Contents General notes Safety notes ......................................................... 3 Foreword ............................................................... 6 Description of radio control set .............................. 7 Operating notes .................................................. 11 Decription of transmitter ...................................... 18 Description of LCD screen .................................. 20 Using the system for the first time ...................... 21 Using the 3D rotary control .................................. 28 Assigning external switches and control switches 29 Fixed-wing model aircraft (receiver socket sequ.) 30 Model helicopters (receiver socket sequence) ..... 32 Model boats and cars .......................................... 34 Nautic channel (model boats and cars) ............... 35 Program description Setting up a model memory ................................ 36 Menu descriptions in detail .......................... from 37 Model memories Model select ....................................................... 37 Copy / Erase ....................................................... 37 Basic transmitter and model settings Fixed-wing models .............................................. Model helicopters ................................................ Model boats and cars .......................................... Timers ................................................................ Control switches ................................................. Receiver outputs ................................................. Nautic channel .................................................... Trainer mode .......................................................
38 41 45 48 49 50 51 52
Dual Rate / Expo Fixed-wing models .............................................. 62 Model helicopters ................................................ 64 Model boats / cars .............................................. 64 Phase trim ......................................................... 68 Mixers Basic mixer functions ......................................... Fixed-wing mixers ............................................... Helicopter mixers ................................................ Setting up the throttle and collective pitch curve . Helicopter mixer - auto-rotation ........................... General notes on freely programmable mixers .... Free mixers ......................................................... Swashplate mixers ..............................................
69 69 74 77 80 82 83 87
Appendix Trainer system ...................................................121 Transmitter accessories .....................................122 Approved operating frequencies .........................126 Approval certificates, conformity ........................127 Guarantee certificate .........................................131
Special functions Fail-Safe settings, PCM 20 ................................. 88 Fail-Safe settings, SPCM 20 ............................... 90 Programming examples Fixed-wing models (general) ................................ 92 Non-powered fixed-wing models .......................... 94 Including an electric power system ..................... 97 Operating electric motor and butterfly system ..... 98 Operating timers ................................................100 Using flight phases ............................................ 101 Servos running in parallel ................................... 102 Delta / flying wing model aircraft ........................103 F3A models .......................................................106 Model helicopters ............................................... 110 Model boats and cars ......................................... 114
Servo settings ................................................... 54
NAUTIC
Transmitter controls Transmitter control settings (fixed-wing / helic.) ... 56 Throttle limit function .......................................... 58 Transmitter control settings (model boats / cars) . 60
Multi-proportional modules .................................116 Expert switched functions ..................................117 Combination of NAUTIC Multi-Prop / Expert mo . 118 NAUTIC accessories ..........................................119
2 Contents
NAUTIC- typical wiring diagram ..........................120
1st edition, Printed in Germany 02/05 The sole purpose of this manual is to provide information. It is subject to modification at any time, and must not be considered as any form of obligation on the part of the GRAUPNER company. GRAUPNER accepts no responsibility or liability for errors or inaccuracies which may be found in the information section of this manual.
Safety notes Please read carefully! We all want you to have many hours of pleasure in our mutual hobby of modelling, and safety is an important aspect of this. It is absolutely essential that you read right through these instructions and take careful note of all our safety recommendations. If you are a beginner to the world of radio-controlled model aircraft, boats and cars, we strongly advise that you seek out an experienced modeller in your field and ask him for help and advice. These instructions must be handed on to the new owner if you ever sell the transmitter. Application This radio control system may only be used for the purpose for which the manufacturer designed it, i.e. for operating radio-controlled models which do not carry humans. No other type of use is approved or permissible. Safety notes SAFETY IS NO ACCIDENT and … RADIO-CONTROLLED MODELS ARE NOT PLAYTHINGS Even small models can cause serious personal injury and damage to property if they are handled incompetently. Technical problems in electrical and mechanical systems can cause motors to rev up or burst into life unexpectedly, with the result that parts may fly off at great speed, causing considerable injury. Short-circuits of all kinds must be avoided at all times. Short-circuits can easily destroy parts of the radio control system, but even more dangerous is the acute risk of fire and explosion, depending on the circumstances and the energy content of the batteries.
Aircraft and boat propellers, helicopter rotors, open gearboxes and all other rotating parts which are driven by a motor or engine represent a constant injury hazard. Do not touch these items with any object or part of your body. Remember that a propeller spinning at high speed can easily slice off a finger! Ensure that no other object can make contact with the driven components. Protect all electronic equipment from dust, dirt, damp, and foreign bodies. Avoid subjecting the equipment to vibration and excessive heat or cold. Radio control equipment should only be used in „normal“ ambient temperatures, i.e. within the range -15°C to +55°C. Avoid subjecting the equipment to shock and pressure. Check the units at regular intervals for damage to cases and leads. Do not re-use any item which is damaged or has become wet, even after you have dried it out thoroughly. Use only those components and accessories which we expressly recommend. Be sure to use only genuine matching GRAUPNER connectors of the same design with contacts of the same material. Use only genuine GRAUPNER plugin crystals on the appropriate frequency band. When deploying cables note that they must not be under tension, and should never be bent tightly or kinked, otherwise they may fracture. Avoid sharp edges which could wear through the cable insulation. Check that all connectors are pushed home firmly before using the system. When disconnecting components, pull on the connectors themselves not on the wires.
It is not permissible to carry out any modifications to the RC system components. Avoid reverse polarity and short-circuits of all kinds, as the equipment is not protected against such errors. Installing the receiving system and deploying the receiver aerial In a model aircraft the receiver must be packed in soft foam and stowed behind a stout bulkhead, and in a model boat or car should be protected effectively from dust and spray. The receiver must not make contact with the fuselage, hull or chassis at any point, otherwise motor vibration and landing shocks will be transmitted directly to it. When installing the receiving system in a model with a glowplug or petrol engine, be sure to install all the components in well protected positions so that no exhaust gas or oil residues can reach the units and get inside them. This applies above all to the ON / OFF switch, which is usually installed in the outer skin of the model. Secure the receiver in such a way that the aerial, servo leads and switch harness are not under any strain. The receiver aerial is permanently attached to the receiver. It is about 100 cm long and must not be shortened or extended. The aerial should be routed as far away as possible from electric motors, servos, metal pushrods and high-current cables. However, it is best not to deploy the aerial in an exactly straight line, but to angle it: e.g. run it straight to the tailplane, then leave the final 10 - 15 cm trailing down, as this avoids reception „blind spots“ when the model is in the air. If this is not possible we recommend that you lay out part of the aerial wire in an S-shape inside the model, close to the receiver if possible. Safety notes 3
Safety notes Installing the servos Always install servos using the vibration-damping grommets supplied. The rubber grommets provide some degree of protection from mechanical shocks and severe vibration. Installing control linkages The basic rule is that all linkages should be installed in such a way that the pushrods move accurately, smoothly and freely. It is particularly important that all servo output arms can move to their full extent without fouling or rubbing on anything, or being obstructed mechanically at any point in their travel.It is important that you should be able to stop your motor at any time. With a glow motor this is achieved by adjusting the throttle so that the barrel closes completely when you move the throttle stick and trim to their end-points.Ensure that no metal parts are able to rub against each other, e.g. when controls are operated, when parts rotate, or when motor vibration affects the model. Metal-to-metal contact causes electrical „noise“ which can interfere with the correct working of the receiver. Always extend the transmitter aerial fully before operating your model. Transmitter field strength is at a minimum in an imaginary line extending straight out from the transmitter aerial. It is therefore fundamentally misguided to „point“ the transmitter aerial at the model with the idea of obtaining good reception. When several radio control systems are in use on adjacent channels, the pilots should always stand together in a loose group. Pilots who insist on standing away from the group endanger their own models as well as those of the other pilots. Pre-flight checking If there are several modellers at the site, check ca4 Safety notes
refully with all of them that you are the only one on „your“ channel before you switch on your own transmitter.If two modellers switch on transmitters on the same channel, the result is interference to one or both models, and the usual result is at least one wrecked model. Before you switch on the receiver, ensure that the throttle stick is at the stop / idle end-point.
Always switch on the transmitter first, and only then the receiver. Always switch off the receiver first, and only then the transmitter. If you do not keep to this sequence, i.e. if the receiver is at any time switched on when „its“ transmitter is switched off, then the receiver is wide open to signals from other transmitters and any interference, and may respond. The model could then carry out uncontrolled movements, which could easily result in personal injury or damage to property. The servos may run to their end-stops and damage the gearbox, linkage, control surface etc. Please take particular care if your model is fitted with a mechanical gyro: Before you switch your receiver off, disconnect the power supply to ensure that the motor cannot run up to high speed accidentally. The gyro can generate such a high voltage as it runs down that the receiver picks up apparently valid throttle commands, and the motor could respond by unexpectedly bursting into life. Range checking Before every session check that the system works properly in every respect, and has adequate range. This means checking that all the control surfaces respond correctly and in the appropriate direction to
the transmitter commands at a suitable ground range. Repeat this check with the motor running, while a friend holds the model securely for you. Operating your model aircraft, helicopter, boat or car Never fly directly over spectators or other pilots, and take care at all times not to endanger people or animals. Keep well clear of high-tension overhead cables. Never operate your model boat close to locks and full-size vessels. Model cars should never be run on public streets or motorways, footpaths, public squares etc. Checking the transmitter and receiver batteries It is essential to stop using the radio control system and recharge the batteries well before they are completely discharged. In the case of the transmitter this means - at the very latest - when the message „Battery must be charged“ appears on the screen, and you hear an audible warning signal. It is vital to check the state of the receiver battery at regular intervals. When the battery is almost flat you may notice the servos running more slowly, but it is by no means safe to keep flying or running your model until this happens. Always replace or recharge the batteries in good time. Keep to the battery manufacturer’s instructions and don’t leave the batteries on charge for longer than stated. Do not leave batteries on charge unsupervised. Never attempt to recharge dry cells, as they may explode. Rechargeable batteries should always be recharged before every session. When charging batteries it is important to avoid short-circuits. Do this by first connecting the charge lead banana plugs to the charger, taking care to maintain correct polarity. Only then connect the charge lead to the transmitter or receiver battery.
Sicherheitshinweise Disconnect all batteries and remove them from your model if you know you will not be using it in the near future. Capacity and operating times This rule applies to all forms of electrical power source: battery capacity is reduced every time you charge it. At low temperatures capacity is greatly reduced, i.e. operating times are shorter in cold conditions. Frequent charging, and / or the use of maintenance programs, tends to cause a gradual reduction in battery capacity. We recommend that you check the capacity of all your rechargeable batteries at least every six months, and replace them if their performance has fallen off significantly. Use only genuine GRAUPNER rechargeable batteries! Suppressing electric motors All conventional electric motors produce sparks between commutator and brushes to a greater or lesser extent depending on the motor type; the sparking generates serious interference to the radio control system. In electric-powered models every motor must therefore be effectively suppressed. Suppressor filters effectively eliminate such interference, and should always be fitted. Please read the notes and recommendations supplied by the motor manufacturer. Refer to the main GRAUPNER FS catalogue for more information on suppressor filters. Servo suppressor filter for extension leads Order No. 1040 Servo suppressor filters are required if you are obliged to use long servo extension leads, as they eliminate the danger of de-tuning the receiver. The filter is connected directly to the receiver input. In
very difficult cases a second filter can be used, positioned close to the servo. Using electronic speed controllers Electronic speed controllers must be chosen to suit the size of electric motor which they will control. There is always a danger of overloading and possibly damaging the speed controller, but you can avoid this by ensuring that the controller’s current-handling capacity is at least half the motor’s maximum stall current. Particular care is called for if you are using a „hot“ (i.e. upgrade) motor, as any low-turn motor (small number of turns on the winding) can draw many times its nominal current when stalled, and the high current will wreck the speed controller. Electrical ignition systems Ignition systems for internal combustion engines can also produce interference which has an adverse effect on the working of the radio control system. Electrical ignition systems should always be powered by a separate battery - not the receiver battery. Be sure to use effectively suppressed spark plugs and plug caps, and shielded ignition leads. Keep the receiving system an adequate distance away from the ignition system. Caution: Radio control systems may only be operated on the frequency bands and spot frequencies approved in each EU country. You will find information on frequencies in the section entitled „Approved operating frequencies“. It is prohibited to operate radio control systems on any other frequency, and such misuse will be punished by the relevant authorities.
Static charges Lightning causes magnetic shock waves which can interfere with the operation of a radio control transmitter even if the thunderstorm actually occurs several kilometres away. For this reason cease flying operations immediately when you notice an electrical storm approaching. Static charges through the transmitter aerial can be life-threatening! Care and maintenance Don’t use cleaning agents, petrol, water or other solvents to clean this equipment. If the case, the aerial etc. gets dirty, simply wipe the surfaces clean with a soft dry cloth. Liability exclusion / Compensation As manufacturers, we at GRAUPNER are not in a position to influence the way you install, operate and maintain the radio control system components. For this reason we are obliged to refute all liability for loss, damage or costs which are incurred due to the incompetent or incorrect use and operation of our products, or which are connected with such operation in any way. Unless otherwise prescribed by law, the obligation of the GRAUPNER company to pay compensation is limited to the invoice value of that quantity of GRAUPNER products which was immediately and directly involved in the event in which the damage occurred. This does not apply if GRAUPNER is found to be subject to unlimited liability according to binding legal regulation on account of deliberate or gross negligence.
Safey notes 5
mc-19 - the latest generation of radio control technology During the development phase of the mc-19 we retained and further refined the overall programming philosophy of the mc-24. This system was introduced in 1997 and is renowned throughout the world; many thousands are already in use. In conjunction with the „DS 24 FM“ mini dual-conversion receiver the mc-19 transmitter can control up to 12 servos separately. This is sufficient, for example, to be able to operate two rudder servos or two elevator servos in an exotic model aircraft. Additional functions can be operated using the renowned NAUTIC modules. This means that fans of scale and multi-function boats can also make full use of the mc-19’s advanced facilities.
The software is carefully arranged in a logically structured menu system. Options which are interconnected in terms of function are clearly organised in terms of content.
When used with the new „smc…“ receivers the mc19 can provide servo travel at extremely high resolution with 1024 control increments, ensuring superfine control using the SUPER-PCM digital modulation mode. Naturally we guarantee full compatibility with earlier PPM-FM and PCM receiver systems (except for the FM6014 / PCM18). All this means that the mc-19 and its software meet the requirements of modern modelling in general, and can also cope with more sophisticated programming, including the needs of the contest flyer. The system’s modern hardware is designed to enable continuous further development of the software.
The mc-19 provides 20 model memories, each of which can store model settings for different flight phases. Individual phases can be called up in flight simply by operating a switch, so that you can try out various settings quickly and without risk. This can be for test purposes or for varying parameters for different phases of flight.
Operating the transmitter’s software could hardly be simpler: a digital rotary control and just four „softkeys“ make model programming speedy and direct. The beginner in particular will appreciate the clarity and self-explanatory nature of the programming system. However, if you encounter a problem and the manual is not immediately to hand, a quick button-press calls up the integral „on-line help“ which will quickly get you back up to speed. 6
Introduction
• Basic settings: transmitter, servos, model • Transmitter control settings • Model memories • Switches • Flight phases • Timers • Mixers • Special functions • Nautic functions
The large graphic screen makes operating the transmitter a simple, self-explanatory process. Mixers, Dual-Rate / Exponential etc. can all be displayed in graphic form, and this is extraordinarily helpful. This manual describes each menu in detail, and also provides dozens of useful tips, notes and programming examples to complement the basic information. More general modelling terms, such as Transmitter controls, Dual-Rates, Butterfly and many others, are all explained in the manual. At the end of the book you will find comprehensive information on our full range of radio control accessory items.
Please read the safety notes and the technical information. We recommend that you start by checking all the functions as described in the instructions. When you have programmed a model, it is important to check all the stored settings on the ground before committing the model to the air. Always handle your radio-controlled model with a responsible attitude to avoid endangering yourself and others. We in the GRAUPNER team wish you every success and many years of pleasure with your mc-19, which is a radio control system of the latest generation.
Kirchheim-Teck, July 2004
mc-19 Expandable radio control system providing up to 12 control functions
Professional high-technology micro-computer radio control system. Ultra-speed low-power single-chip micro-computer with 256 kByte (2 Mbit) flash memory, 16 kByte (128 kbit) RAM, 73 ns command cycle!
With integral high-speed precision A/D converter and proven dual-function rotary encoder with 3D Rotary Select programming technology.
• 20 model memories • World’s first: four-language dialogue menu (Germ an, English, French, Italian). • 12 control functions. Simplified assignment of transmitter controls including sticks, external switches and switch modules. • Update-capable software for long future life. • Ultra-speed low-power single-chip micro-compu ter with 256 kByte (2 Mbit) flash memory, 16 kByte (128 kbit) RAM, 73 ns command cycle! With integral high-speed precision A/D converter. • 3D rotary encoder in conjunction with 4 program ming buttons for accurate adjustment and excel lent programming convenience. • High-resolution MULTI-DATA GRAPHIC LCD screen provides superb monitoring facilities, accurate graphical representation of curves and characteristic lines. • CONVENIENT MODE SELECTOR allows easy switching between stick modes 1 to 4 (e.g. throttle right / throttle left) • 4 switchable types of modulation: SPCM 20 - super PCM modulation with high system resolution of 1024 steps per control function. For smc-14, smc-19, smc-20, smc-19 DS, smc-20 DS, smc-20 DSYN, R 330 S receivers. PCM 20 - PCM modulation with system resolution of 512 steps per control function. For mc12, mc-20, DS 20 mc, mc-18 receivers. PPM 18 - the most widely used standard trans mission process (FM and FMsss). For C 8, C 12, C 16, C 17, C 19, DS 18, DS 19, DS 20 receivers, and XP 10, XP 12FM, XN 12, XM 16, R 600, R600 light, R 700, C6, SB6 SYN 40S, SR6SYN miniature receivers. Description of radio control system 7
• •
• • • • • • • • • • •
PPM 24 - PPM multi-servo transmission mode for simultaneous operation of up to 12 servos. For DS 24 FM S receiver 3 freely programmable mixers for RC model aircraft, helicopters, boats, cars and trucks. 3-point mixer for throttle, collective pitch and tail rotor, plus gyro offset adjustment. These settings can be carried out separately for each flight phase. Fixed-wing / helicopters: Dual Rate / Expo for Ch2 … Ch4, two-stage variable, individually switchable. Fixed-wing / helicopters: Trainer system with total control transfer (all settings carried out on the Teacher transmitter). Fixed-wing mixer menu with up to 12 set-up programs for max. two ailerons and two camberchanging flaps (according to model type). Fixed-wing: phase trim for flaps, ailerons, elevator, according to model type. Helicopter swashplate mixers for 1-, 2-, 3- and 4point linkages Servo adjustment for up to 12 servos: servo reverse, servo centre, symmetrical / asymmetrical servo travel adjustment. Programmable fail-safe function for PCM and SPCM. Two switch-operated timers: stopwatch and flight time / running time. HELP button provides valuable hints on program ming and currently selected programming menu Model copy function for all model memories Basic set-up for model aircraft: throttle at Ch1 (idle trim), tailplane (type), Aileron / Flap (servo count), 2nd and 3rd flight phase, Trainer (total control transfer).
8 Description of radio control system
• Basic set-up for helicopters: swashplate type 1 … 4, rotor direction, collective pitch minimum forward / back, 2nd flight phase and auto-rotation. Trainer mode (total control transfer). • Basic set-up for model boats / cars: standard pre-set assignment for channels 1 and 2. All transmitter controls, including sticks, trim switches, channel switches, external switches etc., can also be assigned to channels 1 … 12 without restriction. • integral „Software Nautic Switch Module“, assignable to any vacant control channel (a Nautic-Expert switch module, Order No. 4159 is required at the receiver only). All transmitter controls, external switches, trim switches etc. fitted to the transmitter can be selected and assigned in any combination to operate the max. 8 switched functions (inputs A … H). • Two more Nautic transmitter modules (Order No. 4108 or 4141) can be installed (Nautic-Expert switch modules, Order No. 4159 or 4142 are required at the receiver). • With the maximum number of Nautic modules fitted, the system provides up to 24 reversible switched functions, or 8 reversible switched functions and up to 8 proportional functions, plus two control functions and 7 free function channels.
mc-19 Radio control system providing up to 12 control functions mc-19 Micro-computer radio control system Radio control sets: Order No. 4821 35-MHz-Band Order No. 4821.B 35-MHz-B-Band Order No. 4827 40-MHz-Band Order No. 4827.41* 41-MHz-Band Transmitter only: Order No. 4821.77 Order No. 4821.77.B Order No. 4827.77 Order No. 4827.77.41*
35-MHz-Band 35-MHz-B-Band 40-MHz-Band 41-MHz-Band
* For export only
Set contents mc-19 micro-computer transmitter with integral NiMH transmitter battery, transmitter RF module on the appropriate frequency, C 17 narrow-band FM receiver on the same frequency (8 servo functions), C 577 servo, switch harness, pair of crystals on the selected frequency band. Recommended battery chargers (accessories) Order No. 6422 Minilader 2 Order No. 6427 Multilader 3 Order No. 6426 Multilader 6E Order No. 6428 Turbomat 6 Plus* Order No. 6429 Turbomat 7 Plus* Automatic battery chargers with special NiMH charge programs: Order No. 6419 Ultramat 5*, ** Order No. 6417 Ultramat 25*, ** Order No. 6416 Ultra Duo Plus 30*, ** *
For charging the batteries you will also need the transmitter charge lead, Order No. 3022, and the receiver battery charge lead, Order No. 3021. ** 12 V power source required.
Specification - mc-19 computer system
Specification - C17 FM S receiver
Transmission system
SPCM20/PCM20/PPM18/PPM24
Type
Tx transmitter RF module
integral (10-kHz-spacing 35-, 35-B-, 40- or 41- MHz band
FMsss T crystals (T= Transmitter)
35-MHz-band chan. 61 ... 80 35-MHz-B-band chan. 182 ... 191 40-MHz-band chan. 50 ... 92 41-MHz-band chan. 400 ... 420
35MHz 35MHz 40MHz 41MHz
C17 FM S miniature receiver band B-band band band
Order Order Order Order
No. No. No. No.
3173 3173.B 4028 4028.41*
Operating voltage
4,8 ... 6 V**
Current drain approx.
10 mA
Channel spacing
10 kHz
Channel spacing
10 kHz
Max. control functions
SPCM = 10, PCM = 10, PPM = 9, PPM 24 = 12
Sensitivity drain approx.
10 µV
Control functions basic system
6 functions
Plugable servos
8
Temperature range approx.
-15°C ... +55°C
Control functions
10 (4 proportional with trims, 6 proportional or switched) plus 2 software control functions
Aerial lenght approx.
1000 mm
Dimensions approx.
53 x 36 x 14 mm
Channel pulse width
1,5 ms (+/-) 0,5 ms
Weight approx.
29g
Control resolution, servo travel
SPCM 20 10bit (1024 Steps), PCM 20 9bit (512 Steps)
Temperature range
-15°C ... +55°C
Telescopic aerial
10-section, approx. 1470mm long
Operating voltage
9,6 ... 12 V
Current drain approx
40 mA (excl. RF module)
Dimensions approx.
225 x 215 x 70 mm
Weight approx.
900g excl. transmitter battery
Accessories Order No. 10 71 72 1125 1127 1128 4178 3289 3290.3 3290.19 1149.35 3093 3078
Description mc-19 aluminium transmitter case Luxury neckstrap Luxury cross-over strap Wide neckstrap Transmitter support system Short stick-tops Diagnosis lead Trainer system Pupil module Teacher module for mc-19 Helical stub aerial, 35 MHz CONTEST transmitter tray GRAUPNER rainshield for transmitter tray
Replacement parts Order No. 4300.6 4300.60
Description Telescopic aerial Stainless steel telescopic aerial
Recommended upgrade accessories Order No. 4147.1 4160 4160.1 4160.11 4160.22 4160.44 4151 4151.1 4151.2 4151.3 4152 4111 4112 4113 4143 4144 4184.4 4108 4141 5733
Description Latching external switch External switch, long toggle External switch, short toggle Momentary switch Differential switch Two-way momentary switch Switch module, 3-position, long toggle Switch module, 3-position, short toggle Switch module, 2-position, long toggle Switch module, 2-position, short toggle Proportional module (slider) Rotary proportional module Stick-top proportional control Three-function stick switch Two-function stick switch Kick-button NAUTIC adaptor NAUTIC-Expert module NAUTIC Multi-Prop module Special spanner for external switch nut
Description of radio control system 9
Operating notes Opening the transmitter case Before opening the transmitter check that it is switched off (move Power switch to „OFF“). Slide both latches inward as far as they will go, away from the arrows, until the case back can be folded open and disengaged. To close the transmitter engage the bottom edge of the case back, fold the panel up again and slide both latches outward in the direction of the arrows. Take care that no wires get caught when you close the back.
Notes: • Do not modify the transmitter circuit in any way, as this invalidates your guarantee and also invalidates official approval for the system. • Whenever you wish to work on the transmitter, start by disconnecting the battery from the transmitter circuit board to avoid the possibility of short-circuits.
10 Operating notes
Power supply The battery compartment in the transmitter is designed to be fitted with a 9.6 V NC or NiMH battery. The receiver requires a 4.8 V NC battery, of which a wide range of different capacities is available.
To remove the transmitter battery, carefully disconnect the cable at the main circuit board. Locate the rubber bands in the battery compartment and slide them to the side. Pull out the plug horizontally by hooking your fingernail under the lug on the top of the plug.
For safety reasons you should never use dry cells. When you are using the transmitter you should monitor the battery voltage on the LCD screen. If the voltage of the transmitter battery falls below a certain point you will hear an audible warning signal. The screen then displays a message reminding you that the transmitter battery needs to be recharged.
Disposing of dry cells and rechargeable batteries Never dispose of exhausted batteries in the household rubbish. As end-user you are legally required („Battery Regulation“) to return old and exhausted batteries. They should and must be taken to your local battery collection point or any shop where batteries of a corresponding type are on sale.
There is no direct method of checking receiver battery voltage when operating a model, although in PCM20 mode a battery fail-safe can be activated („Fail-Safe settings“, page 88-89).
Make it a standard part of your routine to check the state of your batteries at regular intervals. Don’t wait until you notice the servos running more slowly than usual before charging the batteries. Please refer to the main GRAUPNER FS catalogue for full details of batteries, chargers, measuring equipment and monitor units for checking batteries.
Charging the transmitter battery The rechargeable transmitter battery can be charged via the charge socket fitted to the side of the case. The transmitter must be switched „OFF“ for the whole period of the charge process. Never switch on the transmitter when it is still connected to the charger; even a very brief interruption in the charge process can cause the charge voltage to rise to the point where the transmitter is immediately damaged by the excess voltage. Alternatively the interruption may trigger a new charge cycle, which means that the battery will possibly be severely overcharged. For this reason check carefully that all connectors are secure, and making really good contact. Interruptions due to an intermittent contact, no matter how brief, inevitably cause the charger to malfunction. Polarity of the mc-19 charge socket
Commercially available battery charge leads produced by other manufacturers are often made up with the opposite polarity. For this reason use genuine GRAUPNER charge leads exclusively. Charging the transmitter battery using a standard charger The integral transmitter charge socket is fitted with a safety circuit which prevents reverse current flow. This is designed to prevent damage to the transmitter if the charge lead is connected with reverse polarity, or if the bare ends of the lead short out. This protective measure makes it impossible to recharge the transmitter battery using an automatic charger, as the charger is unable to check and monitor the battery voltage properly.
The automatic charger usually responds to this by terminating the charge process prematurely, generating error messages or refusing completely to charge the pack. Charging the transmitter battery using an automatic charger by-passing the reverse flow safety circuit If you still wish to use an automatic charger to recharge the transmitter battery, the reverse flow safety circuit (protective diode) must be by-passed. This is done by fitting a 20 mm cartridge fuse (5 Amp, fast-acting) in the fuse holder. If you by-pass the reverse flow safety circuit, there is a constant danger of short-circuit between the charge lead plugs. If a short-circuit or reverse polarity occurs, the transmitter’s charge circuit fuse will immediately blow. A blown fuse must always be replaced by a new 20 mm glass cartridge fuse (5A, fast-acting). Never attempt to repair the fuse by by-passing it. Replacement fuses are available in any electronics supply shop.
Charge current To avoid damage to the transmitter the maximum charge current should not exceed 500 mA (0.5 A) with the charge circuit fuse out of circuit (not fitted); with the charge circuit fuse in place: max. 1.5 A. Notes on recharging transmitter batteries using an automatic charger • Observe the recommendations provided by the charger manufacturer and the battery manufacturer at all times. • Carry out a series of test charges to ensure that the automatic charge termination circuit works correctly with your battery. This applies in particular if you are using an automatic charger designed for NiCd batteries to recharge the standard NiMH battery. You may need to adjust the DeltaPeak trigger voltage, if your charger provides this option. • The charge current must be set using the charger’s „manual charge current select“ facility, to ensure that the maximum charge current never exceeds 1.5 A. Never allow the charger to set the charge current automatically. • Do not discharge the battery or carry out a battery maintenance program via the integral charge socket. The charge socket is not suitable for this application. • If you intend to charge the transmitter battery at a current higher than 1.5 A, the battery must be removed beforehand, otherwise the transmitter could be damaged through overheating.
Operating notes 11
Operating notes Standard chargers Order No. 6422 Minilader 2 Order No. 6427 Multilader 3 Order No. 6426 Multilader 6E* Order No. 6428 Turbomat 6 Plus* Order No. 6429 Turbomat 7 Plus* Automatic chargers with special NiMH charge programs Order No. 6419 Ultramat 5*, ** Order No. 6410 Ultramat 10* Order No. 6412 Ultramat 12*, ** Order No. 6417 Ultramat 25*, ** Order No. 6416 Ultra Duo Plus 30*, ** *
To recharge the mc-19 system you will also need the transmitter charge lead, Order No. 3022, and the receiver battery charge lead, Order No. 3021.
** 12 V power source required.
12 Operating notes
Please note: Always connect the charge lead to the charger first, and only then to the receiver or transmitter battery. This avoids the danger of accidental short-circuit between the bare ends of the charge lead. Charging the receiver battery
The charge lead, Order No. 3021, can be connected directly to the NC receiver battery for charging. If the battery is installed in a model and you have fitted one of the following switch harnesses: Order No. 3046, 3934 or 3934.3, the battery can be charged via the separate charge socket or the charge socket which is built into the switch. The switch on the switch harness must be left at the „OFF“ position for charging.
Adjusting stick length Both sticks are infinitely variable in length over a broad range, enabling you to set them to suit your personal preference to provide fine, accurate control. Loosen the retaining screw using a 2 mm allen key, then screw the stick top in or out to shorten or extend it. Tighten the grubscrew again carefully to lock the set length.
Changing the stick mode Either or both sticks can be converted from selfneutralising to non self-neutralising (ratchet) action: open the transmitter and disconnect the centring spring from the neutralising arm (picture below). For safety’s sake, disconnect the transmitter battery before you do this. Raise the neutralisation return arm, disconnect it, and store it in a safe place together with the centring spring, in case you ever need to re-convert the stick unit to „self-neutralizing“ action.
The ratchet spring can be installed on the side facing the transmitter circuit board using the same procedure. To avoid damage, disconnect the transmitter battery before you do this.
On no account touch any of the soldered joints on the transmitter circuit board with any metal object!
The stiffness of the non-neutralising stick can be set to soft or hard using one or both of the ratchet springs. The ratchet spring is attached to the two stand-off pillars which are on the side facing the transmitter circuit board. The spring tension can be adjusted at the side of the brass stand-off pillar.
Operating notes 13
Operating notes Stick centring force The tension of the stick unit centring springs can be adjusted to suit your personal preference: the adjustment system is located adjacent to the centring spring. Rotate the adjustment screw with a crosspoint screwdriver to set your preferred spring force: • Turn to the right (clockwise) = spring force harder • Turn to the left (anti-clockwise) = spring force softer. To avoid damage, remember to disconnect the transmitter battery before you do this.
14 Operating notes
Changing frequency bands and channels Changing the frequency band: The transmitter can be operated on different frequency bands by changing the RF module, or alternatively by fitting a Synthesizer module (see Appendix). First disconnect the transmitter battery by carefully pulling out the plug. Loosen the four screws in the corners of the RF module and remove them. Now disconnect the plug at the transmitter circuit board („A“) and undo the screw „B“ at the aerial base. Fit the new RF module by reversing the procedure. Check in particular that the screw at the aerial base is correctly seated: the shakeproof washer must be located between the screw head and the connector tag of the RF module lead.
Changing the RF channel: The channel, or spot frequency, on which the system operates is determined by plug-in crystals. Be sure to use genuine GRAUPNER FMsss crystals for the frequency band in use (see page 126). Insert the transmitter crystal „T“ in the socket on the RF module. The frequency band and channel number of the transmitter crystal must be the same as those of the crystal in the receiver, or the system will not work. Synthesizer modules Order No. 3858.35 Order No. 3858.40
35-MHz-Band 40-MHz-Band
Standard RF modules for crystals Order No. 4809.35 35-MHz-Band Order No. 4809.40 40-MHz-Band
Re-positioning the telescopic aerial Screw the ten-section telescopic aerial into the balland-socket base. The angle of inclination of the aerial can be adjusted as follows: loosen the crosspoint screw to the side of the socket, swivel the aerial to your preferred angle, then carefully tighten the screw again.
Notes: • Do not switch on the transmitter with the RF module fitted but the aerial not installed. Always extend the aerial to full length before using the system to control a model, and also for test purposes if the transmitter will be switched on for a long period. • The field strength radiated by the transmitter is at its lowest in an imaginary line extending straight from the tip of the transmitter aerial. Never point your aerial straight at the model in an attempt to obtain good reception; the opposite is true.
Installing the transmitter support bars The transmitter can be fitted with the optional transmitter support system, Order No. 1127. This is the procedure: open the transmitter and remove the case back, which is prepared to accept the support system bars. Locate the four holes in the case back which are designed to accept the support bars, and push a cross-point screwdriver through them from the rear to clear the openings, twisting it gently to act as a drill. Now push the metal bar of the support system through the hole in the back panel, working from the inside. Push the plastic retainer bracket for the metal bar between the struts in the back panel, and fit two screws from the underside into each bracket to secure it.
Installing NAUTIC modules, external switches, switch modules and rotary modules The transmitter case is supplied with all the holes for the installation of optional modules already present. Start by disconnecting the transmitter battery to avoid short-circuits.
The support bars are held in place under strong tension by a long spring. If you find the spring tension uncomfortably high, shorten the spring accordingly.
Remove the backing paper from the adhesive surface of the bezel, position it carefully, then press it down firmly. Peel the protective film from the printed front surface of the bezel.
The holes are sealed by blind grommets which can easily be pushed out from the inside. Using a suitable blunt instrument, press out the module covers on the front face of the transmitter from the inside by pushing through the existing holes. Place the new bezel in position, and check that it fits correctly.
Operating notes 15
Operating notes The module can now be fitted in the prepared module well from the inside, ensuring that the row of sockets on the module faces the centre of the transmitter. Secure the module using the nuts and rotary knobs which were previously removed from the potentiometers and switches. Screw the nuts onto the shafts on the outside of the transmitter and tighten them carefully using the correct size of spanner. We recommend using the special spanner, Order No. 5733, for tightening the decorative nuts on the external switches. The last step is to fit the rotary knobs on the potentiometer shafts, line them up with the graduated scale, and tighten the grubscrews. External switches, rotary modules and switch modules are installed in a similar way. Take particular care not to touch the soldered joints on the circuit board with any metallic object.
External switch sockets 0 to 7 16 Operating notes
Socket assignment on the transmitter circuit board You will find a sketch of the transmitter circuit board on page 19. Additional transmitter controls can be connected to function sockets CH5 ... CH10 on the transmitter circuit board; these include rotary controls, sliders and switch modules (see Appendix). In its standard form the transmitter features two 2-channel sliders installed in the centre console, or alternatively one 2-channel switch module and one slider; in either case the controls are connected to sockets CH5 and CH6 as standard. If you wish, you can reverse the direction of operation of the transmitter control by turning the connector through 180° at the transmitter circuit board. However, a more elegant method is to use the „Transmitter control settings“ menu, where you can reverse and adjust the transmitter controls by means of the system software.
Function sockets, CH 5 to CH 10
The external switch sockets numbered 0 ... 7 can be assigned in any arrangement you wish, as all you have to do to define an external switch for assignment by the software is to operate that switch, which means that the number of the socket is irrelevant. However, in the interests of clarity and comprehensibility we do recommend that you assign the sockets in numerical order, and install the corresponding switches in the proper order, from 0 to max. 7, in the transmitter case - in so far as that is possible. A NAUTIC module (Order No. 4141 or 4108) or Trainer module (Order No. 3289 or 3290.2) can be connected directly to the 14-pin interface using the mc22 / mc-24 connection adaptor (Order No. 4184.1). A full description of the individual modules is included at the appropriate point in this manual.
17
Description of transmitter Ball / socket aerial base Storage well on back panel
Option wells Locations for optional external switches, switch modules, rotary modules, NAUTIC modules; see Appendix.
Switches and function modules • 3 external switches as standard • 2 sliders as standard
Digital trims For fine adjustment of servo (neutral) position. A brief push produces a single increment of offset. Screen shows trim position. Operating buttons: ENTER Input button ESC Return button CLEAR Erase button HELP Help button LCD screen See page 20 for explanation Contrast adjustment: press rotary control and rotate simultaneously. Warning signals: • If battery voltage falls below set threshold • If Trainer system malfunctions • If Channel 1 stick is at full-throttle when transmitter is switched on • Fail-Safe settings required 18 Description of transmitter
ON/OFF switch Note: Always switch the transmitter on first, then the receiver. After a flight: switch the receiver off first, then the transmitter.
Stick units Two dual-axis stick units providing four independent control functions. Variable-length sticks. The control functions (i.e. stick mode) can be assigned within the „Basic model settings“ menu, e.g. throttle left or right. The throttle stick can also be set to be selfneutralising or ratcheted. Rotary control, provides two-level control Switches between individual lines within a menu when held pressed-in.
A short press on the rotary control at the basic display switches to the „Servo display“ menu; within the multi-function list it calls up the input field. If rotated in its normal (non-pressed) state, the rotary control selects the desired menu from the list in the multi-function menu. If you call up a menu point the rotary control also changes the entered value in an inverse video field which appears at the bottom edge of the screen (light characters on dark background). Set values take effect immediately, and are also stored immediately.
Description of transmitter Note: Whenever you intend to work on the interior of the transmitter, remember to disconnect the transmitter battery from the power socket beforehand. Take great care not to touch soldered joints with any metallic object, as this could cause a short-circuit.
RF module
It does not matter which way round you connect the external switches.
Socket for connection to transmitter circuit board
Plug-in crystal
Reversing the orientation of the control connector simply reverses its direction of effect. Note transmitter battery pack directions
Polarity of charge socket +
Battery plug polarity
Charge socket
Fuse for automatic charger (5A, fast acting)
Transmitter fuse 0,5A fast-acting
Battery socket
6 7
4
2
0
5
3
1
Jumper for service use: do not touch! DSC module* * DSC= Direct Servo Control
Function socket CH5 ... CH 10 for transmitter controls (rotary knobs, switch modules, slider modules; see Appendix)
CH5
CH7
CH9
CH6
CH8
CH10
Socket 0 ... 7 for external switches (see Appendix)
Service Con (Graupner Service only)
Interface distributor socket
Free socket (future Socket for function) RF-module Description of transmitter 19
Description of LCD screen ENTER (Input button): Switch to multi-function list, call up a menu ESC (Escape button) Return step by step from any menu to the basic display
None studentsignal
Thr
Trainer mode problem
Throttle stick at full-throttle
Adjust
Battery too
FailSafe
too high!
low Charge battery
Only in PCM20 and SPCM20 mode
Model name Flight time in minutes : seconds (count-up count-down)
CLEAR (Erase button) Resets changed values to default settings HELP (Help button) Supplies a succinct help message regarding any menu
Model memory 1 ... 20
Stopwatch in minutes : seconds (count-up /count-down)
Model type display: fixed-wing, helicopter, car or boat Battery voltage with dynamic bar display. If voltage falls below a pre-set level a warning message appears and a buzzer sounds
Transmitter operating time Modulation
20 Description of LCD screen
Display diagram for all 4 digital trims with numeric and directional display. Special cut-off trim for Ch. 1
Dual-level rotary control Adjusts screen contrast in basic transmitter display with control pressed in. A short press at the basic menu takes you to the servo display. Flight phase name Move between flight phases using physical switch (alternatively GRAUPNER logo)
Using the system for the first time The mc-19 transmitter is supplied programmed to PPM18 mode, which suits receivers of the „FMPPM“ type. If you have purchased a standard radio control set operating on the 35 or 40 MHz bands, you can immediately operate the C-17 receiver supplied in this transmission mode. In the transmitter’s default state, the two proportional sliders are connected to sockets CH6 and CH7 on the main circuit board. The socket number of the three switches on the „Multi Switch Board“ is of no importance for further programming. Transmitter
In addition to PPM18 the following transmission modes are available: • PCM20-Mode: mode: with system resolution of 512 steps per control function Receivers: mc-12 S, mc-18 S, mc-20 S, DS 20 S • SPCM20-Mode: Super PCM modulation with high system resolution of 1024 steps per control function. Receivers: smc-14, smc-19, smc-20, smc-19 DS, smc-20 DS, smc-20 DSYN, R 330 S • PPM18-Mode: most widely used standard transmission mode (FM or FMsss) Receivers: C12 FM S, C16 FMsss, C16 FM S, C17 FM S, C18 FM S, C19 FM S, DS18 FM S, DS19 FM S, DS 20 FM and the miniature receivers XP 10,
XP12 FM, XN12, XM16, R600, R600 light, R 700 and C6, SB6 SYN 40S, SR6SYN. • PPM24-Mode: new PPM multi-servo transmission mode for the simultaneous operation of 12 servos Receivers: DS 24 FM S The ability of the mc-19 transmitter to switch to other transmission modes means that it can operate all GRAUPNER receiving systems supplied to date, i.e. all receivers supplied with PPM-FM and PCM transmitters (with the exception of the FM6014 / PCM 18). It can also drive receivers with negative pulse output in the 35 and 40 MHz frequency bands; the slight travel reduction of their servos Any slight travel reduction of their servos can be corrected by increasing servo travel up to maximum +/- 150% in the „Servo settings“ menu. The neutral position of the servos connected to the receiver outputs can be adjusted over a wide range. If you wish to use a receiver which is not of the „PPM18“ type, your first step should always be to select the modulation which matches the receiver type. If this setting is incompatible with the receiver, the receiver will simply not work. The transmission mode can be set in the „Basic model settings“ menu (description: page 38). The basic procedure for the initial programming of a new model memory is found on page 37; programming examples are on the section starting on page 92. Which crystals can be used? An FMsss crystal (black plastic cap) must be fitted in the mc-19 transmitter; it must bear the same channel number as the crystal in the receiver: Order No. 3864. ... for the 35-MHz band Order No. 4064. ... for the 40-MHz band
If you have an older GRUNDIG receiving system (with negative signal output) please note that these must be fitted with a GRUNDIG FM crystal (green tag): Order No.. 3865. ... for the 35-MHz-band Order No. 4051. ... for the 40-MHz-band Please refer to the main GRAUPNER catalogue for details of receivers. Battery charged? When your transmitter is delivered the battery will be in the discharged state, so you must first charge it as described on pages 10 ... 12. If you do not do this the battery will soon fall below the pre-set trigger voltage (approx. 9.3 V), and you will see and hear a warning signal to remind you to recharge it.
Aerial fitted? Do not switch on the transmitter unless the aerial is screwed in. Even for prolonged testing you should extend the aerial fully, otherwise the transmitter may malfunction, with possible damage to the RF module. Always extend the ten-section transmitter aerial fully before using the transmitter to operate a model. Transmitter field strength is at a minimum in an imaginary line extending straight out from the transmitter aerial. It is therefore fundamentally misguided to „point“ the transmitter aerial at the model with the idea of obtaining good reception. Using the system for the first time 21
Using the system for the first time Receiving system Be sure to read the installation notes on pages 3 to 4 before fitting the receiver and receiver aerial in your model. The channel number of the receiver crystal must be the same as that of the transmitter crystal. Use only the plug-in crystals with the code letter „R“ (receiver), as listed in the table on page 126. If you are using a Synthesizer receiver you do not need a receiver crystal. The receiver is fitted with polarised sockets, so that the servos and power supply cannot be connected the wrong way round; you will find that the plugs are slightly bevelled on one edge to match the sockets. Connect the battery to the ON / OFF switch harness supplied, and connect the switch to the socket on the receiver marked „Batt“. If you use the DS 24 FM S receiver you can control up to 12 servos, speed controllers etc. directly. Servos 1 to 10 can be operated independently of each other using up to six controls connected to the mc19 transmitter’s main circuit board plus the two dual-axis stick units. Servos 11 and 12 can only be accessed via (external) switches, one of the six controls CH5 to CH10 (see “Transmitter control settings“ - page 56/57) and / or by means of mixer functions (see „Free mixers“ - page 83). As an alternative, two sockets can also be used with NAUTIC modules if you need to expand the number of functions.
22 Using the system for the first time
Note: If you wish to use a receiver battery and a speed controller with integral BEC* system, the positive (red) wire must normally be disconnected from the 3-pin plug, although this does vary according to the type of controller. Please be sure to read the instructions supplied with your speed controller before you do this.
rot 1 2
3 *Battery Elimination Circuit
Using a small screwdriver, carefully raise the centre lug of the plug (1), withdraw the red wire (2) and insulate the exposed contact with insulating tape to prevent possible short-circuits (3).
Receiver battery
Using the system for the first time
Language selection
If the receiver is ever switched on when the transmitter is off, the servos may carry out uncontrolled movements. You can avoid this by switching the system on in this order:
The mc-19 transmitter allows you to select one of the following four languages: • German • English
Always switch the transmitter on first, then the receiver. When switching the system off: Always switch the receiver off first, then the transmitter. Range checking: Before every session you should carry out a range check with the model on the ground. The transmitter aerial should be fitted but collapsed completely, and should be taken a suitable distance away from the model. All the functions should work smoothly and correctly during this test. If your model is powered, repeat the check with the motor running to ensure that it does not cause interference.
• French • Italian
The language is selected by holding the HELP button pressed in when you switch the transmitter on; the following display now appears:
Select your desired language using the rotary control. Press the rotary control or the ENTER button to confirm your selection. All the settings which are stored in your transmitter remain unchanged if you switch to a different language.
Using the system for the first time 23
Definition of terms Control functions, transmitter controls, function inputs, control channels, mixers, external switches, control switches To make it easier for you to understand the mc-19 manual the following two pages contain definitions of many terms which crop up again and again in the rest of the text, together with a basic flow diagram showing the course of the signal from the transmitter control to the point at which it is radiated from the transmitter aerial. Control function The term „control function“ can be thought of as the signal generated for a particular function which needs to be controlled - initially independent of its subsequent progress through the transmitter. In the case of fixed-wing model aircraft the control functions include throttle, rudder and aileron, whereas collective pitch, roll-axis and pitch-axis are typical of those used in helicopters. The signal of a control function may be assigned directly, or to several control channels simultaneously via mixers. A typical example of the latter is separate aileron servos, or pairs of roll-axis or pitch-axis servos in helicopters. The essential feature of a control function is its influence on the mechanical travel of the corresponding servo. Transmitter control The term „transmitter control“ is used for the mechanical elements on the transmitter which are operated directly by the pilot. Their movements in turn generate corresponding movements in the servos, speed controllers etc. at the receiver end. The transmitter controls include the following: • The two dual-axis stick units for the control functions 1 to 4; these four functions can be interchanged in any way you like through software, e.g. throttle left or right, without having to re-connect the servos. For model cars and boats the outputs can be assigned with complete freedom. The dual-axis stick function for throttle (or airbrakes) is often referred to as the Ch1 (Channel 1) 24 Using the system for the first time
control. • The two proportional controls located in the central console, which are connected as standard to sockets CH6 and CH7 on the transmitter circuit board. • One or more optional 2-channel switch modules, Order No. 4151 or 4151.1, which can be connected to sockets CH5 … CH10, either in place of other controls or in addition to them. These switch modules, with long or short switch toggles, can provide three-position control of a servo, speed controller or similar. When a proportional transmitter control is operated, the servos follow the position of the control directly, whereas a switch module provides just the three set servo positions.Which transmitter control or switch operates which of the servos 5 … max. 12 is left up to the user, i.e. the sequence is freely programmable, without restriction, and without having to re-connect any plugs inside the transmitter. If you are using the system to control a model car or boat, you have complete freedom in deciding which transmitter control operates servos 1 .. max. 12. This means: the standard assignments can be changed at any time, either by changing the stick mode, or (for cars and boats) the complete assignment, in the menu „Transmitter control settings“ (page 56). In the Helicopter menu inputs 6, 7 and 12 are assigned permanently to „Throttle“, „Gyro“ and „Throttle limit“, as several helicopter-specific functions are operated via these inputs.The transmitter controls are physical units, and they can be considered to terminate before the signal reaches the function input … Function input This is an imaginary point in the signal path, and must not be considered the same as the point on the circuit board where the transmitter control is connected! The two menus „Stick mode“ and
„Transmitter control settings“ affect the course of the signal „after“ these points, and it is possible (and likely) that there will be differences between the number of the transmitter control (as stated above) and the number of the subsequent control channel. Control channel There is a point in the signal path where the signal contains all the control information required for a particular servo – this may be directly generated by a transmitter control or indirectly via a mixer – and from this point on we call the signal a control channel. This signal is specific to an individual servo, and is only affected by any adjustments carried out in the „Servo settings“ menu before leaving the transmitter via the RF module in order to control the corresponding servo in the model. Mixer In the signal flow diagram you will see a wide range of mixer functions. Their purpose is to enable a control function to affect multiple servos at the branching point of the mixer input; the range of mixer programs is extremely wide-ranging. For more information please refer to the numerous mixer functions as described in the section starting on page 69 of the manual. External switch The three standard two-position switches, and additional two-position and three-position switches (optional - see Appendix), can also be incorporated into the programming of the transmitter controls. However, all these switches are also capable of controlling various program options, e.g. starting and stopping timers, switching mixers on and off, transferring control in Trainer mode etc. Each external switch function (a total of 8 can be connected to the transmitter circuit board) can be assigned to as many functions as you wish, see examples.
Transmitter control switch It is often desirable to switch a function on or off at a particular position of another transmitter control, e.g. at a defined position of one of the dual-axis sticks. Typical examples are switching a stopwatch on and off, extending spoilers automatically (and many others). The mc-19’s program includes a total of six „control switches“ of this type, which can be assigned to the Ch1 and Ch3 sticks; see page 49. This manual includes a range of instructive examples which make programming as simple as child’s play. Please refer to the programming examples on page 92.
Using the system for the first time 25
Digital trims Description of function, and Ch1 cut-off trim (Cut-off trim for fixed-wing model aircraft and model helicopters) Digital trims with visual and audible indicators Both the dual-axis stick units are fitted with digital trim systems. When you give the trim lever a brief push (one „click“), the neutral position of the stick channel changes by one increment. If you hold the trim lever in one direction, the trim value changes continuously in the corresponding direction with increasing speed. The degree of trim offset is also „audible“, as the pitch of the tone changes to reflect the setting. When you are flying a model you can find the trim centre position easily without having to look at the screen: if you over-run the centre setting, the trim stays in the centre position for a moment. The current trim values are automatically stored when you switch from one model memory to another. The digital trims are also stored separately for each flight phase within a model memory, with the exception of function „Ch1“ (Channel 1), which is the throttle / airbrake trim on a fixed-wing model. The Ch1 trim includes another special function which makes it easy to re-locate the idle throttle setting of a glowplug motor. 1. Fixed-wing models The Ch1 trim features a special cut-off trim which is designed for glowplug motors: You initially use the trim lever in the usual way to select a reliable idle setting for the motor. If you now move the Ch1 trim lever to its end-point in the direction of „motor cut-off“, pushing the lever in a single movement, a marker appears on the screen in the last position. You can now return to the idle setting for starting the motor simply by pushing the stick once in the direction of „open throttle“. The cut-off trim feature is disabled if you enter „none“ in 26 Using the system for the first time
the motor line within the „Model type“ menu (page 39).
Notes: Since this trim function is only effective in the direction of „motor off“, the illustration above will not apply if you reverse the control direction for the throttle minimum position of the Ch1 stick in the „Basic model settings“ menu from „back“ (as shown in the picture above) to „forward“. Of course, you can set the left-hand stick as the Ch1 stick if you prefer; see „Basic model settings“ menu. 2. Model helicopters In helicopter mode the Ch1 trim has another feature in addition to „cut-off trim“ as described under „Fixed-wing models“; this time in conjunction with the „Throttle limit function“: while the throttle limit slider is in the bottom half of its travel, i.e. in the „start-up range“, the Ch1 trim lever acts as idle trim on the throttle limit. For more information please read the section entitled „Throttle limit“ on page 58.
Note regarding helicopters: The Ch1 trim only affects the throttle servo and not the collective pitch servos; it also works evenly
over the full stick travel. Please note that the helicopter throttle servo must be connected to receiver output 6 (see receiver assignment, page 33).
Using the “Data Terminal“ Input buttons and function fields ENTER , ESC , CLEAR , HELP , SEL, STO, CLR, SYM, ASY, Basic method of operating the software The transmitter is programmed using just four buttons situated to the left of the screen, in conjunction with the crucial element: the rotary control („3D rotary control“). Input buttons: • ENTER: The first time you press the ENTER button you move from the basic screen display to the multifunction menus. You also press ENTER to call up a selected menu. • ESC: Pressing the ESC button takes you one step back at the function select stage, and continues to return you through the system until you reach the basic display. • CLEAR: At the programming stage, pressing CLEAR resets a changed parameter back to the default value. CLEAR is also used to leaf through the pages within the Help function. • HELP: At any point in the programming process you can press this button to call up a concise help text which informs you how to use the individual menu in which you are currently located. Within the Help text you can leaf through the screen pages by pressing the HELP button again, and leaf through backwards using the CLEAR button.
, E/A, ➨
Function field: In some menus the bottom line of the screen displays function fields which can be called up using the rotary control.
E/A SEL
STO CLR SYM ASY ENT ➨
Turn the rotary control to move to the function fields:
Press the rotary control to activate a function field: Function fields: • SEL (select):
Select this point
• STO (store):
Store (e.g. a transmitter control position)
• CLR (clear):
Erase (e.g. a curve reference point)
• SYM
Set a symmetrical mixer value
• ASY
Set an asymmetrical mixer value
•
Switch symbol field (assignment of external switches and control switches)
• E/A
Switches menus on and off
• ➨
Shifts to second page within a menu (following menu) Using the system for the first time 27
Basic functions of the „3D rotary control“ Contrast adjustment, multi-function list, menu settings, servo display Functions of the rotary control: The basic method of using the rotary control has already been described on page 27. Here we show an example of using the rotary control in a practical application. First switch the transmitter on.
Servo display:
Call up an input field: Brief press:
• Adjusting screen contrast Press and rotate
Change a value: Brief press: Rotate:
• Select multi-function list
Confirm input and quit: Brief press:
A brief press on the rotary control takes you from the basic display to the servo display. ENTER
ESC Rotate: (select menu)
Call up next parameter field: Rotate:
• Menu settings Press the rotary control or ENTER briefly to move to a menu.
Now select a line: Press and rotate
By turning the rotary control you switch between the parameter fields - in this case „SEL“ and„ - “ in each case the element which can be changed appears in inverse video, i.e. with a black background. Press the rotary control to move from the selected parameter field to the value field, etc. Finally press ESC to return to the multi-function list.
28 Rotary control
Assigning external switches and control switches Basic procedure At many points in the program there is the option of using an external switch or control switch (see below) to operate a function, or to switch between settings, such as the DUAL RATE / EXPO function, flight phase programming, mixers and more. The mc-19 allows you to assign several functions to one switch. The process of assigning switches is exactly the same in all the menus concerned, and we will explain the basic programming procedure at this point so that you can concentrate on the special features when reading the detailed menu descriptions. A switch symbol appears in the bottom line of the screen at all programming points where switches can be assigned:
If you move to this field using the rotary control, the switch symbol field changes to inverse video (black background):
This is how you assign an external switch: 1. Brief press on rotary control
socket number 0 ... 7 to which the switch is connected. The same applies to the Ch1 stick, and the Ch3 stick with model cars and boats: simply move the stick from the desired „switch off“ position in the direction of „switch on“. This completes the assignment process.
Note: The position to which you eventually move the switch (in order to assign it) is accepted by the transmitter as the ON position. For this reason you should move the external switch (or the Ch1 stick, or - cars and boats - the Ch3 stick) to the desired OFF position before you activate the switch symbol by a brief press on the rotary control. 3. Changing the direction of switching: If the switch turns out to work in the wrong direction, you can correct it as follows: move the switch to the desired OFF position, select the switch symbol once more and assign the switch again, this time with the switch direction you prefer. 4. Erasing a switch: Activate the switch symbol as described under Point 2, then press the CLEAR button.
2. The following field appears on the screen: Move desired switch to ON position Simply move the external switch you wish to use to the „ON“ position - regardless of the Switch assignment 29
Fixed-wing model aircraft This program provides convenient support for models with up to two aileron servos and two flap servos (conventional models), models with V-tail, flying wings and deltas with two elevon (aileron / elevator) servos and two flap servos. The majority of power models and gliders belong to the „normal“ tail type with one servo each for elevator, rudder, ailerons and throttle (or electronic speed controller, or airbrakes on a glider). There is also the special model type „2 EL Sv 3+8“ which provides a means of connecting two elevator servos to channels 3 and 8. If your model features two separate aileron servos (and also in some cases two flap servos), the aileron travel of both pairs of control surfaces can be set up with differential movement, i.e. the down-travel can be set independently of the up-travel. Finally the program caters for camber-changing flaps which can be operated by the transmitter control connected to socket „CH6“. Alternatively a phase-specific trim is available for flaps, ailerons and elevator in the menu „Phase trim“.
30
Fixed-wing models
For deltas and flying wings it is easy to set up mixed elevons, i.e. the aileron and elevator functions can be carried out via common control surfaces at the trailing edge of the right and left wing. The program contains the appropriate mixer functions for the two servos as standard. Up to three flight phases can be programmed in each of the 20 model memories. The digital trim positions are stored separately for each flight phase with the exception of the Ch1 trim. The Ch1 trim provides a simple means of relocating the correct idle throttle setting. Two timers are available at all times when flying. The screen also displays the transmitter operating time. The transmitter controls connected to CH5 … 10 can be assigned to any of the inputs 5 … 12 in the „Transmitter control settings“ menu.
The DUAL RATE/EXPO functions for ailerons, rudder, and elevator can be programmed seperately, and you can switch between two variations for each of them. „Depending on the model type you have selected, the „Wing mixers“ menu presents you with up to 12 pre-defined mixers and coupling functions from which you can choose, in addition to three free mixers: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12.
Aileron differential Flap differential Aileron 2 > 4 rudder (switchable) Aileron 2 > 7 flap (switchable) Airbrake 1 > 3 elevator (switchable) Airbrake 1 > 6 flap (switchable) Airbrake 1 > 5 aileron (switchable) Elevator 3 > 6 flap (switchable) Elevator 3 > 5 aileron (switchable) Flap 6 > 3 elevator (switchable) Flap 6 > 5 aileron (switchable) Differential reduction
Fixed-wing model aircraft Receiver socket sequence: The servos must be connected to the receiver outputs in the following order:
Models with „2 EL Sv 3+8“ tail type
Model type V-tail
Models with „normal“ tail type:
Outputs not required are simply left vacant. Please note the following points in particular: • Models with „V-tail“ tail type: •
If you are using only 1 aileron servo, receiver output 5 (right aileron) must be left unused. If you are using only 1 flap servo, receiver output 7 (right flap) must be left unused.
If you are using a Graupner transmitter to control a model fitted with a PPM-FM receiving system made by another manufacturer*, which was formerly flown using a different make of transmitter, e.g. when using the mc-19 for Trainer mode operations, it may be necessary to re-arrange the servo sequence at the receiver outputs as described above. Models with „Delta / Flying wing“ tail type: *GRAUPNER does not guarantee that GRAUPNER radio control systems will work correctly in conjunction with receiving systems and radio control equipment made by other manufacturers.
Different methods of installing servos and control linkages may make it necessary to reverse the direction of rotation of some servos when programming. The following table provides useful information on this:
Delta, flying wing
Servo rotating in wrong direction
Remedy
Rudder and elevator reversed
Reverse servos 3+4 in the “Servo settings“ menu
Rudder correct, elevator reversed
Swap over servos 3+4 at the receiver
Elevator correcht, rudder reversed
Reverse servos 3+4 in the “Servo settings“ menu, and swap over at the receiver
Elevator and ailerons reversed
Reverse servos 2+3 in the “Servo setting“ menu
Elevator correct, ailerons reversed
Reverse servos 2+3 in the “Servo settings“ menu, and swap over at the receiver
Ailerons correct, elevator reversed
Swap over servos 2+3 at the receiver
All menus which are relevant to fixed-wing models are marked with an „aeroplane“ symbol in the „Program descriptions“:
This means that you can easily skip irrelevant menus when programming a fixed-wing model aircraft.
Fixed-wing models
31
Model helicopters The continued development of model helicopters and helicopter components, such as gyros, speed governors, rotor blades etc., has led to the current position where helicopters are capable of sophisticated 3-D aerobatics. In contrast, the beginner to helicopter flying needs a simple set-up so that he can quickly get started on the initial stages of hovering practice, and then gradually work up to more complex models which exploit all the options provided by the mc-19. The mc-19’s helicopter program can cope with all current model helicopters equipped with 1...4 servos for collective pitch control. Each model memory can include two flight phases plus auto-rotation. Three timers are constantly included in the basic screen display. The digital trim settings are stored separately for each flight phase. You can return to the correct idle throttle trim for Ch1 simply by pressing a button.
32 Model helicopters
„Dual Rate“ and „Exponential“ are available for roll, pitch-axis and tail rotor; they can be coupled together, and programmed to provide two settings in each flight phase.
In addition to three linear mixers, which can be assigned in any way you wish and can also be assigned a switch, the „Helicopter mixers“ menu also provides the following pre-programmed mixers:
The transmitter controls connected to CH5 … 10 can be assigned to inputs 5 … 12 in virtually any order. This is carried out in the menu „Transmitter control settings“.
1. 2. 3. 4.
The „Helicopter mixers“ menu provides three-point curves for the collective pitch, throttle and tail rotor mixers, variable separately for each flight phase. These provide non-linear mixer characteristics, and are also available for the roll and pitch-axis swashplate mixers. Independently of this feature, the control curve for the Channel 1 stick can also be defined using three points, separately for each flight phase; this feature is not available for fixed-wing models. These advanced features are not needed by the beginner, who will initially simply set the hover point to coincide with stick travel centre.
The throttle limit function (Input 12 in the „Transmitter control settings“ menu) provides an effective means of starting the motor in any flight phase. By default the slider connected to CH7 on the transmitter circuit board is assigned to input 12, and this control function determines the maximum throttle servo position, i.e. the slider controls the motor over the idle range. If the slider is moved in the direction of full-throttle, the programmed throttle curves then take effect.
Channel 1 > collective pitch (with 3-point curve) Channel 1 > throttle (with 3-point curve) Channel 1 > tail rotor (with 3-point curve) Channel 1 > gyro (with 3-point)
Model helicopters Receiver socket sequence Note for modellers upgrading from earlier GRAUPNER systems: Compared with the previous receiver channel sequence, servo socket 1 (collective pitch servo) and servo socket 6 (throttle servo) have been interchanged. The servos must be connected to the receiver output sockets in the following sequence:
Note: If you are using a smaller receiver (with fewer outputs), or a PPM-FM receiver made by another manufacturer*, e.g. for Trainer mode operations, it may be necessary to re-arrange the receiver servo outputs as described above. You may need to correct the direction of servo rotation using the servo reverse facility located in the „Servo settings“ menu, page 54. All menus which are relevant to model helicopters are marked with a „helicopter“ symbol in the „Program descriptions“:
This means that you can easily skip irrelevant menus when programming a model helicopter. Servo 1
Function Collective pitch or roll 2, pitch-axis 2 (2-, 3- or 4-servo linkage)
2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Roll 1 Pitch-axis 1 Tail rotor (gyro system) Vacant, or pitch-axis 2 (4-servo linkage) Throttle servo or speed controller (electric motor) Gyro gain Vacant, or speed governor
Outputs not required are simply left vacant. *
For more information on the different types of swashplate please refer to the „Basic model settings“ menu described on page 42.
GRAUPNER does not guarantee that GRAUPNER radio control systems will work correctly in conjunction with receiving systems and radio control equipment made by other manufacturers.
Model helicopters
33
Model boats / Model cars Special settings have been incorporated in the mc19 software for model boats and model cars, in order to cope with the increasingly complex demands of multi-function models of this kind.
Flashing light
Ti pp er
m ec ha ni sm
As standard only receiver output 1 is assigned to the left / right function of the right-hand stick, and output 2 to the forward / reverse function of the lefthand stick. The flexibility of the transmitter means that the user has complete freedom in making this basic assignment, and also the assignment of the receiver outputs to the transmitter controls, so that the system fulfils his exact requirements.
Car sound module
Rear light/ brake light
Direction indicator
Headlight
In its standard form the transmitter includes a (software) NAUTIC module (channel multiplier for auxiliary functions), and the modeller can exploit this to control a maximum of 16 switched channels and 11 proportional functions (with the DS 24 receiver). If additional NAUTIC-Expert modules (Order No. 4108) are installed, up to 48 switched channels and 9 proportional functions can be controlled (with the DS 24 receiver).
erse / rev ard w r o F
Right / left
Boat sound module Vertical movement Lamp Radar
Of course, all these options can also be used by builders and operators of model trucks and other ground-based vehicles. The net result is that the mc-19 transmitter is so versatile that it represents a true multi-function radio control system even in its basic form.
Fire monitor
Fire monitor Lamp Fire monitor Lamp
The two pictures show a range of typical functions fitted to these types of model. Our programming example is based on the WESER fire-fighting cruiser, but the same principles apply to other comparable models.
Righ t/ left / reverse Forward
34
Model boats / Model cars
Nautic Channel Nautic module (channel multiplier for auxiliary functions) The mc-19 features a software-based Nautic channel which can be assigned to the desired control output (1 … 12) n the menu „Basic model settings“.
Once you have assigned a channel to the „Nautic channel“, the „Nautic module“ menu appears in the basic menu.
These are activated and assigned in the usual way simply by operating them (see page 29).
At the receiver all you require is the optional NAUTIC Expert switch module, Order No. 4159, which can carry out all 16 switched functions.
Note: The control function which is used as the Nautic channel - in our example: control function 1 - is then suppressed in the „Servo settings“ menu, as it can only be used as the Nautic channel.
To obtain a forward - stop - reverse function, connect the reversing module to the Expert switch module using a synchronous distributor lead; in this case note that one plug of the reversing module must be connected with reversed polarity (file off the edges of this plug slightly). For directly connected electrical consumer units, an external power supply is required, e.g. a GRAUPNER receiver battery of adequate capacity; this is also required for operating relays. Other batteries with a voltage of up to 20 V can be connected using the connecting lead, Order No. 3941.6.
In the „Nautic module“ menu you can assign up to eight different control functions (inputs A … H) to the selected channel (in our example: 1). NAUTIC Expert switch module Sixteen switched functions can be controlled by each switch module: up to eight electrical consumers, such as filament bulbs, LEDs etc., with a maximum current drain of 0.7 A each, can be connected directly to the module (battery wiring diagram: Fig. 1).
See page 119 for the complete range of NAUTIC accessories, together with details of connecting them.
Two switched functions are possible for each socket using the 3-core lead, Order No. 3941.6. All the available external switches, transmitter controls, stick units and trim switches can be assigned to CH5 … CH10.
For electric motors or other electrical consumers drawing currents higher than 0.7 A you need to use supplementary NAUTIC switch modules or reversing modules. Nautic channel 35
Detailed description of programming Reserving a new memory If you have already read through to this point in the manual you will undoubtedly have made your first attempt at programming the system already. Even so, it is important to describe each menu here in detail, to ensure that you have comprehensive instructions for each application you are likely to encounter. In this section we start with setting up a „free“ model memory prior to „programming“ a new model:
ENTER
ESC
Basic transmitter display From the basic display press ENTER to move to the „Multi-function menu“. You can return to the basic screen at any time by pressing ESC. Note: Adjust the screen contrast if necessary by pressing and turning the rotary control. If necessary select the „Model select“ menu from the list using the rotary control. Now press ENTER or the rotary control to move on to the „Model select“ menu.
Caution: All the transmitter’s functions are barred, and the transmitter does not broadcast a signal, until you confirm the model type you have selected. If you switch off the transmitter before you set the model type, the screen automatically switches to the display shown at the bottom of the page when turned on again. You must always define a model type! • If the warning „Throttle too high“ appears on the screen .. Thr too
ENTER
ESC
ENTER
ENTER
ESC
The model memories marked „**free**“ are not yet in use. Memories which are already occupied appear with the model name at the appropriate point, as entered in the menu „Basic model settings“ (page 38). Use the rotary control to select one of the free model memories 1 to 20, then press ENTER or the rotary control. You are now invited to select the basic model type, i.e. either „fixed-wing“, „helicopter“, „boat“ or „car“. Use the rotary control to select the appropriate model type, then press the rotary control or the ENTER button to confirm your choice. The screen switches back to the basic display: the model memory is now reserved. It is now only possible to change this model memory to a different model type if you first erase the model memory („Model memory“ menu, page 37).
36 Program description
high!
.. move the throttle stick back in the direction of idle.
Note: This warning only appears if the throttle setting is not at idle, in accordance with the settings you have entered in the „Motor“ section of the „Basic model settings“ menu. (see page 39) If you are not using a motor, enter „none“ at this point; this disables the throttle warning message. • If the message „Set Fail-Safe“ appears on the screen .. Set Fail Safe
.. please read the section describing the „Failsafe“ menu on pages 88 ... 91.
Model memories Select model Erase model Copy model -> model “Select model“ The transmitter can store up to 20 complete sets of model data, including the digital trim values set by the four trim levers. The trims are automatically stored, which means that the settings you have carefully established through test-flying are not lost when you swap models. If you have entered a model name in the „Basic model settings“ menu (page 38), the name appears after the model number. Use the rotary control to select the „Select model“ line, and press ENTER or the rotary control.
Use the rotary control to select from the list the model you wish to use …
... and confirm your selection by pressing the rotary control, or press ENTER. Pressing ESC takes you back to the previous menu page without switching models.
Notes: • If the warning message „Throttle too high“ appears when you switch models, the throttle stick (Ch1) is set towards full throttle and should be moved back to idle. • If the message „Set Fail-Safe“ appears when
•
you switch models, you should check your FailSafe settings. This only applies if the transmitter is set to PCM20 or SPCM20 transmission mode. If the battery voltage is too low, it may not be possible to switch model memories for safety reasons. In this case the screen displays this message: Not possible now Battery voltage too low
“Erase model“ Use the rotary control to select the line „Erase model“, and press ENTER or the rotary control.
Use the rotary control to select from the list the model you wish to erase …
… and press the rotary control. The program responds with the security query: „Do you really want to erase model …?“
If you answer NO, the process is interrupted, and you are returned to the previous screen page. If you answer YES with the rotary control and confirm your choice with ENTER, or by pressing the rotary control, then the selected model memory is erased.
Caution: The erasure process is irrevocable. All model memory data is reset to the factory default settings. Note: If you wish to erase the currently active model memory in the basic display, you will be required to define the model type „Heli“, „Fixed-wing“, „Boat“ or „Car“ immediately. However, if you erase a non-active model memory, then the message „**free**“ appears in the Model select menu. “Copy model → model“ Use the rotary control to select the line „Copy model > model, and press ENTER or the rotary control:
Select the model to be copied using the rotary control …
... and press the rotary control. In the “Copy to model“ window you now select the target memory Program description: Model memories 37
Basic model settings Basic model-specific settings for fixed-wing model aircraft
MODE 1 Throttle at left stick
full throttle left aileron
elev. up
idle
MODE 4 Throttle at right stick
MODE 3 Throttle at left stick
idle
left rudder
right rudder
right aileron
right rudder
idle
elev. down
full throttle
full throttle
left rudder
elev. down
right aileron
left aileron
elev. down right rudder
elev. up
elev. up
38 Program description: Basic settings, fixed-wing model
full throttle
elev. down
right aileron
The model name appears in the basic display, and also in the „Select model“ and „Copy / Erase“ menus.
MODE 2 Throttle at right stick
right aileron
Use the rotary control to select the first character in the symbol field. A short press on the rotary control (or turning it when pressed in) moves to the next position in the name, at which you can again select a character. Pressing CLEAR inserts a space at that point. Select each character in the name with the rotary control pressed in. The next space is indicated by a double arrow <—> below the input field.
right rudder
Selecting NO interrupts the process, and returns you to the previous page. If you select YES with the rotary control and confirm your choice with ENTER or by pressing the rotary control, then the selected model is copied into the chosen target model memory.
You can enter up to 11 characters to define a model name. Switch to the next screen page (➨) with a brief press of the rotary control; here you can enter the model name by selecting characters from a symbol list:
left rudder
When you confirm the selected model memory by pressing the rotary control or pressing ENTER, the security query appears: „“Do you really want to copy model … to … ?“
left rudder
Model name
Stick mode Basically there are four possible ways of arranging the principal control functions of a fixed-wing model on the two dual-axis sticks: the primary functions are aileron, elevator, rudder and throttle (or airbrakes) for a fixed-wing model. Which of these options you select depends on your individual preferences and flying style. Once you have selected „Stick mode“ you will see SEL at the bottom edge of the screen. Press the rotary control, and the current stick mode is displayed with a black background. Now use the rotary control to select one of the options 1 to 4. Pressing CLEAR resets the function to stick mode „1“.
left aileron
Before you start programming specific parameters, some basic settings must be entered which apply only to the currently active model memory. Select the menu line in the usual way with the rotary control pressed in.
left aileron
and confirm your choice with ENTER or a brief press on the rotary control. Alternatively you can interrupt the process with ESC. It is possible to overwrite a model memory which already contains model data.
elev. up
Modulation
Motor at Ch1
Once you have selected „Modulation“ you will see SEL at the bottom edge of the screen. Press the rotary control, and the current modulation is displayed with a black background. Now use the rotary control to select one of the four possible modulations. The modulation you set takes effect at once, i.e. you can immediately test the signal transmission to the receiver. Pressing CLEAR switches to „PCM20“ modulation.
“none“:
The mc-19 transmitter differentiates between four different types of modulation:
PCM20:
System resolution of 512 steps per channel, for „mc“ or „DS mc“ type PCM receivers, for up to 10 servos. SPCM20: Super PCM modulation with high system resolution of 1024 steps per control function, for „smc“ type receivers, for up to 10 servos. PPM18: Most commonly used standard transmission mode (FM or FMsss) for all other types of GRAUPNER PPM-FM receivers, for up to 9 servos. PPM24: PPM multi-servo transmission mode for simultaneous operation of up to 12 servos. For the „DS 24 FM S“ receiver.
“Throttle min. back“: “Throttle min. forward“:
The model is a glider, with no motor. The throttle warning message „Throttle too high“ is disabled (see page 20). The idle position of the throttle / airbrake stick (Ch1) is back, i.e. towards the pilot. The idle position of the throttle / airbrake stick (Ch1) is forward, i.e. away from the pilot.
Notes: • The Ch1 trim acts only at the idle end of the range, i.e. only at the „back“ or „forward“ end of the stick travel. You can check the setting in the „Servo display“ menu. • Cut-off trim: this special function is described on page 26 Tail
“normal“:
includes all powered models and gliders in which each of the functions elevator and rudder is operated by one servo. “V-tail“: The elevator and rudder controls are operated by two control surfaces set in a V-shape, each controlled by a separate servo. The two-way coupling function for the rudder and elevator control systems is automatically carried out by the program. The ratio of rudder travel to elevator travel can be adjusted in the „Dual Rate“ menu (page 62). “Delta/Flying The mixed elevon (aileron and ele wing“: vator) control system requires two separate servos, one in each wing. Two further wing flaps can also be controlled. “2 EL Sv 3+8“: This option is designed for model aircraft with two elevator servos. When the elevator stick is moved, the servo connected to receiver output 8 moves in parallel with standard elevator servo. The elevator trim lever affects both servos. Note regarding „2 EL Sv 3+8“: In this mode a transmitter control which is assigned to input 8 in the „Transmitter control settings“ menu is de-coupled from servo „8“; this is for safety reasons.
Most fixed-wing model aircraft have a „normal tail“. For example, this Program description: Basic settings, fixed-wing model 39
Ailerons / Camber-changing flaps
seconds using the right field, then the stopwatch counts backward from the set time. If the switch is OFF, both timers can be stopped from the basic display by pressing ESC, then reset to the initial value using CLEAR.
Once you have selected the „Aileron / Flap“ line you will see SEL at the bottom edge of the screen. Press the rotary control, and the current setting is displayed with a black background. Now use the rotary control to select one of the three options. The mixers and associated adjustment facilities which appear in the „Wing mixers“ menu vary according to the data you enter here. The software provides a maximum of 12 ready-made mixers for up to two aileron servos and two camber-changing flap servos. Timers
For more information on the Trainer system please refer to page 52. Receiver output
Since the timers are equally applicable to all four model types, a more detailed description of the timer functions can be found on page 48. Phase 2 bzw. Phase 3
Once you have selected the appropriate line you will see SEL at the bottom edge of the screen. Use the rotary control to select a suitable name from the 16 pre-sets, and assign a switch using the switch symbol at bottom right.
Press the rotary control to move to the next page of the display. Here you can assign the „control channels“ for servos 1 … 12 to any receiver output you wish to use. However, please note that the display in „Servo display“ refers exclusively to the „control channels“, i.e. the outputs are not swapped over. This enables you to adjust the default sequence of the receiver outputs to match other makes* of radio control system, and also to suit receivers with a smaller number of servo sockets.
For more information on flight phase programming please refer to page 68. Two timers are shown in the basic display: one stopwatch and one flight timer. In this menu point these timers can be assigned to a switch using the switch symbol on the right; this switch is then used to turn the timer on and off. Once a switch has been assigned, if either of the timers is started with an initial value of „0:00“, it will run forward up to a maximum of 999 minutes and 59 seconds, after which it restarts at „0:00“. On the other hand, if you use the left SEL field to set a time of up to 180 minutes, and a time of up to 59
Trainer
In this menu line you can assign a „transfer switch“ for Trainer (teacher / pupil) mode operations, using the switch symbol at bottom right.
40 Program description: Basic settings, fixed-wing model
*
GRAUPNER does not guarantee that GRAUPNER radio control systems will work correctly in conjunction with receiving systems and radio control equipment made by other manufacturers.
Basic model settings Basic model-specific settings for model helicopters
Once you have selected „Stick mode“ you will see SEL at the bottom edge of the screen. Press the rotary control, and the current stick mode is displayed with a black background. Now use the rotary control to select one of the options 1 to 4. Pressing CLEAR resets the function to stick mode „1“.
Once you have selected „Modulation“ you will see SEL at the bottom edge of the screen. Press the rotary control, and the current modulation is displayed with a black background. Now use the rotary control to select one of the four possible modulations. The modulation you set takes effect at once, i.e. you can immediately test the signal transmission to the receiver. Pressing CLEAR switches to „PCM20“ modulation. The mc-19 transmitter differentiates between four different types of modulation:
MODE 1 Throttle at left stick
roll
pitch axis
throttle
throttle
PCM20:
roll
roll
throttle tail rotor
pitch axis
pitch axis
MODE 4 Throttle at right stick
MODE 3 Throttle at left stick
Select each character in the name with the rotary control pressed in. The next space is indicated by a double arrow <—> below the input field.
System resolution of 512 steps per channel, for „mc“ or „DS mc“ type PCM receivers, for up to 10 servos. SPCM20: Super PCM modulation with high system resolution of 1024 steps per control function, for „smc“ type receivers, for up to 10 servos. PPM18: Most commonly used standard transmission mode (FM or FMSSS) for all other types of GRAUPNER PPM-FM receivers, for up to 9 servos. PPM24:
throttle
tail rotor
right rudder
throttle
pitch axis tail rotor
pitch axis
throttle
throttle tail rotor
roll
pitch axis
roll
The model name appears in the basic display, and also in the „Select model“ and „Copy / Erase“ menus.
throttle
roll
tail rotor
pitch axis tail rotor
Use the rotary control to select the first character in the symbol field. A short press on the rotary control (or turning it when pressed in) moves to the next position in the name, at which you can again select a character. Pressing CLEAR inserts a space at that point.
MODE 2 Throttle at right stick
left rudder
You can enter up to 11 characters to define a model name. Switch to the next screen page (➨) with a brief press of the rotary control; here you can enter the model name by selecting characters from a symbol list:
Modulation
tail rotor
Model name
Stick mode Basically there are four possible ways of arranging the principal control functions of a model helicopter on the two dual-axis sticks: the primary functions are roll, pitch-axis, tail rotor and throttle / collective pitch. Which of these options you select depends on your individual preferences and flying style.
tail rotor
Before you start programming specific parameters, some basic settings must be entered which apply only to the currently active model memory. Select the menu line in the usual way with the rotary control pressed in.
PPM multi-servo transmission mode for simultaneous operation of up to 12 servos. For the „DS 24 FM S“ receiver.
pitch axis
Program description: Basic settings, model helicopter 41
The mc-19 includes several programs for controlling the swashplate, differing in the number of servos which are used to provide collective pitch control. Hold the rotary control pressed in initially to select the „Swashplate type“ line …
CLEAR resets the swashplate type to „1 servo“. The swashplate mixer ratios are set in the „Heli mixers“ menu, in the same way as swashplate rotation.
Swashplate type
Swashplate type: 1 servo
2
Swashplate type: 3 servos (2 pitch-axis)
1
3 2
… then press the rotary control briefly to set the number of servos in the inverse field. “1 Servo“:
The swashplate is tilted by one roll / pitch-axis servo. Collective pitch is controlled by one separate servo.
“2 servo“:
The swashplate is moved axially by two roll servos for collective pitch control; pitch-axis control is de-coupled by a mechanical compensating rocker (HEIM mechanics).
Swashplate type: 2 servos
3Sv (2roll): Symmetrical three-point swashplate linkage using three linkage points arranged equally at 120°, actuated by one pitch-axis servo (front or rear) and two roll servos (left and right). For collective pitch control all three servos move the swashplate axially. 3Sv (2 pitch:Symmetrical three-point linkage as axis) above, but rotated through 90°, i.e. one roll servo on one side, and two pitchaxis servos front and rear. 4Sv (90°):
Four-point swashplate linkage using two roll and two pitch-axis servos.
42 Program description: Basic settings, model helicopter
Swashplate type: 4 servos (90°) 2 pitch-axis / 2 roll
2
2
5 1
3 1
Direction of rotation of main rotor In this line you enter the direction of rotation of the main rotor: „left“:
viewed from above, the main rotor rotates anti-clockwise.
„right“:
viewed from above, the main rotor rotates clockwise.
Collective pitch min At this point you can set up the direction of operation of the throttle / collective pitch stick to suit your preference. This setting is crucial to the correct operation of all the other options in the helicopter program which affect the throttle and collective pitch function, i.e. the throttle curve, idle trim, channel 1 > tail rotor mixer etc. The meaning is as follows:
CLEAR switches to „left“.
„forward“:Minimum collective pitch when the collective pitch stick (Ch1) is „forward“ (away from you); „back“:
Minimum collective pitch when the collective pitch stick (Ch1) is „back“ (towards you).
CLEAR sets the collective pitch min. position to „forward“.
right-hand rotation
left-hand rotation
The program requires this information in order to set up the mixers to work in the correct „sense“; this applies to the following mixers which compensate for rotor torque and motor power: „Heli mixers“ menu: Channel 1 → collective pitch, Channel 1 → throttle, Channel 1 → tail rotor, Channel 1 → gyro,
Timers
Two timers are shown in the basic display: one stopwatch and one flight timer. In this menu point these timers can be assigned to a switch using the switch symbol on the right; this switch is then used to turn the timer on and off. Once a switch has been assigned, if either of the timers is started with an initial value of „0:00“, it will run forward up to a maximum of 999 minutes and 59 seconds, after which it restarts at „0:00“. On the other hand, if you use the left SEL field to set a time of up to 180 minutes, and a time of up to 59 seconds using the right field, then the stopwatch counts backward from the set time. If the switch is OFF, both timers can be stopped from the basic display by pressing ESC, then reset to the initial value using CLEAR. Since the timers are equally applicable to all four model types, a more detailed description of the timer functions can be found on page 48. Phase 2
Note: The Ch1 trim always affects the throttle servo only. As standard what is known as the „throttle limiter“ is set (see page 58); this limits the travel of the throttle servo in the direction of maximum throttle, acting separately from the collective pitch servos. This point can be programmed in the „Transmitter control settings“ menu for Input 12.
In this line you can select the SEL field, then use the rotary control to select a suitable name from the
Program description: Basic settings, model helicopter 43
10 pre-sets, and assign a switch using the switch symbol at bottom right.
Receiver output
Auto-rotation
The name „Auto-rotation“ is permanently assigned to Phase 3, and cannot be altered. The only available option is to assign a switch to it using the switch symbol at bottom right on the screen.
Note: The „Auto-rotation“ flight phase has precedence over all other flight phases. Trainer
Press the rotary control to move to the next page of the display. Here you can assign the „control channels“ for servos 1 … 12 to any receiver output you wish to use. However, please note that the display in „Servo display“ refers exclusively to the „control channels“, i.e. the outputs are not swapped over. This enables you to adjust the default sequence of the receiver outputs to match other makes* of system, and also to suit receivers with a smaller number of servo sockets.
In this menu line you can assign a „transfer switch“ for Trainer (teacher / pupil) mode operations, using the switch symbol at bottom right. For more information on the Trainer system please refer to page 52.
*
GRAUPNER does not guarantee that GRAUPNER radio control systems will work correctly in conjunction with receiving systems and radio control equipment made by other manufacturers.
44 Program description: Basic settings, model helicopter
Basic model settings Basic model-specific settings for model cars and boats
Before you start programming specific parameters, some basic settings must be entered which apply only to the currently active model memory. Select the menu line in the usual way with the rotary control pressed in.
Modulation
switch symbol on the right; this switch is then used to turn the timer on and off.
Model name
You can enter up to 11 characters to define a model name. Switch to the next screen page (➨) with a brief press of the rotary control; here you can enter the model name by selecting characters from a symbol list:
Once you have selected „Modulation“ you will see SEL at the bottom edge of the screen. Press the rotary control, and the current modulation is displayed with a black background. Now use the rotary control to select one of the four possible modulations. The modulation you set takes effect at once, i.e. you can immediately test the signal transmission to the receiver. Pressing CLEAR switches to „PCM20“ modulation. The mc-19 transmitter differentiates between four different types of modulation: PCM20:
Use the rotary control to select the first character in the symbol field. A short press on the rotary control (or turning it when pressed in) moves to the next position in the name, at which you can again select a character. Pressing CLEAR inserts a space at that point. Select each character in the name with the rotary control pressed in. The next space is indicated by a double arrow <—> below the input field. The model name appears in the basic display, and also in the „Select model“ and „Copy / Erase“ menus.
System resolution of 512 steps per channel, for „mc“ or „DS mc“ type PCM receivers, for up to 10 servos. SPCM20: Super PCM modulation with high system resolution of 1024 steps per control function, for „smc“ type receivers, for up to 10 servos. PPM18: Most commonly used standard transmission mode (FM or FMSSS) for all other types of GRAUPNER PPM-FM receivers, for up to 9 servos. PPM24: PPM multi-servo transmission mode for simultaneous operation of up to 12 servos. For the „DS 24 FM S“ receiver. Timers Two timers are shown in the basic display: one stopwatch and one „run“ timer. In this menu point these timers can be assigned to a switch using the
Once a switch has been assigned, if either of the timers is started with an initial value of „0:00“, it will run forward up to a maximum of 999 minutes and 59 seconds, after which it restarts at „0:00“. On the other hand, if you use the left SEL field to set a time of up to 180 minutes, and a time of up to 59 seconds using the right field, then the stopwatch counts backward from the set time. If the switch is OFF, both timers can be stopped from the basic display by pressing ESC, then reset to the initial value using CLEAR. Since the timers are equally applicable to all four model types, a more detailed description of the timer functions can be found on page 48. Nautic channel
The mc-19 features a software-based Nautic channel which can be assigned to the desired control output (1 … 12) in this menu. Once you have assigned a channel to the „Nautic channel“, the „Nautic module“ menu appears in the basic menu. For more details of this please see page 51.
Program description: Basic settings, model car and boat 45
Once you have selected „Nautic channel“ you will see SEL at the bottom edge of the screen. Press the rotary control, and the select field is displayed with a black background. Now use the rotary control to select one of the 12 control channels. Pressing CLEAR switches back to „??“. Receiver output
Press the rotary control to move to the next page of the display. Here you can assign the „control channels“ for servos 1 … 12 to any receiver output you wish to use. However, please note that the display in „Servo display“ refers exclusively to the „control channels“, i.e. the outputs are not swapped over. This enables you to adjust the default sequence of the receiver outputs to match other makes* of system, and also to suit receivers with a smaller number of servo sockets.
*
GRAUPNER does not guarantee that GRAUPNER radio control systems will work correctly in conjunction with receiving systems and radio control equipment made by other manufacturers.
46 Program description: Basic settings, model car and boat
47
Timers Timers in the basic display
You will find the „Timer“ sub-menu in the „Basic model settings“ menu. To carry out timer settings, hold the rotary control pressed in and select the appropriate line of the display. „„Stopwatch“ and „Flight timer“/„Run timer““ These two timers are located in the right-hand half of the basic screen display. The stopwatch can be set to count up or down, and can be started and stopped using any external switch or control switch (see next page). To set the switch select the switch symbol field at the bottom edge of the screen. The method of assigning a switch / control switch is described on page 29. If the timer has been stopped, pressing CLEAR in the basic display resets it to the programmed initial value; see below („Timer“ section). The flight (or run) timer always starts when the stopwatch is started, but it continues to run even when you stop the stopwatch. It can only be stopped by pressing ESC when the stopwatch is already stopped. It can only be reset to 0:00 in the stopped state by pressing CLEAR.
48 Program description: Basic setting, Timers
Switching between “count-up“ and “countdown“ Count-up timer: If you assign a switch to the timer, and if it is programmed to start running at the initial value „0:00“, it will count „up“ until a maximum of 999 minutes and 59 seconds, at which point it starts again at 0:00. „Timer“ (count-down timer) Use the left-hand SEL field to set a start time within the range 0 to 180 minutes and use the righthand SEL field to set a start time between 0 and 59 seconds (or any combination of the two). (CLEAR = „0“ or „00“). Procedure: 1. Select the SEL field with the rotary control, 2. Brief press on the rotary control, 3. Set the pre-set time in the inverse minutes / seconds field using the rotary control (not pressed in), 4. A brief press on the rotary control concludes the process. When you operate the assigned switch, the timers start from this pre-set initial value and count backward („timer function“). If necessary, you can reset the timer beforehand by pressing CLEAR in the basic display. When the pre-set time has elapsed, the timer does not stop; instead it continues running so that you can read off the over-run, i.e. the time elapsed after zero.
Once you have completed the settings in the „Timer“ sub-menu, the screen displays the set value; in our example this is 10.00 minutes. The timer starts counting down when you operate the assigned switch or transmitter control. Audible signal sequence: 30 sec. before zero: triple tone single tone every two seconds 20 sec. before zero: double tone single tone every two seconds 10 sec. before zero: every second single tone every second 5 sec. before zero: every second, at higher frequency null: long tone, display switches to inverse video Press CLEAR with the timer stopped to reset the „Timer“.
Note: Count-down timers are identified in the basic display by a flashing colon (:) between the minutes and seconds fields. If you have selected „boat“ or „car“ as the model type, the procedure for using the timers is exactly the same, except that the name „Run time“ is substituted for „Flight time“.
Control switches
Control switches
Automating switching processes
Automating switching processes
Many functions are best controlled automatically by a particular (freely programmable) position of the Ch1 transmitter stick, rather than by a conventional external switch.
Many functions are best controlled automatically by a particular (freely programmable) position of the Ch1 or the Ch3... transmitter stick, rather than by a conventional external switch.
Typical applications • Switching an on-board glowplug energiser on and off, according to the throttle position or motor speed. In this case the switch for the plug energiser is controlled by a mixer at the transmitter. • Switching a stopwatch on and off, to time the motor run of an electric motor. • Switching a coupled aileron / rudder mixer (aileron 2 > 4 rudder) on and off automatically when airbrakes are extended, for example, to allow you to match the model’s angle of bank to the slope of the ground when landing on a ridge, as the mixed rudder would affect the model’s heading at this time. • Extending the airbrakes plus automatic elevator pitch trim compensation on the landing approach when the throttle stick is reduced below a preset switching point.
Typical applications • Switching an on-board glowplug energiser on and off, according to the throttle position or motor speed. In this case the switch for the plug energiser is controlled by a mixer at the transmitter. • Switching a stopwatch on and off, to time the motor run of an electric motor. • etc.
The mc-19 transmitter’s software features two of these control switches which can be assigned to the Ch1 stick: „G1“ is triggered at around -80% of full travel, and „G2“ at around +80%. Both control switches can be included without restriction in the free programming of the switches, i.e. they can be assigned to a function instead of an external (physical) switch. This means that you are given the opportunity to assign one of the control switches G1 or G2 instead of an external switch at any point in the software where switches are assigned. All you have to do is move the Ch1 stick from its end-point (= off) in the direction of neutral.
Both control switches can be included without restriction in the free programming of the switches, i.e. they can be assigned to a function instead of an external (physical) switch.
The mc-19 transmitter’s software for model cars and boats features six of these control switches for these purposes; they can be assigned to the Ch1 and Ch3 sticks: „G1“ and „G3“ are switched on at around -80% of full travel, while „G2“ and „G4“ are switched on at around +80%. „G5“ and „G6“ are both „on“ at both sides of the neutral point, if the associated stick is moved from the centre position by more than about 10%.
This means that you are able to assign one of the control switches G1 … G6 instead of an external switch at any point in the software where switches are assigned. All you have to do is move the Ch1 or Ch3 stick from its end-point (= off) in the direction of neutral, or either forward or back from the neutral setting.
Program description: Basic settings, Control switches 49
Receiver output Changing servo assignment
settings such as servo travel adjustment, Dual Rate / Expo, mixers etc., you must always refer to the receiver assignment as defined in the basic setup.
The mc-19 software enables the user to swap over all servo outputs 1 to maximum 12, in order to obtain maximum flexibility in respect of receiver servo assignment. This facility is provided on the second page of the „Receiver output“ sub-menu in the „Basic model settings“ menu.
Typical applications: • If you are using a smaller receiver with six or even just four servo sockets, it may be necessary to swap over the receiver servo sockets in order, for example, to control a second camberchanging flap, a second aileron servo or a tail rotor gyro. • Interchanging servo sockets can also be necessary for Trainer mode operations when using a model set up for a different make of equipment, to avoid having to re-connect the servos at the receiver. • In the mc-19 helicopter program the outputs for the collective pitch servo and the throttle servo are different from all earlier GRAUPNER/JR mc systems: the throttle servo is now assigned to receiver output „6“ and the collective pitch servo to output „1“, and it may be that you prefer to retain the earlier configuration. In all these cases the facilities offered in this menu point will help you. Without having to carry out any further alterations concerning the many set-up parameters, mixer functions etc., you simply enter the new servo assignment in the software. However, if you subsequently have to make changes to
Example: Helicopter program: you wish to assign the throttle servo at receiver output 6 to output 1, and move the collective pitch servo from output 1 to output 6: Select the „Output 1“ line on the screen display and then press the rotary control briefly. Now turn the rotary control in the now inverse field containing the servo number, so that servo No. 6 is assigned to output 1 …
… and, in the same way, servo No. 1 is assigned to output 6:
Press CLEAR line by line if you wish to switch back to the default settings. However, if you now wish to change the throttle servo setting, note that the adjustments must be carried out in the line for „Servo 6“ in the „Servo adjustments“ menu.
50 Program description: Basic settings, Receiver output
Notes: • If you swap over the receiver outputs, please note that the programmed fail-safe settings „Hold“ and „Pos.“ in SPCM20 mode always refer to the receiver socket numbers, and the battery fail-safe settings in PCM20 mode always refer to outputs 1 to 8. • Please note also that the display of servo positions in the „Servo position“ menu always refers to the control channel number or „servo number“, and not to the receiver outputs, which may have been swapped over. The „Servo position“ menu is accessed by a brief press on the rotary control from the transmitter’s basic display.
Nautic Module (Channel multiplier for auxiliary functions) The mc-19 features a software-based Nautic channel which can be assigned to the desired control output (1 … 12) in the „Basic model settings“ menu.
Once you have assigned a channel to the „Nautic channel“, the „Nautic module“ menu appears in the basic menu.
These are assigned in the usual way simply by selecting the desired input with the rotary control pressed in, and then activating the input field with a short press on the rotary control as you operate the selected control (see also page 29).
At the receiver all you require is the optional NAUTIC Expert switch module, Order No. 4159, which is capable of carrying out all the appropriate auxiliary functions from the receiver.
In the „Nautic module“ menu you can assign up to eight different control functions (inputs A … H) to the selected channel (in our example: 1). You can assign all the available external switches, transmitter controls, stick units, trim switches 1 … 4, and other controls connected to CH5 … CH10, completely without restriction.
Note: The control function which is used as the Nautic channel - in our example: control function 1 - is then suppressed in the „Servo settings“ menu, as it can only be used as the Nautic channel.
Program description: Basic settings, Nautic channel 51
Trainer mode Total control center
The model to be controlled by the pupil must be programmed completely in one of the Teacher transmitter’s model memories, including all its functions, trims and any mixed functions. When control is transferred to the pupil, the Pupil transmitter only passes out the signals from the sticks and any other transmitter controls which may be connected. Only a total transfer of control is possible. All the parts which need to be installed are included in the opto-electronic Trainer system set, Order No. 3289. See the Appendix for instructions on installing the system components. Setting up the Teacher transmitter You must assign a Trainer transfer switch; this is done on the right of the screen. We recommend the momentary switch, Order No. 4160.1, or the kickswitch (converted to momentary switch function; see Appendix), Order No. 4144, as these switches enable the flight tutor to regain control instantly at any time. The Teacher transmitter can be operated in PPM18, PPM24, PCM20 or SPCM20 transmission mode.
Setting up the Pupil transmitter The Pupil transmitter must be fitted with a Trainer pupil module; this unit is connected to the transmitter circuit board instead of the RF module, and transfers the control signals via the light-pipe lead.
mc-10*, mc-12*, mc-14, mc-15, mc-16, mc-16/20, mc-17, mc-18, mc-20, mc-19, mx-22** and mc-24, with 4 to 8 control functions. * **
Requires Pupil module, Order No. 3290.10. Requires Pupil module, Order No. 3290.33.
Important: The Pupil transmitter must always be set to operate in PPM mode, regardless of the modulation set on the Teacher transmitter. The control functions of the Pupil transmitter must act directly on the control channels, i.e. the receiver outputs, without the involvement of any type of mixer. If you are using an „mc“ or „mx“-series transmitter it is best to erase a free model memory and use that memory in its basic setting. The stick mode of the Pupil transmitter should be set to suit the pupil’s preference, either by swapping over the connecting leads of the transmitter controls, or - in the case of mc and mx-series transmitters - simply by selecting stick mode 1...4. Be sure to set up the throttle / collective pitch function and the idle trim correctly on the Pupil transmitter. With „D“ and „FM“ type transmitters you must also check the direction of servo rotation and make corrections if necessary. All other functions are carried out by the Teacher transmitter. When assigning the control functions the usual conventions must be observed:
The following transmitters can be used as the Pupil unit: GRAUPNER/JR FM414, FM4014, FM6014, 52 Program description: Basic settings, Trainer mode
Channel
Function
1
Throttle / Collective pitch
2
Aileron / Roll
3
Elevator / Pitch-axis
4
Rudder / Tail rotor
Trainer operations - total control transfer Link the two transmitters using the light-pipe lead: the plug marked „M“ (Master) must be fitted in the socket on the Teacher transmitter, and the plug marked „S“ (Slave) in the socket of the Pupil transmitter. Switch both transmitters on. You must assign a transfer switch for Trainer mode operations. This is carried out in the „Basic model settings“ menu.
If the switch is closed, i.e. activated, then the system is in Trainer mode. The Teacher transmitter can only resume control of the model by operating the transfer switch. In Trainer mode the basic display does not change in any way. Checking that the system works correctly: Operate the Trainer switch you have assigned: • If the Trainer system is working correctly, there will be no error message when you operate the assigned transfer switch.
• If the screen displays „no Pupil signal“ on the left, the link between the Pupil transmitter and the Teacher transmitter is defective. If this should happen, all functions are transferred automatically to the Teacher transmitter regardless of the switch position, to ensure that the model is never out of control. If the Trainer link is not correct, or if the Trainer system is not connected at all, the following warning message appears in the „Basic model settings“ menu and also on the basic display: no pupil signal Possible faults: • Interface in Pupil transmitter not connected correctly in place of the RF module • Pupil transmitter not ready for use • Pupil transmitter not set to PPM mode • Light-pipe not connected properly • Light-pipe lead loose in plug: if this should happen, press lightly on the end of the connector (1) to release the light-pipe clamp mechanism, then push the light-pipe lead (2) in as far as it will go.
1
2
Check that there is no dirt or dust in the lightpipe openings. Program description: Basic settings, Trainer mode 53
Servo settings Servo direction, centre, travel
In this menu you can adjust parameters which only affect the servo connected to a particular receiver output, namely the direction of servo rotation, neutral point and servo travel. Basic procedure: 1. Hold the rotary control pressed in and select the relevant servo (1 to 12). 2. Turn the rotary control to select SEL, SYM or ASY in the bottom line, prior to making the adjustments required. 3. Press the rotary control: the corresponding input field goes into inverse video (dark background). 4. Set the appropriate value using the rotary control. 5. Finally press the rotary control again to end the input process.
Important: The numbers in the servo designations refer to the receiver output socket to which a particular servo is connected. These numbers do not necessarily coincide with the numbering of the transmitter control function inputs, and indeed any coincidence would be purely accidental. The mc-19’s sophisticated programs mean that the numbers are unlikely to be the same in any case. For example, changing the stick mode does not affect the numbering (i.e. receiver socket sequence) of the servos. As a basic rule, always start with the servo setting in the left-hand column!
54 Program description: Servo settings
Column 2 “Rev“ The direction of servo rotation can be adjusted to suit the actual installation in your model. This means that you don’t need to concern yourself with servo directions when installing the mechanical linkages in the model, as you can reverse them if necessary. The direction of rotation is indicated by the symbols „=>“ and „<=“. Be sure to set the direction of servo rotation before you make adjustments to the remaining options!
The neutral position can be shifted within the range -125% to +125% of normal servo travel, regardless of the trim lever position and any mixers you have set up. The centre setting affects the associated servo directly, independently of all other trim and mixer settings. However, please note that an extreme shift of the servo’s neutral point may result in servo travel to one side of neutral only, as total servo travel is limited to +/-150% for both electronic and mechanical reasons.
CLEAR resets the direction of rotation to „=>“.
CLEAR resets the value to „0%“. Column 4 “Servo travel“ In this column you can adjust servo travel symmetrically or asymmetrically (different each side of neutral). The adjustment range is 0 ... +150% of normal servo travel. The reference point for the set values is the setting in the „Centre“ column.
Column 3 “Centre“ The facility to offset the servo travel centre is intended for adjusting servos whose centre setting is not standard (servo centre point at 1.5 ms), and also for minor adjustments, e.g. when fine-tuning the neutral position of control surfaces on the model.
To set a „symmetrical“ travel, i.e. to adjust travel equally on both sides of neutral, select SYM; select ASY to set asymmetrical travel. In the latter case move the associated transmitter control (stick, slider, rotary knob or switch module) to the appropriate end-point; when you press the rotary control the inverse servo travel field switches between the left field (negative direction) and the right field (positive direction).
The graph alongside shows an example of asymmetrical servo travel, with a travel setting of -50% and +150%. Servo travel/ Transmitter control travel
CLEAR resets the changed parameter to 100%
Important: In contrast to the „Transmitter control settings“ menu this setting affects the servo directly, regardless of how the control signal for this servo is generated, i.e. either directly by a stick channel, or by means of any type of mixer function.
Program description: Servo settings 55
Transmitter control settings Basic procedures for assigning transmitter controls and switches
In addition to the 2 dual-axis stick units for the control functions 1 to 4, additional transmitter controls (sliders, rotary knobs, switch modules) can be connected to the sockets marked CH5 to CH10. In contrast, inputs 11 and 12 are pure „software inputs“ and can only be assigned to one of the transmitter controls CH5...CH10. In the standard configuration the two controls in the centre console of the mc-19 are connected to the following inputs: Trans. control Left slider or alternatively Left 2-channel switch module Right slider
Trans. socket
Function input
CH 6
free
CH 7
free
These two transmitter controls, and other controls connected to function inputs 5 to 10, can now be assigned freely in this menu, with absolutely no restriction. A side-effect of this arrangement is that one transmitter control can also be set to operate several function inputs simultaneously, e.g. 11 and 12. As an option, an external switch can also be assigned to each input; see below.
Note: In the „Helicopter“ model type, function input „6“ is de-coupled, i.e. it has no effect, as this control channel is reserved for the throttle servo. Input 12 is
also defined as the throttle limiter; its function is explained at the end of the menu description.
assigned to the selected function input; the screen displays its socket number.
Basic procedure: 1. Select the appropriate input 5 to 12 with the rotary control pressed in. 2. Use the rotary control to select SEL, the switch symbol, SYM or ASY in the bottom line of the screen, so that you can carry out the adjustments you wish to make. 3. Press the rotary control: the input field you wish to modify switches to inverse video (dark background). 4. Adjust the travel using the rotary control; if necessary operate the selected transmitter control or switch, so that the software detects it. Press the rotary control to end the input process.
Switch module control: If you assign a 2-channel switch module to the input instead of an analogue, i.e. proportional, slider or rotary control, then a 3-position switched function is available, e.g. motor „off“ / „half-throttle“ / „full power“.
Column 2 “Assigning control switches and switches“ Select one of the function inputs 5 to 12 with the rotary control pressed in.
External switch control: If you assign one of the external switches on the centre console to the input, then this control channel works like an On / Off switch. It is then possible to switch to and fro between two end-point values using this simple switch, e.g. motor ON / OFF. After you have assigned an external switch, the screen displays the switch number followed by a switch symbol which indicates the direction of switching, e.g.:
Use the rotary control to select SEL, or (if SEL is already in inverse video) press the rotary control briefly to move to the assignment facility …
Note: The method of adjusting travel is described below. This can also be used to affect the end-point when assigning a switch.
… so that the „Operate desired switch or transmitter control“ window is superimposed on the screen. Now move the appropriate transmitter control, or operate the selected switch. The software automatically detects this, and the „moved“ control is
56 Program description: Transmitter control settings
Safety note: It is important to define as „free“ all those inputs not currently required, to eliminate the risk of operating them accidentally using transmitter controls which are not meant to be in use; if you neglect to do this, you may be in for an unwelcome surprise at some time.
Column 4 “-Travel+“
In this column you set the travel of the transmitter control within the range -125% to +125%. At the same time you can use the software to reverse the direction of effect of the transmitter control. In contrast to altering servo travel, changing the transmitter travel setting affects all mixer and coupling inputs, i.e. all servos which are influenced by that transmitter control. Transmitter control travel can be adjusted symmetrically (SYM) to both sides, or asymmetrically (ASY). In the latter case you must move the stick in the appropriate direction before altering the setting. When the field changes to inverse video (dark background) you can change the setting using the rotary control. Pressing CLEAR resets the transmitter control travel to 100%.
Program description: Transmitter control settings 57
Transmitter control settings Throttle limit function Throttle limit: input 12 Meaning and application of “throttle limit“ If the Ch1 stick is moved to the collective pitch minimum position in flight, the throttle servo does not normally run to its idle position. The throttle curve which determines this is set up in the „Heli mixers“ menu. (For separate flight phases you can set different throttle curves using flight phase programming). Generally speaking, the throttle servo does not move to the idle position at the collective pitch minimum position in any of these flight phases, which means that the motor cannot be started, as the throttle is too far open. Regardless of this: if the throttle is too far open when you switch on the transmitter, you will hear an audible warning, and the following message appears on the basic display: Throttle too high This is where the throttle limiter comes into its own, as it avoids this problem when the motor is to be started. Using a separate transmitter control - by default the left-hand slider connected to CH6 control of the throttle servo can be de-coupled from the pre-set throttle curve and brought under exclusive control of the slider. In the Heli program input 12 is reserved for the throttle limit function. The travel of the throttle servo connected to receiver output 6 is limited by a transmitter control assigned to input 12, independent of the position of the Ch1 stick. This allows the operator to move the servo to the idle position.
The position of this slider restricts the throttle servo at any point in the direction of full throttle, i.e. it limits the throttle. This „throttle limit“ continues to have effect as long as the set value of the throttle limit control is lower than the maximum travel of the throttle servo which you can achieve using the Ch1 stick.
The right-hand positive value in the „Travel“ column must therefore be large enough to ensure that it does not limit the full-throttle setting available via the Ch1 stick when the control is at its maximum position. Usually this means a value in the range 100% to 125%. The left-hand negative value of the input should be set in such a way that the throttle is closed completely when the digital Ch1 trim is also used, so that you can reliably stop the motor. For this reason you should leave the bottom value of the throttle limit slider at +100%. At the same time the „Throttle limit“ function also provides an additional level of safety if, for example, the helicopter is carried to the take-off site with the motor running: you simply move the control to its minimum position, and this prevents any accidental movement of the Ch1 stick affecting the throttle servo.
Important note: If you set function input 12 to „free“, you do not switch off the Throttle limit function, but only switch the limiter to „half-throttle“.
58 Program description: Transmitter control settings
Tip: You can call up the „Servo display“ menu to check the influence of the throttle limit slider. Bear in mind that servo output 6 controls the throttle servo on the mc-19. Throttle limit in conjunction with the digital trim: When used with a throttle limit slider, the Ch1 trim places a marker at the set idle position of the motor; at this point the motor can be stopped using the trim. If the trim is in its end-range (see display indicator), then a single click immediately takes you back to the marker, i.e. to the pre-set idle position. The cut-off trim only acts as idle trim on the throttle limit in the bottom half of the slider travel, i.e. the marker is only set and stored within this range:
59
Transmitter control settings Basic procedures for assigning transmitter controls and switches
Trans. control Left slider or alternatively Left 2-channel switch module As already mentioned on page 34, by default the only fixed control assignments in the „Car“ and „Boat“ model types are input 1 to „transmitter control 2“ (= left / right function of the right-hand stick) and input 2 to „transmitter control 3“ (= forward / reverse function of the left-hand stick). Thanks to the flexibility of the basic transmitter software it is possible in this menu to change both the basic assignment, and also the assignment of the other inputs to transmitter controls, to suit the exact requirements of the model builder and driver. There are no restrictions to this, i.e. it is even possible to assign any transmitter control to multiple function inputs simultaneously if that is your wish, e.g. inputs 8 and 12. In addition to the two dual-axis stick units for the control functions 1 to 4, all the other transmitter controls (sliders, rotary knobs, switch modules) connected to the sockets marked CH5 to CH10 can be assigned to any function input, such as Trim 1 … Trim 4 or any of the external switches fitted to the transmitter. In the standard configuration the two controls in the centre console of the mc-19 are connected to the following inputs:
60 Program description: Transmitter controls
Right slider
Trans. socket
Function input
CH 6
free
CH 7
free
Basic procedure: 1. Select the appropriate input 1 to 12 with the rotary control pressed in. 2. Turn the rotary control to select SEL, the switch symbol, SYM or ASY in the bottom line of the screen, so that you can carry out the adjustments you wish to make. 3. Press the rotary control: the input field you wish to modify switches to inverse video (dark background). 4. Adjust the travel using the rotary control; if necessary operate the selected transmitter control or switch, so that the software detects it. Press the rotary control to end the input process. Erasing an assignment: 1. Select the appropriate input 1 to 12 with the rotary control pressed in. 2. Turn the rotary control to select SEL, so that you can carry out the adjustment you wish to make. 3. Press the rotary control: the input field you wish to modify switches to inverse video (dark background). 4. Press the CLEAR button, then press the rotary control to end the input process.
Column 2 “Assigning transmitter controls and switches“ Select one of the function inputs 1 to 12 with the rotary control pressed in. Use the rotary control to select SEL, or (if SEL is already in inverse video) press the rotary control briefly to move to the assignment facility …
… so that the „Operate desired switch or transmitter control“ window is superimposed on the screen. Now move the appropriate transmitter control or trim slider or operate the selected switch. The software automatically detects this, and the „moved“ control is assigned to the selected function input the screen displays its socket number. Switch module control: If you assign a 2-channel switch module to the input instead of an analogue, i.e. proportional, slider or rotary control, then a 3-position switched function is available, e.g. motor „off“ / „half-throttle“ / „full power“. External switch control: If you assign one of the external switches on the centre console to the input, then this control channel works like a selective switch It is then possible to switch to and fro between two end-point values using this simple switch, e.g. motor ON / OFF. After you have assigned an external switch, the screen displays the switch number followed by a
switch symbol which indicates the direction of switching, e.g.:
Note: The method of adjusting travel is described below. This can also be used to affect the end-point when assigning a switch.
by that transmitter control. Transmitter control travel can be adjusted symmetrically (SYM) to both sides, or asymmetrically (ASY). In the latter case you must move the stick or switch in the appropriate direction before altering the setting. When the field changes to inverse video (dark background) you can change the setting using the rotary control. Pressing CLEAR resets the transmitter control travel to 100%.
Only the stick functions Control 1 … Control 4 are available in the „Dual Rate / Expo“ menu when assigned to an input in this menu. Safety note: It is important to define as „free“ all those inputs not currently required, to eliminate the risk of operating them accidentally using transmitter controls which are not meant to be in use; if you neglect to do this, you may be in for an unwelcome surprise at some time. Column 4 “-Travel+“
In this column you set the travel of the transmitter control within the range -125% to +125%. At the same time you can use the software to reverse the direction of effect of the transmitter control. In contrast to altering servo travel, changing the transmitter travel setting affects all mixer and coupling inputs, i.e. all servos which are influenced Program description: Transmitter control settings 61
Dual Rate / Expo Control characteristics for aileron, elevator and rudder
reduces progressively as the angular movement increases, i.e. the rate of travel of the control surface reduces steadily towards the extremes, dependent upon the position of the linkage point on the output disc or lever. The Dual Rate / Expo function provides a means of switching to reduced control travels, and of influencing the travel characteristics, for aileron, elevator and rudder (control functions 2 ... 4). This can be carried out in flight by means of external switches. Dual Rate works in a similar way to servo travel adjustment in the „Servo settings“ menu, but the Dual Rate function does not affect the servo directly; instead it affects the corresponding stick function, regardless of whether that function controls a single servo or multiple servos via any number of complex mixer and coupling functions. For each switch position the servo travels can be set to any value within the range 0 to 125% of full travel. The exponential control characteristic works in a different way. If you set a value greater than 0%, exponential provides fine control of the model around the centre position of the primary control functions (aileron, elevator and rudder), without forfeiting full travel at the end-points of stick travel. If you set a value lower than 0%, travel is increased around the neutral position, and reduced towards the extremes of travel. The degree of „progression“ can therefore be set to any value within the range 100% to +100%, where 0% equates to normal, linear control characteristics. Another application for exponential is to improve the linearity of rotary-output servos, which are the standard nowadays. The movement of the control surface is inevitably non-linear with a rotary servo, as the linear movement of the output disc or lever dependent upon the position of the linkage 62 Program description: Dual Rate / Expo
You can compensate for this effect by setting an Expo value greater than 0%, with the result that the angular travel of the output device increases disproportionately as stick travel increases. Like Dual Rates, the Expo setting applies directly to the corresponding stick function, regardless of whether that function controls a single servo or multiple servos via any number of complex mixer and coupling functions. The Expo function can also be switched on and off in flight if you assign a switch to it. Since switches can be assigned to the Dual Rate and Expo functions with complete freedom, it is also possible to operate multiple functions using one and the same switch. The result of this is that Dual Rates and Expo can be controlled simultaneously using a single switch, and this can be advantageous - especially with very high-speed models. The graphic screen displays the curve characteristics directly. When you select the appropriate menu line, the central vertical line follows the movement of the stick concerned, so that you can easily observe how the curve value changes relative to the movement of the transmitter control.
Programming: Dual Rate function If you wish to switch between two possible D/R settings, select the symbol and assign an external switch as described in the section „Assigning external and control switches“.
Select the SEL field to change the Dual Rate value, and use the rotary control in the inverse video field to set the values for each of the two switch positions separately:
The Dual Rate curve is shown simultaneously in the graph (CLEAR = 100%). Examples of different Dual Rate values:
Caution: The Dual Rate value should always be at least 20% of total control travel, otherwise you could lose all control of that function.
Exponential function If you wish to switch between two possible settings, select the field and assign an external switch as described on page 29. The assigned switch appears in the screen display together with a switch symbol which indicates the direction of operation when you move the switch. For example, the system enables you to fly with a linear curve characteristic in the one switch position, and to pre-set a value other than 0% in the other switch position. To change the Expo value, first select the SEL field, then use the rotary control in the inverse video field to set separate values for each of the two switch positions:
Combination of Dual Rate and Expo If you have assigned Dual Rates and Expo to the same switch, both functions are switched simultaneously, e.g.:
„up-elevator“:
and „down-elevator“ The Expo curve is displayed simultaneously in the graph (CLEAR = 0%). Examples of different Expo values
In these examples the Dual Rate value is 100% in each case.
Note: In software terms it would be possible to assign one of the two control switches G1 or G2 which are available at the Ch1 stick, but since these are triggered at +80% and -80% of the transmitter control travel, this is not a very practical alternative.
Program description: Dual Rate / Expo 63
Dual Rate / Expo Control characteristics for roll, pitch-axis, tail rotor
The Dual Rate / Expo function provides a means of switching to reduced control travels, and influencing the travel characteristics, for the roll, pitch-axis and tail rotor servos (control functions 2 ... 4). This can be carried out in flight by means of an external switch. A separate curve for control function 1 (motor / collective pitch) can be set separately for throttle, collective pitch and tail rotor in the „Heli mixers“ menu. These curves feature 3 separately programmable points.
Dual Rate works in a similar way to servo travel adjustment in the „Servo settings“ menu, but the Dual Rate function does not affect the servo directly; instead it affects the corresponding stick function, regardless of whether this function controls a single servo or multiple servos via any number of complex mixer and coupling functions. For each switch position the servo travels can be set to any value within the range 0 to 125% of full travel. The exponential control characteristic works in a different way. If you set a value greater than 0%, exponential provides fine control of the model around the centre position of the primary control functions (roll, pitch-axis and tail rotor), without forfeiting full travel at the end-points of stick travel. If you set a value lower than 0%, travel is increased around the neutral position, and reduced towards the extremes of travel. The degree of „progression“ 64 Program description: Dual Rate / Expo
can be set within the range -100% to +100%, where 0% equates to normal, linear control characteristics. Another application for exponential is to improve the linearity of rotary-output servos, which are the standard nowadays. The movement of the control surface is inevitably non-linear with a rotary servo, as the linear movement of the output disc or lever reduces progressively as the angular movement increases, i.e. the rate of travel of the control surface reduces steadily towards the extremes, dependent upon the position of the linkage point on the output disc or lever. You can compensate for this effect by setting an Expo value greater than 0%, with the result that the angular travel of the output device increases disproportionately as stick travel increases. Like Dual Rates, the Expo setting applies directly to the corresponding stick function, regardless of whether that function controls a single servo or multiple servos via any number of complex mixer and coupling functions. The Expo function can also be switched on and off in flight if you assign a switch to it. Since switches can be assigned to the Dual Rate and Expo functions with complete freedom, it is also possible to operate several functions using one and the same switch. The result of this is that Dual Rates and Expo can be controlled simultaneously using a single switch, and this can be advantageous - especially with very high-speed models. The graphic screen displays the curve characteristics directly. When you select the appropriate menu line, the central vertical line follows the movement of the stick concerned, so that you can easily observe how the curve value changes relative to the movement of the transmitter control.
Programming: Dual Rate function If you wish to switch between two possible D/R settings, select the symbol and assign an external switch as described in the section „Assigning external and control switches“, as described on page 29.
The assigned switch appears in the screen display together with a switch symbol which indicates the direction of operation when you move the switch. Select the SEL field to change the Dual Rate value, and use the rotary control in the inverse video field to set the values for each of the two switch positions separately:
The Dual Rate curve is shown simultaneously in the graph (CLEAR = 100%). Examples of different Dual Rate values:
Caution: The Dual Rate value should always be at least 20% of total control travel, otherwise you could lose all control of that function. Exponential function If you wish to switch between two possible settings, select the field and assign an external switch or one of the control switches, as described on page 29. The assigned switch appears in the screen display together with a switch symbol which indicates the direction of operation when you move the switch. For example, the system enables you to fly with a linear curve characteristic in the one switch position, and to pre-set a value other than 0% in the other switch position.
In these examples the Dual Rate value is 100% in each case. Combination of Dual Rate and Expo If you have assigned Dual Rates and Expo to the same switch, both functions are switched simultaneously, e.g.:
„back cyclic“:
To change the Expo value, first select the SEL field, then use the rotary control in the inverse video field to set separate values for each of the two switch positions. and „forward cyclic“
The Expo curve is displayed simultaneously in the graph (CLEAR = 0%). Examples of different Expo values:
The dotted vertical line shows the momentary position of the pitch-axis stick.
Program description: Dual Rate / Expo 65
Dual Rate / Expo Switchable control characteristics for the primary sticks: Ch1 … Ch4
The Dual Rate / Expo function provides a means of switching to reduced control travels, and influencing the travel characteristics, for all the stick functions (Ch1 … Ch4) assigned to any input in the „Transmitter control settings“ menu. This can be carried out by means of an external switch while the model is running.
Dual Rate works in a similar way to servo travel adjustment in the „Servo settings“ menu, but the Dual Rate function does not affect the servo directly; instead it affects the corresponding stick function, regardless of whether this function controls a single servo or multiple servos via any number of complex mixer and coupling functions. For each switch position the servo travels can be set to any value within the range 0 to 125% of full travel. The exponential control characteristic works in a different way. If you set a value greater than 0%, exponential provides fine control of the model around the centre position of the primary control functions, without forfeiting full travel at the endpoints of stick travel. If you set a value lower than 0%, travel is increased around the neutral position, and reduced towards the extremes of travel. The degree of „progression“ can be set within the range 100% to +100%, where 0% equates to normal, linear control characteristics.
66 Program description: Dual Rate / Expo
Another application for exponential is to improve the linearity of rotary-output servos, which are the standard nowadays. The movement of the control surface is inevitably non-linear with a rotary servo, as the linear movement of the output disc or lever reduces progressively as the angular movement increases, i.e. the rate of travel of the control surface reduces steadily towards the extremes, dependent upon the position of the linkage point on the output disc or lever. You can compensate for this effect by setting an Expo value greater than 0%, with the result that the angular travel of the output device increases disproportionately as stick travel increases. Like Dual Rates, the Expo setting applies directly to the corresponding stick function, regardless of whether this controls a single servo or multiple servos via any number of complex mixer and coupling functions. The Expo function can also be switched on and off while the model is running if you assign a switch to it. Since switches can be assigned to the Dual Rate and Expo functions with complete freedom, it is also possible to operate several functions using one and the same switch. The result of this is that Dual Rates and Expo can be controlled simultaneously using a single switch, and this can be advantageous - especially with very high-speed models. The graphic screen displays the curve characteristics directly. When you select the appropriate menu line, the central vertical line follows the movement of the stick concerned, so that you can easily observe how the curve value changes with control travel.
Programming: Dual Rate function If you wish to switch between two possible D/R settings, select the symbol and assign an external switch as described in the section „Assigning external and control switches“, as described on page 29.
Select the SEL field to change the Dual Rate value, and use the rotary control in the inverse video field to set the values for each of the two switch positions separately:
The Dual Rate curve is shown simultaneously in the graph( CLEAR = 100%). Examples of different Dual Rate values:
Caution: The Dual Rate value should always be at least 20% of total control travel, otherwise you could lose all
control of that function. Exponential function If you wish to switch between two possible settings, select the field and assign an external switch, as described on page 29. The assigned switch appears in the screen display together with a switch symbol which indicates the direction of operation when you move the switch. For example, the system enables you to run your model with a linear curve characteristic in the one switch position, and to pre-set a value other than 0% in the other switch position. To change the Expo value, first select the SEL field, then use the rotary control in the inverse video field to set separate values for each of the two switch positions.
Combination of Dual Rate und Expo If you have assigned Dual Rates and Expo to the same switch, both functions are switched simultaneously, e.g.:
„Ch3 stick, e.g. back“:
and „Ch3 stick, e.g. forward“
The Expo curve is displayed simultaneously in the graph (CLEAR = 0%). Examples of different Expo values:
Note: In software terms it would be possible to assign one of the two control switches G1 or G2 present at the Ch1 stick, but since these are triggered at +80% and -80% of the transmitter control travel, this is not a very practical alternative. In these examples the Dual Rate value is 100% in each case. Program description: Dual Rate / Expo 67
Phase trim Flight phase-specific trims for flaps, ailerons and elevator If you have not set up „Phase 2“ and „Phase 3“ in the „Basic model settings“ menu, i.e. you have not assigned names and switches to these alternative phases, you automatically remain in flight phase 1 „normal“. The number and name of this flight phase are permanently assigned, and cannot be altered. For this reason the „normal“ phase is not stated as Phase 1 in the „Basic model settings“ menu; it is simply hidden.
If you select this „Phase setup“ menu with this basic arrangement, i.e. without setting up flight phases, you will find just the „normal“ line on the screen, whose pre-set values of 0% are not usually changed.
relevant name and switch to „Phase 2“ and (if required) „Phase 3“: It is best to install the phase select switch or switches in an easily reached position; we recommend either a differential switch, Order No. 4160.22, or a two-function stick-switch, Order No. 4143, which can be fitted by any GRAUPNER Service Centre. Either switch can be assigned both to „Phase 2“ and also to „Phase 3“, in each case with the „normal“ phase in the centre. Once the switches are set, you should assign names to the switch positions, e.g.: switch „back“ from centre = „Landing“; switch „forward“ from centre = „Speed“, etc. You can select from the following names: • Normal • Launch, Launch 2 • Thermal, Thermal 2
Setting up flight phase trims In the „Phase trim“ menu you can adjust the trims for the previously selected flight phases. The first step is to switch to the desired phase (the * indicates the currently active phase) …
… and set the trim values as required. You can activate the different phases by operating the assigned phase select switch or switches. Values can be set within the range -125% to +125%. However, these values are normally in single figures or low double figures.
• Distance, Distance 2 • Speed, Speed 2 • Aerobat, Aerobat 2 • Landing, Landing 2 • Aerotow • Test, Test 2
If you wish to enter values other than „0“, e.g. to have more lift at launch, or to be able to fly more slowly when thermalling, or faster when flying speed tasks, but WITHOUT having to change the basic settings each time, then you need to use alternative flight phases. This is done by activating „Phase 2“ and, if necessary, „Phase 3“ in the „Basic model settings“ menu. To do this you move to that menu and assign a 68 Program description: Phase trim
Once assigned, these names will appear in the transmitter’s basic display, and in the „Phase trim“ menu.
Note: When setting up „Phase trim“, only „ELEV“, „AILE“ and „ELEV“ will be available on the screen, or - as shown above - „FLAP“, „AILE“ and „ELEV“; this depends on the information you have entered in the „Aileron / flap“ line of the „Basic model settings“ menu.
What is a mixer?
Wing mixers
Basic function
Display varies according to selected model type
flap servos have already been set up in the „Model type“ menu. • If your transmitter is equipped with a 2-channel switch module and a slider, you may wish to swap over the two 5-pin plugs at the transmitter circuit board, or assign transmitter control 7 (the slider) to „input 6“ in the „Transmitter control settings“ menu. By default the slider is assigned to socket „CH7“. Note that a transmitter control assigned to input 7 in the „Transmitter control settings“ menu will be de-coupled by the software if two camber-changing flaps are defined; this is designed to eliminate the danger of errors when a flap command is given.
In many models it is often desirable to use a mixer to couple various control systems, e.g. to link the ailerons and rudder, or inter-connect a pair of servos where two control surfaces are actuated by separate servos. In all these cases the signal which flows directly from the „output“ of a transmitter stick to the associated servo is „bled off“ at a particular point, and the derived signal is then processed in such a way that it affects the „input“ of another control channel, and therefore eventually another receiver output. Example: controlling two elevator servos from the elevator stick. Control function input
Channel receiver output
The mc-19 transmitter software contains a large number of pre-programmed coupling functions as standard, which are designed to mix together two (or more) control channels. The mixer required in this example is supplied „ready-made“, and just has to be activated in the software in the „tail“ line of the „Basic model settings“ menu. The software also includes three freely programmable linear mixers in the fixed-wing and helicopter programs, all of which can be used in each model memory. For more information please refer to the general notes on „Free mixers“ in this manual, in the section starting on page 83.
The mc-19 program contains a series of preprogrammed coupling functions, and all you have to do is set the mixer ratios and (optionally) assign a switch. The number of pre-programmed mixer functions in the mixer list will vary according to the pre-set „model type“ (tail type, number of wing servos, with or without motor - see page 38). For example, if your model is not fitted with camberchanging flaps, and you have not entered any flap servos in the „Basic model settings“ menu, all the flap mixers in the program are automatically suppressed, such as „Brake 1 -> NN“ in „Motor forward / back“. This makes the menu clearer and easier to understand, and also avoids programming errors.
Notes: • For the camber-changing flap system any transmitter control assigned to „input 6“ can be used; see „Transmitter control settings“, page 56. This control operates the two flap servos connected to receiver outputs 6 and 7, provided that
Basic programming procedure: 1. Select the mixer with the rotary control pressed in. Depending on the mixer, the bottom line of the screen now displays SEL or SYM and ASY (for setting mixer ratios separately for each side of centre), and also . 2. Select one of these fields using the rotary control. 3. Press the rotary control briefly (inverse field moves to the selected line). 4. Use the rotary control to set the mixer ratio, and assign a switch if desired. Both negative and positive parameter values can be set; this allows you to reverse the direction of servo rotation if necessary, i.e. if one of the control surfaces operates in the wrong „sense“. (CLEAR = 0%). 5. Press the rotary control briefly to leave the menu. Assigning switches All mixers in the „Wing mixers“ menu can be assigned an (optional) external switch so that they can be switched on and off in flight. If you call up this line you will see the (by now) familiar switch symbol . Program description: Fixed-wing mixers 69
Mixer neutral point (offset) The neutral point of the mixers • aileron NN • elevator → NN • flap → NN is by default the zero point of the transmitter control, i.e. that is the point at which they have no effect. At the end-point of the transmitter control the full mixer value is applied. The neutral point („offset“) of the mixer: •
Airbrake → NN
is by default the forward position of the Ch1 stick (throttle / airbrakes), at which the airbrakes are always retracted.
70 Program description: Fixed
Aileron differential Aileron differential compensates for an unwanted side-effect which occurs when ailerons are deflected: the problem known as „adverse yaw“: when the ailerons are deflected, the drag generated by the down-going aileron is greater than that produced by the up-going aileron. The differential drag causes a yawing motion around the vertical axis in the opposite direction to the desired turn. This effect is much more pronounced in model gliders with high aspect ratio wings than in power models with their much shorter moment arms, and usually has to be countered by giving a simultaneous rudder deflection in the opposite direction to the yaw. However, this in turns causes additional drag and lowers the aircraft’s efficiency. Electronic aileron differential is one answer, but it can only be used if a separate servo is employed for each aileron. Aileron differential reduces the angular travel of the down-going aileron relative to the up-going aileron, and this reduces the drag and therefore the adverse yaw. Mechanical solutions are also possible, but they usually have to be „designed in“ when the model is built, and in any case significant mechanical differential tends to cause additional slop in the control system. Electronic differential offers the following important advantages: Each aileron is operated by a separate servo, and if the model has plug-in wings the aileron servos can be installed in the wings themselves. This gives shorter linkages, resulting in a virtually slop-free aileron linkage with reliable centring. It is also easily possible to vary the degree of differential without affecting the travel of the upgoing aileron. In the extreme case it is possible to suppress the down-aileron deflection completely, i.e. only the upgoing aileron moves at all, and this arrangement is
sometimes called the „split“ setting. Split ailerons not only tend to suppress adverse yaw, but can even generate positive yaw, which means that the model yaws in the direction of the turn when an aileron command is given. In the case of large model gliders smooth turns can then be flown using ailerons alone, which otherwise is usually by no means the case.
0% (normal)
50% (differential)
100% (Split)
The adjustment range of -100% to +100% makes it possible to set the correct direction of differential regardless of the direction of rotation of the aileron servos. „0%“ corresponds to a normal linkage, i.e. no differential, while „-100%“ or „+100%“ represents the „split“ function. For aerobatic flying it is necessary to set low absolute differential values, to ensure that the model rotates exactly along its longitudinal axis when an aileron command is given. Moderate values around -50% or +50% are typical for making thermal turns easier to fly. The split setting (-100%, +100%) is popular with slope flyers, when ailerons alone are often used for turning the model.
Note: Although negative values can be programmed to reverse the direction of servo rotation, this is not usually necessary if the correct channels are used.
Camber-changing flap differential The aileron / flap mixer (see below) is designed to superimpose an aileron function on the flaps. Flap differential works like aileron differential, and produces a reduced flap movement in the downdirection when they are used as ailerons.
(optional) external switch or control switch is assigned to this function, the mixer can be switched on and off in flight, so that you can control the ailerons and rudder separately if and when you so desire. Aileron 2 → 7 flap
The adjustment range of -100% to +100% makes it possible to set the correct direction of differential, regardless of the direction of rotation of the servo. „0%“ corresponds to a normal linkage, i.e. the servo travel is the same up and down. A setting of „100%“ or „+100%“ means that the down-travel of the flaps is reduced to zero when an aileron command is given („split“ setting).
Note: Negative values are not usually necessary if the correct channels are used. Aileron 2 → 4 rudder
next page). Similar problems can also be encountered if a motor is installed with the incorrect downthrust angle, resulting in a pitch trim change when the throttle is opened or closed. This mixer feeds a corrective signal to the elevator to damp out this unwanted moment. The adjustment range is -150% to +150%, but „usual“ values are generally in the low double figures. Brake 1 → 6 flap
This mixer feeds a variable amount of the aileron signal into the flap channel. When an aileron command is given, the flaps „follow“ the ailerons, although usually through a smaller angle, i.e. the mixer ratio is usually less than 100%. The adjustment range of -150% to +150% allows the user to set up the aileron direction to match that of the ailerons, regardless of the direction of rotation of the flap servos.
When you operate the brake function (Ch1 stick) both flap servos move together for the landing approach; the mixer ratio can be set to any value in the range -150% to +150%. Down-flap is usually selected. Brake 1 → 5 aileron
Brake 1 → 3 elevator
In this case the rudder automatically „follows“ when an aileron command is given, and the mixer ratio (degree of following) can be set by the user. Coupled aileron / rudder (sometimes abbreviated to CAR) is especially useful for suppressing adverse yaw in conjunction with aileron differential, and this combination usually makes smooth turns very easy to fly. Naturally, the rudder can still be controlled separately by means of its dedicated stick. If an
When any form of airbrakes is extended, there is usually an unwanted change in pitch trim (nose up or nose down); this is especially the case when a butterfly (crow) braking system is employed (see
When you operate the brake function, both aileron servos move together for the landing approach; the mixer ratio can be set to any value in the range 150% to +150%. It can also be useful to deflect both ailerons up slightly when the airbrakes are extended. Program description: Fixed-wing mixers 71
Combination of the “brake → NN“ mixers: “Crow“ or “Butterfly“ setting
the ailerons is also greatly restricted because they are already at an extreme „up“ position. The remedy here is to apply „Differential reduction“, which is explained in its own section later.
Flap 6 → 3 elevator
Elevator 3 → 6 flap
If you have set up all three airbrake mixers for your model, it is then possible to program a special configuration known as the „crow“ or „butterfly“ arrangement for glide path control. In the butterfly setting both ailerons are deflected up and both flaps down. The third mixer provides elevator trim to counteract any unwanted pitch trim change and maintain the model’s airspeed at a safe level. This inter-action between the flaps, ailerons and elevator is used to control the glide angle on the landing approach. Optionally the butterfly setting can also be used without the airbrakes or spoilers. If your model features full-span (strip) ailerons which also operate as camber-changing flaps, the two mixers „Brake 1 → 5 ailerons“ and „Brake 1 → 3 elevator“ can be combined for glide path control. In this case extreme up-flap is applied, but the flaps can still be controlled as ailerons. Elevator pitch trim compensation is usually required. If you have programmed aileron differential, the response of the ailerons will inevitably be adversely affected by the extreme „up“ deflection of the ailerons in the butterfly setting, because the differential travel reduces or entirely suppresses the down-aileron deflection. However, the „up“ travel of 72 Program description: Fixed-wing mixers
The flaps can be used to enhance the effect of the elevator in tight turns and aerobatics, and this mixer feeds part of the elevator signal to the flap servos. The mixer direction must be set so that the flaps move down when up-elevator is applied, and vice versa. Elevator 3 → 5 aileron
If the camber-changing flaps are lowered, either by entering an offset in the „Transmitter control settings“ menu or by means of a transmitter control assigned to „input 6“, a pitch trim change (up or down) may occur. Alternatively it may be desirable for slight down-elevator to be applied automatically when the flaps are raised slightly, in order to increase the model’s basic airspeed. This mixer can be used to achieve both purposes. When the flaps are deployed, this mixer causes the elevator setting to be corrected according to the flap deflection. The end-effect is therefore dependent only upon the magnitude of the corrective value you set. Flap 6 → 5 aileron
This mixer allows the ailerons to reinforce the elevator response in the same way as the previous mixer.
This mixer causes a variable proportion of the flap signal to be mixed in with the aileron channels 2 and 5 so that the ailerons follow the movement of the flaps, albeit normally with a smaller deflection. This provides more even lift distribution over the full wingspan.
Differential reduction The problem of reduced aileron response in the butterfly configuration has been mentioned earlier: if aileron differential is employed, the aileron response may be adversely affected through the extreme „up“ deflection of the ailerons on the landing approach, permitting virtually no further up-movement; on the other hand the „down“ travel has already been reduced by the programmed differential setting. The net result is significantly reduced aileron response compared to the normal setting of the control surfaces. In this case you really should use „Differential reduction“ wherever possible. This reduces the degree of aileron differential when you invoke the butterfly setting using the airbrake stick. Differential is reduced progressively, or even eliminated altogether, as the airbrake stick is moved towards its endpoint. A value of 0% means that the full programmed aileron differential is retained. A value equal to the percentage if aileron differential means that the aileron differential is completely eliminated at the maximum butterfly setting, i.e. when the airbrakes and other glide path control surfaces are fully extended. If you set a value above that of the set aileron differential, the aileron differential is eliminated even before full travel of the airbrake stick is reached.
Program description: Fixed-wing mixers 73
Heli mixers Flight phase-specific mixers for collective pitch, throttle and tail rotor In the „Basic model settings“ menu a method of switching flight phases can be activated by assigning the appropriate switches to „Phase 2“ and „Autorotation“. With the former you can switch between the phases „normal“ and a second phase, which you can name yourself. The third phase - Autorotation - has precedence over the other two phases.
If you wish to set up a particular flight phase, you must first assign a switch to it. Operate the appropriate switch to select the desired flight phase, i.e. the phase which you wish to program (see illustration). Settings for the “normal“ flight phase
Switches can now be assigned for carrying out the phase switching process.
Settings for flight phase 2 (switch 2: “Acro“ in this example)
Phase 1 always bears the designation „normal“. For the second phase any of the following names can be selected: • Normal • Hover, Hover 2 • Aerobat, Aero 2, Aero 3D • Speed, Speed 2 • Test, Test 2
Flight phase trimming You can adjust the trims for the control functions „roll“, „pitch-axis“ and „tail rotor“ separately for each flight phase, i.e. for the currently active phase.
74 Program description: Helicopter mixers
Settings for “Auto-rotation“ (switch 1 in this example)
In this menu all the flight phase-specific heli-mixers are described. These mixers are used to complete the basic set-up of a model helicopter. When you operate the selected switch for a particular flight phase, the associated phase is superimposed at the bottom edge of the screen, e.g. „normal“. You can now enter the desired settings for this flight phase. Three-point mixers are available in all flight phases for the settings of the collective pitch, throttle and torque compensation curves. Using these mixers it is possible to program non-linear mixer characteristics along the travel of the transmitter stick. Basic programming procedure: 1. Select the mixer with the rotary control pressed in. The bottom line of the screen now shows SEL (depending on the mixer), which is used to switch between the three curve points. 2. A short press on the rotary control with the SEL field in inverse video allows you to set the linear mixer ratios directly: set the mixer value using the rotary control. (CLEAR = 0% or 100%). 3. A second brief press ends the input process. 4. Press ESC to leaf back.
Collective pitch curve (Ch1→ collective pitch)
Typical collective pitch curves for different flight phases:
„with idle-up“ and „without idle-up“ - please note that this complication is now superfluous.
Note: It is easier and more flexible to increase system rotational speed below the hover point using the mc-19 program than using „idle-up“ as employed in previous mc radio control systems. In this menu you can see the three-point curve settings. The settings shown here produce a linear curve.
Channel 1 → throttle
Example of a linear control curve
This display refers only to the control curve of the collective pitch function. The control curve is determined by three points, which can be set separately for each flight phase. These three points, i.e. the two end-points „Coll. pitch low (L)“ = -100% control travel and „Coll. pitch high (H)“ = +100% control travel, and the hover point exactly at the centre point (marked „1“ in the illustration) initially describe a linear collective pitch curve characteristic. The programming procedure in detail: First switch to the desired flight phase, i.e. the phase whose name is displayed on the screen, e.g. „normal“.
This display refers only to the control curve of the throttle servo. The throttle curve can also be defined using up to 3 points. • The throttle must be fully open at the end-point of the throttle / collective pitch stick (exception: auto-rotation). • The hover point is normally located at the centre of the control travel, and the throttle setting should be adjusted in such a way relative to the collective pitch curve that the correct system rotational speed is obtained at this point. • At the minimum position of the throttle / collective pitch stick the throttle curve should be set up in such a way that the motor runs at a distinctly higher speed compared to the idle setting, with the clutch reliably engaged. In all flight phases the motor is started and stopped using the gas limiter (see below), which has absolute priority.
Ensure that the gas limiter is closed before you start the motor, i.e. the throttle can only be adjusted within the idle range using the idle trim. Please be sure to read the safety notes on page 79 which refer to this. If the idle is set too high when you switch on the transmitter, you will see and hear a clear warning!
The following three diagrams show typical 3-point throttle curves for different flight phases, such as hover, aerobatics and 3-D flying. Typical throttle curves for different flight phases
If you are used to a different radio control system which uses two separate flight phases for this Program description: Helicopter mixers 75
Notes on using the „Throttle limit“ function: We strongly recommend that you make use of the throttle limit function („Transmitter control settings“ menu, page 58). Using this function the throttle servo is completely disconnected from the throttle / collective pitch stick when the throttle limit slider is at its bottom end-point; the motor idles and only responds to the Ch1 trim. This feature enables you to start the motor from within any flight phase. Once the motor is running, slide the throttle limiter to the opposite end-point, so that full control of the throttle servo is returned to the throttle / collective pitch stick. It is important that the throttle limiter should not restrict the throttle servo at its top endpoint; you can avoid this by setting the control travel to 125% in the „Transmitter control settings“ menu. Static torque compensation (Ch1 → tail rotor)
The purpose of this mixer is to provide static torque compensation. First ensure that the direction of main rotor rotation has been entered correctly. This mixer should be set up in such a way that the helicopter does not rotate around the vertical (yaw) axis (i.e. deviate from the hover heading) during a long vertical climb or descent, due to the change in torque of the main rotor. At the hover the yaw trim should be set using the digital tail rotor trim lever only. For a reliable torque compensation setting it is essential that the collective pitch and throttle curves have been set up correctly, i.e. that main rotor speed remains constant over the full 76 Program description: Helicopter mixers
adjustment range of collective pitch. This curve applies only to the control curve of the tail rotor servo when the throttle / collective pitch stick is moved. As standard, the software includes a tail rotor curve with a linear mixer ratio of 30%. You can modify the mixer, and set asymmetrical mixer ratios above and below the hover point, using the method described above.
In the auto-rotation flight phase this mixer is automatically switched off. Adjusting gyro gain Gyro gain can be varied proportionally between minimum and maximum by means of a slider assigned to the „Gyro 7“ line in the „Transmitter control settings“ menu (see page 60). This could be transmitter control 7, which in the standard transmitter configuration is connected to socket CH7 on the transmitter circuit board. In this case gyro gain is maximum at full deflection of the slider, and zero at the opposite end-point. Of course, the mc-19 software allows you to limit the gain adjustment range by altering the setting for transmitter control travel to both sides of neutral. Most modern gyro systems feature proportional, infinitely variable adjustment of gyro gain; see below for typical diagrams. An example of using variable (static) gyro gain would be to exploit maximum stabilisation for normal, slow flying, but to reduce gyro gain for fast circuits and aerobatics. If you wish to use different settings, we recommend that you program different flight phases.
Adjusting the gyro sensor To set up a gyro to achieve maximum possible stabilisation of the helicopter around the vertical axis, please note the following points: • The control system should be as free-moving and accurate (slop-free) as possible. • There should be no „spring“ or „give“ in the tail rotor linkage. • You must use a powerful and - above all - fast servo. When the gyro sensor detects a deviation in yaw, the faster it adjusts the thrust of the tail rotor, the further the gyro gain adjustor can be advanced without the tail of the model starting to oscillate, and the better is the machine’s stability around the vertical axis. If the corrective system is not fast enough, there is a danger that the model’s tail will start to oscillate even at low gyro gain settings, and you then have to reduce gyro gain further using slider „7“ to eliminate the oscillation. If the model is flying forward at high speed, or hovering in a powerful headwind, the net result of the stabilising effect of the vertical fin combined with the gyro’s stabilising effect may be an overreaction which manifests itself as tail oscillation. In order to obtain optimum stabilisation from a gyro in all flight situations, gyro gain can be adjusted from the transmitter via slider „7“.
Adjusting the throttle and collective pitch curves A practical procedure Although the throttle and collective pitch control systems are based on separate servos, they are always operated in parallel by the throttle / collective pitch stick (except when auto-rotation is invoked). The Helicopter program automatically couples the functions in the required way. In the mc-19 program the trim lever of control function 1 only affects the throttle servo, i.e. as idle trim (see motor cut trim, page 26). The process of adjusting throttle and collective pitch correctly, i.e. setting the power curve of the motor to match the collective pitch setting of the main rotor blades, is the most important aspect of setting up any model helicopter. The mc-19’s program provides independent adjustment facilities for the throttle, collective pitch and torque compensation curves. These curves can be defined using three reference points. All you have to do to define the control curves is set individual values for the centre setting and the two end-points of the throttle / collective pitch stick. However, before you set up the throttle and collective pitch function it is important to adjust the mechanical linkages to all the servos accurately, in accordance with the set-up notes provided by the helicopter manufacturer. Note: With the mc-19 the hover point should always be set to the centre position of the throttle/ collective pitch stick.
Idle setting and throttle curve The idle setting is adjusted exclusively with the throttle limiter closed, using the trim lever of the Ch1 function. The bottom point „L“ (low) setting of the throttle curve defines the throttle setting when the helicopter is in a descent, but without affecting the hover setting.
adjust all the mechanical linkages in the model according to the information supplied by the helicopter manufacturer, i.e. all the system linkages should already be approximately correct in mechanical terms. If you are not sure of this, an experienced helicopter pilot will be glad to help you with this basic set-up.
This is a case where you can exploit flight phase programming to use different throttle curves previously termed „idle-up“ in earlier mc systems. An increased system rotational speed below the hover point proves to be useful in certain circumstances, for example for fast, steep landing approaches with greatly reduced collective pitch, and for aerobatics.
The throttle linkage must be adjusted in such a way that the throttle is just at the „fully open“ position at the full-throttle setting. When the throttle limiter is at the idle setting, the Ch1 trim lever should just be able to close the throttle completely, without the servo striking its mechanical end-stop (quick throttle adjustment: see page 26). Take your time, and carry out these adjustments very carefully by adjusting the mechanical linkage and / or changing the linkage point on the servo output arm or the throttle lever. Only when you are confident that all is well should you start optimizing and fine-tuning the throttle servo using the transmitter’s electronic facilities.
The diagram shows a curve with a small range of variation of the throttle setting of below the reference point “1“ Different throttle curves are programmed for each flight phase, so that you can use the optimum setup both for hovering and aerobatics: • Low system rotational speed with smooth, gentle control response and low noise in the hover. • Higher speed for aerobatics with motor power settings close to maximum. In this case the throttle curve also has to be adjusted in the hover range. The basic set-up procedure Although the mc-19 transmitter provides a broad range of adjustment for the collective pitch curve and throttle curve, it is essential that you first
Caution: Read all you can about motors and helicopters, so that you are aware of the inherent dangers and the cautionary measures required before you attempt to start the motor for the first time! With the basic set-up completed, it should be possible to start the motor in accordance with the operating instructions supplied with it, and adjust the idle setting using the trim lever of the throttle / collective pitch stick. The idle position which you set is indicated in the transmitter’s basic screen display by a horizontal bar at the display of the Ch1 trim lever’s position. Refer to page 26 of this manual for a full explanation of the digital trims.
Program description: Helicopter mixers 77
1. The model does not lift off until the collective pitch stick is above the centre point.
b) Rotational speed too low. Remedy: reduce the blade pitch value for collective pitch at the stick centre setting; this is done in the „Ch1 > collective pitch curve“ menu.
should reduce maximum blade pitch angle at full deflection of the collective pitch stick, i.e. in the „collective pitch high“ position. Conversely, if motor speed rises during the vertical climb, you should increase the pitch angle. This is done by selecting the „H“ (high) point and changing the reference point value using the rotary control.
a) Rotational speed too low. Remedy: increase the value for the throttle servo parameter at the centre point of the stick travel in the „Ch1 > throttle“ mixer.
Important: you should persevere with this adjustment procedure until the model hovers at the correct rotational speed at the centre point of the throttle / collective pitch stick. All the other model settings depend upon the correct setting of this parameter!
This diagram shows the changes to the collective pitch maximum value „H“.
b) Rotational speed too high. Remedy: increase the blade pitch value for collective pitch at the stick centre setting; this is done in the „ Ch1 > collective pitch curve“ menu.
The standard set-up The remainder of the standard adjustment procedure is completed on the basis of the fundamental set-up which you have just carried out, i.e. we assume that the model now hovers in normal flight at the centre point of the throttle / collective pitch stick at the correct rotational speed. This means that your model helicopter is capable of hovering and also flying circuits in all phases whilst maintaining a constant system rotational speed.
Now bring the model back to the hover, which again should coincide with the mid-point of the Ch1 stick. If you find that the collective pitch stick now has to be moved from the mid-point in the „higher“ direction, then you should correct this deviation by increasing the collective pitch angle at the hover until the model again hovers at the stick centre point. Conversely, if the model hovers below the mid-point, correct this by reducing the pitch angle again.
Approximately at the mid-point of the collective pitch stick the model should lift off the ground and hover at the rotational speed you wish to use. If this is not the case, correct the setting as follows:
2.The model lifts off below the centre point. a) Rotational speed too high. Remedy: reduce the throttle opening in the „Ch1 > throttle“ mixer at the stick centre point.
78 Program description: Helicopter mixers
The climb setting The combination of throttle hover setting, collective pitch setting for the hover and the maximum collective pitch setting („Coll. pitch high“) now provides you with a simple method of achieving constant system rotational speed from the hover right to maximum climb. Start by placing the model in an extended vertical climb, holding the collective pitch stick at its endpoint: motor speed should not alter compared with the hover setting. If motor speed falls off in the climb, when the throttle is already fully open and no further power increase is possible (this assumes that the motor is correctly adjusted), then you
You may find that it is also necessary to correct the throttle opening at the hover point.
This diagram only shows the change in the hover point, i.e. collective pitch minimum and maximum have both been left at -100% and +100%.
Continue adjusting these settings until you really do achieve a constant rotational speed over the full control range between hover and climb.
The descent adjustment should now be carried out from a safe height by fully reducing collective pitch to place the model in a descent from forward flight; adjust the collective pitch minimum value („collective pitch low“) so that the model descends at an angle of 60 … 80°.
This diagram shows the changes in the collective pitch minimum value „L“.
Once the model descends reliably as described, adjust the value for „Throttle low (L)“ so that system rotational speed neither increases nor declines during the descent. This completes the set-up procedure for throttle and collective pitch.
Final important notes Before you start the motor, check carefully that the throttle limiter is completely closed, so that the throttle can be controlled by the trim lever alone. If the throttle is too far open when you switch on the transmitter, you will see and hear a warning. If you ignore this and start the motor with the throttle too far advanced, there is a danger that the motor will immediately run up to speed after starting, and the centrifugal clutch will immediately engage. For this reason you should always grasp the rotor head firmly when starting the motor.
You must never switch abruptly from idle to the flight setting by suddenly increasing system rotational speed. This causes the rotor to accelerate quickly, resulting in premature wear of the clutch and gear train. The main rotor blades are generally free to swivel, and they often cannot keep pace with such swift acceleration, and may respond by swinging far out of their normal position, perhaps resulting in a boom strike. Once the motor is running you should slowly increase system rotational speed using the throttle limiter.
However, if you accidentally start the motor with the throttle open, the rule is this: Don’t panic! Hang on to the rotor head regardless! Don’t let it go! Immediately close the throttle, even though there may be a risk of damaging the helicopter’s drive train, because: it is vital that YOU ensure that the helicopter cannot possibly move off by itself in an uncontrolled manner. The cost of repairing a clutch or even the motor itself is negligible compared to the damage which a model helicopter can cause if its spinning rotor blades are allowed to wreak havoc. Make sure that nobody else is standing in the primary hazard zone around the helicopter. Program description: Helicopter mixers 79
Helicopter mixers Auto-rotation settings Auto-rotation allows full-size and model helicopters to land safely in a crisis, i.e. if the power plant should fail. It can also be used if the tail rotor should fail, in which case cutting the motor and carrying out an auto-rotation landing is the only possible way of avoiding a high-speed uncontrollable rotation around the vertical axis, invariably terminating in a catastrophic crash. When you switch to the auto-rotation phase the helicopter mixers change as shown in this screen shot:
During an auto-rotation descent the main rotor is not driven by the motor; it is kept spinning only by the airflow through the rotor plane caused by the speed of the descent. The rotational energy stored in the still spinning rotor can be exploited to allow the machine to flare out, but this can only be done once. For this reason „autos“ are only likely to be successful if the pilot has plenty of experience in handling model helicopters, and has also set up the functions listed above with great care. Once you have sufficient experience you should practise auto-rotation landings at regular intervals, not only so that you can demonstrate your all-round flying skill by flying the manoeuvre in competitions, but also so that you are in a position to land the helicopter undamaged from a great height if the motor should fail. 80 Program description: Helicopter mixers
For this purpose the program provides a range of adjustment facilities which are designed to help you fly your helicopter in its unpowered state. Please note that the rotation setting takes the form of a complete third flight phase, for which all the adjustment facilities are available which can be varied separately for all flight phases, i.e. transmitter control settings, trims, collective pitch curve settings etc. Ch1 → tail rotor In powered flight the maximum blade pitch angle is limited by the motor power which is available; however, in auto-rotation the angle is only limited by the point at which the airflow over the main rotor blades breaks away. Nevertheless, to provide sufficient upthrust even when rotational speed is falling off, it is necessary to set a greater maximum collective pitch value. Start by setting a value which is about 10 to 20% higher than the normal collective pitch maximum, to prevent the helicopter ballooning up again during the flare following the auto-rotation descent. If this happens, the rotational speed of the main rotor will quickly decline to the point where it collapses, and the helicopter ends up crashing to the ground from a considerable height. Under certain circumstances the collective pitch minimum setting may also differ from the normal flight setting; this depends on your piloting style for normal flying. In any case you must set a sufficiently generous collective pitch minimum value for auto-rotation to ensure that your model can be brought from forward flight at moderate speed into a descent of around 60...70° when collective pitch is reduced to minimum. Most helicopter pilots already use such a setting for normal flying, and if this applies to you, you can simply adopt the same value.
Approach angle under varying wind conditions.
If the angle is too shallow, increase the value. For auto-rotation the collective pitch stick itself may not be positioned right at the bottom of its travel; instead it is typically between the hover position and the bottom end-point, giving the pilot scope for correction if necessary, i.e. the chance to adjust the model’s pitch inclination using the pitchaxis control. You can shorten the approach by pulling back on the pitch-axis stick and gently reducing collective pitch, or alternatively extend the approach by pushing forward on the pitch-axis stick and gently increasing collective pitch. “Throttle“ setting In a competition the pilot is expected to cut the motor completely, but for practice purposes this is certainly not advisable. Instead set the throttle so that the motor runs at a reliable idle during autorotation, so that you can open the throttle immediately to recover from an emergency. “Tail rotor“ setting For normal flying the tail rotor is set up in such a way that it compensates for motor torque when the helicopter is hovering. This means that it already generates a certain amount of thrust even in its neutral position. The level of thrust is then varied by the tail rotor control system, and also by the
various mixers which provide all manner of torque compensation, while the tail rotor trim is also used to compensate for varying weather conditions, fluctuations in system rotational speed and other influences. However, in an auto-rotation descent the main rotor is not driven by the motor, and therefore there is no torque effect for which compensation is required, i.e. which the tail rotor would have to correct. For this reason all the appropriate mixers are automatically switched off in auto-rotation mode. However, the basic tail rotor setting must be different for auto-rotation, as the compensatory thrust described above is no longer required. Cut the motor and set the helicopter horizontal. With the transmitter and receiving system switched on, fold both tail rotor blades down and change the blade pitch angle to zero degrees using the „Tail rotor“ menu. Viewed from the tail, the tail rotor blades should now be parallel to each other. Depending on the friction and running resistance of the gearbox you may find that the fuselage still yaws slightly in an auto-rotation descent. The relatively slight torque which causes this effect must then be corrected if necessary by adjusting the tail rotor blade pitch angle. This value will always be a small figure between zero degrees and a pitch angle opposed to the direction of tail rotor pitch required for normal flight.
Program description: Helicopter mixers 81
General notes regarding freely programmable mixers The two menus „Fixed-wing mixers“ and „Heli mixers“, described on the preceding pages, contain a wide range of ready-programmed coupling functions. The basic meaning of mixers has already been explained on page 69, together with the principle on which they work. In the following section you will find more general information relating to „free mixers“: The mc-19 offers three freely programmable mixers in every model memory, whose inputs and outputs can be selected to suit your exact requirements. These three mixers are certainly adequate in most cases, but in any case are invariably sufficient when you also exploit the possibilities of the readymade fixed-wing and helicopter mixers for model aircraft. Any control function (transmitter control 1 to 12) can be assigned as the input signal of a „free mixer“. Alternatively any external switch can be assigned as the input signal using what is termed the „switch channel“ (see below). The control function itself consists of the transmitter control signal and any control characteristics as defined, for example, in the „Dual Rate / Expo“ and „Transmitter control settings“ menus. The mixer output acts upon a freely selectable control channel (1 to max. 12 - depending on receiver type). Before the signal is passed to the associated servo the only influences which can act upon it are those defined in the „Servo settings“ menu, i.e. the servo reverse, neutral point offset and travel functions. One control function can be set up to affect several mixer inputs simultaneously, if, for example, several mixers are to be arranged to work in parallel. Conversely it is possible for several mixer outputs to affect one and the same control channel.
82 Program description: Free mixers
The following description of the free mixers includes examples of such arrangements. In software terms the freely programmable mixer is always switched on by default, but it is possible to assign an optional ON / OFF switch to the mixer. However, since there are so many functions to which switches can potentially be assigned, you should take care not to assign too many functions to any particular switch. The two important mixer parameters are as follows: … the mixer ratio, which defines the extent to which the input signal acts on the output of the control channel which is programmed as the mixer output. … the neutral point, which is also termed the „offset“. The offset is that point on the travel of a transmitter control (stick, rotary knob or switch module) at which the mixer has no influence on the control channel which is defined as its output. Normally this is the centre point of the transmitter control, but the offset can be placed at any point on the control’s travel. Switch channel “S“ as mixer input: In many cases a constant control signal is all that is required as the mixer input; a typical application would be for an electric glider without airbrakes, where the electric motor could be switched on and off using the now free channel 1, or for extending and retracting a retractable undercarriage connected to control channel 12. You can adjust a speed controller or set the servo travel for a retract system by adjusting the mixer ratio. If you then assign an external switch or control switch, you can switch to and fro between the two mixer end-points, as if
you were moving a transmitter control from one end-point to the other when using that control as the input signal. To identify this special arrangement, this mixer input control function in the program is designated „S“ for „switch channel“. If you do not want the mixer output to be affected by the standard transmitter control, the control can be disconnected from the function input of the „receiving“ control channel by entering „free“ in the „Transmitter control settings“ menu; see page 56. The menu description which follows includes an example which will make this function clear.
Free mixers Linear mixers
For each model memory (1 to 20) three linear mixers are available, with the additional possibility of non-linear characteristic curves. In this first section we will concentrate on the programming procedure for the first screen page. We will then move on to the method of programming mixer ratios, as found on the second screen page of this menu. Basic programming procedure: 1. Select mixer 1 ... 3 with the rotary control pressed in. 2. Define the mixer input „from“ and the mixer output „to“. 3. Optionally: include the trim levers for the mixer input signal (Type column); mixer No. 1 only. 4. Assign a mixer switch if required. 5. Define the mixer ratios on the second screen page. 6. Switch back to the first page by pressing ESC. Mixer “from → to“ After a brief press on the rotary control, use the rotary control to enter one of the control functions 1...12 or the switch channel S in the selected mixer line in the inverse video field of the „from“ column. In the interests of clarity the control functions 1 ... 4 are abbreviated as follows when dealing with the fixed-wing mixers: Ch1 AIL ELE RUD
Throttle / airbrake stick Aileron stick Elevator stick Rudder stick
… and in the Heli program:
Ch1 AIL ELE RUD
Throttle / collective pitch stick Roll stick Pitch-axis stick Tail rotor stick
Note; Don’t forget to assign a transmitter control to the selected control function 5 ... 12 in the „Transmitter control settings“ menu. Switch channel: The letter „S“ (switch channel) has the effect of passing a constant input signal to the mixer input, e.g. in order to switch a motor on and off. For applications of this kind, assigning the switch channel avoids „tying up“ a proportional module. Please refer to the section „General notes regarding mixers“ on page 82. An additional SEL field now appears in the „to“ column. At this point you can define the control channel as the mixer destination, i.e. the mixer output. At the same time additional fields will also appear in the bottom line of the screen. Example:
In this example three mixers have already been defined. The second mixer („Brake > 3 elevator“) is already familiar to us from the „Fixed-wing mixers“ menu. As a general rule you should always use these pre-programmed mixers first if possible. Admittedly, if you need asymmetrical mixer ratios on both sides of centre, or wish to program a non-
linear curve, or have to offset the mixer neutral point, then you should set or leave the pre-set mixers at „0“, and program one of the free mixers instead. Erasing mixers If you need to erase a mixer that you have already defined, simply press the CLEAR button in the inverse video field of the „from“ column. Mixer switches In our example above , an external switch „1“ and the control switch „G1“ have been assigned to the three linear mixers 1 to 3. The switch symbol shows the current switch state. The extreme right-hand column shows whether the mixer in question is currently switched „off“ or „on“. Any mixer to which no switch has been assigned is permanently switched on. “Type“ column Including the trim If you are using one of the primary control functions 1 ... 4 (sticks) you can set the trim value of the digital trim lever to affect the mixer input, if you wish. Use the rotary control to select „Tr.“ in the inverse video field for the mixer you are programming. Additional special features of free mixers Mixer input = mixer output If you set up a mixer whose input is the same as its output, e.g. 8 > 8, the effect is increased servo travel (if you set a mixer value > 0%) or reduced travel (if you set a negative value). If you set a value of -100% the servo travel is reduced to zero, and if you set it within the range -100% to -150% the direction of the mixer is reversed!
Program description: Free mixers 83
This enables you to define a three-point control curve for any transmitter control using the mixers 1 … 3. Before we come to setting mixer ratios, and conclude with a few examples, we have to consider what happens if a mixer input is allowed to act on the pre-set coupling of aileron servos, flap servos or collective pitch servos: • Fixed-wing models: Depending on the number of wing servos set in the „Aileron / Flap“ line of the „Basic model settings“ menu, outputs 2 and 5 at the receiver are reserved for the aileron servos, and outputs 6 and 7 for the two flap servos. If mixer outputs are programmed to this type of coupled function, you have to consider the direction of effect, depending on the control channel: Mixer NN → 2 NN → 5 NN → 6 NN → 7
Effect Aileron effect Aileron has flap function Flap effect Flap has aileron function
• Model helicopters: Depending on the type of helicopter, up to four servos may be employed for collective pitch control, connected to receiver outputs 1, 2, 3 and 5. The mc-19 software links them together to provide the functions collective pitch, roll and pitch-axis. • It is not advisable to mix one of the transmitter controls into these occupied channels using the free mixers available outside the „Heli mixers“ menu, as you may inadvertently generate some extremely complex and unwanted inter-actions. 84 Program description: Free mixers
One of the few exceptions to this rule is „Collective pitch trim via a separate transmitter control“.
Important notes: • It is important to remember when dealing with serial links that the travels of the individual mixers are cumulative when multiple stick commands are made simultaneously, and there is then a danger that the servo concerned may strike its mechanical end-stops. If necessary reduce the servo travel in the „Servo settings“ menu, and / or reduce the mixer values. • When using a PCM transmission link the control data is compressed before being transmitted, and if you use more than 8 servo outputs on a PCM receiver, the servos connected to receiver outputs 9 and 10 may be slightly less than smooth-running if the mixers „1 > 9“, „1 > 10“ and „2 > 10“ are in use. If you are using one of the newer SPCM receivers, these effects may occur at outputs 9 and 10 if you have programmed this type of mixer combination, i.e. where several servos are controlled in parallel by a single transmitter control. This does not constitute a malfunction of the radio control system. Mixer ratios and mixer neutral point Now that we have explained the wide-ranging nature of the mixer functions, the following section describes how to program linear and non-linear mixer curves. For each of the three available mixers the mixer curves are programmed on a second page of the screen display. Select the number of the mixer you wish to adjust, and select the arrow button „➨“ using the rotary control. A brief press on the rotary control or the ENTER button takes you to the graphics page.
Linear mixers 1 ... 3: setting linear curves As an example with a practical application we will define a linear mixer curve in the next section designed to solve the following problem: We have a powered model with two flap servos connected to receiver outputs 6 and 7, which were programmed in the „Basic model settings“ menu. These control surfaces are to be employed as landing flaps, i.e. when the associated transmitter control is operated they deflect down only. However, this flap movement requires an elevator trim correction to counteract a pitch trim change. In the „Transmitter control settings“ menu assign a free linear slider to input 6, e.g. control 7 (if for in this case control 6 is not a slider on your transmitter). The control assigned to input 6 controls the two servos connected to receiver outputs 6 and 7 in the standard way, operating as simple wing flaps. „Transmitter control settings“ menu:
Note: If you select two flaps („2FL“) in the „Model type“ menu, input 7 is automatically blocked to avoid possible malfunctions.Start by moving this transmitter control to the forward end-point and adjust the landing flap linkages so that they are in the neutral position at this slider setting. If you pull the slider back, the flaps should deflect down; if they move up, you must reverse the direction of servo rotation.Now we turn to the first mixer on the screen on page 85, which provides elevator trim correction. This is the mixer 6 > ELE, to which switch 6 has been assigned:
Use the rotary control to move to the arrow ➨ in the bottom line. A brief press on the rotary control now switches to the second screen page:
In our example the neutral position of the flaps is located at the forward end-point of the slider, so we must also shift the mixer neutral point exactly to that position. Move control 6 in the direction of +100%, select STO using the rotary control and press the rotary control briefly. The dotted vertical line now moves to this point - the new mixer neutral point - which always retains the „OUTPUT“ value of zero in accordance with the mixer definition. As it happens, this setting is difficult to show in a screen shot, so we will change the „offset“ value to just +75%.
If this display appears to, you have not activated the mixer by operating the assigned external switch - in this case „1“. To correct this, operate the switch: (You can reset the mixer neutral point to centre automatically by selecting CLR).
The solid vertical line in the graph represents the current position of the transmitter control assigned to input 6. The solid horizontal line shows the mixer ratio, which currently has the value zero over the whole stick travel; this means that the elevator will not „follow“ when the flaps are operated. The first step is to define the offset (mixer neutral point): The dotted vertical line indicates the position of the mixer neutral point („offset“), i.e. that point along the control travel at which the mixer has no influence on the channel connected to its output. As standard this point is set to the centre position.
Pressing the CLEAR button erases the mixer ratio. The „optimum“ value for our purposes will inevitably need to be established through a flight testing program.
Since we have set the mixer neutral point at +75% of control travel, as shown above, the elevator „ELE“ will already exhibit a (slight) down-elevator effect at the neutral point of the landing flaps, and this, of course, is not wanted. To avoid this problem we shift the mixer neutral point back to 100% control travel, as described earlier. If you were now to reset the offset from 75% to, say, 0% control travel, the screen would look like this:
Symmetrical mixer ratios The next step is to define the mixer values above and below the mixer neutral point, starting from the current position of the mixer neutral point. Select the SYM field, so that you can set the mixer value symmetrically relative to the offset point you have just programmed. Press the rotary control briefly, then set the values in the two left-hand inverse video fields within the range -150% to +150%. Remember that the set mixer value always refers to a control travel of 100%! Setting a negative mixer value reverses the direction of the mixer.
Program description: Free mixers 85
Asymmetric mixer ratios: For many applications we need to set up different mixer values on either side of the mixer neutral point. If you select the ASY field and (in our example) move the elevator stick in one direction, the mixer ratio for each direction of control can be set separately:
Note: If you are setting up a switch channel mixer of the „S > NN“ type you must operate the assigned switch to achieve this effect. The vertical line then switches between the left and right sides.
Examples: 1. You wish to set up external switch number 7 as the aero-tow release using a servo connected to receiver output 9. In the following screen shot the 1st linear mixer is set up for this application, with the switch channel „S“ as mixer input:
Any transmitter control which happens to be linked to input 9 should be de-coupled in the software by setting it to „free“ in the „Transmitter control settings“ menu. Define the mixer ratios and mixer directions for both directions of the external switch „7“ as described above. Alternatively you can obtain the same effect using the „Transmitter control settings“ menu alone, simply by assigning an external switch - instead of a transmitter control - to a free input. 2. This example applies to model helicopters: You may wish to assign a slider to the collective pitch trim function in the Heli program, e.g. using transmitter control 6 assigned to input 8; if so, use this procedure: set input 6 to „free“ in the „Transmitter control settings“ menu, assign transmitter control 6 to input 8. Now simply define a free mixer 8 > 1 with a symmetrical mixer ratio of, say, 25%. Due to the internal coupling, this transmitter control now acts equally on all existing collective pitch servos, without affecting the throttle servo.
86 Program description: Free mixers
Swashplate mixers Collective pitch, roll and pitch-axis mixers
In the „Swashplate type“ line of the „Basic model settings“ menu you have already defined the number of servos which are installed in your helicopter for collective pitch control; see page 42. With this information the mc-19 program automatically couples together the functions for roll, pitch-axis and collective pitch as required, i.e. you do not need to define any additional mixers yourself.
HEIM mechanics with 2 collective pitch servos: • The collective pitch mixer acts on the two collective pitch servos connected to receiver sockets 1 + 2; • the roll mixer also acts on the two collective pitch servos, but the direction of rotation of one servo is reversed, and • the pitch-axis mixer acts on the pitch-axis servo alone.
Note: Ensure that the servos do not strike their mechanical end-stops if you change the servo mixer values.
If you have a model helicopter which only has a single collective pitch servo, this menu point is - of course - superfluous, since the three swashplate servos for collective pitch, pitch-axis and roll are controlled independently of each other. In this case the swashplate mixer menu does not appear in the multi-function list. With all other swashplate linkages employing 2 ... 4 collective pitch servos, the mixer ratios and directions are set up by default, as can be seen in the screen shot above. The pre-set value is 61% in each case, but the value can be varied within the range -100% to +100% if required, after a brief press on the rotary control (CLEAR = 61%.) If you do not wish to assign the swashplate control system (collective pitch, roll and pitch-axis) to the transmitter sticks in the conventional way, then the first step is to change the mixer directions (+ or -), before you attempt to correct the directions of servo rotation.
Program description: Swashplate mixers 87
Fail-Safe settings Fail-safe in the „PCM20“ transmission mode
This menu appears in the multi-function list only if you have selected the PCM20 transmission mode. This mode of operation must be pre-set in the memory-specific „Basic model settings“ menu. The PCM20 transmission mode can be used with all receivers with „mc“ in the type designation (mc12, mc-18, mc-20, DS 20 mc etc.). Fail-safe programming for SPCM20 mode will be discussed in the next section. In this menu you can define the behaviour of the receiver when a problem in the link between transmitter and receiver occurs, and you can also exploit the option of moving one servo to a particular position when the voltage of the receiver battery falls below a certain value („battery fail-safe“). Fail-safe and interference The operational security of Pulse Code Modulation (PCM) is inherently higher than that of simple Pulse Position Modulation (PPM), since the receiver incorporates an integral micro-processor which is capable of processing received signals even when they are „noisy“. Only if the received signal is incorrect or garbled due to outside interference does the receiver automatically replace the invalid signal with the last received correct signal, which is stored in the receiver. This procedure suppresses brief interference caused by local drops in field strength and similar momentary problems, which otherwise result in the familiar „glitches“.
88 Program description: Fail-safe
Caution: If you are using one of the PCM transmission modes (PCM, SPCM) we strongly recommend that you make use of its safety potential by programming the fail-safe throttle position of a glow-powered model to idle, or the throttle position of an electric-powered model to „motor stopped“. In this way you ensure that the model is much less likely to cause havoc if subjected to interference; if this should occur on the ground, the model could otherwise cause serious personal injury or damage to property. If you select the PCM 20 transmission mode but have not yet carried out the fail-safe programming, you will see a warning message on the screen when you switch on the transmitter. The message remains on-screen in the basic display for a few seconds: Adjust FailSafe
If a longer period of interference affects the radio link between transmitter and receiver, the PCM20 operating mode offers two optional types of FAILSAFE programming, and you can select your preferred one using the left-hand SEL field. 1. „Hold“ mode If you set „hold“ after a brief press on the rotary control, interference causes the servos to stay continuously at the position corresponding to the last valid signal until the receiver picks up another signal which it recognises as valid.
2. Variable FAIL-SAFE programming with overwrite (display: „.25s, 0.5s or 1.0s“). If you set a pre-selected time instead of „hold“ mode, the display initially changes as follows:
With this arrangement „hold“ mode is effective when interference first strikes, but after the set delay has elapsed the servos move to previously determined positions until the receiver again picks up a valid control signal. If the receiver picks up valid signals again, these Fail-Safe servo positions are immediately abandoned. The delay time, i.e. the time from the onset of interference to the triggering of the FAIL-SAFE mode, can be set to any of three values: 0.25 sec., 0.5 sec and 1.0 sec. These options are designed to cater for models flying at different speeds. Pressing CLEAR resets the fail-safe setting in the inverse video field to „hold“. Setting the servo positions The FAIL-SAFE servo positions are freely programmable for the receiver outputs 1 ... 8. Use the rotary control to select the STO field. Now move servos 1 ... 8 to the appropriate positions using the transmitter controls, then briefly press the rotary control to store the positions as the fail-safe settings.
This data is transmitted to the receiver at regular intervals, so that the receiver can always revert to them if interference should strike. You will see a brief message on the screen when you store the data by giving the rotary control a brief press.
Caution: The „Battery fail-safe“ function makes a useful contribution to flying safety, but you should never be tempted to rely upon it as a standard warning of „time to land“, not least because the discharge behaviour of batteries varies widely according to type, and in any case the characteristics of the battery change as it ages.
If this should occur, you must immediately initiate the landing approach in order to have the best possible chance of landing the model without damage.
You can program any of three positions as the battery fail-safe setting for servo 1, and they are selected using the right-hand SEL field:
The FAIL-SAFE servo positions can be overwritten at any time by selecting the appropriate menu and storing the transmitter settings anew. Note: Some PCM receivers feature outputs 9 and 10, but variable fail-safe settings are not available for them; both servos always move to the centre position if interference occurs. Receiver battery FAIL-SAFE As soon as the receiver battery voltage falls below a particular value, a servo which is assigned permanently in the „Battery F.S.“ section of the FailSafe menu runs to one out of 3 definable positions, with the intention of indicating to the pilot that the receiver battery is failing. In the programs for fixedwing model aircraft, cars and boats this is the servo connected to channel 1 (throttle / airbrake, or directional control with model cars and boats). In the helicopter programs the servo connected to channel 1 is used for this (exception: mc-12 receiver), which can then be used to switch on some type of visual warning signal.
• • •
+ 75% travel in the one direction, 0% servo centre, or - 75% travel in the opposite direction.
Select your preferred servo position using the rotary control. Pressing the CLEAR button switches the „Battery F.S.“ function off. If the battery fail-safe signal is triggered, you can regain control of the affected channel by briefly operating it (throttle stick for a fixed-wing model, assigned control for channel 1 with a helicopter, right / left function of the right-hand stick with model cars and boats; alternatively the transmitter control of any mixer input which affects servo 1). This disengages the FAIL-SAFE servo, and it returns to the pilot’s commanded position.
Program description: Fail-safe 89
Fail-Safe setting Fail-safe in the „SPCM20“ transmission mode
In this way you ensure that the model is much less likely to cause havoc if subjected to interference; if this should occur on the ground, the model could otherwise cause serious personal injury or damage to property. This menu appears in the multi-function list only if you have selected the SPCM20 transmission mode. This mode of operation must be pre-set in the memory-specific „Basic model settings“ menu. The SPCM20 transmission mode can be used with all receivers with „smc“ in the type designation (smc-19, smc-20, smc-19 DS, smc-20 DS, etc.). Fail-safe programming for the PCM20 mode is discussed in the previous section. The operational security of Pulse Code Modulation (PCM) is inherently higher than that of simple Pulse Position Modulation (PPM), since the receiver incorporates an integral micro-processor which is capable of processing received signals even when they are „noisy“. Only if the received signal is incorrect or garbled due to outside interference does the receiver automatically replace the invalid signal with the last received correct signal, which is stored in the receiver. This procedure suppresses brief interference caused by local drops in field strength and similar momentary problems, which otherwise result in the familiar „glitches“.
Caution: If you are using one of the PCM transmission modes (PCM, SPCM) we strongly recommend that you make use of its safety potential by programming the fail-safe throttle position of a glow-powered model to idle, or the throttle position of an electric-powered model to „motor stopped“. 90 Program description: Fail-safe
If you select the SPCM 20 transmission mode but have not yet carried out the fail-safe programming, you will see a warning message on the screen when you switch on the transmitter. The message remains on-screen in the basic display for a few seconds:
If interference affects the radio link between transmitter and receiver, the „Fail-Safe“ function determines the receiver’s behaviour. In SPCM20 transmission mode any servo can either: 1. maintain („hold“) the current position when interference strikes; all the servos programmed to „hold mode“ stay continuously at the position corresponding to the last valid signal until the receiver picks up another signal which it recognises as valid; or 2. move to a freely selectable position („Pos“) when interference occurs. In contrast to PCM20 mode the receiver outputs 1...8 can be programmed individually to „hold“ or „position“ mode, without a pre-set delay time. Receiver outputs 9 and 10 always stay in „hold“ mode.
Use the rotary control to select the channels 1 to 8 ( ), and press the rotary control briefly to switch each channel between „hold“ ( ) and „position“ ( ) mode.
Use the rotary control to select the STO field at bottom right of the screen. Now move those servos of 1 ... 8 for which you have selected Position mode to the appropriate positions using the transmitter controls - all servos simultaneously. Briefly press the rotary control to store the positions as the fail-safe settings. This data is transmitted to the receiver at regular intervals, so that the receiver can always revert to them if interference should strike. You will see a brief message on the screen when you store the data.
91
mc-19 programming techniques Preparation, e.g. with a fixed-wing model aircraft Programming model data into an mc-19... ... is easier than it may appear at first sight. There is one basic rule which applies equally to all programmable radio control transmitters: if the programming is to go smoothly and the systems work as expected, the receiving system components must first be installed correctly in the model, i.e. the mechanical systems must be first-rate. This means: ensure that each servo is at its correct neutral position when you fit the output lever or disc and connect the linkage to it. If you find this is not the case, correct it! Remove the output arm, rotate it by one or more splines and secure it again. Virtually all modern transmitters offer facilities for offsetting the neutral position of servos, but this is no substitute for a correct mechanical installation; this function is only intended for fine tuning. Any substantial deviation from the „0“ position may result in additional asymmetry when the signal undergoes further processing in the transmitter. Think of it this way: if the chassis of a car is distorted, you may be able to force the vehicle to run straight by holding the steering wheel away from centre, but it does not make the chassis any less bent, and the basic problem remains. Another important point is to set up the correct control travels as far as possible by using the appropriate linkage points in the mechanical system; this is much more efficient than making major changes to the travel settings at the transmitter. The same rule applies: electronic travel adjustment facilities are designed primarily to compensate for minor manufacturing tolerances in the servos and for fine adjustment, and not to compensate for poor-quality construction and defective installation. If two separate aileron servos are installed in a fixed-wing model aircraft, the ailerons can also be employed as airbrakes by deflecting both of them up - simply by setting up a suitable mixer. 92 Programming examples: Fixed-wing models
Such systems are generally more often used in gliders and electric gliders than in power models.In such cases the servo output arms should be offset forward by one spline relative to the neutral point, i.e. towards the leading edge, and fitted on the servo output shaft in that position.
You can „see“ the difference in terms of braking effect by deploying the crow system, then looking at the underside of the wing from the front. The larger the projected area of the deflected control surfaces, the greater the braking effect.
This type of asymmetrical installation of the servo output arms can also make sense when setting up split flaps or landing flaps on a power model. The mechanical differential achieved by this asymmetrical installation takes into account the fact that the braking effect of the up-going ailerons increases with their angle of deflection, and this means that much less travel is usually required in the downdirection than the up-direction. Similar reasoning applies to the installation of the flap linkage when separately linked flap servos are installed, designed to be used in a butterfly (crow) system. Here again an asymmetrical linkage point is useful. The braking effect of the crow system is provided primarily by the down-movement of the flaps rather than the upmovement of the ailerons, so in this case the servo output arms should point aft, i.e. offset towards the trailing edge, as this makes greater travel available for the down-movement. When this combination of lowered flaps and raised ailerons is used, the ailerons should only be raised to a moderate extent, as their primary purpose in this configuration is to stabilise and control the model rather than act as brakes.
Once you have completed your model and set up the mechanical systems accurately in this way, you are ready to start programming the transmitter. The instructions in this section are intended to reflect standard practice by describing the basic general settings first, and then refining and specialising them to complete the set-up. After the first testflight, and in the course of continued test-flying, you may need to adjust one or other of the model’s settings. As your piloting skills improve and you gain experience you might feel the need to try out different control systems and other refinements, and to cater for these requirements you may find that the text deviates from the obvious order of options, or that one or other of the options is mentioned more than once. At this point, just before you start programming the model data, it is worthwhile thinking carefully about a sensible layout of the transmitter controls.
If the model in question is one with the emphasis on „power“ - whether the power of an electric motor or internal combustion engine - you will probably encounter few problems in this matter, because the two stick units are primarily employed to control the four basic functions „power control (= throttle)“, „rudder“, „elevator“ and „aileron“. Nevertheless, you still have to call up the ... »Basic model settings« (page 38)
Your choice of „none“ (no motor) or „throttle min. forward / back“ also affects the range of mixers available in the „Fixed-wing mixers“ menu. The mixers „Brake 1 > NN“ are only present if you choose „none“ (no motor), otherwise they are suppressed. In addition to these basic matters you will certainly need to consider carefully how best to control any „auxiliary functions“ featured on your model. In contrast, if your model is a glider or electric glider the whole situation may be rather different. The immediate question is: what is the best way of operating the motor and braking system? Now, some solutions have proved to be practical, and others less so.
… and define your preferred throttle direction, i.e. throttle minimum „forward“ or „back“, because the default setting is „none“ (i.e. no motor).
The basic difference between „none“ and „throttle min. forward / back“ is the effect of the Ch1 trim. The trim is effective over the full stick travel if „none“ is entered, but it only affects the idle range if you enter „throttle min. forward / back“. However, it also affects the „direction of effect“ of the Ch1 stick, i.e. if you switch from „forward“ to „back“ or vice versa, you do not also have to reverse the direction of the throttle servo. For safety reasons you will also see a warning message if you switch on the transmitter with the throttle stick positioned towards „full-throttle“ - but only if you have already set „throttle min. forward / back“. Thr Your choice of „none“ (no motor) or too „throttle min. forward / back“ also high affects the range of mixers available in the „Fixed-wing mixers“ menu. The mixers „Brake 1 > NN“ are only present if you choose „none“ (no motor), otherwise they are suppressed.
For example, it is not a good idea to be forced to let go of one of the primary sticks in order to extend the airbrakes or deploy the crow braking system when your glider is on the landing approach. It surely makes more sense to set up switchable functions for the Ch1 stick (see programming example: page 98), or to assign the braking system to the stick, and shift the motor control to a slider - or even a switch. With this type of model the electric motor is often little more than a „self-launching system“, and is used either to drag the model into the sky at full power, or to pull it from one area of lift to the next at, say half-power, and for such models a throttle switch is usually quite adequate. If the slider or switch is positioned where you can easily reach it, then you can switch the motor on and off without having to let go of the sticks - even on the landing approach. Incidentally, similar thinking can be applied to flap control systems, regardless of whether they are „just“ the ailerons, or full-span (combination) control surfaces which are raised and lowered in parallel.
To control the flaps all you need is an external switch with a long toggle (Order No. 4160), or a differential switch (Order No. 4160.22), and the ideal location for it is on the outside edge of the transmitter on the same side as the throttle / brake stick. The switch can then be reached at any time without having to let go of the sticks. In contrast, the motor can be controlled very effectively by means of a two-position switch (Order No. 4143) or a three-position switch (Order No. 4113) mounted in the stick itself. These switches have to be installed by your local GRAUPNER Service Centre. If you don’t wish to use a stick switch, the motor should be controlled by a switch installed on the side of the transmitter opposite to the hand which holds the model for launching. In other words: if you launch the model with your right hand, then the motor switch should be in the „outside left“ position, and vice versa. Once you are satisfied that all these preparations have been completed successfully, programming can begin. Programming examples: Fixed-wing models 93
First steps in programming a new model Example: non-powered fixed-wing model aircraft When programming a new model you should start with the line ...
»Basic model settings« (page 38)
If your model is fitted with only one camberchanging flap servo, you should still select „2FL“. Later, in the „Fixed-wing mixers“ menu, you should select the „Ail. 2 > 7 flap“ mixer and set it to 0%. You can still exploit all the other mixers available at that point in the usual way.
»Call up model« (page 37)
... in the „Model memory“ menu, where you select a vacant memory and confirm your choice by pressing the ENTER button, or giving the rotary control a brief press.
Once you have selected a free model memory, you are requested to select the type of model to be programmed. Since in this example we are programming a fixed-wing model, we select the fixed-wing model symbol using the rotary control, and confirm with ENTER or a brief press on the rotary control. The screen now reverts to the basic display.
At this point you can enter the „Model name“, check the settings for „Stick mode“, „Modulation“, and „Motor at Ch1“ and change them if necessary: • „none“: trim works independently of the stick position. • „Throttle min. forward or back“: Ch1 trim works on idle range (forward or back) only. If the throttle stick is the „full-throttle“ direction when you switch the transmitter on, you will be warned of this with the message „Throttle too high“.
Note: Selecting a motor or no motor also affects the range of mixers available in the „Fixed-wing mixers“ menu. For this reason we first consider „none“ (no motor) in the following programming example. In the next two lines you select the basic arrangement of the servos in the model, and inform the transmitter of your choice:
Once you have called up the „Model select“ option it is not possible to interrupt the process, i.e. you must choose one or other model type. However, if you make a mistake you can always correct it simply by erasing the model memory. Now that you have overcome this first hurdle, you can start on the actual transmitter settings to suit the model ...
94 Programming examples: Fixed-wing models
Note:
Tail:
Ailerons / flaps:
„Normal“, „V-tail“, „Delta / flyingwing“ or „2 EL Sv 3 + 8“ (two elev. servos at channels 3+8) 1 or 2 aileron servos and 0 or 2 flap servos
At this point you should check that the servos are connected to the receiver in the standard Graupner sequence:
Note: If you set up a V-tail, but the „up / down“ and / or „left / right“ functions work the wrong way round, please refer to the table in the right-hand column of page 31. The same procedure can be used if you set up flaperons (superimposed ailerons and flaps) and they work the wrong way round. The following settings apply to a model with a „normal“ tail and „none“ (no motor); if your model has a V-tail the settings can be adopted virtually unchanged. However, if the model is a delta or flying wing the situation is not quite so straightforward. A special programming example covering this model type will be found on page 103.
»Servo settings« (page 54)
»Fixed-wing mixers« (page 69)
In this menu you can set various parameters relating to the servos, i.e. direction of rotation, neutral setting and servo travel, to suit the requirements of the model. By „requirements“ we mean adjustments to servo centre and servo travel which are needed to compensate for minor tolerances in servos and slight inaccuracies on the model.
Note: The facilities provided in this menu for setting asymmetrical servo travels are not intended for setting differential travel on ailerons and / or camber-changing flaps. There are functions designed specifically for this in the „Fixed-wing mixers“ menu. Once you have completed the settings described so far, a fixed-wing model or powered model (the latter if you state the idle direction of the throttle stick in the „Model type“ menu) will, in principle, fly. However, there are no „refinements“ in this set-up, and it is the refinements which will give you more long-term fun in your flying. Assuming that you are already capable of flying your model safely, it is time to get a taste of these extra facilities; to this end we now move on to the menu ...
This menu will show a varying range of options depending on the information you have entered in the „Basic model settings“ menu. Of particular interest at the moment are „Aileron differential“ and the „Aileron > rudder“ mixer. As already described in detail on page 70, the purpose of aileron differential is to eliminate adverse yaw. When a model aircraft turns, the down-going aileron produces more drag than the up-going one when both move through the same angle, and this causes the model to yaw in the opposite direction to the turn. This can be eliminated by setting differential servo travel. A value between 20% and 40% is usually a good starting point, but the „perfect“ setting nearly always has to be established by practical testing.
The same applies to the option „Flap differential“ if your model also features two camber-changing flap servos. The „Aileron 2 > 4 rudder“ mixer serves a similar purpose, but also makes many models generally easier to handle when turning. A value of around 50% is usually a practical starting point. However, it is advisable to be able to switch this function off, particularly if you have ambitions as an aerobatic pilot; this is done by assigning a physical switch to the mixer. Setting up a „Brake 1 > 3 elevator“ mixer is usually only necessary if your model suffers a marked pitch trim change (model balloons up or dives) when you deploy any form of braking system. This problem usually only arises if ailerons are set to deflect „up“ for braking, or are used in combination with a butterfly (crow) system. If you set up such a mixer it is important to test the setting at a safe height, and adjust the trim compensation if necessary. If the ailerons are set up to act as brakes in a butterfly (crow) system, then you should always enter a value for differential reduction (see page 73) setting 100% is the safe option here! Differential reduction means that aileron differential is suppressed to a greater or lesser extent when you operate the airbrake stick. The purpose of this is to increase the down-going aileron travel on the landing approach, with the aim of improving aileron response. If the wing is equipped with two camber-changing flap servos in addition to two separately actuated ailerons, then the „Aileron 2 > 7 flap“ mixer transfers the aileron movements to the flaps; we suggest that the flaps should not follow the movement of the ailerons to a greater extent than about 50%. However, if you have only installed one flap servo, then leave this mixer at 0%. Programming examples: Fixed-wing models 95
The „Flap 6 > 5 aileron“ mixer works in the opposite direction; depending on the layout of the model we suggest values between about 50% and 100% for this option. The flaps are controlled using the 2channel switch module or the linear slider connected to the CH6 socket on the transmitter circuit board.
If during the test phase you realise that one or other of the settings needs to be changed in order to tailor the model’s control response to your preferences - perhaps the servo travels are too great or too small overall - then we suggest that you turn to the following menu ... »Dual Rate/Exponential« (page 62)
The remaining options in the „Fixed-wing mixers“ menu are designed to provide further fine-tuning of multi-flap wing systems and are largely self-explanatory.
When you have completed the model-specific settings to this point, you are probably ready to consider the model’s first flight. At this point you should certainly take the time to carry out a series of „dry runs“, i.e. check all the settings thoroughly while the model is still on the ground. Remember that a serious programming error may damage more than just the model. If you are not sure of any point, ask an experienced model pilot for advice.
96 Programming examples: Fixed-wing models
... in order to adjust the overall set-up to suit your requirements and flying style. Dual Rates are used to adjust the magnitude of the stick’s effect. However, if it is only the control response around neutral which is too powerful for comfortable flying, i.e. the maximum travels are acceptable, then „Exponential“ can be employed, either instead of Dual Rates or in addition to them.
Expanded programming: Including an electric power system
In the preceding programming instructions we have already reserved the Ch1 transmitter control for the airbrakes, which means that we have to explore other possibilities for controlling the motor:
However, do bear in mind that servo outputs 2 + 5 and 6 + 7 may already be linked in the software, depending on the model type you have set and the number of aileron and flap servos. Instead you could connect the 2-channel module to, say, CH8 or CH9 on the transmitter circuit board, or adopt the simpler method of assigning an integral transmitter control to a different input. This is carried out in the menu ... »Transmitter control settings« (page 56)
For example, you could assign a control connected to CH7 to input „8“, and set input „7“ to „free“ as shown in the illustration above.
The most sophisticated variant is the solution described on page 49, where a control switch is used to start and stop the stopwatch automatically, so that the stopwatch records the motor run time. This is set up by assigning a control switch in the „Timer“ line of the „Basic model settings“ menu.
»Servo settings« (page 54)
If one of the integral 2-channel modules (switch module or linear slider) is used, then setting it up to control an electric motor is extremely simple: all you have to do is connect the speed controller to the corresponding servo socket at the receiver.
This variant implements a pure ON / OFF function, and causes the motor to burst into life abruptly unless, that is, your speed controller features what is known as „soft-start“. At the receiver end you would use either a simple electronic switch, or - if you prefer a „soft“ motor start - a proportional speed controller.
»Transmitter control settings« (page 56)
Alternatively, you could use a two-position external switch (Order No. 4160 or 4160.1) to control the motor, with the advantage that you could switch a stopwatch on and off with the same switch - see example 2.
Using a linear slider or 2-channel module
Using a two-position external switch (external switch, Order No. 4160 or 4160.1)
The settings required for this are carried out in the menu ...
The simplest method of including an electric motor in a model set-up is to use a 2-channel switch module (e.g. Order No. 4151 or 4151.1) or a 2-channel proportional module (e.g. Order No. 4152 or 4111) as the transmitter control - see example 1.
Example 1:
Example 2
To set up the servo travel to match your speed controller you move to the menu ...
First check which inputs are really free (see Example 1), e.g. input 8 if you have selected 2 aileron servos and 2 flap servos in the „Basic model settings“ menu. First select SEL with a brief press on the rotary control, then activate „Assign switch or transmitter control“ in the second column. Move your chosen external switch (in this case „1“) from the proposed motor OFF position to motor ON. The control travel can be adjusted to suit the speed controller in the 3rd column.
Programming examples: Fixed-wing models 97
Controlling the electric motor and butterfly with the Ch1 stick (Butterfly system as landing aid: ailerons up, flaps down) (Example 3:) Before we start the programming of this third example, and turn our attention to expanding the basic programming we have already discussed, we need to consider briefly the position of the throttle / brake stick at „motor OFF“ or „brake OFF“. Usually the Ch1 stick is moved forward to open the throttle, and back to extend the brakes. However, if you adopt this „classic“ configuration, and switch, say, from „motor OFF“ (stick „back“) to the braking system, „full brake“ would immediately be applied, and vice versa: if you switch from „brakes retracted“ to power, this would instantly switch to „full power“. These inter-connected effects are definitely not desirable, and to avoid them we recommend that you position the „zero point“ of both systems so that they coincide. With the mc-19 system the offset point of the fixed-wing mixer „Brake > NN“ (this mixer is also required), is fixed at „stick forward“, so the following programming example shows how to position „motor OFF“ and „brake OFF“ together, at „forward“. In the menu … »Basic model settings« (page 38)
leave the „motor at Ch1“ line at „none“, or change to this setting if necessary. This is essential, otherwise the „Brake 1 > NN“ mixers which we need in the following section are suppressed in the „Fixedwing mixers“ menu.
98 Programming examples: Fixed-wing models
Important note: As it is essential to set the motor to „none“, this also automatically disables the „Throttle too high“ power-on warning! For this reason please take great care to set the Ch1 stick to the correct position before you switch on the receiving system.
Note: If the motor does not start, or rotates in the wrong direction, there are other problems which you must correct before you resume programming.
The next step is to ensure that the motor is switched off „forward“, and is switched on when the Ch1 stick is moved „back“, i.e. towards the pilot’s body.
Once you are confident that the direction of the Ch1 stick is „correct“ as far as the motor is concerned, the next step is to ensure that its effect on the motor can be switched on and off. This is carried out in the menu …
To achieve this you may have to move to the …
»Free mixers« (page 83)
»Servo settings« (page 54)
and reverse the direction of servo 1.
For safety’s sake you should check this setting now, before you continue with the programming procedure. Take the transmitter and model to a location where it is safe to run the motor. Switch on the transmitter and move the Ch1 stick fully forward. Hold your model firmly, or ask a friend to hold it for you. Check that the propeller is free to rotate without causing havoc, then prepare your model for use. If the motor does not run in the „stick forward“ position, everything is in order. However, check the system anyway by gradually moving the stick back towards you until the motor begins to run. Stop the motor, then switch off the receiving system in the model and finally switch off the transmitter.
… where you need to program a free mixer „Ch1 > Ch1“. When you have done this, move to the (switch) column and assign your selected „changeover switch“ to this mixer; ideally this would be a stick switch installed by a GRAUPNER Service Centre (see Appendix). This is done by activating the switch assignment with a brief press on the rotary control, and moving the switch from „forward“ to „back“, i.e. towards you. In this example this is the external switch at socket 1. With the mixer switched on, move to the second screen page using the ➨ button, and there set a starting point of -100% for the SYMmetrical mixer value.
fcare that you operate the switch only in the „motor OFF“ position! If you ignore this, there is a danger that the power system will be severely overloaded by being switched on abruptly, and it could even suffer damage. Now use the rotary control to move to STO (under „Offs.“), move the Ch1 stick to the „forward“ endpoint and press the rotary control briefly: the value under „Offs.“ changes from 0% to approx. +100% and the graphic display of the mixer characteristic line displayed on the right also changes accordingly.
If you now return to the basic display by pressing ESC, a brief press on the rotary control takes you to the menu … »Servo display« (page 54)
… where you can immediately check the effect of the settings you have made so far: with the mixer switched off, the bar display for Channel 1 follows the movement of the Ch1 stick. With the mixer switched on it stops - as shown - at around -100%.
Note: If you carry out this test with the receiving system and power system switched on, please take great
To conclude the programming procedure, move the selected „change-over switch“ back to the „motor ON“ position, i.e. „forward“; switch back to the multifunction menu and from there to the menu …
If you now switch back to the „Servo display“ menu and move the Ch1 stick, you will see that the bar display for Channel 1 either remains at around 100% while the displays for Channels 2 + 5 (and also the flaps 6 + 7, if set up) follow the stick movement, or the other way round: the latter stay at around 0% and only the Channel 1 display moves.
»Fixed-wing mixers« (page 69)
… where you can - assuming that you have not already done this in your general model programming - select the line „Brake 1 > 5 aileron“ and set the desired aileron travel when the Ch1 stick is operated in the up direction („Brake“). In the (switch) column assign your selected „change-over switch“ by pressing the rotary control briefly and moving the switch from „forward“ to „back“. If your model also features camber-changing flaps, and you have therefore selected „2 AIL 2 FL“ in the „Aileron / flap“ line of the „Basic model settings“ menu, locate the „change-over switch“ you have just operated, move it „forward“ again and switch to the line „Brake 1 > 6 flap“ with the rotary control pressed in. You can now set the desired down-deflection of the flaps when the Ch1 stick is moved (this flap position is termed „crow“ or „butterfly“; see also page 98), and assign the external switch which also acts as the change-over switch, as already described.
Programming example: Fixed-wing models 99
Operating the timer using the Ch1 stick or an external stick »Timers« (page 48) To record the effective motor run time during a flight you simply need to assign a switch in the „Timers“ line of the „Basic model settings“ menu. If, following on from the model programming described on the preceding pages, you have decided on Example 3, or you are using the Ch1 stick (throttle / brake stick) to control motor power - independently of this programming example - then you can use its control switch to turn the stopwatch on and off automatically. To assign the control switch set the Ch1 stick to the idle position and move to the „Timers“ line in the „Basic model settings“ menu.
Select the switch symbol and activate the switch assignment with a brief press on the rotary control, then move the throttle / brake stick from its idle position in the direction of „full throttle“. After a short period the switch „G1l“ or „G2l“ will appear on the screen as a switch symbol. If you now move the stick back towards idle, you will see that the switch symbol changes again at around 80% of stick travel: between the „idle position“ and the switching point the switch symbol is „open“, beyond this it is „closed“.
100 Programming examples: Fixed-wing models
If you now return to the transmitter’s basic display to check the system, you will see that the stopwatch and flight timer start running when you move the stick past the switching point in the direction of full-throttle, and that the stopwatch stops again when you move the stick back to the idle position.
Tip: When using an electric motor the motor run is usually limited by the capacity of the battery, and in this case you would normally set the stopwatch to „count down“. Simply enter the maximum permitted motor run in the „Timer“ column, e.g. „5 min.“. As described on page 48, the piezo buzzer starts to emit warning tones „30 sec“ before „zero“.
In the basic display start by pressing the CLEAR button, so that the stopwatch switches to the „Timer“ function. The timer can now be started and stopped using the throttle control.
Alternatively, if you control your motor with an external switch as described in Example 2, you do not need any of the previously described control switches. All you need to do is locate the switch which you use to turn your motor on and off, and assign the same switch to the „Timers“, with the same switching direction, so that these start running at the same moment as you switch on the motor. In contrast, if you have decided on the solution described in Example 1, then unfortunately there is no alternative but to operate the motor and timers separately.
Using flight phases Within any model memory you can program up to three different flight phases (stages of flight), each incorporating settings which can be entirely different to the others. Each flight phase can be called up by means of a switch. Flight phases represent the simplest and most convenient method of switching between different model settings in flight, programmed for different stages of a typical flight, such as normal, thermal, speed, distance etc.
Each of the two switch end-points of this differential switch is assigned to one flight phase, starting from the centre position. We recommend that the switch direction should match the phase names: as shown in the left-hand illustration, for example, „Phase 2“ is „back“ from the centre position, while „Phase 3“ is „forward“.
»Phase trim« (page 68) … move the phase switch to the appropriate position, and enter the desired values in the standard way by turning and pressing the rotary control.
Select the appropriate line, name, and switch assignment in the „usual“ way, i.e. by turning and pressing the rotary control.
And this is how it’s done ...
If you now switch on the receiving system (or switch to „Servo display“) and select the different phases in turn, you will see a difference in control surface response, or in the bar display for the servos.
We assume that the model is already programmed in the transmitter’s model memory, has been set up carefully, test-flown and properly trimmed. First move to the menu … »Basic model settings« (page 38)
… and then to the line „Phase 2“ and / or „Phase 3“, in which you should assign a specific name to each flight phase. The purpose of this name is to help you differentiate between the flight phases. It will later appear in the transmitter’s basic screen display, and also in the „Phase trim“ menu. In order to change from one phase to another it is necessary to assign a switch. For selecting up to 3 flight phases, left or right outer side of the transmitter.
Note: The names you assign to the various phases are of no significance in programming terms - with the exception of Phase 1, which should always be assigned the name „normal“. As such it is always active even if you disable the flight phases. For general model flying three flight phases are usually quite sufficient: • „Thermal“ for launch and „staying up“, • „Normal“ for normal conditions, and • „Speed“ for flying in „top gear“. At this point all three phases have been set up and assigned names; however … if you operate the phase switch you will soon notice that nothing has changed, i.e. all the settings for the control surfaces, and especially the wing flaps, are the same. To change these settings, call up the menu ...
Programming examples: Fixed-wing models 101
Programming example: servos running in parallel
Example 1: The simplest method of operating two elevators in parallel (servos 3 + 8) is to use the „Tail“ menu.
The first step is to switch to the menu … »Free mixers« (page 83)
First switch to the menu … »Basic model settings« (page 38)
… and set up a mixer „Tr SR > 8“. In the „Type“ column select the „Tr“ setting, so that the rudder trim affects both rudder servos.
… and set „2EL Sv 3+8“ in the „Tail“ menu. Example 2: In many cases a second servo is required to run in parallel with an existing servo; for example, if a second elevator or rudder is to be actuated by a separate servo, or where a second servo is needed to cope with very high control forces, or where two servos are required for a large control surface due to the high torsional forces involved. This task could be solved simply by connecting both servos together in the model using a conventional Y-lead. However, this has the drawback that the linked servos cannot be adjusted individually from the transmitter, i.e. you forfeit the basic advantage of the computer radio control system: freely variable servo settings. The following example makes use of the „Free mixers“ menu, which offers the advantage of asymmetrical and / or non-linear curves. In this example we will connect two rudders „in parallel“. The second rudder could be connected to receiver output 8, which is not already in use. 102 Programming examples: Parallel servo
Finally switch to the graphics page and set a symmetrical mixer input of +100%:
Here again, for safety reasons it is really essential that you set input 8 to „free“ in the „Transmitter control settings“ menu.
Programming example: Delta / flying wing
On page 92, where the section on fixed-wing model programming starts, you will find general notes regarding installing and setting up the RC system in a model, and - of course - this applies equally to deltas and flying wings. The information on test-flying and refining the settings is also relevant, including the section on programming flight phases.
„Aileron / flap“:
If your delta or flying wing is of more „modern“ configuration, the „normal“ servo sequence has proved useful; this arrangement can also be used for canards:
Two ailerons „2AIL“ and - if present-two flaps„2FL“.
The primary function of these settings is to define the range of wing mixers which will be offered. If you select the „Delta / flying wing“ tail type, the software automatically superimposes the elevator and aileron functions. In this case the control travel can be adjusted by varying the Dual Rate settings in the „Dual Rate / exponential“ menu (see page 62). If you select this option, all settings of the „NN > elevator“ wing mixer in the menu ... »Flächenmischer« (Seite 69)
In their characteristic shape and geometry, deltas and flying wings differ very clearly from „normal“ models even at first sight, but the difference in the servo arrangement required is rather more subtle. The „classic“ model delta or flying wing generally has only two control surfaces, which act both as ailerons (in opposite directions) and as elevators (in the same direction), in a similar way to the superimposed rudder / elevator functions of a V-tail. More modern designs tend to be more complex; one (or two) inboard control surfaces may be used purely as elevators, while the outboard ailerons also act as elevators, but to a reduced extent. If a flying wing has four or even six wing control surfaces, it is certainly feasible nowadays to set them up with camber-changing flap functions and / or even a butterfly (crow) system. However, most of these models still rank as „classic“ deltas and flying wings, and for them the servos should be connected to the receiver as follows (see also page 50):
Move to the menu .... »Basic model settings« (page 38)
… and select the following options in each line, according to the receiver output sequence you have selected: “Motor“:
“Tail“:
None (no motor). Ch1 trim acts equally along the whole travel, or „throttle min. forward / back“. Trim acts only at idle range. „Delta / flying wing“ or „Normal“ type
… act upon the elevator (up / down) function of the two elevon (combined aileron / elevator) servos. The flap mixer and flap differential only appear in the list if you have also entered „1FL“ or „2FL“ in the „Delta / flying wing“ model type.
Programming example: Delta and flying wing 103
Programming a model delta using the „normal“ tail setting Alternatively, if you select the „normal“ tail type in the „Basic model settings“ menu, and connect the servos to the receiver according to the lower of the two receiver socket sequence diagrams on the previous page, the aileron function of the two elevon servos will work correctly, but not the elevator function. In the „normal“ tail type you have to force the two aileron servos and the two flap servos to move in the same direction and provide an elevator effect when an elevator command is given. The procedure starts by selecting the menu ... »Fixed-wing mixers« (page 69) … where you set values other than zero for the fixed-wing mixers „Elevator > NN“.
With this set-up the tailless model is considered to be a „normal“ four-flap wing (two ailerons and two flaps), and therefore has all the options associated with this wing type. The method involves the „Elevator > NN“ mixers, which were originally intended only for pitch trim compensation and non-standard applications. In this case they are „abused“ by setting higher values than normal, in order to transfer the elevator signal to the control surfaces of the tailless model.
Instead assign a slider to input 5. This can then be employed as elevator trim for the ailerons (and flaps), as none of the fixed-wing mixers include the associated trim - especially that of the elevator stick - so the digital trim levers cannot be used for this purpose.
»Transmitter control settings« (page 56)
104 Programming examples: Fixed-wing models
However, if you prefer to use the normal elevator trim lever, set the „Elevator > NN“ mixer and „Flap > NN“ mixers to 0%, and instead set up free linear mixers to do the job. This is done by calling up the menu ...
»Free mixers« (page 83)
Switch to the menu „Transmitter control settings“ and leave input 6 for controlling the two „camberchanging flaps“ (if present) „free“, since in the case of a delta these are generally only controlled by the fixed-wing mixer mentioned above, and not separately.
Switch to the menu …
(The following settings are model-specific, and you must check carefully that they work correctly on your model before accepting them.)
Set inputs 6 and 7 to „free“ in the second column.
… and assign, say, the transmitter control connected to CH7 to this input. Now switch to the „Travel“ column and reduce the travel of the transmitter control for „input 5“ symmetrically to around 50%, or even less, because: the lower this value, the finer the trim control.
… and setting up one linear mixer „Tr ELE > 5“ (for the simplest case), and possibly „Tr ELE > 6“. Now the ailerons will move in the same direction, like flaps, when you move the elevator stick. The effect of the „Tr“ option is that the elevator trim lever also affects the associated mixer when you operate the elevator stick. Move to the graphics page of this menu to set the required mixer ratios: to obtain the same direction of movement as the wing mixers, you will have to program a symmetrical value of approximately „-50%“, for MIX 1, and approximately „+70%“ for MIX 2; compare the wing mixer settings above. Check the settings, and above all the direction of effect, in the servo display, and change the prefix if necessary. Since transmitter control 7 is no longer required, you should disable it in the „Transmitter control settings“ menu. Simply set input 5 to „free“ in the second column.
Many years ago the author operated a model delta with the mc-20, programmed exactly in this way, with the following additional refinements: flap settings used as trim for different flight modes, and butterfly (crow) as landing aid - the latter exploiting the „Brake 1 > 2 aileron“ and „Brake 1 > 6 flap“ wing mixers to provide complete compensation for pitch trim changes. In this case the term „ailerons“ means the outboard wing control surfaces, and „flap“ the inboard pair of control surfaces. A modern sweptback flying wing can be operated in the same way. These models also feature inboard and outboard control surfaces: the former forward of the Centre of Gravity, the latter aft of it. Deflecting the inboard control surface(s) down increases lift and produces an up-elevator effect. Deflecting them up creates the opposite effect. In contrast, the outboard ailerons have the reverse effect: a down-deflection produces a down-elevator effect, and vice versa. In this case there are really no limits to what you can achieve with careful thought and the mc19’s sophisticated mixers.
example on page 102 dealing with „Servos running in parallel“. You may also want both rudders to deflect outwards when a braking system is operated using the Ch1 stick, and this can be achieved as follows: if you have selected the „normal“ tail type, set up a further mixer „Ch1 > 3“ with a suitable travel setting. The offset should be set to +100%, as the Ch1 stick is usually at the forward end-point when the airbrakes are retracted, and the winglet rudders are required to deflect outwards proportionally when the brakes are extended.
However, please note that you should be extremely careful when setting differential travel with such a configuration, regardless of the type of servo arrangement you are using. This is because differential travels tend to produce an asymmetrical elevator effect on a tail-less model, rather than the desired adverse yaw reduction. For this reason it is advisable to start with a differential setting of 0%, at least for the first few flights. When you are familiar with the model and feel the need to experiment, it may then be feasible under certain circumstances to try differential settings deviating from zero. For larger models it may be advisable to install winglets fitted with rudders, i.e. small vertical surfaces at the wingtips. If these are actuated by two separate servos, they can be controlled as described in the Programming examples: Fixed-wing models 105
Programming example: F3A model aircraft
F3A models belong to the category of powered fixed-wing model aircraft designed for competition flying. They may be powered by an internal combustion engine or an electric motor. Electric-powered models are eligible to fly in the international F3A „pattern“ class, and also in the F5A electric aerobatic class.
retracts are operated using a channel switch without a centre detent. An optional „extra“ - used only if necessary - is mixture adjustment control for the carburettor. This is generally controlled by a slider on the transmitter connected to one of the auxiliary channels otherwise not in use.
tibly better if relatively large servo travels are employed. This should be borne in mind when building the model and designing the control surface linkages. Any minor corrections required can be made in the 3rd column during the initial test flights. The next step is to select the menu ... »Basic model settings« (page 38) … and activate the idle trim for Channel 1 (normally „back“; i.e. full-throttle forward). The digital trim now works at the idle end of stick travel. The „cut-off trim“ enables you to switch immediately from the „motor stopped“ position to the idle position you have previously set just by applying a single „click“ on the trim lever.
On page 92, where the section on fixed-wing model programming starts, you will find general notes regarding installing and setting up the RC system in a model, and - of course - this applies equally to F3A models, and therefore does not need to be repeated at this point.
When assigning functions to the auxiliary channels at the transmitter, it is advisable to ensure that the controls required are within easy reach, since the advanced aerobatic pilot has very little time to think about letting go of the sticks - especially when flying in a competition.
If an F3A model is accurately built, it usually exhibits flying characteristics which are almost completely neutral. The perfect aerobatic model has a very smooth but precise control response, and any movement around any one of its flight axes should not affect the other axes.
Programming The basic programming of the transmitter has already been described in detail in the section starting on page 92, so this section concentrates on tips specific to F3A models.
F3A models are flown using aileron, elevator and rudder controls. The use of separate servos for each aileron is almost universal. The flying controls are supplemented by control of motor power (throttle function) and in many cases a retractable undercarriage. As a result the servo assignment for channels 1 to 5 is no different to the fixed-wing models we have already described.
»Servo settings« (page 54)
The auxiliary function „Retracts“ is usually assigned to one of the auxiliary channels 6 to 9. Ideally the 106 Programming example: F3A model
Im Menü ...
… you can adjust the servo settings to suit your model. It has proved advisable to use at least 100% servo travel, as precision of control can be percep-
The remaining settings can be left as shown in the illustration. You may find it necessary to assign transmitter controls to particular inputs to operate the retractable undercarriage and carburettor mixture adjustment. This is carried out in the menu ... »Transmitter control settings« (page 56)
For example, you may like to use an external ON / OFF switch connected to input 8 for the retracts, and a proportional control, e.g. slider 9 connected to input 7, for mixture adjustment.
The retracts are extended and retracted when you operate switch „2“. You may need to adjust the travel of the transmitter control, and perhaps reverse that channel by setting a negative setting for travel. F3A models fly at extremely high speeds, and respond very „solidly“ to corrective movements of the servos. However, in competition flying it is vital that all abrupt control movements and corrections should be kept to a minimum, as the judges will invariably notice any lack of smoothness and dock a few points, so it is advisable to set exponential control characteristics on the stick functions. Switch to the menu ... »Dual Rate/Exponential« (page 62)
Exponential values of around +30% on aileron, elevator and rudder have proved to be a good starting point, and you can set them in the right-hand column of this menu using the rotary control. These values provide smooth, well-defined control of the typical F3A model. Many experts use higher values; even up to +60% exponential. If you operate the radio control system in the PCM20 or SPCM-20 mode, it is advisable to store suitable fail-safe settings using the menu ... »FAIL-SAFE settings« (page 88)
In the following section we consider the PCM20 mode. In its default form the transmitter prescribes „hold mode“ as the fail-safe setting; this equates to „do nothing“, i.e. the receiver continuously passes the last valid signals to the servos in the model: it „holds them still“. This is more or less the worst possible setting for a power model, and might well ensure, for example, that the model tears uncontrollably across the flying field, representing a serious risk to pilots and spectators alike! For this reason we strongly recommend that you should at least set the motor to idle or stop, to avoid precisely this risk. We also advise that all control surfaces should revert to neutral, and the undercarriage should extend. Once you have made these settings you should certainly check them again once the model has been test-flown and trimmed out. The „Battery fail-safe“ function, which is triggered when the voltage of the receiver battery falls below a particular point, moves the carburettor optionally to -75%, 0% or +75% of throttle servo travel. If this should happen, you can re-activate the throttle at any time simply by moving the throttle stick. Since F3A models generally have two aileron servos, it has proved useful to deflect both ailerons slightly „up“ for the landing. In most cases this causes the model to fly a little more slowly and with a more stable attitude on the landing approach. To achieve this you will need to program mixers in the menu ... »Free mixers« (section starting on page 83) Both ailerons are usually required to deflect „up“ as a landing aid, in parallel with the movement of the throttle stick, but only from the half-throttle setting in the direction of idle. The further the stick is moved towards the idle position, the more the ailerons
deflect up. The reverse occurs when you open the throttle: the ailerons are returned to neutral to avoid the model suddenly ballooning up. A little down-elevator must usually be mixed in to ensure that the model does not climb when the ailerons / flaps are extended. To meet these two requirements you need the two mixers shown in the illustration below.
The mixers are activated using one and the same external switch, e.g. switch No. „2“, which therefore has to be assigned to both mixers. Press ENTER (or the rotary control) to move to the second screen page, and set the appropriate mixer ratios. In both cases the mixer neutral point should be left at the centre point of the Ch1 stick arc. Select the ASY field, and set 0% for both mixers above the centre point of the control, and the following settings below the centre point, i.e. in the direction of idle: MIX 1: -60% ... -80%, and MIX 2: -5% ... -10%. Beispiel MIX 1:
This completes the basic set-up for a typical F3A model. Programming examples: F3A model 107
Correcting model-specific errors It is an unfortunate fact of life that even very carefully built models exhibit minute faults and inaccuracies which produce unwanted deviations when the model is flying; the mixers of a computer radio control system are then required to compensate for these deficiencies. In this section we will describe how to carry out the adjustments required, but please note the following points before we get started: it is vital to ensure that the model is built as accurately as humanly possible, is balanced perfectly around the lateral and longitudinal axes, and that motor downthrust and sidethrust are set correctly. 1. Rudder causes unwanted movement around the longitudinal and lateral axes It is often the case that a rudder command causes the model to rotate slightly around the longi tudinal and / or lateral axes. This is particularly troublesome in what is known as knife-edge flight, where the model’s total lift is generated by the fuselage, aided by the rudder deflection. The result is that the model rotates and changes heading slightly, as if the pilot were applying aile ron or elevator at the same time. These tendencieshave to be corrected with compensation around the lateral axis (elevator) and around the longitudinal axis (aileron). These corrections can be achieved easily with the mc-19, exploiting the „free mixers“ once again. For example, if the model rotates to the right around the longitudinal (roll) axis when the rudder is deflected, then a mixer is set up which deflects the ailerons slightly to the left. Heading changes around the lateral (elevator) axis can be corrected in a similar way using a mixer acting upon the elevator: a) Correction around the lateral axis (elevator) MIX „RUD → ELE“ 108 Programming examples: F3A modell
Asymmetrical setting. The exact values required must be found by flight testing. b) Correction around the longitudinal axis (aileron) MIX „RUD → AIL“ Asymmetrical setting. The exact values required must be found by flight testing. In most cases relatively small mixer values are called for, typically below 10%, but this does vary from model to model. If you use one of the curve mixers 5 or 6, the mixer ratios can be adjusted even more accurately to match different rudder deflections. Again, no definite values can be stated, as they vary from model to model. 2. Vertical climb and descent Many models exhibit a tendency to deviate from the ideal line in vertical climbs and descents. To correct this we need an elevator neutral position which varies according to the throttle setting. For example, if the model tends to pull out of a vertical descent by itself when the motor is throttled back, slight down-elevator must be mixed in at this throttle setting. As a rule you will need to set mixer values below 5%, but once again there is no substitute for testflying. 3. Rolling (movement around the longitudinal axis) at idle When you reduce the throttle setting, the model may tend to roll slightly in one direction. Clearly an aileron correction must be made. However, it is much more elegant to let a mixer correct this effect than to move the stick manually. Here again, set up a mixer: MIX „Ch1 > AIL“, which is programmed with a very small mixer ratio. The adjustment process should only be carried out in calm weather. Often all you need to do is apply the mixer in the con-
trol segment between half-throttle and idle. To achieve this, set one reference point in the centre of the stick travel. 4. Rolling when ailerons and flaps are extended If you fly the landing approach with both ailerons deflected up, the model may show a tendency to roll slightly due to minor variations in aileron servo travel (or constructional inaccuracies); i.e. the model may turn to either side by itself. Once again, this tendency can easily be corrected using a mixer to vary the compensation according to the position of the ailerons / landing flaps. MIX „Ch1 > AIL“ You must provide a means of switching the mixer on and off using the external switch which controls the aileron / landing flap function. The mixer therefore only has any effect when the aileron / landing flap function is activated. The optimum value has to be found by test-flying. Summary The settings described on this page are intended primarily for the expert flyer who needs an F3A aerobatic model which flies with absolutely accurate, neutral control response. Please bear in mind that refining the flying characteristics of a model to this extent involves tremendous effort, time, sensitivity and expertise. Some experts continue the programming procedure even when they are flying. It is not advisable to try this if you are just a moderately advanced pilot making your first attempt with an F3A aerobatic model. You would be well advised to request help from an experienced pilot, and carry out the fine-tuning adjustments mentioned here one by one, with the expert at your side, until your model exhibits the neutral flying characteristics you desire. At this point, when your model is flying perfectly, you can forget all about trimming, and concentrate on flying the aerobatic manoeuvres themselves, which are not always easy to fly well.
109
Programming example: model helicopter
In this programming example we assume that you have already read and understood the descriptions of the individual menus, and are by now familiar with the general handling of the transmitter. We also assume that you have built and adjusted the helicopter exactly according to the kit instructions. The electronic facilities provided by the transmitter should never be used to compensate for major mechanical inaccuracies. As so often in life, there are various ways and means of reaching a particular destination when programming the mc-19. In this example our intention is to provide a sensibly structured course of action, so that you have a clear idea of logical programming techniques. Where there are several possible methods, we first describe the simplest and most easily understood solution. It is likely that the helicopter will work perfectly set up in this way, but naturally you are still free to try out other solutions at a later stage in case they suit you better.
As our programming example we take the GRAUPNER STARLET 50 helicopter, with three swashplate linkage points distributed equally at 120°, a beginner’s set-up without enhanced throttle curve, with no method of influencing the gyro from the transmitter, and with no speed governor (regulator). We have deliberately chosen this simple programming project in order to demonstrate that it is pos110 Programming examples: Model helicopters
sible to produce a helicopter which flies extremely well with relatively little programming effort.
»Basic model settings« (page 41)
Nevertheless, we don’t want to keep from you all the possible expansion facilities: the basic description is followed by set-up notes on gyro gain, speed governors and different helicopter mechanics. To initiate this sample programming exercise switch to the menu ... »Model select« (page 37) … and select a free model memory using the rotary control:
Once you have entered the „model name“ you should check once more the basic settings you have already programmed, i.e. that the „stick mode“ is correct, and the „modulation“ matches your receiver. In the next three lines we come to the first settings which are specific to helicopters:
A brief press on the rotary control (or the ENTER button) selects the ...
… model type „Heli“. Confirm your choice with a brief press of the rotary control (or ENTER), and the screen immediately switches to the basic display. If the warning „Throttle too high“ appears, move the collective pitch stick to the minimum position, and the message will disappear. The next step is to select a name for the model memory you have selected; the name is entered in the menu …
In the „Swashplate type“ line select the number of servos which are used to actuate the swashplate. In the second line - „Rotor direction“ - we determine the direction of rotation of the main rotor as viewed from above. In the „Collective pitch min.“ line set „forward“ or „back“ to suit your preference. This setting must not be changed later when you are programming the direction of collective pitch or throttle. At this point, if you have not already done so, the servos should be connected to the receiver in the following order:
»Servo settings« (page 54)
The mixer ratios and mixer directions for the swashplate servos for collective pitch, roll and pitch-axis are set in the menu ... »Swashplate mixer« (page 87)
… where you can set up the travels and directions of rotation of the individual servos. The basic aim here should be to keep servo travels at +/- 100% wherever possible, as this maintains best possible resolution and accuracy. Use „Rev.“ if necessary to reverse the direction of rotation of any servo; do check carefully that the direction you set really is correct. The tail rotor servo must operate in such a way that the nose (!) of the helicopter moves in the same direction as the movement of the tail rotor stick. A glance at the menu ...
You will find that they are pre-set to +61% in each case. If the swashplate does not respond correctly to the stick movements, the first step is to change the mixer directions from „+“ to „-“ if necessary. The second step is to reverse the servo directions in the „Servo settings“ menu.
Note: Please note one important difference in the mc-19 / mx-22 and mc-24 compared to previous GRAUPNER mc radio control systems: the first collective pitch servo and the throttle servo have been interchanged. Now move to the menu ...
»Transmitter control settings« (page 56)
… will show you that control 6, connected to socket CH6, is assigned to input 12, whereas all other inputs are programmed to „free“ by default. Input 12 serves as throttle limiter. It acts solely on output „6“, to which the throttle servo is connected.
Just to remind you: The throttle limiter does not control the throttle servo; it just limits the travel of this servo in the forward direction, according to the setting of the throttle limiter. The throttle servo is usually controlled by the collective pitch stick via the throttle curve you
have set. For more details please see the sections on pages 58 and 59 of the manual. Now select the ASY field in the „Travel“ column, and increase the value in the inverse field from 100% to 125%, with the throttle limiter pushed fully forward. This ensures that the throttle limiter cannot possibly restrict the full throttle travel dictated by the collective pitch stick when the model is in flight. An additional transmitter control needs to be activated in the menu ... »Basic model settings« (page 41)
Even if you are a beginner to flying and are not yet ready for this, it is advisable at least to define the auto-rotation switch, so that you have an „emergency cut“ switch for the motor. This is done in the submenu „Auto-rotation“: press the rotary control briefly and move one of the ON / OFF switches (2-position switch) to the „ON“ setting. On the right the switch number (here, for example, „2“) appears. The AR (auto-rotation) switch should be located at a position on the transmitter where you can easily reach it without letting go of a stick, e.g. above the collective pitch stick.
Another tip: Please get used to giving all the switches a common „on“ direction; then a quick glance at the transmitter before flying will soon reassure you that all switches are „off“. If you wish, you could at this point move to the line above and assign a flight phase switch for flight phase 2, but this simple programming example deliberately excludes such refinements. Programming examples: Model helicopters 111
You have now completed the basic settings at the transmitter, i.e. the procedure which you will need to use time and again when setting up new models. The actual helicopter-specific set-up is carried out primarily in the menu ... »Heli mixers« (page 74)
In the very first line you will see the „Channel 1 > coll. pitch“ function, and a brief press on the rotary control enables you to set up a three-point curve; in most cases this is quite adequate. The reference point for hovering should generally be the mechanical centrepoint of the collective pitch stick, as this position feels completely natural to most pilots. You can, of course, set up the curve to locate the hover at a different point, but you should not be tempted to do this unless you know exactly what you are doing. Start by setting the collective pitch stick to centre. Assuming that you previously adjusted the servos in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, the servo output arms will now (usually) be at right-angles to the servo case. If you have not already done so, adjust the mechanical linkages to the rotor head so that all the blades are set to a collective pitch angle of 4° to 5° positive for the hover. All known helicopters will fly at this approximate setting. 112 Programming examples: Model helicopters
Now push the collective pitch stick fully forward to the maximum collective pitch point (collective pitch minimum has already been set to „back“). You can now adjust this point on the collective pitch curve using the rotary control, with the aim of producing a collective pitch maximum setting of around 9° at the main rotor blades. A rotor blade set-up gauge, e.g. the GRAUPNER item, Order No. 61, is very useful when setting up blade pitch angles. This point should be located at around 50%. Now pull the collective pitch stick right back to the collective pitch minimum position. Set the blade pitch angle for this setting to 0 to -4°, depending on your piloting ability.
If you now switch to the auto-rotation phase - you will see the name of the flight phase „Autorot“ at the bottom of the screen - you will find the „old“ collective pitch curve once more. In this phase you should set the same values as in the normal phase, with the following exception: increase the maximum collective pitch angle by about 2°, i.e. at the extreme forward position of the stick. This gives slightly more pitch for flaring the model when practising „autos“ at a later (!) date. Once you have set up the collective pitch curve, operate the auto-rotation switch to return to the „normal“ helicopter mixers. Now move to the „Ch1 > throttle“ line where you can set up the throttle curve.
First, the control travel of the idle trim setting must be adjusted to smatch the gas curve. Set it to about 65%. With the throttle limiter closed and the idle trim fully open, pull the collective pitch stick to the „fully back“ position and move it slightly to and fro. The throttle servo should not respond to this movement. This arrangement gives you a seamless transition from idle trim to the throttle curve. You will probably need to make further adjustments to the throttle curve, but this must be carried out later as part of the flight-testing process. If you now switch temporarily to the „auto-rotation“ flight phase, a pre-set value of -90% appears in the „Throttle“ line. This can be increased to around +/125%, depending on the direction of servo rotation.
This setting ensures that the motor stops reliably in the auto-rotation phase (to cope with an emergency). Later, when you have gained sufficient experience to practise auto-rotation landings, the setting should be changed to a value which provides a reliable idle. Switch „Auto-rotation“ off, and we can move back to the first menu list.
Call up the „Ch1 > tail rotor“ line: this is where you can set the static torque compensation (DMA) for the tail rotor. For the moment you can safely accept the pre-set values of -30% at the bottom end of stick travel and +30% at the opposite end, although you may find it necessary to adjust the settings slightly later. Now switch back to the auto-rotation phase for a moment. The set-up curve is disabled here, with the result that the tail rotor servo no longer responds to collective pitch commands (when the main rotor is not powered, there is no torque to be corrected). If your gyro features gain control from the transmitter - unlike the model we are using in this example you can safely store the standard gain value in the model memory. To be able to adjust gyro gain from the transmitter you will need to set up another vacant proportional control. This can be assigned to the „Gyro“ input in the menu ... »Transmitter control settings« (page 56)
Move the slider fully forward, and move to the ASY field in the „Travel“ column using the rotary control. At this point set the maximum gain of the gyro to a value such as 50%, which represents a safe fixed value when the slider is at its forward end-stop. You will probably need to adjust the value in the course of flight-testing. Additional notes on setting up gyros can be found on page 76.
Further adjustments If you have followed this programming example you will have a helicopter which is set up properly, and in an ideal state for hovering practice and simple circuits. Of course, you may wish to activate further functions depending on your skill and flying experience. If you wish to fly using different rotor speeds and trim set-ups you will need to activate a series of „flight phases“, which can be called up via switches which you assign. The first step in this process is to call up the menu ... »Basic model settings« (page 41)
If you have set up your helicopter as described in this programming example, you will find that it is capable of carrying out extremely challenging flight tasks even though it is no competition machine. We suggest that you should not make use of additional functions until your model is flying perfectly, so that you will be in a position to recognise and appreciate any improvements. It is always best to implement additional refinements one at a time whenever possible, otherwise you won’t know which change has brought about any improvement. Bear in mind that the good pilot is not recognised by the number of complex functions with which he can cope, but by the results he can obtain when flying a relatively simple set-up.
… and assign a relevant name and switch to „Phase 2“. You ought to be quite clear in your mind that autorotation always has absolute priority over any other phases. This simply means: if you operate the autorotation switch, you immediately move to the autorotation phase from any of the other two flight phases. Now move back to the „Helicopter mixers“ menu, switch to „Phase 2“ (which you have just set up), and modify the settings accordingly. Since the mc19 features digital trims, in the Heli program all four trim positions are stored separately for each flight phase, in addition to the other menu settings which you entered separately for each flight phase.
Programming examples: Model helicopters 113
Programming model boats and trucks
Programming model boats and trucks In this programming example we assume that you have already read and understood the descriptions of the individual menus, and are by now familiar with the general handling of the transmitter. We also assume that you have built and adjusted the model exactly according to the kit instructions, since the most important pre-condition for accurate, efficient programming is the correct installation of the mechanical systems to be controlled by the RC system. The electronic facilities provided by the transmitter should never be used to compensate for major mechanical inaccuracies.
Programming procedure Use the rotary control to select a vacant model memory, and confirm your choice with a brief press on the rotary control. In the following window select the model type „Model boat“ or „Model car“, and confirm your selection with another brief press.
Now switch to the menu …
The transmitter’s programming options are not intended to compensate electronically for „building errors“. Be sure to set all servos accurately to centre before connecting them; the same applies to electronic speed controllers if they do not feature automatic centre detection.
»Basic model settings« (page 45)
As our programming example we have taken the GRAUPNER WESER fire-fighting cruiser, which is a typical multi-function model boat. The same sequence can be applied to many other models - even model cars.
If you wish to use the integral Nautic module, enter a vacant channel in the „Nautic channel“ line, e.g. „7“, and press the ESC button (inputs 1 to 4 are assigned to the dual-axis sticks by default). This action automatically releases the „Nautic Module“ menu. The NAUTIC-Expert module, Order No. 4159, should now be connected to the receiver socket of the same number, i.e. in this case „7“.
Before you start programming please take the time to consider a logical arrangement of the transmitter functions, and whether the integral Nautic software module can be used. Our general advice is that you should use the dualaxis sticks for the model’s basic control functions, and the sliders and / or external switches for all the auxiliary working systems.
Connect the RC components as shown in the diagram below. The auxiliary working systems which can be controlled via the NAUTIC-Expert module are functions such as lighting, radar unit etc. A typical wiring diagram can be found in the appendix to these instructions.
… and assign the model a unique name. After entering the last letter press ESC. Set the correct modulation to suit the receiver you are using, and confirm your choice again.
The method of programming the NAUTIC module is described in the section of these instructions entitled „NAUTIC channel“: see page 51. Now you have to assign the working systems to the transmitter controls. The first step is to move to the menu … »Transmitter control settings« (page 60)
The left / right function of the right-hand dual-axis stick is already pre-set as „input 1“, and the forward / back function of the left-hand stick as „input 2“. These default settings can be modified, new transmitter controls can be assigned, and already assigned controls can be erased again.
114 Programming examples: Model boats and cars
In our example only inputs 1 and 2 are required actually to control the model. Inputs 3 … 6 and 8 … 12 can therefore be used for additional functions. (Just to remind you: input 7 has already been defined as the Nautic channel.)
position symbol. The number is assigned permanently to the external switch socket, and the function of the symbol is easiest to understand if you simply operate the switch experimentally.
Now move the slider to its opposite end-point and repeat the procedure.
To assign another transmitter control select the desired input, e.g. 5, and use the SEL field to activate the „Assign switches or controls“. Set up the rudder system in this menu using the same procedure. With this type of switch you can turn MINI SWITCHES (Order No. 3294) connected to the receiver on and off.
Note: Since the Nautic module has been assigned to input 7, this channel is suppressed in the „Servo settings“ menu, to avoid it being assigned to another function. If you wish to erase a transmitter control which you have already assigned, all you have to do is press the CLEAR button to switch that input „free“. Otherwise operate the transmitter control you wish to assign.
Now we need to adjust the travels of the searchlight lift mechanism and the rotary movement of the fire monitors. This is necessary if the servo’s natural travel is not sufficient to reach the end-points of the mechanism, or if the mechanism strikes its endstops before the servo has completed its maximum angular travel. Switch to the menu … »Servo settings« (page 54)
Assign suitable transmitter controls to the searchlight lift servo and the fire monitor rotation servo in a similar way. Continuing with our example, the rotation servo is connected to receiver socket 5, so a transmitter control must be assigned to input 5. Here you could use one of the two sliders, or an additional proportional rotary module (Order No. 4111). You can also assign external switches, for example, for switching water pumps on and off, or other auxiliary working systems, using the same procedure. The screen displays a number followed by a switch
… and select the appropriate symbol with the rotary control pressed in. Use SYM to activate the travel setting. We suggest that you start by re-setting the travels from the default 100% to 0%. Move the selected slider to one of its two endpoints, then select ASY and increase the value for servo travel until the lift mechanism just reaches its end-point.
Note: If you need to adjust the neutral setting by more than about 25% in order to set the rudders to the central position, you should adjust the mechanical rudder system, e.g. by removing the servo output arm, moving it round one spline, and re-fitting it. Only then correct the rudder travel. Do not exceed a maximum rudder deflection of 45° in either direction. If you wish to operate a sound module, we recommend installing a two-way momentary switch (Order No. 4151.33). Alternatively, these units can be controlled using one of the dual-axis stick units, but this is not so convenient in practice. To be able to control the sound module you could use the vacant input 4 and assign the momentary switch mentioned above in the usual way using the „Transmitter control settings“ menu.
Programming examples: Model boats and cars 115
NAUTIC multi-proportional modules For the PPM18 and PPM24 transmission modes Important : Before connecting the NAUTIC Switch module or Prop module please program the transmitter as follows: 1. Use the „Erase model“ function in the „Model memory“ menu to erase the model memory you are using, and set the model type to „Model boat / car“.
Module required at the transmitter
2. Set the „servo travel“ of the channel to which a NAUTIC module is connected to 150% symmetrically; this is carried out in the „Servo settings“ menu. 3. Make sure the direction of servo rotation is standard (not reversed), and check that the servo centre is at 0%.
NAUTIC Multi-Prop module Order No. 4141 (up to two modules can be fitted) Method of working The NAUTIC Multi-Prop module expands one standard control function to provide four functions, i.e. three additional servo sockets are available for each module at the receiver end. A maximum of two Prop modules can be installed in the transmitter. Requirements for connecting NAUTIC Multi-Prop modules to the function inputs CH8 ... CH10: 1. The transmitter and receiver must be set to PPM18 or PPM24 mode. 2. The control function selected must not be in use simultaneously as input channel or output channel of any mixer, i.e. „fixedwing mixer“ or „free mixer“!
116 NAUTIC
If one of the servos connected to the decoder at the receiver end „jitters“ slightly at full travel, adjust the servo centre within a range of about -20% to +20%. This completes the set-up procedure at the transmitter. Installing and connecting NAUTIC modules in the mc-19 transmitter The modules are installed in vacant module wells as described in the notes on page 20 of this manual. Connect the 5-pin plug to one of the sockets CH8 to CH10 on the transmitter circuit board, bearing in mind the restrictions outlined above. Connect the single-core wire terminating in a four-pin plug to the mc-19 / mc-22 / mc-24 adaptor lead, Order No. 4184.1. The jumpers supplied with the adaptor lead must be fitted to the NAUTIC modules installed in the transmitter. If a second module is installed, locate the single-core wire terminating in a 4-pin plug, and connect it to the first module, which is already installed.
mc-19 transmitter connections _______________________________________
NAUTIC Expert switched functions For PPM18 and PPM24 transmission modes output channel of any mixer, i.e. „fixedwing mixer“ or „free mixer“!
Important : Before connecting the NAUTIC Switch module or Prop module please program the transmitter as follows:
Module required at the transmitter
mc-19 transmitter connections ______________________________________
1. Use the „Erase model“ function in the „Model memory“ menu to erase the model memory you are using, and set the model type to „Model boat / car“. 2. Set the „servo travel“ of the channel to which a NAUTIC module is connected to 150% symmetrically; this is carried out in the „Servo settings“ menu.
16-channel NAUTIC Expert Module Order No. 4108 (up to two modules can be installed) Method of working The NAUTIC Expert Module expands one control function to provide 16 switched channels. All eight switches have a centre position, providing a genuine forward-stop-reverse function; this requires the use of a switch module, Order No. 3754.1, or a reversing module, Order No. 3754.2, at the receiver. Three of the eight switches are selfneutralising from both directions, and two from one direction. The other three switches are designed for forward - stop - reverse functions, and are not self-neutralising. A maximum of two modules can be installed in the transmitter module wells, giving a total of 32 switched functions. Requirements for connecting NAUTIC Expert modules to the function inputs CH8 ... CH10: 1. The transmitter and receiver must be set to PPM18 or PPM24 mode.
3. Make sure the direction of servo rotation is standard (not reversed), and check that the servo centre is at 0%. If one of the servos connected to the decoder at the receiver end „jitters“ slightly at full travel, adjust the servo centre within a range of about -20% to +20%. Installing and connecting NAUTIC modules in the mc-19 transmitter The modules are installed in free module wells as described in the notes on page 20 of this manual. Connect the 5-pin plug to one of the sockets CH8 to CH10 on the transmitter circuit board, bearing in mind the restrictions outlined above. Connect the single-core wire terminating in a four-pin plug to the mc-19 / mc-22 / mc-24 adaptor lead, Order No. 4184.1.
The jumpers supplied with the adaptor lead must be fitted to the NAUTIC modules installed in the transmitter. If a second module is installed, locate the single-core wire terminating in a 4-pin plug, and connect it to the first module, which is already installed.
2. The control function selected must not be in use simultaneously as input channel or
NAUTIC 117
Combination of NAUTIC Prop and NAUTIC Expert modules For PPM18 and PPM24 transmission modes mc-19 transmitter connections
Modules required at the transmitter
NAUTIC Multi-Prop module Order No. 4141
16-channel NAUTIC Expert module Order No. 4108 (up to two modules can be installed) Method of working If a combination of NAUTIC Expert and NAUTIC Prop modules is used, one receiver output is expanded to provide 4 servo sockets, and the second receiver output provides 16 switched functions. Both modules are installed and connected as already described on pages 116 and 117. Please read the set-up notes and requirements described at that point.
The jumpers supplied with the adaptor lead 4184.4 must be fitted to both NAUTIC modules installed in the transmitter.
118 NAUTIC
_______________________________
NAUTIC accessories NAUTIC accessories Required at the receiver end Module
Order No. 4159
Note
2-/16-channel NAUTICExpert switch module
For each 16channel NAUTIC Expert module in the transmitter one 2/16 channel NAUTIC Expert switch module is required.
4142
NAUTIC-Multi- Four servos can Prop-Decoder be connected
3941.6
Flat socket with 3-core lead
3936.32 or 3936.11 3754.1
3754.2
For connecting consumer units drawing up to 0,7A per switched chan.
Synchronous For connecting distributor 320 NAUTIC switch or or 100 mm reverse modules cable lenght NAUTIC Direct connection, switch module or two modules using synchronous distributor NAUTIC reParallel connection verse module to 2 channels or via synchronous distributor
Connecting equipment to the NAUTIC Expert module at the receiver Each switch module can operate up to 16 switched functions. The module can be connected directly to eight electrical consumer units, such as filament bulbs, LEDs etc. - but not electric motors - with a current drain of up to 0.7 A each. Nautic switch module, Order No. 3754.1
See Fig. 1 for battery connection. Two switched functions per socket are possible using the 3-core lead, Order No. 3941.6.
free
See Fig. 2. NAUTIC switch or reverse modules are available for electric motors and other electrical units drawing higher currents, see Figs. 3 + 4. To obtain a forward - stop - reverse function, connect the reverse module to the Expert switch module using the synchronous distributor lead, noting that one plug attached to the reverse module must be connected the „wrong“ way round: you will need to file off the edges of the plug slightly to permit this. An external power supply, e.g. a GRAUPNER receiver battery of adequate capacity, is required for directly connected electrical consumer units and for switching relays. Other batteries up to max. 30 V can be connected using the connecting lead, Order No. 3941.6.
Nautic reverse module, Order No. 3754.2
Specification Switch module
Reverse module
3754.1
3754.2
Exciter voltage
4,8 ... 12 V
4,8 ... 12 V
Max. switched current
16 A
16 A
Switched voltage up to app.
24 V
24 V
Dimensions in mm approx
50x27x26
50x30x26
Specification, Multi-Prop decoder Current drain approx.
10 mA
Weight approx
25 g
45 g
Dimensions approx.
69x42x20 mm
Weight approx.
27 g
Specification, Expert switch module Current drain approx.
3 mA
Dimensions approx.
69x42x20 mm
Weight approx.
47 g
NAUTIC 119
NAUTIC - typical wiring diagram
Speed controller
Receiver
120 NAUTIC
Alternatively two NAUTIC Expert switch modules or two NAUTIC Multi-Prop decoders can be connected. Please read the notes on pages 116 and 117
Trainer system with light-pipe lead Connections in the mc-19 Teacher transmitter Install the Teacher module at a suitable position in the transmitter case. Connect the 10pin plug attached to the Teacher module to the interface distributor (or to the mc-22 / mc-24 adaptor lead, Order No. 4184.1). If you are connecting the Teacher transmitter to a Pupil transmitter using the opto-electronic light-pipe lead, locate the plug marked „M“ (Master) on the light-pipe lead and connect it to the Teacher module. See the next page for a connection diagram for the Teacher transmitter.
Order No. 3289 Allows you to transfer all functions completely to the pupil transmitter, and expand the functions of the mc-19 transmitter to teacher`s transmitter functions.
Note: The Teacher transmitter must be fitted with an interface distributor, Order No. 4182.3, to allow the components to be connected. If no other supplementary system is to be connected, the mc-22 / mc-24 adaptor lead (Order No. 4184.1) can be used instead of the interface distributor. A momentary switch, Order No. 4160.11, or a kick button, Order No. 4144 is required as a safe means of transferring control.
Suitable
pupil transmitters:
D 14, FM 414, FM 4014, FM 6014, mc-10, mc-12, mc-14, mc-15, mc-16, mc-16/20, mc17, mc-18, mc-19, mc-20, mc-22, mx-22 and mc-24. The transfer function is activated in the „Basic model settings“ menu (page 38) of the Teacher transmitter. The Teacher transmitter can be used in any of the operating modes PPM18, PPM24, PCM20 or SPCM20.
The Pupil transmitter should be operated in its basic setting. If this is an mc-series or mx-series transmitter, select a model memory and erase the contents, switch it to PPM mode (mc-22 / mx-22 / mc-24: PPM18 or PPM24 mode), and, if necessary, enter a model name. All other settings, such as mixer and coupling functions are carried out by the Teacher transmitter. Only the stick mode can be adjusted to meet the pilot’s requirements. If you are using a D 14, FM 414, FM 4014, FM 6014, FM 6014 / PCM 18 transmitter, you should check the direction of servo rotation and stick mode, and if necessary correct them by re-connecting the appropriate cables inside the transmitter.
Connections in the mc-19 Pupil transmitter Disconnect the connecting lead from the Pupil module (it is not required with these transmitter types). Screw the Pupil connector to a free socket in the case. Disconnect the 4-pin connector attached to the RF module of the mc-19 transmitter, and plug it into the 4-pin Pupil socket. See the next page for a connection diagram for the Pupil transmitter.
Replacement part and individual components: Order No. 3290.2
Teacher socket, alone
Order No. 3290.3
Pupil socket, required for additional Pupil transmitters
Order No. 3290.4
Light-pipe lead for Trainer system.
Appendix 121
Trainer system
Accessories
Connections in the mc-19 transmitter Connections in the mc-19 Teacher transmitter
mc-19 Teacher module Order No. 3290.19 Allows the transmitter to be used as the Teacher transmitter in conjunction with Pupil transmitters of the following types: D 14, FM 414, FM 4014, FM 6014, mc-10, mc-12, mc15, mc-16, mc-16/20, mc-17, mc-18, mc-19, mc-20, mc-22, mx-22 and mc-24. Required for upgrading the transmitter to a professional Trainer system using the optoelectronic Trainer set, Order No. 3290.
Connections in the mc-19 Pupil transmitter
mc-19/mc-22/mc-24 NAUTIC adaptor Order No. 4184.4 For connecting NAUTIC modules to the mc19 interface distributor, Order No. 4182.3. The jumpers supplied with the adaptor lead must be fitted to the NAUTIC modules in the transmitter.
122 Appendix
Accessories
4160.11
Momentary switch
2-channel switch module
Order No. 4160.11
Order No. 4151 with long toggle Order No 4151.1with short toggle
Self-neutralising, for momentary switched functions. Required as start / stop button for stopwatch functions.
2-way momentary switch Order No. 4160.44
4160.44
Self-neutralising, for two momentary switched functions on one switch.
Differential switch (3-position switch) Order No. 4160.22
4160.22
Switches between two or three mixer functions, flight phases etc.
External switches On / Off switches for operating auxiliary functions, e.g. mixers.
4160
Order No. 4160 for switching one function; long toggle. Order No. 4160.1 for switching one function; short toggle.
Latching external switch
4160.1
Order No. 4147.1 for switching one function.
4147.1
The latching On / Off switch has a mechanical lock which prevents the toggle being moved accidentally. The switch can only be operated by simultaneously lifting and tipping the toggle. If you have assigned a switch to an important coupling function, and operating the switch accidentally would cause the model to crash, a latching switch should always be used.
These switches have three positions, providing the means to switch a speed controller over the range forward - stop - reverse, or similar applications. Also suitable for On / Off functions such as retracts, lamps etc. Without its decorative bezel the switch module can be installed in any vacant option well in the transmitter.
2-channel switch module Order No. 4151.2 Order No. 4151.3
with short toggle with long toggle
Upgrade module with On / Off switch. Suitable for switching speed controllers, retracts, lamps etc.
2-channel proportional module Order No. 4152 Expansion module for controlling full-travel linear functions; can also be used as a proportional transmitter control, e.g. for mixers, throttle limiter etc.
2-channel momentary switch Order No. 4151.33 For switching signals on briefly, e.g. sound module.
Proportional rotary module Order No. 4111 Expansion module for proportional rotary functions.
Appendix 123
Appendix
Kick button*
Two-function stick switch*
Three-function stick switch*
Order No. 4144
Order No. 4143
Order No. 4113
Pressing the button once turns the switch on; pressing it again causes the button to spring out to the „off“ position again. The kick button can be converted into a momentary button by removing the latching spring; in this case the function remains switched „on“ only as long as the button is held pressed in. We recommend having the kick button installed by your local GRAUPNER Service Centre.
Stick unit with single-pole change-over switch for two switched functions. Ideal for auxiliary functions; especially useful for competition pilots.
The change-over switch integrated into the stick has a centre setting and is designed to provide three switched functions.
Transmitter RF modules Order No. 4809.35 for the 35-MHz-band Order No. 4809.35.B for the 35B-MHz-band Order No. 4809.40 for the 40-MHz-band Order No. 4809.41* for the 41-MHz-band * for export only
124 Appendix
Can be used for auxiliary functions e.g. launch, neutral and speed modes for highspeed and F3B models, or as motor switch (OFF / half-throttle / full-throttle) for F3E models.
Stick unit with rotary proportional control* Order No. 4112 The rotary proportional control integrated into the stick is designed for use with non selfneutralising functions, or to operate a speed controller or similar special application.
TPLL-SYNTHESIZER transmitter RF modules TE SYN FM For GRAUPNER/JR mc-19 and mc-22 FM transmitters; converts transmitter to PLL Synthesizer channel selection.
The spot frequency is selected by means of plug-in crystals (see page 126). The crystal in the transmitter must bear the same number as the crystal in the receiver. Use only genuine GRAUPNER crystals.
Order No. 3858.35 Order No. 3858.40
* These units have to be installed by your local GRAUPNER Service Centre. If the kick button, Order No. 4144, is to be used as Trainer transfer switch, you must first convert it to momentary action.
The PLL Synthesizer module enables the operator to dial in the desired channel number (spot frequency). Once selected using the x 10 and x 1 channel selectors, the transmitter frequency is automatically generated by the Synthesizer system with great accuracy. No transmitter crystals are required.
for the 35-MHz-band for the 40-MHZ-band for the 41-MHz-band
Selectable channels: 35-MHz-band: Order No. 3858.35
61 ... 80 / 182 ... 191
40/41-MHz-band: Order No. 3858.40
50 ... 92 / 400 ... 420
Transmitter support bar system Order No. 1127 The support bars can be snapped into the „storage“ and „support“ positions. The entire transmitter top surface is unobstructed, for complete freedom of access. Bored for neckstrap attachment. The method of installation is described on page 15. The neckstrap is not included in the set.
Aluminium mc-22 transmitter case Order No. 10 Rigid, high-quality, lockable aluminium case of attractive design. Foam padded insert provides shock protection for transmitter, receiver, servos and accessories for storage and transport. Dimensions approx. 400 x 300 x 150 mm
Luxury neckstrap Order No. 71
38 mm wide
Adjustable-length neckstrap with extra-soft neck padding. The padding features a Velcro closure, making it easy to remove for cleaning.
38 mm wide with 2 spring hooks For pilots who like their transmitter to „stay put“. The cross-over strap is variable in length and can easily be adjusted to provide fatigue-free operation.
Wide neckstrap Order No. 1125
Order No. 1149.35 Order No. 1149.40
for the 35-MHz-band for the 40-MHz-band
A short, flexible aerial, providing optimum freedom of movement and unfettered access to the transmitter. For technical reasons the radiated power of the helical aerial is not as high as that of a telescopic aerial extended to full length. The standard telescopic aerial, as supplied with the transmitter, should be used for all applications where security and safety are top priority, e.g. high-speed models and large-scale model aircraft,
Luxury cross-over strap Order No. 72
Helical aerial
Pair of short stick tops Order No. 1128
Overall length of helical aerial: approx. 400 mm.
For pilots who prefer to use their thumbs.
Protective stick switch caps Order No. 4110 (pack of 2) These caps are made of high-quality aluminium and protect the delicate stick switches and kick buttons from damage - especially in the transport case.
30 mm wide with spring hooks
Appendix 125
Approved operating frequencies, available crystals, frequency pennants
!
This radio control system may only be operated on the frequencies and channels approved for each EU nation. Please check the legal situation in your own country. It is prohibited to operate a radio control system on any frequency and channel other than those listed.
126 Appendix
!
Conformity
Approval certificate
Radio equipment for remote controlling of models
2
Geräteklasse:
Graupner GmbH & Co. KG Henriettenstraße 94-96 D-73230 Kirchheim/Teck Germany Tel: 07021/722-0 Fax: 07021/722-188 EMail:
[email protected]
Hans Graupner, Managing Director
Hans Graupner, Geschäftsführer
Measures for the efficient use of the radio frequency spectrum § 3 (2) (Article 3 (2))
Maßnahmen zur effizienten Nutzung des Frequenzspektrums § 3 (2) (Artikel 3 (2))
Protection requirement concernig electromagnetic compatibility § 3 (1) 2, Artikel 3 (1) b))
Schutzanforderungen in Bezug auf die elektromagnetische Verträglichkeit § 3 (1) 2, Artikel 3 (1) b))
Health and safety requirements pursuant to § 3 (1) 1. (Article 3 (1) a))
Gesundheit und Sicherheit gemäß § 3 (1) 1. (Artikel 3 (1) a))
Kirchheim, 17. Juni 2004
EN 300 220-1/-3
EN 301 489-1/-3
EN 60950
Harmonised standards applied
Angewendete harmonisierte Normen:
complies with the essential requirements of § 3 and the other relevant provisions of the FTEG (Article 3 of the R&TTE Directive), when used for its intended purpose
bei bestimmungsgemäßer Verwendung den grundlegenden Anforderungen des § 3 und den übrigen einschlägigen Bestimmungen des FTEG (Artikel 3 der R&TTE) entspricht.
Equipment class
Funkanlage zur Fernsteuerung von Modellen Intended purpose
mc-19 Verwendungszweck:
declares that the product
erklärt, dass das Produkt:
Graupner GmbH & Co. KG Henriettenstraße 94-96 D-73230 Kirchheim/Teck
Declaration of Conformity in accordiance with the Radio and Telecomunikations Terminal Equipment Act (FTEG) and Directive 1999/5/EG (R&TTE)
Konformitätserklärung gemäß dem Gesetz über Funkanlagen und Telekomunikationsendeinrichtungen (FTEG) und der Richtlinie 1999/5/EG (R&TTE)
EU conformity declaration
Approval certificates Conformity
For the mc-19 radio control system with original crystal RF module
Appendix 127
128 Appendix Conformity certificate
Approval certificate
Radio equipment for remote controlling of models
2
Geräteklasse:
Graupner GmbH & Co. KG Henriettenstraße 94-96 D-73230 Kirchheim/Teck Germany Tel: 07021/722-0 Fax: 07021/722-188 EMail:
[email protected]
Hans Graupner, Managing Director
Hans Graupner, Geschäftsführer
Measures for the efficient use of the radio frequency spectrum § 3 (2) (Article 3 (2))
Maßnahmen zur effizienten Nutzung des Frequenzspektrums § 3 (2) (Artikel 3 (2))
Protection requirement concernig electromagnetic compatibility § 3 (1) 2, Artikel 3 (1) b))
Schutzanforderungen in Bezug auf die elektromagnetische Verträglichkeit § 3 (1) 2, Artikel 3 (1) b))
Health and safety requirements pursuant to § 3 (1) 1. (Article 3 (1) a))
Gesundheit und Sicherheit gemäß § 3 (1) 1. (Artikel 3 (1) a))
Kirchheim, 17. Juni 2004
EN 300 220-1/-3
EN 301 489-1/-3
EN 60950
Harmonised standards applied
Angewendete harmonisierte Normen:
complies with the essential requirements of § 3 and the other relevant provisions of the FTEG (Article 3 of the R&TTE Directive), when used for its intended purpose
bei bestimmungsgemäßer Verwendung den grundlegenden Anforderungen des § 3 und den übrigen einschlägigen Bestimmungen des FTEG (Artikel 3 der R&TTE) entspricht.
Equipment class
Funkanlage zur Fernsteuerung von Modellen Intended purpose
mc-19 Verwendungszweck:
declares that the product
erklärt, dass das Produkt:
Graupner GmbH & Co. KG Henriettenstraße 94-96 D-73230 Kirchheim/Teck
Declaration of Conformity in accordiance with the Radio and Telecomunikations Terminal Equipment Act (FTEG) and Directive 1999/5/EG (R&TTE)
Konformitätserklärung gemäß dem Gesetz über Funkanlagen und Telekomunikationsendeinrichtungen (FTEG) und der Richtlinie 1999/5/EG (R&TTE)
EU conformity declaration
Approval certificate Conformity
For the mc-19 radio control system with Synthesizer module
Notes
Appendix 129
Notes
130 Appendix
Guarantee certificate Servicestellen / Service / Service après-vente Graupner-Zentralservice Graupner GmbH & Co. KG Postfach 1242 D-73220 Kirchheim
Servicehotline ☎ (+49)(01805) 472876 Montag - Freitag 930 -1130 und 1300 -1500 Uhr
Espana FA - Sol S.A. C. Avinyo 4 E 8240 Maneresa ☎ (+34) 93 87 34 23 4
France Graupner France Gérard Altmayer 86, rue ST. Antoine F 57601 Forbach-Oeting ☎ (+33) 3 87 85 62 12
Italia GiMax Via Manzoni, no. 8 I 25064 Gussago ☎ (+39) 3 0 25 22 73 2
Sverige Baltechno Electronics Box 5307 S 40227 Göteborg ☎ (+46) 31 70 73 00 0
Schweiz Graupner Service Postfach 92 CH 8423 Embrach-Embraport ☎ (+41) 43 26 66 58 3
Luxembourg Kit Flammang 129, route d’Arlon 8009 Strassen ☎ (+35) 23 12 23 2
UK GLIDERS Brunel Drive Newark, Nottinghamshire NG24 2EG ☎ (+44) 16 36 61 05 39
Ceská Republika/Slovenská Republika RC Service Z. Hnizdil Letecka 666/22 CZ-16100 Praha 6 Ruzyne ☎ (+42) 2 33 31 30 95
Belgie/Nederland Jan van Mouwerik Slot de Houvelaan 30 NL 3155 Maasland VT ☎ (+31)10 59 13 59 4
Wir gewähren auf dieses Erzeugnis eine Garantie von This product is warrantied for Sur ce produit nous accordons une garantie de Die Fa. Graupner GmbH & Co. KG, Henriettenstraße 94-96, 73230 Kirchheim/Teck gewährt ab dem Kaufdatum auf dieses Produkt eine Garantie von 24 Monaten. Die Garantie gilt nur für die bereits beim Kauf des Produktes vorhandenen Material- oder Funktionsmängel. Schäden, die auf Abnützung, Überlastung, falsches Zubehör oder unsachgemäße Behandlung zurückzuführen sind, sind von der Garantie ausgeschlossen. Die gesetzlichen Rechte und Gewährleistunsansprüche des Verbrauchers werden durch diese Garantie nicht berührt. Bitte überprüfen Sie vor einer Reklamation oder Rücksendung das Produkt genau auf Mängel, da wir Ihnen bei Mängelfreiheit die entstandenen Unkosten in Rechnung stellen müssen. Graupner GmbH & Co. KG, Henriettenstrasse 94 96, D-73230 Kirchheim/Teck, Germany guarantees this product for a period of 24 months from date of purchase. The guarantee applies only to material or operational defects which are present at the time of purchase of the product. Damage due to wear, overloading, incompetent handling or the use of unsuitable accessories is not covered by the guarantee. The user’s statutory and warranty rights are not affected by this guarantee. Please check the product carefully for defects before you make a claim or send the item to us, since we are obliged to make a charge to cover our costs if the product is found to be free of faults. La société Graupner GmbH & Co. KG, Henriettenstraße 94-96, 73230 Kirchheim/Teck, Allemagne, accorde sur ce produit une garantie de 24 mois à partir de la date d´achat. La garantie prend effet uniquement sur les vices de fonction-nement et de matériel du produit acheté. Les dommages dûs à de l´usure, à de la surcharge, à de mauvais accessoires ou à d´une application inadaptée, sont exclus de la garantie.
24
Monaten months mois
Cette garantie ne remet pas en cause les droits et prétentions légaux du consommateur. Avant toute réclamation et tout retour du prouit, veuillez s.v.p. cotrôler et noter exactement les défauts ou vices.
Garantie-Urkunde Warranty certificate / Certificate de garantie
Computer-System mc-19 ❏ ❏ ❏ ❏
35-MHz-Set 35-MHz-Set B-Band 35-MHz-Einzelsender 35-MHz-Einzelsender B-Band
❏ 40-MHz-Set ❏ 40-MHz-Einzelsender ❏ 41-MHz-Set
Best.-Nr. Best.-Nr. Best.-Nr. Best.-Nr.
4821 4821.B 4821.77 4821.77.B
Best.-Nr. 4827 Best.-Nr. 4827.77 Best.-Nr. 4827.41*
Übergabedatum: Date of purchase/delivery: Date de remise: Name des Käufers: Owner´s name: Nom de l´acheteur: Straße, Wohnort: Complete adress : Domicie et rue : Firmenstempel und Unterschrift des Einzelhändlers: Stamp and signature of dealer: Cachet de la firme et signature du detailant :
Appendix 131
