Spectrum AR12000 User Manual page 2

2. Face the model with the transmitter in your normal flying position and place your transmitter into sure that the battery is fully charged. It is recommended to use a charger that can display total charge
range check mode. capacity. Note the number of mAh put into a discharged pack to verify it has been charged to full
3. You should have total control of the model with the button depressed at 30 paces (90 feet/28 meters). capacity.
4. If control issues exist, call the Spektrum Service Center in the U.S. at 1-877-504-0233 for further
assistance. In the UK or Germany use one of the following addresses. QuickConnect ™ With Brownout Detection
European Union: +49 4121 46199 66 (Deutschland) Your AR12000 features QuickConnect with Brownout Detection.
or email service@horizonhobby.de • Should an interruption of power occur (brownout), the system will reconnect immediately when
+44 (0) 1279 641 097 (United Kingdom) power is restored (QuickConnect).
or email sales@horizonhobby.co.uk • The LED on the receivers will flash slowly indicating a power interruption (brownout) has occurred.
• Brownouts can be caused by an inadequate power supply (weak battery or regulator), a loose
Advanced Range Testing connector, a bad switch, an inadequate BEC when using an Electronic speed controller, etc.
• Brownouts occur when the receiver voltage drops below 3.5 volts thus interrupting control as the
For sophisticated models that have significant conductive material in them, the Advanced range test
servos and receiver require a minimum of 3.5 volts to operate.
using a flight log is recommended. The advanced range check will confirm that the internal and remote
receivers are operating optimally and that the installation (position of the receivers) is optimized for
How QuickConnect With Brownout Detection Works
the specific aircraft. This Advanced Range Check allows the RF performance of each receiver to be
evaluated and to optimize the locations of the remote receiver. • When the receiver voltage drops below 3.5 volts the system drops out (ceases to operate).
• When power is restored the receiver immediately attempts to reconnect to the last two frequencies
Advanced Range Test
that it was connected to.
1. Plug a Flight Log (SPM9540) into the data port in the AR12000 and turn on the system (Tx and Rx).
• If the two frequencies are present (the transmitter was left on) the system reconnects typically about
2. Advance the Flight Log until F- frame losses are displayed by pressing the button on the Flight Log. 4/100 of a second.
3. Have a helper hold your aircraft while observing the Flight Log data.
QuickConnect with Brownout Detection is designed to allow you to fly safely through most short
4. Standing 30 paces away from the model, face the model with the transmitter in your normal flying
duration power interruptions, however, the root cause of these interruptions must be corrected before
position and put your transmitter into range test mode. This causes reduced power output from the
the next flight to prevent a crash.
transmitter.
5. Have your helper position the model in various orientations (nose up, nose down, nose toward the Note: If a brownout occurs in flight it is vital that the cause of the brownout be determined and corrected.
Tx, nose away from the Tx, etc.) while your helper watches the Flight Log noting any correlation
between the aircraft' s orientation and frame losses. Do this for 1 minute. The timer on the transmitter Flight Log (SPM9540 Optional)
can be used here. A successful advanced test will yield the following:
The Flight Log is compatible with the AR9000. The Flight Log displays overall RF link performance as
H- 0 holds
well as the individual internal and external receiver link data. Additionally it displays receiver voltage.
F- less than 10 frame losses
A, B, R, L- Frame losses will typically be less than 100. It' s important to compare the relative frame
Using the Flight Log
losses and if a particular receiver has a significantly higher frame loss value (2 to 3X) then the test
After a flight and before turning off the receiver or transmitter, plug the Flight Log into the Data port on
should be redone and if the same results occur, move the offending receiver to a different location.
the AR12000. The screen will automatically display voltage e.g. 6v2= 6.2 volts.
Receiver Power System Requirements
Note: When the voltage reaches 4.8 volts or less, the screen will flash indicating low voltage.
Inadequate power systems that are unable to provide the necessary minimum voltage to the receiver
Press the button to display the following information:
during flight have become the number one cause of in-flight failures. Some of the power system
A – Antenna fades on internal antenna A
components that affect the ability to properly deliver adequate power include
B – Antenna fades on internal antenna B
• Receiver battery pack (number of cells, capacity, cell type, state of charge)
L – Antenna fades on the left external antenna
• The ESC' s capability to deliver current to the receiver in electric aircraft R – Antenna fades on the right external antenna
F – Frame loss
• The switch harness, battery leads, servo leads, regulators etc.
H – Holds
The AR12000 has a minimum operational voltage of 3.5 volts; it is highly recommended the power Note: – – – (three dashed lines) will appear if the antenna is not attached
system be tested per the guidelines below.
Antenna fades—represents the loss of a bit of information on that specific antenna.
Recommended Power System Test Guidelines
Typically it' s normal to have as many as 50 to 100 antenna fades during a flight. If any single antenna
experiences over 500 fades in a single flight, the antenna should be repositioned in the aircraft to
If a questionable power system is being used (e.g. small or old battery, ESC that may not have a BEC
optimize the RF link.
that will support high-current draw, etc.), it is recommended that a voltmeter be used to perform the
following tests.
Frame loss—represents simultaneous antenna fades on all attached receivers.
If the RF link is performing optimally, frame losses per flight should be less than 20. A hold occurs
Note: The Hangar 9 Digital Servo & Rx Current Meter (HAN172) or the Spektrum Flight Log
when 45 consecutive frame losses occur. This takes about one second. If a hold occurs during a flight,
(SPM9540) is the perfect tool to perform the test below.
it' s important to evaluate the system, moving the antennas to different locations and or checking to be
Plug the voltmeter into an open channel port in the receiver and with the system on, load the control
sure the transmitter and receivers are all working correctly.
surfaces (apply pressure with your hand) while monitoring the voltage at the receiver. The voltage
Note: A servo extension can be used to allow the Flight Log to be plugged in more conveniently.
should remain above 4.8 volts even when all servos are heavily loaded.
On some models, the Flight Log can be plugged in, attached and left on the model using
Note: The latest generations of Nickel-Metal Hydride batteries incorporate a new chemistry double-sided tape. Mounting the Flight Log conveniently to the side frame is common with
mandated to be more environmentally friendly. These batteries when charged with peak detection
helicopters.
fast chargers have tendencies to false peak (not fully charge) repeatedly. These include all brands
of NiMH batteries. If using NiMH packs, be especially cautious when charging, making absolutely
Tips on Using Spektrum 2.4GHz and in essence the transmitter has been "unbound" from the receiver. We've had several DX7
customers that use transmitter stands or trays that unknowingly depress the bind button and the
ModelMatch
™
system is then turned on losing the necessary information to allow the connection to take place.
Some Spektrum and JR transmitters offer a patent pending feature called ModelMatch. ModelMatch
We've also had DX7 customers that didn't fully understand the range test process and pushed the
prevents the possibility of operating a model using the wrong model memory, potentially preventing a
bind button before turning on the transmitter also causing the system to "lose its bind."
crash. With ModelMatch each model memory has its own unique code (GUID) and during the binding
process the code is programmed into the receiver. Later, when the system is turned on, the receiver will Age Recommendation: 14 years or over. This is not a toy. This product is not intended for use by
only connect to the transmitter if the corresponding model memory is programmed on screen. children without direct adult supervision.
Note: If at any time you turn on the system and it fails to connect, check to be sure the correct
model memory is selected in the transmitter. Please note that the DX5e and Aircraft Modules do
not have ModelMatch.
Warranty Period
While your DSM equipped 2.4GHz system is intuitive to operate, functioning nearly identically to
72MHz systems, following are a few common questions from customers.
Exclusive Warranty- Horizon Hobby, Inc., (Horizon) warranties that the Products purchased (the "Product")
will be free from defects in materials and workmanship for a period of 1 year from the date of purchase by
1. Q: Which do I turn on first, the transmitter or the receiver?
the Purchaser.
A: If the receiver is turned off first —all servos except for the throttle will be driven to their preset
Limited Warranty
failsafe positions set during binding. At this time the throttle channel doesn't output a pulse
position preventing the arming of electronic speed controllers or in the case of an engine
(a) This warranty is limited to the original Purchaser ("Purchaser") and is not transferable. REPAIR OR
powered aircraft the throttle servo remains in its current position. When the transmitter is REPLACEMENT AS PROVIDED UNDER THIS WARRANTY IS THE EXCLUSIVE REMEDY OF THE
PURCHASER. This warranty covers only those Products purchased from an authorized Horizon dealer.
then turned on the transmitter scans the 2.4GHz band and acquires two open channels. Then
the receiver that was previously bound to the transmitter scans the band and finds the GUID Third party transactions are not covered by this warranty. Proof of purchase is required for warranty claims.
Further, Horizon reserves the right to change or modify this warranty without notice and disclaims all other
(Globally Unique Identifier code) stored during binding. The system then connects and
warranties, express or implied.
operates normally.
(b) Limitations- HORIZON MAKES NO WARRANTY OR REPRESENTATION, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED,
If the transmitter is turned on first—the transmitter scans the 2.4GHz band and acquires two
ABOUT NON-INFRINGEMENT, MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OF THE
open channels. When the receiver is then turned on for a short period (the time it takes to
PRODUCT. THE PURCHASER ACKNOWLEDGES THAT THEY ALONE HAVE DETERMINED THAT THE
connect) all servos except for the throttle are driven to their preset failsafe positions while the
PRODUCT WILL SUITABLY MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE PURCHASER'S INTENDED USE.
throttle has no output pulse. 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 (c) Purchaser Remedy- Horizon's sole obligation hereunder shall be that Horizon will, at its option, (i)
repair or (ii) replace, any Product determined by Horizon to be defective. In the event of a defect, these are
packet information, the system connects and normal operation takes place. Typically this takes
the Purchaser's exclusive remedies. Horizon reserves the right to inspect any and all equipment involved
2 to 6 seconds.
in a warranty claim. Repair or replacement decisions are at the sole discretion of Horizon. This warranty
2. Q: Sometimes the system takes longer to connect and sometimes it doesn't connect does not cover cosmetic damage or damage due to acts of God, accident, misuse, abuse, negligence,
commercial use, or modification of or to any part of the Product. This warranty does not cover damage due
at all?
to improper installation, operation, maintenance, or attempted repair by anyone other than Horizon. Return
A: In order for the system to connect (after the receiver is bound) the receiver must receive a large
of any goods by Purchaser must be approved in writing by Horizon before shipment.
number of consecutive uninterrupted perfect packets from the transmitter in order to connect.
Damage Limits
This process is purposely critical of the environment ensuring that it' s safe to fly when the system
does connect. If the transmitter is too close to the receiver (less than 4 ft.) or if the transmitter HORIZON SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR SPECIAL, INDIRECT OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, LOSS OF
is located near metal objects (metal TX case, the bed of a truck, the top of a metal work bench,
PROFITS OR PRODUCTION OR COMMERCIAL LOSS IN ANY WAY CONNECTED WITH THE PRODUCT,
etc.) connection will take longer and in some cases connection will not occur as the system is WHETHER SUCH CLAIM IS BASED IN CONTRACT, WARRANTY, NEGLIGENCE, OR STRICT LIABILITY.
Further, in no event shall the liability of Horizon exceed the individual price of the Product on which liability
receiving reflected 2.4GHz energy from itself and is interpreting this as unfriendly noise. Moving
is asserted. As Horizon has no control over use, setup, final assembly, modification or misuse, no liability
the system away from metal objects or moving the transmitter away from the receiver and
shall be assumed nor accepted for any resulting damage or injury. By the act of use, setup or assembly, the
powering the system again will cause a connection to occur. This only happens during the initial
user accepts all resulting liability.
connection. Once connected the system is locked in and should a loss of signal occur (failsafe)
If you as the Purchaser or user are not prepared to accept the liability associated with the use of this Product,
the system connects immediately (4ms) when signal is regained.
you are advised to return this Product immediately in new and unused condition to the place of purchase.
3. Q: I've heard that the DSM system is less tolerant of low voltage. Is this correct?
Law: These Terms are governed by Illinois law (without regard to conflict of law principals).
A: All DSM receivers have an operational voltage range of 3.5 to 9.6 volts. With most systems this
Safety Precautions
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
This is a sophisticated hobby Product and not a toy. It must be operated with caution and common sense
loads can cause the voltage to dip below this 3.5-volt threshold thus causing the entire system
and requires some basic mechanical ability. Failure to operate this Product in a safe and responsible
(servos and receiver) to brown out. When the voltage drops below the low voltage threshold manner could result in injury or damage to the Product or other property. This Product is not intended
for use by children without direct adult supervision. The Product manual contains instructions for safety,
(3.5 volts), the DSM receiver must reboot (go through the startup process of scanning the band
operation and maintenance. It is essential to read and follow all the instructions and warnings in the
and finding the transmitter) and this can take several seconds. Please read the receiver power
manual, prior to assembly, setup or use, in order to operate correctly and avoid damage or injury.
requirement section as this explains how to test for and prevent this occurrence.
Questions, Assistance, and Repairs
4. Q: Sometimes my receiver loses its bind and won't connect requiring rebinding.
Your local hobby store and/or place of purchase cannot provide warranty support or repair. Once assembly,
What happens if the bind is lost in flight?
setup or use of the Product has been started, you must contact Horizon directly. This will enable Horizon to
A: The receiver will never lose its bind unless it' s instructed to. It' s important to understand that
better answer your questions and service you in the event that you may need any assistance. For questions
during the binding process the receiver not only learns the GUID (code) of the transmitter but
or assistance, please direct your email to productsupport@horizonhobby.com, or call 877.504.0233 toll
the transmitter learns and stores the type of receiver that it' s bound to. If the transmitter is placed
free to speak to the Product Support department.
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
Inspection or Repairs FCC Information
If this Product needs to be inspected or repaired, please call for a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA).
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation is subject to the following two
Pack the Product securely using a shipping carton. Please note that original boxes may be included, but
conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any
are not designed to withstand the rigors of shipping without additional protection. Ship via a carrier that
provides tracking and insurance for lost or damaged parcels, as Horizon is not responsible for merchandise interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
until it arrives and is accepted at our facility. A Service Repair Request is available at www.horizonhobby. Caution:
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for
com on the "Support" tab. If you do not have internet access, please include a letter with your complete
name, street address, email address and phone number where you can be reached during business days, compliance could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.
your RMA number, a list of the included items, method of payment for any non-warranty expenses and a
brief summary of the problem. Your original sales receipt must also be included for warranty consideration.
This product contains a radio transmitter with wireless technology which has been tested and found
Be sure your name, address, and RMA number are clearly written on the outside of the shipping carton.
to be compliant with the applicable regulations governing a radio transmitter in the 2.400GHz to
Warranty Inspection and Repairs
2.4835GHz frequency range.
To receive warranty service, you must include your original sales receipt verifying the proof-of-purchase
date. Provided warranty conditions have been met, your Product will be repaired or replaced free of charge. CE Compliance information for the European Union
Repair or replacement decisions are at the sole discretion of Horizon Hobby.
Declaration of Conformity
Non-Warranty Repairs
(in accordance with ISO/IEC 17050-1)
Should your repair not be covered by warranty the repair will be completed and payment will be required
without notification or estimate of the expense unless the expense exceeds 50% of the retail purchase cost.
By submitting the item for repair you are agreeing to payment of the repair without notification. Repair No. HH2008123101
estimates are available upon request. You must include this request with your repair. Non-warranty repair
estimates will be billed a minimum of ½ hour of labor. In addition you will be billed for return freight. Product(s): AR12000 Receiver
Please advise us of your preferred method of payment. Horizon accepts money orders and cashiers checks,
Item Number(s): SPMAR12000
as well as Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover cards. If you choose to pay by credit card,
please include your credit card number and expiration date. Any repair left unpaid or unclaimed after 90
The object of declaration described above is in conformity with the requirements of the specifica-
days will be considered abandoned and will be disposed of accordingly. Please note: non-warranty repair is
tions listed below, following the provisions of the European R&TTE directive 1999/5/EC:
only available on electronics and model engines.
Electronics and engines requiring inspection or repair should be shipped to the following address:
EN 301 489-1 v.1.6.1 General EMC requirements for Radio equipment
Horizon Service Center EN 301 489-17 v.1.2.1
4105 Fieldstone Road
Signed for and on behalf of:
Champaign, Illinois 61822
Horizon Hobby, Inc.
All other Products requiring warranty inspection or repair should be shipped to the following address:
Champaign, IL USA
Horizon Product Support Dec. 31, 2008
4105 Fieldstone Road
Champaign, Illinois 61822
Steven A. Hall
Please call 877-504-0233 or e-mail us at productsupport@horizonhobby.com with any questions or Vice President
concerns regarding this product or warranty. International Operations and Risk Management
Horizon Hobby, Inc.
European Union:
Electronics and engines requiring inspection or repair should be shipped to one of the following addresses:
Instructions for Disposal of WEEE by Users in the
Horizon Hobby UK
Units 1-4 Ployters Rd
European Union
Staple Tye, Harlow
Essex CM18 7NS This product must not be disposed of with other waste. Instead, it is the user's responsibility
United Kingdom to dispose of their waste equipment by handing it over to a designated collection point for the
Please call +44 (0) 1279 641 097 or email sales@horizonhobby.co.uk recycling of waste electrical and electronic equipment. The separate collection and recycling of your
with any questions or concerns regarding this product or warranty.
waste equipment at the time of disposal will help to conserve natural resources and ensure that it is
recycled in a manner that protects human health and the environment. For more information about
Horizon Technischer Service
where you can drop off your waste equipment for recycling, please contact your local city office,
Hamburger Str. 10
your household waste disposal service or where you purchased the product.
25335 Elmshorn
Germany
Please call +49 4121 46199 66 or email service@horizonhobby.de
with any questions or concerns regarding this product or warranty.
© 2009 Horizon Hobby, Inc. Spektrum radios and accessories are distributed exclusively by Horizon Hobby, Inc.
4105 Fieldstone Road, Champaign, IL 61822 Call toll-free, 877-504-0233.
DSM and DSM2 are trademarks or registered trademarks of Horizon Hobby, Inc.
The Spektrum trademark is used with permission of Bachmann Industries, Inc.
US patent number 7,391,320. Other patents pending.
Printed 02/09 14956