Spektrum SPMAR7100 User Manual
Revised 12/09
12848.2
© 2010 Horizon Hobby, Inc.,
4105 Fieldstone Road
Champaign, IL 61822 USA
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.
Horizon Hobby UK
Units 1-4 Ployters Rd
Staple Tye
Harlow, Essex
CM18 7NS
United Kingdom
US patent 7,391,320. Other patents pending.
Horizon Hobby Deutschland GmbH
Hamburger Strasse 10
25335 Elmshorn
Germany
❚ AR7100/AR7100R User Guide
ApplicationsIntroduction Features
Spektrum’s AR7100 series receivers offer the ultimate system for
high-performance nitro or 500-class and larger electric helicopters.
Combining the bullet proof radio link of Spektrum’s DSM2
technology with a built-in regulator for the Rudder, Aux2, Gear and
Throttle channels and an integrated RevLimit limiter (AR7100R only),
the AR7100 series receivers make installation of these normally
complex devices clean and simple.
The AR7100 features a Fail-On soft switch to ensure reliability and
heavy 16AWG low resistance input power leads for uninterrupted
power even under the most demanding high-current draw
applications. The newly developed backplate rpm sensor makes
this integrated receiver, limiter and regulator system the easiest and
neatest possible to install with only one external rpm sensor lead for
the limiter. Designed and developed by helicopter experts, the all-inone integrated design of the AR7100 takes the hassle out of installing
and properly setting up separate receivers, regulators and limiters.
All sizes of nitro powered helicopters
500-class and larger electric helicopters
Co mpatible with all Spektrum™ and JR® DSM2™ full range
transmitters including:
Spektrum DX6i (RevLimit function not available as only
six channels are present)
Spektrum DX7
JR X9303 2.4
JR12X
Note: Not compatible with Spektrum’s DX6 parkflyer system (DSM)
• Regulated 5.2-voltage output to the Rudder, Gear, Aux 2 and
Throttle channels allowing the cyclic servos to be powered at
high voltage for increased performance while the gyro and throttle
servos are powered by the necessary compatible lower voltage
(5.2V).
• AR7100R incorporates an integrated RevLimit limiter with
backplate rpm sensor offering the cleanest, easiest installation
available.
• Easy-to-mount backplate RevLimit rpm sensor—with a single
lead that plugs into the receiver, eliminates the hassle of mounting
magnets and brackets as is the case for typical rpm sensors.
• Heavy-duty 16AWG input leads pre-wired with EC3 connector.
• Dual outputs on the Throttle and Aux 2 channels (regulated to 5.2
volts/ unregulated).
• One internal receiver and up to two remote receivers.
• Soft switch fails-on if the switch is damaged.
• Optional charge ON/OFF adaptor lead (included) allows charging,
battery monitoring and ON/OFF through one easily accessible lead.
• Two types of failsafe—SmartSafe (throttle only) and conventional
failsafe (all servos).
• Quick Connect - If a power interruption (brown out) occurs the
system reconnects in less than .25 seconds.
• Flight Log compatible.
• Compatible with all Spektrum and JR DSM2 full range
radio systems.
• 2048 Resolution
Note: The AR7100/AR7100R uses a specifically designed switch.
Conventionally wired switches are not compatible with the AR7100.
Spektrum AR71001 Spektrum AR7100 2
Features (continued) Features (continued)
Battery Requirements
Important
The AR7100 and AR7100R require that at least one remote receiver
(included) be plugged into port B or R to operate.
Specifications
AR7100/ AR7100R
Voltage input - 6.0 to 10.0 volts/ 5 to 7 cell NiMH or 2-cell LiPo*
Minimum receiver operational voltage - 3.5 volts
Minimum regulator operational voltage - 5.5 volts
Output voltage - Rudder, Aux 2, Throttle 2, Gear 2 = 5.2 volts/
all other channels unregulated (for high voltage
compatible servos only)
Max regulated channel current - 2 amp continuous
Resolution - 2048
Dimensions LxWxH - 47.3x40.2x14.2mm/ 1.86x.1.58x .56 in
Weight - 1.1 oz / 32.5 g
Switch - Soft Switch (Switch port can also be used with charge
adaptors (included))
Connector type - EC3
Note: When the battery is connected to the AR71000/AR7100R a low
current drain of less than 1mA occurs even when the soft switch is
turned off. If the system is going to be stored for any length of time
it’s important that the battery be disconnected from the AR7100
to prevent overdischarge.
Remote Receiver
Dimensions LxWxH - 25.8x20.2x6.8mm/ 1.02x.80x.27 in
Weight - 0.1 oz / 5.0 g
Items Included
AR7100/AR7100R Receiver
Remote Receiver - SPM9545
9” Remote Extension Lead - SPM9011
Soft Switch - SPM6820
Charge ON/OFF Adaptor Lead - SPM6821
Backplate Rpm Sensor (AR7100R only) - SPM6823
Bind Plug - SPM6803
Instruction Manual
Optional Items
• Batteries:
LiPo Receiver Pack 1350mAh - SPMB1350LP*
LiPo Receiver Pack 2000mAh - SPMB2000LP*
LiPo Receiver Pack 4000mAh - SPMB4000LP*
LiPo Receiver Pack 6000mAh - SPMB6000LP*
1650mAh 6.0V NiMH Receiver Pack - SPMB1650NM
2150mAh 6.0V NiMH Receiver Pack - SPMB2150NM
2700mAh 6.0V NiMH Receiver Pack - SPMB2700NM
4500mAh 6.0V NiMH Receiver Pack - SPMB4500NM
• Flight Log Data Recorder - SPM9540
• Additional Remote Receiver - SPM9545
• 6” Remote Receiver Extension - SPM9010
• 9” Remote Receiver Extension - SPM9011
• 12” Remote Receiver Extension - SPM9012
• 24” Remote Receiver Extension - SPM9013
* Consult your servo manufacturer’s specifications for maximum
allowable voltage.
IMPORTANT: Do not use a 4-cell 4.8-volt battery to power
the AR7100/AR7100R.
Because of the built-in regulator the AR7100/AR7100R has a
minimum recommended operational battery voltage of 5.5 volts and
is designed to use 6-volt 5-cell NiMH, 7.2-volts 6-cell NiMH or
7.4-volt 2-cell LiPo batteries. (Higher voltage should be used only if
the servos are compatible.) While the AR7100 will continue to operate
down to 3.5 volts, the AR7100/ AR7100R features a built-in 5.2-volt
regulator for the Rudder, Aux 2, Gear 2, Throttle 2 channels output. A
4-cell 4.8-volt battery will not provide sufficient headroom (voltage
margin) to maintain a 5.2 regulated voltage. Regulated outputs are
provided to allow the gyro, gyro gain and throttle to be operated at the
necessary lower voltage while the cyclic servos (aileron, elevator and
pitch) are powered directly by the pack voltage (typically 5-cell 6-volt
NiMH or if high voltage compatible servos are used 2-cell 7.4-volt
LiPo batteries).
Spektrum AR71003 Spektrum AR7100 4
Battery Capacity Recommended Guidelines for Battery Capacity
It is important to select a battery that has more than adequate
capacity to provide the necessary flight time. Our staff has been
recording in-flight data to determine typical current consumption of
aircraft in flight. The following graph illustrates a T-REX Nitro 600
during aggressive 3D flight.
Helicopter -T-REX 600N
Servos - 3-JR8717’s, 1-8900G (rudder), 1-8317 (throttle)
Batteries - 1- 2100mAh 2-cell 7.4-volt LiPo
Engine - YS50
Flight envelope - Aggressive 3D
Average current - 1.15 amps
Peak current - 3.33 amps
Milliamps used per 8 minute flight- 173mAh
For 50-size electric and glow powered helicopters a minimum
capacity of 2000mAh is recommended. For 90-size helicopters a
minimum of 3000mAh is recommended. Our staff uses 2000mAh
LiPos in 50-size helis and 4000mAh LiPos in 90-size machines and
typically flies 4 or 5 flights then recharges.
Following is a picture of a typically recommended installation.
In the above example the average current was 1.15 amps, which
calculates to 153mAh per 8 minutes (typical flight length). It’s
recommended that only 60% of the available capacity be used to
ensure plenty of reserve battery capacity. In this example using
2000mAh batteries 2000 x 60% = 1200mAh (available usable
capacity) divided by the capacity used per 8 minute flight, 153mAh
would allow up to 7 flights of 8 minutes each.
Spektrum AR71005 Spektrum AR7100 6
Installation Installation (continued)
• Mount the Receiver unit in the position recommended by the
helicopter manufacturer. Foam or thick double-sided tape is
recommended to isolate the receiver from vibration.
• Mount the switch and insert the switch plug into the port in the
main unit marked SWITCH. Note: The AR7100/AR7100R uses a
specifically designed switch. Conventionally wired switches are not
compatible with the AR7100.
• Using the battery capacity guidelines select the battery system
that best fits your application and install the battery in your heli.
Connect the battery to the receiver’s EC3 connector. Spektrum
batteries are pre-wired with an EC3 connector and plug directly in.
If using another brand of battery it will be necessary to solder EC3
connectors to the battery leads.
• Using double-sided foam tape and tie wrap, mount a minimum
of 1 and up to 2 remote receivers in your aircraft and plug them
into the receiver ports. NOTE: It’s necessary that one receiver be
plugged into port B or R in order to operate. The receiver should
be mounted at least 2” away from the main receiver with the
antennas perpendicular.
• If using the RevLimit Limiter (AR7100R only) mount the rpm
sensor and bracket to the backplate under two backplate screws of
your engine as shown.
Important: Normally, the pickup is mounted touching the backplate
of the engine. If your system is not limiting RPM in flight, re-position
the sensor .5 to 1mm away from the back plate. This can be easily
accomplished by loosening the 2-56 button head screw on the
sensor mount, re-adjusting the position, and then tightening. This
should resolve the issue.
Note: Threadlock must be used on the screws. The rpm sensor
bracket is adjustable for 50-size or 90-size engines by extending
or retracting the rpm sensor and fastening the screw in place.
Bracket adjusted for 90-size engine
Bracket adjusted for 50-size engine
• Plug the servo leads and rpm sensor into the appropriate ports in
the receiver.
• You are now ready to bind the system.
Note: In order for the system to operate, one remote receiver must be
plugged into receiver port B or R.
Connections
Note: The throttle and gear channels have two outputs. Output 1 is
unregulated and the pack voltage is provided at this port. Throttle and
Gear outputs 2 are regulated to 5.2 volts when a throttle servo and
gyro are used that are not compatible with high voltage. (Most gyros
require less than 6 volts.)
.
Spektrum AR71007 Spektrum AR7100 8
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