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 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 superfi 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, 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 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 community.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 fl ying in your area.
• When working with a model, always power on the
transmitter fi 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
fl ying.
• Time fl ights so you can fl y safely within the time allotted by
your battery.
• Perform a range check of the transmitter and the model
before fl ying the model.
• Make sure all control surfaces correctly respond to transmitter controls before fl ying.
• Do NOT fl y a model near spectators, parking areas or any
other area that could result in injury to people or damage to
property.
• Do NOT fl 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 fl ying model does not respond correctly to controls,
land the model and correct the cause of the problem.
2SPEKTRUM DX18 • TRANSMITTER INSTRUCTION MANUAL
Welcome to a new era of RC precision and freedom. With the DX18 you can fl y just about anything you want exactly the way you
want to. And you’ll do so with less hassle than ever before.
Its wide array of Spektrum™ AirWare™ programming functions is the most powerful ever made available in a handheld transmitter. Not only do you get a wealth of programming options for airplanes, helicopters and sailplanes, but you can freely assign any
switch, stick, lever or slider to perform just about any function you want. You can perfectly balance the output of CCPM servos or
multiple servos on a single control surface. You can even program an intricate sequence of events over multiple channels that are
activated by a single switch.
Perhaps best of all, the DX18 gives you all these expert features without requiring you be a programming expert to use them. If
anything, its intuitive SimpleScroll™ programming interface and menu screens make model setup so simple, you just might fi nd
yourself trying all kinds of new and exciting fl ying challenges that you never would have before.
That’s why you must read this manual before you fl y with the DX18 for the fi rst time. There is so much this transmitter is capable of
that you don’t want to miss a thing. These pages will help you get the most from it all. You’ll also fi nd important binding instructions
as well as a handy troubleshooting guide.
BEFORE USING YOUR TRANSMITTER:
Before going any further, visit the Spektrum Community website at community.spektrumrc.com to register your
transmitter and download the latest AirWare fi 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
EN
• 2600mAh LiPo Transmitter Pack (Installed in transmitter)
• SD Card
• 12V DC Global Power Supply
• SPMAR9020 9-Channel Receiver
(Not included with Transmitter-only versions)
Warranty and Service Contact Information ...................41
Parts Contact Information ...........................................41
Compliance Information for the European Union ...........41
4SPEKTRUM 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 (recom-
mended 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 be-
comes hot to the touch or starts to change form (swell) during the
charge process
EN
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 polaritydependent.
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 fi rst time you charge the transmitter battery, the charge time
may be 12-15 hours. Always charge the transmitter on a heat
resistant 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
The transmitter comes with a thin,
clear plastic fi lm applied to some
front panels for protection during
shipping. Humidity and use may
cause this fi lm to come off. Carefully
remove this fi lm as desired.
2
3
4
21
22
20
18
19
23
15
16
17
14
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
6SPEKTRUM DX18 • TRANSMITTER INSTRUCTION MANUAL
EN
Throttle Spring Tension
1
Adjustment (Mode 2,4)
Left Lever
2
Left Rear Grip
3
Trainer Port
4
SD Card
5
Battery Cover
6
9
Function
11
10
12
Function
Charge Port
7
Throttle Spring Tension
8
Adjustment (Mode 1,3)
Right Rear Grip
9
Right Lever
10
Gimbal Stick Tension Adjust-
11
ment
Handle/Antenna 2
12
1
2
3
4
8
7
5
6
7SPEKTRUM DX18 • TRANSMITTER INSTRUCTION MANUAL
EN
Main Screen
Function
Model Memory
A
B
Model Name
C
Transmitter Battery Charge Level
Digital Battery Voltage
D
(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 battery.)
E
Model Type
Elevator Trim (Modes 2 and 4)
F
Throttle Trim (Modes 1 and 3)
Aileron Trim (Modes 1 and 2)
G
Rudder Trim (Modes 3 and 4)
H
Model Memory Timer
Rudder Trim (Modes 1 and 2)
I
Aileron Trim (Modes 3 and 4)
Throttle Trim (Mode 2 and 4)
J
Elevator Trim (Mode 1 and 3)
K
Timer
Also displays R Trim values when the Right
Also displays L Trim values when the Left
Trim button is pressed
Trim button is pressed
D
C
B
A
E
K
J
I
H
G
F
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.
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.
• 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.
TurnHoldPress
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
8SPEKTRUM DX18 • TRANSMITTER INSTRUCTION MANUAL
BINDING
Binding is the process of programming the receiver to recognize the GUID (Globally Unique Identifi er) code of a single specifi 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
1.
2. 3.
EN
Hold button while powereing on
4.
Mode 2 shown
5.
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 fl ashes
when the receiver is in bind mode.
Binding Using the Receiver and ESC
1.
Hold button while powereing on
5.
2. 3.
6.
6.
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.
4.
7.
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 fl ash when the receiver is
5. While pressing the Bind button, power on the transmitter.
6. Release the Bind button after the receiver has stopped fl 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.
ready to bind.
CAUTION: When using the DX18 with parkfl yer receivers, only use such receivers in parkfl yer-type aircraft. (small electric
airplanes or mini and micro helicopters). Installing park fl yer receivers in larger aircraft could cause signal blocking and loss
of connection.
9SPEKTRUM DX18 • TRANSMITTER INSTRUCTION MANUAL
EN
PROGRAMMING FAILSAFE POSITIONS
You establish failsafe positions when you bind your transmitter and receiver. If radio signal connection is lost between the transmitter
and receiver, the receiver immediately moves the aircraft control surfaces to the failsafe positions. The Spektrum AR9020 receiver
has three failsafes programming options: SmartSafe, Hold Last Command, and Preset.
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.
NOTICE: Failsafe features vary according to receiver. Always consult the receiver instruction manual for failsafe features.
Before fl ight, ALWAYS confi rm the failsafe functions as you would expect.
SmartSafe Failsafe
SmartSafe is a failsafe acting only on the throttle channel that
offers the following benefi 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.
To Program SmartSafe, move the throttle to the low or off position before putting the transmitter in bind mode.
Hold Last Command
The Hold Last Command failsafe maintains the last command
on all channels except throttle; if 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.
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 fl yaway if 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 fl ash rapidly. The
orange receiver LEDs continue fl ashing.
To Test the SmartSafe
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 restrained on the
ground. If failsafe is not set, your aircraft might advance to mid
or full throttle.
To Test Hold Last Command
1. Power on the transmitter and receiver.
2. Move one of the control sticks 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.
CAUTION: Make sure the aircraft is restrained on the
ground. If the failsafe does not function as you would expect, the
aircraft throttle might advance to mid or full throttle.
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 are on solid.
CAUTION: Make sure the aircraft is restrained on the
ground. If the failsafe does not function as you would
expect, the aircraft throttle might advance to mid or full throttle.
10SPEKTRUM DX18 • TRANSMITTER INSTRUCTION MANUAL
X-PLUS™
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. Scrolll 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).
EN
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 fi rst 10 channels default to 22ms.
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.
from Channel Assign 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 fi le on
the card.
7. Copy and Paste the serial number into the Registration
screen on the Spektrum Community site ( community.
spektrumrc.com ).
11SPEKTRUM DX18 • TRANSMITTER INSTRUCTION MANUAL
EN
MODEL TYPE PROGRAMMING GUIDE
Menu options show upon model type selection. These menu
options vary between Model Types (Airplane Helicopter and Sailplane), but are identical for all models in that type. Subsequent
aircraft type (AIrcraft, Swashplate or Sailplane) selections make
other menu options appear.
System Setup List:
Model Select
Model Type
Model Name
Aircraft Type
F-Mode Setup
Channel Assign
Trim Setup
Model Copy
Model Reset
Warnings
Telemetry
Preflight Setup
Frame Rate
Bind
Trainer
Analog Switch Setup
System Settings
Transfer SD Card
System Setup List:
Model Select
Model Type
Model Name
Swashplate Type
F-Mode Setup
Channel Assign
Trim Setup
Model Copy
Model Reset
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
Flap System
Mixing
Sequencer
Range Test
Timer
Telemetry
Monitor
XPlus Monitor
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
Frame Rate
Monitor
XPlus Monitor
System Setup List:
Model Select
Model Type
Model Name
Sailplane Type
F-Mode Setup
Channel Assign
Trim Setup
Model Copy
Model Reset
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
Motor Curve
Camber Presets
Camber System
Mixing
Sequencer
Range Test
Timer
Telemetry
Frame Rate
Monitor
XPlus Monitor
12SPEKTRUM DX18 • TRANSMITTER INSTRUCTION MANUAL
COMMON SYSTEM SETUP FUNCTIONS
SYSTEM SETUP
Model Select
Model Select enables you to access any of the 50 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.
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
confi 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 Confi rm Model Type screen appears.
EN
Direct Model Access
Press the Clear and Back buttons from the Main Screen or a
telemetry screen to access Model Select.
2. Select Yes and press the scroll wheel to confi rm the model
type. All data will be reset. Selecting No will exit the Confi 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 fl 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 Step 1 and 2
until the Model Name is complete.
4. Select BACK to return to the System Setup list.
13SPEKTRUM DX18 • TRANSMITTER INSTRUCTION MANUAL
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