FUTABA FP-8JN User manual

Futaba
DIGITAL PROPORTIONAL
RADIO CONTROL

THANK YOU for purchasing a Futaba digital
proportional radio control set.
Pleasereadthis manual thoroughly beforeusingyour
new set.
CONTENTS
Features........................................................................
Contents and Ratings ...................................................
Transmitter Controls ......................................................
Using the Transmitter ...................................................
Using the Receiver and Servos .......................................
Modules........................................................................
Warranty .....................................................................
Repair and Adjustment Service .......................................

•FEATURES
This radio control set has been developed for FAIRC
acrobatic F3A use. Please read this manual thoroughly before
usingyour set.
TransmitterFP-T8JN
•The transmitter employs a module system. The
frequency band and modulation method can be
changed withone touch.
•The servos can be operated without transmitting
radio signals.Wireoperationispossible byusing
the specialcordfurnishedwiththe set.
•A reversingdeviceis self-contained.The servo
can be reversedby switchinga switch.
•An aileronand elevatorangle switchingdevice is
self-contained.
•Open gimblesticksprovidemaximum feel.
•An traveladjusteris self-contained.
Servo travelis independently adjustableto the left
and right (up, down).
•Elevatorand flapmixing.Amount and direction
arevariable.Releaseswitchis alsoprovided.
•Flap and spoiler mixing. Amount and direction
are variable.Releaseswitchis alsoprovided.
•Two rollbuttons.Elevatorangle and direction
can be freelyadjusted.
•Two snap roll buttons. Aileron,elevator,and
rudder angle and directioncan befreelyadjusted.
•Throttlebutton. Throttlehalf can befreely
adjusted.
•Hook band is standard. Since this transmitter has
numerous accessories,hanging it fromyour neck
withthisband makes operationeasier.
•Buit-in antenna. Locked when pulled up one stage.
stage.
•Human engineered exterior.Superior operability.
Receiver FP-R8J
•Module type. Thefrequency band and modulation
method can bechanged with one touch, the same
as the transmitter.
•Eight channels packed in a compact, lightweight,
and rugged case.
•All connectors have trouble-free,metal plated
pins.Housingis alsospecialand providesan ex-
cellentfeeling.Resistanceagainstvibrationand
shock has been improvedsubstantially.
•One-stageFET RF amplifier. Two signal charac-
teristicis superb.
•Servoscan be controlled without transmitting by
connecting the transmitter directly toa "C"
terminal.
FP-S121,FP-S121HandFP-S121G
servos
•Compact, lightweight, rugged.
•Powerfuloutput torque(3kg-cm).
•Output shaft is supported by two ball bearings to
assureexcellentneutral characteristicsand ample
durability.
•Waterproof,dustproof type.
•Special16/omicromotor.
•High-speedservo(FP-S121H) isalsoavailable.
•Standardequipment includes two8-channel,
6servo landing gear servos (FP-S121G).

•SETCONTENTSANDRATINGS
Setname
Transmitter
Receiver
Servo
Landinggear servo
Switch
NiCdbattery
Accessories
FP-8JN
FP-T8JNx1
FP-R8JX1
FP-S121x4
FP-S121Gx2
R4-SWJx1
NR-4Hx1
Charger, extension cord, landinggear adapter,
DSCcord, ribbon, horn, servotray
TransmitterFP-T8JN
Operatingsystem
Transmitting frequency
Modulation system
Power requirement
Current drain
:Two-stick,8 channels
:27MHz,53MHz Bands
72MHzBand
: AMor FM
Selectablebychanging
modules.
:9.6V 8/500mAH
:150mA
Servo FP-S121
Control system
Operating angle
Power requirement
Currentdrain
Output torque
Dimensions
Weight
+pulse width control
1520uS.N
One-side45° or greater
(includingtrim)
4.8V
8mA (when stopped)
3.0kg-cm
39.0 x 19.0x 31.5mm
36g
Receiver FP-R8J
Receiving frequency
Intermediate frequency
Power requirement
Currentdrain
Dimensions
Weight
Receivingrange
:27MHz,53MHz Bands
72MHzBand
Selectableby changing
modules.
:455kHz
:4.8V
: 16mA
:49.0 x 42.0 x 24.0mm
:52g
:WithFP-T8JN trans-
mitter
500m on the ground
1000mintheair
Servo FP-S121G
Controlsystem
Operatingangle
Power requirement
Current drain
Output torque
Dimensions
Weight
+pulsewidthcontrol
160°or greater
4.8V
8mA (when stopped)
3.5kg-cm
39.0x 19.0x 31.5mm
36g
:AC110V,50/60Hz,
4VA
:Tx side 9.6V 45mA
Rxside 4.8V 45mA
ChargerFBC-2 orFBC-2L
Input voltage
Output
NiCdbattery for receiverservo
NR-4H
Voltage
Dimensions
Weight
:4.8V 4/500mAH
:32.5 x 32.5 x 57.0mm
: 115g

•TRANSMITTERCONTROLS
Fig.1

Purposeof switches andtrimmersinFig.2
The numbers incirclesrepresent the channel
number. The channelnumbers on the frontof
the transmittercorrespondto the receiver
connector output numbers.
Aileronreverseswitch
NORM-REV Thisswitch reverses the di-
rectionof rotationof the aileronservo.
Elevatorreverseswitch
NORM-REV Thisswitchreversesthe di-
rectionof operationof the elevator servo.
Throttlereverseswitch
NORM-REVThisswitchreversesthe di-
rectionofoperationof the throttleservo.
Rudder reverseswitch
NORM-REVThisswitchreversesthe di-
rectionof operationof the rudder servo.
ALT (AdjustableLimit Throttle)
This switchselectswhethertheoperatingangle
is variedat the HIGHsideof thestickor the
LOW sideof the stickwhen themaximum
operating angle of the servois adjusted with
AIL,ATV-RThis trimmeradjuststhe
ailerontravelinthe right directionwhen
the aileronreverseswitchis in the NORM
position.
Travelis continuously variablefrom 50%
to 100% of the total travelrange.
AIL,ATV-L This trimmer adjusts the
ailerontravelin the leftdirectionwhen the
aileronreverseswitchisinthe NORM
position. Adjustmentrange is the same as
that of above.
AILDUAL Thistrimmeradjuststhe
ailerontravelwhen theailerondual rateis
ON. (This trimmer is adjustedat kickdown.)
Travelis continuously variablefrom40%
to 100%of the totaltravelrange.
Ailerondual trimmer
Aileron ATVL
the throttle trim. Normallyuseat the LOW
side.
Aileron ATV(AdjustableTravel Volume) R

Throttlebutton trimmer
THROTThe throttleservo is operated at
the positionset by this trimmerby push-
ingthe throttlebutton.
The totaltravelcanbeset at throttlestick
neutralposition.
RollA button trimmer1 ROLL (A)
RollB buttontrimmer1 ROLL (B)
Thistrimmersetsthe aileron travelwhen the
rollbutton is pushed.
The travelisvariableoverthe entiretravel
range at aileronstickneutral.
Snap rollA button ailerontrimmer
SNAP ROLL (A)1 AIL
Snap rollB button ailerontrimmer
SNAP ROLL (B)1 AIL
These trimmersset the ailerontravelwhen the
snap roll button is pushed.
The travelcan bevaried over the entire travel
range.
Snap rollA button elevatortrimmer
SNAP ROLL(A)2 ELEV
Snap rollB button elevatortrimmer
SNAP ROLL(B->2 ELEV
Thistrimmersetsthe elevatortravel inthe
same manner as trimmersand
Snap rollA button rudder trimmer
SNAP ROLL(A)RUD
Snap rollB button rudder trimmer
SNAP ROLL (B) RUD
These trimmersset the rudder travelinthe
same manner as trimmerand
Elevator,flapMIXtrimmer
MIX ELEV-> FLAP
This trimmer adjuststhe amount of mixing
fromthe elevatorto the flap.
The travelcan bevariedover the entire travel
range at flapchannel neutral.
Spoiler (channel 7),flap(channel 6) MIX
trimmer
MIX SPOIL-> FLAP
This trimmer adjuststhe amount of mixing
fromthe spoilertotheflap.
Travelrange isthesame asthatof trimmer
Elevatordualtrimmer
ELEV. DUAL
This trimmeradjusts the travel at elevator dual
rateON.
The travelis continuouslyvariablefrom 40%
to 100% of the totaltravelrange.
Channel 6 flapneutraltrimmer
MIX NEUTRAL
Elevator ATVU trimmer
ELEV.ATV-U
Thistrimmeradjuststhe elevatortravelinthe
UPdirectionwhen the elevatorreverseswitch
isinthe NORMposition.Adjustmentrange
is the same as thatof theaileron ATV
ElevatorATVD trimmer
ELEV. ATV-D
This trimmeradjuststhe elevatortravelinthe
DOWN directionwhen theelevatorreverse
switchisin theNORMposition.Adjustment
range isthe same as thatof the aileronATV
Rudder ATVR trimmer
RUD. ATV-R
Thistrimmeradjuststhe rudder travelinthe
right directionwhentherudder reverse switch
is inthe NORMposition.Adjustmentrange is
the same as thatof aileron ATV
Rudder ATVL trimmer
RUD. ATV-L
Thistrimmeradjuststhe rudder travelin
leftdirectionwhen therudder reverseswitch
is inthe NORMposition.Adjustmentrange is
the same as thatofaileron ATV
Transmittermodule
The frequency,frequencyband and modula-
tion method can bechanged bychanging this
module. The method of changing this module
is shown inFig. 12.
Trimmerpanel
Thispanelis removedbysliding itinthe di-
rection of the OPEN arrow.
This trimmer sets flapneutral at spoiler (chan-
nel 7)and flap(channel6) mixing.
Neutral adjustment is possible inall spoiler
states.

•USINGTHETRANSMITTER
Before using the transmitter, charge theNiCd
battery.
•Connect theDIN connector of the FBC-2L
chargertothe chargingjackof the transmitter
and the 3P connectortothereceiverservoNiCd
battery (NR-4H),and plug the chargerinto an
AC110V outlet as shown inFig. 3. The Tx,Rx
chargingindicatorLED illuminateto indicate that
the batteryis being charged.
•The charging timeis normally 15hours. But if the
batteryhas not beused forsometime, charge it
for about 20 hours.
(Ifthe batteryis leftinthe dischargedstatefora
longtime, itscapacityand lifewillbeadversely
affected.)
•The transmitterand receiver NiCd batteries can
bechargedsimultaneously,or independently.
•The batterycan usuallybeused about 10times
at a rateof about 10minutes/time.
•Extendthe antenna.
Pull the first stage of the antenna up and turn it
counterclockwiseuntil it locks as shown inFig. 4.
•Ifthe antenna is notlocked, itwill notbecon-
nected to the internalcircuitry.
•The power switchis a lock type switch. When it
is set to ON whilepulling it forward,the level
meter pointer willdeflect,indicatingthe antenna
output. The transmitteris OK if the pointer
deflectsto graduation 7 with theantenna ex-
tended fully.
The pointerindicationis differentwhen the
antenna is contracted and when itis extended
fully.
[The pointer indication willalsobedifferent
when the antennaisgrasped withyour hand and
when itis not grasped.)
When the antenna is contracted, the transmitter
does not deliveran output even though the level
meter pointer deflects.DO NOT USE THE
TRANSMITTERUNDER THISSTATE.
•Push the battery check switch. The level meter
pointer willindicate the batteryvoltageat this
time. The batteryis OK if the meter pointerde-
flectsto withinthe greenzone.If the pointer de-
flectsto near the boundary between the green
and red zones,recharge the battery.
•Using the D.S.C. function
The servos can be operated without transmitting
byconnectingthe D.S.C. cordfurnishedwiththe
set to the connector (Fig.1 ) of the trans-
(Use thisfunctionwith the power switchof the
transmitterset to theOFFposition.Although
the D.S.C. Function willbeoperativewhen the
power switchis set to ON, itwillbemeaningless.)
•Using dual travel
(DR—aileron,DR —elevator)
When the dual travelswitchisset to ON, the
steeringangle becomes small(withinthe range
indicatedby the hatched linesinFig. 5).The
steeringanglecan bevariedfrom40% (minimum)
to 100%(maximum)ofthe totalsteeringangle
byadjusting the trimmer
mitterand the C terminalof the receiver. This
allows adjustment of the aircraftwhile awaiting
your turn to fly.
on the trimmerpanel forchannel8)
next to the switchwitha screwdriver.The dual
switchshould normallybeset to OFF.However

when desiring to make the spin and other steering
angles large, set itto ON and adjustthe horn, ad-
justers,and trimmersforlevelflight.
When the dual travelswitchisset to OFF,kick
up is set,and thesteeringangle becomes large.
•Aileron, elevator, and rudder right and left(UP.
DOWN) angle adjustment
[ATV(AdjustableTravelVolume)]
The aileron,elevator,and rudder steeringangles
can be made small within the range of the hatched
lines inFig. 6.
When the aileronright roll and left roll rates are
different, they can bemade the same byadjusting
the and trimmersof Fig. 2.
This alsoapplies to the elevator and rudder. An
elevatorUPand DOWN differencecan also be
provided foreasierflying.
The elevatorATVtrimmersare
point, linkage is extremely simple.
Dualtravel is operative even at elevator and flap
mixing.
Use theCH6 flaptrim lever of Fig.1 to adjust
the flapneutralposition.Use thistrimmeris the
same manner as a trimlever (ailerontrimand
elevatortrim).
Mixingis releasedwhen the MIX switchis set to
the centerposition(•mark).The flapneutral
position is notchanged at this time.
(NOTE) Channel 6 is forthe flaps,but can alsobe
used as a spare channel.However, sincethe
travelrange is slightly narrow, adjust the
linkage.
•Adjustment when mixing spoiler, etc. and flaps
(When using the flapsandspoileras an airbrake)
Connect the flapservoto channel 6 of the re-
ceiverand thespoilerservoto channel7.
of Fig. 2.
The rudder ATVtrimmers are
of Fig.2.
•Elevatorand flapmixingadjustment
Connect the flapservotochannel6 ofthe receiver.
When the MIXswitchof Fig.1 isset to
the elevatorand flapsaremixed.Set the steering
When the MIXswitchof Fig. 1 issetto
.the spoilerismixedwiththe flaps.When
the CH7 switchof Fig. 1 isset to , the
spoilerandflapsareoperatedsimultaneously.
The amount ofmixingat thistimeisadjusted
withthe trimmerof Fig. 2.
The directionand amount can alsobeset.
When the MIXswitchis set fromRELEASE
to , the flapneutralpositionmay deviate.
Ifthisoccurs,adjusttheNEUTRAL
trimmer of Fig. 2 so thatthe flapneutralposition
does not change when the MIX switchis set to
any position.

MIX switchwhen releasing mixing.
Ifthese switchesarereleasedin the reverse
order,only the flapswillbereleasedand
the spoiler will remainopen, placingthe
aircraftinto an extremelydangerous state.
•Roll button A (Fig. 1 ROLL[A])
The aileronscan bestopped at an arbitraryposi-
tionwhilethisbutton is being pushed. This isused
at slowroll,etc.
Adjustthesteeringangle withthe ROLL
(A)trimmerof Fig. 2.Both right roll and left roll
can beadjusted.Neutraladjustmentis alsopos-
sible.(Atneutral the button has noeffecteven if
pushed.)
•Rollbutton B (Fig.1 ROLL[B])
Thisisthe same as roll button A.Adjust the
steering anglewiththe ROLL(B)trimmer
of Fig. 2. (Usingrollbutton A forrightrolland
rollbutton B forleftrollis extremelyconvenient.)
•Throttle button (Fig.1 THROT)
The throttlecanbestopped at an arbitraryposi-
tion whilethisbutton is being pushed at snap
roll,etc.Adjustby settingthe throttle stick to
HIGH, and pushing the button.
Setting the engine to medium throttle with the
THROT trimmerof Fig. 2 is perfect.
•Snaproll button A (Fig.1 S.ROLL[A])
The aircraftcan beplaced intoa snap rollby
simply pushing thisbutton.
The directionand amount of aileron, elevator,
and rudder canbefreely switched with the
trimmerof Fig. 2.
Each servo can also beadjustedto neutral.
(Atneutralthe servos are not operated even if
you push the button.)
•Snap rollB (Fig.1 S.ROLL[B])
This is similarto snap rollA.The direction and
amount of aileron, elevator,and rudder areset
withthe trimmerof Fig. 2.
Using snaprollbutton A forright snap roll and
snap rollbutton B forleftsnap rollis extremely
convenient. Adjustto match the aircraft.
The snap roll buttons may also beused as spin
buttons.
•Using the aileron, elevator, throttle, and rudder
reverses
(Deviceswhich reverse the direction of operation
of the servos)
Theremust beno play inthe aircraftlinkage
direction.
The switchesare built into the module case of
the transmitter.
AileronElevatorThrottle Rudder
•ThrottleALT(AdjustableLimit Throttle)is a
new mechanism thattrims only the LOW side of
the throttlecontrol.
The trimleveris almost inoperativeat the throttle
stickHIGHside,but is operativeat the throttle
stickLOW side.The LOW sidecan beset to any
desiredpositionwiththetrimleverby settingthe
throttlerod at theengine HIGHside.Thisis very
convenientbecause the HIGH sideremainsun-
changed evenwhen thetrimleveris operated.
Alwaysuse withthisswitchset tothe LOW side.
•The elevator trim lever is at the left side and the
throttletrimlever is at the rightside.The elevator
trimleverhas been placedattheleftside because
the rightside (aileron,elevator)has priorityin
MODE II.
(spoiler)of Fig.1 beforereleasing
CH7 switch (NOTE) Alwaysrelease
(NOTE) The buttons should beset to neutral be-
fore you are completely familiar with the
set. Usethese buttons only after you have
become completely familiar with the set.

•USINGTHERECEIVERSERVOS
Aileron servo

•The receiver channel order is shown in Fig. 8.
Stickthe channeltabsfurnishedwiththe set to
the servolead wiresforidentification.
•Use an extensioncordmatched to thefuselage.
•Wrap the receiverinsponge and fastento the
fuselagewithrubberbands.
•Installthe receiverso thatthe antenna wire is as
straightaspossible.
•Mount the servo as shown in Fig. 9.
•Mount the servos so thatthe flexible wire,
hinges, and other steering mechanisms operated
smoothly.
Beespeciallycarefulwhen the steering angle is
large.
•Whenmounting the landing gear servo, match the
landinggear strokeand thelanding gear servo
horn strokepreciselyso thatpullingand pushing
are neither excessivenor insufficient.
•Install the receiver servo NiCd battery (NR-4H)
by wrappingit in sponge and attachingit to the
fuselage with rubber bands, the same as the
receiver.
•All the servos can becontrolled from the receiver
(directservocontrolsystem)by applyingthe
signalsformthetransmitterto terminalC of the
receiver.Inthiscasethe transmittercurrentdrain
willdrop to about1/4 thatwhentransmitting.
Connecttheintermediatecordwithlug to ter-
minalC and fasteningittothe sideof the fuselage
as shown inFig. 8 beforehand.
•All the servos, except the landing gear servo, are
designed and manufacturedto thesame standards
and can be used at any channel.
•Pay carefulattentionto noise.
This set is especially resistantto noise, butis not
completelynoise-free.
The use ofnoiselessparts is recommended.
•When used inseaplanesand boats, pay careful
attentionto waterproofing.
The servos arewaterproof,butthe receiver, con-
nectors,and NiCd batteryarenot. Place these
components ina vinylbag and amplywaterproof
the entire mechanism chamber.

No.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
Details
Uppercase
Middlecase
Bottomcase
Pinionmotor
1stgear
2ndgear
3rd gear
Final gear
2nd shaft
Intermediate
shaft
Outputshaft
Spacer washer
Sealring
Radial ball
bearing
Panhead screw
Truss screw
Motor
Slider
Volume
Grommet
Name plate
Fiberwasher
Servo horn
Toothed washer
Phillipspan
head screw
Ering
0ring
Quantity
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
2
4
2
1
1
1
1
1
2
1
1
1
Remarks
M2x24
M2x5
16
M2
M2x5
Fig. 11

•MODULES
The frequency, frequency band, and modulation
(AM,FM) of the J Module Series can be changed.
The transmitting and receiving modules are availa-
bleas a pair.
EXAMPLE 1.: Switching from27.195MHz to
27.045MHz
Replaceboth the transmittingand
receivingmodules with the 27.045
MHz RFmodule.
EXAMPLE2.: Switchingfrom27.145MHz to
72.080MHz
Replaceboth the transmitting and
receiving modules with the 72.080
MHz RFmodule.
EXAMPLE3. : Switchingfrom72.240MHz to
53.400MHz (AM)
Replaceboth thetransmittingand
receivingmodules withthe 53.400
MHz (AM)RFmodule.
EXAMPLE 4. : Switchingfrom72.080MHz to
53.200MHz (FM)
Replaceboth thetransmittingand
receivingmodules withthe 53.200
MHz (FM)RFmodule, and also
replace the receiverwithan FM
receiver.
EXAMPLE5. : Switching from 53.100MHz (FM)
to 53.500MHz (AM)
Replaceboththetransmittingand
receivingmoduleswiththe53.500
MHz (AM)RFmodule, and replace
the receiverwith an AM receiver.

GUARANTEE
Your NEW FUTABA Digital Proportional R/C system is guaranteed against defects in
workmanship and material for 180days from the date of purchase when the attached
registrationcard is returned to us within ten days of purchase.
This Guarantee is null and void ifthe R/C system hasbeenimproperly handled,
damaged ina crash, or tampered with and does notcover the replacement of plastic
housings orelectronic components damaged due to the use of improper voltages.
When service is required, please take your equipment to your local authorized service
station orship itdirectly to us. Allpostage, shipping, and insurance changes must be
paidby the user.
This guarantee only applies to the continental U.S.A.,Hawaii, and Alaska.
Thisfactory repairserviceappliesonlyto the continentalU.S.A.,Hawaii,andAlaska.
To insure prompt service, please followthe instructions given below.
1.Charge the batteriesforatleast18hours prior to shipment.
2.Returnthe systemonly.Not yourcomplete installation.Remove theservos from theirmounts
and remove the foam padding fromthe receiver.
3.Plugsorother modificationswhich interferewith factorytest procedures will bereturned to
factorystandard at your expense.
4.Carefullypack allcomponents individually, using sufficientpacking material to prevent damage
during shipment.
5.Include a briefbutthorough explanationof all problems and servicerequired and tape itto
the back of the transmitter.Place a label describingthe functionsof the servoon each servo.
6. Be sure to include your full address and zip code inside the box as well as on the outside.
7. Include a packing list of all items being returned, and double check to make sure that all items
are packed.
8.Uponreceipt of damaged equipment at the FUTABA factory,an estimate of the cost of repair
will be sent to you. Your equipment will then be repaired and returned to you upon receipt of
payment.
FACTORYREPAIR SERVICE