Spektrum SPM20320 DX3.0 User Manual

4105 Fieldstone Road

Champaign, Illinois 61822 USA

(877) 504-0233

horizonhobby.com

3-Channel, 4-Model Memory DSM® Racing System

Horizon Hobby UK

Units 1-4 Ployters Rd

Staple Tye

Harlow, Essex

CM18 7NS

United Kingdom

Horizon Hobby Deutschland GmbH

Hamburger Strasse 10

25335 Elmshorn

Germany

DSM and DSM2 are trademarks or registered trademarks of Horizon Hobby, Inc. The Spektrum trademark is used with permission of

Bachmann Industries, Inc. Spektrum radios and accessories are exclusively available from Horizon Hobby, Inc.

US patent number 7,391,320. Other patents pending.

Revised 08/09

9291.2

Table of Contents

Introduction............................................................................................................................. 3

DX3.0 Quick Start Setup.......................................................................................................... 3

DX3.0 Quick Start Setup (continued)....................................................................................... 4

DX3.0 Quick Start Setup (continued)....................................................................................... 5

Direct Trim Access .................................................................................................................. 5

DX3.0 with Digital Spectrum Modulation ................................................................................ 6

Binding ...................................................................................................................................6

Binding (continued) ................................................................................................................7

Antenna ...................................................................................................................................7

Receiver Power System Requirements ....................................................................................8

Power System Test Guidelines ................................................................................................ 8

Typical Range .......................................................................................................................... 8

System Features ...................................................................................................................... 9

Tips on Using Spektrum 2.4GHz ............................................................................................. 9

RC Safety Precautions ........................................................................................................... 10

Steering Tension Adjustment ................................................................................................. 10

Control Identiﬁcation and Location .......................................................................................11

Receiver Compatibility ..........................................................................................................12

Receiver Connections and Installation................................................................................... 12

Charging Jack ....................................................................................................................... 13

Key Input and Display ...........................................................................................................13

Display Screens ....................................................................................................................14

Accessing the System Mode .................................................................................................15

Model Select ......................................................................................................................... 16

Model Name Entry ................................................................................................................ 16

Frame Rate ............................................................................................................................ 17

Auxiliary Channel 3 Function Select ..................................................................................... 17

Auxiliary Channel 3 Function Select (continued) .................................................................. 18

Grip Button C Function Select ............................................................................................... 18

Grip Button C Function Select (continued) ............................................................................ 19

Data Reset ............................................................................................................................. 20

Copy Model Data ..................................................................................................................20

RF Mode ...............................................................................................................................21

Accessing the Function Mode ............................................................................................... 22

Mode Key .............................................................................................................................. 22

Throttle Deadband ................................................................................................................. 23

Exponential ..........................................................................................................................24

Endpoint Adjustment ............................................................................................................. 25

Programmable Mixing........................................................................................................... 26

Lap Timer .............................................................................................................................. 27

Sub-Trim ............................................................................................................................... 28

Servo Reversing .................................................................................................................... 28

Accessing the Direct Trim Mode ............................................................................................ 29

Steering Trim (STC) .............................................................................................................. 30

Throttle Trim (THC) ...............................................................................................................31

Grip Lever B: Steering Dual Rate Trim Adjustment STG ......................................................... 32

Grip Lever A: Brake Endpoint Adjustment BRK/Auxiliary Channel 3 Access .......................... 33

Auxiliary Channel 3 Access (Fuel Mixture) ...........................................................................34

Auxiliary Channel 3 (Transmission Shift Selector) ................................................................ 34

Warranty and Service Information .........................................................................................35

FCC Information.................................................................................................................... 38

CE Compliance Information for the European Union ........................................................ 39

Introduction

DX3.0 Quick Start Setup

Thank you for purchasing Spektrum’s DX3.0 radio system. The DX3.0 is designed to provide RC racers with a bulletproof 2.4GHz spread spectrum radio link. With the DX3.0 DSM system you’ll no longer have to wait for a frequency clip, worry about radio interference from noisy motors or ESCs or be concerned that someone may turn on a radio on your channel causing interference. In addition, the DX3.0’s programming is user-friendly and offers the most important features and functions that racers demand. It’s important that you carefully read this manual before attempting to operate your DX3.0 system.

For those who would like to get out to the track quickly with just the basic radio setup, please refer to the Quick Start section that follows.

Included in this manual are in-depth instructions detailing all the steps and procedures needed to program each of the DX3.0’s functions. For those racers who want to get to the track fast, we have provided the Quick Start section below. Quick Start covers the basic programming information necessary to get you racing right away.

Later, when you want to learn more about the speciﬁc functions of the DX3.0, refer to the appropriate page(s) in this manual for more detailed programming information.

Note: If braking adjustment via Grip Lever A is required, refer to the third channel system

setup mode (page 32) for instructions.

Binding

It’s necessary to program the receiver to a speciﬁc transmitter so that the receiver will only recognize that transmitter, ignoring signals from any other sources. If the receiver is not bound to a transmitter, the system will not operate. Also, during the binding process, the servo failsafe positions are set.

1. Make sure the transmitter and receiver are turned off.

2. With the receiver off, insert the bind plug into the BIND port on the receiver.

3. Power the receiver through any port. The green LED will ﬂash continuously, indicating the receiver is in bind mode.

4. Hold down on the SCROLL and CHANNEL buttons while turning on the transmitter. To enter System Mode, press the SCROLL button until “BND” appears on the screen.

5. With the steering wheel and the throttle trigger in their desired failsafe positions, press the INCREASE and DECREASE buttons at the same time to enter bind mode. “BND” will ﬂash when in bind mode.

6. After several seconds the LED on the receiver will quit ﬂashing and remain solid, indicating that the binding process was successful. Once binding is complete, the system will automatically connect.

7. Once the bind process is complete and before power is cycled on the receiver, remove the bind plug from the receiver and store it in a convenient place. Failure to remove the bind plug will result in the receiver going back into bind mode.

Note: See page 6–7 for a detailed description of the binding process.

DX3.0 Quick Start Setup

(continued)

Servo Reversing

–

REV • NORM

–

1. With the transmitter power switch on, press the SCROLL key to enter the Function mode.

2. Press the SCROLL key until REV.NORM appears on the screen. The “ST” indicates the steering servo reversing screen.

3. Press the INCREASE or DECREASE key to move the cursor to the desired servo direction (REV.NORM).

4. Press the CHANNEL key once to access the throttle servo reversing screen.

5. To select the direction of the throttle servo, repeat Step 3 above.

6. Repeat Steps 2 and 3 to adjust Auxiliary Channel 3 if needed.

Indicates Current Channel ST = Steering TH = Throttle AUX = Auxiliary Channel 3 (optional)

Indicates Current Servo Direction

SCROLL

ENtER

ChaNNEL

INCREaSE

Endpoint (Travel) Adjustment

Indicates Current Adjustment Position ST = Steering TH = Throttle AUX = Auxiliary Channel 3 (optional)

Indicates Current Value

R/B

–

E P A

I00

CLEaR

DECREaSE

DX3.0 Quick Start Setup

(continued)

Direct Trim Access

Servo Trim Adjustment

TRIM

–

STC

THC

Indicates Steering Trim Function

Indicates Current Value

Indicates Throttle Trim Function

Indicates Current Value

Steering

1. With the transmitter power switch on, move the digital steering trim lever in the desired position to be adjusted. The steering trim value screen will appear automatically.

Throttle

2. With the transmitter power switch on, move the digital throttle trim lever in the desired position to be adjusted. The throttle trim value screen will appear automatically.

L/F = Left/Forward R/B = Right/Brake

1. From the Servo Reverse function, press the SCROLL key once to access the Endpoint (Travel) Adjustment function (the EPA screen with “ST” will appear).

Steering Adjustment

2. Rotate the steering wheel in the desired direction (left or right) to be adjusted.

3. Press the INCREASE or DECREASE key to select the desired travel value.

Throttle Adjustment

4. Press the CHANNEL key once. TH will appear on the screen.

5. Pull the trigger for forward or push the trigger for brake adjustment.

6. Press the INCREASE or DECREASE key to select the desired travel value.

Auxiliary Channel 3 Adjustment

Note: AUX will need to be programmed for either Grip Lever A or Grip Button C.

See page 17.

If a third channel is not required, proceed to Step 10.

7. Press the CHANNEL key once. AUX will appear on the screen.

8. Toggle the appropriate lever/button to select the desired endpoint.

9. Press the INCREASE or DECREASE key to select the desired travel value.

10. Press the SCROLL and CHANNEL keys at the same time to exit the function mode.

Steering Trim

Throttle Trim

DX3.0 with Digital Spectrum Modulation

Binding

The DSM® system operates in the 2.4GHz band (that’s 2400MHz). This high frequency offers a signiﬁcant advantage, as it’s well out of the range of model-generated radio interference (like motor and ESC noise). All the complex issues that now exist using 27 and 75MHz radios with model-generated interfering noise are eliminated with this system. The DSM system uses Direct Sequencing Spread Spectrum modulation to generate a wide signal on a single frequency. The FCC requires that these systems be “smart”– incorporating collision avoidance such that when a system is turned on, it scans the 2.4GHz band and selects a channel that is not being used, then begins transmitting on that unused channel. Seventynine channels are available and the odds of one DSS spread spectrum system interfering with another are astronomically remote.

During the ﬁrst installation, the receiver(s) must be bound to the transmitter. Binding is necessary to program the receiver(s) to distinguish its corresponding transmitter from others. Also failsafe positions are transferred from the transmitter to the receiver during binding.

It is necessary to bind the receiver to the transmitter during the ﬁrst installation, and is recommended when the receiver is moved from one vehicle to another. Receivers can be re-bound to the same transmitter or to other transmitters an inﬁnite number of times. Also multiple receivers can be bound to a single transmitter, which is common when using one transmitter to operate several models.

Only bound receivers and transmitters can connect. During power-up, the transmitter scans for a free channel while the receiver scans for its bound transmitter. When control is achieved, the LED on the receiver remains on continuously.

Binding

(continued)

Antenna

4. Hold down on the SCROLL and CHANNEL buttons while turning on the transmitter. To enter System Mode, press the SCROLL button until “BND” appears on the screen.

b D

At 3.6 inches in length, the receiver antenna is signiﬁcantly shorter than conventional antennas. Like all antennas, it’s important to mount the antenna vertically. In most cases the antenna can be mounted inside the body with no loss of range. Mount the receiver antenna as recommended by the manufacturer of the vehicle, however, it may be necessary to trim the plastic antenna tube (included with your vehicle).

In the unlikely event that the link is lost during use, the receiver will drive the servos to their failsafe positions that were preset during the binding process. If the receiver is turned on prior to turning on the transmitter, the receiver will enter the failsafe mode, driving the servos to their preset failsafe position. When the transmitter is turned on, normal control is resumed.

To bind the receiver to the transmitter

1. Make sure the transmitter and receiver are turned off.

LED

2. With the receiver off, insert the bind plug into the BIND port on the receiver.

3. Power the receiver through any port. The green LED will ﬂash continuously, indicating the receiver is in bind mode.

Receiver Power System Requirements

Power System Test Guidelines

Inadequate or intermittent power to the receiver that is unable to provide the necessary minimum voltage during operation is the number one cause of control failures with Spektrum systems. Some of the power system components that affect the ability to properly deliver adequate power include:

•Receiverbatterypack(numberofcells,batteryconstructionquality,connectorandstate

of charge)

•TheESC’scapabilitytodelivercurrenttothereceiverandservosinelectricvehicles

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

All Spektrum receivers have a minimum operational voltage of 3.5 volts. If the voltage drops below 3.5 volts, the system will cease control until power is regained.

If a questionable power system is being used (e.g. small or old battery, ESC that may not have a BEC that will support the servo’s current draw, etc.), it is recommended that a voltmeter be used to perform the following test.

Plug the voltmeter into an open channel port in the receiver and with the system on, load the servos (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 loaded. For gas vehicles, tap and twist the receiver battery pack while watching the voltmeter. Some battery packs have poorly welded tabs that give only intermittent power. Such a defect will show up during shock and vibration, so this test will verify that the battery construction is good.

System Features

Tips on Using Spektrum

2.4GHz

•DSM2.4GHzSpreadSpectrumModulation

•NowcompatiblewithDSM2andMarinesurfacereceivers,inadditionto

DSM surface receivers

•Threechannels

•Easy-to-readLCDgraphicsdisplay

•Four-modelmemory

•Three-charactermodelnameentry

•Electronicdigitaltrimleversforthrottleandsteering

•Twoassignableelectronicgripswitches(LeverAandButtonC)

•ThirdchannelaccessiblethroughGripLeverAorGripButtonC

•Directdisplaytrimfunction

•Sub-trim

•Steeringrateadjustment

•Independentsteeringendpointadjustments

•Brake/throttleendpointadjustment

• Low battery alarm

• Charge jack receptacle (rechargeable batteries not included; order JRPB958)

While your DSM equipped 2.4GHz system is intuitive to operate, functioning nearly identically to 27 and 75MHz systems, following are a few common questions from customers.

1. Q: Which do I turn on ﬁrst, the transmitter or the receiver?

Typical Range

Your system’s range can vary greatly due to your installation and the environment. In most cases you should be able to have full control of your vehicle to the limits of sight (about 300 ft with a 1/10-scale car). If range issues exist your installation can be optimized by extending the receiver’s antenna as vertically as possible locating it as high in the vehicle as practical and also by routing the antenna away from any onboard electronics.

A: If the receiver is turned on ﬁrst—all servos will be driven to their preset failsafe positions set during binding. When the transmitter is then turned on the transmitter scans the

2.4GHz band and acquires an open channel. Then the receiver that was previously bound to the transmitter scans the band and ﬁnds the GUID (Globally Unique Identiﬁer code) stored during binding. The system then connects and operates normally.

If the transmitter is turned on ﬁrst—the transmitter scans the 2.4GHz band and acquires an open channel. When the receiver is then turned on all servos are driven to their preset failsafe positions for a short period of time (the time it takes to connect). The receiver scans the

2.4GHz band looking for the previously stored GUID and when it locates the speciﬁc GUID code and conﬁrms uncorrupted repeatable packet information, the system connects and normal operation takes place. Typically this takes 2 to 6 seconds.

2. Q: Sometimes the system takes longer to connect and sometimes it doesn’t connect at all.

A: In order for the system to connect (after the receiver is bound) the receiver must receive a large number of consecutive uninterrupted perfect packets from the transmitter. This process is purposely critical of the environment ensuring that it’s safe to operate when the system does connect. If the transmitter is too close to the receiver (less than 4 ft.) or if the transmitter is located near metal objects (metal TX case, the bed of a truck, the top of a metal work bench, etc.) connection will take longer and in some cases connection will not occur as the system is receiving reﬂected 2.4GHz energy from itself and is interpreting this as unfriendly noise. Moving the system away from metal objects or moving the transmitter away from the receiver and powering the system again will cause a connection to occur. This only happens during the initial connection. Once connected the system is locked in and should a loss of signal occur (failsafe) the system connects immediately (4ms) when signal is regained.

3. Q: I’ve heard that the DSM system is less tolerant of low voltage. Is that correct?

Control

RC Safety Precautions

Steering Tension Adjustment

A: All DSM receivers have an operational voltage range of 3.5 to 9.6 volts. With most systems this is not a problem as in fact most servos cease to operate at around 3.8 volts. When using multiple high-current draw servos with a single or inadequate battery/power source, heavy momentary loads can cause the voltage to dip below this 3.5-volt threshold thus causing the entire system (servos and receiver) to brown out.

4. Q: Sometimes my receiver loses its bind and won’t connect requiring rebinding. What happens if the bind is lost during use?

A: The receiver will never lose its bind unless it’s instructed to. It’s important to understand that during the binding process the receiver not only learns the GUID (code) of the transmitter but the transmitter learns and stores the type of receiver that it’s bound to. If the transmitter is placed into bind mode, the transmitter looks for the binding protocol signal from a receiver. If no signal is present, the transmitter no longer has the correct information to connect to a speciﬁc receiver and in essence the transmitter has been “unbound” from the receiver.

For safe and reliable performance of your RC model, please carefully read and follow these guidelines.

1. Radio control models are not toys. They are capable of inﬂicting serious injury to people and property. Use caution at all times when operating your model.

2. You are responsible for the safe operation of your RC model. You must properly install, test and operate your model with a clear sense of that responsibility. Do not take risks that might endanger yourself or others.

3. Running an RC car in the streets is very dangerous to both drivers and models. Avoid running your model in areas occupied by full-size automobiles. To locate areas where you can safely operate your model, you should contact your local hobby shop for RC tracks or clubs in your area.

4. When running an RC boat, keep it away from any swimmers, full-size boats, or wildlife. Also, watch carefully for ﬁshing lines that can get tangled in the propeller.

5. If at any time while operating your RC model you observe abnormal model functioning, end your operation immediately. Do not operate your model again until you are certain the problem has been corrected.

CAUTION: Control of your model is impossible without sufﬁcient voltage for the

transmitter and receiver. A weak transmitter battery will decrease your range of operation and a weak receiver battery will slow servo movement and decrease your range of operation. Check your receiver pack voltage often to avoid losing control of your model.

Steering tension is adjustable via the recessed screw located beneath the steering wheel (see page 11 for exact location). Turning the screw clockwise increases the steering tension.

Identiﬁcation and Location

Digital Voltage Reading

Channel Button

Enter Function

Mode Button

Increase Button

Clear Function

Decrease Button

Electronic Digital

Throttle Trim Lever

Electronic Digital

Grip Lever A

(Access to Third Channel)

Electronic Digital

Grip Lever B

Charge Jack

* To remove the Battery Cover, press down on the ridges and push the cover in the direction of the arrow. Remove the battery cover and install 8 AA batteries in the direction as molded into the battery holder. If the transmitter voltage fails to register, check for correct battery installation and review voltage again.

Multidata LCD Display

Three Character

Name Input

Antenna

Throttle Trigger

Grip Button C

Electronic Digital

Steering Trim Lever

Power Switch

Steering Wheel

Adjustable

Steering

Tension

Battery cover *

(8 AA Batteries Required)

+ 14 hidden pages