Ripmax VintageTx User manual

VintageTx Transmitter Instructions Draft Version 08.25c_01
Page 1 of 116
VintageTx Converted Transmitter Encoder User Manual
The VintageTx encoder is designed to
retrofit vintage R/C transmitters with
joysticks with mechanical trims to give
programming features similar to most
modern “computer” transmitters but
with the retro feel and character of an
older transmitter.
The display and programming
switches are hidden behind the
original manufacturer’s label which is
held on with strong magnets.
Alternatively the display can be
mounted inside the back of the
transmitter if the cover is easily
removable to get access.
The backlit LCD is easily visible in all
lighting conditions and despite its small
size is easily viewable
The converted transmitter is capable of
flying most fixed wing models from
vintage, single channel, trainers, sports,
scale, classic F3A aerobatics, right up to
4 servo wing gliders with V-Tails.
Figure 1. Small Back-Lit LCD Display

VintageTx Transmitter Instructions Draft Version 08.25c_01
Page 2 of 116
Contents
1 Specification........................................................................................................................................7
Typical VintageTx Converted Transmitters.............................................................................................8
The Rational of the VintageTx Encoder ......................................................................................91.1
VintageTx Features that are Different to Most Modern Transmitters.......................................91.2
What Features are not included in the VintageTx Encoder......................................................101.3
2 Menu Basics......................................................................................................................................11
The Display................................................................................................................................112.1
Cursors ......................................................................................................................................112.2
The Select Cursor ..............................................................................................................112.2.1
The Underline Cursor........................................................................................................112.2.2
The Edit Cursor..................................................................................................................122.2.3
3 Menus ...............................................................................................................................................13
Home Menu ..............................................................................................................................133.1
Battery Voltage .................................................................................................................133.1.1
Status/Alarms....................................................................................................................143.1.2
Audible Alarm/Sounder ....................................................................................................153.1.3
Status and Alarm Menu ....................................................................................................163.1.4
Down and Up Timer Menus..............................................................................................173.1.5
3.1.5.1 Accessing the Timers Menu from the Home Menu......................................................17
3.1.5.2 Adjusting the Minutes and Seconds of the Down Timer ..............................................18
3.1.5.3 Setting the Throttle Position to Control the Down Timer ............................................18
3.1.5.4 Setting the Down Timer Sounder Mode.......................................................................19
3.1.5.5 Choosing the Down Timer On/Off Control Switch or Joystick......................................20
3.1.5.6 Controlling the Up Timer ..............................................................................................21
3.1.5.7 Resetting the Up Timer.................................................................................................21
Model Select from the Home Menu.................................................................................223.1.6
Main Menus 1 and 2 .................................................................................................................233.2
Menu Structure.........................................................................................................................24
3.3
Main Menu 1.............................................................................................................................253.4
Trims Menu...............................................................................................................................253.5
Notes on the VintageTx Trims...................................................................................................263.6
Trim Memories..................................................................................................................273.6.1
Throttle Tick-Over “Trim” .................................................................................................283.6.2

VintageTx Transmitter Instructions Draft Version 08.25c_01
Page 3 of 116
Sub Trim Menu..........................................................................................................................293.7
Rates and Expo Menu (Exponential).........................................................................................303.8
Models Menus ..........................................................................................................................313.9
Model Select Menu (Model Memories)............................................................................313.9.1
Model Edit Menu ..............................................................................................................333.9.2
Model Copy Menu ............................................................................................................343.9.3
Model Delete Menu..........................................................................................................353.9.4
Reset All Models Menu.....................................................................................................363.9.5
Servo Reverse Menu.................................................................................................................373.10
End Point Menu (End Point Adjust/EPA) ..................................................................................383.11
Throttle End Point (Throttle EPA) .....................................................................................393.11.1
Mixers Menus (Select and Monitor).........................................................................................403.12
Elevons and V-Tail.............................................................................................................403.12.1
Elevon Mix when using a 4 Channel Receiver...........................................................................413.13
Getting the V-Tail and Elevon Surfaces Moving the Correct Direction.....................................423.14
Setting the Elevator to Aileron (Elevon) or Rudder (V-Tail) Ratio ............................................423.15
A > R (Aileron to Rudder) Mix ...........................................................................................443.15.1
Aileron Diff (Aileron Differential)......................................................................................453.15.2
Single Channel Emulation .................................................................................................463.15.3
Selecting Single Channel ...................................................................................................46
3.15.4
Single Channel Menu ........................................................................................................473.15.5
Selecting S/C Compound or Sequential Operation...........................................................473.15.6
Selecting Seq Beeps (Sequential Control “Beeps”)...........................................................473.15.7
Selecting No Throttle Control, 2 Position or 3 Position Throttle......................................473.15.8
Setting the Rudder % ........................................................................................................483.15.9
Setting the Elevator%....................................................................................................483.15.10
Setting the Mid Throttle %............................................................................................483.15.11
Disabling Single Channel Control..................................................................................483.15.12
How the VintageTx can be used for Single Channel Training .......................................49
3.15.13
What Single Channel Functions are Available ..............................................................493.15.14
Notes on S/C. ................................................................................................................493.15.15
The How Does the 2 or 3 Position Throttle Work in Compound Mode?......................503.15.16
Throttle Curve Mix...................................................................................................................513.16
Selecting Throttle Curve Mix.............................................................................................523.16.1

VintageTx Transmitter Instructions Draft Version 08.25c_01
Page 4 of 116
Adjusting the Throttle Curve.............................................................................................523.16.2
Throttle Joystick Position Superimposed on the Throttle Curve......................................543.16.3
Turning the Throttle Curve Off .........................................................................................543.16.4
Swap Throttle............................................................................................................................553.17
Notes on the Swap Throttle Mix.......................................................................................553.17.1
Using the Swap Throttle Mix.............................................................................................563.17.2
Pmix - Programmable Mixers....................................................................................................573.18
Pmix Order of Execution ...................................................................................................573.18.1
Programmable Mixers - Pmix 1 to Pmix 8 Selection and Monitoring......................................583.19
Pmix Basics........................................................................................................................593.19.1
Pmix Status........................................................................................................................603.19.2
Pmix Control......................................................................................................................603.19.3
Master and Slave Channels...............................................................................................613.19.4
Master Channel.................................................................................................................613.19.5
3.19.5.1 Master Channel - Ail (Ailerons).................................................................................62
3.19.5.2 Master Channel - Ail.L...............................................................................................62
3.19.5.3 Master Channel - Servo Slow....................................................................................62
3.19.5.4 Master Channel - Offset............................................................................................63
Slave Channel....................................................................................................................633.19.6
3.19.6.1 Slave Channel - Int1, Int2 and Int3............................................................................64
3.19.6.2 Slave Channel - Flap ..................................................................................................64
3.19.6.3 Slave Channel –AuxF and IntF..................................................................................65
Option ...............................................................................................................................653.19.7
3.19.7.1 Option –J/S...............................................................................................................66
3.19.7.2 Option –RtEx. ...........................................................................................................66
3.19.7.3 Option –TR+E. ..........................................................................................................67
3.19.7.4 Option –Pmix............................................................................................................67
3.19.7.5 Option –T/H (Threshold)..........................................................................................68
Pmix Values.......................................................................................................................70
3.19.8
3.19.8.1 Limits to Pmix Channel Values..................................................................................71
3.19.8.2 Selecting Pmix6 or Pmix7 when Throttle Curve is Already in Use............................71
3.19.8.3 Selecting Pmix8 when Single Channel is already in use............................................72
Main Menu 2.............................................................................................................................733.20
System (System Settings) Menu ...............................................................................................733.21

VintageTx Transmitter Instructions Draft Version 08.25c_01
Page 5 of 116
Calibrate Joystick Menus. .................................................................................................743.21.1
Other System Menu..........................................................................................................763.21.2
3.21.2.1 V Adjust% (Voltage Calibration Value)......................................................................76
3.21.2.2 Alarm Voltage. ..........................................................................................................77
3.21.2.3 Transmitter Inactive..................................................................................................77
3.21.2.4 Mode.........................................................................................................................77
PPM + Channels Menu (PPM Output Polarity, Pulse Length, Aux Channel Mode and3.21.3
Default Channel Output Order). .......................................................................................................78
3.21.3.1 PPM+/- ......................................................................................................................79
3.21.3.2 Pulse (300uS or 400uS) .............................................................................................79
3.21.3.3 Aux1 and Aux2 ..........................................................................................................80
3.21.3.4 Order (Default Channel Order) .................................................................................80
Trim Alarm ........................................................................................................................813.21.4
About Menu..............................................................................................................................823.22
Throttle Cut Menu ....................................................................................................................823.23
Mode.................................................................................................................................833.23.1
3.23.1.1 Cut (Throttle Cut)......................................................................................................83
3.23.1.2 Limit (Throttle Limit) .................................................................................................83
Throttle Cut Switch ...........................................................................................................833.23.2
3.23.2.1 Throttle Cut Inh (Inhibited).......................................................................................83
Sw Rev (Switch Reverse)...................................................................................................843.23.3
Sounder.............................................................................................................................843.23.4
Throttle “Lock” at Power On.............................................................................................843.23.5
Ch Order Menu (Channel Output Order/ Channel Output Assignment)..................................853.24
Range Test.................................................................................................................................863.25
I/P Val Menu (Input Value Monitoring) ....................................................................................873.26
Output Values Menu.................................................................................................................883.27
4 Programming Examples ....................................................................................................................89
Setting up the throttle of an I/C engine....................................................................................894.1
Setting Up the Throttle Servo ...........................................................................................894.1.1
Setting up the Throttle for Electric Powered Models with an ESC...........................................904.2
Throttle Curve Mixes.................................................................................................................914.3
Throttle Curve Mixes - Making the Power Delivery more Linear .....................................914.3.1
Skipping Part of the Engines RPM Range..........................................................................924.3.2

VintageTx Transmitter Instructions Draft Version 08.25c_01
Page 6 of 116
Flatten the Power Curve for Around the Hover for Electric 3D Models...........................934.3.3
Setting Up I/C Engines on a Twin..............................................................................................934.4
Notes on Rates and Expo ..........................................................................................................944.5
Output Channel Assignment Order. .........................................................................................954.6
Output Order When Servo’s have been Connected to the Wrong Channel ....................954.6.1
Using a 4 channel Rx for a Slope Soarer or a Glider with 2x Aileron Servo’s....................954.6.2
Using a 4 channel Rx for a Delta or Flying Wing ...............................................................964.6.3
Using a Spektrum AR6400 with Integral Servo’s for a Delta or a Flying Wing..................964.6.4
5 Setting the Joystick Gain...................................................................................................................97
6 Examples of Commonly Used Mixers ...............................................................................................98
Throttle to Elevator and Throttle to Rudder Pmix to Correct the Engine Thrust Line......986.1.1
Rudder to Elevator and Rudder to Aileron for Knife Edge Correction..............................996.1.2
Elevator to Flaps (Flapperons) “Snap Flap” ....................................................................1006.1.3
Flaps to elevator (to stop zooming when the flaps are deployed).................................1016.1.4
Flaps to elevator (Alternative Method) ..........................................................................1026.1.5
4 servo wing with camber/reflex and flaps/crow/spoilers.............................................1036.1.6
Programming the 4 Servo Wing Glider/Powered Glider ................................................1046.1.7
Setting the Flaps Up on a 4 Servo Wing Glider...............................................................1076.1.8
Four Aileron Wing with Snap Flap and Flap/Crow..........................................................1086.1.9
Engine differential for throttle steering on twins (Twin Motor Models)........................109
6.1.10
Differential Steering for Electric Twins ...........................................................................1106.1.11
Differential Steering for I/C Twins ..................................................................................1116.1.12
Two Elevator Servos (or Two Rudder Servos).................................................................1126.1.13
7 Appendix.........................................................................................................................................113
Using the VintageTx Encoder with Flight Simulators..............................................................1137.1
Using the VintageTx for Training/Buddy Box..........................................................................1137.2
Suitable Transmitters for Conversion.....................................................................................1147.3
What is single channel Control? .............................................................................................1167.4
With Thanks ............................................................................................................................116
7.5

VintageTx Transmitter Instructions Draft Version 08.25c_01
Page 7 of 116
1Specification
For converting vintage R/C transmitters with mechanical joystick trims (not switched trims) into a
full “computer transmitter”with a LCD display, menu switches and a ppm output.
8 channels
LCD 128x64 graphics display with LED backlight and 4 programming switches
10 model memories with 10 character model names
Auto-trim setting on Aileron, Elevator and Rudder via a pushbutton (buddy-box switch)
Trim memories on Aileron, Elevator, Rudder and Throttle tick-over
Separate inputs for electrical trims as found on many sets with open gimbal sticks such as
Kraft, Pro-Line etc.
Sub trims on all output channels
End point adjust on all output channels
Dual Rates and Expo on Aileron, Elevator and Rudder
Servo Reverse on all output channels
Freely configurable output order/assignment for all channels
8x programmable free mixes (Pmix)
“Servo slow” on any channel as a Pmix option, adjustable from 0 to 10 seconds
Elevons (delta and flying wing) mix and V-tail mix
Aileron to rudder mix (coupled aileron/rudder)
Aileron differential mix
Throttle Curve Mix
Single channel compound escapement emulation with optional 2 or 3 position blip throttle and
optional kick up (or down if preferred) elevator
Single channel sequential escapement emulation with optional beeps to indicate next direction
Up and Down timers that can run independently of each other
oUp timer (selectable on rudder rate, throttle cut or gear switch)
oDown timer with countdown alarm (adjustable on/off as % of throttle joystick position
or rudder rate, throttle cut or gear switch)
Operation from 6.0V to 12.0V to suit to suit 2S Lipo or Li-Ion, 2S/3S LiFe and 6S-8S NiMH. If
using 2S LiFe ensure the 2.4GHz module will operate at 6.2V, their usable minimum.
Digital voltage read-out with low battery alarm (adjustable to suit the battery used)
Output for the existing meter with trimmer adjustments to give full scale meter at the nominal
maximum battery voltage to suit most brands
Inactivity alarm (adjustable1-15 minutes)
Throttle Lock with arm/reset. On power-up or when a different model memory is selected, the
transmitter will output closed throttle until the joystick has been closed to reset/arm.
Two Throttle Cut modes: Throttle Cut and Throttle Limit.
oThrottle Cut mode operates when the switch is active
oIn Throttle Limit mode, when the switch is operated, the throttle will not go beyond
point, so I/C models can be safely carried out to the patch without worry if the throttle
joystick is inadvertently opened, the motor will not go past the limit.
The throttle joystick can be “swapped” with Aux1, Aux2 or the Gear switch. This is used when
flying powered gliders so that what would be the throttle joystick for a powered aircraft can be
used for flaps/spoilers/crow and the motor controlled by the Aux1, Aux2 or the Gear switch,
with the throttle reset/arm, throttle cut and countdown timer still working
Alarm if the trims are not centred at start up or a different model is selected
Tested with the following modules: FrSkyTM XHT, DHT and V8HT, LemonRxTM DIY, OrangeRxTM
DIY, SpektrumTM DM8, DM9 (case removed), Jumper 4IN1 Multi-protocol (case removed), Jeti
TU and FutabaTM TM-7 and TM-8 (case removed).

VintageTx Transmitter Instructions Draft Version 08.25c_01
Page 8 of 116
Typical VintageTx Converted Transmitters
Figure 2. Futaba with 1.2" LCD Display
Figure 3. Skyleader with 1.8” LCD Display
Removable Label
held on with
strong magnets
Throttle Cut
Switch
Aileron
Rate Switch
Rudder
Rate Switch
1.2” LCD
Display
Aux2
3 Position
Switch
Aux1
Lever
Gear Switch
Buddy-Box
Switch used for
Auto Trim or
Single Channel
Meter Converted
to Display
Battery Voltage
Elevator
Rate Switch
Menu
Switches
Aux1
Lever
Aux2 Lever (if
fitted)

VintageTx Transmitter Instructions Draft Version 08.25c_01
Page 9 of 116
The Rational of the VintageTx Encoder1.1
To be able to re-use classic transmitters from the 60’s, 70’s and some from the early 80’s, with
modern programming features and 2.4GHz modules for additional security and convenience.
Suitable for transmitters with joysticks with mechanical trims (not suitable for digital trims) and
inputs for trims with separate trim pots, used on many open gimbals sticks such as Kraft.
A pair of compact circuit boards (control circuit board and a small LCD display and menu
switches daughter board) that will easily fit the front or a single board if fitting in the rear of a
transmitter
A 128x64 LCD graphics display with backlight and four programming switches that is compact
enough to hide behind the manufacturer’s label. LCD displays are available in 1.2”, 1.4” and
1.8” (30mm, 35mm and 45mm). The size is the viewable diagonal dimension.
Alternatively the LCD can be mounted on the front with a bezel (available as an accessory) or in
the rear of the transmitter if the back is easily removable
The display uses a font to give 18 characters wide by 5 rows high that is still easy to read, even
on the smaller displays.
Traditional menu driven programming with enough features to make the transmitter useable
as your everyday transmitter.
Can be used with a range of RF modules. Tested with FrSky DHT, Spektrum DM8 & DM9,
OrangeRx DIY and Futaba TM-7 2.4GHz modules. Also tested with Futaba 35MHz and JR 35MHz
modules (so should work with 27MHz, 36MHz, 40Mhz and 72MHz modules).
VintageTx Features that are Different to Most Modern Transmitters1.2
As the converted transmitter will have mechanical trims, the “Trim” memory has to be easy to
set, so that the mechanical trims can be kept centred (they need to be centred so they don’t
affect rates, expo or other mixes and give a consistent trim for all models). This facility is
provided by pressing a pushbutton that copies the amount the trim/stick positions is away
from neutral. After pressing the switch it should be found that the model is trimmed with the
trims centred. Many transmitters have a “trainer or buddy box” switch already fitted that can
be used, else a push button needs to be fitted to make use of this feature.
If not already fitted, switches can optionally be installed for rates/expo.
The number of auxiliary sliders, dials and switches is very limited, so there is often only a few
ways to implement a mix or function. This can actually be a benefit, as it is easy to be
consistent with which switches are used to control mixes and functions.
As a retro transmitter may appeal to modellers from the earlier years of the hobby, single
channel emulation is provided so that you can practice flying with a single button. It’s fun!
A “throttle cut” function is provided, but is not really necessary as the throttle trim can easily
be setup to stop the engine with the throttle joystick fully closed and the trim down. It is
provided principally as a safety feature to stop electric motors starting inadvertently
A Throttle Limit is provided as an alternative that limits the throttle setting when handling.
The throttle trim in the “trim menu”only adjusts the tick-over, not the whole throttle range

VintageTx Transmitter Instructions Draft Version 08.25c_01
Page 10 of 116
What Features are not included in the VintageTx Encoder1.3
Rather than reading through the whole manual trying to find features that are not included, below is a
list of features typically found on a modern computer transmitter that have not been implemented.
No Helicopter Mixes.
No flight modes (limited flight modes are possible using the various programmable Pmix).
No dedicated 4 servo wing mixes for gliders. However 4 servo wing mixes for gliders can easily
be implemented by using the 8 free mixes. See the Programming Examples section on page
104 for details.
No trainer switch or trainer system, though a work-around is possible using an on-board dual
receiver change over-module, see page 113 for details.
No multi-point curve mixes, but a throttle curve mix is provided.
Mixes can only be controlled by a single switch, not combinations of switches or virtual switch
conditions from other proportional channels.
Programmable values can only be set via the menu and can’t be linked to an auxiliary channel
to adjust in flight.
Graphics are limited to displaying rates/expo curves and the throttle curve.
There is no way to connect the VintageTx encoder to a PC or other computer to backup
models, transfer models to another transmitter or setup the transmitter on the PC.
There is no telemetry (though a separate FrSky telemetry display could be fitted if using a FrSky
module).
There is no voice or haptic vibration alerts, just a sounder.
It is limited to a maximum of 8 output channels.
Even though the VintageTx encoder is missing some of the features of current top of the range sets, it
has a similar feature set to many mid-range transmitters from 10 years ago and better than some
current entry level sets, so is eminently useable.

VintageTx Transmitter Instructions Draft Version 08.25c_01
Page 11 of 116
2Menu Basics
The Display2.1
Menus are laid out in 18 characters x 5 rows and most will have a moveable cursor. Graphics are
limited to square cursors, underlined values and highlighted values due to the limited size and
resolution of a screen that can be hidden behind the front label of vintage transmitters.
Cursors2.2
The cursor can be moved up/down by the cursor keys +/↑and -/↓. The cursor can take one of three
forms:
The Select Cursor2.2.1
The “Select Cursor”(rectangular) selects sub-menus or other options by pressing the enter) key. In
Figure 4 above, pressing the key will open the Main Menu.
The Underline Cursor
2.2.2
An “Underlined” cursor can be moved by the cursor keys +/↑and -/↓to the value to be
edited/altered. When the cursor is at the value to edit, press the to select the “Edit” cursor. In
Figure 5 the cursor is lined up to edit the Aileron Trim. If the ← key is pressed, you will return to the
previous menu.
If the cursor is moved down with the -/↓and it reaches the bottom or last entry, it will either wrap
around back to the top of the menu or if the menu is one of multiple menus (such as rates/expo) it will
roll to the top of the next page. Similarly if the menu is at the top and the +/↑ key is pressed the
cursor will either roll to the bottom of the menu or to the bottom of the second menu if it is a pair.
Figure 5. Trim Menu with the “Underlined” Cursor
Figure 4. Home Menu with the “Select Cursor”

VintageTx Transmitter Instructions Draft Version 08.25c_01
Page 12 of 116
The Edit Cursor2.2.3
The “Edit” cursor has the value to be updated highlighted (reversed text) as in Figure 6 above. It can be
incremented or decreased with the cursor +/↑ or -/↓ keys. Also if the +/↑ or -/↓ keys are pressed
together simultaneously the value is reset to its default value.
Once finished press either the or ← key. The cursor will return to “underlined” cursor and the cursor
can be moved up/down again.
If the +/↑ or the -/↓ key is pressed and held, the cursor or the value “auto repeat” and increases or
decreases without having to press the keys repeatedly.
The edited values don't get saved to EEPROM (the non-volatile storage that is saved when the power is
turned off) until you press the ←key to leave the menu. If you have entered a value, but don't want to
save it, turn the transmitter off. WARNING - do not do this with a running engine or with an electric
powered aircraft with the battery connected, as if the failsafe is not set correctly the motor could start
unintentionally.
Figure 6. Trim Menu with the “Edit Value” Cursor

VintageTx Transmitter Instructions Draft Version 08.25c_01
Page 13 of 116
3Menus
Home Menu3.1
The Home Menu is displayed when the transmitter is first turned on. It displays the parameters that
are commonly needed for information, the transmitters’ status, battery voltage, count down and up
timers and which model is selected. The cursor start position is at the Menu, but can be moved up and
down with the +/↑ or the -/↓ keys to the Status/Alarm, Down Timer, Up Timer, Model Select and
Menu.
Battery Voltage3.1.1
The battery voltage is displayed in a “filled” battery symbol when the battery voltage is above the
alarm level (the Alarm Voltage is set in the System Menu (see page 73 for details on settings).
If the voltage should drop below the Alarm Voltage the battery symbol will show a “battery outline”,
the Status will change to “Low Batt” as in Figure 8 and the audible alarm will sound.
Status / Alarms
dication
Battery Voltage
dication
Down Timer
(6 minutes left)
dication
Model 1 Selected
(Mini Pulse in this
case)
Up Timer
(Not yet started)
dication
Cursor at
“Menu Select”
Figure 7. Home Menu Showing the Various Parameters
Figure 8. Home Menu Showing Low Battery Voltage

VintageTx Transmitter Instructions Draft Version 08.25c_01
Page 14 of 116
Status/Alarms.3.1.2
There are various statuses and alarm messages that can be displayed at the top left of the display on
the home menu and some have an audible alarm. In order of priority (only one will be displayed):
Low batt. Low Battery Voltage (alarm message and audible alarm), below the level set in the
Other System menu.
Trims –If Aileron, Elevator and/or Rudder trims are not centred (message and audible alarm)
If the Aileron, Elevator and/or Rudder Trims are not centred when powered up or selecting
another model, an alarm message is displayed, with the control (priority A, E or R) shown with
the position of the trim with a small graphical representation. In Figure 9 above the Elevator
Trim is set for up elevator. Don’t forget to press the “Auto Trim” switch before centring the
trims, if the trims were needed for straight and level (and not inadvertently moved from
centre). As the mechanical trims directly move the joystick potentiometers, moving the
joysticks can inadvertently cancel the Trim alarm without actually centring the trims.
Inactive. If the aileron joystick has not moved, the single channel switch has not been pressed
or a menu key has not been pressed within the pre-set time (message and audible alarm)
Thr Lock. If the transmitter is turned on or a new model is selected with the throttle open or
the Throttle Cut has been active and the switch is put to the off position when the throttle is
open.
Thr Cut. Throttle Cut is active (message, the audible alarm only sounds if the throttle joystick is
opened above 15%).
Thr. Limit. Throttle Limit is active (, the audible alarm only sounds if the throttle joystick is
opened above 15%).
Elapsed. The down timer has counted down (message and audible alarm when throttle joystick
not closed)
Swap Thr. The throttle stick is swapped to another control (message only)
S/C Comp. Single channel compound mode (message only)
S/C Seq. Single channel sequential mode (message and audible indication of the next direction
if sequential with sound selected)
OK. This is the normal message (if single channel or swap throttle modes are not selected).
Only the status or alarm message with the highest priority will be displayed, but if there are two or
more alarm or status messages, then the alarm message will be highlighted (in reversed text).
Figure 9. Elevator Trim not Centred (Up Trim)

VintageTx Transmitter Instructions Draft Version 08.25c_01
Page 15 of 116
Audible Alarm/Sounder3.1.3
As the VintageTx display will be hidden behind the manufacturers label or in the rear of the transmitter
(behind the back cover), extensive use is made of the sounder to indicate various alarms or other
status information such as the countdown timer.
To differentiate between the different alarms and status information, each has an individual on/off
pattern as follows:
Alarms
Low Batt (Low Battery Voltage): 0.22 seconds On, 1.1 seconds Off, continuous beeps
Trims (Trims not Centred) : 0.22 seconds On/ Off, continuous beeps
Inactive: 0.88 seconds On, 1.1 seconds Off, continuous beeps
Thr Lock, Thr Cut and Thr. Limit (Throttle Lock/Cut/ Limit): 0.88 seconds On, 0.22 seconds Off,
continuous beeps
Status Information
The Status information events that bleep the sounder are the following:
Down Timer. See page 16 for full details of the Down Timer. The Down Timer has two modes,
Electric (Elec) and I/C. The Electric mode has all the below, the I/C mode only those marked:-
oEvery minute above 3 minutes: single short bleep (0.2 seconds) *Both Elec and I/C
o3, 2 and 1 minutes: Long beep on/off for the number of minutes (0.7 seconds beep)
o30 and 20 seconds: on/off beeps three/two times (0.33 seconds beep)
o10 seconds down to zero: on/off continuous beep while the throttle is open (0.33
second beeps) *Both Elec and I/C
oAt zero seconds: Long Beep (1.9 seconds beep) *Both Electric and I/C
oDown timer elapsed: Continuous on/off beep while the throttle is open (0.33 seconds
on, 1.87 seconds off beep)
Up Timer. See page 21 for details of the Up Timer.
oEvery minute: a short 0.1 seconds single bleep
oEvery ten minutes: A slightly longer 0.3 seconds single beep
Single Channel Sequential. See page 47 for details.
oWhen right will be selected next: 0.2 seconds on, 2 seconds off
oWhen left will be selected next: 2x 0.2 seconds on, 2 seconds off
Auto Trim switch pressed. See page 26 for details.
oWhen AutoTrim pressed and Trim memories are not to their limits: 0.1 seconds on and
when one or more of the “Trim memories”are to their limits: 1.1 seconds on
Calibrate Joystick Gain. See page 97 for details.
oWhen the “I/P Val” menu selected and the gain potentiometer is set so that the
joystick values are above 1000 then the sounder is continuous.
Power On. On for 0.5 seconds to confirm it has powered up successfully.
Only one alarm will sound at a time, with the priority as above and the Status Information sounder
bleeps are disabled when there is an alarm condition, so there is only ever one sequence of bleeps.

VintageTx Transmitter Instructions Draft Version 08.25c_01
Page 16 of 116
Status and Alarm Menu3.1.4
If there is more than one active status/alarm message, the one with the highest priority is displayed on
the home menu (and in “reverse text” to indicate more than one message). If the cursor is moved to
the status/alarm position using the +/↑ or the -/↓ keys and selected with the key, it opens the
Status and Alarm menu.
The Status and Alarm menu displays the active messages in order of priority, with a maximum of five
messages.
Figure 10. Home with Multiple Status/Alarms
Figure 11. Status and Alarm Menu

VintageTx Transmitter Instructions Draft Version 08.25c_01
Page 17 of 116
Down and Up Timer Menus3.1.5
There are two timers on the VintageTx, the Down Timer and the Up Timer. The timers are independent
of each other and both can run concurrently and they both display to a resolution of one second.
The maximum the Down Timer can be set for is 59 minutes and 59 seconds. When it has counted down
to zero, it will continue counting with a negative time to show how far it has exceeded the pre-set
down time.
The maximum the Up Timer can display is 9 hours, 59 minutes, 59 seconds, at 10 hours it will then
“rolls over”to 0 hours, 0 mins, 0 secs and continue counting.
The timers are not as accurate as most clocks or watches and may be up to 6 seconds fast or slow over
a 24 hour period. This means they will be accurate to one second in 4 hours which is more than
adequate for most modellers.
The Timers can be reset directly from the “Home Menu”. Use the +/↑ or -/↓ keys to move the cursor
to the timer to be reset and press the ←key for 2 seconds to reset it. In the above Figure 12 the
Down Timer will be reset when the ←key is pressed for 2 seconds.
3.1.5.1 Accessing the Timers Menu from the Home Menu
The “Timers” menus can only be accessed from the “Home Menu”. Use the +/↑ or -/↓ keys to move
the cursor to the relevant timer and press the key as in Figure 12.
Figure 12. Press the ←key for 2 secs to reset the Down Timer
Figure 13. Down Timer Menu

VintageTx Transmitter Instructions Draft Version 08.25c_01
Page 18 of 116
3.1.5.2 Adjusting the Minutes and Seconds of the Down Timer
The down timer can be set from 59 mins : 59 secs to 0 mins : 01 secs in one second increments, but by
default is set to 6 minutes when a model is reset. The minutes and seconds are set separately.
See page 11 for details of adjusting the Down Timer minutes and seconds.
3.1.5.3 Setting the Throttle Position to Control the Down Timer
When the throttle joystick is controlling the down timer, with the throttle opened above the pre-set
position, the timer counts down, with the throttle below this pre-set position it stops. The throttle%
can be set between 0% and 100%, but is set by default to 30% when a model is reset.
To set the Throttle Joystick percentage, use the +/↑ or -/↓ keys to move the cursor to the “Thr %”
(Throttle Position %) and press . The cursor will be highlighted (as above in Figure 15) and the value
can be set by moving the Throttle Joystick to the desired position to start/stop the timer. The joystick
position as a percentage will be displayed next to the “Thr %”.
Once set to the desired position press or ←to return to return to the “underline cursor”.
Figure 14. Down Timer Adjust the Count Down Time
Figure 15. Setting the Down Timer Joystick Position.

VintageTx Transmitter Instructions Draft Version 08.25c_01
Page 19 of 116
3.1.5.4 Setting the Down Timer Sounder Mode
The down timer has an audible beep to signal how near to the end of the countdown it is. There are
two “modes” Elec (electric) and I/C, though you can use I/C with electric powered models and vice
versa. Electric mode has more information beeps, whereas I/C mode has minimal beeps.
Elec Mode has been designed to ensure that electric powered models can be easily flown to the timer
limit without exceeding the maximum flight time, to ensure that the batteries are not damaged by over
discharging. Some people may find the Elec mode too intrusive with the number of beeps and may
wish to use the I/C Sounder mode even with electric powered models.
Electric Mode
Above 3 minutes (on full minutes): One very short beep.
Three minutes: Three long beeps.
Two minutes: Two long beeps.
One Minute: One long beep.
Thirty seconds: Three short beeps.
Twenty seconds: Two short beeps.
Ten seconds to zero seconds: Continuous fast short beeps (if the throttle joystick is being used
to control the timer, closing the throttle below the pre-set position stops the beeps).
Zero Seconds: One very long beep to indicate the down timer has elapsed.
Down Timer Elapsed: Continuous slow beeps to indicate the timer has over-run and elapsed
(closing the throttle below the pre-set position stops the beeps). The Home Menu will also
display “Elapsed” in the status to indicate the down timer has elapsed.
I/C Mode
On full minutes: One very short beep.
Ten seconds to until zero seconds: Continuous fast short beeps (if the throttle joystick is being
used to control the timer, closing the throttle below the pre-set position stops the beeps).
Zero Seconds: One very long beep to indicate the down timer has elapsed.
Figure 16. Changing the Down Timer Sounder mode

VintageTx Transmitter Instructions Draft Version 08.25c_01
Page 20 of 116
3.1.5.5 Choosing the Down Timer On/Off Control Switch or Joystick
The Down Timer is either controlled by the user adjustable throttle % position (the normal method for
electric powered models) or by a user assigned switch. It can also be inhibited so it never runs (such as
for gliders).
To select the required Down Timer control, use the +/↑ or -/↓ keys to move the cursor in-line with
the On/Off selection and press (as in Figure 17above) and the cursor will be highlighted. Then use
the +/↑ or -/↓ keys to scroll through the different selections (“Inh, Rud Rate, Thr Cut, Gear or JoyStk”)
and press or ←to return once the required option has been selected. This will return to the
“underline cursor”.
If the down timer is controlled by one of the switches, the switch position for “timer stopped” is set
when the transmitter is turned on or a different model is selected, so regardless of the switch position
it will not start timing until the switch is moved from its initial position when powered up or new
model is selected.
You can reverse the switch operation by resetting the Down Timer when it’s running, after resetting
the Down Timer will reset and be stopped. It will start timing again when the controlling switch is
operated in the opposite direction.
Figure 17. Timer On/Off Control Showing the Gear Switch Selectred