3PK 3-CHANNEL RADIO CONTROL SYSTEM INSTRUCTION MANUAL 3PK with Optional Accessory Offset Adapter Installed Futaba© Digital Proportional R/C System Technical updates and additional programming examples available at: http://www.futaba-rc.com/faq/faq-3pk.html Entire Contents © Copyright 2002 FUTZ8533 for FUTJ32**/33** V1.
Transmitter Controls *The switches, knobs and trimmers may all be reassigned. (see pp. 34-35) LCD screen Antenna Pilot lamp (See page 12 for instructions to change colors.) DSC Charge Port Port Digital trim 1 (DT1) (default steering trim) (See page 9 for operating instructions.) Digital trim 3 (DT3) Digital Dial 3 (DL3) (default CH3 knob) (See page 9 for operating instructions.) Edit buttons CAMPac Digital trim 2 (DT2) (default throttle trim) Power switch (See page 9 for operating instructions.
TABLE OF CONTENTS Note that in the text of this manual any time we are using a feature’s specialized name or abbreviation as seen on the screen of the 3PK, that name, feature, or abbreviation will be exactly as seen on the radio’s screen, including capitalization, and shown in a DIFFERENT TYPE STYLE for clarity. INTRODUCTION • Timer TIMER .........................................................30 • Lap List LAP-LIST..................................................31 • Model Reset MDL-RES ................
INTRODUCTION Thank you for purchasing a Futaba® digital proportional R/C system. In order for you to make the best use of your system and to use it safely, please read this manual carefully. If you have any difficulties while using your system, please consult the manual, our online Frequently Asked Questions (on the web pages referenced below), your hobby dealer, or the Futaba Service Center.
CONTENTS AND TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS (Specifications and ratings are subject to change without notice.) Your system includes the following components: • • • • • Receiver R203HF (3 channels, HRS single conversion) Receiving frequency: 27, 75 MHz bands *‡ Intermediate frequency: 455kHz Power requirement: 6.0V only (shared with servos) Current drain: 14mA Size: 1" x 1-1/2" x 9/16" [25.6 x 37.7 x 14.3mm] Weight: .
A QUICK INTRODUCTION TO THE 3PK SYSTEM TRANSMITTER: 3PK • Large graphic liquid-crystal display panel with 7 buttons for quick, easy set up. • 128x64 dot large graphic LCD/with adjustable backlighting and graph displays for exponential, etc. • Includes 3 levels of flexibility to simplify programming for new users while still providing the most flexible system in the world to those who wish to use it.
MODULE: 75PK-FM Module may be easily removed and a module on a different channel (or even band) reinserted to change the transmission frequency or band. Module transmits FM (PPM), HRS-FM (HRS) and PCM. No need for a second module. Module is protected under the RF module cover on the top of the radio. All transmission circuitry is included in the module, so no retuning is needed when changing channels or even bands.
GETTING TO KNOW THE TRANSMITTER Display switch • If the display switch is turned on without turning on the power switch, programming is possible without emitting radio waves. If power switch is turned on while display switch is on, transmitter will transmit, which will interfere with other users operating on the same frequency. Always be sure you have control of your frequency prior to turning on the primary power switch. • LCD screen contrast can be adjusted (See SYSTEM, p. 13.
Digital trim operation Trim Push Button Switches Trim Lever • Default assignments may be changed in FUNC-DIAL (pp. 34-35). • • • • • Features assigned to DL1, 2, 3, and DT1, 2, 3 are displayed at all times on right side of LCD screen. Digital trims can be used in 2 ways: Operating by the lever: Push the lever to the left or right (up or down). Operating by push button switch: Press the push button switch in the desired direction.
INSTALLATION Receiver and Servo Connections When connecting and installing the receiver and servos, read all safety precautions in the appendix. Installation When an ESC is used (MC800C) Installation For Gas Powered Models B/C port is for the receiver battery or a DSC cord. For information on DSC cord, see p 5. Receiver Notes DO NOT cut or fold the receiver antenna wire back on itself — cutting or folding changes the electrical length of the antenna and may reduce range.
Using the 3PK’s Functions: The 3PK offers not only the most comprehensive menu of features available to provide optimum performance, but also quick-access to utilize your favorite features. 3PK offers “Menu Selection” for onscreen lists of available features, and a specialized, fully customizable version of “hot keys” called “Direct Selection.” (Don’t worry if terms seem overwhelming. Check the glossary and read on to get more familiar with new terms.
A Look at the Radio’s Functions, Step by Step LV1 FUNCTIONS for the New 3PK User and the Racers and Experts Alike Level Selection LEVEL-SEL Levels LV1, LV2, LV3 DEFINITION: Selects the complexity of functions displayed on the menu screens. Includes 3 levels of flexibility to simplify programming for new users and the most flexible system in the world to those who wish to use it.
Levels LV1, LV2, LV3 System-Wide Settings SYSTEM DEFINITIONS: SYSTEM Adjusts system-wide settings. Settings are not model specific. LHT-MODE LCD backlighting mode LHT-TIME LCD backlighting time period CONTRAST LCD screen contrast BUZ-TONE Buzzer tone LED-MODE LED pilot lamp DISPL-SEL Home screen display settings KEY-ON Back-lights whenever a programming key is pressed. Length of time is adjustable with LHT-TIME. ACT Activated. SRV-VIEW Servo display shown on home screen.
Model Selection MDL-SEL Levels LV1, LV2, LV3 DEFINITION: Selects from the 10 model memories stored within the transmitter, or additional model memories in the optional CAMPac ©. AVAILABLE FOR: 10 models in transmitter memory Optional additional memories, 10 per CAMPac © (see p. 5). • • ADJUSTABILITY: Models M1-M10 within the transmitter, E11-E20 from optional CAMPac © Stores complete model setups with all functions separate per model (except settings within SYSTEM).
Levels LV1, LV2, LV3 Model and User Names MDL-NAME, USR-NAME DEFINITION: Provides a 10-character name for each of the model memories in the transmitter to easily select the correct setup for the model currently in use. Also provides a 10-character user name that is constant to all model memories. AVAILABLE FOR: M1-M10 in transmitter memory, E11-E20 if using optional CAMPac. ADJUSTABILITY: Includes 0-9, A-Z and numerous symbols.
Modulation Select MOD-MODE Levels LV1, LV2, LV3 DEFINITIONS: Modulation select: Chooses the modulation (language) used by the transmitter to give instructions to the receiver. PPM: Pulse Position Modulation, commonly called “FM”. Transmitted via FM, not encoded. PCM: Pulse Code Modulation. Transmitted via FM, but encoded for increased noise resistance. Includes FailSafe programming. (See p. 17.) HRS: High Response System. Transmitted via FM at accelerated rate; includes FailSafe programming. (See p. 17.
Levels LV1, LV2, LV3 FailSafe Settings FAIL-SAFE DEFINITIONS: FAILSAFE: Settings stored by the receiver, used only if the receiver fails to receive clean, intelligible signal from a transmitter. HOLD: Maintain the last instruction provided by the transmitter before clean signal was lost. SET: Position servos are to be moved to if FailSafe activates. BATTERY F/S: When “on” the receiver will move the throttle servo to the preset FailSafe position when the receiver battery is low.
Channel Reverse CH-REV Levels LV1, LV2, LV3 DEFINITION: Reverses the direction the servo moves when given an input. If the vehicle is turning right when wheel is turned left (or vice versa), reverse the setting for the steering. If the engine accelerates when brake is pushed, reverse the setting for the throttle. AVAILABLE FOR: Steering, throttle, channel 3 ADJUSTABILITY: Normal, reverse INTERACTION: Servo reversing affects all other functions, including EPA.
INTERACTIONS: EPA is a primary function. EPA’s should be set prior to doing any other programming and not adjusted (except for servo replacement, etc.) once other programming has been set. If EPA is adjusted after features such as dual rates, ATL, mixing, etc, the other functions must be readjusted based upon the new EPA. EPA is not limiting or absolute. Other programming functions can override the end point set by EPA.
Exponential (ST-EXP, TH-EXP) Levels LV1, LV2, LV3 DEFINITIONS: Exponential adjusts the sensitivity of the servo around the neutral position. Exponential creates a true curve, not a hard climb to a certain point then a softer climb from there. Negative exponential makes the servo less responsive around center; positive exponential makes the servo significantly more responsive around center. Only exponential is available for steering and braking.
AVAILABLE FOR: Steering (ST-EXP), Throttle (TH-EXP) ADJUSTABILITY: Range: -100% to +100% Throttle: Forward and Braking Steering: Left and right Types: (TH-EXP forward only) Variable trace, curve, or exponential curves. May be assigned to a dial for on-the-track adjustability. (See FUNC-DIAL, pp. 34-35.) • • • • • INTERACTIONS: Exponential affects the servo’s response around center, and affects all built-in and programmable mixing functions such as throttle acceleration, brake mixing, ABS, etc.
Sub-Trim SUBTRIM Levels LV1, LV2, LV3 DEFINITION: Fine tuning adjustment for the center point of each servo. Similar to using electronic trims on the radio, but subtrim moves the entire servo’s travel rather than just sliding the servo left/right within the total travel. The setting is stored within the programming and the onscreen displays continue to show neutral.
LV2 FUNCTIONS for the Race-Ready Driver Levels LV2, LV3 Only Servo Maximum Speed Limiter (ST-SPEED,TH-SPEED) DEFINITION: Speed Limiter decreases the maximum speed of the servo. This may be adjusted individually for turning and returning the servo to neutral (steering), and for high and low throttle settings. A servo which responds too rapidly to a full-wheel input may cause the vehicle to oversteer; to compensate many drivers steer too slowly, resulting in understeer and not completing a clean corner.
Anti-Lock Braking ABS Levels LV2, LV3 Only DEFINITIONS: ABS: Simulates a full size car’s antilock braking by pulsing the brake on and off rapidly. ABP: Amount of brake return, how far the braking response is decreased during the pulses. DLY: Delay; determines how long the braking is applied before ABS begins to operate. CYC: Cycle speed adjustment, sets how rapidly the brakes cycle from full brake to ABP and back. TGP: Trigger point, sets at what point ABS will be activated.
INPUTS: GOAL: STEPS: Set up a fairly rapid servo (such as S9402) on a nitro off-road vehicle, while using LV2. (If using LV3, select ABS from menu 1.) (If using LV1, first change level selection. See p. 12.) Open and select menu 1. Desired settings: Fairly mild return (ABP) 30% Use ABS if brakes are applied for more than approx.
Rapid Throttle Acceleration THR-ACCEL Levels LV2, LV3 Only DEFINITION: Due to the shape of some nitro engine linkages, throttle servo movement near neutral results in very little movement of the pushrod. Throttle acceleration simply jumps the servo from neutral to a portion of the total available throw whenever the trigger is moved away from center. It does NOT change the speed of the servo; the servo will jump to the input position at its maximum possible speed.
Levels LV2, LV3 Only Idle-Up IDLE-UP DEFINITION: Adjusts the throttle’s idle/neutral point, usually used to create a raised idle, making it easier to start the engine. May adjust either toward higher idle (U) or toward braking (D). AVAILABLE FOR: Throttle only. ADJUSTABILITY: D50-1, 0, U1-50%. D = brake side. U = throttle side. Rate may be assigned to a dial or trim for on-the-track adjustability (see FUNCDIAL, pp. 34-35). • • INTERACTION: Requires switch assignment in the FUNC-SW screen (see pp. 34-35).
Auto-start Throttle Settings and Engine Cut AT-START Levels LV2, LV3 Only DEFINITIONS: Auto-start: A pre-set throttle position, less than full throttle, to be used for the initial acceleration off the line without having wheel spin. When the trigger is released, auto-start is turned off and throttle operates normally again. ATS: Auto-start status. Engine Cut: Shuts the engine off without having to adjust the throttle trim. Takes the throttle servo to a preset position when the switch is pressed.
GOAL: STEPS: Set auto-start to avoid wheel spin, while using LV2. (If using LV3, select AT-START from menu 1.) (If using LV1, first change the level selection, see p. 12.) Open and Select Menu 1. Example: Trigger point of 95% so that any acceleration other than wide open off the line will not trigger the auto-start feature. Preset of 54% (determined on the track that this is the maximum acceleration you can have off the line without spinning.) INPUTS: Select AT-START. to AT&SW. Select Auto-start mode.
Timers TIMER Levels LV2, LV3 Only DEFINITIONS: Total Timer: System timer, does not reset/change with model selection, or when transmitter is turned off, storing total use time until it is reset. Racing Timer: Model-specific timer; types: Up Timer: Regular stop watch timer. Counts up from 0 until stopped. Runs consecutively until reset with model selection or lap reset. Down Timer: Count-down timer. Counts negatively once desired time is passed (below 0).
GOAL: STEPS: INPUTS: Set up a lap memory timer to track lap times throughout a race, while using LV2 menus. (If using LV3, select timer from Menu 1). (If using LV1, first change level selection to LV2. See p. 12.) Assign desired lapstart and restart switches. See FUNC-SW pp. 34-35. Open and select menu 1. Select TIMER. to LAP MEMORY. Set type to lap memory timer. Set total race time to 5 minutes. to ALRM. Set pre-alarm time to warn you race end is nearing at 15 seconds. to 15s. to 5m.
Model Reset MDL-RES Levels LV2, LV3 Only DEFINITION: Erases all data stored in a specific model memory. AVAILABLE FOR: Current selected model only. Model # is displayed on screen. INTERACTIONS: Resets settings for the specific model memory currently in use without resetting any settings for any other model in memory. Model reset does not reset: Modulation; System settings; Adjuster; Lap listings; User name; Direct selection menu setup.
Levels LV2, LV3 Only Model Copy MDL-CPY DEFINITION: Makes an exact copy of the current model, including its name. AVAILABLE FOR: Current selected model only. Model # is displayed on screen. ADJUSTABILITY: N/A INTERACTION: Copies all settings, including model name, modulation, etc. DESIRED END RESULT: Make an exact copy of a model for backup, to copy to CAMPac to use in another radio, etc. CAUTION: Any existing model data in the model memory copied INTO will be lost.
Function Placement/controls FUNC-DIAL, FUNC-SW Levels LV2, LV3 Only DEFINITIONS: Function: Assigns functions to the 3 dials, 3 trimmers, and 3 switches on the radio. Upper right on home screen displays assignments to dials 1-3 and trims 1-3. PS: Push button switch. Also called switch, or SW. PS1 = SW1 ALT: Push button setting: push once for on, push again for off. NOR: Push button setting: hold for on, release for off.
