Tactic TTX402 User manual

The Tactic TTX402 Micro airplane radio system uses an advanced 2.4GHz spread
spectrum technology to prevent outside interference from interrupting control of
your model, ensuring error-free flying and eliminating the need to obtain frequency
pinsbefore every flight. Tactic 2.4GHz transmitters and receiversarenotcompatible
with other brands of 2.4GHz equipment.
For safe operation and best results, it’s strongly recommended
you read this manual in its entirety before use! Also read and
understand the instructions included with the model. Damage
resulting from misuse or modification will void your warranty.
FEATURES
Antenna
Trim
Buttons
LED Charge
Indicator
Power
Switch
LED Power
Indicator
● 2.4GHz frequency hopping spread spectrum technology ● Digital trims on all four channels
● Built-in charger for airborne 1S micro LiPo batteries ● Power status LED
● Transmitter can bind to multiple Tactic 2.4GHz receivers
INSTRUCTION MANUAL
TACJ2402 v1.0
2.4GHz 4-Channel Spread Spectrum Radio
™
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TTX402 TRANSMITTER (Tx)
The TTX402 4-Channel Micro airplane transmitter can be configured to operate
as a 3-channel or 4-channel Tx. When configured for 4-channel operation the
controls function like a normal Mode-2 transmitter with aileron + elevator on the
right stick, and throttle + rudder on the left stick.
Configuring the Tx for 3-channel operation can help beginners concentrate on
throttle control with one hand and full airplane directional control with the other
hand.Here, the right stick operates elevator + rudder while the left stick will control
the throttle. The aileron function will still be active, and now be on the left stick,
but aileron control is often not needed for 3ch aircraft. See the diagram above for
details.
To change the TTX402 transmitter between 3ch and 4ch configurations:
1.Turn off the Tx power switch.
2. Move the right stick to the top-right corner, and the left stick to the top-left
corner, and hold in these positions.
3. Move the Tx power switch to the On position. The power LED will flash,
accompanied by three short tones from the Tx which indicates the Tx
configuration has been changed.
Note that each time theTx power switch is turned on you will hear either one short
tone if the Tx is in the 3ch configuration, or two short tones if the Tx is in the 4ch
configuration.
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INPUT POWER
Five “AA” batteries are required to power the Tx
(not included with individual radio systems).Non-
rechargeable1.5Valkaline, or 1.2V rechargeable
nickel-cadmium (NiCd) or nickel-metal hydride
(NiMH) cells can be used. Do not mix cell types,
old and new cells, etc. See the SERVOS AND
ACCESSORIES section on page 12 for optional
products available at local hobby retailers.
Slide the battery door down, and insert the cells. Make sure to note proper
polarity for each cell. Reinstall the battery door.
POWER LED, and LOW BATTERY ALARM
The power LED should light when the power switch is moved upwards to the on
position. The Tx should have adequate power for flight when the LED is on
constantly. Anytime the LED begins to flash, accompanied by an audible tone,
the Tx battery voltage has dropped too low and operation of the model should
NOT be attempted!
WARNING! Never operate an R/C model with weak Tx batteries!
Reduced operational range and/or possible loss of control of the
aircraft could result. Replace weak alkaline batteries, or re-charge
NiCd or NiMH batteries before attempting a flight!
If during a flight audible tones sound and the power LED starts to flash the Tx
batteries have become weak and the aircraft should be landed as soon as possible!
AILERON (CH1)
Controls the moveable surfaces at the trailing edge of the main wings to rotate the
airplane about the “roll” axis (an imaginary line which extends from the airplane’s
nose to the tail). Since every airplane is different, the direction of movement for
the aileron channel may need to be reversed so that moving the aileron stick to
the right will cause the airplane’s right aileron to deflect up, thus causing the right
wing to drop and the airplane will bank to the right. Moving the aileron stick to the
left will cause the airplane’s left wing to drop and the airplane will bank to the left.
This is one important method for turning the aircraft.When the Tx is set to the 3ch
configuration the aileron channel will not be used.
ELEVATOR (CH2)
Controls the moveable horizontal surfaces on the airplane’s tail to rotate the airplane
about the “pitch” axis (an imaginary line extending through the center of both main
wings, from one wing tip to the other wing tip).The direction of movement for the elevator
channelmay need to be reversed sothatpullingtheelevatorstick back (towardsyou) will
cause the elevator to deflect up, thus causing the nose of the airplane to rise. Pushing
the elevator stick forward (away from you) will cause the nose of the airplane to drop.
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THROTTLE (CH3)
Controls the speed (R.P.M.) at which the motor operates.Pushing the throttle stick
forward will cause the motor’s speed to increase. Pulling the throttle stick back will
cause the motor’s speed to decrease. Always place the throttle stick at the low
position before switching on the transmitter.
RUDDER (CH4)
Controls the side-to-side movement of the airplane’s tail and will rotate the airplane
about the “yaw axis”(an imaginary line from the top of the airplane’s fuselage to the
bottom of the fuselage, located near the center-point of the fuselage).The direction
of movement for the rudder channel may need to be reversed so that moving the
rudder stick to the right causes the rudder to deflect to the right, thus causing the
nose of the airplane to point to the right.Moving the rudder stick to the left will cause
the nose of the airplane to turn left.When the Tx is set to the 3ch configuration the
rudder will be controlled by the right stick. Otherwise, rudder is controlled with the
left stick.
TRIMS
All trims are digital in function. Two trim buttons are included for each of the main
controls, located adjacent to the respective stick. One trim button adjusts the
servo’s direction in one direction, and the other button to the opposite direction.
Briefly pressing any trim button will adjust the center position of the respective servo
output in the appropriate direction and will be accompanied by an audible tone.
Pressing and holding any trim button will cause the servo output to move repeatedly.
A unique tone will sound when the servo reaches either end of the trim limit, and at
the channel’s center point.
During a flight, when the main sticks are released and spring back to center position
the aircraft should ideally not veer in any direction. If the aircraft does veer in a
particular direction, press the respective trim button until the aircraft maintains a
straight attitude on its own.
REVERSING CHANNEL DIRECTION
Thedirectionofmovementforanyofthefourchannels canbe reversedelectronically.
To change the direction of movement for any channel:
1. Switch off the Tx power switch.
2. Press and hold either trim button for the channel to be reversed.
3. Switch the Tx power switch on.The LED should flash to indicate the movement
for that channel has been reversed.
4. Repeat steps 1-3 to reverse the direction of any other channel as needed.
5. Switch the Tx power switch off.
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BUILT-IN 1S LIPO CHARGER
A 1S LiPo charger is built into theTTX402 transmitter itself.This charger is designed
specifically for charging a micro 1S 3.7V LiPo cell having a micro connector.Charge
current is rated at 250mAh, with a maximum charge voltage of 4.20V. Charging will
begin automatically when the battery is connected, and automatically stop when full
charge is detected. It is not recommended to charge a 1S LiPo while flying.
1S LiPo Battery
a
ttery
1. Make sure the Tx power switch is in the off position.
2. Looking at the rear of theTx, slide open the charger door by moving it to the right.
3. Connect the 1S LiPo battery to the socket inside the battery door.When a proper
connection has been made and the battery is being charged, the“CHARGE”LED
will illuminate.
4.When charge is complete the CHARGE LED will turn off.
.IMPORTANT WARNINGS REGARDING LIPO BATTERY USE!!
NEVER ATTEMPTTO CARE FOR LITHIUM-POLYMER (LiPo) CELLS
INTHE SAMEWAY AS OTHER BATTERYTYPES! LiPo cells are much
more sensitive and volatile than NiCd or NiMH batteries. Misuse and
overcharge can quickly result in LiPo cells getting hot and/or swelling,
which could lead to VIOLENT EXPLOSION AND/OR FIRE and serious personal
injury and property damage.
●NEVER attempt to recharge other battery types except 1S LiPo cells with this
built-in charger.
●NEVER continue to charge or use LiPo cells if they start to swell or become
overly warm to the touch. Failure to follow this guideline could cause the battery
to become hot and explode or ignite!!
●ALWAYS disconnect the battery from the charger immediately if the battery
becomes hot! Allow the battery to cool before use.
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Ch4 rudder servo
(or Ch1 aileron)
Optional:
Ch1 external
aileron servo
Ch2 elevator servo
Optional:
Ch3 brushless ESC
Optional:
Ch3 brushed motor
Input for 1S LiPo
battery with micro
connector
S
Plug Polarity
+– S
Plug Polarity
+–
●NEVER allow water, moisture or foreign objects into the Tx/charger.
●NEVER leave the room where a battery is being charged.
●NEVER place the Tx/charger or battery on a flammable surface or near a
flammable object during the charge process.Keep away from carpets, cluttered
workbenches, etc.
●ALWAYShavea“classD”fireextinguisheravailablewhenhandlingLiPobatteries.
●If a LiPo cell leaks fluid, do not get fluid on the skin, in the eyes or mouth, etc. If
you make contact with fluid from a LiPo battery, rinse the affected area well with
water and seek immediate medical care.
TR421 4CH Rx CONTROL BOARD
TheoptionalTR4214-ChannelRxControlBoardintegratesaTactic2.4GHzreceiver,
two linear actuation servos, and a 3A brushed ESC onto one device. Sockets are
mounted on the board for connection of an optional servo actuator such as the
Tactic TSX21 Linear Servo Actuator (TACM0021), and an external brushless ESC.
BINDTHE RECEIVERTOTHETRANSMITTER
If included with the TTX402, the TR421 Rx will auto-bind with the transmitter once
powered. This bind ensures sole communication between the two, and prevents
other transmitters from controlling your model. If it’s necessary to re-bind the board
to the transmitter:
1. Switch on the Tx.
2. Connect the battery to the Rx Control Board. Only use single cell, 3.7V LiPo
batteries with a micro connector with the TR421 Rx Control Board.See SERVOS
AND ACCESSORIES on page 12 for recommendations.
3.The Rx LED on the bottom side of the board will turn on, indicating the Rx is
bound to the Tx.
4.Test for proper Tx / Rx functionality in the next section. If the system did not
become properly binded, repeat steps 1-3 above.
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RECEIVER AND SERVOS
Mount the TR421 4-Channel Rx Control Board as specified in the model’s
instructions.Thebuilt-inreceiveriscompatiblewithTacticbrand2.4GHztransmitters
only. Make sure the airplane’s control pushrods can easily reach the arms of the
actuators, and are completely unobstructed.
To connect the airplane’s control
pushrods to the servo levers, first center
the trims on the transmitter. Make sure
the servo’s arm is moved to a position
that will allow for full control of the
airplane’s surfaceinbothdirectionsonce
the control rods are connected.This can
be tested by moving the Tx sticks to
maximum positions several times while
observing the movement of the control
surfaces.If a servo is binding or sticks in flight, the pushrod must be re-adjusted so
as not to drain excessive current from the battery and thus shorten flight time.
EXTERNAL SERVO CONNECTION
A socket is provided on the Rx Control Board for the addition of a separate servo (see
picture on page 6).If theTx is configured for 4ch operation, connecting a linear actuator
servo to this socket will allow for control of an airplane’s aileron surface (as well as
elevator, rudder, and throttle). See your local retailer for Tactic’s TSX21 Linear Actuator
Servo (TACM0021), which connects directly to this slot.
BRUSHED ELECTRONIC SPEED CONTROL (ESC)
The integrated 3 amp ESC is designed for micro-size brushed motors only.Connect the
Rx Control Board’s two brushed motor leads to the brushed motor.To set up the ESC:
1.Turn on the TTX402 transmitter.
IMPORTANT!Alwaysmakesure thatpoweris appliedto thetransmitter
BEFORE applying power to the receiver and servos, and that the
throttle stick is at minimum (idle) position.Failure to do so could result
in the model becoming uncontrollable and cause a safety hazard.
2. Move the Tx throttle stick to the minimum position.
3. Set the Tx throttle trim to center.
4. Connect the battery to the Rx Control Board. Power will be confirmed by the Rx
Control Board sounding one beep.
5. ArmtheESCbymovingthe throttle sticktofullthrottle, whichwillbeaccompanied
by a single tone. Return the stick to the minimum position, which will be
accompanied by two tones.
6.The ESC is now armed and ready for operation.
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USING AN OPTIONAL BRUSHLESS ESC:
A socket is provided on the Rx Control Board for the connection of an external 1S
brushless electronic speed control. To use the Rx Control Board with a brushless
ESC instead of the on-board brushed ESC, simply connect the brushless ESC to
this socket.The on-board brushed ESC will automatically be de-activated.
SYSTEM CHECK AND OPERATION
WARNING! During all pre-flight preparations with the aircraft on the
ground, make sure the throttle stick remains at the minimum position
and do not stand theTx upright on the ground.Carefully lay theTx on its
back on the ground to prevent it from falling over and possibly dislodging
the throttle stick from the low position which would create a safety hazard. Make
sure all devices are properly mounted inside the model, and all wiring connections
are secure to prevent them from easily becoming dislodged during flight.For safety
it’s best to check the system with the propeller removed from the aircraft.
1. Once all connections are made, check the general operation of the radio and
all other components before attempting a flight.
2. Move the Tx throttle stick to the minimum (idle) position.
3.Turn on the Tx, and then the Rx.
4. Make sure all controls are operating in the proper direction. If any servo is
turning in the wrong direction, change the reversing for that particular channel.
5.With both sticks at center position, move the trims for the aileron, elevator, and
rudder channels so each respective control surface is perfectly aligned with the
main surface. For example:When the aileron trim is at center it’s best that the
trailing edge of the aileron is aligned with the trailing edge of the wing itself (not
above or below the wing’s trailing edge).
6. Make sure that movements of the throttle stick result in an equal adjustment
of the motor R.P.M. in the model.
7. Perform a “range check”. The “range” is the safe operating distance
from the Tx to the Rx, and should be 150 meters. With the assistance of
another person, place the aircraft on the ground and walk 100 feet (30m)
away from the model. With the Tx pointed directly at the model, operate
the transmitter’s controls, and ensure the movement of all surfaces is
according to the movement of the transmitter.
8. Anytime power is to be removed from the radio system, it’s important to
shut down power in the aircraft first. Otherwise, the aircraft could become
out of control and cause a safety hazard! Move the throttle stick to minimum
position to shut down the ESC.Once the propeller has stopped rotating, shut
off the ON/OFF power switch in the model, and disconnect the power battery
from the ESC in electric airplanes.Then turn off the power switch in theTx.
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FLYING THE AIRCRAFT
1. Once all setup procedures have been confirmed, and power has been
removed from the model and transmitter, re-attach the propeller to the model.
IMPORTANT: Be very careful to stay clear
from moving propellers!!
2. Make sure the airplane’s power batteries are fully charged.
3. Move the Tx throttle stick to minimum position, then switch on the Tx power
switch.Turn on the power switch in the model.
4. During the first flight, it might be necessary to re-trim the aileron, elevator,
and rudder channels to allow the airplane to sustain level hands-off flight.If
further adjustments are required on the ground, beware that the on-board
brushed ESC will still be active (if used).
5.When the flight is completed, remove power from the system as described
before.Shut down power to the Rx Control Board first, then the transmitter.
SAFETY GUIDE
The Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA) has established an Official Safety
Code.Model flying MUST be in accordance with this Code in order for AMA Liability
Protection to apply.All questions relating to the AMA Safety Code, liability insurance
program, and other official AMA information can be attained from the AMA:
Academy of Model Aeronautics
5161 East Memorial Drive
Muncie, Indiana 47302
[phone] – Business
[phone] – Fax
[phone] – Membership Services
http://www.modelaircraft.org
http://www.modelaircraft.org/files/Memanual.PDF
The AMA’s Official 2009 Safety Code includes the following regarding the use of
model aircraft:
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2009 OFFICIAL ACADEMY OF MODEL AERONAUTICS NATIONAL MODEL
AIRCRAFT SAFETY CODE Effective January 1, 2006
GENERAL
1. A model aircraft shall be defined as a non-human-carrying device capable of
sustained flight in the atmosphere.It shall not exceed limitations established
in this code and is intended to be used exclusively for recreational or
competition activity.
2.The maximum takeoff weight of a model aircraft, including fuel, is 55 pounds,
except for those flown under the AMA Experimental Aircraft Rules.
3. I will abide by this Safety Code and all rules established for the flying site I use.
I will not willfully fly my model aircraft in a reckless and/or dangerous manner.
4. I will not fly my model aircraft in sanctioned events, air shows, or model
demonstrations until it has been proven airworthy.
5. I will not fly my model aircraft higher than approximately 400 feet above ground
level, when within three (3) miles of an airport without notifying the airport
operator. I will yield the right-of-way and avoid flying in the proximity of full-scale
aircraft, utilizing a spotter when appropriate.
6. I will not fly my model aircraft unless it is identified with my name and address, or
AMA number, inside or affixed to the outside of the model aircraft.This does not
apply to model aircraft flown indoors.
7. I will not operate model aircraft with metal-blade propellers or with gaseous
boosts (other than air), nor will I operate model aircraft with fuels containing
tetranitromethane or hydrazine.
8. I will not operate model aircraft carrying pyrotechnic devices which explode or
burn, or any device, which propels a projectile of any kind. Exceptions include
Free Flight fuses or devices that burn producing smoke and are securely
attached to the model aircraft during flight. Rocket motors up to a G-series
size may be used, provided they remain firmly attached to the model aircraft
during flight.Model rockets may be flown in accordance with the National Model
Rocketry Safety Code;however, they may not be launched from model aircraft.
Officially designated AMA Air ShowTeams (AST) are authorized to use devices
and practices as defined within the Air Show Advisory Committee Document.
9. I will not operate my model aircraft while under the influence of alcohol or within
eight (8) hours of having consumed alcohol.
10. I will not operate my model aircraft while using any drug which could adversely
affect my ability to safely control my model aircraft.
11. Children under six (6) years old are only allowed on a flight line or in a
flight area as a pilot or while under flight instruction.
12. When and where required by rule, helmets must be properly worn and
fastened.They must be OSHA, DOT, ANSI, SNELL or NOCSAE approved or
comply with comparable standards.
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