Spektrum SPMAR9100 User Manual
Page 9

Spektrum AR9100
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Spektrum AR9100
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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)