Spektrum PowerSafe SPMAR9140T User manual

SPMAR9140T, SPMAR12310T, and
SPMAR20310T PowerSafe™User Guide
Bedienungsanleitung SPMAR9140T,
SPMAR12310T und SPMAR20310T PowerSafe
Guide de l’utilisateur SPMAR9140T,
SPMAR12310T et SPMAR20310T PowerSafe
Manuale utente SPMAR9140T, SPMAR12310T
e SPMAR20310T PowerSafe

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Age Recommendation: Not for children under 14 years. This is not a toy.
WARNING AGAINST COUNTERFEIT PRODUCTS
Always purchase from a Horizon Hobby, LLC authorized dealer to ensure
authentic high-quality Spektrum product. Horizon Hobby, LLC disclaims
all support and warranty with regards, but not limited to, compatibility and
performance of counterfeit products or products claiming compatibility with
DSM®or Spektrum™ technology.
NOTICE: This product is only intended for use with unmanned, hobby-
grade, remote-controlled vehicles and aircraft. Horizon Hobby disclaims
all liability outside of the intended purpose and will not provide warranty
service related thereto.
WARRANTY REGISTRATION
Visit www.spektrumrc.com/registration today to register your product.
WARNING: Read the ENTIRE instruction manual to become familiar
with the features of the product before operating. Failure to operate
the product correctly can result in damage to the product, personal
property and cause serious injury.
This is a sophisticated hobby product. It must be operated with caution
and common sense and requires some basic mechanical ability. Failure to
operate this Product in a safe and responsible manner could result in injury
or damage to the product or other property. This product is not intended for
use by children without direct adult supervision. Do not attempt disassembly,
use with incompatible components or alter product in any way without the
approval of Horizon Hobby, LLC. This manual contains instructions for safety,
operation and maintenance. It is essential to read and follow all the instruc-
tions and warnings in the manual, prior to assembly, setup or use, in order to
operate correctly and avoid damage or serious injury.
Meaning of Special Language
The following terms are used throughout the product literature to indicate
various levels of potential harm when operating this product:
WARNING: Procedures, which if not properly followed, create the probability
of property damage, collateral damage, and serious injury OR create a high
probability of superficial injury.
CAUTION: Procedures, which if not properly followed, create the probability
of physical property damage AND a possibility of serious injury.
NOTICE: Procedures, which if not properly followed, create a possibility of
physical property damage AND a little or no possibility of injury.
NOTICE
All instructions, warranties and other collateral documents are subject to
change at the sole discretion of Horizon Hobby, LLC. For up-to-date product
literature, visit horizonhobby.com and click on the support tab for this product.

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User Guide
The AR9140T, AR12310T and AR20310T PowerSafe receivers feature 4 integrated
telemetry ports that are compatible with Spektrum telemetry capable transmitters.
For information on Spektrum Telemetry Sensors visit: http://www.spektrumrc.com
Applications
• Giant-scale aircraft
• Jets with multiple high-current draw servos
• Scale aircraft with multiple high-current draw servos and accessories
(e.g. lights, ESCs, air valves, etc.)
• Scale helicopters
Features
• Integrated full range telemetry
• Dual battery capacity monitoring through telemetry
• True dual battery redundancy—each battery is isolated and if one fails/
shorts the other takes over
• Utilizes up to three remote receivers for the ultimate RF link in even the
most demanding applications.
• Up to 35 amps continuous and 50 amps peak current handling capability
• Fail-on soft switch in case the switch is damaged
• Two types of failsafe—SmartSafe™(throttle only) and preset failsafe (all
servos)
• QuickConnect™ technology—if a power interruption (brownout) occurs,
the system reconnects in less than 1/2 second
• Heavy 13AWG dual battery leads with pre-wired E-flite®EC3™connectors
• 2048 resolution
• Compatible with X-Plus™ modules (AR20310T has the X-Plus module
built in)
IMPORTANT: The PowerSafe receiver has a power distribution center that
provides up to 35-amps continuous and 50-amps peak current to power
your system. The AR9140T, AR12310T and AR20310T PowerSafe receivers
use up to three (1 minimum connected to operate) remotely mounted
receivers that can be optimally placed in your aircraft providing the best
possible RF link in the most demanding conditions.
IMPORTANT: Flight Log data is available through a telemetry capable
Spektrum AirWare™ transmitter. The Flight Log displays overall RF link
performance as well as the individual internal and external receiver link
data. Additionally it displays receiver voltage.
IMPORTANT: Aircraft using this receiver should use AMA sactioned flying
fields and follow the AMA safety codes at https://www.modelaircraft.org/
files/105.pdf
NOTICE: The SPM9540 Flight Log is no longer compatible with the
PowerSafe™ receivers.
NOTICE: The Spektrum PowerSafe telemetry receivers are not compatible
with the Spektrum/JR/FUTABA DSM2®modules.

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Specifications AR9140T AR12310T AR20310T
Type DSM2/DSMX PowerSafe Telemetry Receiver
Dimensions
(LxWxH)
55.12 x 55.94 x
17.73mm
55.12 x 55.94 x
17.73mm
64.31 x 61.03 x
16.29mm
Weight 48.19g 48.19g 59.5g
Antenna Length (1) - 6", (1) - 7"
Remote
Receivers Yes (2)-Included Yes (3)-Included Yes (3)-Included
Channels 9 12 20
Band 2.4GHz
Voltage Range 3.5-10V
Included Items AR9140T AR12310T AR20310T
SPM9645 (2) DSMX Remote
Receiver
(3) DSMX Remote
Receiver
(3) DSMX Remote
Receiver
SPM9011 9" Remote Receiver
Extension
9" Remote Receiver
Extension
9" Remote Receiver
Extension
SPM9012 12" Remote
Receiver Extension
12" Remote
Receiver Extension
12" Remote
Receiver Extension
SPM9013 N/A 24" Remote
Receiver Extension
24" Remote
Receiver Extension
SPM6820 Soft Switch Soft Switch Soft Switch
Instruction Manual Instruction Manual Instruction Manual
EFLAEC302 (2) battery EC3
connectors
(2) battery EC3
connectors
(2) battery EC3
connectors
(2) Charge
receptacle
(2) Charge
receptacle
(2) Charge
receptacle
SPMA9570A Aircraft Telemetry
Volt Sensor
Aircraft Telemetry
Volt Sensor
Aircraft Telemetry
Volt Sensor

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Specifications AR9140T AR12310T AR20310T
Type DSM2/DSMX PowerSafe Telemetry Receiver
Dimensions
(LxWxH)
55.12 x 55.94 x
17.73mm
55.12 x 55.94 x
17.73mm
64.31 x 61.03 x
16.29mm
Weight 48.19g 48.19g 59.5g
Antenna Length (1) - 6", (1) - 7"
Remote
Receivers Yes (2)-Included Yes (3)-Included Yes (3)-Included
Channels 9 12 20
Band 2.4GHz
Voltage Range 3.5-10V
Battery Requirements
Using One Battery
The PowerSafe receiver allows the option of using one or two battery packs.
When using one battery, simply plug the battery into either one of the two
battery connectors (BATT 1 or BATT2). Be sure to secure the unused battery
connector. Ensure that the open contacts of the unused battery are not
back powered (not electrically hot); however, the unused connector should
be secured to prevent it from entangling during flight. When the system is
powered using one battery, a single blue LED will constantly emit when the
system is powered on.
Using Two Batteries
The PowerSafe receiver offers a true redundant dual battery system. When
using two battery packs, each pack functions independently and is isolated
from the other so that if one pack should fail (open circuit, short-circuit, or
become discharged) the other battery will provide power to operate the system.
When using dual batteries, it’s important that both batteries be of the same
capacity and ideally of the same age and condition.
It’s normal for one battery to discharge slightly more than the other. This is
the nature of a truly redundant isolated battery system. The battery that has
the higher voltage or lower internal resistance will discharge at a faster rate.
Generally the difference is negligible (less than 10%). Because of this it’s
normal for only one blue LED (Batt 1 or Batt 2) to be on when the system is not
under a heavy current load depending on which pack is providing more power.
When using two batteries, the total available capacity equals the sum
total of both batteries e.g., BATT1 @ 2000mAh + BATT2 @ 2000mAh =
a total capacity of 4000mAh. 12- and 24-inch EC3™ battery extensions
(SPMEXEC312, SPMEXEC324) are available for installations where the battery
is located a distance from the main PowerSafe unit.
Using Dual Voltage Regulators
The Spektrum™ 7.5 amp (11-amp peak) 6.0 volt regulator (SPMVR6007) is
specifically designed for use with the PowerSafe receivers.
IMPORTANT: When using two batteries powered through two regulators,
each regulator operates independently and it’s common for one battery
to be discharged at a slightly higher rate depending on the condition
of the battery (internal resistance, voltage, etc.) and the tolerance of
the regulators. Always check each battery using a loaded battery tester
(HAN171) at a recommended 1-amp load before each flight and monitor
the voltage of each pack. Recharge the batteries when the weakest pack
reaches 40% capacity. (See Battery Capacity pg. 5)
Battery Capacity
Select batteries that have more than adequate capacity to provide the
necessary flight time. Our staff has been recording in-flight data to determine
typical current consumption of aircraft in flight. Following are two graphs that
illustrate the in-flight current draw of the radio system. Current draws may vary
depending on your servos, installation and flying style.

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The following setup is shown as a worst-case scenario indicative of some
aerobatic pilots’ setups. It is not recommended to use this setup without proper
voltage regulation for your servos.
Airplane 40% YAK
Servos 9-JR8711’s 1-8317 (throttle)
Batteries Two 4000mAh 2-cell 7.4-volt Li-Po
Regulator None
Engine DA150
Weight 40 lb
Flight envelope Aggressive 3D
Average current 2.62 amps
Peak current 17.8 amps
Milliamps (used per 10-minute flight) 435mAh
File: JasonNoll.FDR Session:All Sessions
Seconds
35030025020015010050
PackAmps_A
18
17
16
15
14
13
12
11
10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
PackAmps_A: Mi n 0.00 Ma x 17.80 Avg 2.62
450400
0
In the example above, the average current was 2.62 amps, which calculates to
435mAh per 10 minutes (typical flight length). It’s recommended that only 60%
of the available capacity be used to ensure plenty of reserve battery capacity.
In this example, using two 4000mAh batteries (8000mAh total capacity) x
60%= 4800mAh (available usable capacity) divided by the capacity used per
10-minute flight. 435mAh would allow up to 11 flights of 10 minutes each.

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Airplane 33% Sukhoi
Servos 7-JR8611’s 1-8317 (throttle)
Batteries 1- 4000mAh 2-cell 7.4-volt Li-Po
Regulator 6 volts
Engine DA100
Weight 26 lb
Flight envelope Moderate 3D
Average current .82 amps
Peak current 6.92 amps
Milliamps (used per 10-minute flight) 137mAh
File: sukhio Session:All Sessions
PackAmps_A: Min 0.00 Max 6.92 Avg 0.82
Seconds
450400350300250200150100500
PackAmps_A
7
6.5
6
5.5
5
4.5
4
3.5
3
2.5
2
1.5
1
0.5
0
Recommended Guidelines for Battery Capacity
40–45% Aerobatic aircraft w/ 9–12 high-current servos: 4000–8000mAh
33–35% Aerobatic aircraft w/ 7–10 high-current servos: 3000–6000mAh
25% Quarter Scale Aerobatic aircraft w/ 5–7 high-current servos: 2000–
4000mAh
Jets — BVM Super BANDIT, F86, Euro Sport, etc.: 3000–6000mAh
Giant-Scale Jets — BVM Ultra Bandit:4000–8000mAh
Scale aircraft — The varieties of scale aircraft and the accessories they use
vary tremendously, making it difficult to give capacity recommendations for
these types of aircraft. Using the previously mentioned aerobatic guidelines
relative to the size and number of servos used will provide a conservative
capacity for your scale aircraft. As always, check battery charge condition
before each flight.

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Battery Voltage
NOTICE: DO NOT use a battery below 6.0 volts to power the PowerSafe
receiver.
Four-cell, 4.8-volt batteries do not provide enough voltage headroom
(additional margin needed) necessary to power the system when heavily
loaded. Under load, the system voltage can drop below the voltage system’s
minimum operating voltage threshold (3.5 volts) and cause loss of control.
The PowerSafe receiver is capable of handling voltages from 6.0 to 10.0 volts.
The voltage limitations are generally the servos. Most servos are compatible
with 5-cell, 6-volt packs. Five-cell, 6-volt Ni-MH packs have become the
standard for many giant-scale applications. There is no voltage regulation in
the receiver. Voltage in = voltage out.
CAUTION: When charging Ni-MH batteries, make sure the battery fully
charges. Ni-MH batteries charged with peak detection fast chargers have a
tendency to false peak (i.e. not fully charge), which could lead to a crash.
Many pilots are using 2-cell Li-Po batteries to power their aircraft. Li-Po
batteries offer greater capacity for their size and weight, and are easier to
manage when charging. Before using Li-Po batteries, please check the voltage
specifications of your servos. Use of a voltage regulator, such as the Spektrum
VR6007 (SPMVR6007), might be necessary.
When a battery is connected to the PowerSafe receiver, a low current drain
of less than 1mA occurs even when the switch is turned off. If the system is
going to be stored for any length of time, it’s important that the battery(s) be
disconnected from the PowerSafe receiver to prevent over discharge.
Installation
The PowerSafe receiver requires a minimum of one remote receiver to
operate. Two or three remote receivers are included and, in most cases, it is
recommended that two or three receivers be used. Each receiver functions
independently and additional receivers (up to three) offer a more secure RF link
in difficult environments. The added security of redundancy should a failure
occur will outweigh the slight additional penalties of cost and weight.

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1. Using foam or thick double-sided foam tape and tie wraps, secure the main
PowerSafe unit in the position where you would normally mount the receiver.
2. Mount the switch on the side of your aircraft and insert the switch plug in
the port in the main unit marked SWITCH.
The PowerSafe receiver uses a specifically designed switch. Conventionally
wired switches are not compatible with the PowerSafe receiver.
Installing Optional X-Plus 8 Module
When using an X-Plus™receiver and module (Not required with the AR20310T
because it is built into the receiver) mount the X-Plus 8 module as close to the
receiver as possible. When using the X-Plus power jumper lead, mounting the
X-Plus 8 module close will minimize the current loss from the receiver. Servo
extensions can be use with each servo, it is recommended to use heavy 22
gauge wire with gold plated connectors.
If an auxiliary battery or batteries are used, remove the X-Plus power jumper
from the X-Plus module.
The X-Plus 8 module can be mounted further away from the receiver when
using the auxiliary power option.
Installing the Batteries
Using the given guidelines, select the battery system that best fits your
application and install the battery(s)/regulator(s) in your aircraft. Connect the
battery(s) to the PowerSafe receiver. Spektrum batteries are pre-wired with an
EC3™ connector and plug directly in. If using another brand of battery it will
be necessary to solder EC3 connectors (two are included with these PowerSafe
receivers) to the battery leads. If using a regulator, install it per the guidelines
included with the regulator.
X+1
X+5
X+6
X+2
X+3
X+7
X+8
BATT/JMPR
BATT/JMPR
SRXL
X+4

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Mounting the Remote Receivers
Antenna Polarization
For optimum RF link performance, mount the remote antennas in an orientation
that allows for the best possible signal reception when the aircraft is at
all possible attitudes and positions. This is known as antenna polarization.
This allows the greatest exposed visual cross-section of the antennas from
all aircraft orientations. Up to three remote receivers can be used, it is
recommended that one remote be mounted vertically, one horizontally in-line
with the fuselage and one horizontally perpendicular to the fuselage (see
illustrations on pages 11–12). This covers the X, Y and Z axis and offers superb
cross-section visibility in all aircraft orientations.
Locating the Remote Receivers
While Spektrum 2.4GHz systems are far more resistant to interference caused
from internal RF generating sources, the remote receivers should be mounted
as far away as practical (typically 4" or greater if possible) from the following:
•Ignitionsystems •Ignitionbatteries
•Ignitionswitches •Engines
•ECUpumps •Electricmotors
•Receiverbatteries •Fueltanks
•Metalbypasstubes •High-temperaturecomponentslikeexhaustsystems
•High-vibrationareas •Anysignicantmetallicconductivecomponents
Mount the remote antennas at least 2" apart from each other. Greater
antenna separation improves path diversity (RF link performance) in critical
environments. In large aircraft where space is not an issue, mount the
antennas throughout the aircraft as illustrated. Spektrum remote receiver
extensions range from 6" to 36" allowing the receivers to be mounted in
the most optimum locations throughout the aircraft. Do not extend remote
receivers greater than 36" from the main receiver.
Using double-sided foam tape and tie wraps, mount the remote receivers in
your aircraft as per the illustrations and plug them into the receiver ports.
The following are illustrations of typically recommended installations. Note the
remote receiver orientation.