FUTABA 3PK Instruction Manual

FUTABA 3PK Instruction Manual

3-channel radio control system
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3PK
3-CHANNEL RADIO CONTROL SYSTEM INSTRUCTION MANUAL
3PK with Optional Accessory Offset Adapter Installed
Futaba© Digital Proportional R/C System
http://www.futaba-rc.com/faq/faq-3pk.html
Technical updates and additional programming examples available at:
FUTZ8533 for FUTJ32**/33** V1.0
Entire Contents © Copyright 2002

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Summary of Contents for FUTABA 3PK

  • Page 1 3-CHANNEL RADIO CONTROL SYSTEM INSTRUCTION MANUAL 3PK with Optional Accessory Offset Adapter Installed Futaba© Digital Proportional R/C System http://www.futaba-rc.com/faq/faq-3pk.html Technical updates and additional programming examples available at: FUTZ8533 for FUTJ32**/33** V1.0 Entire Contents © Copyright 2002...
  • Page 2: Transmitter Controls And Defaults

    DEFAULT ASSIGNMENT TABLE The factory default functions activated by the switches and knobs are shown below. Default assignments may be changed using the FUNC-DIAL and FUNC-SW programming (See pp. 34-35.) Features assigned to DL1, 2, 3, and DT1, 2, 3 are displayed at all times on right side of LCD screen. CONTROL DEFAULT Steering trim...
  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    Note that in the text of this manual any time we are using a feature’s specialized name or abbreviation as seen on the screen of the 3PK, that name, feature, or abbreviation will be exactly as seen on the radio’s screen, including capitalization, and shown in a DIFFERENT TYPE STYLE for clarity.
  • Page 4: Introduction

    OUTSIDE NORTH AMERICA Please contact your Futaba importer in your region of the world to assist you with any questions, problems or service needs. Please recognize that all information in this manual, and all support availability, is based upon the systems sold in North...
  • Page 5: Contents And Technical Specifications

    CAMPac Memory module — the optional DP-16K CAMPac increases your model storage capability (to 20 models from 10) and allows you to transfer programs to another 3PK transmitter. Note that data may not be transferred to/from any other model of transmitter (3PJ, etc).
  • Page 6: A Quick Introduction To The 3Pk System

    • ADJUSTER Re-calibrate the radio for perfect performance every time • Supports Futaba’s new High Response System (H.R.S. system) receivers, as well as FM and PCM1024. • H.R.S. provides response times approximately 1/3 of that of an equivalent FM system.
  • Page 7 It is normal for the module to get slightly warm during use. • Non-Futaba brand modules are not FCC certified for use with this radio and therefore are against FCC regulation to use. • Do not use other modules in the 3PK or the PK module in other radios.
  • Page 8: Getting To Know The Transmitter

    • CAMPac, transmission, backlight and modulation status. RF (if transmitting) DISP (if not transmitting) User name display: When the END button is held down for 1 second or longer at the initial screen, the Futaba logo and user name are displayed for about 2 seconds.
  • Page 9: Digital Trim Operation

    Digital trim operation Trim Push • Default assignments may be changed in FUNC-DIAL (pp. 34-35). Button Features assigned to DL1, 2, 3, and DT1, 2, 3 are displayed at all Trim Lever Switches times on right side of LCD screen. •...
  • Page 10: Installation

    If your servos are too far away to plug into the receiver, use an extension cord to extend the length of the servo lead. Additional Futaba extension cords of varying lengths are available from your hobby dealer. Always use an extension of the proper length.
  • Page 11: Programming

    Using the 3PK’s Functions: The 3PK offers not only the most comprehensive menu of features available to provide optimum performance, but also quick-access to utilize your favorite features. 3PK offers “Menu Selection” for onscreen lists of available features, and a specialized, fully customizable version of “hot keys”...
  • Page 12: Lv1 Functions

    A Look at the Radio’s Functions, Step by Step LV1 FUNCTIONS for the New 3PK User and the Racers and Experts Alike Level Selection LEVEL-SEL Levels LV1, LV2, LV3 DEFINITION: Selects the complexity of functions displayed on the menu screens.
  • Page 13: System Settings System

    GOAL: STEPS: INPUTS: Change the home screen display from Open and select menu 1. Futaba to timer while radio is in LV1 setting. Select SYSTEM. to SYSTEM. (If set to more complex menus, scroll Select DISP-SEL. through menus with Up button until SYSTEM is displayed on screen.)
  • Page 14: Model Selection Mdl-Sel

    Model Selection MDL-SEL Levels LV1, LV2, LV3 DEFINITION: Selects from the 10 model memories stored within the transmitter, or additional model memories in the optional CAMPac ©. AVAILABLE FOR: • 10 models in transmitter memory • Optional additional memories, 10 per CAMPac © (see p. 5). ADJUSTABILITY: •...
  • Page 15: Model Name Mdl-Name

    Model names may be the same between models; model # will still be displayed and will still be different. GOAL: STEPS: INPUTS: Rename the current model FUTABA-1, Open and select menu 1. while using the LV1 programming menus. (If Select MDL-NAME.
  • Page 16: Modulation Mod-Mode

    • While there are 3 types of modulation (4 if you include AM, not supported by 3PK), all are transmitted on the same frequency band. NEVER attempt to operate more than one model on the same frequency at the same time.
  • Page 17: Failsafe And Battery Failsafe Fail-Safe

    • FailSafe: Provide receiver pre-recorded instructions of how to perform in the event it does not receive clean, clear transmission from a transmitter on its channel in Futaba PCM1024 language. • Battery FailSafe: Warn user the receiver battery is getting so low that safe vehicle operation will soon end.
  • Page 18: Servo Reversing Ch-Rev

    Channel Reverse CH-REV Levels LV1, LV2, LV3 DEFINITION: Reverses the direction the servo moves when given an input. If the vehicle is turning right when wheel is turned left (or vice versa), reverse the setting for the steering. If the engine accelerates when brake is pushed, reverse the setting for the throttle.
  • Page 19 INTERACTIONS: • EPA is a primary function. EPA’s should be set prior to doing any other programming and not adjusted (except for servo replacement, etc.) once other programming has been set. If EPA is adjusted after features such as dual rates, ATL, mixing, etc, the other functions must be readjusted based upon the new EPA.
  • Page 20: Exponential St-Exp, Th-Exp

    Exponential (ST-EXP, TH-EXP) Levels LV1, LV2, LV3 DEFINITIONS: • Exponential adjusts the sensitivity of the servo around the neutral position. Exponential creates a true curve, not a hard climb to a certain point then a softer climb from there. Negative exponential makes the servo less responsive around center;...
  • Page 21 AVAILABLE FOR: Steering (ST-EXP), Throttle (TH-EXP) ADJUSTABILITY: • Range: -100% to +100% • Throttle: Forward and Braking • Steering: Left and right • Types: (TH-EXP forward only) Variable trace, curve, or exponential curves. • May be assigned to a dial for on-the-track adjustability. (See FUNC-DIAL, pp. 34-35.) INTERACTIONS: •...
  • Page 22: Sub-Trim Subtrim

    Sub-Trim SUBTRIM Levels LV1, LV2, LV3 DEFINITION: Fine tuning adjustment for the center point of each servo. Similar to using electronic trims on the radio, but subtrim moves the entire servo’s travel rather than just sliding the servo left/right within the total travel. The setting is stored within the programming and the onscreen displays continue to show neutral.
  • Page 23: Lv2 Functions

    LV2 FUNCTIONS for the Race-Ready Driver Levels LV2, LV3 Only Servo Maximum Speed Limiter (ST-SPEED,TH-SPEED) DEFINITION: Speed Limiter decreases the maximum speed of the servo. This may be adjusted individually for turning and returning the servo to neutral (steering), and for high and low throttle settings. A servo which responds too rapidly to a full-wheel input may cause the vehicle to oversteer;...
  • Page 24: Abs Abs

    Anti-Lock Braking ABS Levels LV2, LV3 Only DEFINITIONS: • ABS: Simulates a full size car’s antilock braking by pulsing the brake on and off rapidly. • ABP: Amount of brake return, how far the braking response is decreased during the pulses. •...
  • Page 25 GOAL: STEPS: INPUTS: Set up a fairly rapid servo (such as S9402) Open and select menu 1. on a nitro off-road vehicle, while using LV2. Select ABS. (If using LV3, select ABS from menu 1.) Make ABS active. (If using LV1, first change level selection. See p.
  • Page 26: Throttle Acceleration Th-Accel

    Rapid Throttle Acceleration THR-ACCEL Levels LV2, LV3 Only DEFINITION: Due to the shape of some nitro engine linkages, throttle servo movement near neutral results in very little movement of the pushrod. Throttle acceleration simply jumps the servo from neutral to a portion of the total available throw whenever the trigger is moved away from center.
  • Page 27: Idle-Up Idle-Up

    Levels LV2, LV3 Only Idle-Up IDLE-UP DEFINITION: Adjusts the throttle’s idle/neutral point, usually used to create a raised idle, making it easier to start the engine. May adjust either toward higher idle (U) or toward braking (D). AVAILABLE FOR: Throttle only. ADJUSTABILITY: •...
  • Page 28: Auto-Start/Engine Cut At-Start

    Auto-start Throttle Settings and Engine Cut AT-START Levels LV2, LV3 Only DEFINITIONS: • Auto-start: A pre-set throttle position, less than full throttle, to be used for the initial acceleration off the line without having wheel spin. When the trigger is released, auto-start is turned off and throttle operates normally again.
  • Page 29 GOAL: STEPS: INPUTS: Set auto-start to avoid wheel spin, while Open and Select Menu 1. using LV2. (If using LV3, select AT-START Select AT-START. from menu 1.) (If using LV1, first change to AT&SW. Select Auto-start mode. the level selection, see p. 12.) Expert Tip: If you set up a switch in FUNC-SW (see pp.
  • Page 30: Timer Timer

    Timers TIMER Levels LV2, LV3 Only DEFINITIONS: • Total Timer: System timer, does not reset/change with model selection, or when transmitter is turned off, storing total use time until it is reset. • Racing Timer: Model-specific timer; types: • Up Timer: Regular stop watch timer. Counts up from 0 until stopped.
  • Page 31: Lap List Lap-List

    GOAL: STEPS: INPUTS: Set up a lap memory timer to track lap times Assign desired lapstart and restart switches. See FUNC-SW pp. 34-35. throughout a race, while using LV2 menus. Open and select menu 1. (If using LV3, select timer from Menu 1). (If Select TIMER.
  • Page 32: Model Reset Mdl-Res

    Model Reset MDL-RES Levels LV2, LV3 Only DEFINITION: Erases all data stored in a specific model memory. AVAILABLE FOR: Current selected model only. Model # is displayed on screen. INTERACTIONS: • Resets settings for the specific model memory currently in use without resetting any settings for any other model in memory.
  • Page 33: Model Copy Mdl-Copy

    Levels LV2, LV3 Only Model Copy MDL-CPY DEFINITION: Makes an exact copy of the current model, including its name. AVAILABLE FOR: Current selected model only. Model # is displayed on screen. ADJUSTABILITY: N/A INTERACTION: Copies all settings, including model name, modulation, etc. DESIRED END RESULT: Make an exact copy of a model for backup, to copy to CAMPac to use in another radio, etc.
  • Page 34: Function Func-Sw, Func-Dial

    Function Placement/controls FUNC-DIAL, FUNC-SW Levels LV2, LV3 Only DEFINITIONS: • Function: Assigns functions to the 3 dials, 3 trimmers, and 3 switches on the radio. Upper right on home screen displays assignments to dials 1-3 and trims 1-3. • PS: Push button switch. Also called switch, or SW.
  • Page 35 • Response direction: • Normal or reversed for all dials/trimmers, and switch 3. • Normal or alternate for switches 1 and 2. INTERACTION: • If multiples switches/dials/trims are assigned to do the same job, their settings are combined up to the limits of the function.
  • Page 36: Direct Selection Menu Options Dirc-Call

    Direct Selection Menu Options DIRC-CALL Levels LV2, LV3 Only DEFINITION: Customize what functions are available at the push of 2 buttons (Direct menu and one more) by adjusting the Direct Selection menu. Note that direct menu selection/exit is always the DIR button. AVAILABLE FOR: N/A.
  • Page 37: Lv3 Functions

    LV3 FUNCTIONS for the Expert Driver, Boats or Complex Models Level LV3 Only Programming Adjustment of Throttle ATL ATL DEFINITIONS: • ATL, electronic: (Adjustable throttle limiter) Adjusts total travel available to the braking side of the throttle servo, similar to adjusting EPA, but allows adjustment “on the fly”...
  • Page 38: Steering Dual Rates St-D/R

    Dual rate is always active, except when the 2nd dual rate switch is pushed. (3PK’s dual rate is the same as the 9Z’s AFR, and the first rate of dual rate in other aircraft style radio models.) •...
  • Page 39: Servo Display Servo

    GOAL: STEPS: INPUTS: While using LV3: Use FUNC-DIAL to assign dual rate to • Reassign digital trim 1 to the dual rate digital trim 1. 9 steps to DT1. adjustment; • 12 steps to D/R. Assign dual rate switching to switch 1; •...
  • Page 40: Channel 3 Position Ch3-Posi

    Channel 3 Control CH3-POSI Level LV3 Only DEFINITION: Sets the default or neutral position for the channel 3 servo. Defaults to being adjustable with dial 3. AVAILABLE FOR: channel 3 only. ADJUSTABILITY: -100% to 0 to +100%. Default adjusts with dial 3, may be reassigned with FUNC-DIAL (see pp.
  • Page 41 Programmable mix to set up differential steering (similar to the brake mixing program but for 4-wheel steering or for 2-wheel steering using 2 servos and creating adjustable acumen): see www.futabarc.com\faq\faq-3pk.html Adjust steering EPA (ST-EPA): See p. 18. Adjust steering dual rate (ST-DR): See p. 38.
  • Page 42: Brake Mix Brake-Mix

    Multiple-Servo Brake Mix BRAKE-MIX Level LV3 Only DEFINITIONS: • Brake Mix: Used when model has separate front and rear brakes, and they must be adjusted separately. Uses channel 2 for rear brakes/throttle, channel 3 for front brakes. • RATE: Proportion of total front brake travel applied when full rear brake is applied. •...
  • Page 43: Boat Mode Boat-Mode

    Level LV3 Only Boat Mode BOAT-MODE DEFINITIONS: • Boat mode: Set ups to fit specific needs of boat models rather than cars. • TRG-BRK: Trigger-Brake operation. Shuts off brake side of servo movement for boats without braking/reverse. • Tilt Mixing: adjusts outboard engine positioning with rudder inputs, and adjusts rudder with outboard engine adjustments.
  • Page 44: Mc Setup Mc-Setup

    Level LV3 Only DEFINITION: Adjusts frame rate of transmitter output to throttle channel for setting up non-Futaba ESCs with HRS systems. HRS frame rate is faster than many speed controls can properly read to complete their auto setups. Important: Always try to setup your ESC normally first.
  • Page 45: Adjuster Adjuster

    Similarly, all transmitters need regular maintenance to keep everything properly aligned. But unlike all other transmitters which just have to be driven “as is” until professionally adjusted/repaired, you can temporarily adjust your 3PK to keep driving as if it were new, then happily wait until your non-racing season when you can send it for its regular maintenance.
  • Page 46: Appendices

    Prior approval of the appropriate government authorities may be required. If you have purchased this product from an exporter outside your country, and not the authorized Futaba distributor in your country, please contact the seller immediately to determine if such export regulations have been met.
  • Page 47: Meaning Of Special Markings

    Have regular maintenance performed. Although your radio does not have a battery to protect the model memories, it still should have regular checkups for wear and tear. In the US, we recommend sending your system to the US Futaba Service Center annually for a complete checkup and service. CAUTION - Before Using Your System…...
  • Page 48: Safety Precautions (Do Not Operate Without Reading)

    • Mode: Transmitter MUST be set to HRS mode (see p. 7 and p.16 for details) • Transmitter: Futaba’s 3PK is the first radio sold in the US with HRS capability. At this time, only the 3PK may be used with the HRS receivers. Be sure to check any other transmitter’s operator’s manual before attempting to use with an HRS receiver.
  • Page 49: Caring For Your Nicd Batteries

    *Note that your 3PK transmitter system is protected from overcharge. If the battery is charged with a quick charger for other than digital RC systems, it may not be fully charged.
  • Page 50: Appendix Ii - Adjustments, Modifications And Replacements

    APPENDIX II Adjustments, modifications and replacements Mechanical ATL Adjustment: Make this adjustment when you want to decrease the total travel of the brake (push) side of the throttle trigger. For digital ATL, see p. 37. Note: This is a mechanical stop screw only, and does not move the neutral point or affect the acceleration (pull) side of the throttle trigger.
  • Page 51: Changing Wheel Position And Modifying For Left Hand Use

    CHANGING WHEEL POSITION/MODIFYING FOR LEFT-HAND USE •Changing the wheel position •Modification for left-hand use The wheel position can be offset by The wheel section can be moved to using the included accessory offset the back of the transmitter for adapter. The wheel angle can also left-handed operation.
  • Page 52 Changing wheel position 1. Connect the wheel unit wiring harness 2. Reinstall the wheel unit, wheel unit through the offset adapter. Install the adapter cover, wheel, and wheel cap in same using four 2.5mm hex bolts attached. position as they were removed. Modifying for left-hand use 1.
  • Page 53 Battery Replacement att ery cover 1. Slide the transmitter battery cover in the arrow direction while pressing the part shown in the figure. 2. Replace the NiCd battery pack or dry cell batteries. SLIDE 3. Slide the battery cover back onto the transmitter. While pressing this part.
  • Page 54: Appendix Iii Error Displays

    • MEMORY “BACK UP ERROR” displays on screen if the EEPROM-stored data is lost for any reason. The 3PK does not use a battery to store this data; it is stored in permanent non-volatile memory. However, failures can still occur which cause loss of this memory.
  • Page 55 Memory Error: • MAIN MEMORY “ACCESS ERROR” displays when the transmitter is turned on and a problem occurs with accessing a model. • To stop the alarm, turn off the transmitter. Turn it back on. If the alarm sounds again, send for service. If it does not, the system is ready for use. •...
  • Page 56: Glossary/Index

    GLOSSARY and INDEX 3CH: Channel 3 position. See channel 3 assignment......................40 3-channel: transmitter that can send commands to 3 separate channels for model operation. ABP: Adjustment in ABS. Amount of brake return, how far the braking response is decreased during the pulses. 0 = no return, no ABS action;...
  • Page 57 Base Load Antenna: A rigid, short antenna mounted to the model. Used to replace the longer stock antenna. Not recommended or supported by Futaba. Battery FailSafe: Notifies user when receiver voltage is low ....................17 Battery Recycling................................46 BEC: Battery Eliminator Circuitry. Allows receiver to draw power from a main battery pack, eliminating the need for (and weight of) a receiver battery.
  • Page 58 Charger: Device used to recharge batteries. Usually supplied with the radio if NiCd batteries are included. CH-EPA: Channel End Point Adjustment. See EPA......................18 CH-REV: Channel Reversing. See Servo Reversing......................18 Color: Color for LED lamp is adjustable. See LED-MODE....................13 Contents and Technical Specifications..........................5 Contrast: LCD screen contrast.
  • Page 59 1 as a default to allow on-the-course adjustments. If grip dial is reassigned, dual rate may still be adjusted on-screen. Dual rate is always active, except when the 2nd dual rate switch is pushed. (3PK’s dual rate is the same as the 9Z’s AFR and the first rate of dual rate in other aircraft radio models.) See Steering Dual Rate.
  • Page 60 ..17 F.A.Q.: Frequently asked questions. www.futabarc.com/faq/faq-3pk.html Field Charger: A fast battery charger designed to work from a 12-volt power source, such as a car battery. Usually takes advantage of peak charging capability.
  • Page 61 Idle-up: Moves throttle servo to a preset position, a higher idle, to aid in starting the engine..........27 IDLUP: Idle-up. See Idle-up..............................27 INH: Inhibited. Function is electronically prevented from working and will not operate until changed to another setting. Installation ...................................10 KEY-ON: The display back-lights whenever a programming key is pressed.
  • Page 62 Menu Level: See Level Selection............................12 Menus: 3PK offers two separate menu types – the Direct Select menu which offers access to your 6 favorite functions with just 2 buttons; all of the features of the radio in 3 levels of complexity (Level 1, 2, 3).............11 Metal Gears: One or more drive gears within a servo that are made of one or multiple metal types.
  • Page 63 To use your transmitter on a different channel you simply purchase another module on that other channel and the radio is now properly tuned and safe and easy to use on that other channel as well. The 3PK uses a new, specialized module, the PK, which can transmit not only in PPM and PCM but also HRS......7...
  • Page 64 Programmable Mixes: Function that instructs a second servo to operate in response to the instructions given to a first servo. 3PK includes 2 programmable mixes which are open to the user completely to set up as needed......40 PRST: Preset. In auto-start, throttle servo position. Preset is a “true” preset – it is not a mix or a portion of the EPA. It is truly a command to move the servo to a set position regardless of other inputs, including trigger.
  • Page 65 Steering dual rate (d/r): Adjustable rates of travel to fine-tune the model’s handling. Traditionally, dual rate on a car radio is used to describe a single rate that can be adjusted while driving. Dual rates on aircraft radios, and on the 3PK, provide the user 2 separate amounts of travel available at the push of a switch.
  • Page 66 VTR: Variable Trace Rate is a type of throttle exponential, which is basically a 3-point line, where one point may be raised or lowered, forming two straight lines, and where the user can select the point where the line breaks into two. See Exponential..20 Webpage: www.futabarc.com/faq/faq-3pk.html Wheel Tension Adjustment:...............................50...
  • Page 67: Quick Setup For Nitro Engines

    QUICK SET-UP FOR NITRO ENGINES Set-up Issue Function to Use Nitro engine is difficult to start. Use idle-up to increase the idle for starting only. (IDLE-UP) Nitro boat engine is difficult to shut off. Use engine cut (part of auto-start) to shut engine off at end of run.
  • Page 68: Quick Start Guide

    (See p. 17.) Interested in exploring more of what the 3PK has to offer? Open the front cover for a directory of features, or open this rear cover for quick set-up tips for nitro engines and when to use which feature!

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