Horizon Hobby Spektrum SMART ESC User manual

Spektrum Firma 40 Amp Brushed
SMART ESC with Receiver
Spektrum Firma 40A gebürsteter SMART-
Geschwindigkeitsregler mit Empfänger
Variateur ESC SMART à balais
Spektrum Firma 40AMP avec récepteur
SMART ESC a spazzole Spektrum
Firma 40 Amp con Ricevitore

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.

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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
™
40A Brushed Waterproof
2-in-1 ESC and 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.

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Contents
Specifications ..................................................................... 7
Diagram ............................................................................. 8
Installation.......................................................................... 9
Binding............................................................................... 9
ESC and Transmitter Calibration ......................................... 10
Operation ......................................................................... 10
Failsafe ............................................................................ 10
Programming and Update Ports ......................................... 11
ESC Programming............................................................. 11
Programmable Features .................................................... 12
Receiver Firmware Updates ............................................... 14
LED Indicators .................................................................. 15
Receiver Troubleshooting Guide ......................................... 16
Telemetry Troubleshooting Guide........................................ 17
ESC Troubleshooting Guide................................................ 17
1-YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY ............................................. 19
Warranty and Service Contact Information .......................... 23
FCC Information................................................................ 23
Compliance Information for Canada.................................... 24
Compliance Information for the European Union.................. 25
Features
Firma 40 Amp Brushed SMART ESC with Receiver
This ESC and receiver combination is compatible with Spektrum
DSM2
®
/DSMR
®
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.
There are three servo ports (Steering, Aux 1, Aux 2). 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.

7
Specifications SPMXSE1040RX
Type
Waterproof DSMR ESC/Receiver
2-in-1 with SMART Telemetry
Dimensions (L × W × H) 54mm × 33.5mm × 20.5mm
Antenna Length 31mm
Channels 4 (No Throttle Servo Output)
Weight 68g
Band 2404 MHz – 2476 MHz
Servo Output Voltage 6V up to 3A, Shared with Auxiliary
Light Connectors
Telemetry Features Battery Voltage, Current, ESC Temp,
Battery Data (with SMART Battery)
Battery Input Connector IC3™(EC3™Compatible)
Voltage Range 2–3S Li-Po*/5–9S NiMH
Max Current 40A Continuous/ 180A Burst
Motor Connectors 3.5mm Bullet
Compatible Motors
(Based on Battery Voltage)
Brushed
Below 8.4V; Down to 12T
Below 12.6V; Down to 30T
*Default setting for low voltage cutoff is Li-Po. Optional
Dynamite DYNS3005 Program Card required to change the
Battery Type Setting.

8
-+
-+
Antenna
Auxiliary (Light) Connectors
Motor Connectors
ESC Programming Port
Receiver Update Port
Steering
Bind Button
Switch Mount
Power Switch
Red/Green LED
IC3 Battery Connector
Aux 1
Aux 2
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 on the bottom of the case to
secure the ESC/Receiver in position.
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.
6. There is an integrated slide mount on each side of the case
for the switch. Choose a mounting position; the switch
can be installed on one of the slide mounts, or mounted
elsewhere with double-sided foam tape.
Binding
1. Begin with no battery connected.
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 LED flashes, indicating the receiver is in bind mode. Release
the bind button after the red LED begins to flash. The motor will
make continuous descending tones until binding is complete.
4. Put your transmitter in bind mode.
5. The bind process is complete when the green LED on the
receiver remains lit.
NOTICE: Do not cut, kink, or modify the antenna. Damage to
the antenna or shortening it will reduce the range.

10
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.
ESC and Transmitter Calibration
1. Begin with no battery connected.
2. Ensure your transmitter is powered ON, the throttle is not
reversed, the throttle trim is neutral and the throttle travel range
is at 100%. Disable any special functions such as ABS, etc.
3. Keep the throttle at neutral and power ON the ESC.
4. The ESC/Receiver automatically calibrates the throttle range
after 3 seconds.
5. The LED will blink and the motor will beep to indicate the
battery mode selection.
6. One long LED blink and one long beep will indicate when
the ESC is ready to run.

11
-+
-+
ESC Programming
The ESC portion of the 2-in-1 may be programmed from the
optional Dynamite DYNS3005 Program Card.
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.
4. Select the programming choices.
5. Power off the ESC.
6. Disconnect the cable for the programming box.
ESC Programming Port
Receiver Update Port
Programming and Update Ports

12
Programmable Items
Optional programming box DYNS3005 required
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

13
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. 0 5 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.
ESC can be returned to default settings by pressing “Reset” and
then “OK” buttons on the programming box.

14
Receiver Firmware Updates
If firmware updates are made available for the receiver side of
the 2-in-1, you can install the update yourself. The Spektrum
USB programming cable (SPMA3065, not included) and a PC are
required for 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.

15
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
2 Short Blinks
Red Blink
Repeating
2 Ascending Tones
Descending Tones
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 Blinks
Overheat Green Blinks
Over Current Protection Green and Red Triple Blinks

16
Receiver Troubleshooting Guide
Problem Possible Cause Solution
The system
will not con-
nect
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

17
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
function,
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

18
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

19
1-YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY
What this Warranty Covers - Horizon Hobby, LLC, (Horizon)
warrants to the original purchaser that the product purchased (the
“Product”) will be free from defects in materials and workmanship
for a period of 1 year from the date of purchase.
What is Not Covered
This warranty is not transferable and does not cover (i) cosmetic
damage, (ii) damage due to acts of God, accident, misuse, abuse,
negligence, commercial use, or due to improper use, installation,
operation or maintenance, (iii) modification of or to any part of the
Product, (iv) attempted service by anyone other than a Horizon
Hobby authorized service center, (v) Product not purchased from
an authorized Horizon dealer, (vi) Product not compliant with
applicable technical regulations, or (vii) use that violates any
applicable laws, rules, or regulations.
OTHERTHAN THE EXPRESSWARRANTYABOVE, HORIZON MAKES NO
OTHER WARRANTY OR REPRESENTATION, AND HEREBY DISCLAIMS
ANY AND ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING, WITHOUT
LIMITATION, THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF NON-INFRINGEMENT,
MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.
THE PURCHASER ACKNOWLEDGES THAT THEY ALONE HAVE
DETERMINED THAT THE PRODUCT WILL SUITABLY MEET THE
REQUIREMENTS OF THE PURCHASER’S INTENDED USE.
Purchaser’s Remedy
Horizon’s sole obligation and purchaser’s sole and exclusive
remedy shall be that Horizon will, at its option, either (i) service,
or (ii) replace, any Product determined by Horizon to be defective.
Horizon reserves the right to inspect any and all Product(s)
involved in a warranty claim. Service or replacement decisions are
at the sole discretion of Horizon. Proof of purchase is required for
all warranty claims. SERVICE OR REPLACEMENT AS PROVIDED
UNDER THIS WARRANTY IS THE PURCHASER’S SOLE AND
EXCLUSIVE REMEDY.

20
Limitation of Liability
HORIZON SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR SPECIAL, INDIRECT,
INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, LOSS OF
PROFITS OR PRODUCTION OR COMMERCIAL LOSS IN ANY
WAY, REGARDLESS OF WHETHER SUCH CLAIM IS BASED IN
CONTRACT, WARRANTY, TORT, NEGLIGENCE, STRICT LIABILITY
OR ANY OTHER THEORY OF LIABILITY, EVEN IF HORIZON HAS
BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES. Further,
in no event shall the liability of Horizon exceed the individual price
of the Product on which liability is asserted. As Horizon has no
control over use, setup, final assembly, modification or misuse, no
liability shall be assumed nor accepted for any resulting damage
or injury. By the act of use,setup or assembly, the user accepts all
resulting liability. If you as the purchaser or user are not prepared
to accept the liability associated with the use of the Product,
purchaser is advised to return the Product immediately in new
and unused condition to the place of purchase.
Law
These terms are governed by Illinois law (without regard to conflict
of law principals). This warranty gives you specific legal rights,
and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state.
Horizon reserves the right to change or modify this warranty at
any time without notice.
WARRANTY SERVICES
Questions, Assistance, and Services
Your local hobby store and/or place of purchase cannot provide
warranty support or service. Once assembly, setup or use of the
Product has been started, you must contact your local distributor or
Horizon directly.This will enable Horizon to better answer your questions
and service you in the event that you may need any assistance. For
questions or assistance, please visit our website at www.horizonhobby.
com, submit a Product Support Inquiry, or call the toll free telephone
number referenced in the Warranty and Service Contact Information
section to speak with a Product Support representative.