Spektrum DX4S User manual

Instruction Manual
Bedienungsanleitung
Manuel d’utilisation
Manuale di istruzioni
4-Channel 2.4GHz DSMR™ System

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SPEKTRUM DX4S • TRANSMITTER INSTRUCTION MANUAL
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 components or augment 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 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, 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.
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.
Age Recommendation: Not for Children under 14 years. This is not a toy.
WARRANTY REGISTRATION
Visit community.spektrumrc.com today to register your product.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
• Always ensure all batteries have been properly charged
prior to using the model.
• Always check all servos and their connections prior to each run.
• Never operate your model near spectators, parking areas or
any other area that could result in injury to people or dam-
age of property.
• Never operate your model during adverse weather condi-
tions. Poor visibility can cause disorientation and loss of
control of your model.
• Never point the transmitter antenna directly toward the
model. The radiation pattern from the tip of the antenna is
inherently low.
• If at any time during the operation of your model you
observe any erratic or abnormal operation, immediately stop
operation of your model until the cause of the problem has
been ascertained and corrected.
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.
MEANING OF SPECIAL LANGUAGE
The following terms are used throughout the product literature to indicate various 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.

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SPEKTRUM DX4S • TRANSMITTER INSTRUCTION MANUAL
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Building on the success of the DX3S transmitter, the Spektrum™ DX4S transmitter with DSMR™ protocol brings you even more
features, including pre-programmed steering mixes, full switch assignability and a convenient back-lit display. Spektrum DSMR
technology is an exclusive, frequency-agile 2.4GHz protocol that provides surface RC vehicles and boats with superb range and re-
sponse. This is particularly true in environments where many other 2.4GHz transmitters are in use at the same time. Spektrum DSMR
transmitters are also backwards compatible with DSM2®technology.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Warranty Registration .................................................2
Identifying Controls and Switches ...............................4
Installing Batteries ......................................................4
Installing Optional Li-Po Battery Pack......................5
Changing the Rubber Grip...........................................5
Updating the Firmware ..............................................5
ModelMatch................................................................5
Warning Screens ........................................................6
Low Battery Alarm ..................................................6
Inactivity Alarm .......................................................6
Main Screen ...............................................................6
Programming Guide....................................................6
Individual Direction Adjustments .................................7
List ............................................................................7
Model Select...........................................................7
Copy .......................................................................7
Reverse ..................................................................8
Travel......................................................................8
Exponential ............................................................8
Receiver Compatibility ................................................9
Electric Vehicle Installation ....................................10
Typical Nitro Vehicle Installation ............................10
Failsafe.................................................................10
Bind Transmitter to Receiver .................................10
Sub-Trim...............................................................11
Timer ...................................................................12
Switch ..................................................................12
Mixing...................................................................13
Motor On Axle (MOA) Throttle Mix..........................14
Active Vehicle Control (AVC)...................................15
Servo Speed .........................................................16
ABS (Automatic Breaking System or pulse brakes) 16
Trim Step .............................................................16
Throttle Punch ......................................................17
Reset ....................................................................17
Monitor .................................................................17
System ................................................................18
Troubleshooting Guide ..............................................20
FCC Information........................................................21
Antenna Separation Distance ....................................21
Warranty and Repair Policy .......................................21
Warranty and Service Contact Information ................21
Declaration of Conformity .........................................22
European Union Information......................................22

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SPEKTRUM DX4S • TRANSMITTER INSTRUCTION MANUAL
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IDENTIFYING CONTROLS AND SWITCHES
Function
ASwitch A
BSwitch B
CSwitch C
DSwitch D
ESwitch E
FSwitch F
GRoller Selector
HMemory Card Port
(under rubber grip)
Function
IRubber Grip
JPower Switch
KPower LED
LBattery Cover
MThrottle Trigger
NSteering Wheel
OAntenna
LCD Screen
O
N
M
K
J
I
H
G
F
E
D
C
B
A
L
INSTALLING BATTERIES
CAUTION: NEVER remove the transmitter batteries while the model is powered on. Loss of model control, damage or
injury may occur.
Press the power switch (J)
to power ON the transmit-
ter. The Power LED (K) will
come on, a Spektrum logo
screen will show, then the
Main Screen will show on
the LCD screen (P).
2
P
P
1
CAUTION: If using rechargeable batteries, charge only rechargeable batteries. Charging non-rechargeable batteries may cause
the batteries to burst, resulting in injury to persons and/or damage to property.

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SPEKTRUM DX4S • TRANSMITTER INSTRUCTION MANUAL
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Changing the Rubber Grip
This transmitter includes 3 sizes of grips. The medium-size grip is installed at the factory. Inside the grip is a letter size:
L for large, M for medium and S for small.
To change the rubber grip:
1. Lift the edge of the grip and pull the grip away from the handle.
2. Align the tabs on the new grip with the slots in the handle.
3. Press the grip against the handle.
Updating the Firmware
The DX4S features an SD card reader, enabling you to up-
date the transmitter when firmware updates are available.
Register your transmitter at
Community.SpektrumRC.com to receive the latest informa-
tion regarding firmware updates. To install firmware updates
on your DX4S transmitter:
1. Remove the grip from the back of the transmitter handle.
2. Download the latest firmware from
Community.SpektrumRC.com to an SD card. The transmitter serial number can be found by going to the About screen.
3. Install the SD card in the card reader slot on the DX4S transmitter.
4. Power on the transmitter. A Spektrum logo and an installation bar will appear. Installation is complete when the Main screen ap-
pears.
5. Remove the SD card from the card slot on the transmitter.
6. Reinstall the rubber grip on the transmitter handle.
ModelMatch
The Spektrum DX4S transmitter features ModelMatch™ technology, preventing you from operating a vehicle when the wrong model
memory is active in the transmitter. If you select the wrong model memory, the receiver will not respond to the transmitter.
Installing Optional Li-Po Battery Pack
IMPORTANT: Set the transmitter battery type to LiPo in the System/Alert menu and ensure the battery voltage alert is set to the
proper voltage. See the System section for more details.
1 2 3

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SPEKTRUM DX4S • TRANSMITTER INSTRUCTION MANUAL
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MAIN SCREEN
The Main Screen displays information about the active model,
including the Timer (when activated).
To return to the Main Screen at any time, press and hold the
Rolling Selector for at least 3 seconds.
A User Name
B Active Model memory number (30 available)
C Name assigned to the Model memory
D Timer (when activated)
E Transmitter battery voltage
F Steering Percent
G Brake Percent
H Position of Steering (St) trim
I Position of Throttle (Th) trim
J Position of Aux 1 trim
K Position of Aux 2 trim
WARNING SCREENS
Inactivity Alarm
The alarm reminds users to power off the transmitter and save battery power. If the transmitter
is powered on for more than 10 minutes and no control movement is detected, the inactivity alarm will
activate. Moving any control stops the alarm. After one hour of inactivity, the transmitter will automatically
shut down to save battery life. To turn the transmitter on again, push the power button off, then on.
PROGRAMMING GUIDE
Turn
Press
Press
To Enter, Choose or Exit
a selection.
To move between options or
change values in an option.
Hold for 3 seconds and release
to return to the Main or
Telemetry screen.
Roll Hold
Press
Using the Rolling Selector
Press the Selector to enter a highlighted function.
Roll the Selector to highlight a function, or change settings and
values when selected.
Press and hold the Selector for more than 3 seconds in any
screen to return the display to the List Screen or the Main
Screen.
To program, always start with a press on the Selector, then roll,
then press, then roll, and so on.
Low Battery Alarm
An alarm will sound and a warning screen will show when the transmitter’s bat-
tery power falls below a set limit. This alarm reminds the user to bring the model
under full control, power off the transmitter and replace the batteries. Press the
Roller to stop the alarm and go to the Main Screen.
Set the low battery limit using the System Screen.
CAUTION: If you decide to use the optional Li-Po battery back, never allow
the battery voltage to fall below 6.4V.
AWarning title
BBattery voltage, which is under the set limit
CAnimated arrow pointing to Roller below the screen
DImage of roller below the screen
A
BC
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K

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SPEKTRUM DX4S • TRANSMITTER INSTRUCTION MANUAL
EN
LIST
Individual Direction Adjustments
In some instances, you may find it necessary to independently
adjust the control directions; for example, if you want more
travel for left steering than right steering, perform the following
steps:
1. Scroll to the value you wish to change and press the Rolling
Selector.
2. When both directions are selected, move the control
(steering or throttle) toward the control direction you wish
to change. The selection box moves to the desired direc-
tion. You do not need to hold the control in the desired
direction.
3. To change the opposite direction, simply move the control
in that direction.
4. Press the Rolling Selector to save the selection.
Model Select
Use the Model Select menu to change the model memory, to assign a model name or to copy a
model. The DX4S has 30 model memories available.
CAUTION: NEVER change the model in Model Select while operating a model. Changing
the model memory interrupts the transmitter signal to the receiver and may cause loss of
vehicle control, damage or personal injury.
Model Name
Enables you to name the selected model memory using up to eight characters.
1. Use the roller to select a Model Name in the List.
2. Select the character you want to change. A list of characters appear.
3. Select the character you want to use.
4. When you are finished naming the model memory, select the arrow to save the name
and return to the list.
Copy
The Copy function shares active model memory settings with a se-
lected model memory space. This is useful for saving setups for one
model to adjust programming for track conditions or model setups.
Choosing No returns to the List Screen. Choosing Yes saves the ac-
tive model settings to the selected model memory.
A Active or source model memory number
BDestination model memory number
IMPORTANT: When using the Copy function, model information
will be permanently overwritten by the active model settings.
A
The List Screen shows other screens to set programming in the
transmitter.
·A dark box (A) with a clear symbol or text represents the
highlighted selection.
· The Active Screen name (B) is displayed at the top of
the screen.
· Choosing this arrow (C) will open the next higher screen,
such as the Main Screen or List Screen.
·A small bar (D) shows the relative position of a high-
lighted screen name in the List.
CB
D
A
B

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SPEKTRUM DX4S • TRANSMITTER INSTRUCTION MANUAL
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Travel
The Travel function supports precise endpoint adjustments in all
channels. Travel values range from 0–150% (Default is 100%).
NOTICE: Always check the control directions at the extents of travel
to be sure the linkages do not bind. Travel values that are too high will
cause binding, which may result in damage to the vehicle.
Channel Top Bottom
Steering L (left) R (right)
Throttle B (brake) F (forward)
Aux 1 H (high) L (low)
Aux 2 H (high) L (low)
Channel Top Bottom
Steering L (left) R (right)
Throttle B (brake) F (forward)
Aux 1 H (high) L (low)
Aux 2 H (high) L (low)
IMPORTANT: Both positive and negative Expo values are available. A positive Expo value results in the center being less
sensitive (desirable most of the time), while a negative value increases the sensitivity around center (normally not used).
Exponential
The Exponential (Expo) function affects the response rate of
the steering, throttle and/or brake. A positive Steering Expo
value, for example, decreases steering sensitivity around
neutral to make it easier to drive at high speeds in a straight
line while still allowing for maximum turning radius. While
sensitivity with positive Expo is decreased around neutral, it
increases the sensitivity near the end of travel.
*Reference chart for options available on each channel:
Reverse
The Reverse function, also known as servo reversing, establishes
the channel direction relative to the channel input. Use the reverse
menu if, for example, the wheels turn left when you turn the
steering wheel to the right. Reverse is available on all channels
and is normally the first function you should test and adjust during
programming.
A Channel: Steering, Throttle or
Aux (auxiliary)
B Direction
C Adjustable value (from
-100% to +100% (0 is fac-
tory default or inhibit))
A B C

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SPEKTRUM DX4S • TRANSMITTER INSTRUCTION MANUAL
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RECEIVER COMPATIBILITY
The DX4S transmitter is compatible with Spektrum™DSMR™and DSM2®. The inlcuded Spektrum SRS4210 DSMR Surface receiver
is compatible with all Spektrum DSMR transmitters and is also backwards compatible with DSM2 transmitters. The SR410 DSMR
receiver is only compatible with DSMR transmitters.
Aux 1 Port
Aux 2 Port
Antenna
Disable
Data
Bind/Battery Port
Steering Port
Throttle Port
Aux 1 Port
Aux 2 Port
Antenna
Bind/
Battery Port
Steering Port
Throttle Port
SRS4210 Receiver Connection and Installation
You must install the SRS4210 receiver in the vehicle before
binding the transmitter and receiver. The receiver can be
mounted flat with the label up or on its side. When you bind the
receiver, the AVC system automatically detects the orientation
of the receiver. The receiver must be mounted completely flat
when in the label-up orientation or completely perpendicular
when mounted on its side. If the receiver is angled even slightly,
AVC may not function properly. If the orientation of the receiver
is changed after binding, you must then rebind for AVC to fuction
properly.
Install the Receiver in your vehicle using the included double-
sided foam servo tape. Foam servo tape will hold the receiver in
place and help isolate it from vibrations.
IMPORTANT: Do not use hook and loop material to install the
SRS4210 receiver. Using hook and loop material will affect the
performance of the AVC system.
Mount the antenna up and away from the vehicle in an antenna
tube. The higher up the antenna is, the better signal it will
receive.
Aux channels
The Aux channels can operate as additional servo channels, or as a power supply for a personal transponder. If AVC is active, only two
channels, Steering and Throttle, are operational. The Aux channels can be used to power a personal transponder or lights.
If AVC is disabled (see DISABLING THE STABILITY ASSIST FUNCTION to disable AVC), the Aux channels will operate as servo channels.
AVC – Active Vehicle Control
AVC®technology is the newest Spektrum™RC innovation from Horizon Hobby. This Spektrum stabilization system adds a whole new
level of control to your RC driving experience. AVC technology utilizes sensors to adjust steering and throttle output, providing you
with a more stable and controlled driving experience.
NOTICE: You must use digital servos with the SRS4210 receiver. Using analog servos will reduce the performance of the system and
may cause analog servos to overheat.
NOTICE: Do not cut or modify the antenna.
SR410 Receiver Installation
Install the receiver in your vehicle using double-sided foam
servo tape. Foam servo tape holds the receiver in place and
protects the receiver from vibration. Position the antenna
vertically and away from the vehicle in an antenna tube. The
SR410 and SRS4210 have a coax style antenna. The last 31mm
of the antenna is the portion that receives the signal from the
transmitter.

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SPEKTRUM DX4S • TRANSMITTER INSTRUCTION MANUAL
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Failsafe
The throttle failsafe position is set during binding. In the unlikely event that the radio link is lost
during use, the receiver will drive the the throttle servo to its pre-programmed failsafe position
(normally full brakes) and all other channels will have no servo output. If the receiver is turned on
prior to turning on the transmitter, the receiver will enter the failsafe mode, driving the throttle servo
to its preset failsafe position. When the transmitter is turned on, normal control is resumed.
IMPORTANT: Failsafe activates only in the event that the signal is lost from the transmitter. Failsafe
will NOT activate in the event that receiver battery power decreases below the recommended
minimums or power to the receiver is lost.
The Bind Screen shows the active model and supports binding the active model memory to a
receiver.
Bind
Binding is the process of teaching the receiver the specific transmitter’s code called GUID (Globally Unique Identifier) and storing
failsafe values. When a receiver is bound to a transmitter/model memory, the receiver will only respond to that specific transmitter/
model memory (see ModelMatch for more information).
Electric Vehicle Installation
Typical Nitro Vehicle Installation
BatteryTo Motor
Electronic
Speed Control
Steering Servo
Receiver
Receiver
Steering Servo
Throttle Servo
Battery
IMPORTANT: If you adjust the steering and throttle trim on your transmitter, the receiver must be turned off and back on again in
order to save the new trim settings. Otherwise, AVC will not function properly.