, do not use more than 40 transmitters simultaneously.

General Notes

• Models are hazardous when operated and maintained incorrectly.

• Always install and operate a radio control system correctly.

• Always pilot a model so the model is kept under control in all conditions.

• Please seek help from an experienced pilot or your local hobby store.

• Contact local or regional modeling organizations for guidance and instructions about  ying in your area.

• When working with a model, always power on the transmitter  rst and power off the transmitter last.

• After a model is bound to a transmitter and the model is set up in the transmitter, always bind the model to the transmitter again to establish failsafe settings.

Pilot Safety

• Always make sure all batteries are fully charged before  ying.

• Time  ights so you can  y safely within the time allotted by your battery.

• Perform a range check of the transmitter and the model before  ying the model.

• Make sure all control surfaces correctly respond to transmitter controls before  ying.

• Do NOT  y a model near spectators, parking areas or any other area that could result in injury to people or damage to property.

• Do NOT  y during adverse weather conditions. Poor visibility, wind, moisture and ice can cause pilot disorientation and/or loss of control of a model.

• When a  ying model does not respond correctly to controls, land the model and correct the cause of the problem.

2 SPEKTRUM DX18 • TRANSMITTER INSTRUCTION MANUAL

BEFORE USING YOUR TRANSMITTER:

Before going any further, visit the Spektrum Community website at spektrumrc.com to register your transmitter and download the latest AirWare™  rmware updates. A registration reminder screen occasionally appears until you register your transmitter. When you register your transmitter, the reminder screen does not appear again.

Box Contents

• DX18 Transmitter

• 2600mAh LiPo Transmitter Pack (Installed in transmitter)

• SPMAR9020 AR9020 9-Channel DSMX X-Plus Receiver

• SPM6803 Male/Female Bind plug

• Global Power Supply

• SD card

• Neck strap

• Manual

3SPEKTRUM DX18 • TRANSMITTER INSTRUCTION MANUAL

Table of Contents

System Overview ...................................................

Transmitter Batteries ............................................................. 5

Charging Your Transmitter ........................................................ 5

Transmitter Functions ........................................................... 6

Main Screen ........................................................................... 8

Navigation .............................................................................. 8

Volume Control .......................................................................8

Binding ................................................................................... 9

Programming Failsafe Positions ......................................... 10

SmartSafe Failsafe ................................................................ 10

Hold Last Command .............................................................. 10

Preset Failsafe ...................................................................... 10

™

X-Plus

................................................................................ 11

Installation ............................................................................ 11

X-Plus Channels and Failsafe ................................................. 12

SD Card ................................................................................12

Model Type Programming Guide ....................... 13

Common System Setup Functions .................... 14

Model Select ......................................................................... 14

Model Type ........................................................................... 14

Model Name ......................................................................... 14

F-Mode Setup ....................................................................... 15

Spoken Flight Mode .............................................................. 15

Channel Assign ..................................................................... 16

Channel Input Con guration ................................................... 16

X-Plus Input Con guration ..................................................... 16

Trim Setup ............................................................................ 16

Model Utilities ....................................................................... 17

Warnings .............................................................................. 18

Telemetry ............................................................................. 18

Pre ight Setup ......................................................................19

Frame Rate ........................................................................... 19

Bind ..................................................................................... 19

Trainer ..................................................................................20

Analog Switch Setup ............................................................. 22

System Settings .................................................................... 22

Transfer SD Card ................................................................... 24

Function List ...................................................... 26

Servo Setup .......................................................................... 26

D/R & Expo ........................................................................... 27

Differential (Air And Sail Types Only) ....................................... 27

V-Tail Differential (Air And Sail Types Only) .............................. 27

Throttle Cut .......................................................................... 28

Throttle Curve ....................................................................... 28

Mixing .................................................................................. 28

Sequencer ............................................................................ 29

Range Test ............................................................................ 30

Timer ................................................................................... 30

Telemetry ............................................................................. 31

Custom Voice Setup .............................................................. 31

System Setup ....................................................................... 31

Monitor................................................................................. 32

X-Plus Monitor ...................................................................... 32

ACRO (Airplane) ................................................. 33

Aircraft Type ......................................................................... 33

Recommended Servo Connections ......................................... 33

Elevon Servo Control ............................................................. 34

Flap System .......................................................................... 34

ACRO Mixing ........................................................................ 34

Acro Gyro Function ............................................................... 35

Pitch Curve Function ............................................................. 35

HELI (Helicopter) ................................................ 36

Swash Type .......................................................................... 36

Pitch Curve ........................................................................... 36

Swashplate ........................................................................... 36

Gyro ..................................................................................... 37

Governor .............................................................................. 37

Tail Curve ............................................................................ 37

Mixing ................................................................................. 37

SAIL (Sailplane) ................................................. 38

Sailplane Type ....................................................................... 38

Camber Preset ...................................................................... 38

Camber System .................................................................... 38

SAIL Mixing .......................................................................... 39

Receiver Installation And

Power System Requirements ............................ 40

Speci cations ....................................................................... 40

Receiver Installation .............................................................. 40

Power System Requirements ................................................. 40

Recommended Power System Guidelines ............................... 40

Physical Transmitter Adjustments .................... 41

Mode Conversion .................................................................. 41

Adjust Stick Tension ............................................................. 41

Control Stick Length Adjustment ...........................................41

Adjust Throttle Friction Straps ................................................ 41

Throttle Ratchet Strip Installation ............................................ 41

2.4GHz Troubleshooting Guide .......................... 42

Parts list ............................................................. 42

1-Year LIMITED WARRANTY .............................. 43

Warranty and Service Contact Information ........................ 44

FCC Information ................................................................... 44

Antenna Separation Distance ................................................. 44

IC Information ...................................................................... 44

FAA Information ................................................................... 44

AMA National Model Aircraft Safety Code .......................... 45

Compliance Information for the European Union ............... 46

4 SPEKTRUM DX18 • TRANSMITTER INSTRUCTION MANUAL

Transmitter Batteries

Battery and Charging Precautions and Warnings

Failure to exercise caution while using this product and comply with the following warnings could result in product malfunction, electrical issues, excessive heat, FIRE, and ultimately injury and property damage.

• Read all safety precautions and literature prior to use of this product

• Never allow minors to charge battery packs

• Never drop charger or batteries

• Never attempt to charge damaged batteries

• Never attempt to charge a battery pack containing different types of batteries

• Never charge a battery if the cable has been pinched or shorted

• Never allow batteries or battery packs to come into contact with moisture at any time

• Never charge batteries in extremely hot or cold places (recommended between 50–80 degrees F or 10–27 degrees C) or place

in direct sunlight

• Always disconnect the battery after charging, and let the charger cool between charges

• Always inspect a new battery before charging

• Always terminate all processes and contact Horizon Hobby if the product malfunctions

• Always keep batteries and charger away from any material that could be affected by heat (such as ceramic and tile), as they

can get hot

• Always end the charging process if the charger or battery becomes hot to the touch or starts to change form (swell) during the

charge process

Charging Your Transmitter

The DX18 has an internal charger designed to charge the included 2-cell LiPo battery at a charge rate of 200mAh. The charge port on the right side of the transmitter is not polarity-dependent.

NOTICE: Never connect an external battery charger to your DX18 transmitter. If you wish to charge the LiPo battery using a LiPo charger, you must remove the battery from the transmitter before charging.

The  rst time you charge the transmitter battery, the charge time may be 12–15 hours. Always charge the transmitter on a heatresistant surface.

1. Power off your transmitter.

2. Connect the power supply connector to the transmitter charge port.

3. Connect the power supply to a power outlet using the appropriate adapter.

4. The blue LED on the front of the transmitter turns on during charging and turns off when the battery is fully charged.

5. Disconnect the transmitter from the power supply once charging is complete and disconnect the power supply from the power outlet.

CAUTION: Never leave a charging battery unattended.

LED indicators

The blue LED indicates the transmitter battery is charging. The orange LED indicates the transmitter is powered on and there is radio transmission.

Battery Alarm

The System Settings Screen allows you to change the battery type and low alarm settings. See “System Settings” for more information.

• An alarm will sound when the battery reaches the low voltage limit (4.3V for NiMH, 6.4V for LiPo).

CAUTION: Never change the low voltage limit for LiPo batteries from 6.4V. Doing so could over-discharge the

battery and damage both battery and transmitter.

5SPEKTRUM DX18 • TRANSMITTER INSTRUCTION MANUAL

Transmitter Functions

Function

Antenna 1

RIght Trim

Right Knob

Switch E

Switch H

Switch G

Switch F

Throttle/Aileron Stick

(Mode 1)

Elevator/Aileron Stick (Mode 2) Throttle/Rudder

Stick (Mode 3) Elevator/Rudder Stick

(Mode 4)

Function

Elevator Trim (Mode 2, 4)

Throttle Trim (Mode 1, 3) Aileron Trim (Mode 1,2)

Rudder Trim (Mode 3,4) Roller

Charge Port

On/Off Switch

LCD

Clear Button

Back Button

Speaker Grill Rudder Trim (Mode 1,2)

Aileron Trim (Mode 3,4)

Function

Elevator Trim (Mode 1,3)

Throttle Trim (Mode 2,4) Elevator/Rudder Stick

(Mode 1)

Throttle/Rudder Stick

(Mode 2)

Elevator/Aileron Stick

(Mode 3)

Throttle/AileronStick

(Mode 4)

Switch C

Switch B

Switch A

Switch D

Bind/Switch I

Function

Left Trim

LED

The transmitter comes with a thin, clear plastic  lm applied to some front panels for protection during shipping. Humidity and use may cause this  lm to come off. Carefully remove this  lm as desired.

15 16

6 SPEKTRUM DX18 • TRANSMITTER INSTRUCTION MANUAL

Transmitter Functions

Function

Throttle Spring Tension

Adjustment (Mode 2,4)

Left Lever

Left Rear Grip

Audio Jack

Trainer Port

SD Card

Battery Cover

Charge Port Throttle Spring Tension

Adjustment (Mode 1,3)

Function

Right Rear Grip

Right Lever

Gimbal Stick Tension

Adjustment

Handle/Antenna 2

7SPEKTRUM DX18 • TRANSMITTER INSTRUCTION MANUAL

Main Screen

Function

Model Name

DSMX

/DSM2® If not shown, this indicates “not bound”

Transmitter Battery Charge Level

Digital Battery Voltage (an alarm sounds and the screen

ﬂ ashes when battery charge gets down to 4.3V when using an NiMH battery or 6.4V for a LiPo/Li Ion battery.)

Model Type Elevator Trim

(Modes 2 and 4)

Throttle Trim

(Modes 1 and 3)

Aileron Trim (Modes 1 and 2) Rudder Trim (Modes 3 and 4)

Model Memory Timer

Also displays the Volume Level when the BACK button is pressed

Also displays R Trim values when the Right Trim button is pressed

Navigation

• Turn the scroll wheel to move through the screen content or change programming values. Press the scroll wheel to make a selection.

• Use the Back button to go to the previous screen (for example, to go from the Mixing Screen to the Function List).

• Use the Clear button to return a selected value on a screen to the default setting.

• Direct Model Access enables you to access the Model Select screen without powering off the transmitter. Anytime the transmitter power is on, press the Clear and Back buttons to access the Model Select screen.

• Press and hold the roller while powering on the transmitter to show the System Setup list. No radio transmission occurs when a System Setup screen is displayed, preventing accidental damage to linkages and servos during changes to programming.

Function

Rudder Trim (Modes 1 and 2)

Aileron Trim (Modes 3 and 4) Throttle Trim (Mode 2 and 4)

Elevator Trim (Mode 1 and 3)

Timer

Active Flight Mode

A L K

• At the main screen you can roll the roller to view the servo monitor.

• The Main Screen appears when you power on the transmitter. Press the scroll wheel once to display the Function List.

• When you want to change a value in a screen for a particular control position, move the control to the desired position to highlight the value you want to change, such as 0/1/2, up/ down or left/right.

Also displays L Trim values when the Left Trim button is pressed

GI H

Turn HoldPress

Enter, Choose or Exit

Move between options or change value in an option

Hold for 3 seconds and release to move to the Main Screen

Tip: The tick mark below shows the current switch position. Rolling and clicking the roller turns the selected box black, indicating that the value or condition will act on that position.

Volume Control

Volume control is adjusted from the Main Screen. To change the volume:

1. Press the BACK button.

2. Turn the scroll wheel left or right to adjust the volume level.

3. Press the scroll wheel to save the selection.

8 SPEKTRUM DX18 • TRANSMITTER INSTRUCTION MANUAL

BINDING

Binding is the process of programming the receiver to recognize the GUID (Globally Unique Identi er) code of a single speci c transmitter. The DX18 and AR9020 are pre-bound at the factory. You will need to rebind after the model programming is initially set up to fully program the model’s failsafe positions.

Binding Using the Receiver and Receiver Battery

2. 3.

Hold button while powereing on

Mode 2 shown

1. Move the throttle stick to the lowest position and power off the transmitter.

2. Insert the bind plug into the BIND/DATA port on the receiver.

3. Connect a fully charged receiver pack to any open port on the receiver. The orange LED on the receiver rapidly  ashes when the receiver is in bind mode.

Binding Using the Receiver and ESC

Hold button while powereing on

2. 3.

4. Press and hold the transmitter bind button while powering the transmitter on.

5. Release the Bind button when the transmitter screen displays “Binding”. Binding is complete when the orange transmitter and receiver LEDs are on solid.

6. Power off the receiver and remove the bind plug.

Mode 2 shown

1. Lower throttle to the lowest position and make sure the transmitter is powered off.

2. Insert the bind plug into the BIND/DATA port.

3. Insert the ESC plug into the THRO port.

4. Connect battery to ESC and turn on ESC switch, if available. The receiver’s LED will rapidly  ash when the receiver is ready

5. While pressing the Bind button, power on the transmitter.

6. Release the Bind button after the receiver has stopped  ashing rapidly, once the receiver’s LED stays illuminated; this indicates the receiver is bound to the transmitter. The screen also provides binding information.

7. Remove the bind plug from the receiver.

to bind.

CAUTION: When using the DX18 with park yer receivers, only use such receivers in park yer-type aircraft (small electric airplanes or mini and micro helicopters). Installing park yer receivers in larger aircraft could cause signal blocking and

loss of connection.

9SPEKTRUM DX18 • TRANSMITTER INSTRUCTION MANUAL

PROGRAMMING FAILSAFE POSITIONS

You establish failsafe positions when you bind your transmitter and receiver. If the radio signal connection is lost between the transmitter and receiver, the receiver immediately moves the aircraft control surfaces to the failsafe positions. If you assign the receiver THRO channel to a transmitter channel other than throttle, we recommend using Preset failsafe with the throttle in the low position.

SmartSafeTM Failsafe

SmartSafe failsafe is a technology that only acts on the throttle channel and offers the following bene ts:

• Prevents electric motors from operating when the receiver power is on and the transmitter power is off.

• Prevents the speed controller from arming until the throttle is moved to the low throttle position.

• Powers off an electric motor and reduces gas/glow engines to idle if signal is lost.

Hold Last Command

The Hold Last Command failsafe maintains the last command on all channels except throttle. If the radio signal is lost, the aircraft maintains the commanded heading until the receiver regains signal. To program Hold Last Command, follow the provided binding instructions in this instruction manual.

To Test Hold Last Command:

1. Power on the transmitter and receiver.

2. Move one of the control sticks to the desired Hold Last Command position and hold the input.

3. While holding the control input (for example, a small amount of rudder) power off the transmitter. The rudder should maintain the input command.

NOTICE: Failsafe features vary according to receiver. Always consult the receiver instruction manual for failsafe features.

Before  ight, ALWAYS con rm the failsafe functions as you would expect.

To Program SmartSafe, move the throttle to the low or off position before putting the transmitter into bind mode.

To Test the SmartSafe failsafe

1. Power the transmitter and receiver on.

2. Power off the transmitter. The throttle should immediately move to the failsafe position.

CAUTION: Make sure the aircraft is fully restrained on the ground. If the failsafe is not set correctly, your aircraft

might advance to mid or full throttle.

CAUTION: Make sure the aircraft is fully restrained on the ground. If the failsafe is not set correctly, the aircraft

throttle might advance to mid or full throttle.

Preset Failsafe

The Preset failsafe moves all channels to their programmed failsafe positions. We recommend using Preset failsafe to deploy spoilers on sailplanes to prevent a  yaway if the radio signal is lost.

To program Preset failsafe:

1. Insert the bind plug in the bind port on the receiver and power on the receiver.

2. Remove the bind plug when the orange LED on the main receiver and all attached remote receivers  ash rapidly. The orange receiver LEDs will continue  ashing.

10 SPEKTRUM DX18 • TRANSMITTER INSTRUCTION MANUAL

3. Move the transmitter control sticks and switches to the desired Preset failsafe position. Power the transmitter on.

4. Failsafe programming is complete when the orange LEDs on the transmitter and all receivers turn solid.

CAUTION: Make sure the aircraft is fully restrained on the ground. If the failsafe is not set correctly, the aircraft

throttle might advance to mid or full throttle.

X-PLUS™

The X-Plus™ 8 module is designed to allow expansion of up to 8 servos for non-control surface functions such as bomb drops, lights, winches, retractable landing gear, and many more. The X-Plus 8 is compatible with Spektrum™ X-Plus transmitters and receivers. The X-Plus 8 module offers the option to power the connected servos via dual auxiliary battery ports with separate batteries and switch harnesses (sold separately) independent of the receiver. The X-Plus 8 module can also be powered inclusive of the receiver by using the included jumper through either of the dual BATT/JMPR ports.

Features:

• 8-channel expansion

• Dual battery ports

• Included Jumper offers option of using receiver power

• Allows  ne tuning of 8 servos on non-critical controls (bomb drops, lights, winches, gear, etc.)

Applications

Scale modelers with complex aircraft, ships, or surface applications will enjoy the easy programming and functions of the X-Plus 8 module using X-Plus compatible transmitter’s AirWare™

Installation

In gas and glow aircraft, install the X-Plus 8 module by wrapping it in protective foam and fastening it in place using rubber bands or a hook and loop strap. In electric airplanes or helicopters, you can use thick double-sided foam tape to fasten the module in place.

When using an X-Plus receiver and module, it is recommended that the X-Plus 8 module be mounted as near to the receiver as possible. When using the jumper lead to power the module, mounting the X-Plus 8 module near the receiver system will minimize the current loss from the receiver. Servo extensions can be used with each servo, but we recommend using heavy 22 gauge wire with goldplated connectors.

A power jumper plug must be installed in one of the BATT/JMPR ports of the module if the module is powered from the receiver through the SRXL port.

Always remove the power jumper when an auxiliary battery or auxiliary batteries are used. When the auxiliary battery option is used, the X-Plus 8 module can be mounted as far away from the receiver as needed to be near connected servos.

Power System Requirements

Inadequate power systems that do not provide the necessary minimum voltage to the receiver during  ight are the number one cause of in- ight failures. Some of the power system components that affect the ability to properly deliver adequate power include:

• Receiver battery pack (number of cells, capacity, cell type, state of charge)

• The ESC’s capability to deliver current to the receiver in electric aircraft

• The switch harness, battery leads, servo leads, regulators, etc.

The X-Plus 8 module has a minimum operational voltage of 3.5 volts; it is highly recommended that the power system be tested per the guidelines below.

software. Modelers will be able to select 2 position, 3 position or potentiometer adjustment through their transmitter. After selecting the speci c switch or port, AirWare software will allow the individual servo adjustment of each X-Plus channel‘s travel adjust, sub trim, reversing, and speed.

Speciﬁ cations

Type: X-Plus Module Channels: 8 Dimensions: 0.91x 1.61 x 0.79 in

(23 x 41 x 20mm) Weight: .42 oz (11.9 g) Voltage Range: 3.5 to 9.6V Resolution: 512 Compatibility: All X-Plus transmitters and receivers

X+1 X+2 X+3 X+4 X+5 X+6

X+7 X+8

BATT/JMPR

SRXL

Recommended Power System Test Guidelines

If a questionable power system is being used (e.g., a small or old battery, an ESC that may not have a BEC that will support highcurrent draw, etc.), perform the following test with a voltmeter. The Hangar 9

Digital Servo & Rx Current Meter (HAN172) or the

Spektrum Flight Log (SPM9540) work well for this test. Plug the voltmeter into an open channel port in the receiver and, with

the system on, load the control surfaces (apply pressure with your hand) while monitoring the voltage at the receiver. The voltage should remain above 4.8 volts even when all servos are heavily loaded.

CAUTION: When charging Ni-MH batteries, make sure the

battery fully charges. Ni-MH batteries charged with peak detection fast chargers have a tendency to false peak (i.e. not fully charge), which could lead to a crash.

X+6 Servo

To SRXL Port

X+5 Servo

Auxiliary Battery

Pack

(optional)

X+4 Servo X+3 Servo X+2 Servo X+1 Servo

Jumper

On/Off Switch Harness (optional)

X+8 Servo X+9 Servo

11SPEKTRUM DX18 • TRANSMITTER INSTRUCTION MANUAL

X-Plus Channels and Failsafe

Failsafe is not supported for servos connected to the X-Plus Module. We recommend that no failsafe should be expected or attempted for a servo connected through the X-Plus Module. However, servos connected to the X-Plus Module will hold last command in the event of a failsafe condition.

To Activate X-Plus

1. Open the Frame Rate Menu in System Setup.

2. Scroll to X-Plus and press the scroll wheel to activate. The X-Plus Inputs screen is now active in the Channel Assign menu.

AUX6 and AUX7 channels are available on 12-channel receivers when X-Plus is active. AUX6 and AUX7 are 2048 resolution and 22ms frame rate (12-channel receivers only).

Channels X+1 and X+2 are duplicate channels of channels 11 and 12 on a 12 channel receiver with X-Plus active. If channels 11 and 12 require any adjustment for travel adjust, servo reversing, sub trim or any other function, adjust channels X+1 and X+2. Note that channels 11 and 12 will also show on the X-Plus monitor as channels X+1 and X+2.

If you select 11ms frame rate before you activate X-Plus, the transmitter reverts to 22ms frame rate when X-Plus is active.

CAUTION: Do NOT connect throttle or any primary

control surface to the X-Plus Module. The X-Plus channels are intended to be used for auxiliary functions only. X-Plus channels have a resolution of 512 and variable latency from 22ms to about 88ms. When X-Plus is active, the  rst 10 channels default to 22ms.

from Channel Assign menu

Refer to community.spektrumrc.com for more information about X-Plus options.

SD CARD

Installing the SD Card

The included SD Card enables you to:

• Import (copy) models from another DX18 transmitter

• Export (transfer) models to another DX18 transmitter

• Update AirWare™ software in the transmitter

To install the SD Card:

1. Power off the transmitter.

2. Remove the battery door.

3. Press the SD Card into the card slot with the card label facing upward.

4. Install the battery door.

Exporting the Transmitter Serial Number to the

SD Card

Exporting the transmitter serial number to the SD Card allows you to copy and paste the serial number into the registration screen at

community.spektrumrc.com.

To export the serial number:

1. Press and hold the scroll wheel while powering the transmitter on until the System Setup list appears.

2. Scroll to the System Settings menu. Press the scroll wheel once to open the menu.

3. Select NEXT on the System Settings and Extra Settings screens.

4. When the Serial Number screen appears, select EXPORT.

5. Power off the transmitter and remove the SD Card from the transmitter.

6. Insert the SD Card in your computer and open the .txt  le on the card.

7. Copy and Paste the serial number into the Registration screen on the Spektrum Community site (community.spektrumrc.com).

12 SPEKTRUM DX18 • TRANSMITTER INSTRUCTION MANUAL

MODEL TYPE PROGRAMMING GUIDE

Menu options show up on model type selection. These menu options vary between Model Types (Airplane, Helicopter and Sailplane), but are identical for all models in that type.

System Setup List: Model Select

Model Type

Model Name

Aircraft Type

F-Mode Setup Spoken Flight Mode Channel Assign Trim Setup Model Utilities Warnings Telemetry Preflight Setup

Frame Rate

Bind Trainer Analog Switch Setup System Settings Transfer SD Card

Function List: Servo Setup D/R and Expo Differential V-Tail Differential Throttle Cut Throttle Curve Gyro1 Gyro2 Gyro3 Pitch Curve Flap System Mixing Sequencer Range Test Timer Telemetry Custom Voice Setup System Setup Monitor XPlus Monitor

Subsequent aircraft type (Aircraft, Swashplate or Sailplane) selections make other menu options appear.

System Setup List: Model Select

Model Type

Model Name

Sailplane Type

F-Mode Setup Spoken Flight Mode Channel Assign Trim Setup Model Utilities Warnings Telemetry Preflight Setup

Frame Rate

Bind Trainer Analog Switch Setup System Settings Model Utilities Transfer SD Card

Function List: Servo Setup D/R and Expo Differential V-Tail Differential Throttle Cut Motor Curve Camber Presets Camber System Mixing Sequencer Range Test Timer Telemetry Custom Voice Setup System Setup Monitor XPlus Monitor

System Setup List: Model Select

Model Type

Model Name

Swashplate Type

F-Mode Setup Spoken Flight Mode Channel Assign Trim Setup Model Utilities Warnings Telemetry Preflight Setup

Frame Rate

Bind Trainer Analog Switch Setup System Settings Model Utilities Transfer SD Card

Function List: Servo Setup D/R and Expo Throttle Cut Throttle Curve Pitch Curve Swashplate Gyro Governor Tail Curve Mixing Sequencer Range Test Timer Telemetry Custom Voice Setup System Setup Monitor XPlus Monitor

13SPEKTRUM DX18 • TRANSMITTER INSTRUCTION MANUAL

COMMON SYSTEM SETUP FUNCTIONS

Model Select

Model Select enables you to access any of the 250 internal model memory locations in the Model Select list.

1. Scroll to the desired model memory in the Model Select list.

2. When the desired model memory is highlighted, press the scroll wheel once to select the model. The transmitter returns to the System Setup List.

3. Add a new model by rolling to the bottom of the list. You will then be prompted with the Create New Model screen, with the option to create a new model or cancel. If you select Cancel the system will return to the Model Select function. If you select Create, the new model will be created and now be available in the model select list.

Direct Model Access

Press the Clear and Back buttons from the Main Screen or a telemetry screen to access Model Select.

Model Type

Select from Airplane, Helicopter or Sailplane model types.

IMPORTANT: When you select a new model type, you will delete any programming data in the current model memory. Always con rm the desired model memory before changing model types. It will be necessary to re-bind after resetting the model type.

To change the model type:

1. Scroll to the desired model type and press the scroll wheel. The Con rm Model Type screen appears.

2. Select Yes and press the scroll wheel to con rm the model type. All data will be reset. Selecting No will exit the Con rm Model Type screen and return to the Model Type screen.

Model Name

Model Name enables you to assign a custom name to the current model memory. Model names can include up to 20 characters including spaces.

To add letters to a Model Name:

1. Scroll to the desired letter position and press the scroll wheel once. A  ashing box appears.

2. Scroll left or right until the desired character appears. Press the scroll wheel once to save the character.

3. Scroll to the next desired letter position. Repeat Steps 1 and 2 until the Model Name is complete.

4. Select BACK to return to the System Setup list.

To erase a character:

1. Press CLEAR while the character is selected.

2. Press CLEAR a second time to erase all characters to the right of the cursor.

14 SPEKTRUM DX18 • TRANSMITTER INSTRUCTION MANUAL

F-Mode Setup

Use the Flight Mode Setup menu to assign switches to  ight modes.

Mode Number of Switches Number of Flight Modes

Aircraft 2 5

Heli 3 (including Throttle Hold) 5 (including Throttle Hold)

Flight Mode Wizard

The Flight Mode Wizard resets the Flight Mode Table to the default settings without affecting the  ight mode switch assignments.

To reset the Flight Mode Table:

1. Select PREVIOUS until you reach the Flight Mode Wizard.

2. Select the desired option, based on the number of active  ight modes. The Flight Mode Table is now reset.

Sailplane Flight Mode Setup

You can assign up to ten  ight modes using any combination of up to three switches. You can also assign a priority switch. When the priority switch position is active, only the current  ight mode is active, regardless of other switch positions.

Aircraft and Sailplane Flight Mode Table

You can assign the available  ight modes (up to 5 for Air, up to 10 for Sail) to each of the switch positions (up to 3 switches can be used for sailplane and up to 2 switches can be used for aircraft). Press NEXT from the Flight Mode Name page to access the  ight mode table assignment page when Custom  ight mode has been selected in the Flight Mode Setup page. The combination of up to 2 or 3 switches can be used to access all of the  ight modes available.

Number of Flight Modes

Switch 1 (number of positions)

Switch 2 (number of positions)

Flight Mode

1 2 Cruise Cruise Cruise Cruise Cruise Cruise 3 Land Land Land 4 Thermal Thermal Thermal Thermal 5 Speed Speed

*Must be set up in a 4/5 ﬂ ight mode

2 3 3* 4 4 5

2P 3P 2P 2P 3P 3P

2P 3P 2P 3P

Launch Launch Launch Launch Launch Launch

Spoken Flight Mode Setup

Enables you to assign custom names to the Flight Mode positions. Flight Mode names can include up to 20 characters including spaces.

To change the Flight Mode name:

1. Scroll to the Flight Mode name you wish to change and press the scroll wheel.

2. Scroll to the character position you wish to change and press the scroll wheel once. A  ashing box appears.

3. Scroll left or right until the desired character appears. Press the scroll wheel once to save the character.

4. Repeat Steps 2 and 3 until the Model Name is complete.

5. Select BACK to return to the Flight Mode Names list.

Spoken Flight Mode:

The Spoken Flight Mode option enables you to activate audio  ight mode alerts. As you change between  ight modes, the transmitter will “speak”, informing you of the active  ight mode. You can select a word or phrase for each  ight mode. To activate Spoken Flight Mode:

1. Enter the Spoken Flight Mode menu option.

2. Scroll to <Silence> (default), then press the scroll wheel.

3. Scroll left or right to view the options.

4. Press the scroll wheel again to save the selection.

15SPEKTRUM DX18 • TRANSMITTER INSTRUCTION MANUAL

+ 32 hidden pages