OUTPUT

4CHANNEL
RADIO CONTROL

SYSTEM

4VF-FM
FM 4 CHANNELS FOR AIRCRAFT AND SURFACE

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

1M23N01708

4VF(V2)

Digital Proportional R/C System

Thank you for purchasing a Futaba SKYSPORT 4. Before using your SKYSPORT 4, read this manual carefully and use your R/C set safely. After reading this manual, store it in a safe place. See the glossary page 20 for a definition of the special terms used in this manual. APPLICATION, EXPORT, AND RECONSTRUCTION
1. This product may be used for model airplane or surface use if on the correct frequency. The product described in this manual is subject to regulations of the Ministry of Radio/Telecommunications and is restricted under Japanese law to such purposes. 2. Exportation precautions (a) When this product is exported from Japan, its use is to be approved by the Radio Law of the country of destination. (b) Use of this product with other than models may be restricted by Export and Trade Control Regulations. An application for export approval must be submitted. 3. Modification, adjustment, and replacement of parts Futaba is not responsible for unauthorized modification, adjustment, and replacement of parts of this product.

THE FOLLOWING STATEMENT APPLIES TO THE RECEIVER (FOR U.S.A.)

This device complies with part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

THE RBRCTM SEAL (FOR U.S.A.)

The RBRCTM SEAL on the (easily removable) nickel-cadmium battery contained in Futaba products indicates that Futaba Corporation of America is voluntarily participating in an industry program to collect and recycle these batteries at the end of their useful lives, when taken out of service within the United States. The RBRCTM program provides a convenient alternative to placing used nickel-cadmium batteries into the trash or municipal waste which is illegal in some areas. Futaba Corporation of America's payments to RBRCTM makes it easy for you to return the spent battery to Futaba for recycling purposes. You may also contact your local recycling center for information on where to return the spent battery. Please call 1-800-8-BATTERY for information on Ni-Cd battery recycling in your area. Futaba Corporation of America's involvement in this program is part of its commitment to protecting our environment and conserving natural resources. NOTE: Our instruction manuals need to encourage our customers to return spent batteries to Futaba or a local recycling center in order to keep a healthy environment. RBRCTM is a trademark of the Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation.

-No part of this manual may be reproduced in any form without prior permission. -The contents of this manual are subject to change without prior notice. -This manual has been carefully written. Please write to Futaba if you feel that any corrections or clarifications should be made. -Futaba is not responsible for the use of this product.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
FOR SAFETY .............................................................................2
MEANING OF SPECIAL MARKINGS ................................................................................. 2 PRECAUTIONS DURING FLIGHT ...................................................................................... 3 NICD BATTERY CHARGING PRECAUTIONS .................................................................. 4 OTHER PRECAUTIONS ..................................................................................................... 5 STORAGE AND DISPOSAL PRECAUTIONS .................................................................... 5

BEFORE USE .............................................................................7

SET CONTENTS ................................................................................................................. 7 NAME AND HANDLING OF EACH PART .......................................................................... 8 TRANSMITTER OPERATION AND MOVEMENT OF EACH SERVO ............................. 11

INSTALLATION AND ADJUSTMENT .....................................12

CONNECTIONS ................................................................................................................ 12 ADJUSTMENTS ................................................................................................................ 14

USING OTHER FUNCTIONS ...................................................15

USING THE FREQUENCY BOARD .................................................................................. 15 SERVO HORN ................................................................................................................... 15 NON-SLIP ADJUSTABLE LEVER HEAD ........................................................................ 15 STICK LEVER SPRING TENSION ADJUSTMENT .......................................................... 16 TRAINER FUNCTION ....................................................................................................... 16 CHARGING THE NICD BATTERY ................................................................................... 17

REFERENCE ............................................................................18
RATINGS ........................................................................................................................... 18 TROUBLESHOOTING ...................................................................................................... 19 GLOSSARY ....................................................................................................................... 20 Repair Service .................................................................................................................. 21

FOR SAFETY
To ensure safe use, observe the following precautions.

MEANING OF SPECIAL MARKINGS

Pay special attention to the safety at the parts of this manual that are indicated by the following marks. Mark Meaning Procedures which may lead to a dangerous condition and cause death or serious injury to the user if not carried out properly. Procedures which may lead to a dangerous condition or cause death or serious injury to the user if not carried out properly, or procedures where the probability of superficial injury or physical damage is high. Procedures where the possibility of serious injury to the user is small, but there is a danger of injury, or physical damage, if not carried out properly. ; Mandatory

FOR SAFETY
2

DANGER WARNING CAUTION

Symbol:

; Prohibited

PRECAUTIONS DURING FLIGHT

WARNING

PROHIBITED ITEMS
Do not fly in the following places:

Do not fly simultaneously on the same frequency.

Interference may cause a crash.
Simultaneous flight on the same frequency prohibited

*Use of the same frequency will cause interference even if the modulation method (AM, FM, PCM) is different.

Do not fly on rainy or windy days, or at night.

Water will penetrate into the transmitter and cause faulty operation, or loss of control, and cause a crash.
Do not fly

Radiowave interference and obstructions may cause a crash. A crash caused by trouble in the R/C set, or the model itself, may cause death or property damage.

Rain

Wind

Do not fly when you are tired, sick, or intoxicated.

Fatigue, illness, or intoxication will cause a loss of concentration or normal judgment and result in operation errors and a crash.

Night

MANDATORY ITEMS
Extend the antenna to its full length.
If the antenna is too short, the effective range of the radiowaves will become shorter.

Always test the digital proportional R/C set before use.

Any abnormality in the digital proportional R/C set, or model, may cause a crash. *Before starting the engine, check that the direction of operation of each servo matches the operation of its control stick. If a servo does not move in the proper direction, or operation is abnormal, do not fly the plane.

Extend to full length

Test

CHECK ITEMS
Check that the transmitter antenna is not loose.
If the transmitter antenna comes off during use, control will be lost and the model will crash.

FOR SAFETY

-Near other R/C flying fields (within about 3km) -Near people on the ground, or objects in the air -Near homes, schools, hospitals, or other places where there is a lot of people -Near high tension lines, high structures, or communication facilities

CAUTION

PROHIBITED ITEMS
Do not touch the engine, motor, and FET amp during and immediately after use.
They are hot and will cause a burn.

When placing the transmitter on the ground during flight preparations, be sure that the wind cannot knock it over.
If it is knocked over, the throttle stick may be pushed to full high and the engine will race and create a dangerous situation.

FOR SAFETY
4

MANDATORY ITEMS
When turning on the power switch
After setting the transmitter throttle stick to maximum slow, 1. Turn on the transmitter power switch, 2. Then turn on the receiver power switch.

When adjusting the digital proportional R/C set, always stop the engine, except when necessary.
If the engine suddenly goes to high speed, it may cause an injury.

When turning off the power switch

After stopping the engine, 1. Turn off the receiver power switch, 2. Then turn off the transmitter power switch. If the power switch is turned off in the opposite order, the engine may go to full throttle unexpectedly and cause an injury. *Maximum slow: Direction in which the engine or motor runs at the slowest speed.

Power ON

When flying, always install the frequency board to the transmitter antenna.
When the frequency was changed, also change the frequency board.
Install frequency board

Power OFF

17

NICD BATTERY CHARGING PRECAUTIONS

WARNING
Always charge the nicd battery before each flight.
If the battery goes dead during flight, the plane may crash.

MANDATORY ITEMS
Charge the digital proportional R/C nicd battery with the special charger, or digital proportional R/C quick charger, sold separately.
Overcharging may cause burns, fire, injury, blindness, etc. due to overheating, breakage, electrolyte leakage, etc.

Use the special charger

CAUTION
During quick charging, the battery holder contacts may overheat and damage the equipment, or prevent charging.

PROHIBITED ITEMS
Do not drop or apply strong shock to nicd battery.
Penlight nicd battery

Do not use commercial nicd penlight batteries.

Use prohibited

Do not short the nicd battery connector terminals.

Shorting the terminals may cause sparking and overheating and result in burns or fire.

Shock prohibited

OTHER PRECAUTIONS

CAUTIONS
PROHIBITED ITEMS
Do not get fuel, waste oil, etc. on plastic parts.
The plastic may melt and fail to function.

MANDATORY ITEMS
Always use Genuine Futaba transmitter, receiver, servos, FET amp, nicd battery, and other optional parts.
Futaba is not responsible for damage, etc. caused by the use of parts other than Genuine Futaba parts. Use the parts described in the instruction manual and catalogs.

Use genuine parts

STORAGE AND DISPOSAL PRECAUTIONS

WARNING
Do not leave the digital proportional R/C set, battery, model airplane, etc. within the reach of small children.

PROHIBITED ITEMS
Touching and operating the digital proportional R/C set, or licking the battery, may cause injury or damage due to chemical matter.

FOR SAFETY

The battery may be shorted and cause overheating or breakage and electrolyte leakage and result in burns or damage by chemical mater.

Do not throw the nicd battery into a fire or heat the nicd battery. Also, do not disassemble or rebuild the nicd battery.
Breakage, overheating, and electrolyte leakage may cause injury, burns, or blindness.

MANDATORY ITEMS
FOR SAFETY
6
When not flying the model, store the digital proportional R/C set with the nicd battery in the discharged state. Recharge the nicd battery before the next flight.
If a partially discharged nicd battery is recharged many times, its memory effect will reduce the flight time substantially and may cause a crash, even if the battery is recharged.

Nicd battery electrolyte

The electrolyte in the nicd battery is a strong alkali and can cause blindness if it gets in the eyes. If you get the electrolyte in your eyes, immediately wash your eyes with water and see a doctor. If you get the electrolyte on your skin or clothes, it may cause a burn. Immediately wash it off with water.

CAUTION
PROHIBITED ITEMS
Do not store the digital proportional R/C set in the following places:
-Where it is very hot (40C/104F or more) or very cold (-10C/-14F or less). -Where the set will be exposed to direct sunlight. -Where the humidity is high. -Where there is strong vibration. -Where it is dusty. -Where there is steam and heat. Storing the digital proportional R/C set in the places above may cause distortion and trouble.

MANDATORY ITEMS
If the digital proportional R/C set will not be used for a long time, remove the nicd batteries from the transmitter and the model and store them in a dry place.
If the batteries are left in the transmitter and model, the battery electrolyte may leak out and degrade the performance and shorten the life of the transmitter and model.

Nicd battery recycling

Used nicd batteries are an important resource. Stick tape over the terminals and take the used batteries to a nicd battery recycling center.

BEFORE USE
SET CONTENTS
After opening the carton, first check if the following items are provided. The set contents depend on the type of set.

Transmitter

T4VF

Receiver

R127DF R148DF S3003 (x4) S3101 (x2)

(not for USA)

R115F S3003 (x3)

Battery holder

Servo

Receiver Nicd Battery or Battery holder

NR-4QB NR-4K
Charger Receiver Swich Servo horn

NR-4J

Others

frequency board Servo tray Neck strap Extension cord

If the set contents are incomplete, or if you have any questions, please contact the dealer.

BEFORE USE

NAME AND HANDLING OF EACH PART

TRANSMITTER T4VF (FRONT PANEL)

Trainer switch
Operates the instructor transmitter when using the trainer function. The student transmitter can be operated only while this switching is being pressed.

Level meter
Displays the transmitter battery voltage. When the needle deflects to the boundary between the silver and red zones, recharge or replace the battery.

BEFORE USE

Antenna Carrying bar

Hook Throttle trim lever

Elevator trim lever

(Mode 1)

OUTPUT

(Mode 1)

Elevator trim lever

(Mode 2)

Throttle trim lever

(Mode 2)

Elevator(Mode 1) Throttle(Mode 2) / rudder stick Rudder trim lever

WORLD LEADING MANUFACTURER OF R/C

Throttle(Mode 1) Elevator(Mode 2) / Aileron stick

ON
SERVO REVERSER

Aileron trim lever

REV.

NOR. AIL. ELE. THR. RUD.

POWER

Power switch
In the upper position, the power is turned on.

Servo reversing switches

Switches that reverse the direction of operation of the servos. The lower position is the normal side and the upper position is the reverse side.

Channel display
AIL.: Aileron (CH1) ELE.: Elevator (CH2) THR.: Throttle (CH3) RUD.: Rudder (CH4)

Operating direction display

REV.: Reverse side NOR: Normal side

TRANSMITTER T4VF (REAR PANEL)

Trainer jack
Connects the trainer cord when using the trainer function. (The trainer cord is sold separately. ) (See page 16 for a the trainer function operation instructions.)

Battery cover
PUSH

Use when replacing the battery . Slide the cover downward while pressing the part marked "PUSH".

TRANSMITTER T4VF (SIDE PANEL)

Charging jack
Charging jack when the transmitter was converted to nicd battery system. (See page 17 for a description of the charging method.)

BEFORE USE

RECEIVER R127DF
Crystal
The crystal is replaced from the side of the receiver.
7 6 5 4 3 2 1 B

Output / battery connector

"1": Aileron servo (CH1) "2": Elevator servo (CH2) "3": Throttle servo (CH3) "4": Rudder servo (CH4) "5": (Not used) (CH5) "6": (Not used) (CH6) "7": (Not used) (CH7) "8": (Not used) (CH8) "B": Battery connector

FP-R127DF
Dual Conversion

R148DF
D C
UAL ONVERSION

FM

7CHANNEL RECIVER

FP-R148DF

Antenna

Antenna

8 CHANNEL MICRO RECEIVER

FM

1 2 3 4 5 6 7
8/B

BEFORE USE

R115F (not for USA)

Battery connector
FP-R115F
5 4 3 2 1

Crystal
The crystal is replaced from the back of the receiver.

Antenna

SERVO S3003 <ACCESSORIES>

Servo horn To receiver Mounting flange The following items are supplies with the set: -Spare servo horn: Use to match the application. -Servo mounting parts: Rubber bushing, grommet, wood screw

S3101 10

TRANSMITTER OPERATION AND MOVEMENT OF EACH SERVO

Before making any adjustments, learn the operation of the transmitter and the movement of each servo. (In the following descriptions, the transmitter is assumed to be in the standby state.)

AILERON OPERATION
When the aileron stick is moved to the right, the right aileron is raised and the left aileron is lowered, relative to the direction of flight, and the plane turns to the right. When the aileron stick is moved to the left, the ailerons move in the opposite direction. To level the plane, the aileron stick must be moved in the opposite direction. When the aileron stick is tilted and held, the plane will roll.

1.Aileron

(Viewed from the rear) Left

Left

Right

Right

ELEVATOR OPERATION
2.Elevator
Down Down Down Up Up Up (Mode 1) (Mode 2)

3.Throttle
High High High
Engine throttle lever moves to the high speed side.

When the elevator stick is pulled back, the tail elevator is raised and the tail of the plane is forced down, the air flow applied to the wings is changed, the lifting force is increased, and the plane climbs (UP operation). When the elevator stick is pushed forward, the elevator is lowered, the tail of the plane is forced up, the air flow applied to the wings is changed, the lifting force is decreased, and the plane dives (DOWN operation).

Low Low Low (Mode 1) (Mode 2)

Engine throttle lever moves to the low speed side.

THROTTLE OPERATION
When the throttle stick is pulled back, the engine throttle lever arm moves to the SLOW (low speed) side. When the throttle stick is pushed forward, the throttle lever arm moves to the HIGH (high speed) side.

4.Rudder
Left Light

Left

Right

RUDDER OPERATION
When the rudder stick is moved to the right, the rudder moves to the right and the nose points to the right, relative to the direction of flight. When the rudder stick is moved to the left, the rudder moves to the left and the nose points to the left and the direction of travel of the plane changes.

11

BEFORE USE

INSTALLATION AND ADJUSTMENT

This section describes the installation method and adjustment method after installation when installing the receiver, servos, etc. to the plane.

CONNECTIONS
Connection examples are shown below. Make the connections matched to the type of set.

CONNECTION EXAMPLE
Receiver R127DF
FP-R127DF
Dual Conversion
7 6 5 4 3 2 1 B

*The number of servos depends on the set. Rudder (CH4) Throttle (CH3) Elevator (CH2) Aileron (CH1)

FM

7CHANNEL RECIVER

Receiver switch

INSTALLATION AND ADJUSTMENT

12

Nicd battery

CONNECTION EXAMPLE
Receiver switch

(not for USA)

FP-R115F
5 4 3 2 1

Receiver R115F

*The number of servos depends on the set. Rudder (CH4) Throttle (CH3) Elevator (CH2) Aileron (CH1)

Receiver battery holder *Insert four batteries. *When using 5 or more servos, use the nicd battery sold separately.

WARNING
CONNECTOR CONNECTION Insert the receiver, servo, and battery connectors fully and firmly.
If vibration, etc. causes a connector to work loose during flight, the plane may crash.

SERVO THROW Operate each servo horn over its full stroke and adjust so that the pushrod does not bind or is not too loose.
Unreasonable force applied to the servo horn will adversely affect the servo and drain the battery quickly.

RECEIVER VIBRATIONPROOFING / WATERPROOFING Vibrationproof the receiver by wrapping it in sponge rubber or some such material. If the receiver may get wet, waterproof it by placing it in a plastic bag.
If the receiver is subjected to strong vibration and shock, or gets wet, it may operate erroneously and cause a crash.

SERVO INSTALLATION Install the servos to the servo mount, etc. through a rubber bushing. Also install the servos so that the servo case does not directly touch the servo mount or other parts of the fuselage.
Wood screw

RECEIVER ANTENNA Do not cut or bundle the receiver antenna. Also, do not bundle the antenna together with the servo lead wires.
Cutting or bundling the receiver antenna will lower the receiver sensitivity and shorten the flight range and cause a crash.
Servo Rubber bushing Grommet Servo mount

<Antenna installation>
For aircraft, attach the antenna to the top of the tail.
Attach the antenna with a rubber band, etc.

POWER SWITCH INSTALLATION

When installing a receiver power switch to the fuselage, cut a rectangular hole somewhat larger than the full stroke of the switch knob and install the switch so it moves smoothly from ON to OFF. Also install the switch where it will not come into direct contact with engine oil, dust, etc. Generally, install the switch to the fuselage at the side opposite the muffler exhaust.

Use a rubber bushing, etc. at the part at which the antenna comes out of the fuselage so that it will not break. Also tie a knot in the antenna wire inside the fuselage so that the antenna cannot be pulled out.

13

INSTALLATION AND ADJUSTMENT

ADJUSTMENTS
The operating direction, neutral position, and steering angle of each servo are adjusted.

CAUTION
The basic linkage and adjustments of the fuselage conform to the fuselage design drawings and kit instruction manual. Be sure that the center of gravity is at the prescribed position.

ADJUSTMENT PROCEDURE
Before making any adjustments, set all the SERVO REVERSER switches on the front of the transmitter to the lower (NOR) position. (Switch the switches with a small screwdriver, etc.) Turn on the transmitter and receiver power switches and make the following adjustments:
tion has changed, reset it by adjusting the length of the rod with the linkage rod adjuster. Perpendicular Rod

INSTALLATION AND ADJUSTMENT

14

1 Check the direction of operation of each servo

If a servo operates in the wrong direction, switch its SERVO REVERSER switch. (The direction of operation can be changed without changing the linkage.) *Note that the direction of the aileron servo is easily mistaken. (Page 11)
SERVO REVERSER REV.

When the throw is unsuitable (different from steering angle specified by the kit instruction manual), adjust it by changing the servo horn and each control surface horn rod .

Check the engine throttle (speed adjustment) linkage.

Change the servo horn installation position and hole position so that the throttle is opened fully when the throttle stick is set to HIGH (forward) and is closed fully when the throttle stick and throttle trim are set for maximum slow (backward position and lower position, respectively).

NOR. AIL. ELE. THR. RUD.

2 Check the aileron, elevator,

and rudder neutral adjustment and left-right (up-down) throw.
Check that when trimmed to the center, the servo horn is perpendicular to the servo and check the neutral position of the fuselage control surfaces (aileron, elevator, rudder, etc.). If the neutral posi-

4 After all the linkages have been

connected, recheck the operating direction, throw, etc.
*Before flight, adjust the aircraft in accordance with the kit and engine instruction manuals.

5 Fly the plane and trim each

servo.

USING OTHER FUNCTIONS

USING THE FREQUENCY BOARD

1 Stick the band number seal to

the frequency board.

2 Install the frequency board to

the antenna. Pass the frequency board over the small part of the antenna and slide it to the large part.
*Use side A or side B, depending on the thickness of the antenna. Cut off the unused side along the slot with cutters, etc.

Side A Frequency board Band number seal (after sticking) Side B

17
72.130 MHz

SERVO HORN
USING OTHER FUNCTIONS
15
Spare servo horns are supplied with the digital proportional R/C set. Use them according to the application. Use the horn set screw supplied with the servo.
If a long screw is used, the interior of the servo may be damaged.

NON-SLIP ADJUSTABLE LEVER HEAD

The length of the stick lever head can be adjusted.
Lever head A Lever head B

2 Set the stick to the most comfortable length and lock the lever heads by turning them in the opposite direction of the arrows.

1 Unlock lever heads A and B by

turning them in the arrow directions.

STICK LEVER SPRING TENSION ADJUSTMENT

The stick spring strength can be adjusted.
The operating feel of the aileron, elevator, and rudder sticks can be individually adjusted.

1 Remove the four transmitter

rear case screws and remove the rear case.

2 Adjust the spring strength by

turning the screw of the channel you want to adjust.

Elevator (Mode 1) Elevator (Mode 2) Rudder Aileron (PC board)

3 Close the rear case and tighten

the four screws.

TRAINER FUNCTION
The trainer function is a very effective way for training students. To use it, the special trainer cord (sold separately) is necessary.
The special trainer cord can be connected to SKYSPORT4, FF5, SKYSPORT6, 7U series, 8U series, and PCM1024Z series transmitters.

USING OTHER FUNCTIONS

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
Instructor side:
Turn on the power switch and extend the antenna to its full length. When the trainer switch is not pressed, the instructor has control. When the trainer switch is pressed, control is transferred to the student.

WARNING
Never turn on the student transmitter power switch.
Turning on the power switch will cause interference and a crash.

Set the student and instructor transmitters to the same settings.

For example, if the direction of operation is reversed, control will be lost and the plane will crash.

Student side:
Never turn on the power switch.

*Connect the student and instructor transmitters with the trainer cord.

The opposite side can only use an FM (PPM) type transmitter.

If the modulation method is different, control is impossible.

16

CHARGING THE NICD BATTERY

WARNING
Never plug the special charger into an AC outlet other than specified.
If the charger is plugged into an AC outlet other than specified, overheating, sparking, etc, may cause burns, fire, etc.

CHARGING THE NICD BATTERY

The transmitter and receiver nicd batteries scan be charged simultaneously or independently.

1 Connect the charger transmitter connector to the transmitter charging jack and the charger receiver connector to the receiver servo nicd battery.

Use the special charger, or digital proportional R/C quick charger, sold separately to charge the digital proportional R/C nicd battery.
Overcharging will cause burns, fire, injury, or blindness due to overheating, breakage, electrolyte leakage, etc.

Connect the charger to a 110VAC outlet.

3 Check that the charging LED

light.

4 At the end of charging, disconWhen not using the nicd battery charger, disconnect it from the AC outlet.
Charger

TX:Transmitter charging display RX:Receiver charging display To transmitter charging jack (Nicd battery system only) Receiver nicd battery

17

USING OTHER FUNCTIONS

CAUTION

nect the charger from the AC outlet.

REFERENCE
RATINGS
*Specifications and ratings are subject to change without prior notice.

TRANSMITTER

T4VF

RECEIVER

R115F

(not for USA)

(2 sticks, 4 channels, FM transmitter) Transmitting frequency: 29, 35, 36, 40, 41, 50, 60, 72, 75 MHz Modulation method: FM (Frequency Modulation) Power requirement: 12V (penlight battery X 8) or 9.6V nicd battery Current drain: 180mA

RECEIVER

R127DF

(5 channels, FM receiver) Receiving frequency: 29, 35, 36, 40, 41, 60, 72 MHz Intermediate frequency: 455kHz Power requirement: 6V (penlight battery X 4) or 4.8V nicd battery (common with servo) Current drain: 22mA Size: 33.4X50.4X20.5mm Weight: 29.5g

(7 channels, FM receiver) Receiving frequency: 50, 60, 72, 75 MHz Intermediate frequency: 1st IF 10.7MHz, 2nd IF 455kHz Power requirement: 4.8 or 6V (common with servo) Current drain: 10.0mA Size: 64.3X35.8X21.0mm Weight: 40.5g

SERVO

S3003

(standard servo) Power requirement: 4.8V or 6V (common with receiver) Current drain: 8mA (idle) Output torque: 3.2kg-cm (4.8V) Operating speed: 0.23sec/60 degree (4.8V) Size: 40.4x19.8x36mm Weight: 37.2g

RECEIVER
REFERENCE

R148DF

SERVO

S3101

(8 channels, FM receiver) Receiving frequency: 35, 36, 40, 41, 50, 72 MHz Intermediate frequency: 1st IF 10.7MHz, 2nd IF 455kHz Power requirement: 4.8 or 6V(common with servo) Current drain: 13mA Size: 55.5X25.5X22.5mm Weight: 30.4g

(Micro servo) Power requirement: 4.8V or 6V (common with receiver) Current drain: 8mA (idle) Output torque: 2.5kg-cm (4.8V) Operating speed: 0.18sec/60 degree (4.8V) Size: 28x13x29.7mm Weight: 17g

18

Frequencies

MHz Band: (car/boat only) The following frequencies and channel numbers may 75 75.410 61 75.610 71 75.810 be used for aircraft and surface in the United States: 75.430 62 75.630 72 75.830 72 MHz Band: (Aircraft only)
72.010 72.030 72.050 72.070 72.090 72.110 72.130 72.150 72.170 72.190 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 72.210 72.230 72.250 72.270 72.290 72.310 72.330 72.350 72.370 72.390 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 72.410 72.430 72.450 72.470 72.490 72.510 72.530 72.550 72.570 72.590 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 72.610 72.630 72.650 72.670 72.690 72.710 72.730 72.750 72.770 72.790 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 72.810 72.830 72.850 72.870 72.890 72.910 72.930 72.950 72.970 72.990 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 75.450 75.470 75.490 75.510 75.530 75.550 75.570 75.590 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 75.650 75.670 75.690 75.710 75.730 75.750 75.770 75.790 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 75.850 75.870 75.890 75.910 75.930 75.950 75.970 75.990

81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90

50 MHz Band: (Aircraft/car/boat -Fcc Amateur license required)

50.800 50.820 50.840 50.860 50.880 00 01 02 03 04 50.900 50.920 50.940 50.960 50.980 05 06 07 08 09

TROUBLESHOOTING
If your digital proportional R/C set does not operate, its range is short, it intermittently stops operating, or it operates erroneously, take the action shown in the table below. If this does not correct the trouble, please contact a Futaba dealer. Check point
Transmitter/receiver battery

Check item
Dead battery. Incorrect loading. Faulty contact connection. Dirty contacts.

Action
Replace the battery. Charge the nicd battery. Reload the batteries in the correct polarity. If the contact spring is deformed, correct it. Wipe with a dry cloth. Screw in. Extend fully. Push in. Match transmitter/receiver band. Replace with specified crystal. Reinsert. Push in. Separate from other wiring. Request repair. Install in accordance with instruction manual. Adjust at the fuselage side. Install a noise absorbing capacitor.

Transmitter antenna

Loose. Not extended to full length. Disconnected. Wrong band. Different from specification. Incorrect wiring. Disconnection. Close to other wiring. Not cut? Not bundled? Binding or looseness Noise countermeasures.

Crystal

Connector connection Receiver antenna

Servo linkage Motor (electric motor plane)

19

REFERENCE

GLOSSARY
The following defines the symbols and terms used in this instruction manual. Aileron (AIL.)
Control surface at the left and right sides of the main wing of an aircraft. It usually controls turning of the aircraft.

Rudder (RUD.)
Tail control surface that controls the direction of the aircraft.

Reverse (REV.) Channel

Represents the number of control systems. It can also represent the number of servos that are operated. With the servo reversing function, this is used to mean the reverse side. The opposite side is the normal side.

Rod Down
Means down elevator. It is the direction in which the trailing edge of the elevator is pointing down. A bar that connects the servos and the fuselage control surfaces.

Servo horn
A part that is installed to the shaft of a servo and changes the rotating motion of the servo to linear motion and transmits the linear motion to a rod. Servo horns come in various shapes.

Elevator (ELE.)
Control surface that moves up and down on the horizontal stabilizer of an aircraft. It usually controls up and down.

Linkage
Mechanism that connects the servos and the fuselage control surfaces.

Servo mount
Fuselage base for installing a servo to the fuselage.

Modulation method
Two modulation methods are used with radio control: AM (Amplitude Modulation) and FM (Frequency Modulation). Radio sets for aircraft mainly use FM. Another method that encodes and transmits the modulated signals is called "PCM".

Stick
Rod for operating the transmitter.

Throttle (THR.)
Part that controls the air mixture at the engine intake. When opened (throttle high side), a large air mixture is sucked in and the engine speed increases. When closed (throttle low side), the engine speed decreases.

REFERENCE

Neutral
Means the neutral position. It is the state in which a transmitter stick returns to the center when not operated.

Trim
A device that fine adjusts the neutral point of each servo for safe flying. It is a mechanism that corrects bad tendencies of the aircraft.

Normal (NOR.)
For the servo reversing function, it is the normal side. The opposite side is the reverse side.

Up
Means up elevator. Direction in which the trailing edge of the elevator is pointing up.

Proportional
Because today's radio control sets control servos in proportion to stick operation, radio control equipment is called proportional.

FUTABA CORPORATION

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Makuhari Techno Garden Bldg., B6F 1-3 Nakase, Mihama-ku, Chiba 261-8555, Japan Phone: (043) 296-5119 Facsimile: (043) 296-5124

FUTABA CORPORATION

1998, 06

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REFERENCE