6EXA INSTRUCTION MANUAL for Futaba 6EXA 6-channel, FM radio control system for aircraft Futaba Corporation Technical updates available at: http://www.futaba-rc.com Entire Contents © Copyright 2003 FUTZ9032 for FUTK55** V1.
TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction ..............................................................................2 Service .......................................................................................2 Contents and specifications ...............................................3 Glossary.....................................................................................3 Introduction to the 6EXA system ......................................4 Transmitter controls and descriptions.......................
CONTENTS AND SPECIFICATIONS Servos: Four S3004 ball bearing servos with mounting hardware and servo arm assortment Control system: Pulse width control, 1.52ms neutral Power requirement: 4.8V (from receiver) Output torque: 44.4oz-in [3.2kg-cm] Operating speed: 0.23sec/60° Size: 1.59x0.78x1.41" [40.4x19.8x36mm] Weight: 1.3oz [37.2g] *Specifications and ratings are subject to change without notice. Transmitter: T6EXA Transmitter with programmable mixing and 6-model memory. Transmitting on 72 MHz band.
INTRODUCTION TO THE 6EXA SYSTEM IMPORTANT!: Always turn on the transmitter first, then the receiver. When turning off the system, always turn off the receiver first. The object is never to have the receiver on by itself. Otherwise, the servos or control surfaces could be damaged, or in the case of electric-powered models, the motor may unexpectedly turn on causing severe injury. IMPORTANT!: Never collapse the transmitter antenna by pushing down from the top.
Charging jack – Port for charging the transmitter batteries with the included battery charger. On-off switch DATA INPUT lever – Used to change the values of the various functions displayed on the LCD screen. Liquid-crystal display screen (LCD) – Displays programming modes and values entered. MODE key – Used to scroll through and display the seven different functions. SELECT key – Used to display the values for the current function.
• After the servos are installed, operate each servo over its full travel and check that the pushrods and servo arms do not bind or contact each other. Also make sure the controls do not require excess force to operate. If there is an objectionable buzzing sound coming from a servo, there is probably too much resistance in the control. Find and correct the problem. Even if there is no servo damage, excess battery drain will result.
RECEIVER AND SERVO CONNECTIONS Connect the servos to the receiver to perform the functions indicated: Receiver output channel Function 1 Aileron -or- right flaperon -or- right elevon (for tailless models) 2 Elevator -or- left ruddervator (for V-tail models) -or- left elevon (for tailless models) 3 Throttle 4 Rudder -or- right ruddervator (for V-tail models) 5 Retractable landing gear 6 Flap -or- left flaperon 7 Not used B/8 Receiver on/off switch (the plug colored red goes into the receiver
the batteries at a rate higher than 1,000mAh. The batteries should also be discharged periodically to prevent a condition called “memory.” If, for example, only two flights are made each time you go flying, the batteries will not have “reached” very far down into their full capacity. After doing this several times the batteries will remember and eventually “think” they can supply only enough power for two flights.
Model memory number The Futaba T6EXA stores model memories for six models. This means all the data (control throws, trims, end points, etc.) for up to six different models can be stored in the transmitter and activated at any time (depending upon which model you choose to fly that day).
MODEL Model Select/Data Reset Model select function Access the Model Select function in the programming mode (by pressing the MODE and SELECT keys simultaneously and holding them down for one second). The number for the current, active model will be blinking. To activate a different model memory press the DATA INPUT lever until the desired model number appears. Now the model has been selected.
Dual Rate Settings To set the dual rates: 1. Enter the programming mode. Access the D/R screen with the MODE key. 2. Select the channel to be adjusted (1-aileron, 2-elevator) by pressing the SELECT key until the desired channel number appears on the screen. Note: If a + or a appears next to the number, you have pressed the SELECT key too many times and displayed the values for the exponentials (explained later). Press the SELECT key to return to the dual rate values. 3.
TRIM Trim Settings There are four trim levers (“trims”) on the front of the transmitter. Three of the trims are for adjusting the neutral position of the aileron, elevator and rudder servos. The fourth trim is for setting the idle r.p.m. of the engine when the throttle stick is all the way down. The intended use of the trims is to make small servo adjustments, in flight, to get the model properly trimmed (so it will fly straight-and-level).
3. Select the channel that will control the mix (called the master) by pressing the SELECT key twice to display the channel number with the arrow above it, then by pressing the DATA INPUT lever to select the channel number desired. The channel on the screen with the arrow above it is now the master. In the diagram channel 1 (aileron) is the master. 4.
Flaperon mixing (FP) This function allows the ailerons to be used both as ailerons and as flaps. The flap control dial (CH 6) operates the flap function. To use flaperon mixing both ailerons must be operated by separate servos. To activate flaperon mixing: 1. Connect the aileron servo in the right wing to channel 1 (aileron) in the receiver and connect the aileron servo in the left wing to channel 6 (flaps) in the receiver. 2. Enter the programming mode and access the W.MIX menu using the MODE key.
Flaperon + v-tail mixing (FPv) This mixing function is used when both V-tail mixing and flaperon mixing are required. To activate Flaperon + V-tail mixing: 1. Connect the left ruddervator servo to channel 2 (elevator) in the receiver and connect the right ruddervator servo to channel 4 (rudder) in the receiver. 2. Connect the aileron servo in the right wing to channel 1 (aileron) in the receiver and connect the aileron servo in the left wing to channel 6 (flaps) in the receiver. 3.
FLOW CHART 6EXA FUNCTIONS Stick Mode (Screen at Startup) To enter or leave Programming Mode, press MODE and SELECT keys simultaneously for one second. To change the Stick Mode, turn on the transmitter holding MODE and SELECT keys down simultaneously. Use the DATA INPUT lever to display the desired stick mode.
OTHER 6EXA FUNCTIONS Trainer switch To utilize the trainer function, the appropriate trainer cord (available separately) and a second Futaba transmitter (usually provided by your flight instructor or R/C club) will be required. When two radios are connected with the trainer cord, they are both capable of operating the model, but it s usually best for the instructor to hold the radio that has been setup for the plane to be flown (as it is already programmed to fly the model).
Adjustable-length control sticks The control stick length is adjustable to make the transmitter more comfortable to hold and operate. To adjust the length, hold the locking piece (B) and turn the stick tip (A) counterclockwise. Turn the locking piece B up or down to lengthen or shorten the stick. When the length is suitable, lock the stick in position by turning locking piece B counterclockwise. Changing the 6EXA stick mode The transmitter may be operated in four different stick “modes” (1, 2, 3 & 4).
FLIGHT PREPARATION Flight preparation is to be done at the flying field. IMPORTANT: Your radio control system transmits a signal on a certain frequency. Be certain you know what the frequency is. This is expressed as a two-digit number (42, 56, etc.), and can be found on the container the transmitter came in and is also located on the transmitter and receiver. There are several different frequencies, but there is still a chance that someone else at the flying field may be on the same frequency as you.
FUTABA ACCESSORIES AND REPLACEMENT PARTS REPLACEMENT PARTS ANT-5 Transmitter antenna ...................................FUTM5040 SWH-13 Switch Harness w/charge plug .............FUTM4370 NR-4J 4.8 Volt, 600 mAh receiver battery ..........FUTM1280 FSH-6X 4-arm servo arm.......................................FUTM2030 NT-8F 600B 9.6 Volt, FSH-6S 6-arm servo arm.......................................FUTM2010 600 mAh Transmitter battery ...............................FUTM1440 FSH-32 Servo mounting screws (10) ..
