RED CAT ASCENT 18 User manual

FCC Compliance Statement! The radio included with your vehicle complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful Interference, and (2) This device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired operations.
Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and
can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio
communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful
interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the
interference by one of the following measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
TX
FCC ID: 2A2UNRTX4C00
IC: 24025-RTX4C00
This device complies with Industry Canada license-exempt RSS standard(s). Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not
cause interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference, including interference that may cause undesired operations of this device.
WARNING: Any changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user's authority to operate this
equipment.
WARNING: While operating the Radio, a separation distance of at least 20 centimeters must be maintained between the radiating antenna and the body
of the user or nearby persons in order to meet the FCC RF exposure guidelines.
AFHDS (automatic frequency hopping digital system)
AFHDS was developed for Radio control models and offers active and passive anti-jamming capabilities, low power consumption and high receiver
sensitivity.
This radio system works in the frequency range of 2.405 to 2.475GHz. This band has been divided into 141 independent channels. Each radio system uses
16 different channels and 142 different types of hopping algorithm. By using various switch-on times, hopping scheme, and channel frequencies, the
system is less likely to lose transmission.
Each transmitter has a unique ID. When binding with a receiver, the receiver saves that unique ID and can accept only data from that unique transmitter.
This avoids picking another transmitter signal and dramatically increases interference immunity and safety.
WARNING: Even with the AFHDS 2A-BS technology, if the radio system is not used in accordance with this manual, it can still fail and cause
serious injury. Be sure to read and understand this entire manual, as well as the manual that came with all other RC components you are
using.
ESC/RECEIVER SPECS.
Number of Channels 3
Compatible Models 1:18 Crawler
RF 2.4GHz ISM
2.4GHz Protocol 2A-BS
Distance ≥ 300m（Ground Distance w/o Interference）Input Power 2S LiPo
BEC Output 5V/1A
Data Interface PWM
Cont. / Peak Current 10A/40A
Applicable Motors 180 Brushed Motor
Temperature Range -10deg. Celsius ~ +60deg. Celsius
Humidity Range 20% ~ 95%
Weight 9.8g
Dimensions 38*25*13mm
Dimensions 38*25*13mm
Certifications CE, FCC ID: 2A2UNR3A00
TRANSMITTER SPECS.
Number of Channels 4
Use Surface use only
RF 2.4GHz ISM
Maximum Power <20dBm (e.i.r.p.)（EU）2.4GHz Protocol 2A-BS
Distance >300m (Ground Distance w/o Interference)
Channel Resolution 1024
Input Power (4x)1.5AA batteries
Low Voltage Alarm <4.2V
Antenna Built-in
Temperature Range -10deg. Celsius ~ +60deg. Celsius
Humidity Range 20% ~ 95%
Dimensions 160*193*97mm
Weight 220g
Certifications CE，FCC ID：N4ZG4P00
Specifications
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R3C Radio/ESC Guide
Warnings & Compliance

R3C Radio Guide
[10]
[9]
[11]
[12]
[8]
[7]
[6]
[5]
[4]
[3]
[2]
[1]
[15]
[16]
[14]
[13]
[10] “TH.REV” Throttle reverse switch (PG.2)
[11] Lanyard Eye Insert wrist lanyard (sold separately)
[12] Base Battery compartment (4x AA batteries) (PG.1)
[13] “CH3” Three-position switch
[14] “CH4“ Button (Not used)
[15] Steering Wheel The maximum rotation of the steering wheel is
35 Degrees from center to full left or to full
right (CH1)
[16] Throttle Trigger The total moving angle of the throttle trigger is
37.5 Degrees; 25 Degrees forward and 12.5
Degrees backward (CH2)
[1] Cover Flip up panel cover
[2] “ST.REV” Steering channel reverse switch (PG.2)
[3] “R. LED” Power indicator LED
[4] “ST.TRIM” Steering trim button (PG.2)
[5] “G.LED” Status indicator LED
[6] “TH.TRIM” Throttle trim (PG.2)
[7] “ST.D/R” Steering dual rates button (PG.2)
[8] “ON/OFF” Power switch (PG.1)
[9] “BIND” BIND button (PG.7)
Transmitter Overview
Location Description Location Description
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R3C Radio Guide
Receiver/ESC Overview
LED
Interface
External Antenna
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[1] Battery Plug (uses JST connector) [6] CH1 Interface (Steering Servo)
[2] Motor Plug (includes extension w/ 2 blade connectors) [7] CH3 Interface (Aux. Servo)
[3] LED [8] S (Channel Interface Signal Pin）[4] Antenna [9] + (Channel Interface Anode Pin)
[5] Power Button [10] - (Channel Interface Cathode Pin）The LED [3] indicates the working state of the receiver/ESC.
OFF: The receiver is not powered on.
ON - Solid: The receiver is on and working normally.
Flashing Quickly: The receiver is in binding mode.
Flashing Slowly: The transmitter is powered off, or the receiver isn’t receiving a signal from the transmitter.
CH1 and CH3 channel interfaces [6] & [7] are standard 2.54mm*3 Pin connectors, which are found on most
common servos.
The battery interface [1] uses a female JST connector. The battery pack must have a male JST connector.
The motor interface [2] includes a female PH2.0 connector that is built into the receiver/ESC. The included
extension uses a male PH2.0 connector on one end and two blade connectors on the other end that connect
to the positive and negative terminals found on the motor.
CAUTION: Do not pull on or bend the receiver’s antenna. Do not fasten the antenna and the servo cable
together.
CAUTION: Keep the receiver's antenna at least 1cm away from conductive materials such as carbon or metal. If
the antenna is too close to conductive materials, it will negatively effect the signal strength of the receiver.

R3C Radio Guide
Receiver/ESC Connections
Receiver/ESC Connections - Side View
Attention!
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Be sure all connections are plugged in correctly. Be sure all connectors are securely plugged in all the way.
The ESC and the receiver are both housed into a single unit so there is no need to plug in an external ESC.
There are two 2.54mm 3 pin standard outlets (CH1 & CH3). These outlets are for plugging in a steering servo
(CH1) and an optional auxiliary servo (CH3). Do not attempt to plug an ESC into either of these outlets. The
ESC is already built into the receiver and no external ESC is needed. See the above illustrations for proper
connections.
Pay attention to the following when installing the receiver:
1. Make sure the receiver is not installed near a motor or other sources of electrical noise.
2. Keep the receiver's antenna away from conductive materials such as carbon or metal. To ensure normal
function, make sure there is a gap of at least 1cm between the antenna and the conductive material.
CH1
Battery
Steering Servo
Motor
Battery Pack
Receiver/ESC
Receiver/ESC
Antenna
CH3
Steering Servo
Optional Aux. Servo

R3C Radio Guide
Powering ON
Binding
Calibration
Powering OFF
1. Unplug the battery pack from the receiver and remove it from the vehicle.
2. Turn off the transmitter.
Note: Always be sure to disconnect the battery pack from the receiver BEFORE turning off the transmitter.
Channel Reverse
This function is used to adjust each channel's direction of movement in relation to its input.
The ST.REV and TH.REV are the reverse switches for CH1 (steering) and CH2 (throttle). If the switch is up,
it indicates the channel is in reverse, and if the switch is down, it indicates the channel is in its normal operating
mode. Example: If the vehicle moves forward while moving the throttle trigger to reverse, flip the TH.REV switch.
Refer to PG.3 of this manual for more information.
Follow the steps below to turn on the transmitter:
1. Check to make sure that the battery is fully charged and installed correctly.
2. Toggle the Power Switch to the ON position, and the R.LED will be solid on.
3. Power on the receiver.
Note: For safety always power on the transmitter before the receiver.
The transmitter and receiver have already been bound at the factory. However if the receiver needs to be
replaced or additional receivers bound follow these steps:
1. Turn on the transmitter while pressing and holding the BIND button, then the transmitter will enter the
binding mode. At this time, the G.LED will start flashing quickly. Once in binding mode release the Bind
button.
2. The receiver will enter the binding mode automatically when powered on.
3. Once binding is successful, the LED of the receiver will flash slowly, and the transmitter LED will remain
solid on after being re-powered on.
Note: When binding, put the transmitter into binding mode first, then the receiver.
Use this function to correct for the mechanical deviation of the throttle trigger and steering wheel, for
example, deviation occurred in the self-centering or maximum minimum travel, the steps are as following:
1. Turn and hold the steering wheel clockwise to the max travel and push the throttle trigger forwards as far
as possible, and at the same time turn on the transmitter, the transmitter will be in calibration mode. The
R.LED and G.LED will work in two-flashing-one-off state repeatedly.
2. Steering Wheel Calibration: Turn the steering wheel to the max and min travel clockwise/counterclockwise
respectively. When calibration is completed, the R.LED will be off.
3. Throttle Trigger Calibration: Push/pull the throttle trigger to forward/backward as far as it will go. When
calibration is completed, the G.LED will be off.
4. Once calibration is complete, press the BIND button to save and exit. The G.LED will be lit solid.
Steering & Throttle Trims
1. The ST.TRIM+ and ST.TRIM- are the trim buttons for centering CH1 (steering), and can be multiplexed as
trims of CH3 and CH4. For multiplexing switching mode, refer to PG.8 “ Mode Switching”.
2. TH.TRIM+ and TH.TRIM- are the trim buttons for centering CH2 (throttle). Adjustment Range: -120us - +
120us, and the step is 4us. Refer to PG.3 of this manual for more information on setting trims.
LED status:
• When pressing the trim keys, the G.LED will flash slowly on short presses and quickly on long presses.
• When the trim adjustment value is at the neutral position, the G.LED will flash twice slowly.
• When the trim adjustment value is at it maximum or minimum setting, the G.LED will not flash at all.
Note: After the throttle trim is changed, the receiver needs to be re-powered on to recognize the new throttle
neutral. Otherwise, an exception may occur during vehicle reversing.
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R3C Radio Guide
Steering Dual Rate
Mode Switching
Calibration
ST.D/R+ and ST.D/R- are used for the CH1 steering servo travel adjustment, which can be multiplexed as CH2
(throttle), CH3, and CH4 servo travel adjustment, refer to “Mode Switching” for multiplex switching mode;
Adjustment Range: 0-120%(the default is 100%), and the step is 5%.
ST.D/R+: Increases servo travel.
ST.D/R-: Decreases servo travel.
LED status:
• When using the D/R keys, the G.LED will flash slowly on short presses and quickly on long presses.
• When the travel adjustment value is at its end points (maximum/minimum values of 0/120%), the G.LED will not
flash at all.
Refer to PG.3 of this manual for more information.
This function is for reusing ST.TRIM(including ST.TRIM+ and ST.TRIM-) and ST.D/R (including ST.D/R+ and
ST.D/R-) adjustment buttons for different channels. Refer to [Steering Trims] and [Steering Dual Rates.
Setup: While the receiver is ON, quickly press the BIND button twice (within 1 second) to cycle through
modes 1, 2, 3, and 4. The default setting when powering on is mode 1.
Mode 1: The G.LED flashes slowly once. The ST.TRIM is used for CH1 trim adjustments and the ST.D/R is used
for CH1 end point adjustments.
Mode 2: The G.LED flashes twice slowly. The ST.TRIM is used for CH1 trim adjustments and the ST.D/R is used
for CH2 end point adjustments.
Mode 3: The G.LED flashes three times slowly. The ST.TRIM is used for CH3 trim adjustments and the ST.D/R
is used for CH3 end point adjustments.
Mode 4: The G.LED flashes slowly four times. The ST.TRIM is used for CH4 trim adjustments and the ST.D/R
is used for CH4 end point adjustments.
Use this function to correct for the mechanical deviation of the throttle trigger and steering wheel, for
example, deviation occurred in the self-centering or maximum minimum travel, the steps are as following:
1. Turn and hold the steering wheel clockwise to its maximum travel and push the throttle trigger forward as
far as possible, and at the same time turn on the transmitter. This puts the transmitter into calibration
mode. The R.LED and G.LED will both repeat the sequence of “flashing twice-off-flashing twice”.
2. Steering Wheel Calibration: Turn the steering wheel to its maximum left and right position, back and forth.
When calibration is completed, the R.LED will be off.
3. Throttle Trigger Calibration: Push/pull the throttle trigger to forward/backward as far as it will go. When
calibration is completed, the G.LED will be off.
4. Once calibration is complete, press the BIND button to save and exit. The G.LED will be lit solid.
Failsafe
The failsafe function is used to protect the model and surrounding people when the connection fails between
the receiver and transmitter. The failsafe is activated when the transmitter is turned off, the transmitter batteries
die, or if there is interference. By default, CH2 is the only channel with a failsafe setting. The other channels are
not set.
• The failsafe for CH2 is enabled by default and the ESC will enter the braking state when the failsafe is activated.
• For the other channels, the interfaces will maintain the last output when the failsafe is activated.
Setting the failsafe:
1. With the transmitter and ESC both turned ON, hold the control corresponding to the channel at the desired
failsafe position.
2. Then press and hold the BIND button for 3 seconds. The G.LED will flash for 2 seconds, indicating that the
failsafe setting was saved successfully.
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R3C Radio Guide
Beginner Mode
Beginner mode is designed for people who are new to the hobby.
In this mode, throttle output is limited to 50 percent and the channel range by default is set to 1250~1500~1750us.
Setup:
To switch between beginner mode and normal mode, press and hold the CH4 button while turning the steering
wheel counterclockwise as far as it will go. While holding, power on the transmitter. The G.LED will flash in a
sequence of “flash-flash-off, flash-flash-off”, indicating beginner mode is activated.
Note: By default, the system is set to normal mode each time it is turned on .
Low Voltage Protection & Overheating Protection
This receiver has a low voltage protection function.
• Low Voltage Protection: When the battery voltage is detected to be lower than the safe operating range,
power output to all channels will be cutoff.
This receiver/ESC also has an overheat protection function that will cutoff power to CH2 when activated. Once
the receiver/ESC cools down to normal operating temperature, CH2 will resume to it’s normal operating power
output.
Note: In the event there is a blockage in the drive train, the receiver/ESC will cutoff power to the motor (CH2)
to prevent damage to both the receiver/ESC unit and the motor. If this happens, inspect the vehicle and clear
out anything that may be obstructing the drive-train from spinning freely. This may include lodged sticks, rocks,
or anything else binding the drive-train.
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The ESC will not power on. 1. There isn’t a battery plugged into the ESC.
2. The LIPO battery being used isn’t
charged.
1. Plug a fully charged LIPO battery into
the ESC and try again. (PG.1)
2. Contact Redcat support.
The vehicle ran backward when you pulled
the throttle trigger towards you.
1. The radio “Throttle Reverse” switch
may be improperly set.
2. The motor wiring is incorrect.
1. Switch the radio “Throttle Reverse”
switch. (PG.2)
2. Be sure the motor is plugged in correctly.
The red wire plugs into the tab labelled
(+) on the motor .
The motor suddenly stops working. 1. Transmitter signal is lost
2. The battery pack needs charging or the
thermal protection may have been
activated.
1. Be sure the transmitter has good
batteries and is turned on.
2. Check the battery voltage and the ESC
temperature. Let cool and recharge
battery. (PG.9)
1. The receiver isn’t picking up the
transmitter sygnal.
1. Be sure the transmitter is turned on.
2. Put new batteries in the transmitter.
(PG.1)
3. BIND the transmitter to the receiver/ESC
The receiver/ESC is powered on, but
nothing works and the LED on the
receiver/ESC is blinking slowly.
Clicking noise while steering. 1. The servo horn is stripped.
2. The servo gears are stripped.
1. Replace the servo horn.
2. Replace the servo.
Vehicle won't steer or move. 1. Battery pack not charged.
2. Battery wires loose.
3. Did not follow proper start-up
instructions.
1. Charge the battery pack.
2. Plug in the battery securely.
3. Follow the start-up sequence on PG.1.
Vehicle turns to the side automatically. 1. Steering trim needs adjusting.
2. Steering servo horn needs realigning or
replaced.
3. Servo gears are stripped.
1. Adjust transmitter steering trim. (PG.2)
2. Check servo horn, replace if worn or
stripped.
3. Replace the servo.
Vehicle steers to the left when you steer
to the right.
1. Steering reverse (on transmitter) is set
incorrectly.
2. You are driving towards yourself and it
just seems like it's backwards.
1. Set the steering reverse on transmitter.
(PG.2)
2. Practice driving the vehicle to get used
to steering with different vehicle
orientations. When driving towards
yourself, it just seems like the steering is
backwards.
The receiver/ESC is powered on, but
nothing works and the LED on the
receiver/ESC is blinking quickly.
1. The receiver is in BIND mode. 1. Be sure the transmitter is turned on and
power on the receiver/ESC again. (PG.1)
Vehicle moves with no throttle input. 1. Throttle trim is not set properly.
2. The transmitter needs to be calibrated.
1. Set transmitter throttle trim. (PG.2)
2. Calibrate the transmitter. (PG.7)
TROUBLE POSSIBLE CAUSE POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS
R3C Radio Guide
Troubleshooting
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