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Binding

The AR500 receiver must be bound to the transmitter beore it will operate. Binding is the processo teaching the receiver the specic code o the transmitter so it will only connect to that specictransmitter.

1. To bind an AR500 to a DSM2 transmitter, insert the bind plug in the BATT/BIND port on the receiver.

Note: To bind an aircrat with an electronic speed controller that powers the receiver through thethrottle channel (ESC/BEC), insert the bind plug into the BATT/BIND port in the receiver and thethrottle lead into the throttle (THRO) port. Proceed to Step #2.

2. Power the receiver. Note that the LED on the receiver should be fashing, indicating that the receiveris in bind mode and ready to be bound to the transmitter.

3. Move the sticks and switches on the transmitter to the desired ailsae positions (low throttle andneutral control positions).

4. Follow the procedures o your specic transmitter to enter Bind Mode, the system will connectwithin a ew seconds. Once connected, the LED on the receiver will go solid indicating the systemis connected.

5. Remove the bind plug rom the BATT/BIND port on the receiver beore you power o the transmitterand store it in a convenient place.

6. Ater youve set up your model, its important to rebind the system so the true low throttle andneutral control surace positions are set.

IMPORTANT: Remove the bind plug to prevent the system rom entering bind mode the next time thepower is turned on.

AR500 User GuideThe AR500 eatures DSM2 technology and is compatible with all Spektrum and JR aircratradios that support DSM2 technology, like the 12X, X9303, DX7, DX6i, DX5e and ModuleSystems.

Note: The AR500 receiver is not compatible with the DX6 parklyer radio system.

Features

Full Range Dual Aileron Ports QuickConnect with Brownout Detection

Specications:Type: Full Range Sport ReceiverChannels: 5Modulation: DSM2Dimension (WxLxH): 21.6 x 30.1 x 12.3mmWeight: 7.0 GramsInput Voltage Range: 3.59.6VResolution: 1024Compatibility: All DSM2 Aircraft Transmitters and Module Systems

Receiver Installation

Example o AR500 installed in E-fite Apprentice

Optimum installation o the antennas is to orient the tip o the long antenna perpendicular to theshort antenna. The tip on the long antenna should be a least 2 inches rom the short antenna.

Example o AR500 installed in Hangar 9 Pulse XT 60

Important: Y-Harnesses and Servo Extensions

When using a Y-harness or servo extensions in your installation, its important to use standard non-amplied Y-harnesses and servo extensions as this can/will cause the servos to operate erraticallyor not unction at all. Amplied Y-harnesses were developed several years ago to boost the signalor some older PCM systems and should not be used with Spektrum equipment. Note that whenconverting an existing model to Spektrum be certain that all ampled Y-harnesses and/or servoextensions are replaced with conventional non-amplied versions.

Tape antenna in place.Do not allow tip to touch metal.

AR500 Failsafe

Preventsunintentionalelectricmotorresponseonstart-up. Establisheslow-throttlefailsafeiftheRFsignalislost. The AR500 removes servo output pulses to all channels except the throttle channel du TheAR500throttlefailsafepositionisstoredviathethrottlestickpositiononthetra

during binding.

HOW AR500 FAILSAFE WORKS

Receiver Power Only

Inelectricaircraft,whenthereceiveronlyisturnedon(notransmittersignalispresentchannel has no output, to avoid operating or arming the electronic speed control.

Inglow-poweredmodels,thethrottleservoreceivesnoinputsoitremainsinitscurre

Note: Some analog servos may coast slightly even though no signal is present. This

Allotherchannelswillmovetothepositionssetduringbinding.

After Connection

Whenthetransmitteristurnedon,andafterthereceiverconnectstothetransmitter,noo all channels occurs.

Afterthesystemmakesaconnection,iflossofsignaloccurs,theAR500Failsafedriveservo only to its preset ailsae position (low throttle) that was set during binding.

Allotherchannelsreceivenooutputpulses/commands,andarenotactiveduringfails

Plugging in the Leads

Plug the servo leads into the appropriate servo ports in the receiver noting the polarity oservo connector.

Note: The AR500 eatures dual aileron channels (channel 2 & 6) making it convenienaircrat with two separate aileron servos, no Y-harness or when mixing will be needed

Range Testing

Beore each fying session and especially with a new model, it is important to perorm a rAll Spektrum aircrat transmitters incorporate a range testing system which, when activatethe output power, allowing a range check.

1. With the model restrained on the ground, stand 30 paces (approx. 90 eet/28 meters) awamodel.

2. Face the model with the transmitter in your normal fying position and place your transmrange check mode.

3. You should have total control o the model with the button depressed at 30 paces (90 ee4. I control issues exist, call the Spektrum Service Center in the U.S. at 1-877-504-0233

assistance. In the UK or Germany use one o the ollowing addresses.European Union: +49 4121 46199 66 (Deutschland)

or email service@horizonhobby.de +44 (0) 1279 641 097 (United Kingdom)

or email sales@horizonhobby.co.uk

Shown using a ESC/BEC and a fight pack.Shown using a separate receiver pack.(Battery can be plugged into any open port.)

Pull andholdthe TrainerSwitch

30paces (90feet/28 meters)

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Receiver Power System Requirements

Inadequate power systems that are unable to provide the necessary minimum voltage to the receiverduring fight have become the number one cause o in-fight ailures. Some o the power systemcomponents that aect the ability to properly deliver adequate power include:

Receiverbatterypack(numberofcells,capacity,celltype,stateofcharge)

TheESCscapabilitytodelivercurrenttothereceiverinelectricaircraft

Theswitchharness,batteryleads,servoleads,regulatorsetc.

The AR500 has a minimum operational voltage o 3.5 volts; it is highly recommended the powersystem be tested per the guidelines below.

Recommended Power System Test Guidelines

I a questionable power system is being used (e.g. small or old battery, ESC that may not have a BECthat will support high current draw, etc.), it is recommended that a voltmeter be used to perorm theollowing tests.

Note: The Hangar 9 Digital Servo & Rx Current Meter (HAN172) or the Spektrum Flight Log(SPM9540) are the perect tools to perorm the test below.

Plug the voltmeter into an open channel port in the receiver and with the system on, load the controlsuraces (apply pressure with your hand) while monitoring the voltage at the receiver. The voltageshould remain above 4.8 volts even when all servos are heavily loaded.

Note: The latest generations o Nickel-Metal Hydride batteries incorporate a new chemistrymandated to be more environmentally riendly. These batteries when charged with peak detectionast chargers have tendencies to alse peak (not ully charge) repeatedly. These include all brandso NiMH batteries. I using NiMH packs, be especially cautious when charging, making absolutelysure that the battery is ully charged. It is recommended to use a charger that can display total chargecapacity. Note the number o mAh put into a discharged pack to veriy it has been charged to ullcapacity.

QuickConnect With Brownout Detection

Your AR500 eatures QuickConnect with Brownout Detection.

Shouldaninterruptionofpoweroccur(brownout),thesystemwillreconnectimmediatelywhenpower is restored (QuickConnect).TheLEDonthereceiverwillashslowlyindicatingapowerinterruption(brownout)hasoccurred.Brownoutscanbecausedbyaninadequatepowersupply(weakbatteryorregulator),aloose

connector, a bad switch, an inadequate BEC when using an Electronic speed controller, etc.Brownoutsoccurwhenthereceivervoltagedropsbelow3.5voltsthusinterruptingcontrolasthe

servos and receiver require a minimum o 3.5 volts to operate.

How QuickConnect With Brownout Detection Works

Whenthereceivervoltagedropsbelow3.5voltsthesystemdropsout(ceasestooperate).Whenpowerisrestoredthereceiverimmediatelyattemptstoreconnecttothelasttwofrequencies

that it was connected to.Ifthetwofrequenciesarepresent(thetransmitterwaslefton)thesystemreconnectstypicallywithin

one second.

QuickConnect with Brownout Detection is designed to allow you to fy saely through most shortduration power interruptions, however, the root cause o these interruptions must be corrected beorethe next fight to prevent a crash.

Note: I a brownout occurs in fight it is vital that the cause o the brownout be determined andcorrected.

Antenna Polarization

For optimum RF link perormance its important that the antennas be mounted in an orientation thatallows or the best possible signal reception when the aircrat is in all possible attitudes and positions.This is known as antenna polarization. The antennas should be oriented perpendicular to each other;typically one vertical and one horizontal (see Receiver Installation). The long antenna can be mountedin a position perpendicular at least 2 inches away rom the short antenna using tape.

Tips on Using Spektrum 2.4GHz

ModelMatchSome Spektrum and JR transmitters oer a patent-pending eature called ModelMatch. ModelMatchprevents the possibility o operating a model using the wrong model memory, potentially preventinga crash. With ModelMatch each model memory has its own unique code (GUID) and during thebinding process the code is programmed into the receiver. Later, when the system is turned on, thereceiver will only connect to the transmitter i the corresponding model memory is programmed onscreen.

Note: I at any time you turn on the system and it ails to connect, check to be sure the correctmodel memory is selected in the transmitter. Please note that the DX5e and Aircrat Modules donot have ModelMatch.

While your DSM equipped 2.4GHz system is intuitive to operate, unctioning nearly identically to72MHz systems, ollowing are a ew common questions rom customers:

1. Q: Which do I turn on rst, the transmitter or the receiver? A: I the receiver is turned o frstall servos except or the throttle will be driven to their preset

ailsae positions set during binding. At this time the throttle channel doesnt output a pulseposition preventing the arming o electronic speed controllers or in the case o an enginepowered aircrat the throttle servo remains in its current position. When the transmitter isthen turned on the transmitter scans the 2.4GHz band and acquires two open channels. Thenthe receiver that was previously bound to the transmitter scans the band and nds the GUID(Globally Unique Identier code) stored during binding. The system then connects andoperates normally.I the transmitter is turned on frstthe transmitter scans the 2.4GHz band and acquires twoopen channels. When the receiver is then turned on or a short period (the time it takes toconnect) all servos except or the throttle are driven to their preset ailsae positions while thethrottle has no output pulse. The receiver scans the 2.4GHz band looking or the previouslystored GUID and when it locates the specic GUID code and conrms uncorrupted repeatablepacket inormation, the system connects and normal operation takes place. Typically this takes2 to 6 seconds.

2. Q: Sometimes the system takes longer to connect and sometimes it doesnt connectat all?

A: In order or the system to connect (ater the receiver is bound) the receiver must receive a largenumber o consecutive uninterrupted perect packets rom the transmitter in order to connect.This process is purposely critical o the environment ensuring that its sae to fy when the systemdoes connect. I the transmitter is too close to the receiver (less that 4 t.) or i the transmitteris located near metal objects (metal TX case, the bed o a truck, the top o a metal work bench,etc.) connection will take longer and in some cases connection will not occur as the system isreceiving refected 2.4GHz energy rom itsel and is interpreting this as unriendly noise. Movingthe system away rom metal objects or moving the transmitter away rom the receiver andpowering the system again will cause a connection to occur. This only happens during the initialconnection. Once connected the system is locked in and should a loss o signal occur (ailsae)the system connects immediately (4ms) when signal is regained.

3. Q: Ive heard that the DSM system is less tolerant of low voltage. Is this correct?A: All DSM receivers have an operational voltage range o 3.5 to 9 volts. With most systems this is

not a problem as in act most servos cease to operate at around 3.8 volts. When using multiplehigh-current draw servos with a single or inadequate battery/ power source, heavy momentaryloads can cause the voltage to dip below this 3.5-volt threshold thus causing the entire system(servos and receiver) to brown out. When the voltage drops below the low voltage threshold(3.5 volts), the DSM receiver must reboot (go through the startup process o scanning the bandand nding the transmitter) and this can take several seconds. Please read the receiver power

requirement section as this explains how to test or and prevent this occurrence.

4. Q: Sometimes my receiver loses its bind and wont connect requiring rebWhat happens if the bind is lost in ight?

A: The receiver will never lose its bind unless its instructed to. Its important to undersduring the binding process the receiver not only learns the GUID (code) o the transthe transmitter learns and stores the type o receiver that its bound to. I the transminto bind mode, the transmitter looks or the binding protocol signal rom a receiveris present, the transmitter no longer has the correct inormation to connect to a specand in essence the transmitter has been unbound rom the receiver. Weve had sevcustomers that use transmitter stands or trays that unknowingly depress the bind busystem is then turned on losing the necessary inormation to allow the connection tWeve also had DX7 customers that didnt ully understand the range test process abind button beore turning on the transmitter also causing the system to lose its bi

FCC InformationThis device complies with part 15 o the FCC rules. Operation is subject to the ollowinconditions: (1) This device may not cause harmul intererence, and (2) this device muintererence received, including intererence that may cause undesired operation.

Caution:Changes or modications not expressly approved by the party responscompliance could void the users authority to operate the equipment.This product contains a radio transmitter with wireless technology which has been testedto be compliant with the applicable regulations governing a radio transmitter in the 2.4002.4835GHz requency range.The associated regulatory agencies o the ollowing countries recognize the noted certthis product as authorized or sale and use:

Declaration of Conformity(in accordance with ISO/IEC 17050-1)

No. HH20080903

Product(s): AR500 ReceiverItem Number(s): SPMAR500

The object o declaration described above is in conormity with the requirements o thetions listed below, ollowing the provisions o the European R&TTE directive 1999/5/E

EN 301 489-1, 301 489-17 General EMC requirements for Radio equipme

Signed or and on behal o:Horizon Hobby, Inc.Champaign, IL USASept. 03, 2008

Steven A. HallVice PresidentInternational Operations and Risk ManagementHorizon Hobby, Inc.