Spektrum SPMAR12200 User Manual

Page 7

Many pilots use 2-cell LiPo batteries to power their aircraft. LiPo batteries offer

greater capacity for their size and weight and are easier to manage when charging.

CAUTION: When not in use, always disconnect the battery from the Spektrum

Cockpit to prevent over-discharge. Batteries discharged below recommended

voltage may become damaged, resulting in loss of performance and potential fire

when batteries are charged.

CAUTION: When charging any brand of NiMH battery pack, make sure the

battery is fully charged. Due to the nature of peak charges and variations in

charging rates, heat development and cell types, the capacity reading of a battery

charged on a fast peak charger may only reach 80% of its nominal value. Use a

charger that displays total charge capacity. Note the number of mAh put into a

discharged pack to verify the charge is at full capacity.

Installation

The Spektrum Cockpit requires a minimum of three remote receivers to be plugged

in for the system to operate. Each receiver functions independently and offers a

more secure RF link in difficult environments. The added security of redundancy,

should a failure occur, outweighs the additional weight and cost penalties.
Installing the Spektrum Cockpit Main Unit and SensorSwitch

1. Using the 4 included screws, drill 4, 1/16” pilot holes into a plywood or hardwood

mount. Secure the main Cockpit unit in the position desired.
2. Mount the switch on the side of your aircraft and insert the switch plug in the

SensorSwitch port in the Cockpit unit. Make sure to install the connector with the

ribbon cable facing up. In models with severe vibration, secure the ribbon lead by

at least one additional point to prevent the connector from coming loose. If the

connector falls out in flight, you will need to connect the SensorSwitch again to

power off the Cockpit.
NOTICE: The Spektrum Cockpit uses a specifically designed switch. Conventionally

wired switches are not compatible with the Spektrum Cockpit.
3. To power on the Spektrum Cockpit with the SensorSwitch, press and hold the SET

button on the SensorSwitch until the central LED glows red. Press buttons I and II

separately to turn each battery on. If you have only 1 battery installed, you only need

to press the button for that battery.
4. To power off the Spektrum Cockpit with the SensorSwitch, repeat the procedure

for turning the unit on in reverse order. Intermittent contacts or interruptions in the

battery power cannot power off the Spektrum Cockpit.

Installing the Batteries

Using the guidelines mentioned earlier, select the battery system that best fits your

application and install the battery(s)/regulator(s) in your aircraft. Connect the battery

to the Spektrum Cockpit. Spektrum PowerSafe™ batteries are pre-wired with an

EC3 connector and require an EC3 to MPX adapter to connect to the Spektrum

Cockpit. It is essential to maintain the correct polarity as connecting a battery with

reversed polarity will instantly damage the Spektrum Cockpit’s internal regulators

and will prevent the Spektrum Cockpit from working. The default battery type setting

is for Lithium Polymer (LiPo) 2-cell packs. If you wish to use other battery types, the

specific battery type must be set using the Power Manager feature described later.