Spektrum SPMAR9100 User Manual

Page 9

Spektrum AR9100

The AR9100 PowerSafe features two types of failsafe: SmartSafe™ and

Preset Failsafe.

SmartSafe Failsafe

This type of failsafe is recommended for most types of giant-scale aircraft.

Here’s how SmartSafe works:

Receiver power only

When the receiver only is turned on (no transmitter signal is present), all servos

except for the throttle are driven to their preset failsafe positions, normally all control

surfaces at neutral and the landing gear down. These failsafe positions are stored in

the receiver during binding. At this time the throttle channel has no output, to avoid

operating or arming an electronic speed control (if used). In glow-powered models,

the throttle servo receives no input so it remains in its current position.

Note: Some analog servos will coast (move when powered up) slightly even though

there is no signal present. This is normal.

The receiver remains in standby mode with the blue battery LEDs lit. When the

transmitter is turned on, the receiver locates the signal (GUID), connects and normal

control resumes. When connected, the amber LEDs on all attached remote receivers

will be on.

After connection

When the transmitter and receiver are turned on and after the receiver connects to

the transmitter and normal control of all channels occurs, if loss of signal occurs

SmartSafe drives the throttle servo only to its preset failsafe position (low throttle) that

was set during binding. All other channels hold their last position. When the signal is

regained, the system immediately (less than 4 ms) regains control.

SmartSafe:

• Prevents unintentional electric motor response on start-up.

• Establishes low-throttle failsafe and maintains last-commanded control surface

position if the RF signal is lost. Note: Failsafe positions are stored via the stick and

switch positions on the transmitter during binding.

Preset Failsafe

Preset Failsafe is ideal for sailplanes and is preferred by some modelers for their glow

and gas powered aircraft. Here’s how Preset Failsafe works:

Receiver power only

When the receiver only is turned on (no transmitter signal is present), all servos

except for the throttle are driven to their preset failsafe positions, normally all

control surfaces at neutral and the landing gear down. These failsafe positions are

stored in the receiver during binding. At this time the throttle channel has no output,

to avoid operating or arming an electronic speed control (if used). In glow-powered

models, the throttle servo has no input so it remains in its current position. The

Failsafe Functions

receiver remains in standby mode with the blue battery LEDs lit. When the transmitter

is turned on, the receiver locates the signal (GUID), connects and normal control

resumes. When connected, the amber LEDs on all attached remote receivers will

be on.

After connection

When the transmitter and receiver are turned on and after the receiver connects to

the transmitter and normal control of all channels occurs, if loss of signal occurs

Preset Failsafe drives all servos to their preset failsafe positions. For sailplanes it’s

recommended that the spoilers/flaps deploy to de-thermalize the aircraft, preventing a

flyaway. Some modelers prefer to use this failsafe system to program a slight turn and

low throttle to prevent their aircraft from flying away. When the signal is regained, the

system immediately (less than 4 ms) regains control.
Preset Failsafe:
• Prevents unintentional electric motor response on start-up.

• Drives all servos, except for the throttle to their preset failsafe positions, if the

receiver only is powered and no signal is present.

• Establishes preset failsafe servo positions for all channels if the signal is lost.

Programming SmartSafe

During the binding process, the bind plug is left in throughout the process and is

removed only after the receiver connects to the transmitter. After the connection is

made, confirmed by operating the servos, the bind plug can be removed. The receiver

is now programmed for SmartSafe.

Programming Preset Failsafe

During the binding process the bind plug is inserted in the bind port, then the

receiver is powered up. The LEDs in each receiver should blink, indicating that the

receiver is in bind mode. Now before binding the receiver to the transmitter and

with the receiver in bind mode, remove the bind plug. The LEDs will continue to

blink. With the control sticks and switches in the desired failsafe positions, bind

the transmitter to the receiver by putting the transmitter into bind mode. The system

should connect in less than 15 seconds. The receiver is now programmed for

preset failsafe.

Note: Failsafe positions are stored via the stick and switch positions on the transmitter

during binding.

Failsafe Functions (continued)