Spektrum DX6i Instruction Manual
Instruction Manual
EN
NOTICE
All instructions, warranties and other collateral documents are subject to change at the sole discretion of Horizon Hobby, Inc.
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 a 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 supercial 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, Inc. 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
Thank you for purchasing a genuine Spektrum product. Always purchase from a Horizon Hobby, Inc. authorized dealer
to ensure authentic high-quality Spektrum product. Horizon Hobby, Inc. disclaims all support and warranty with regards,
but not limited to, compatibility and performance of counterfeit products or products claiming compatibility with DSM2 or
Spektrum.
WARRANTY REGISTRATION
Visit www.spektrumrc.com/registration today to register your product.
GENERAL NOTES
• Radio controlled models provide pleasurable skill challenges
and opportunity for increasing mastery of piloting.
• 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 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 batteries are fully charged before ying.
• Time ights so you y safely and under control.
• Do a range check of the transmitter and the model before
ying a model.
• Make sure control surfaces correctly respond to transmitter
control 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
can cause pilot disorientation and loss of control of a model.
Wind can cause loss of control and damage to a model.
Moisture and ice can damage a model.
• Do NOT point transmitter antenna directly at a model.
The signal coming from the tip of the antenna is weak by
comparison to the signal coming from other parts of the
antenna.
• When a ying model does not respond correctly to controls
(moving erratically or abnormally) land the model and correct the cause of the problem.
2
SPEKTRUM DX6i • RADIO INSTRUCTION MANUAL
TABLE OF CONTENTS
EN
DSMX .........................................................................4
Transmitter Functions
Charging Batteries...............................................6
Install Batteries ...................................................6
Binding .......................................................................7
Using transmitter ........................................................8
Antenna ......................................................................8
Main Screen ...............................................................8
Warning screens .........................................................8
Programming Guide
SETUP LIST ........................................................9
ADJUST LIST .......................................................9
Function Options Not Shared .............................10
MODEL TYPE ....................................................11
MODEL NAME ...................................................11
MONITOR ..........................................................11
REVERSE ...........................................................11
THRO CUT .........................................................11
WING TAIL MIX...................................................12
SWASH TYPE ....................................................12
D/R COMBI (Dual Rate Combination) .................12
TIMER ...............................................................13
RANGE CHECK ...................................................13
POWER SETTING ...............................................13
MODULATION TYPE ............................................13
MODEL SELECT .................................................14
D/R & EXPO (Dual Rate & Expo) .........................14
CONTRAST ........................................................14
COPY/RESET .....................................................14
TRAVEL ADJ (Travel Adjust) ................................15
SUB-TRIM .........................................................15
FLAPS ..............................................................15
GYRO ................................................................15
THRO CUR (Throttle Curve) ...............................16
PITC CUR (Pitch Curve) ......................................16
SWASH MIX .......................................................17
MIX 1 or MIX 2 ..................................................17
DIFFERENTIAL ...................................................18
REVO MIX (Revolution Mix) ................................18
Master/Slave Information
To operate the DX6i as a master: .......................18
To operate the DX6i as a slave: ..........................18
Failsafe .....................................................................19
Receiver and servo information
Receiver Installation ..........................................19
Servo Installation ...............................................20
Servo Precautions .............................................20
Power System Requirements ....................................20
Recommended Power System Guidelines .................20
Troubleshooting Guide ..............................................21
AMA National Model Aircraft Safety Code ..................21
FCC Information ........................................................22
FAA Information ........................................................22
Parts list ...................................................................22
Warranty and Repair Policy .......................................23
Parts Contact Information .........................................24
Compliance Information for the European Union ........24
Appendix
Control Stick Length Adjustment ........................25
Control Stick Tension Adjustment .......................25
Throttle Stick Ratchet Strip Installation ..............25
Servo Control ....................................................26
3SPEKTRUM DX6i • RADIO INSTRUCTION MANUAL
EN
DSMX
Spektrum launched the 2.4GHz RC revolution with its DSM2
technology. Since then millions of hobbyists the world over have
come to embrace 2.4 as the way to y. Spektrum leads the way
yet again with DSMX; the world’s rst wideband, frequency-agile
2.4GHz signal protocol.
How Does DSMX Work?
It’s a crowded 2.4GHz world out there and every 2.4GHz system
faces the same challenges. DSMX better equips you for these
challenges by combining the superior data capacity and interference resistance of a wideband signal (like that used in DSM2)
with the agility of frequency shifts.
Compared to the wideband signal of DSMX, the narrow band
signal of other frequency hopping 2.4 transmitters is more likely
to suffer data loss in the event of on-channel interference. Think
of it as a river vs. a stream. It takes more interference to dam a
river than it does a stream.
As more and more 2.4 transmitters vie for the same number
of available channels, there is more interference and more of a
risk for data loss. By adding the agility of frequency shifts to the
superior interference resistance of a wideband signal, DSMX
is far less likely to suffer signicant data loss from on-channel
interference. The result is quicker connection times and superior
response in even the most crowded 2.4GHz environment.
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.
DSMX Operational Differences
DSMX transmitters and receivers function nearly identically to
Spektrum DSM2 systems. Binding, setting the failsafe, recording
ight log data, as well as general use of the system is no different than using any current Spektrum system.
Following are the operational differences:
Brownout Detection- Not Available on DSMX Receivers,
DSM2 receivers feature Brownout Detection that ashes the
receiver’s LED if a power interruption occurs. While DSMX
receivers have QuickConnect™ and recover instantly from a
power interruption, the architecture of DSMX prevents Brownout
Detection when operating in DSMX mode.
Flight Log Recording- Fades Higher than DSM2
Note that DSMX hops through the band while DSM2 nds two
quiet channels and remains on those channels. Consequently
because DSMX operates on quiet and noisy channels, it’s common to have more Antenna Fades than when using DSM2, when
used in busy 2.4GHz environments. When taking ight log data
readings, the Frames and Hold Data are important and should be
used a reference while Fades are insignicant due to the nature
of frequency hopping. A 10-minute ight will typically result in
less than 50 Frame Losses and no Holds.
Just How Good is DSMX?
In multiple tests, 100 DSMX systems were operated simultaneously for extended periods of time. During these tests each of the
100 systems was monitored in ight and on the ground. In every
test not a single case of RF link loss, latency increase or control
degradation was experienced or recorded.
Is DSMX Compatible with DSM2?
Yes. DSMX is fully compatible with all DSM2 hardware. In fact,
many pilots may nd the DSM2 equipment they have now is all
they will ever need. Even if a new DSMX transmitter eventually
comes along that they really want, all the DSM2 receivers they
have now will work with it.
It is important to note, however, that while DSMX is compatible
with DSM2, the only way to experience the full benets of DSMX
in a busy 2.4 environment is by pairing a DSMX transmitter with
a DSMX receiver.
Can DSM2 Transmitters be Upgraded to DSMX?
Yes. DX8 owners can simply download Spektrum AirWare™ v2.0
software from spektrumrc.com and update the rmware using
their SD card. DX6i transmitters manufactured after October
2010 can be upgraded using instructions provided on spektrumrc.com. All other DX6i DSM2 transmitters can be upgraded for
$75 by sending them to the Horizon Hobby service center. DSM2
receivers and transmitter modules cannot be upgraded to DSMX.
Does DSMX have ModelMatch and ServoSync?
Yes. DSMX will provide you with these and other exclusive Spektrum advantages you already enjoy with DSM2.
Want to know more about DSMX? Visit spektrumrc.com for complete details on this as well as the many other reasons Spektrum
is the leader in 2.4.
4
SPEKTRUM DX6i • RADIO INSTRUCTION MANUAL
Press
3 seconds
Press
3 seconds
TRANSMITTER FUNCTIONS
EN
Function
Antenna
A
Throttle Cut
B
Mix/Throttle Hold (Mode 2)
C
Trainer/Bind (Mode 1)
Rudder Dual Rate (Mode 2)
D
Gear/Flight Mode (Mode 1)
Aileron Dual Rate
E
Aileron/Elevator Stick (Mode 2)
F
Aileron/Throttle Stick (Mode 1)
Elevator Trim (Mode 2)
G
Throttle Trim (Mode 1)
Aileron Trim
H
Roller
I
On/Off Switch
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
Q
R
S
T
Do not try to change transmitter from one mode to another.
Instead, send transmitter to the appropriate product support
ofce for mode change.
Q
P
Function
Charge Port
Rudder Trim
Throttle Trim (Mode 2)
Elevator Trim (Mode 1)
Throttle/Rudder Stick (Mode 2)
Elevator/Rudder Stick (Mode 1)
Elevator Dual Rate
Gear/Flight Mode (Mode 2)
Rudder Dual Rate (Mode 1)
Trainer/Bind (Mode 2)
Mix/Throttle Hold (Mode 1)
Flap/Gyro
Trainer Port
Battery Cover
R
S
T
A
B
C
D
O
N
M
L
K
Note: 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.
E
F
G
H
I
J
5SPEKTRUM DX6i • RADIO INSTRUCTION MANUAL
EN
TRANSMITTER BATTERIES
1. 2. 3.
Install Batteries
This transmitter requires 4 AA batteries. Transmitters are sold
with and without batteries and a Spektrum charger.
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
Charging Batteries
Rechargeable batteries can be recharged in the transmitter
using a 4.8-volt Spektrum charger. Improved battery reliability
requires a full charge for initial use. While the transmitter is
powered off, connect the transmitter charge port to the charger.
Charging must be done in a safe place NOT affected by the
usual heat that comes from a charger and batteries during
charging.
CAUTION: Use ONLY the 150mAh center pin negative
Spektrum adaptor (SPM9550) with your transmitter.
1. Remove battery cover from the back of the transmitter.
2. Install batteries as shown where batteries t.
3. Install battery cover.
• 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
Charger Pigtail for Transmitter
BLACK TO POSITIVE
BLACK W/WHITE STRIPE TO NEGATIVE
Spektrum Transmitter Charge Jack Polarity
-
+
Note: The 4.8-volt charger recharges at a rate of 150mAh per
hour, so 4 1.2V 1500mAh batteries require approximately 10
hours for an initial charge.
CAUTION: Charge only rechargeable batteries. Non-rechargeable batteries may burst causing injury to persons
and/or damage to property.
6
Charger power outlet
terminals not shown.
SPEKTRUM DX6i • RADIO INSTRUCTION MANUAL
BINDING
1. 2. 3.
5.
6.
HOLD SWITCH WHILE POWERING ON
Mode 2 Shown
4.
You must bind the receiver to the transmitter before it will operate. Binding is sharing identication codes between the receiver and
the active memory of the transmitter. Once bound, the receiver only connects to the transmitter when the previously bound model
memory is selected. You will need to rebind after the model is set in the transmitter to fully program the model’s failsafe positions. If
another model memory is selected, the receiver will not connect. This feature is called ModelMatch™ and prevents ying a model
using the wrong model memory.
Binding using receiver and receiver battery
1. 2. 3.
EN
HOLD SWITCH WHILE POWERING ON
4.
5.
Mode 2 Shown
1. Lower throttle to lowest position and make sure the
transmitter is powered off
2. Insert bind plug into BATT/BIND (BIND/DATA) receptacle.
3. Insert receiver battery into ANY open receptacle.
Note: The receiver’s LED ashes when the receiver is ready to
bind.
Binding using receiver and ESC
1. 2. 3.
4. 5. 6.
HOLD SWITCH WHILE POWERING ON
6.
4. While holding Trainer/Bind switch, power on transmitter.
5. Keep hold on trainer switch until receiver’s LED stays
illuminated; this indicates the receiver is bound to the
transmitter.
6. Remove bind plug from receiver.
7.
Mode 2 Shown
1. Lower throttle to lowest position and make sure the
transmitter is powered off
2. Insert bind plug into BATT/BIND (BIND/DATA) receptacle.
3. Insert ESC plug into THRO receptacle.
4. Connect battery to ESC and turn on ESC switch, if available.
Note: The receiver’s LED ashes when the receiver is ready to
bind.
5. While holding Trainer/Bind switch, power on transmitter.
6. Keep hold on trainer switch until receiver’s LED stays
illuminated; this indicates the receiver is bound to the
transmitter.
7. Remove bind plug from receiver.
7SPEKTRUM DX6i • RADIO INSTRUCTION MANUAL
EN
USING TRANSMITTER
Antenna
The transmitter antenna bends and turns at the hinge (A) and only bends
and turns to the front of the transmitter. The antenna cannot point to the
back of the transmitter. Turn antenna tip to point away from the model
and ground. Signals transmit strongest from the antenna shaft, not the tip.
WARNING: Do not pick up the
transmitter by the antenna. Do not
alter or put weight on the antenna. Damage
to antenna parts can decrease transmitter
signal strength, which can result in loss of
model control, injury or property damage.
A
Main Screen
A Transmitter Battery Charge Level
B Model Memory
C Model Name
D Model Type
E Elevator Trim (Mode 2)
F Time Count
G Aileron Trim
H Time Count Direction
I Rudder Trim
J Transmitter Battery Charge Amount
(an alarm sounds and the screen ashes
when battery charge gets down to 4.1V.)
K Throttle Trim (Mode 2)
I
A
K
J
Warning screens
Warning Screen for Throttle Hold/Stunt Mode
If the Model Type is HELI and the F MODE or TH HOLD switch
are in the 1 position when the transmitter is powered on, the
alarm will sound. When the F MODE switch or THROTTLE HOLD
switch are on, an alarm sounds and warning shows on the LCD
screen. When all switches are moved to position 0, the display
returns to normal and the alarm stops.
K
B
MDL6
5.0V
I
C
MUSTANG
DN06:00
H
E
G
D
E
G
F
Warning Screen for Low Transmitter Batteries
When the transmitter is powered on with low battery power (at
4.1-volts or less), a warning sounds and the screen ashes with
text to prevent use of the transmitter with low batteries. Power
off the transmitter and replace batteries to stop the sound and
ashing screen.
8
SPEKTRUM DX6i • RADIO INSTRUCTION MANUAL
Loading...