Spektrum dx18qq User manual

Instruction Manual
Bedienungsanleitung
Manuel d’utilisation
Manuale di Istruzioni

2SPEKTRUM DX18QQ
EN
About Quique
It began in Argentina with his father, Mario. Throughout the late 1970’s, Mario Somenzini was the reigning F3A Champion of Argentina and most
of South America. As a boy, Quique would spend hours with his father at
the flying field cleaning airplanes, watching and learning. It paid off.
In 1976, Quique made his first RC solo
flight at the age of 9. Just three years
later, he followed in his father’s foot-
steps and won his first Argentina F3A
National Championship. That same year
he had the privilege of representing his
country at the F3A World Champion-
ships in South Africa. He didn’t win,
but he did set a record of sorts as the
youngest pilot ever to compete for an
F3A world title; a record that still stands
today.
In the years that followed, Quique won
a host of other titles, including 17 more
Argentina F3A national championships, four U.S. F3A national champion-
ships, four 1st place TOC finishes and one F3A world championship. But
if you ask him, there is one RC title Quique cherishes above all
others - “The Father of 3D”. Around the world, RC pilots point to his
pioneering efforts in perfecting the art of flying aerobatics beyond the stall
as the birth of 3D aerobatics.
Today, Quique Somenzini remains one of the most dynamic and influential
forces in RC flight; one that will be shaping the future of the sport for
years to come.
• 4 Time TOC Champion
• F3A World Champion
• 4 Time US F3A National Champion
• Free Style World Champion
• 2 Time Tucson Shootout Free Style Champion
• XFC Champion
• 3 Time Don Lowe Master Champion
• 17 Time Argentina F3A National Champion
• 6 Time South America F3A Champion
• 20 years in top ten F3A world championships including 3 times runner
up places.
• Has competed at the world class level for 30 years.
• Still holds the world record as the youngest pilot ever to compete in
F3A World Championship.

3
www.spektrumrc.com EN
Exclusive DX18QQ Features:
• “Roll” between telemetry, monitor and main screens without entering
the Settings menu
• Switch between Function List and System Settings menus without
powering off the transmitter
• Program mixes of less than 10% can be adjusted in 0.5% increments
• 6-Servo wing setup
• Canard options (1- and 2-servo Rudder) are available under tail type
when the elevon wing type is selected
• Origin mixing
• Selectable sound menu lets you activate or inhibit specific DX18QQ
sounds
• Assign five Airplane flight modes to any combination of up to three
switches
• Expanded selection of avatar choices for model memory identification
• Assign in-flight aircraft gyro gain adjustment to one of the side levers,
the right knob, or one of the auxiliary trim switches at the top of the
transmitter faceplate
• Pitch curve for Airplane models with variable pitch props
• Turn the throttle trim into a 3-position switch for turbine engine start
up ease
Sol de Mayo
The Sol de Mayo (Sun of May) symbol on the SpektrumTM DX18QQ transmitter case comes from the national flag of Quique’s native
country of Argentina. It’s just one of the many personal touches that
Quique and the Spektrum team have included to make the DX18QQ un-
like any transmitter you’ve flown with before.
Congratulations on the purchase of your DX18QQ! I’m very excited about this transmitter. So many people were involved in making
this project a reality and we all want to say thank you for choosing to
make it such a central part of your flying experience. I’m confident
you’re going to love its elegant style and exclusive features every bit
as much as I do.
Best regards. QQ

4SPEKTRUM DX18QQ
EN
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 com-
ponents or augment product in any way without the approval of Horizon Hobby,
Inc. This manual contains instructions for safety, operation and maintenance. It
is essential to read and follow all the instructions and warnings in the manual,
prior to assembly, setup or use, in order to operate correctly and avoid damage or
serious injury.
WARNING AGAINST COUNTERFEIT PRODUCTS
Always purchase from a Horizon Hobby, Inc. authorized dealer to ensure
authentic high-quality Spektrum product. Horizon Hobby, Inc. 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.
NOTICE: This product is only intended for use with unmanned, hobby-grade,
remote-controlled vehicles and aircraft. Horizon Hobby disclaims all liability out-
side of the intended purpose and will not provide warranty service related thereto.
Age Recommendation: Not for Children under 14 years. This is not a toy.
Warranty Registration
Visit community.spektrumrc.com today to register your product.
NOTICE: While DSMX allows you to use more than 40 transmitters simultaneous-
ly, when using DSM2 receivers, DSMX receivers in DSM2 mode or transmitters in
DSM2 mode, do not use more than 40 transmitters simultaneously.
NOTICE
All instructions, warranties and other collateral documents are subject to change
at the sole discretion of Horizon Hobby, Inc. For up-to-date product literature, visit
horizonhobby.com and click on the support tab for this product.
Meaning of Special Language
The following terms are used throughout the product literature to indicate vari-
ous levels of potential harm when operating this product:
NOTICE: Procedures, which if not properly followed, create a possibility of
physical property damage AND little or no possibility of injury.
CAUTION: Procedures, which if not properly followed, create the probability
of physical property damage AND a possibility of serious injury.
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.

5
www.spektrumrc.com EN
General Notes
• Models are hazardous when operated and maintained incorrectly.
• Always install and operate a radio control system correctly.
• Always pilot a model so the model is kept under control in all conditions.
• Please seek help from an experienced pilot or your local hobby store.
• Contact local or regional modeling organizations for guidance and instructions
about flying in your area.
• When working with a model, always power on the transmitter first and power
off the transmitter last.
• After a model is bound to a transmitter and the model is set up in the trans-
mitter, always bind the model to the transmitter again to establish failsafe
settings.
Pilot Safety
• Always make sure all batteries are fully charged before flying.
• Time flights so you can fly safely within the time allotted by your battery.
• Perform a range check of the transmitter and the model before flying the
model.
• Make sure all control surfaces correctly respond to transmitter controls before
flying.
• Do NOT fly a model near spectators, parking areas or any other area that
could result in injury to people or damage to property.
• Do NOT fly during adverse weather conditions. Poor visibility, wind, moisture
and ice can cause pilot disorientation and/or loss of control of a model.
• When a flying model does not respond correctly to controls, land the model
and correct the cause of the problem.
Box Contents
• DX18QQ Transmitter
• 2600mAh LiPo Transmitter Pack
(Installed in transmitter)
• SPMAR12120 12 Channel
PowerSafe
™ X-PlusTM Receiver
• X-Plus 8 module
• SPM6803 Male/Female Bind plug
• Global Power Supply
• DX18QQ Transmitter case
• DX18QQ SD card
• Neck strap
• 34mm optional stick ends
(24mm stick ends installed)
• Decal sheet
• Flashlight
• Microfiber cloth
• Hat
• Manual
BEFORE USING YOUR TRANSMITTER:
Before going any further, visit the Spektrum Community website
at community.spektrumrc.com to register your transmitter and
download the latest AirWare™ firmware updates. A registration
reminder screen occasionally appears until you register your
transmitter. When you register your transmitter, the reminder screen
does not appear again.

6SPEKTRUM DX18QQ
EN
System Overview
Transmitter Batteries................................................................................... 8
Charging Your Transmitter..............................................................................8
Transmitter Functions ............................................................................... 10
Main Screen............................................................................................... 12
Navigation.................................................................................................. 13
Binding....................................................................................................... 14
Programming Failsafe Positions............................................................... 15
SmartSafe Failsafe......................................................................................15
Hold Last Command....................................................................................15
Preset Failsafe............................................................................................15
X-Plus 8...................................................................................................... 16
Installation..................................................................................................16
X-Plus Channels and Failsafe.......................................................................18
SD Card ...................................................................................................... 19
Model Type Programming Guide......................................... 20
Common System Setup FunctIons...................................... 22
Model Select...............................................................................................22
Model Type.................................................................................................22
Model Name...............................................................................................22
F-Mode Setup.............................................................................................23
Flight Mode Name Setup .............................................................................23
Aircraft and Sailplane Flight Mode Table .......................................................23
Channel Assignment....................................................................................24
Channel Input Configuration.........................................................................24
X-Plus Input Configuration ...........................................................................24
Trim Setup..................................................................................................25
Model Copy ................................................................................................26
Model Reset ...............................................................................................26
Warnings....................................................................................................26
Telemetry ...................................................................................................27
Preflight Setup............................................................................................28
Frame Rate.................................................................................................28
Bind ...........................................................................................................28
Trainer........................................................................................................29
Analog Switch Setup ...................................................................................29
System Settings..........................................................................................30
Inactive Alarm.............................................................................................32
Extra Settings .............................................................................................32
Serial Number.............................................................................................33
Calibrate.....................................................................................................33
Transfer SD Card.........................................................................................34
Function List ........................................................................ 36
Servo Setup................................................................................................36
D/R & Expo.................................................................................................37
Differential (Air And Sail Types Only) .............................................................38
V-Tail Differential (Air And Sail Types Only) ....................................................38
Throttle Cut ................................................................................................38
Throttle Curve.............................................................................................39
Mixing........................................................................................................39
Sequencer..................................................................................................41
Range Test..................................................................................................42
Timer .........................................................................................................43
Telemetry ...................................................................................................43
System Setup .............................................................................................43
Monitor.......................................................................................................44
X-Plus Monitor............................................................................................44
Table of Contents

7
www.spektrumrc.com EN
ACRO (Airplane)................................................................... 45
Aircraft Type ...............................................................................................45
Recommended Servo Connections ...............................................................45
Elevon Servo Control ...................................................................................46
Flap System................................................................................................47
ACRO Mixing ..............................................................................................47
Acro Gyro Function .....................................................................................48
Pitch Curve Function ...................................................................................48
HELI (Helicopter).................................................................. 49
Swash Type ................................................................................................49
Pitch Curve.................................................................................................49
Swashplate.................................................................................................50
Gyro...........................................................................................................50
Governor ....................................................................................................51
Tail Curve ..................................................................................................51
Mixing .......................................................................................................51
SAIL (Sailplane) ................................................................... 52
Sailplane Type.............................................................................................52
Camber Preset............................................................................................52
Camber System ..........................................................................................52
SAIL Mixing ................................................................................................53
Receiver Installation And Power System Requirements.... 54
Specifications .............................................................................................55
Battery Requirements..................................................................................55
Installation..................................................................................................56
Plugging in the Servos.................................................................................58
Binding.......................................................................................................58
QuickConnect with Brownout Detection ........................................................60
Storing Your System ....................................................................................60
Physical Transmitter Adjustments...................................... 61
Mode Conversion ........................................................................................61
Adjust Stick Tension ...................................................................................61
Control Stick Length Adjustment .................................................................61
Adjust Throttle Friction Straps ......................................................................62
Throttle Ratchet Strip Installation..................................................................62
2.4GHz Troubleshooting Guide ............................................ 63
Parts list............................................................................... 65
AMA National Model Aircraft Safety Code................................................ 66
FCC Information......................................................................................... 68
Antenna Separation Distance.......................................................................68
Purpose......................................................................................................69
Background................................................................................................69
Operating Standards ...................................................................................69
FAA Information......................................................................................... 69
1-Year LIMITED WARRANTY ...................................................................... 70
Parts Contact Information......................................................................... 72
Warranty and Service Contact Information.............................................. 72
Compliance Information for the European Union..................................... 73

8SPEKTRUM DX18QQ
EN
Charging Your Transmitter
The DX18QQ has an internal charger designed to charge the included 2-cell
LiPo battery at a charge rate of 200mAh. The charge port on the right side of the
transmitter is not polarity-dependent.
NOTICE: Never connect an external battery charger to your DX18QQ transmitter.
If you wish to charge the LiPo battery using a LiPo charger, you must remove the
battery from the transmitter before charging.
The first time you charge the transmitter battery, the charge time may be 12–15
hours. Always charge the transmitter on a heat-resistant surface.
1. Power off your transmitter.
2. Connect the power supply connector to the transmitter charge port.
3. Connect the power supply to a power outlet using the appropriate adapter.
4. The blue LED on the front of the transmitter turns on during charging and
turns off when the battery is fully charged.
5. Disconnect the transmitter from the power supply once charging is complete
and disconnect the power supply from the power outlet.
CAUTION: Never leave a charging battery unattended.
Battery and Charging Precautions and Warnings
Failure to exercise caution while using this product and comply with the following
warnings could result in product malfunction, electrical issues, excessive heat,
FIRE, and ultimately injury and property damage.
• Read all safety precautions and literature prior to use of this product
• Never allow minors to charge battery packs
• Never drop charger or batteries
• Never attempt to charge damaged batteries
• Never attempt to charge a battery pack containing different types of batteries
• Never charge a battery if the cable has been pinched or shorted
• Never allow batteries or battery packs to come into contact with moisture at
any time
• Never charge batteries in extremely hot or cold places (recommended
between 50–80 degrees F or 10–27 degrees C) or place in direct sunlight
• Always disconnect the battery after charging, and let the charger cool
between charges
• Always inspect a new battery before charging
• Always terminate all processes and contact Horizon Hobby if the product
malfunctions
• Always keep batteries and charger away from any material that could be
affected by heat (such as ceramic and tile), as they can get hot
• Always end the charging process if the charger or battery becomes hot to
the touch or starts to change form (swell) during the charge process
Transmitter Batteries

9
www.spektrumrc.com EN
LED indicators
The blue LED indicates the transmitter battery is charging. The orange LED indi-
cates the transmitter is powered on and there is radio transmission.
Battery Alarm
The System Settings Screen allows you to change the battery type and low alarm
settings. See “System Settings” for more information.
• An alarm will sound when the battery reaches the low voltage limit
(4.3V for NiMH, 6.4V for LiPo).
CAUTION: Never change the low voltage limit for LiPo batteries from
6.4V. Doing so could over-discharge the battery and damage both battery
and transmitter.

10 SPEKTRUM DX18QQ
EN
Function
1Antenna 1
2RIght Trim
3Right Knob
4Switch E
5Switch H
6Switch G
7Switch F
8Throttle/Aileron Stick (Mode 1)
Elevator/Aileron Stick (Mode 2)
Throttle/Rudder Stick (Mode 3)
Elevator/Rudder Stick (Mode 4)
9Elevator Trim (Mode 2, 4)
Throttle Trim (Mode 1, 3)
10 Aileron Trim (Mode 1,2)
Rudder Trim (Mode 3,4)
11 Roller
12 Charge Port
13 On/Off Switch
14 LCD
15 Clear Button
Function
16 Back Button
17 Speaker Grill
18 Rudder Trim (Mode 1,2)
Aileron Trim (Mode 3,4)
19 Elevator Trim (Mode 1,3)
Throttle Trim (Mode 2,4)
20 Elevator/Rudder Stick (Mode 1)
Throttle/Rudder Stick (Mode 2)
Elevator/Aileron Stick (Mode 3)
Throttle/AileronStick (Mode 4)
21 Switch C
22 Switch B
23 Switch A
24 Switch D
25 Bind/Switch I
26 Left Trim
27 LED
The transmitter comes with a thin, clear
plastic film applied to some front panels for
protection during shipping. Humidity and
use may cause this film to come off. Care-
fully remove this film as desired.
Transmitter Functions
11
12
13
14
15
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26 27
16
17
10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1

11
www.spektrumrc.com EN
Function
1Throttle Spring Tension
Adjustment (Mode 2,4)
2Left Lever
3Left Rear Grip
4Trainer Port
5SD Card
6Battery Cover
7Charge Port
Function
8Throttle Spring Tension
Adjustment (Mode 1,3)
9Right Rear Grip
10 Right Lever
11 Gimbal Stick Tension Adjustment
12 Handle/Antenna 2
13 Mode Change
11
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
13
12
10

12 SPEKTRUM DX18QQ
EN
Main Screen
Function
AModel Memory
BModel Name
CTransmitter Battery Charge Level
DDigital Battery Voltage (an alarm sounds and the screen flashes when battery
charge gets down to 4.3V when using an NiMH battery or 6.4V for a LiPo battery.)
EModel Type
FElevator Trim (Modes 2 and 4)
Throttle Trim (Modes 1 and 3)
GAileron Trim (Modes 1 and 2)
Rudder Trim (Modes 3 and 4)
HModel Memory Timer
IRudder Trim (Modes 1 and 2)
Aileron Trim (Modes 3 and 4)
JThrottle Trim (Mode 2 and 4)
Elevator Trim (Mode 1 and 3)
KTimer
J
K
I H G
F
ED
C
BA
Also displays R Trim values when
the Right Trim button is pressed
Also displays L Trim values when
the Left Trim button is pressed

13
www.spektrumrc.com EN
• Turn the scroll wheel to move through the screen content or change program-
ming values. Press the scroll wheel to make a selection.
• Use the Back
button to go to
the previous
screen
(for example,
to go from the
Mixing Screen
to the Func-
tion List).
• Use the
Clear button
to return a
selected value on a screen to the default setting.
• Direct Model Access enables you to access the Model Select screen without
powering off the transmitter. Anytime the transmitter power is on, press the
Clear and Back buttons to access the Model Select screen.
• Press and hold the roller while powering on the transmitter to show the
System Setup list. No radio transmission occurs when a System Setup screen
is displayed, preventing accidental damage to linkages and servos during
changes to programming.
• At the main screen you can roll the roller to view the servo monitor.
• The Main Screen appears when you power on the transmitter. Press the scroll
wheel once to display the Function List.
• When you want to change a value in a screen for a particular control position,
move the control to the desired position to highlight the value you want to
change, such as 0/1/2, up/down or left/right.
Navigation
Enter, Choose
or Exit
Move between
options or change
value in an option
Hold for 3
seconds and
release to move to
the Main Screen
Turn HoldPress
Tip: The tick mark below shows
the current switch position.
Rolling and clicking the roller
turns the selected box black,
indicating that the value or con-
dition will act on that position.

14 SPEKTRUM DX18QQ
EN
Binding is the process of programming the receiver to recognize the
GUID (Globally Unique Identifier) code of a single specific transmitter. The DX18QQ
and AR12120 are pre-bound at the factory. You will need to rebind after the mod-
el programming is initially set up to fully program the model’s failsafe positions.
1. 2.
5. 6.
3. 4.
7.
Binding Using the Receiver and Receiver Battery (mode 2 shown)
Binding Using the Receiver and ESC (mode 2 shown)
1. 2. 3.
4. 5. 6.
1. Move the throttle stick to the lowest position and power off the transmitter.
2. Insert the bind plug into the BIND/DATA port on the receiver.
3. Connect a fully charged receiver pack to any open port on the receiver. The
orange LED on the receiver rapidly flashes when the receiver is in bind mode.
4. Press and hold the transmitter bind button while powering on the transmitter.
5. Release the Bind button when the transmitter screen displays “Binding”. Bind-
ing is complete when the orange transmitter and receiver LEDs turn solid.
6. Power off the receiver and remove the bind plug.
1. Lower the throttle to the lowest position and make sure the transmitter
is powered off.
2. Insert the bind plug into the BIND/DATA port.
3. Insert the ESC plug into the THRO port.
4. Connect the battery to the ESC and turn on the ESC switch, if available. The
receiver’s LED will rapidly flash when the receiver is ready to bind.
5. While pressing the Bind button, power on the transmitter.
6. Release the Bind button after the receiver has stopped flashing rapidly. Once
the receiver’s LED turns solid, the receiver is bound to the transmitter. The
screen also provides binding information.
7. Remove the bind plug from the receiver.
CAUTION: When using the DX18QQ with parkflyer receivers, only use
receivers in parkflyer-type aircraft (small electric airplanes or mini and mi-
cro helicopters). Installing parkflyer receivers in larger aircraft could cause signal
blocking and loss of connection.
Binding
Hold button
while
powering
on
Hold button
while
powering
on

15
www.spektrumrc.com EN
You establish failsafe positions when you bind your transmitter and receiver. If the radio
signal connection is lost between the transmitter and receiver, the receiver immediately
moves the aircraft control surfaces to the failsafe positions. The Spektrum AR12120
receiver has three failsafes programming options: SmartSafe, Hold Last Command,
and Preset.
If you assign the receiver THRO channel to a transmitter channel other than throttle, we
recommend using Preset failsafe with the throttle in the low position.
NOTICE: Failsafe features vary according to receiver. Always consult the receiver
instruction manual for failsafe features.
Before flight, ALWAYS confirm the failsafe functions as you would expect.
SmartSafeTM Failsafe
SmartSafe failsafe is a technology that only acts on the throttle channel and offers
the following benefits:
• Prevents electric motors from operating when the receiver power is on and the
transmitter power is off.
• Prevents the speed controller from arming until the throttle is moved to the low
throttle position.
• Powers off an electric motor and reduces gas/glow engines to idle if signal is lost.
To Program SmartSafe, move the throttle to the low or off position before putting the
transmitter into bind mode.
To Test the SmartSafe failsafe
1. Power the transmitter and receiver on.
2. Power off the transmitter. The throttle should immediately move to the failsafe
position.
CAUTION: Make sure the aircraft is fully restrained on the ground. If the
failsafe is not set correctly, your aircraft might advance to mid or full throttle.
Hold Last Command
The Hold Last Command failsafe maintains the last command on all channels except
throttle. If the radio signal is lost, the aircraft maintains the commanded heading until
the receiver regains signal.
To program Hold Last Command, follow the provided binding instructions in this
instruction manual.
To Test Hold Last Command
1. Power on the transmitter and receiver.
2. Move one of the control sticks to the desired Hold Last Command position and
hold the input.
3. While holding the control input (for example, a small amount of rudder) power off
the transmitter. The rudder should maintain the input command.
CAUTION: Make sure the aircraft is fully restrained on the ground. If the
failsafe is not set correctly, the aircraft throttle might advance to mid or full
throttle.
Preset Failsafe
The Preset failsafe moves all channels to their programmed failsafe positions.
We recommend using Preset failsafe to deploy spoilers on sailplanes to prevent a
flyaway if the radio signal is lost.
To program Preset failsafe:
1. Insert the bind plug in the bind port on the receiver and power on the receiver.
2. Remove the bind plug when the orange LED on the main receiver and all attached
remote receivers flash rapidly.The orange receiver LEDs will continue flashing.
3. Move the transmitter control sticks and switches to the desired Preset failsafe
position. Power the transmitter on.
4. Failsafe programming is complete when the orange LEDs on the transmitter and
all receivers turn solid.
CAUTION: Make sure the aircraft is fully restrained on the ground. If the
failsafe is not set correctly, the aircraft throttle might advance to mid or full
throttle.
Programming Failsafe Positions

16 SPEKTRUM DX18QQ
EN
X-PlusTM 8
The X-Plus 8 module is designed to allow expansion of up to 8 servos for non-
control surface functions such as bomb drops, lights, winches, retractable landing
gear, and many more. The X-Plus 8 is compatible with Spektrum™ X-Plus trans-
mitters and receivers. The X-Plus 8 module offers the option to power the con-
nected servos via dual auxiliary battery ports with separate batteries and switch
harnesses (sold separately) independent of the receiver. The X-Plus 8 module can
also be powered inclusive of the receiver by using the included jumper through
either of the dual BATT/JMPR ports.
Features:
• 8-channel expansion
• Dual battery ports
• Included Jumper offers option of using receiver power
• Allows fine tuning of 8 servos on non-critical controls (bomb drops, lights,
winches, gear, etc.)
Applications
Scale modelers with complex aircraft, ships, or surface applications will enjoy the
easy programming and functions of the X-Plus 8 module using X-Plus compatible
transmitters AirWare™ software. Modelers will be able to select 2 position,
3 position or potentiometer adjustment through their transmitter. After selecting
the specific switch or port, AirWare software will allow the individual servo adjust-
ment of each X-Plus channel‘s travel adjust, sub trim, reversing, and speed.
Specifications
Type: X-Plus Module
Channels: 8
Dimensions: 0.91x 1.61 x 0.79 in
(23 x 41 x 20mm)
Weight: .42 oz (11.9 g)
Voltage Range: 3.5 to 9.6V
Resolution: 512
Compatibility: All X-Plus transmitters
and receivers
X+1
X+5
X+6
X+2
X+3
X+4
X+7
X+8
BATT/JMPR
BATT/JMPR
SRXL
Installation
In gas and glow aircraft, install the X-Plus 8 module by wrapping it in protective
foam and fastening it in place using rubber bands or a hook and loop strap. In
electric airplanes or helicopters, you can use thick double-sided foam tape to
fasten the module in place.
When using an X-Plus receiver and module, it is recommended that the X-Plus 8
module be mounted as near to the receiver as possible. When using the jumper
lead to power the module, mounting the X-Plus 8 module near the receiver
system will minimize the current loss from the receiver. Servo extensions can be
used with each servo, but we recommend using heavy 22 gauge wire with gold-
plated connectors.
A power jumper plug must be installed in one of the BATT/JMPR ports of the
module if the module is powered from the receiver through the SRXL port.
Always remove the power jumper when an auxiliary battery or auxiliary batteries
are used. When the auxiliary battery option is used, the X-Plus 8 module can be
mounted as far away from the receiver as needed to be near connected servos.

17
www.spektrumrc.com EN
Power System Requirements
Inadequate power systems that do not provide the necessary minimum voltage to
the receiver during flight are the number one cause of in-flight failures. Some of
the power system components that affect the ability to properly deliver adequate
power include:
• Receiver battery pack (number of cells, capacity, cell type, state of charge)
• The ESC’s capability to deliver current to the receiver in electric aircraft
• The switch harness, battery leads, servo leads, regulators, etc.
The X-Plus 8 module has a minimum operational voltage of 3.5 volts; it is highly
recommended that the power system be tested per the guidelines below.
Recommended Power System Test Guidelines
If a questionable power system is being used (e.g., a small or old battery, an ESC
that may not have a BEC that will support high-current draw, etc.), perform the
following test with a voltmeter. The Hangar 9 ®Digital Servo & Rx Current Meter
(HAN172) or the Spektrum Flight Log (SPM9540) work well for this test.
Plug the voltmeter into an open channel port in the receiver and, with the system
on, load the control surfaces (apply pressure with your hand) while monitoring the
voltage at the receiver. The voltage should remain above 4.8 volts even when all
servos are heavily loaded.
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.
X+6 Servo
To SRXL Port
Auxiliary Battery Pack
(optional) Jumper
On/Off Switch Harness (optional)
X+5 Servo X+4 Servo X+3 Servo X+2 Servo X+1 Servo
X+8 Servo X+9 Servo

18 SPEKTRUM DX18QQ
EN
X-Plus Channels and Failsafe
Failsafe is not supported for servos connected to the X-Plus Module. We recom-
mend that no failsafe should be expected or attempted for a servo connected
through the X-Plus Module. However, servos connected to the X-Plus Module will
hold last command in the event of a failsafe condition.
To Activate X-Plus
1. Open the Frame Rate Menu in
System Setup.
2. Scrolll to X-Plus and press the
scroll wheel to activate. The X-Plus
Inputs screen is now active in the
Channel Assign menu.
AUX6 and AUX7 channels are available on 12-channel receivers when X-Plus is
active. AUX6 and AUX7 are 2048 resolution and 22ms frame rate (12-channel
receivers only).
Channels X+1 and X+2 are duplicate
channels of channels 11 and 12 on a
12-channel receiver with X-Plus active.
If channels 11 and 12 require any
adjustment for travel adjust, servo
reversing, sub trim or any other function,
adjust channels X+1 and X+2.
Note that channels 11 and 12 will
also show on the X-Plus monitor as
channels X+1 and X+2.
If you select 11ms frame rate before you activate X-Plus, the transmitter reverts
to 22ms frame rate when X-Plus is active.
CAUTION: Do NOT connect throttle or any primary control surface to the
X-Plus Module. The X-Plus channels are intended to be used for auxiliary
functions only. X-Plus channels have a resolution of 512 and variable latency from
22ms to about 88ms. When X-Plus is active, the first 10 channels default to 22ms.
Refer to community.spektrumrc.com for more information about X-Plus options.
from Channel Assign menu

19
www.spektrumrc.com EN
Installing the SD Card
The included SD Card enables you to:
• Import (copy) models from another
DX18QQ transmitter
• Export (transfer) models to another
DX18QQ transmitter
• Update AirWare™ software in the
transmitter
To install the SD Card:
1. Power off the transmitter.
2. Remove the battery door.
3. Press the SD Card into the card
slot with the card label
facing upward.
4. Install the battery door.
Exporting the Transmitter Serial Number to the SD Card
Exporting the transmitter serial number to the SD Card allows you to
copy and paste the serial number into the registration screen at
community.spektrumrc.com.
To export the serial number:
1. Press and hold the scroll wheel while powering the
transmitter on until the System Setup list appears.
2. Scroll to the System Settings menu. Press the scroll wheel once
to open the menu.
3. Select NEXT on the System Settings and Extra Settings screens.
4. When the Serial Number screen appears, select EXPORT.
5. Power off the transmitter and remove the SD Card from the transmitter.
6. Insert the SD Card in your computer and open the .txt file on the card.
7. Copy and Paste the serial number into the Registration screen on the
Spektrum Community site (community.spektrumrc.com).
SD Card

20 SPEKTRUM DX18QQ
EN
Model Type Programming Guide
Menu options show up on model type selection. These menu options vary
between Model Types (Airplane Helicopter and Sailplane), but are identical for all
models in that type. Subsequent aircraft type (Aircraft, Swashplate or Sailplane)
selections make other menu options appear.
System Setup List:
Model Select
Model Type
Model Name
Aircraft Type
F-Mode Setup
Channel Assign
Trim Setup
Model Copy
Model Reset
Warnings
Telemetry
Preflight Setup
Frame Rate
Bind
Trainer
Analog Switch Setup
System Settings
Transfer SD Card
Function List:
Servo Setup
D/R and Expo
Differential
V-Tail Differential
Throttle Cut
Throttle Curve
Gyro1
Gyro2
Pitch Curve
Flap System
Mixing
Sequencer
Range Test
Timer
Telemetry
System Setup
Monitor
XPlus Monitor
System Setup List:
Model Select
Model Type
Model Name
Swashplate Type
F-Mode Setup
Channel Assign
Trim Setup
Model Copy
Model Reset
Warnings
Telemetry
Preflight Setup
Frame Rate
Bind
Trainer
Analog Switch Setup
System Settings
Transfer SD Card
Function List:
Servo Setup
D/R and Expo
Throttle Cut
Throttle Curve
Pitch Curve
Swashplate
Gyro
Governor
Tail Curve
Mixing
Sequencer
Range Test
Timer
Telemetry
Frame Rate
System Setup
Monitor
XPlus Monitor