Spektrum DSM2/DSMX User manual

Spektrum @ Compatible DSM2/DSMX Transmitter Module
Thankyou for purchasing this Spektrum DSM2/DSMX compatible lransmitter rnodule. It is compatible
with the Hitec Aurora 9, the Optic 6, Eclipse 7 and Futaba module based transmitters. It duplicates the
functions of the Spektnun DM8/9 rnodule and adds the abiliS to transmit in either DSM2 or DSMX mode.
The module has 2 different DSMX modes: DSMX-7 and DSMX-9. DSMX-7 is compatible rvith any
DSI\D( receiver from 4 to 12 channels but will only transmit up to 7 channels of sen,o information.
DSI/D(-9 mode is only compatible rvith DSMX receivers of 8 channels or more. such as the AR8000 or
AR9020.
Disclaimer: This is not a Spektrum brand module and does not contain any Horizon Hobby or Spektrum
parts. Please do not contact Spektrum or Horizon Hobby for assistance with this module. If you need
assistance or have questions, please contact me directl_v at pg&rrg1jg-etg3l:!4:t-t{i.
Key tr'eatures:
- Protocol: DSM2 or DSMX mode.- Easy to switch between modcs using throttle stick and bind
button.
- Compatible with aay DSM2 or DSMX receiver, including DSM2/DSMX Bind-N-Fly micro
aircraft and helicopters and the Hobby King line of OrangeRX DSM2 compatible receivers.
- Now accepts PPM channel orders from I( Hitec,Futab4 Airtronics and Multiplex radios. Now
you can use your Aurora 9 as the master transmitter and a Spektrum TX as the student tranmitter.
A correcfly wired trainer cable is required.
- Accepts any polaritv PPM signal with servo pulse lengths between 0.9ms and 2. lms. Module will
limit out of range servo pulses to these values.
- Norv carriersFCC certification - UP2AW24RUH
- Resolution:
DSM2 - 10 bit.
DSMX - ll bit.
- Works with Hitec and Futaba module based transmitters that output a standard PPM signal from 4
to 12 channels.
- Ma-ximum number of channels transmitted:
DSM2 rnode: 9 channels.
DSI\,D(-7 mode. 7 channels.
DSMX-9 mode: 9 channels.
- RF output power: +21.7dBm.
- Power input voltage range: 5 - 15 volts.
- PPM signal voltage: 5V to 12V.
- Exact fit Hitec transmitter case for correct fit in Hitec module based transmitters.
- Informatiye status LED that does more thaljust tell 5,su if po'rver is on.
Installing the Transmitter Module:
The rnodule is installed in the back of the transmitter by inserting the module squarely into the module
socket and pushing the module in until the locking tabs click into place. Please make sure your transmitter
is set to use the PPM modulation mode and that the stick mode is set for mode 2.
Note: On the Hitec Auroru 9 transmittet the PPM-N and PPM-P modulation modes rvill not appear in the
programming menu until you remove the Spectra z.4chzmodule from &e radio.
If at power on the LED in the module blinks 2 times, pauses. blinks 2 times, etc. this indicates that the
incoming PPM signal is not valid and may be due to the transmitter being in PCM mode.

At power up. the LED in the module will blink a code to indicate which transmit mode the module is
currentlv in:
1 flash: DSM2 mode.
2 flashes: DSMX-? mode.
3 flashes: DSMX-9 rnodc.
After flashing the code. there is a brief delay then the module will begin transmitting. At rhis point. the
LED in the module will begin flashing at a steady rate of about once per second, indicating that it is
transmitting.
Note: The expected channel order of the incoming PPM signal is fr-xed at the normal Hitec/Futaba order:
Aileron, Elevator, Throttle. Rudder, CH5, CH6- CH7. CH8, CH9. If 1'our transmitter has the abiliry" to
customize the PPM channel order, please set it to this order.
Bind Procedure.
If binding a receiver in an electric aircraft, for s:rfe$', please make sure the motor is disconnected from the
ESC. if possible. Make sure that the module is in the correct transmit mode for the receiver you are
binding rrith.
1) Follow the instructions for your particular DSM2 or DSNzD( receiver to put it into bind mode. For
micro flyers with the AR6400 integrated receirzer/ESC/servos, this usually involves plugging in
the battery and rvaiting 5 scconds. then the receir.er automatically enters bind mode.
2) Make sure the transmitter sticks are in the correct positions for failsafe, usually, thrcttle off and
elevator" ailerons and rudder sticks at neutral.
3) Whiler holding down the bind button on the module. turn on the transnritler.
Note: In the case of the Hitec Aurora 9 with firmrvare version 1.08 or newer, you must ans\r'er
"YES" to the "Readt' to transmit?" confirmation before the tralsmitter rvill supply power to the
module socket.
Obsen'e the blue LED inside the transmitter module. After the initial flash(s) to indicate the
transmit mode and a brief pause. the LED will begin to flash rapidll' for about I second. As soon
as the LED begins flashing rapidly. release the bind button. It does not have to be held down for
the entire bind procedure. Continuing to hold the bind button too long will cause the module to
enter the DSM2/DSMX mode selection programming mode.
4) The receiver LED(s) should go out indicating it has received the bind informalion and should
cormect with the transmitter after a few seconds. On some Spektruru receivers, the LED inside the
receiver may blink for a few seconds before a link is established.
5) When the bind has been completed. porver off the receiver and transmitter, remove the bind plug
from the receiver.
6) Once you have properly set up the sen.os on your model. please re-bind so that the receiver learns
the proper serv'o failsafe positions.
Note: When using &is module to fly Eflite or Parkzone Bind and Fly [pe aircraft and helicopters. keep in
mind that the default servo pulse q,idths on the Hitec Atuora 9 radio are between -I . I ms and 1 .9ms while
the Spektrum pulse widths arebetween lms and 2ms. Therefore, it may be necessary-to set the EPA
adjustments in the A9 to approx l2}-l25yoto achieve the same range of sen'o motion. Also. the difference
in pulse widths meals tJmt the speed controllers in these craft rvill not arm unless the throttle trim on the A9
is lowered to its minimum position.
Range Testing:
For safety reasons. before range testing, make sure that the receiver has been bound to the transmitter
module with proper failsafe positions for all controls. particulzrly' the throttle. Range testing should be done

with the receiver installed in its final posilion in thc aircraft u,ith the aircraft positioned on the ground.
Hold lhe transmitter in a normal wav and make sure the antenna is vertical. Move to a position
approximatelv 25 paccs awa-r from the aircr:rff and ensure llnt it is responding to thc controls correctlr.
Press ald hold the bjnd bulton to actirale reduced po$'cr output. ltre Lfn witt btint< at a slightl), fasier
rate. While moving the transmitter sticks ensure that thc receiver is responding correcfly *d thut there are
no holds. Walk around the aircraft sta-ving at the same distance or hare a helper move the aircraft on the
ground and range test in different orientations. Ensure that the receiver is responding correctly in all
positions. Release the bind button 1o retum to ftill power oulput. If r.ou camrot obtain solid control at tlis
distance trv re-orientaling the receir.er(s) in the aircrafl. One suggested receiver orientalion for a 2 antenxa
receivcr (main receiver and 1 satellite RX) is to orient ore antenraverlically and the other horizontall-v in
Iinc rl4th the fuselagc. TrJ, to place each anleuna in apos.ition wtere lhey are milirnallv shielded br, other
objects rn the model
How to change between DSM2, DSMX-7 and DSMX-9 modes:
The module comes set for DSM2 tmmmit modc.
l) Install the rnodule in your radio.
2) Turn on radio power u'hile holding dourr the bind butlon on the module. For thc Aurora 9. select
'YES' to the "Ready to tansmit" option. Obsen,e the blue LED inside the module. The LED will
begin to flash rapidly for about 1 second. come on steady for a brief time, then flash at a very slow
rate" approx everv 3 seconds. Once the LED begins to flash slowlv release the bind button. The
LED u'ill stop flashing. If the LED continues to flash you may hare relcased 1he bind button too
soon. Power off the radio and try again.
3) Press and hold dorvn the bind butlon again. The LED *,ill cvcle through the 3 TX modes by
flashing the LED to indicate the node:
I flash: DSM2
2 flashes = DS\,D(-7
3 flashes = DSMX-9.
4) When the LED indicates ilre dcsired mode. iiruuediateh' release the bind butlon.
5) The LED rvill confinn r, our tnode selection br flashing the code for the selected mode 2 times.
For instance, if vou selected DSMX-7, the LED will flash 2 times, tu.ice. If the trrong mode is
accidentallr' selecled. turn olf tlte radio and begin again.
6) At this point if you do not u"ish to change the channel order of the module" turn off the radio. The
selected TX mode is stored and remains in effect until changed by repeatrng the above steps. If
y'ou wish to change the channel order. leave the radio porvered on and follow the steps below.
Changing the Channel Order of the module:
Follow the instructions above and set the desired TX urode first.
7) Once the LED has confinned 1he TX rnode. press a:rd hold the bind button again. The LED
u,ill c)'cle through the al,ailable charurel orders by flashing the LED.
I flash: JR
2 flashes : HiteclSpectrurn.
3 flashes: Airtronics
4 flashes : Multipler
8) When the LED indicates the desired channel order. immediatelv release the bind button.
9) The LED rvill confirn -r'our selection by flashing the code for tlre sclected channel order 2
times. For instance. if you selected Arrtronics mode, the LED rvill flash 3 tirnes" twice. If the
wrong mode is accidentally selected, turn off the radio and begin at step 1.
10) Once the channel order is selected, the module rvill store the selected order and autornatically
restart. The selected channel order will rernain in effect until changed b-r- repeatrng these steps
starting al step 1.
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Once the transmit mode and channel order has been set, the module can now perform a normal bind
sequence with a DSM2 or DSMX receiver. Be sure that the module is in the correcl trursmitting mode for
the receiver you are binding with. For example. the module will nol correcllv bind wirh a DSM2 receiver if
it is in DSMX mode. The module g,ill also not correclly bind u,ith an 8 channel DSMX receiver if it is in
DSMX-7 mode.
Once a receiver binds with the module, i1 remains bound ever if the transmit mode is changed and then
srvitched back again.
IIow to tell what transmit mode the module is in:
When the module is powered on, lhe LED will flash a code to indicate rylmt mode i1is in:
I flash = DSM2 mode
2 flashes = DSIrD(-7
3 flashes = DSI{X-9
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Information for using the module in a differcnt brand transmittcr:
Although primarJly meanl to be used in Hitec or Futaba module based transmitterq the module can be used
v'ith just about any RC transmitterthat can output a standard PPM pulse trainwith a frame rate between 20
- 32ms. Shorter frame rates have not been tested and may not w'ork.
It is recornmended that the module be powered directly from the transmitter battery with a voltage betw'een
6 and 12VDC. Using a voltage suppll,- from a voltage regulator inside the transmitter mav place an
excessive load on the transmitter's regulator. The current drarv of the module is approrimatelv 230ma.
The PPM signal can be either positive or negatire polarity with a voltage range between 5 and 12 VDC.
Pinout on back of module:
Pin Function
I PPMinput
2Y+
3 GND
4NC
5NC
6NC
7 GND
8NC
9V+
l0 PPM input
Back of
Module
llors? 6-ffi
t-----ffil
Regulatory warnings:
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
(l) This device may not cause harmfirl interference, and (2) this device must accept anY interference
receive4 including interference t
hat may cause undesired operation.
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caution: chiurgcs or modifications not expressll' approved b\ the parrv responsrble for compliance colld
vord the user's authorit\ to operate the equipment.
Note: The manufacturer is not responsible for an-v radio or TV interfererrce caused b-r. unauthorized
modificalions to this equipment. Such modifications could r,oid tlrc user's authoritl.io operate thc
equipment.
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