Hitec RCD RX5MLINK RX5 M-LINK CHANNEL 2.4 GHz TRANSCEIVER User Manual
Hitec RCD Inc. RX5 M-LINK CHANNEL 2.4 GHz TRANSCEIVER
User Manual
Operating Instructions
RX-5 light M-LINK 2.4 GHz receiver
MULTIPLEX Modellsport GmbH & Co.KG • Westliche Gewerbestraße 1 • D-75015 Bretten (Gölshausen) • www.multiplex-rc.de Page 1/4
Instructions: RX-5 light M-LINK 2.4 GHz receiver # 985 5316 (10-01-08/MIWA) • Errors and omissions excepted! •
©
MULTIPLEX
! These operating instructions are an integral part
of the product, and contain important information
and safety notes. Please store them in a safe place,
where you can find them at any time, and pass
them on to the new owner if you sell the receiver.
1. SPECIFICATION
RX-5 light M-LINK
Order No. # 5 5808
Reception system
2.4 GHz FHSS M-LINK
Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum
MULTIPLEX-LINK
Servo channel count 5
Servo signal
frame rate
Fast response: 14 ms
Standard: 21 ms
(according to transmitter)
Signal resolution 12-bit, 3872 steps
(according to transmitter)
Current drain approx. 30 mA (excl. servos)
Aerial feed length /
aerial length
Feed cable: approx. 10 cm
Aerial: approx. 3 cm
Operating voltage
3.5 V … 9.0 V
Î 4 - 6 NiCd / NiMH cells (NiXX)
Î 2S LiPo / LiIo
Operating
temperature range - 20 °C … + 55 °C
Weight 7 g
Dimensions approx. 34.0 x 19.5 x 11.0 mm
2. SPECIAL FEATURES
• Small, all-purpose 5-channel receiver exploiting MULTIPLEX
2.4 GHz M-LINK technology, ideal for use in small models.
• In-line connector arrangement:
Ideal for use even in slender fuselages.
• HOLD / FAIL-SAFE function.
• Integral SET button and LED:
For binding, FAIL-SAFE programming, RESET and
operating status information.
3. SAFETY NOTES
! Please read the instructions before using the receiver.
! Use the receiver only for the intended applications
(Î 4.).
! Ensure the power supply is of adequate capacity (Î 6.).
! Observe the installation notes (Î 9.).
! Carry out regular range checks (Î 10.).
4. APPLICATION
The RX-5 light M-LINK is a radio control receiver intended
exclusively for use in model sport applications. It is prohibited to
use it for other applications, such as man-carrying vehicles or
industrial installations.
The RX-5 light M-LINK was designed with minimum possible
size and weight as top priority, and for technical reasons such a
unit cannot offer the same reception characteristics as a larger,
technically more sophisticated and more expensive receiver. In
the interests of safety we recommend that you use a larger
receiver wherever space permits. Under normal conditions it is
certainly possible to obtain excellent reception characteristics
with a small receiver such as the RX-5 light M-LINK provided
that all the RC system components are carefully arranged, and
the receiver aerial correctly deployed.
5. COMPATIBILITY
The RX-5 light M-LINK 2.4 GHz receiver can only be used in
conjunction with transmitters which use MULTIPLEX M-LINK
transmission technology.
As of January 2010 these are:
• ROYALpro 7, 9 and 16 M-LINK.
• ROYALevo or pro 7, 9 and 12 with firmware version V3.xx
and the HFM4 M-LINK 2.4 GHz RF module.
• PROFImc 3010, 3030 and 4000 with the HFM3 M-LINK
2.4 GHz RF module.
• COCKPIT SX M-LINK.
• MULTIPLEX transmitters with the HFMx M-LINK 2.4 GHz
RF module.
6. POWER SUPPLY
The RX-5 light M-LINK receiver works with a wide range of
voltages from 3.5 V … 9.0 V, i.e. with receiver batteries con-
sisting of 4 to 6 NiXX cells or 2S LiPo / 2S LiIo batteries.
! Note: if you wish to use a five-cell (six-cell) NiXX battery,
check that all the servos, gyros and other components to be
connected to the system are approved by the manufacturer for
use on operating voltages up to 7.5 V (9.0 V). If you wish to use
a 2S LiPo (2S LiIo) pack, check that all the servos, gyros and
other components to be connected to the system are approved
by the manufacturer for use on up to 8.4 V (8.2 V).
! Note: ensure that the power supply is adequate
A power supply system in good condition and of adequate
capacity for the specific application plays an indispensable role
in the safe operation of any model:
• Use only high-quality receiver batteries of adequate capacity.
Balance and maintain them carefully, and charge them fully.
• Ensure that all cables are of adequate conductor cross-
section. Keep all wiring as short as possible, and use the
absolute minimum of plug / socket connections.
• Use high-quality switch harnesses exclusively.
• Brief collapses in the power supply voltage (lasting a few
milli-seconds) have no adverse effect on the receiver. Longer
voltage collapses to below 3.5 V may cause a receiver reset,
resulting in a brief interruption in reception. This may be due
to a receiver battery which is almost flat, too weak or defec-
tive, cables of inadequate cross-section, poor-quality con-
nectors or an overloaded or defective BEC system.
Operating Instructions
RX-5 light M-LINK 2.4 GHz receiver
MULTIPLEX Modellsport GmbH & Co.KG • Westliche Gewerbestraße 1 • D-75015 Bretten (Gölshausen) • www.multiplex-rc.de Page 2/4
Instructions: RX-5 light M-LINK 2.4 GHz receiver # 985 5316 (10-01-08/MIWA) • Errors and omissions excepted! •
©
MULTIPLEX
7. RECEIVER CONNECTIONS
This receiver employs the UNI connector system, which is com-
patible with the connector systems used by most radio control
manufacturers (e.g. HiTEC, robbe/Futaba, Graupner/JR).
The receiver sockets are marked as follows:
1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Servo sockets, channel 1, 2, 3, 4, 5.
! Note: a separate receiver battery can be
connected to all five servo sockets (1 … 5).
! When connecting the receiver battery, servos, speed
controllers ... it is essential to ensure that the con-nectors
are plugged in correctly, and feature compatible pin assign-
ments: (see symbol on the receiver)!
8. FIRST USE, FUNCTIONS
8.1 LED codes
LED code Description
LED Code 0 LED OFF Battery voltage too low
LED Code 1 LED ON No reception
LED Code 2 1,6 sec Binding process running
1,6 sec
LED Code 3 Normal reception in progress
1,6 sec
LED Code 5 Confirmation signal
8.2 Binding
Before it can be used, the receiver must be linked to the trans-
mitter using the process known as “binding”.
! Note:
The signal output to the servo sockets is switched off during the
binding procedure. This means that the servos are “soft”, and do
not move, while the motor connected to a modern electronic
speed controller remains OFF due to the lack of a signal. Never-
theless, it is important to secure the model and keep well clear
of the power system.
The binding process is necessary in the following cases:
• The first time the receiver is used (Î 8.2.1).
• After a receiver RESET (Î 8.5).
• If you change the “Fast response” setting at the transmitter.
Please read the appropriate section in the instructions
supplied with your transmitter or RF module.
• If you change the setting at the transmitter which defines the
transmitted frequency range. For more information on this
matter, please refer to the operating instructions supplied
with your transmitter or RF module (“France mode”).
• If the receiver is to be operated in conjunction with a different
M-LINK transmitter.
8.2.1 Sequence of the binding procedure
1. The first step is always to set the transmitter and receiver to
Binding mode:
a. Place the transmitter very close to the receiver aerial.
b. Switch the transmitter ON in binding mode.
! Note: please read the operating instructions supplied
with your M-LINK transmitter or RF module for details.
c. Switch the RX-5 light M-LINK receiver ON in Binding
mode:
• Locate the SET button on the top of the receiver and
hold it pressed in.
• Switch the receiver ON, or connect the battery.
• Now release the SET button (not before):
⇒ The binding procedure runs, the LED on the
receiver flashes at a high rate
(LED code 2 Î 8.1).
2. Once the transmitter and receiver are bound, both units
switch automatically to standard transmit / receive mode:
⇒ The LED on the receiver flashes slowly
(LED code 3 Î 8.1).
! Note: in most cases the binding process only takes a few
seconds.
8.2.2 Binding: locating and correcting faults
Fault:
During the binding process the receiver LED continues to flash
at a high rate after several seconds.
Cause:
No M-LINK signal of adequate strength detected.
Remedy:
• Reduce the distance between your transmitter and the recei-
ver aerial.
• Ensure that your transmitter is switched on in binding mode.
• Repeat the binding procedure.
8.3 Switching the receiver ON and OFF in normal
mode
8.3.1 Sequence when switching ON and OFF
This is the procedure for switching the RC system ON:
1. Switch the transmitter ON.
2. Switch the receiver ON.
3. The receiver LED flashes slowly and evenly
(LED code 3 Î 8.1):
⇒ An M-LINK signal is being picked up:
the RC system is ready for use.
This is the procedure for switching the RC system OFF:
1. Switch the receiver OFF.
2. Only now switch the transmitter OFF.
8.3.2 Locating and correcting faults when switching ON:
The receiver LED lights up constantly when switched on (LED
code 1 Î 8.1), but does not flash.
Cause:
No M-LINK signal detected.
Remedy:
• Is the transmitter switched on?
• Is the transmitter generating an M-LINK signal?
• Are the transmitter and receiver bound to each other?
• Have you carried out a receiver RESET (Î 8.5, Î 8.2)?
• Have you made changes to the “Fast response” /
“France mode” setting (Î 8.2)?
Fault:
The receiver LED remains off when the unit is switched on
(LED Code 0 Î 8.1).
Cause:
The operating voltage (battery voltage) is too low.
Remedy:
• Charge the receiver battery or flight battery, or replace it with
a charged pack.
Operating Instructions
RX-5 light M-LINK 2.4 GHz receiver
MULTIPLEX Modellsport GmbH & Co.KG • Westliche Gewerbestraße 1 • D-75015 Bretten (Gölshausen) • www.multiplex-rc.de Page 3/4
Instructions: RX-5 light M-LINK 2.4 GHz receiver # 985 5316 (10-01-08/MIWA) • Errors and omissions excepted! •
©
MULTIPLEX
8.4 HOLD and FAIL-SAFE
If the receiver detects invalid data (interference), the last valid
data is sent to the servos in order to bridge the period of signal
loss (HOLD mode).
The effect of the FAIL-SAFE setting is that the servos run to a
previously selected setting if interference should occur, once the
HOLD period (0.75 seconds) has elapsed.
In its default state and after a RESET the FAIL-SAFE function is
switched OFF, and is only activated when you select the FAIL-
SAFE settings for the first time. FAIL-SAFE is set using the SET
button on the receiver.
! Note: if you are using a COCKPIT SX M-LINK or ROYALevo /
pro / M-LINK transmitter, you can also set FAIL-SAFE directly
from the transmitter.
If you wish to disable FAIL-SAFE again, the receiver must be
reset to the default state (RESET Î 8.5). After a RESET you
must repeat the binding procedure (Î 8.2.1)!
! Note: always activate FAIL-SAFE!
For safety reasons we recommend that you always activate
FAIL-SAFE, and ensure that the selected FAIL-SAFE settings
will cause the model to take up as safe an attitude as possible
(e.g. motor idle / electric motor OFF, control surfaces neutral,
landing flaps deployed, tow-release open, …).
Selecting the FAIL-SAFE settings:
Use your transmitter to move all the servos (and the speed
controller) to the desired position. Hold the SET button pressed
in briefly (0.5 to 1 second). This stores the servo positions, and
the LED flashes to confirm this (LED code 5 Î 8.1).
After sixteen seconds in FAIL-SAFE the receiver no longer
sends signals to the servos. Analogue servos and some digital
servos (see instructions) then become “soft”, to avoid them
being stalled. Modern speed controllers switch themselves off.
However, some digital servos remain “hard” and maintain their
last position.
FAIL-SAFE mode is automatically terminated as soon as the
receiver picks up valid signals again.
Testing the FAIL-SAFE positions:
Move the sticks to positions other than the FAIL-SAFE settings,
and then switch the transmitter OFF: the servos should go into
HOLD mode briefly (0.75 seconds), and then move to the FAIL-
SAFE positions which you previously selected.
The FAIL-SAFE positions must always be checked and updated
when necessary, e.g. when you install the receiver in a new
model.
! Checking the FAIL-SAFE function:
Never operate the receiver with the transmitter switched off for
longer than it takes to check the FAIL-SAFE function. Caution:
the motor could burst into life - injury hazard!
8.5 RESET to default settings
The receiver settings can be reset to the factory default values if
you wish. If you do this, please note that all your settings (e.g.
bound transmitter, FAIL-SAFE settings) will be lost.
Hold the SET button pressed in for at least ten seconds (as a
guide, the LED goes out when you press the button, comes on
again after two seconds, then off again after ten seconds).
When the RESET is complete, the receiver LED will flash to
confirm the action (LED code 5 Î 8.1).
9. INSTALLATION NOTES
• Protect your receiver from vibration, especially in models
powered by an internal-combustion engine (e.g. pack it
loosely in foam).
• Locate the receiver at least 150 mm away from electric mo-
tors, petrol engine ignition systems and any other electronic
components such as speed controllers for electric motors and
drive batteries. Do not route the aerial close to these com-
ponents.
• Install the receiver in the model in such a way that the aerial
is as far away as possible from any conductive material.
• If the fuselage is made of conductive material (e.g. carbon
fibre), the aerial must be installed in such a way that its active
part (approx. the final 30 mm) is located outside the model.
• Do not shorten the aerial or the aerial lead.
If your model requires a longer or shorter aerial lead, please
contact the MULTIPLEX Service Dept. or any MULTIPLEX
Service Centre.
• Do not deploy the aerial parallel to servo leads, high-current
cables or electrically conductive components (e.g. pushrods).
• Do not deploy the aerial inside or resting against model
components which are skinned or reinforced with conductive
material (metal foil, carbon fibre, metallic paints, ...), as they
can have a shielding effect.
• Note the recommended installation scheme (Î 14., sketches
A - C)!
• High-current cables, e.g. those attached to the speed con-
troller, motor and flight battery, should be kept as short as
possible.
• Reception quality can be optimised by fitting a special ferrite
ring (# 8 5146) or suppressor filter lead (# 8 5057) in the speed
controller cable. It is also advisable to fit effective suppressors
to conventional (brushed) electric motors (not brushless types)
(e.g. use the suppressor set # 8 5020).
10. RANGE CHECKING
Regular range checks are very important - even when using a
2.4 GHz system - in order to ensure reliable operation of the
radio control system, and to enable you to detect sources of
interference in good time. This applies in particular:
• Before the use of new or changed components, or existing
components in a new or modified arrangement.
• Before re-using radio control system components which were
previously involved in a crash or a hard landing.
• If you have encountered problems on a previous flight.
Important:
• Always ask a second person to help you with your range
check, so that one of you can secure and observe the model.
• If possible, carry out the range check when no other trans-
mitters are operating.
Carrying out the range check:
1. Select “Range check” mode on your transmitter (see the
operating instructions for the M-LINK transmitter or the
HFM3 M-LINK / HFM4 M-LINK / HFMx M-LINK 2.4 GHz RF
module).
2. The range of the RX-5 light M-LINK receiver must be at least
forty metres with the transmitter set to low power. You have
reached the range limit when the servos start to move jerkily.
There must be line-of-sight contact between the transmitter
and the receiver aerial (i.e. the model) during the range
check.
Operating Instructions
RX-5 light M-LINK 2.4 GHz receiver
MULTIPLEX Modellsport GmbH & Co.KG • Westliche Gewerbestraße 1 • D-75015 Bretten (Gölshausen) • www.multiplex-rc.de Page 4/4
Instructions: RX-5 light M-LINK 2.4 GHz receiver # 985 5316 (10-01-08/MIWA) • Errors and omissions excepted! •
©
MULTIPLEX
Keep the transmitter and the model about one metre above
ground during the range check.
3. If your transmitter features an automatic servo test facility,
we recommend that you activate it for one control function
(e.g. rudder). This sets up a steady movement of the servo,
and enables you to detect the limit of range clearly.
Important:
Carry out the first range check with the motor switched off.
Turn the model in all directions and attitudes, and adjust the
aerial position if necessary.
For the second range check, run the motor at varying speeds
and check that the effective range is not significantly reduced.
If there is a marked reduction, locate and eliminate the cause
of the interference (caused by the motor, the arrangement of
the receiving system and power supply, vibration, etc.).
11. CE CONFORMITY DECLARATION
This device has been assessed and approved in
accordance with European harmonised directives.
This means that you possess a product whose design and
construction fulfil the protective aims of the European Com-
munity designed to ensure the safe operation of equipment.
The detailed CE conformity declaration can be downloaded in
the form of a PDF file from the Internet under www.multiplex-
rc.de. It is located in the DOWNLOADS area under PRODUKT-
INFOS.
12. DISPOSAL NOTES
Electrical equipment marked with the cancelled waste
bin symbol must not be discarded in the standard
household waste; instead it should be taken to a
suitable specialist disposal system.
In the countries of the EU (European Union) electrical equipment
must not be discarded via the normal domestic refuse system
(WEEE - Waste of Electrical and Electronic Equipment, Directive
2002/96/EG). You can take unwanted equipment to your nearest
local authority waste collection point or recycling centre. There
the equipment will be disposed of correctly and at no cost to
you.
By returning your unwanted equipment you can make an
important contribution to the protection of the environment!
13. GUARANTEE / LIABILITY EXCLUSION
The company MULTIPLEX Modellsport GmbH & Co.KG accepts
no liability of any kind for loss, damage or costs which are due to
the incorrect use and operation of this product, or which are
connected with such operation in any way. Unless the law
expressly states otherwise, the liability on the part of MULTI-
PLEX Modellsport GmbH & Co.KG to pay damages, regardless
of the legal argument employed, is limited to the invoice value of
those products supplied by MULTIPLEX Modellsport GmbH &
Co.KG which were directly involved in the event in which the
damage occurred. This does not apply if liability is incurred
according to statutory law on account of intentional or gross
negligence.
We guarantee our products in accordance with the currently
valid statutory regulations. If you wish to make a claim under
guarantee, your initial course of action should always be to
contact the dealer from whom you purchased the equipment.
The guarantee does not cover faults and malfunctions which are
caused by the following:
• Incorrect or incompetent use
• Maintenance carried out incorrectly, belatedly or not at all, or
not carried out by an authorised Service Centre
• Incorrect connections
• The use of accessories other than genuine MULTIPLEX
items
• Modifications or repairs which were not carried out by
MULTIPLEX or by an authorised MULTIPLEX Service
Centre
• Accidental or intentional damage
• Defects due to normal wear and tear
• Operation of the unit outside the limits stated in the
Specification
• Operation of the unit in conjunction with equipment made by
other manufacturers.
14. RECOMMENDED INSTALLATIONS
A
B
C