Table of Contents
Alternate Languages ...................................................................................3
Introduction................................................................................................3
Features and Benefits .................................................................................4
Specifications.............................................................................................4
DSM Air modules. ............................................................................4
Important Module Information ...................................................................5
Installation .................................................................................................6
Preparing the Transmitter ..................................................................6
Installing the Spektrum Antenna and Module ...................................7
Futaba MZ Modules Only .................................................................9
Installing the Receiver ..............................................................................11
Installing the AR7000 ......................................................................11
Installing the AR9000 ......................................................................13
Installing the AR6100 ......................................................................16
Binding ....................................................................................................17
How to Bind ....................................................................................17
Fail-Safe Functions ..................................................................................20
SmartSafe........................................................................................20
Receiver Power Only .......................................................................20
After Connection .............................................................................20
Preset Fail-Safe ........................................................................................21
Receiver Power Only .......................................................................21
After Connection .............................................................................21
Programming SmartSafe(All Spektrum Aircraft Receivers) ..............21
Programming Preset Fail-safe(AR 9000 Spektrum Receivers Only) 21
SmartSafe Fail-safe Setup ...............................................................21
Futaba FZ Module Special Instructions ....................................................22
FZ Spektrum Module Instructions ...................................................22
Channel Assignment .......................................................................24
Default Channel Assignment for CCPM helicopters .......................24
Default Channel Assignment for Sailplanes ....................................24
How to Range Test the Spektrum Module System ....................................25
Range Testing the Module System ..................................................25
Flight Log—Optional for the AR9000 ......................................................26
Using the Flight Log .......................................................................26
FCC Information ......................................................................................27
Warranty and Service Information ............................................................28
Warning ..........................................................................................28
Warranty Period ..............................................................................28
Limited Warranty .............................................................................28
Damage Limits ................................................................................29
Safety Precautions ..........................................................................29
Questions, Assistance, and Repairs ................................................29
Inspection or Repairs ......................................................................29
Warranty Inspection and Repairs.....................................................30
Non-Warranty Repairs .....................................................................30
Safety, Precautions, and Warnings ..................................................31
Spektrum Air Module2
Alternate Languages
ITALIAN: Per la versione italiana di questo manuale vi preghiamo di visitare il sito www.spektrumrc.com
FRENCH: Pour consulter ce manuel en français, visiter le site www.spektrumrc.com
GERMAN: Zur Ansicht der Bedienunsanleitung in den Deutsch besuchen Sie bitte www.spektrumrc.com
SPANISH: Para ver este manual en Español entra en www.spektrumrc.com
Introduction
Spektrum’s Aircraft Module systems offer the ultimate in radio link security. Most popular brands of module-based aircraft radios can be converted to Spektrum™ 2.4GHz
DSM® technology by simply plugging in the appropriate Spektrum module and installing the included antenna. No longer will you have to wait for an open frequency, or
struggle with interference caused from noisy motors, ignition systems or other RF noise-generating sources. Spektrum’s module systems utilize proprietary DSM2™ second
generation Digital Spread Spectrum Modulation technology, providing an impenetrable radio link.
Operating within the ultra high frequency 2.4GHz worldwide ISM band, each module is programmed with its own unique serial code called GUID (Globally Unique
Identification code). Once a receiver is programmed to a specific module (called binding), the receiver will only recognize and respond to that module ignoring signals
from any other sources.
Spektrum’s module systems are compatible with all DSM2 receivers including the AR7000 and AR9000 full-range receivers and the 6100 parkflyer receiver.
Note: The Module system is not compatible with the AR6000 first generation DSM® receivers.
Important: When using the Module system with the 6100 parkflyer receivers, it’s imperative that this receiver only be flown in parkflyer type models. This includes
all types of small electric airplanes and mini and micro helicopters. Do not fly the AR6100 receiver in large gas, glow or large electric aircraft as loss of control at
extended range due to signal blocking issues can occur.
Spektrum Air Module 3
Features and Benefits
• Converts most popular brands of module based radio systems to Spektrum’s DSM2 2.4GHz technology
• No more waiting for an open frequency
• Eliminates the possibility of interference from an unintentional turn-on
• Bulletproof interference rejection of all outside RF sources like cell phones, WiFi systems, other transmitters, etc.
• Impervious to model-generated RF interference (like noisy electric motors, metal-to-metal noise or ignition systems)
• Operates on the 2.4GHz ISM band allowing international use
• No maintenance or tuning ever required
• Fail-safe system drives the throttle to preset position at loss of signal (see fail-safe options on page 20)
• Legal at all AMA flying field and events
Specifications
DSM Air Modules
2.400–2.483GHz
Spectral capacity - 40 Systems
Type - Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum
DSSS coding gain - 18dB
Diversity - MultiLink: Path, Time and Frequency
Module current - 200mA
Receiver current - 70mA
Receiver voltage range - 3.5–9V DC
Servo channels - 9 JR, 8 Futaba
Servo channel resolution - 1024 with 4X oversampling
Spektrum Air Module4
Important Module Information
• Be sure the transmitter is in PPM modulation mode. If necessary, refer to the instructions included with your radio system for details on how to program your
transmitter to PPM modulation. Note: The Spektrum module system will not operate in PCM modulation mode.
• Never power up the module unless the antenna is connected. Doing so can overload the module’s electronics causing damage to the module.
• Before operating, the receiver must be bound to the module (see page 17 for binding instructions). Binding is the process of teaching the receiver the transmitter’s
specific GUID (globally unique identifier) code. Binding also sets the fail-safe positions. It’s also recommended that the system be rebound again after radio setup to
establish and confirm the desired fail-safe positions.
• Before each flying session, it’s imperative that you do a range check (see page 25 for details) to confirm that the system is working properly.
• When using the Module system with the 6100 parkflyer receiver, it’s imperative that this receiver only be flown in parkflyer type models. This includes all types of
small electric airplane and mini and micro helicopters. DO NOT fly the AR6100 receiver in large gas or glow aircraft as loss of control at extended range due to signal
blocking issues can occur.
• The Module system features DSM2 technology and is compatible will all DSM2 compatible receivers. The Module system is not compatible with the AR6000 DSM
first generation receiver.
Spektrum Air Module 5
Installation
Preparing the Transmitter
1. With the transmitter’s power turned off, unscrew and remove the transmitter’s
antenna.
2. Remove the 72MHz module from the back of the transmitter.
Spektrum Air Module6
Installation
3. Place the transmitter in PPM modulation mode. This is done in the
modulation menu in your transmitter’s programming. Refer to the instructions
included with you transmitter if you need assistance.
Installing the Spektrum Antenna and Module
1. Depending on the type of module that you purchased (JR, Futaba standard,
Futaba MZ), more than one antenna adapter may be included with your
module system. Choose the antenna adapter that fits your radio and screw it
in place until the flange contacts the top of the antenna hole.
Spektrum Air Module 7
Installation
Photo for Step 1:
Antenna Adapter Installed
2. Carefully snap the antenna onto the adapter.
Note: The antenna wire should exit to the rear of the transmitter.
Spektrum Air Module8
Installation
3. Carefully install the Spektrum module into the transmitter paying close
attention to properly align the pins.
Important: Never operate the module without the antenna
connected. Doing so could overload the internal electronics and
could cause a failure.
Futaba MZ Modules Only
3B. Plug the external connector into the DSC/ trainer port in the back of the
transmitter. (See Futaba MZ special instructions on page 22 for more detail.)
Spektrum Air Module 9
Installation
4. Connect the antenna’s fitting to the module, screwing it securely in place.
Important: Never operate the module without the antenna
connected. Doing so could overload the internal electronics and
could cause a failure.
5. Turn on your transmitter. The LED on the back of the module should come
on after a few seconds. If not check to be sure the transmitter is in PPM
modulation mode (Step 3 in preparing the transmitter above).
Spektrum Air Module10