RX49 FLEXX - Remote control toy MULTIPLEX - Free user manual and instructions

USER MANUAL RX49 FLEXX MULTIPLEX

! These operating instructions are an integral part of the product, and contain important information and safety notes. Please store them in a safe place, where you can find them at any time, and pass them on to the new owner if you sell the receiver.

1. SPECIFICATION

Order No.	RX-4/9: #5 5837 RX-4/16: #5 5838
Reception system	2.4 GHz FHSS M-LINK Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum MULTIPLEX-LINK
Servo channel count	4 (plus 9 / 16 via SRXL serial servo output)
Servo frame rate	Fast Response: 14 ms Standard: 21 ms (according to transmitter)
Smart ID	User-variable (default setting: 8)
Signal resolution	12-bit, 3872 steps (according to transmitter)
Current drain	approx. 30 mA (excl. servos)
Aerial length	Feed cable: approx. 10 cm Aerial: approx. 3 cm
Operating voltage	3.5 V ... 9.0 V → 4 - 6 NiCd / NiMH (NiXX) cells → 2S LiPo / Lilo
Operating temperature range	- 20°C ... + 55°C
Weight	7 g
Dimensions	approx. 34.0 x 19.5 x 11.0 mm

2. SPECIAL FEATURES

Universal receiver with SRXL serial servo output, ideal for use in multi-function models or small helicopters / quadro-copters.
- User-variable MULTIPLEX SMART ID for intelligent model identification (can be used in conjunction with SMART SX or SMART SX FLEXX transmitter)
HOLD/FAIL-SAFE function.

3. SAFETY NOTES

! Please read the instructions before using the receiver.
! Use the receiver only for the intended applications ( 4.)
The power supply must be of adequate capacity ( 6)
Observe the installation notes ( 9)
! Carry out regular range checks ( 10)

4. APPLICATIONS

The RX-4/9 and RX-4/16 FLEXX M-LINK ID receivers are radio control receivers intended exclusively for use in model sport. It is prohibited to employ them for other purposes such as full-size (personal transport) vehicles or industrial installations.

Receivers such as the RX-4/9 or 4/16 FLEXX M-LINK ID are designed with absolute minimum size and weight as top priority. For technical reasons this means that they cannot provide the same reception characteristics as larger, more sophisticated and more expensive receivers. Wherever the model has sufficient

space to accommodate a larger receiver, then in the interests of safety this option should always be taken. Nevertheless it is possible to obtain an excellent receiving performance even from small units such as the RX-4/9 or 4/16 FLEXX M-LINK ID under normal conditions, provided that the RC system components and receiver aerial are installed and deployed carefully.

5. COMPATIBILITY / SRXL

The receiver can be used with any radio control transmitter which employs MULTIPLEX M-LINK transmission technology.

The SRXL serial servo output function can be exploited in conjunction with modules such as the switching unit MULTIswitch FLEXX, # 7 5888. Many other products, including stabilisation systems, battery backers etc., are also compatible with SRXL.

6. POWER SUPPLY

The receiver works with a broad range of voltages from 3.5V ... 9.0V i.e. it can be used with receiver batteries consisting of four to six NiXX cells or 2S LiPo / 2S Lilo packs.

! Note: if you intend to use a five-cell or six-cell NiXX battery, it is essential to check that all the servos, gyros and other components connected to the system are approved by the manufacturer for use with the higher operating voltage of up to 7.5V (9.0 V). If you intend to use a 2S LiPo (2S Lilo) battery, check that all the servos, gyros and other components are approved by the manufacturer for use with an operating voltage of up to 8.4V (8.2 V).

! Note: the power supply must be of adequate capacity

A power supply system in good condition and of adequate capacity for the particular application plays an indispensable role in the safe operation of any model:

• Use only high-quality receiver batteries of adequate capacity. Balance and maintain them carefully, and charge them fully before each session.
• All cables must be of adequate conductor cross-section. Keep all wiring as short as possible, and use the absolute minimum of plug / socket connections.
• Use high-quality switch harnesses exclusively.
• Brief collapses in the power supply voltage (lasting a few milli-seconds) have no adverse effect on the receiver. Longer voltage collapses to below 3.5V may cause a receiver reset, resulting in a brief interruption in reception. This may be due to a receiver battery which is almost flat, too weak or defective, cables of inadequate cross-section, poor-quality connectors or an overloaded or defective BEC system.

7. RECEIVER CONNECTIONS

This receiver employs the UNI connector system, which is compatible with the connector systems used by most radio control manufacturers (e.g. HiTEC, robbe/Futaba, Graupner/JR).

The receiver sockets are marked as follows:

1, 2, 3, 4	Servo sockets, channel 1, 2, 3, 4
B/D	MULTIPLEX SRXL serial servo signal output (9 / 16 channels); also socket for the optional USB lead # 8 5149 for changing the SMART ID (→ 9)

RX-4/16 FLEXX M-LINK ID 2.4 GHz receivers

! Note: a receiver battery can be connected to any receiver socket. You will need to use a UNI Y-lead, e.g. Multiplex # 8 5030, if you wish to use all functions simultaneously.

When connecting the receiver battery, servos, speed controller, ... it is essential to insert the connector the right way round. With other makes of component it is particularly important to check the pin assignment: (see symbol on the receiver).

8. FIRST USE, FUNCTIONS

8.1 LED Codes

LED Code Description
LED Code 0 LED OFF	Battery voltage too low
LED Code 1 LED ON	No reception
LED Code 2 1,6 sec	Binding process in progress
LED Code 3 1,6 sec	Normal receiving operation
LED Code 5 1,6 sec	Confirmation signal

8.2 Binding

The receiver must be set up to match the transmitter before the system can work. This process is known as "binding".

! Note:

The servo signal output is switched off during the binding procedure. This means that the servos are "soft", and do not move; at the same time modern electronic speed controllers switch the motor OFF in response to the lost signal. Even so, it is important to secure the model and keep well clear of the power system.

The binding process is necessary in the following cases:

The first time the receiver is used ( 8.2.1)
After a receiver RESET ( 8.5)
- After changing the transmitter setting for "Fast Response". For more information on this refer to the operating instructions supplied with your M-LINK transmitter or RF module.
After the transmitter setting for the transmitted frequency range has been changed. Please refer to the operating instructions supplied with your transmitter or M-LINK RF module ("France mode") for more information on this.
- If the receiver is to be operated in conjunction with a different M-LINK transmitter.

8.2.1 Binding procedure sequence

1. The first step is to set the transmitter and receiver to Binding mode:

a. Move the transmitter and the receiver aerial very close to each other.

b. Switch the transmitter ON in binding mode.

! Note: see the operating instructions supplied with your M-LINK transmitter or M-LINK RF module.

c. Switch the receiver ON in binding mode:

• Locate the SET button on the top of the receiver, and hold it pressed in.

• Switch the receiver ON, or connect the battery.

• Now release the SET button:

The binding process starts: the receiver LED flashes at high frequency

(LED code 2 → 8.1).

1. Once the transmitter and receiver are bound to each other, both units switch automatically to normal transmit / receive operation:

The receiver LED flashes slowly

(LED code 3 → 8.1).

! Note: the binding process usually only takes a few seconds.

8.2.2 Binding: locating and correcting errors

Error:

During the binding process the receiver LED continues to flash at high frequency after several seconds.

Cause:

No M-LINK signal of adequate strength detected.

Remedy:

• Reduce the distance between your transmitter and the receiver aerial.
• Ensure that your transmitter is switched ON in binding mode.
• Repeat the binding procedure.

8.3 Switching the receiver ON and OFF in normal operations

8.3.1 Sequence of switching on and off

To switch the RC system on please use this procedure:

1. Switch the transmitter ON.
2. Now switch the receiver ON.
3. The receiver LED flashes slowly and evenly (LED code 3 8.1):

An M-LINK signal is being received, the RC system is ready for use.

To switch the RC system off please use this procedure:

1. Switch the receiver OFF.
2. Now switch the transmitter OFF.

8.3.2 Locating and correcting errors when switching ON Error:

The receiver LED glow constantly when switched on (LED code 1 8.1 ), but does not flash.

Cause:

No M-LINK signal detected.

Remedy:

Is the transmitter switched on?
Is the transmitter generating an M-LINK signal?
- Are the transmitter and receiver bound to each other?
- Have you carried out a receiver RESET ( 8.5)?
- Have you made changes to the "Fast Response" setting ( 8.2)?

Error:

The receiver LED stays off when switched on (LED code 0 8.1).

Cause:

The operating voltage (battery voltage) is too low.

Remedy:

• Recharge or replace the receiver battery or flight battery.

8.4 HOLD and FAIL-SAFE

If no signal is picked up, or if the received data are corrupt, the last valid information is passed on to the servos in order to bridge the loss of signal (HOLD mode).

If interference should occur with FAIL-SAFE invoked, the servos ... run to a previously defined position at the end of the HOLD period (0.75 second).

FAIL-SAFE is switched OFF in the receiver's default state, and after a RESET. FAIL-SAFE is activated when the FAIL-SAFE settings are initially set up using the SET button on the receiver.

! Note: if you are using a COCKPIT SX M-LINK or ROYALeko / pro / M-LINK transmitter, it is also possible to set the FAILSAFE values directly from the transmitter.

If you wish to disable FAIL-SAFE again, the receiver must be reset to the default state (RESET 8.5). After a RESET you must repeat the binding procedure ( 8.2.1)!

! Note: always activate FAIL-SAFE!

For safety reasons we recommend that you always activate FAIL-SAFE, and ensure that the FAIL-SAFE settings you select will cause the model to take up as safe an attitude as possible (e.g. motor OFF, control surfaces neutral, ...).

Selecting the FAIL-SAFE settings:

Use your transmitter to move all the servos (and the speed controller) to your preferred FAIL-SAFE positions. Press the SET button briefly (0.5 to 1 second). The servo settings are now stored, and the LED flashes the confirmation signal (LED code 5 8.1).

After sixteen seconds in FAIL-SAFE mode the receiver stops feeding signals to the servos. Analogue servos and some digital servos (see instructions) then become "soft", in order to prevent the danger of stalled servos. Modern speed controllers switch themselves off, but a few digital servos remain "hard", and maintain their last position.

FAIL-SAFE terminates as soon as the receiver picks up valid signals again.

Testing the FAIL-SAFE settings:

Move the sticks to positions other than the FAIL-SAFE settings, and then switch the transmitter OFF: the servos should go into HOLD mode briefly (0.75 seconds), and then move to the FAIL-SAFE positions which you previously selected.

It is absolutely essential to check and update the FAIL-SAFE positions when necessary, e.g. when installing the receiver in a new model.

! Checking the FAIL-SAFE function:

The receiver can be operated with the transmitter switched off, but only for testing the FAIL-SAFE function. Caution: if the FAIL-SAFE settings are incorrect, the motor could start running: injury hazard!

8.5 RESET to factory default settings

It is possible to reset the receiver to the factory default settings. If you do this, all the data you have entered, such as binding information, FAIL-SAFE settings ... are lost permanently.

Hold the SET button pressed in for at least ten seconds (as a guide, the LED goes out when you press the button, comes on again after two seconds, then off again after ten seconds).

When the RESET is complete, the LED displays the confirmation signal (LED code 5 8.1 ).

9. SMARTID

At regular intervals the RX-4/9 or 4/16 FLEXX M-LINK ID receiver sends an identification signal (SMART ID) back to the RC system transmitter. If you are using a transmitter which sup

ports the SMART ID function (e.g. SMART SX or SMART SX FLEXX), the transmitter automatically loads the correct settings for the model.

There are fifty IDs. By default the RX-4/9 or 4/16 FLEXX MLINK ID is set to ID 8. If you use several of these receivers, you can set them to different IDs; to do this you require the MULTIPLEX Launcher PC software (available as a download from http://www.multiplex-rc.de) and the MULTIPLEX USB lead # 8 5149 (not included in the set).

To change the SMART ID, connect the USB lead to the receiver socket marked B/D and your PC, and switch the receiver on. The remainder of the procedure is described in the Help section of the MULTIPLEX Launcher PC program.

10. INSTALLATION NOTES

• Protect your receiver from vibration, especially in models powered by an internal-combustion engine (e.g. pack it loosely in foam).
• Locate the receiver at least 150~mm from electric motors, petrol engine ignition systems, any other electronic components such as speed controllers for electric motors, and drive batteries. Keep the aerial away from these components.
• Install the receiver in the model in such a way that the aerial is as far away as possible from all conductive materials.
• If your model's fuselage consists of conductive materials (e.g. carbon fibre), then the aerial must be installed in such a way that the active part of the aerial (the final 30mm ) is located outside the model.
• Do not shorten or extend the receiver aerial or the aerial feed cable. If you need a longer or shorter aerial feed cable, please contact the MULTIPLEX Service Department or an authorised MULTIPLEX service centre.
• Do not deploy the aerial parallel to servo leads, high-current cables or electrically conductive parts (e.g. pushrods).
• Do not deploy the receiver aerial inside or in contact with model components which are laminated or reinforced with electrically conductive materials (metal foil, carbon fibre, metallic paints etc.), as they have a shielding effect.
• High-current cables, e.g. those attached to the speed controller, motor and flight battery, should be kept as short as possible.
• Reception quality can be optimised by fitting a special ferrite ring (# 85146) or suppressor filter lead (# 85057) in the speed controller cable. It is also advisable to fit effective suppressors to conventional (brushed) electric motors (not brushless types) (e.g. use the suppressor set # 85020).

11. RANGE CHECKING

Regular range checks are very important - even when using a 2.4 GHz system - in order to ensure reliable operation of the radio control system, and to enable you to detect sources of interference in good time. This applies in particular:

• Before the use of new or changed components, or existing components in a new or modified arrangement.
• Before re-using radio control system components which were previously involved in a crash or a hard landing.
• If you have encountered problems on a previous flight.

Important:

• Always ask a second person to help you with your range check, so that one of you can secure and observe the model.

• If possible, carry out the range check when no other transmitters are operating.

Carrying out the range check:

1. Select "range-check mode" on your transmitter, referring to the operating instructions supplied with the M-LINK transmitter or HFM3 M-LINK / HFM4 M-LINK / HFMx M-LINK 2.4 GHz RF module.

2. When checked with reduced transmitter power, the range of the RX-4/9 or 4/16 FLEXX M-LINK ID receiver must be forty metres. You have reached the range limit when the servos start to move jerkily (in "steps").

There must be a line-of-sight connection between the transmitter aerial and the receiver aerial (i.e. the model) when you carry out the range check.

Hold the transmitter and receiver about one metre above the ground for range checking.

If your transmitter features an automatic servo test facility, we recommend that you activate it for one control function (e.g. rudder). This sets up a steady movement of the servo, and enables you to detect the limit of range clearly.

Important:

Carry out the initial range check with the motor switched off. Hold the model in all possible attitudes, and attempt to optimise reception by changing the position of the aerial.

For the second range check, run the motor at varying speeds and check that the effective range is not significantly reduced. If there is a marked fall-off, locate and eliminate the cause of the interference (the motor, the arrangement of the receiving system and power supply components, vibration, etc.).

12. ACCESSORIES

MULTIPLEX PC USB adapter # 8 5149 for changing the SMART ID

MULTIPLEX Y-lead (UNI) # 8 5030

13. CE CONFORMITY DECLARATION

This device has been assessed and approved in accordance with European harmonised directives.

This means that you are the owner of a product whose design and construction fulfil the protective aims of the European Community designed to ensure the safe operation of equipment.

The detailed CE conformity declaration can be downloaded in the form of a PDF file from the Internet under www.multiplexrc.de. It is located in the DOWNLOADS area under PRODUCT INFO.

14. DISPOSAL NOTES

Electrical equipment marked with the cancelled waste bin symbol must not be discarded in the standard household waste; instead it should be taken to a suitable specialist disposal system.

In the countries of the EU (European Union) electrical equipment must not be discarded via the normal domestic refuse system

(WEEE - Waste of Electrical and Electronic Equipment, Directive 2002/96/EG). You can take unwanted equipment to your nearest local authority waste collection point or recycling centre, where the equipment will be disposed of correctly and at no cost to you.

By returning your unwanted equipment you can make an important contribution to the protection of our shared environment!

15. GUARANTEE / LIABILITY EXCLUSION

The company MULTIPLEX Modellsport GmbH & Co.KG accepts no liability of any kind for loss, damage or costs which are due to the incorrect use and operation of this product, or which are connected with such operation in any way. Unless the law expressly states otherwise, the liability on the part of MULTIPLEX Modellsport GmbH & Co.KG to pay damages, regardless of the legal argument employed, is limited to the invoice value of those products supplied by MULTIPLEX Modellsport GmbH & Co.KG which were directly involved in the event in which the damage occurred. This does not apply if unlimited liability is incurred according to statutory law on account of intentional or gross negligence.

We guarantee our products in accordance with the currently valid statutory regulations. If you wish to make a claim under guarantee, your initial course of action should always be to contact the dealer from whom you purchased the equipment.

The guarantee does not cover faults and malfunctions which are caused by the following:

• Incorrect or incompetent use
• Maintenance carried out incorrectly, belatedly or not at all, or not carried out by an authorised Service Centre
  Incorrect connections
• The use of accessories other than genuine MULTIPLEX items
• Modifications or repairs which were not carried out by MULTIPLEX or by an authorised MULTIPLEX Service Centre
• Accidental or intentional damage
  Defects due to normal wear and tear
  Operation of the unit outside the limits stated in the Specification, or in conjunction with equipment made by other manufacturers.

Test des positions FAIL-SAFE:

8.4 HOLD e FAIL-SAFE