Spektrum SPMAR12100 User Manual

Page 10

Spektrum AR12100

Before each flying session, and especially with a new model, it’s

important to perform a range check. All Spektrum aircraft transmitters

incorporate a range testing system, which reduces the output power

allowing a range check.

Range Testing

1. With the model resting on the ground, stand 30 paces (approx. 90

feet/28 meters) away from the model.

2. Face the model with the transmitter in your normal flying position and

put your transmitter into range test mode. This causes reduced power

output from the transmitter.

3. You should have total control of the model in range test mode at

30 paces (90 feet/28 meters).

4. If control issues exist, call Horizon Product Support for further

assistance.

United States: 1-877-504-0233

European Union: +44 1279 641 097 (United Kingdom)

+49 4121 46199 66 (Germany)

Standard Range Testing

The Standard Range Testing procedure is recommended for most sport

aircraft. For sophisticated aircraft that contain significant amounts of

conductive materials (e.g. turbine powered jets, some types of scale

aircraft, aircraft with carbon fuselages, etc.), the following advanced range

check will confirm that all remote receivers are operating optimally and

that the installation (position of the receivers) is optimized for the specific

aircraft. This Advanced Range Check allows the RF performance of each

remote receiver to be evaluated and to optimize the locations of each

individual remote receiver.

Advanced Range Testing

1. Plug a Flight Log into the data port in the AR12100 and turn on the

system (Tx and Rx).

2. Advance the Flight Log until frame losses are displayed by pressing the

button on the Flight Log.

3. Have a helper hold your aircraft while observing the Flight Log data.

4. Standing 30 paces away from the model, face the model with the

transmitter in your normal flying position and put your transmitter into

range test mode. This causes reduced power output from the transmitter.

5. Have your helper position the model in various orientations (nose up,

nose down, nose toward the 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 can be used here. For giant-scale aircraft, it’s

recommended that the airplane be tipped up on its nose and rotated 360

degrees for one minute then the data recorded. Next place the airplane

on its wheels and do a second test, rotating the aircraft in all directions

for one minute.

6. After one minute, a successful range check will have less than ten

recorded frame losses. Scrolling the Flight Log through the antenna

fades (A, B, L, R) allows you to evaluate the performance of each

receiver. Antenna fades should be relatively uniform. If a specific

antenna is experiencing a high degree of fades then that antenna should

be moved to a different location.

7. A successful advanced test will yield the following:

H - 0 holds

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 losses. If a particular

receiver has a significantly higher frame loss value (2 to 3X)

then the test should be redone. If the same results occur, move

the offending receiver to a different location.

Advanced Range Testing Using a Flight Log

Press and hold the bind button

30 paces (90 feet/28 meters)