Horizon Hobby Spektrum Firma SPMXSER1025 User manual

Spektrum Firma 25A Brushed Smart ESC
with Dual Protocol Receiver
Spektrum Firma 25A gebürsteter
SMART-Geschwindigkeitsregler mit Dual-
Protokoll-Empfänger
Variateur ESC Smart à balais Spektrum
Firma 25A avec récepteur double protocole
Spektrum Firma 25 A Smart ESC a spazzole
con ricevitore a doppio protocollo

2
NOTICE
All instructions, warranties and other collateral documents are
subject to change at the sole discretion of Horizon Hobby, LLC.
For up-to-date product literature, visit horizonhobby.com or
towerhobbies.com and click on the support or resources tab
for this product.
Meaning of Special Language
The following terms are used throughout the product
literature to indicate various levels of potential harm when
operating this product:
WARNING: Procedures, which if not properly followed, create
the probability of property damage, collateral damage, and
serious injury OR create a high probability of superficial injury.
CAUTION: Procedures, which if not properly followed, create
the probability of physical property damage AND a possibility
of serious injury.
NOTICE: Procedures, which if not properly followed, create
a possibility of physical property damage AND a little or no
possibility of injury.

3
Age Recommendation: Not for children under 14 years.
This is not a toy.
NOTICE: This product is only intended for use with unmanned,
hobby-grade, remote-controlled vehicles and aircraft. Horizon
Hobby disclaims all liability outside of the intended purpose and
will not provide warranty service related thereto.
WARNING: Read the ENTIRE instruction manual to
become familiar with the features of the product before
operating. Failure to operate the product correctly can
result in damage to the product, personal property and
cause serious injury.
This is a sophisticated hobby product. It must be operated
with caution and common sense and requires some basic
mechanical ability. Failure to operate this Product in a safe
and responsible manner could result in injury or damage to
the product or other property. This product is not intended
for use by children without direct adult supervision. Do not
attempt disassembly, use with incompatible components
or augment product in any way without the approval of
Horizon Hobby, LLC. This manual contains instructions for
safety, operation and maintenance. It is essential to read and
follow all the instructions and warnings in the manual, prior
to assembly, setup or use, in order to operate correctly and
avoid damage or serious injury.

4
Waterproof Component
Your new Horizon Hobby® Spektrum
™
25A Brushed Waterproof
2-in-1 ESC and Dual Protocol Receiver has been designed and
built to allow you to operate the product in many “wet conditions”,
including puddles, creeks, wet grass, snow and even rain.
While waterproof, this component has not been designed to be
immersed in water for long periods of time and should NOT be
treated like a submarine. In addition, most metal parts, including
any screws and nuts, as well as the contacts in the electrical
cables, will be susceptible to corrosion if additional maintenance is
not performed after running in wet conditions.
To maximize the long-term performance of your ESC and to
keep the warranty intact, it should only be used as described
in the “Usage Conditions” section of this manual. Additionally,
the procedures described in the “Wet Conditions Maintenance”
section must be performed regularly if you choose to run in wet
conditions. If you are not willing to perform the additional care and
maintenance required, then you should not operate your vehicle in
those conditions.
CAUTION: Failure to exercise caution while using this
product and comply with the following precautions could
result in product malfunction and/or void the warranty.
General Precautions
• R ead through the wet conditions maintenance procedures and
make sure that you have all the tools you will need to properly
maintain your ESC.
• Do not operate your ESC where it could come in contact
with salt water (ocean water or water on salt-covered roads),
contaminated or polluted water. Salt water is very conductive
and highly corrosive, so use caution.

5
Usage Conditions
Your ESC will operate successfully in any of the following,
individual-usage scenarios:
• 2 hours continuous operation in damp grass or vegetation.
• 2 hours continuous operation in heavy fog (95% humidity,
saturated air, condensing water).
• 1 hour continuous operation in light rain (<0.10 in/2.5mm per hour).
• 15 minutes continuous operation in heavy rain (>0.30
in/7.6mm per hour).
• 1 hour continuous operation in light sleet (<0.10 in/2.5mm per hour).
• 1 hour continuous operation in light snow (<0.25 in/6.35mm per hour).
• 45 minutes continuous operation in standing or running fresh
water (the water level should always remain below the vehicle
frame), or constant splashing water, without any immersion of
waterproof component(s).
• 5 minutes continuous operation in standing or running fresh water
(the water level should never rise higher than 0.5 in (about 10mm)
above the vehicle frame), constant splashing water, or frequent,
intermittent immersion of waterproof component(s).
• 1 hour continuous operation in damp sand, dirt, mud or snow
(the material level should always be below the vehicle frame),
constant splatter without any immersion or coverage of
waterproof component(s).
Furthermore, when appropriate maintenance procedures (as described
below) are performed promptly following exposure, the ESC will remain
best protected from corrosion or other long-term, water-related damage.
Wet Conditions Maintenance
• Gently rinse the mud and dirt off the ESC with a garden hose.
• Remove the battery pack(s) and dry the contacts.
• If you have an air compressor or a can of compressed air
available, blow off the ESC to help remove any water that may
have gotten into small crevices or corners. Dry any water that
may be inside a recessed connector housing.
• Let the ESC air dry before you store it. Water may continue to
seep or evaporate out of tight areas for a few hours.
NOTICE: Never use a pressure washer to clean your vehicle.

6
Contents
Features...........................................................................6
Diagram ...........................................................................8
Installation........................................................................9
Binding ...........................................................................10
ESC and Transmitter Calibration .........................................11
Operation .........................................................................12
Failsafe ...........................................................................12
Programming and Update Ports .........................................12
ESC Programming.............................................................13
Programmable Items.........................................................14
Programmable Values .......................................................15
Receiver Firmware Updates ...............................................16
LED Indicators ..................................................................17
Receiver Troubleshooting Guide .........................................18
Telemetry Troubleshooting Guide........................................19
ESC Troubleshooting Guide................................................19
1-YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY .............................................21
Warranty and Service Contact Information ..........................25
FCC Information................................................................25
Compliance Information for Canada....................................26
Compliance Information for the European Union..................27
Features
Firma 25 Amp Brushed SMART ESC with Receiver
This ESC and receiver combination is compatible with Spektrum
DSM2
®
/DSMR
®
/SLT surface transmitters, and includes built-in
SMART telemetry. Use a Spektrum transmitter with SMART
compatible telemetry to view ESC and battery data.
An update may be required for your transmitter for SMART
features, see SpektrumRC.com for more information.

7
Specications SPMXSER1025
Type
FIRMA 2 in 1 - 25A Brushed Smart
ESC/Dual Protocol RX
Dimensions (L × W × H)
1.5 x 1 x 0.79 inches
(38 x 26 x 20mm)
without mounting tabs
Antenna Length 18mm
Channels 2 (No Throttle Servo Output)
Weight 1.2 oz (34g)
BEC Voltage 6V/1.5A
Telemetry Features Battery Voltage, Current, ESC Temp,
Battery Data (with SMART Battery)
Battery Input Connector IC2™(EC2™Compatible)
Voltage Range 2–3S Li-Po*/5–9S NiMH
Max Current 25A Continuous/ 70A Burst
Motor Connectors 4mm Female Motor Bullets
Compatible Motors 180-390 sized brushed
This 2in1 has three servo ports on the receiver. Only one of
the ports is for servo use, for steering.The throttle is internally
connected to the ESC and does not have a servo port. There are no
telemetry ports, all telemetry features are integrated. The second
and third ports on the receiver are for updating and programming
the unit. See the Diagram for more information.

8
-+
-+
Antenna
Motor Connectors
ESC Programming
Port
Receiver Update
Port
Steering
Bind Button
Power Switch
Programming Button
Red/Green LED
IC2 Battery Connector
Diagram
NOTICE: Always disconnect the battery from the ESC when
you have finished operating your vehicle. If you leave the battery
connected with the power switch in the OFF position, the ESC will
continue to draw current when connected to the battery, resulting in
possible damage to the battery through over-discharge.
NOTICE: Do not connect a dedicated receiver battery to the
servo or programming ports. When the ESC/Receiver is turned
On it will provide the servo ports with 6V regulated power from
the main battery. If a dedicated receiver battery is connected to
the servo ports, the ESC/receiver may be damaged.

9
Installation
1. Determine how to mount the ESC/Receiver as specified by your
vehicle’s instruction manual, or in an area with adequate airflow
and protection from damage. Ensure all wiring connections can
be reached prior to mounting. For the best reception performance
choose a mounting arrangement that will put the antenna as high
as possible in the vehicle, away from metal or carbon fiber.
2. Use double-sided foam tape or the mounting tabs with
screws on the bottom of the case to secure the ESC in
position. The switch can be mounted with double sided
foam tape.
3. Connect the red power connectors together and the black
power connectors together between the ESC and the motor.
4. If you need to reverse the motor direction you can reverse the
power connections between the motor and ESC.
5. Secure all wiring and ensure the 2-in-1 has good airflow.
NOTICE: Do not cut, kink, or modify the antenna. Damage to
the antenna or shortening it will reduce the range.

10
Binding
This receiver can bind to either DSM or SLT transmitters.
DSMR or DSM2
1. Connect a battery but leave the power switch OFF.
2. Press and hold the bind button on the receiver.
3. Throttle should be at neutral to set failsafe. Power ON the
receiver. The red and green LEDs both flash, indicating the
receiver is in bind mode. Release the bind button after the
LEDs begin to flash.
4. Put your transmitter in bind mode.
5. The bind process is complete when the green LED on the
receiver remains lit. The motor emits a Spektrum 4 tone
cycle, confirmation of battery cell count tones and a rising
confirmation tone.
SLT
1. Begin with no battery connected.
2. Throttle should be at neutral to set failsafe.
3. Connect a battery to the receiver and immediately press and
release the bind button on the receiver three times rapidly
(within 1.5 seconds of powering ON).
4. The red and green LED flashes, indicating the receiver is in
bind mode.
5. Put your transmitter in bind mode.
6. The bind process is complete when the green LED on the
receiver remains lit. The motor emits a Spektrum 4 tone
cycle, confirmation of battery cell count tones and a rising
confirmation tone.

11
ESC and Transmitter Calibration
When using a new ESC it is important to calibrate it so the ESC
matches the throttle range on your transmitter. If you install
a new radio system, or make changes to your throttle/brake
values in your transmitter, you must redo the ESC Calibration
Process. Failure to calibrate the ESC to your radio system will
result in the ESC not working correctly. Set the Fail Safe on
your radio to a neutral position to ensure the motor stops in the
event of a signal loss.
1. Power ON your transmitter, and begin with throttle values at
100% for dual rates and travel, and at neutral for trim and
sub-trim. Verify there are no ABS braking functions activated
before proceeding with calibration.
For transmitters without an LCD, turn the D/R knob to the
max setting, and center the throttle trim.
2. Connect a battery to the ESC.
3. Press and hold the programming button on the switch
case, power on the ESC. The red LED on the ESC will start
to flash and the motor will beep, release the programming
button (The ESC will enter the programming mode if the
programming button is not released within 3 seconds).
4. With the throttle trigger and trim in the neutral position,
press and release the programming button. The Red LED
will flash once and the motor will emit one tone.
5. Pull the throttle trigger to full throttle, and press and release
the programming button. The Red LED will flash twice and
the motor will emit two tones.
6. Push the throttle trigger to full reverse, and press and
release the programming button. The Red LED will flash
three times and the motor will emit three tones.

12
-+
-+
ESC Programming Port
Receiver Update Port
Programming and Update Ports
Operation
1. Power on the transmitter.
2. Power on the receiver.
3. The green LED on the receiver will be illuminated when it is
connected to your transmitter.
4. Disconnect your battery from the ESC/Receiver after operation.
Failsafe
In the unlikely event that the radio link is lost during use, the
2-in-1 will drive the throttle channel to the neutral (throttle off)
position. If the 2-in-1 is powered on prior to turning on the
transmitter, it will enter failsafe mode, leaving throttle off. When
the transmitter is turned on, normal control will resume.
7. Power OFF the system with the ON/OFF switch.
8. Power ON the system with the ON/OFF switch. The system
is ready for operation
Tip: Beeps from the motor may be quiet and difficult to hear,
use the LED status to help verify settings.

13
ESC Programming
The ESC in the 2-in-1 may be programmed via the push button
on the switch, or with the optional SPMXCA200 Program Card.
To change settings with the programming button:
1. Power ON your transmitter. Connect a battery to the ESC
and power it ON. The transmitter and receiver must be
connected.
2. Press and hold the programming button for 1 second.
OPTIONAL: Press and hold the programming button for 5
seconds to reset all ESC programming options.
3. Release the programming button, the red LED will blink to
indicate it has entered programming mode
4. The red LED blinks (and the motor beeps) to indicate the
programming item. Press the programming button for one
second in order to toggle through the programmable items.
1 red LED blink for item one, 2 red LED blinks for item 2 etc.
For item 5 and above, one long LED blink for item 5, one
long LED blink and 1 short LED/blinks for item 6 etc.
For items 10 and above, 2 long LED blinks for item 10, 2
long LED blinks and 1 short LED/blinks for item 11 etc.
5. Press and hold the programing button for 3 seconds when
you want to enter a programming item.
6. The LED blinks to indicate the programming value within the
item selection.
7. Press and hold the programming button for 3 seconds when
you want to select a programming value.
8. Power off the ESC.
9. Begin the process again to change any other
programming values.

14
Programmable Items
1. Running mode
2. Battery Type Li-Po/NiMH (Li-Po has Low Voltage Cutoff)
3. Cutoff Voltage
4. Start-up Force (%)
5. Max Forward Force (%)
6. Max Reverse Force (%)
7. Max Brake Force (%)
8. Initial Brake Force (%)
9. Drag Brake (%)
10. Drag Brake Rate Control (Level)
11. Neutral Range (%)
12. Start Mode/Punch (Level)
13. PWM Frequency
14. Freewheeling
To change settings with the programming box:
1. Begin with no battery connected.
2. Connect the cable for the programming box into the
programming port as shown.
3. Connect a battery and power ON the ESC.
OPTIONAL: The ESC settings can be reset to default by
pressing “Reset” and then “OK” buttons.
4. Press Select button on the program box once.
5. Select the programming choices. Press SAVE after any
changes are made.
6. Power off the ESC.
7. Disconnect the cable for the programming box.

15
Programmable Values
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
1. Fwd/
Brk
Fwd/
Rev/
Brk
Fwd/
Rev
2. Li-Po NiMH
3. Off Auto
(low) Auto (Med)
Auto
(High)
4. 0 2 46 8 10 12 14 16
5. 25 50 75 100
6. 25 50 75 100
7. 0 12 25 37 50 62 75 87 100
8. 06 12 18 25 31 37 43 50
9. 05 10 50 60 70 80 90 100
10. 1 2 3 45 6 7 8 9
11. 3 4 5 67 8 9 10 12
12. 1 2 3 4 56 7 8 9
13. 1K 2K 4K 8K 16K
14. On Off
Blacked out cells with white text represent the default settings.

16
Receiver Firmware Updates
If firmware updates are made available, you can install the update
yourself. An SPMA3065 programming cable and a PC is required
for receiver updates. Go to the product page at SpektrumRC.com
for update information and to register your receiver. Registration is
required to download updates.
Update Process
1. Register your receiver and download the Spektrum programmer
and the firmware update for the 2-in-1 (when available).
2. Install the Spektrum programmer on your PC and open the
app. Connect the USB programming cable to your PC and
allow it to install the drivers.
NOTICE: In the programmer app there is an option to power
the receiver from the PC. Leave this box checked. DO NOT
connect a power source to the receiver at the same
time as the USB cable.
If the box in the programmer app is checked to power the
receiver from the computer, and the USB cable is plugged into the
receiver, and a power source is plugged into the receiver, there is
a high probability of causing permanent damage to the PC.
Make sure this check-box is checked to power the receiver
from the PC during the update.

17
3. With the vehicle and receiver powered off, plug the updater
cable into the programming port on the 2-in-1. DO NOT turn
on the vehicle or receiver when the USB cable is connected.
The PC should connect with the receiver automatically.
4. Follow the on screen prompts in the to install the firmware
file on the 2-in-1.
5. When the update is complete, unplug the updater cable
from the receiver.
LED Indicators
Upon powering ON the ESC, the red LED will blink and the motor will
emit a series of beeps to indicate its status.
The number of tones indicates (1) the ESC is in operation (2) the
battery mode detected and (3) the ESC is in a ready-to-use state.
Feature Red LED Status Motor Sound
1. ESC is in operation Rapid blinking 4 Changing tones
2.Ni-MH/Ni-CD Battery
2S Li-Po Battery
3S Li-Po Battery
1 Blink
2 Blinks
3 Blinks
1 Short tone
2 Short beeps
3 Short beeps
3.ESC ready
no transmitter signal
Red blink
repeating
DURING OPERATION LED STATUS
Stop Green Solid
Forward partial throttle Green Solid, Red Blinks
Full Throttle Green and Red Solid
Reverse partial throttle Green Solid, Red Blinks
Full Throttle Green and Red Solid
Partial Brake Green Solid, Red Blinks
Full Brake Green and Red Solid
Battery Low Voltage or No Signal Red Blink Repeating
Overheat Red Double Blink Repeating
Over Current Protection Red Triple Blink Repeating

18
Receiver Troubleshooting Guide
Problem Possible Cause Solution
The system
will not
connect
Your transmitter and
receiver are too close
together
Move transmitter 8
to 12 feet away from
receiver
You are near metal
objects Move to an area with less metal
The receiver is
bound to a different
model memory
Make sure the correct
model memory is active in
your transmitter
Your transmitter was
placed into bind mode
and is no longer bound
to your receiver
Rebind your transmitter
and receiver, and then
re-calibrate
The receiver
goes into
failsafe a
short distance
away from the
transmitter
Check for damage
on the receiver
antenna
Make sure your receiver
antenna is protected
and located as high as
practical
Replace the receiver or
contact Horizon Product
Support
The receiver
stops
responding
during
operation
Low receiver battery
voltage. If the battery
voltage is low, it may
drop below 3.5V mo-
mentarily, causing the
receiver to brown-out,
then reconnect
Charge the receiver
or vehicle battery.
Spektrum receivers
require at least 3.5V to
operate
Loose or damaged
wires or connectors
between battery and
receiver
Check the wires and
connection between the
battery and receiver. Repair
or replace wires and/or
connectors

19
Telemetry Troubleshooting Guide
Problem Possible Cause Solution
No telemetry
options are
available
in the
transmitter
You are using a
transmitter that does
not include telemetry
features
Consider changing to
a transmitter which
includes telemetry
Your transmitter is in
5.5ms mode
Select a different DSMR
protocol, rebind and
then recalibrate
The
telemetry
screen is
blank
The telemetry screen
needs to be configured
in the transmitter
telemetry menu
Configure the
telemetry screen
ESC Troubleshooting Guide
Problem Possible Cause Solution
ESC ON - No
motor func-
tion, audible
tone or LED
Battery/connection
issue Recharge/replace battery. Secure all connections
Damaged ESC/
switch Repair/replace ESC switch/ ESC
Damaged motor Repair/replace
Motor-
Stops and
LED blinks
Low voltage
protection When the ESC LED blinks, recharge/replace battery
Overheat protec-
tion
When the LED blinks, let
motor/ESC cool, change
set up or gearing to avoid
overheating
Motor-
Accelerates
irregularly
Battery issue Repair damaged wiring/
replace battery
Incorrect gearing Adjust/replace gearing
Worn or
damaged motor Repair/replace motor

20
Motor- Does
not turn
continuously
in response
to throttle
ESC/motor dam-
aged Repair/replace wiring or motor/ESC
Motor-
Slows but
will not stop
Incorrect
transmitter/ESC
calibration
Adjust throttle travel/other
throttle settings on the
transmitter/ESC. Repeat the
ESC Calibration Procedure
Steering
servo- Oper-
ates; motor
does not run
Damaged motor Test the motor apart from the vehicle system, repair/
replace motor as needed
Incorrect
transmitter/ESC
calibration
Adjust throttle travel/other
throttle settings on the
transmitter/ESC. Repeat the
ESC Calibration Procedure
Steering/
motor- not
functioning
Low battery
voltage Recharge/replace
Wrong model
memory selected
on transmitter
Select correct model set-
tings on your transmitter,
refer to transmitter and/or
receiver manual
Receiver not
bound to trans-
mitter
Bind transmitter to receiver,
refer to transmitter and/or
receiver manual
Vehicle-
Does not
operate at
full speed
Battery issue Recharge/replace
Incorrect
transmitter/ESC
calibration
Adjust throttle travel/other
throttle settings on the
transmitter/ESC. Repeat the
ESC Calibration Procedure