Spektrum DX7 User manual

7-Channel, 20-Model Memory
Full Range DSM2™System
®
®

2
Welcome to the World of Spektrum DSM2 Full Range Technology
Spektrum’s DX7 is the first-ever full range 2.4Ghz Spread Spectrum Radio system for R/C aircraft. With
Spektrum’s DSM2™technology, now even large gas- and glow-powered aircraft can take advantage of
Spektrum®technology. No longer will you have to wait for a frequency pin or be concerned that someone may
inadvertently turn on to your same frequency. With Spektrum DSM2 technology, when you’re ready to fly any
aircraft—from parkflyer to giant-scale—simply turn on the system, and go flying!
SPEKTRUM DX7 • INTRODUCTION

3
SPEKTRUM DX7 • INTRODUCTION
DSM2 DuaLink Technology
Your DX7 transmits on the 2.4GHz band and utilizes DSM2™second-generation Digital Spread Spectrum
Modulation giving visual range in all types and sizes of aircraft. Unlike conventional narrow band systems,
Spektrum’s 2.4GHz digital DuaLink™technology is virtually immune to internal and external radio interference.
Included with your DX7 is an AR7000 7-channel receiver. The AR7000 combines an internal and external
receiver, offering superior path diversity. The system simultaneously transmits on two frequencies, creating dual
RF paths. This dual path redundancy, plus the fact that each of the two receivers is located in a slightly different
location exposes each to a different RF environment and creates a bulletproof RF link in all conditions.
AR6000 Parkflyer Compatible
You’ll be glad to know that the DX7 is compatible with the AR6000 mini park flyer receiver, however, when using
the AR6000 receiver, aircraft type is limited to parkflyers and mini and micro helicopters only. Simply bind the
DX7 transmitter to the AR6000 and you are ready to fly.

4
Model Match
With patented Model Match™technology, you’ll never mistakenly try to fly your model using the wrong memory
again. The DX7 features Model Match technology that prevents the operation of a model if the wrong model
memory is selected. During binding, the receiver actually learns and remembers the specific model memory (1
of 20) that the transmitter is currently programmed to. Later, if the incorrect model is selected in the transmitter
and the receiver is turned on, the model simply won’t operate preventing a possible crash. Change programming
to the matching model memory and you are set to fly.
Using This Manual
For your convenience, this manual is arranged with separate sections for airplane and helicopter software
functions. Airplane Programming is located on Pages 27 through 61; Helicopter Programming is located on
Pages 63 through 97. Programming functions are discussed in the same order that they appear on the radio. An
explanation of the use and purpose of each feature is provided, followed by an illustration of its LCD display.
A blank data sheet has been included at the end of each section. Once all data has been input for a particular
model, it is highly recommended that you also record it on a copy of the data sheet provided.
Alternate Languages
ITALIAN: Per la versione italiana di questo manuale vi preghiamo di vistare il sito
www.spektrumrc.com
FRENCH: Pour consulter ce manuel en français, visiter le site www.spektrumrc.com
GERMAN:Zur Ansicht der Bedienunsanleitung in den Deutsch besuchen Sie bitte
www.spektrumrc.com
SPANISH:Para ver este manual en Español entra en www.spektrumrc.com

5
Table of Contents
Welcome to the World of Spektrum DSM2 Full Range Technology.........................................................2
DSM2 DuaLink Technology ....................................................................................................................3
AR6000 Parkflyer Compatible.................................................................................................................3
Model Match...........................................................................................................................................4
Using This Manual..................................................................................................................................4
Alternate Languages................................................................................................................................4
Battery Charging...................................................................................................................................10
Transmitter/Receiver .....................................................................................................................10
Transmitter Polarity.......................................................................................................................10
Charger.........................................................................................................................................10
Control Stick Tension Adjustment.........................................................................................................11
Removing the Back of the Transmitter ...........................................................................................11
Adjusting the Control Stick Tension..............................................................................................12
Control Stick Length Adjustment ..................................................................................................12
Screen Contrast ....................................................................................................................................13
Advanced Digital Trims .........................................................................................................................13
Receiver and Servo Installation.............................................................................................................14
Receiver Installation......................................................................................................................15
Servo Installation..........................................................................................................................17
How to Range Test the DX7...................................................................................................................17
Range Testing the DX7..................................................................................................................17
Binding.................................................................................................................................................18
SmartSafe Fail Safe.......................................................................................................................18
Airplane Quick Start..............................................................................................................................20
Model Type Selection............................................................................................................................20
Selecting Airplane Mode...............................................................................................................20
Servo Reversing............................................................................................................................21
To Access Servo Reversing...................................................................................................21
Travel Adjust .................................................................................................................................22
To Access Travel Adjust ........................................................................................................22
Helicopter Quick Start...........................................................................................................................23
Model Type Selection............................................................................................................................23
Selecting Helicopter Mode....................................................................................................23
Servo Reversing............................................................................................................................24
To Access Servo Reversing...................................................................................................24
Travel Adjust .................................................................................................................................24
To Access Travel Adjust ........................................................................................................24
Pitch Curve...........................................................................................................................................25
Adjusting the Normal Pitch Curve.................................................................................................25
To Access the Pitch Curve Function......................................................................................25
Throttle Curve.......................................................................................................................................26
Adjusting the Normal Throttle Curve.............................................................................................26
To Access the Throttle Curve Function..................................................................................26

6SPEKTRUM DX7 • TABLE OF CONTENTS
Aircraft Programming Guide .................................................................................................................27
Control Identification and Location - Airplane Mode 2.........................................................................27
Throttle ALT ..................................................................................................................................27
General Information ......................................................................................................................28
Key Input and Display Functions ..........................................................................................28
System Mode Functions .......................................................................................................................29
System Mode................................................................................................................................29
To Enter the System List Mode .............................................................................................29
System Setup Mode Flowchart..............................................................................................................30
To Enter the System Setup Mode ..........................................................................................30
To Exit the System Setup Mode ............................................................................................30
Model Select/Copy Function ........................................................................................................31
To Enter the Model Select Function ......................................................................................31
Model Match ................................................................................................................................31
How Model Match Works .....................................................................................................31
To Enter the Copy Function...................................................................................................32
Model Name .................................................................................................................................33
To Enter the Model Name Function.......................................................................................33
Model Match ................................................................................................................................33
How Model Match Works .....................................................................................................33
Type Select Function.....................................................................................................................34
To Enter the Type Select Mode..............................................................................................34
To Select a Model Type.........................................................................................................34
Model Reset and Integrated Timer Reset.......................................................................................35
To Perform a DATA RESET or Reset the Integrated Timer: .....................................................35
Trainer...........................................................................................................................................36
To Enter the Trainer Mode.....................................................................................................36
Throttle Recovery..........................................................................................................................37
To Activate Throttle Recovery................................................................................................37
Input Select...................................................................................................................................38
To Access Input Select..........................................................................................................38
Wing Type.....................................................................................................................................39
Normal..................................................................................................................................39
Flaperon Wing Type Selection ..............................................................................................39
Delta Wing Type Selection....................................................................................................39
To Enter the Wing Type Function ..........................................................................................39
To Select a Wing Type...........................................................................................................40
Flaperon Wing Type Servo Connections...............................................................................41
Delta Wing Type Servo Connections.....................................................................................41
V-Tail Type Servo Connections.............................................................................................41
Function Mode .............................................................................................................................42
To Enter Function Mode........................................................................................................42
Function Mode Flowchart .....................................................................................................................43
Function List Modes.....................................................................................................................44
To Enter the Function List Mode ...........................................................................................44
To Exit the Function List Mode .............................................................................................44
Table of Contents

7
SPEKTRUM DX7 • TABLE OF CONTENTS
Dual Rate and Switch Select .........................................................................................................45
To Activate Dual Rate and Switch Select ...............................................................................45
Function Mode Functions.....................................................................................................................46
Dual Rate and Exponential ............................................................................................................46
To Adjust the Dual and Expo Rates .......................................................................................46
To Adjust the Exponential .....................................................................................................47
Reverse Switch .............................................................................................................................48
To Access the Reverse Switch Mode.....................................................................................48
Sub-Trim.......................................................................................................................................49
To Access the Sub-Trim Function .........................................................................................49
Travel Adjust .................................................................................................................................50
To Access the Travel Adjust Function....................................................................................50
Elevator-to-Flap Mix Function ......................................................................................................51
To Access the Elevator-to-Flap Mixing..................................................................................51
To Select the Switch to Operate the Flap Mix ........................................................................51
Aileron-to-Rudder Mixing.............................................................................................................52
To Access the Aileron-to-Rudder Mix Function ....................................................................52
To Adjust the Mix Value........................................................................................................52
To Assign a Switch ...............................................................................................................52
Flap System..................................................................................................................................53
Accessing and Utilizing the Flap System ..............................................................................53
Automatic Landing........................................................................................................................54
To Activate the Automatic Landing Feature ...........................................................................54
Differential Aileron Mixing............................................................................................................55
To Access the Differential Aileron Mixing Function...............................................................55
Programmable Mixing 1–6...........................................................................................................56
Assigning Channels..............................................................................................................57
Assigning Mixing Values......................................................................................................57
Assigning an Offset...............................................................................................................58
Assigning a Switch...............................................................................................................58
Timer ............................................................................................................................................59
Servo Monitor...............................................................................................................................61
Helicopter Programming Guide.............................................................................................................63
Transmitter Control Identification and Location.............................................................................63
General Information ......................................................................................................................64
Key Input and Display Functions ..........................................................................................64
Warning Screen for Throttle Hold/Stunt Mode..............................................................................65
Gyro Connections.................................................................................................................65
System Setup Mode..............................................................................................................................66
To Enter the System Setup Mode ..........................................................................................66
To Exit the System Setup Mode ............................................................................................66
Model Select/Copy .......................................................................................................................67
To Enter the Model Select Function ......................................................................................67
To Enter the Copy Function...................................................................................................67
Table of Contents

8
Model Name .................................................................................................................................68
To Enter the Model Name Function.......................................................................................68
Model Match ................................................................................................................................68
How Model Match Works .....................................................................................................68
Type Select Function.....................................................................................................................69
To Enter the Type Select Mode..............................................................................................69
To Select a Model Type.........................................................................................................69
Model Reset/Integrated Timer.......................................................................................................70
To Reset a Model ..................................................................................................................70
To Reset the Integrated Timer................................................................................................70
Trainer...........................................................................................................................................71
To Enter the Trainer Mode.....................................................................................................71
Throttle Recovery..........................................................................................................................72
To Activate the Throttle Recovery Function ...........................................................................72
Input Select...................................................................................................................................73
To Select the Function for the AUX2 Channel .......................................................................73
To Select the Function for the Gear Channel .........................................................................74
Swash Type...................................................................................................................................75
Accessing the Swashplate Types...........................................................................................75
Function Mode Flowchart .....................................................................................................................76
To Enter the Function Mode..................................................................................................77
To Exit the Function Mode ....................................................................................................77
List Modes............................................................................................................................................78
Function Mode Functions.....................................................................................................................79
Dual Rate and Exponential ............................................................................................................79
To Adjust the Dual Rate.........................................................................................................79
To Adjust the Exponential .....................................................................................................80
Auto Dual Rate EXP ......................................................................................................................81
To Adjust the Auto Dual Rate ................................................................................................81
Reverse Switch .............................................................................................................................82
Accessing the Reverse Switch Function................................................................................82
Sub Trim .......................................................................................................................................83
To Access the Sub-Trim Function .........................................................................................83
Travel Adjust .................................................................................................................................84
To Access the Travel Adjust Function....................................................................................84
Swashplate Mixing .......................................................................................................................85
Accessing the Swashplate Mix Function...............................................................................85
Throttle Hold.................................................................................................................................86
To Access the Throttle Hold Function ...................................................................................86
To Access the Throttle Hold Switch Function........................................................................86
Table of Contents
SPEKTRUM DX7 • TABLE OF CONTENTS

9
Throttle Curve...............................................................................................................................87
To Access the Throttle Curve Function..................................................................................87
Throttle Trim Setting .............................................................................................................88
Hovering Throttle Rocker Setting..........................................................................................88
Exponential Throttle Curve Function.....................................................................................88
Idle Up..................................................................................................................................88
Stunt 1 and Stunt 2...............................................................................................................88
Pitch Curve...................................................................................................................................89
To Access the Pitch Curve Function......................................................................................89
Hovering Pitch Rocker..........................................................................................................89
Revolution Mixing (only used with non-heading hold gyros) .......................................................90
Setting Up Revolution Mixing...............................................................................................90
To Access Revolution Mixing................................................................................................90
Gyro Sensing................................................................................................................................91
To Access the Gyro Sensing Function...................................................................................91
Manual Gyro Sensitivity Adjustment.....................................................................................91
Automatic Gyro Sensitivity Adjustment.................................................................................91
Programmable Mixing 1–3...........................................................................................................92
Assigning Channels..............................................................................................................92
Assigning Mixing Values......................................................................................................93
Assigning an Offset...............................................................................................................94
Timer ............................................................................................................................................95
To Access the Timer Function...............................................................................................96
Servo Monitor...............................................................................................................................97
General Information ..............................................................................................................................99
FCC Information ...........................................................................................................................99
Instructions for Disposal of WEEE by Users in the European Union..............................................99
Servo Precautions.......................................................................................................................100
General Notes .............................................................................................................................100
Safety Do’s and Don’ts for Pilots.........................................................................................100
Federal Aviation Administration..................................................................................................101
Purpose ..............................................................................................................................101
Background ........................................................................................................................101
Operating Standards...........................................................................................................101
Information Provided By.....................................................................................................101
Daily Flight Checks.....................................................................................................................102
Three Year Warranty Period.................................................................................................................103
Limited Warranty.................................................................................................................................103
Damage Limits....................................................................................................................................103
Safety Precautions ..............................................................................................................................103
Questions, Assistance, and Repairs ....................................................................................................104
Inspection or Repairs..........................................................................................................................104
Warranty Inspection and Repairs.........................................................................................................104
Non-Warranty Repairs.........................................................................................................................104
Aircraft Programming Guide ...............................................................................................................106
Helicopter Programming Guide...........................................................................................................107
Table of Contents
SPEKTRUM DX7 • TABLE OF CONTENTS

10
Battery Charging
Transmitter/Receiver
It is imperative that you fully charge both the transmitter and the receiver battery packs prior to each
flying session. To do so, using the included wall charger, leave the charger and batteries connected overnight
(16 hours).
The charger supplied with this system is designed to recharge your batteries at a rate of 110mA for the
transmitter and 110mA for the receiver battery pack.
Transmitter Polarity
The center pin on all Spektrum®transmitters is
negative. Therefore, the center pin on all Spektrum
chargers is negative, not positive. This is different
from many other manufacturers’ chargers and radio
systems. Beware of improper connections based on
“color coded” wire leads, as they may not apply in
this instance. You must make sure that the center
pin of your Spektrum transmitter is always
connected to the negative voltage of your charger
for correct polarity hookup.
Charger
The pilot lamps should always be ON during the charging operation. If they’re not, check to make sure that both
the transmitter and receiver are switched OFF. Do not use this charger for equipment other than Spektrum. The
charging plug polarity may not be the same and equipment damage can result. During the charging operation,
the charger’s temperature is slightly elevated. This is normal.
CENTER
PIN IS
NEGATIVE
OUTSIDE IS POSITIVE
CHARGER PIGTAIL FOR RECEIVER
CHARGER PIGTAIL FOR TRANSMITTER
BLACK TO POSITIVE
RED TO NEGATIVE
RIGHT SIDE OF TRANSMITTER
RED–POSITIVE / BROWN–NEGATIVE / ORANGE–SIGNAL
CENTER
PIN IS
NEGATIVE
OUTSIDE IS POSITIVE
CHARGER PIGTAIL FOR RECEIVER
CHARGER PIGTAIL FOR TRANSMITTER
BLACK TO POSITIVE
RED TO NEGATIVE
RIGHT SIDE OF TRANSMITTER
RED–POSITIVE / BROWN–NEGATIVE / ORANGE–SIGNAL
SPEKTRUM DX7 • INTRODUCTION

11
Control Stick Tension Adjustment
Removing the Back of the Transmitter
Remove the battery cover by pressing down on the ridged areas of the cover and sliding the cover towards the
bottom of the transmitter. Unplug the battery and set it aside. Carefully remove the screws from the back of the
transmitter using a small Phillips screwdriver.
Note: Use care when installing the screws securing the back of the transmitter. They are
threading into plastic and can be stripped if over-tightened.
SPEKTRUM DX7 • INTRODUCTION
CHARGING JACK FOR
NI-CD BATTERY
BATTERY COVER TRAINER JACK
CAUTION: THE BATTERY CONNECTOR
IS KEYED SO THAT IT CAN ONLY BE PLUGGED
IN ONE DIRECTION. DO NOT FORCE.

12
Adjusting the Control Stick Tension
Note: Remove the six (6) transmitter back cover screws. Remove the transmitter back, being
careful not to cause damage to any components.
Adjust each stick tension screw for the desired tension (counterclockwise to loosen stick tension, clockwise to
tighten stick tension).
LOOSEN
TIGHTEN
SETSCREW
ELEVATOR TENSION
SCREW
AILERON TENSION
SCREW
RUDDER TENSION
SCREW
THROTTLE TENSION
SCREW
SPEKTRUM DX7 • INTRODUCTION
Control Stick Length Adjustment
The DX7 allows you to adjust the control stick’s
length. Use the 2mm Allen wrench (supplied with
your DX7 transmitter) to unlock the setscrew.
Turn the wrench counterclockwise to loosen the
screw. Then, turn the stick clockwise to shorten or
counterclockwise to lengthen. After the control stick
length has been adjusted to suit your flying style,
tighten the 2mm setscrew.

13
Screen Contrast
The screen contrast is adjustable, allowing the user to vary the contrast for improved clarity in all conditions. To
adjust contrast: With the transmitter on and in the main menu, press and hold the select key. Then pressing the
INCREASE or DECREASE key will lighten or darken the contrast.
MODEL 1
SPEKTRUM DX7 2.4GHz
10.6V
Press to decrease contrast
Press to increase contrast
Press and hold while
changing contrast
Advanced Digital Trims
The DX7 employs digital trim levers on aileron, elevator, throttle, and rudder. (Hover pitch and hover throttle
for helicopters). The ADT (Advanced Digital Trim) feature is designed to automatically store the selected trim
values for each model. When a different model is selected, the previously stored trim positions for that model are
automatically recalled.
When using the helicopter program, each flight mode has its own trim that is automatically recalled each time
that flight mode is entered.
Visual trim positions are displayed on the main screen. The trims feature dual speed scrolling. Holding the trim
lever for an extended time will cause the trim rate of change to increase.
MODEL 1
SPEKTRUM DX7 2.4GHz
10.6V
Rudder trim
Throttle trim
Aileron trim
Elevator trim
SPEKTRUM DX7 • INTRODUCTION

14
Receiver and Servo Installation
The AR7000 incorporates dual receivers, offering the security of dual path RF redundancy. An internal
receiver is located on the main PC board, while a second external receiver is attached to the main board
with a 6” extension. By locating these receivers in slightly different locations in the aircraft, each receiver
is exposed to its own RF environment, greatly improving path diversity (the ability for the receiver to see the
signal in all conditions).
SPEKTRUM DX7 • INTRODUCTION

15
Receiver Installation
Install the main receiver using the same method you would use to install a conventional receiver in your aircraft.
Typically, wrap the main receiver in protective foam and fasten it in place using rubber bands or Velcro straps.
Alternately, in electric models or helicopters, it’s acceptable to use thick double-sided foam tape to fasten the
main receiver in place.
Mounting the remote receiver in a slightly different location, even just inches away from the primary receiver,
gives tremendous improvements in path diversity. Essentially, each receiver sees a different RF environment and
this is key to maintaining a solid RF link, even in aircraft that have substantial conductive materials (i.e. larger
gas engines, carbon fiber, pipes, etc.), which can attenuate the signal.
Using servo tape, mount the remote receiver keeping the remote antennas at least 2” away from the primary
antenna. Ideally, the antennas will be oriented perpendicularly to each other, however, we’ve found this to not be
critical. In airplanes, we’ve found it best to mount the primary receiver in the center of the fuselage on the servo
tray and to mount the remote receiver to the side of the fuselage or in the turtle deck.

16
Receiver Installation (continued)
In helicopters, there is generally enough room on the servo tray to achieve the necessary separation. If necessary
a mount can be fashioned using clear plastic to mount the external receiver.

17
Servo Installation
In gas- and glow-powered aircraft where vibration is
present, the servos should be mounted using the
supplied rubber grommets and bushings. Do not over-
tighten the mounting screws. The diagram will assist
you in properly mounting the grommets and bushings.
In electric and non-powered aircraft, there are many
acceptable methods for mounting the servo, including
servo tape and even glue. See the information included
with your aircraft for the recommendation for installing
servo(s) in your aircraft.
How to Range Test the DX7
Before each flying session, and especially with
a new model, it is important to perform a range
check. The DX7 incorporates a range testing
system which, when the bind button on the back
of the transmitter is pressed and held, reduces
the output power, allowing a range check.
Range Testing the DX7
1. With the model resting on the ground,
stand 30 paces (approx. 90 feet) away
from the model.
2. Face the model with the transmitter
in your normal flying position and
depress and hold the bind button
on the back of the transmitter. This
causes reduced power output from the
transmitter.
3. You should have total control of the
model with the button depressed at 30
paces (90 feet).
4. If control issues exist, call the
Spektrum Service Center at
1-877-504-0233 for further assistance.
90 feet (30 paces)
Servo Lead w/Connector
Servo Arm Retaining Screw
Servo Arm/Horn
Servo Output Shaft
Servo Eyelet
Rubber Grommets
Servo Mounting Flange
Servo Case
Servo Mounting Flange
Rubber Grommets

18
Binding
The AR7000 receiver must be bound to the transmitter before it will operate. Binding is the process of teaching
the receiver the specific code of the transmitter so it will connect to that specific transmitter. Once bound, the
receiver will only connect to the transmitter when the previously bound model memory is selected. If another
model memory is selected, the receiver will not connect. This feature is called Model Match and prevents flying
a model using the wrong model memory.
SmartSafe Fail Safe
The AR7000 features the SmartSafe™fail-safe system.
SmartSafe:
• Prevents unintentional electric motor response on start-up.
• Eliminates the possibility of overdriving servos on start-up.
• Establishes low-throttle failsafe if the RF signal is lost.
• Maintains last-commanded control surface position in the event of RF link interruption.
Note: Fail-safe positions are stored via the stick and switch positions on the transmitter during
binding.
1. With the system hooked up as shown, insert the bind plug in the charge plug receptacle.
REMOVE BEFORE USE
AR7000
2. Turn on the receiver switch. Note that the LED’s on both receivers should be flashing, indicating that
the receiver is ready to bind.
AR7000
LED
LED

19
3. Establish the desired fail-safe stick positions: normally low throttle and flight controls neutral.
POWER
4. Press and hold the bind button on the back of the transmitter while turning on the power switch.
The bind button should flash and within a few seconds the system should connect. The LED’s on the
receivers should go solid indicating the system has connected.
$3#
").$2!.'%4%34
5. Remove the bind button and store it in a convenient place.
REMOVE BEFORE USE
6. After you’ve programmed your model, it’s important to rebind the system so the true low throttle and
neutral control surface positions are programmed.
Note: The AR7000 features DSM2™technology and is only compatible with DSM2 transmitters.
The AR7000 will not operate with the DX6 or Spektrum®surface systems.
SPEKTRUM DX7 • INTRODUCTION

20
Airplane Quick Start
The following covers a basic 4-channel airplane with a single rate. For more details on programming for the
aircraft mode, see the Aircraft section of this manual.
Model Type Selection
[TYPE SELECT]
MODEL 1
HELI
◊ACRO
Use to select desired mode
Press to enter
TYPE SELECT
Hold while turning
on the transmitter
Press to accept
model type change
Selecting Airplane Mode
Press the DowN and SELECT keys simultaneously and hold while turning on the transmitter to enter System
Setup mode.
Press the UP or DowN button until TYPE SELECT appears on screen.
If ACRO is highlighted on screen, proceed to SERVO REVERSING. (Page 21)
If HELI is highlighted, press the INCREASE or DECREASE key once and ACRO should be highlighted.
Press the CLEAR key to accept the model type change.
SPEKTRUM DX7 • AIRCRAFT QUICK START GUIDE