Radio | Speed Controller (ESC) | Servo Output | Input/Output | General Configuration | Programming
Micron receivers implement a set of features for model rail
locomotives and land-based vehicles.
The majority of features are common to all receivers, but some will
be specific - refer to a receiver's user manual and programming table for details:
Although most users will not need
all functionality, it is there and easily accessed
by programming the receiver.
Each receiver is configured with a default set of features which is described
on the receiver's web page and in the user manual for the receiver.
Most receivers contain 4 pre-set configurations which can be selected
using a power-on jumper or by programming the receiver (see the user manual for details).
Different configurations are always available to special order
- contact us.
The radio part of the receiver is responsible for connecting with a transmitter
and decoding the control data.
Some receivers have a separate RF module with its own LED to indicate signal
quality, others integrate the RF and receiver behaviour into one chip with
a common status LED.
Almost all Micron model rail and land vehicle components use the
Spektrum DSM2/DSMX protocols which gives access to a wide variety
of 3rd party products.
it also means that a Micron receiver can be used with any real Spektrum
or third party transmitter that implements the Spektrum protocols.
This includes all Micron model rail transmitters.
DSM2/DSMX uses a spread-spectrum type radio protocol where the
contol information is 'encrypted' using the transmitter ID. Thus, only a receiver
which has stored a transmitter's ID is able to decode the control data.
That is how many R/C systems can be used within a small space without
interferring with each other.
R/C CHANNELS
The controls on a transmitter (knobs, switches, push buttons, joysticks, ...)
are encoded into separate R/C channels which are combined into the radio signal.
The way that this is done is called the 'over-the-air protocol' - e.g
DSM2 and DSMX. The channels are numbered (ch1, ch2, etc) and are
represented as a digital value, usually 0..1023 but can be a higher precision
0..2047 or 0..4095.
The association of transmitter control to R/C channel convention for a model
aircraft transmitter is:
ch1: | throttle |
ch2: | aileron |
ch3: | elevator |
ch4: | rudder |
The association of Tx control to R/C channel and channel
values for Micron model
rail transmitters is described in the user manual for each transmitter.
All of them provide these common mappings:
ch1: | throttle/regulator
fwd/rev: full reverse=chan low, stop=chan mid, full forward=chan high
low-off: stop=chan low, full throttle=chan high |
ch2: | Selecta (if implemented on that transmitter)
#1=chan low, #6=chan mid, #12=chan high |
ch3: | toggle switch for direction (if low-off throttle) or auxiliary functions, also used for Rx programming
reverse/down=chan low, forward/up=chan high |
ch5: | bind button
pressed=chan low, not pressed=chan high |
Micron receivers have a variety of outputs, each type is denoted by
a letter (H, F, P, etc):
- H: one or more fwd/rev motor speed controllers
- F: switch (usually 2A capable), used as an
on/off switch to control an external device (e.g. high current LED,
smoke generator, ...) or with PWM as a single direction motor
speed controller or light dimmer
- P: low current logic level, usually 0V when off and 3.3V when on;
used to control low-current LEDs or can output a servo signal
The receiver firmware associates each of these outputs with a
R/C channel so that changing values on the channel (i.e. moving
the transmitter control) affects the output state.
For example, R/C ch1 is usually mapped onto H1 so that the transmitter
throttle/regulator knob changes the motor speed.
The mapping for each output is independent and
multiple outputs can use the same R/C channel.
Receivers are provided with a set of predefined R/C channel to
output mappings - the configuration. Most receivers have 4
selectable configurations for common usage.
BINDING WITH A TRANSMITTER
A receiver has to be linked to a transmitter before it can be used.
This process is called 'binding' and involves the transmitter
transferring a piece of data (the ID) to the receiver which the receiver uses
to identify 'its' transmitter and ignore all others.
Binding has to be done only once, unless you need to change to
a different transmitter - in that case, you simply bind to the new transmitter.
A transmitter can be bound with any number of receivers, so long as they
use compatible protocols, but a receiver can normally be bound to only
one transmitter.
All receivers will respond to the transmitter,
so only one receiver should normally be switched on at any time.
An exception to this is for receivers and transmitters that support
the Selecta feature (all Micron receivers
support Selecta and some of the Micron transmitters
also support Selecta).
The general process for binding is:
- receiver is placed into bind mode - usually indicated by
a rapid LED flash
- the transmitter is then switched on in bind mode - the method
for doing this varies, refer to the transmitter manual
Most Micron receivers support manual and auto binding:
Manual Bind: either a jumper plug is inserted or
2 pads must be connected and then the receiver switched on. The receiver
enters bind mode immediately and the jumper or pad connection
can be removed.
Auto Bind: the receiver enters bind mode automatically
after a few seconds if it is unable to find a previously bound transmitter.
'SELECTA' OR LOCO SELECTION
Selecta allows receivers to be made active or inactive from the transmitter.
This allows the number of functions controlled to be expanded
using two or more receivers, or allows multiple models to have
control switched between them.
Selecta uses one of the R/C channel (default 2), to carry the selection
data; only when a receiver gets its selection code does it respond to the
transmitter.
Selecta enabled transmitters have a 12-way rotary switch for controlling the value
(i.e. code) sent on the Selecta channel.
A receiver's Selecta code is store during bind.
Simply rebind if you need to change Selecta switch position for a model.
The default receiver action when deselected is to maintain all outputs,
including the speed controller, at the current setting.
This is useful on a continuous run type layout allowing a deselected
loco to continue running. The deselection behaviour can be changed to
stop so that the loco decelerates smoothly to a stop when deselected
- see the programming table for your receiver for details on how
to change the Selecta behaviour.
Micron receivers have at least one integrated
bi-directional ESC (Electronic Speed Controller)
for brushed motors. Some receivers also support the connection of
an external ESC for either brushed or brushless motors - this is done
by configuring an output as a SERVO-ESC.
MOTOR CONTROL, CENTRE-OFF
One R/C channel is used to control the motor in both directions.
With a rotary control, centre is off, left is reverse, right is forward.
With a joystick transmitter, up is forward, down is reverse.
MOTOR CONTROL, LOW-OFF
One R/C channel is used to control the motor speed and another
R/C channel is used to control motor direction: the default is ch1 and ch3.
The direction control is actually an intent to change direction - i.e.
it only takes effect when the throttle is closed.
On a joystick transmitter, direction is usually the elevator control
which is self-centring; the stick is simply pushed in the desired direction
and then released. Model rail transmitters either have a toggle switch
or a rotary control (e.g. Tx24v2) for direction.
The default direction control behaviour is latching - i.e. the centre
position is not a neutral gear. This is essential when using a joystick
type transmitter where the control is self-centring.
The mode may be changed by programming to implement a neutral gear
where the throttle/speed control has no effect when the direction control
is centred.
MOTOR CONTROL, LOW-OFF TO FWD/REV
This is like low-off with separate speed and direction controls, but
the channels are combined to support connection
of an external forward/reverse ESC.
This is useful for large battery electric locos where the operator
prefers low-off control for compatibility with their live-steam locos.
ESC START/MIN POWER
The motor power level can be made to go quickly to a minimum value
as the throttle is opened. It can be set from 0 to 100% and is useful
when a motor requires a high starting voltage.
The default is 0%.
ESC MAX POWER
The maximum power level available at full throttle can be reduced;
the reduced range is spread over the full throttle control.
This can be used to match engine speeds for a consist or to reduce
the maximum speed of an overpowered vehicle or when children are
controlling the locomotive.
The maximum power can be set from 0 to 100%, the default is 100%.
ESC PWM FREQUENCY
Motor speed is controlled using Pulse Width Modulation (PWM). This works
by rapidly switching the motor voltage on and off, the ratio between
on and off giving an effective lower voltage.
The PWM frequency can be varied by programming a receiver; the default
is the maximum supported by a particular receiver (usually 16kHz, which
is silent). Lower frequencies produce more torque but the motor runs
less smoothly and can make a noise if the frequency is within hearing range.
ESC REVERSE
The motor rotation direction can be reversed by programming the receiver.
This can be useful if the motor has been wired incorrectly or
to make a temporary change when a locos are coupled into a consist.
Reversing motor direction does not change the directional lighting operation.
ESC SOFT START/STOP (INERTIA)
Soft start/stop alters the rate of acceleration and deceleration.
It can be used to simulate the inertia of a heavy train when moving off
or its momentum when slowing down. Many Micron transmitters include an
inertia facility which is applied equally to start and stop.
Micron receivers have an inertia function which can either be
the same for start/stop or specified separately for start and stop.
ESC ARMING
In order to prevent a model moving off as soon as a receiver is switched
on, the speed controller is disabled until an off/stop throttle signal
is received.
The speed controller will be disarmed should any of LVC,
Emergency Stop, or Sleep conditions be triggered.
THIS IS A SAFETY FEATURE AND DISABLING IS DISCOURAGED.
Any P output can be configured as a servo with the normal 1ms-2ms pulse
width signal repeated every 20ms. For rotary or stick-type transmitter
controls, the position of the servo arm is proportional to the position
of the controlling channel. Transmitter push buttons and toggle switches
may also be used to control a servo output, in this case the servo arm
moves immediately to the low, mid or high position as specified
in the transmitter user manual.
Many Micron receivers have a 3.3V output which can be used to power
a small servo.
The maxium current is usually limited to no more than 200mA - see
the receiver user manual for the specific max current.
NORMAL SERVO
This is normal servo operation where the rotation is directly proportional
to transmitter control movement.
Servo rotation speed can be slowed by programming the receiver.
Speed setting '1' is normal, settings 2 to 6 make the servo move more slowly;
the actual speed depends on the type of servo.
THROTTLE SERVO
This is a P output connected to an external ESC.
The configuration
maps this to a virtual ESC (aka throttle) so that changes to the ESC
behaviour (centre-off, split, inertia, emergency stop, etc) affect the
servo output signal.
OFFSET SERVO
This feature gives full servo proportional travel over half transmitter control movement.
It is useful for controlling 2 servos from one R/C channel; one servo moving
for control value low to mid and the other moving for mid to high.
TOGGLE SERVO
The servo moves over its full travel and stays there when the transmitter
control is briefly set low or high - as determined by the value
of program level 5.
The initial servo position (low or high) can be specified as well
as whether a low or high control value causes the position toggle.
The servo end points can be adjusted using
Servo Travel Adjustment
and the travel range can be reduced or expanded using
Servo Throw Range.
DIFFERENTIAL SERVOS
This feature supports mixing of 2 R/C channels to drive two servos on
separate P outputs.
The primary P output and R/C channel are configured as for a normal servo.
The secondary P output, R/C channel and mix ratio are configured using
two separate programming rows.
The secondary R/C channel is interpreted as centred value:
values from low to mid are subtracted from the primary channel value,
values above mid are added to the primary channel value.
This behaviour can be reversed.
A typical use is to drive 2 external ESC mixing throttle and steering R/C
channels for differential steering on a boat or tracked vehicle.
SERVO TRAVEL ADJUSTMENT
Servo throws (low and high end points) can be adjusted using a transmitter,
the servo centre position will always be at the mid-point of the low and high travel. To adjust a servo, the servo output is selected first and then the travel adjusted using
either the throttle control or direction toggle if the throttle servo is being adjusted.
One servo output may be adjusted at a time. The output is first selected by
programming and then the transmitter control is used to increase or decrease
the servo throw:
- R/C channel 3 (toggle switch on most Micron transmitters, elevator on
stick type transmitters) is used for most outputs
- R/C channel 1 (throttle) is used when adjusting a servo on R/C channel 3
Consult the receiver's programming table for the program
sequence to access servo adjustment, enter this sequence and then:
- within 5 seconds, move the control for the output being adjusted to the end that needs adjustment
- increase or decrease the servo end-point:
- on Micron or stick type transmitters, use the throttle control if a
servo on R/C channel 3 is being adjusted:
- hold throttle knob fully CCW or throttle stick at low throttle
to decrease travel
- hold throttle knob fully CW or throttle stick at high throttle
to increase travel
- use the direction toggle, reverser control or elevator stick for
servos on all other R/C channels:
- hold toggle down, reverser to REV or elevator stick
down to decrease travel
- hold toggle up, reverser to FWD or elevator stick up
to increase travel
The receiver LED will flash twice per second as the servo travel is
being adjusted and stop flashing when the limit is reached.
Take care: the servo may reach its mechanical stop before the increase
side adjustment limit is reached.
- move the servo control to the opposite side if you also
need to adjust that end-point
- centre both controls to finish the adjustment, the receiver will
return to normal operating mode after the control
corresponding to the P port being adjusted has been centred for 5 seconds.
Go through the above steps to adjust a different servo output pin.
SERVO THROW RANGE
The full range of R/C channel values is from 0 to 1023 (10 bits)
or 0 to 2047 (11 bits).
Most R/C transmitters generate a restricted range of
approximately 170 to 853 and this is referred to as 100% travel.
Many stick type transmitters allow the travel to be increased up
to the maximum and this is called 150%.
The Micron model rail transmitters are setup to have 100%
throw on the throttle channel and 150% on all other channels.
The standard servo range for 100% is 1.1ms to 1.9ms and 0.9ms to 2.1ms
for the full 150%.
Sometimes this is not enough, e.g. to control bespoke electronics
or for a servo with extended travel (the Emax ES9052D can handle a
pulse width range of 0.6ms to 2.4ms).
This feature allows the servo pulse width range to be increased
by up to 200% (3 x the base range or 0.3ms to 2.7ms for a 100% R/C data input).
Note: increasing the output pulse width range beyond +50%
should be used with care if a servo is connected - make sure that
your servo and control linkages can handle the increased range.
If you are not sure, it is recommend to increase the range incrementally.
Receivers have a number of general purpose input and outputs (GPIO) ports, mostly used
for output.
There are 2 types:
- P - these are logic level outputs that can supply a low current
(typically 20mA max), 0V when off and 3.3V when on. They can be used
to power LEDs via a series resistor suitable for the desired LED current
and for driving servos where the P pad provides the control signal to
the white or yellow wire of the servo lead. Some receivers are able to provide
3.3V to micro servos, larger servos must be powered from a separate source
- e.g. a 5V regulator connected to the battery.
P pads can also be used for input - e.g. shuttle control, remote sensors;
see the receiver user manual for information.
- F - these are switches and can control up to 2A; they are open
when off and connected to negative when on.
For programming, F switches are given numbers sequentially after all P outputs,
e.g. if a receiver has 6 x P and 4 x F, the F outputs are numbered 7 to 10.
For compatibility with Deltang receivers, F outputs are also labeled with letters,
e.g. F1 is A, F2 is B, etc.
MOMENTARY ACTION
Momentary outputs are activated when a transmitter control is at the specified value.
They can be set normally on or normally off and switched to the opposite
by the transmitter control, e.g.:
- prog 3,4,1,5,1 = P4, normally off, on when Ch5 is low
- prog 3,6,1,3,6 = P6, normally on, off when Ch3 is high
LATCHING ACTION - TYPE 1
Outputs switch state (toggle on and off) each time the transmitter control
is actioned. Most transmitter controls may be set to low, mid and high values
and this allows them to control 2 outputs - one toggled at low and the other
toggled at high. The initial output state can be set to on or off.
LATCHING ACTION - TYPE 2
This feature uses time as well as control value to toggle up to 4 outputs:
2 outputs are toggled by control actions < 1 second and another
2 outputs by control actions > 2 seconds.
The initial state of all outputs is off.
DUAL ACTION
This is an enhancement of Type 2 Latching,
available from firmware v1.9.
1 R/C channel can be used to control 1 to 4 outputs, the switching
action is based on the time that the control is activated low or high:
up to 1 second or 2 seconds and greater. The options are:
- <1s momentary: the output is switched on immediately and kept
on as long as the control is active - up to 2s when it will switch off
- <1s toggle: the output is toggled if the control is activated for
less than 1s
- >2s momentary: the output is switched on if the control is
activated for greater than 2s and kept on as long as the control
is active
- >2s toggle: the output is toggled if the control is activated for
greater than 2s
AUTO LIGHTS
Outputs may be assigned as front, rear, brake and reversing lights.
They are controlled by the state of the speed controller (or servo output
for type SERVO-ESC).
Front and rear lights are switched based on motor direction. Both start off
and either the front or rear light is switched on when the throttle is opened
for the first time and stays on when the loco/vehicle stops, changing
when the motor direction is changed.
The brake light comes on briefly when the motor stops. The on duration defaults
to 1 second and can be set using one of the General Configuration program options.
The reverse light is similar to the rear light and is on when the motor
is moving in reverse. It goes off when the vehicle stops.
All auto-light action can be disabled and enabled using a transmitter
control by programming the receiver.
This feature is off by default and can be configured by programming the receiver.
INDICATOR AND HAZARD LIGHTS
A P or F output can be used to control a flashing light for
vehicle turn indicators and hazards (left and right indicators flashing).
All types require an activating R/C channel, indicators are cancelled
by a change on the steering channel. The indicator and hazards flash
rate is 0.5s on and 0.5s off.
A short low or high pulse (<1s) on the indicator activation channel will
start the indicator flashing on that side: low=left, high=right.
A long low pulse (>2s) will start both indicators flashing
to simulate hazard lights; another long low pulse will stop the flashing.
Hazard flashers are not cancelled by changes on the steering channel.
FLASHING LIGHT
A P or F output can used to flash an LED at a variable rate:
0.25s to 2.5s on and off times; 1, 2, or 3 flashes in a sequence
and a delay of 0s to 3s between sequences.
The flasher can be switched on and off by a low or high pulse on the
activation channel.
AUTOMATION
Automation functions set a P port to input mode with an internal pull-up
resistor so it idles high (3.3V).
An input action is triggered by connecting the pad to negative.
This can be done using a reed switch activated with a track mounted magnet
or a phototransister activated with a track mounted LED (infra-red
to avoid false triggering by room lights).
Automation functions are enabled as soon as they are programmed and may
optional be disabled or enabled again using a transmitter control.
The available automation features are:
- Buffer Stop:
-
This allows a loco to be stopped automatically to avoid hitting a
buffer or other obstacle. When triggered, the train will decelerate to
a stop over a configurable 1 to 6 seconds.
The throttle must be closed before the loco can be moved again.
The trigger input is deactivated for a period so that the loco can be
reversed out of the dead-end and over the trigger magnet (or IR LED)
without causing the loco to stop again. This reactivation delay can be set
between 10 and 60 seconds in 10 second increments.
Example using P5:
- Enable Buff Stop by entering the program sequence 6,5,1,3,2 =
Menu6, P5, 3 seconds deceleration time, 20 seconds delay
before reactivation of trigger
- Wire a reed switch between P5 and nagative
- Place a magnet between the tracks 2 seconds travel from
where you want the loco to stop (some experimentation may be needed)
- Stop & Reverse:
-
Similar to Buffer Stop except that the loco reverses direction after
the pause time. The same throttle setting is used for the reverse motion
and changing the transmitter throttle control has mostly no effect once
the first stop has been triggered. If the transmitter throttle is closed,
the automation is cancelled and the loco can be moved manually until
the stop is again triggered. The pause time spent stationary is adjustable
for a fixed delay between 10 and 60 seconds plus a set of random delay
ranges (4-8s, 8-15s, etc.)
After the pause, the loco will accelerate in the opposite direction
and over the same time period specified for stopping.
The trigger input is reactivated 10 seconds after the loco has started
moving again.
- Stop & Continue:
-
This function provides a station stop feature. The loco continues in
the same direction after the pause time.
POWER SWITCHING
Two P ports are used to control an external electonic power switch
(e-switch).
One is used as an active low SENSE input, the other as an active
high POWER output to control the electronic switch.
Both SENSE and POWER ports must be configured for the e-switch to
function; if only one of the ports is configured, the e-switch function
will not operate.
The e-switch function can be enabled or disabled using a power-on jumper
change (see the receiver manual for details of which output pads
are connected for this change).
A typical e-switch configuration comprises a magnetically operated
reed switch and a P channel FET to switch the power. P-FETs require
a 0V input to switch on so are usually paired with a N channel FET
so that a > 2V input will switch the P-FET on - i.e. 3.3V from the
POWER output will keep the P-FET on.
The reed switch
is connected, via isolation diodes, to the P-FET gate and to the
receiver SENSE input - thus activation of the reed switches the
power on and also signals to the receiver that the reed is activated.
The receiver behaviour is to light its LED (and LED2 if connected)
when it is powered on
and then flash the LED when initialisation has been completed
and the POWER output is enabled. The magnet may then be removed from
reed. See example e-switch.
The reed is activated again to switch the receiver off.
Activating the reed results in the LED (and LED2) flashing slowly for
3s and then rapidly for a further 3s.
Removing the magnet while the LED is flashing rapidly will result in the
POWER output going to 0V.
Keeping the reed activated until the end of the 3s rapid flash will
abort the switch off.
An R/C channel may optionally be used for switching off. If this
channel is activated for >3s, POWER is turned off.
This section comprises a collection of functions that apply to the
receiver as a whole.
LED2
The LED on the receiver indicates the state it is in but it cannot be seen
if the receiver is enclosed within a model.
LED2 allows another LED attached to one of the P or F outputs to mirror
the onboard LED.
As this second LED may also be used for directional lighting, the default behaviour
is to stop mirroring once the speed controller arms; thus, the front light
on a vehicle or loco can show what the receiver is doing as it starts up,
during bind, while programming and then operate as a front light
in normal use.
LED2 mode options:
- disabled
- normal (as described above)
- as above including when deselected
- always
LOW VOLTAGE CUT-OFF (LVC)
The receiver provides low voltage detection to protect batteries that
must not be discharged too far; these are mostly lithium based (LiIon or LiPo).
The receiver cuts power and disables the motor when the voltage falls too low.
As the battery voltage will usually recover when the load is removed,
the motor may be restarted by closing the throttle and re-opening.
This should not be done too often as the battery is near exhaustion and should
be recharged.
The LVC trigger point is set automatically based on the battery voltage
measured on start-up.
- 3V for < 6V at start-up
- 6V for 6V to 9V
- 9V for 9V to 12V
- 12V for 12V and above
The trigger threshold can also be set automatically in 0.1V increments with
a minimum of 2.5V.
Receivers also have an 'L' input which is used when an external booster module
is used to raise a low voltage battery to a higher voltage (e.g. single LiPo
cell to 12V).
The 'L' input takes priority over the main positive pad.
SLEEP
The receiver will go into sleep mode if the throttle is not moved for
an extended period - the default is 1 hour and can be programmed up to 6 hours
or never.
The receiver must be switched off and on again to get out of sleep mode.
Although the receiver draws a low current in sleep mode, this is not a
substitute for an on/off switch.
Sleep mode can also be configured to be activated after the LVC has triggered.
When enabled, the receiver goes into sleep mode 5 minutes after LVC to avoid
further draining the battery.
CRUISE / FAILSAFE
Cruise control keeps the motor running if the transmitter signal is
lost - e.g. if the loco goes through a tunnel or behind a large bush.
If cruise control is disabled, the receiver enters failsafe mode
several seconds after no signal.
Failsafe stops the motor and can be used as a form of emergency stop.
The default configuration for all receivers has cruise control enabled
'cruise control' and allows the loco to keep running if the transmitter is
switched off.
The cruise control / failsafe mode can be set either using
a power-on change or by programming.
EMERGENCY STOP
The emergency stop function uses a transmitter control to rapidly bring
all vehicles controlled with that transmitter to a halt.
The throttle must be closed and the triggering control released to
start the motor again.
ARMING
When arming is enabled, the speed controller will not start the motor
until a 'off' throttle signal is received.
This is a safety feature and should not be disabled unless really necessary.
SELECTA
Selecta allows receivers to be made active or inactive from the transmitter.
Selecta operates using one of the R/C channels (default is 2);
the value of which is stored by a receiver when bound.
During normal operation, a receiver responds to
transmitter controls only when the received Selecta channel value matches
its stored value, +/- a small delta.
The default action when deselected is for the motor to continue running
at the last setting; this is appropriate for a continuous loop type layout.
This behaviour can be changed to stop when deselected by programming
the receiver.
BACKUP AND RESET CONFIGURATION
Configuration data is stored in non-volatile memory - a type of stable storage
that is retained when the receiver is not powered. Any changes you make, either
using a power-on change or by programming, is also written to the memory.
When the receiver is first powered, or when an alternative configuration is
selected, the data is also written to a backup store.
A reset (power-on change or programming) copies the backup data over the top
of the current configuration; thus any modifications are are lost.
You can update the backup at any time by programming.
MULTIPLE CONFIGURATIONS
Receivers contains several alternative configurations - a preset collection of
features. These can be selected by a power-on jumper setting or by programming
the receiver. Once selected, the receiver will use that configuration
each time it is powered on; any changes made to the previous configuraion
(e.g. by programming) are lost when an alternative configuration is selected.
See the receiver user manual for details of the configurations.
FIRMWARE VERSION
The receiver firmware version comprises 2 numbers separated by a dot (e.g. 1.6). This
will be written onto the receiver label or, if no label, onto one of the larger chips.
If this information is lost (or rubbed off the chip), the program
sequence 4,14 can be used to display the version as 2 sets of repeated LED flashes:
1-flash 6-flash, for 1.6.
Receiver behaviour can be changed using the transmitter to which the receiver is bound.
The receiver must first be put into programming mode and then the
direction toggle switch, or reverser knob on Tx24v2, or elevator on a stick type
transmitter, is used to enter a program sequence one digit at a time.
The receiver LED (and LED2 if enabled) flashes to indicate the
value of the current step in the programming sequence.
For example, if the current value is 4, the CPU LED flashes 4 times, pauses
and repeats - this is called a 4-flash.
Where it is possible for the current value to be zero (e.g. low voltage
cut-off tenths), this is shown as a single brief flash much shorter than the
normal value flash.
The receiver feature set and, hence, the programming table is large.
It is presented in a separate document for each receiver
which lists all functions that may be changed by programming.
The table is split into 5 blocks of related functions each with the same value in
the first column.
The table columns contain the program values which must be entered to change
a particular function. For example, to change the throttle behaviour
from centre-off (forward and reverse on one control) to low-off
(separate throttle/regulator and direction/reverser controls)
the program sequence 1, 1, 2, 1, 3 is entered. Each digit of this
program sequence is taken from the columns, left to right:
1 = ESC Configuration
1 = H1 (most receivers contains only only 1 ESC)
2 = Low Off Throttle
1 = Throttle on R/C channel 1
3 = Direction control on R/C channel 3
One function can be changed at a time. The general method is:
- set receiver into programming mode
- enter a program sequence
- repeat until all programming changes have been made
Enter Programming Mode
There are 2 methods of getting a MRxxx receiver into programming mode:
- hold the transmitter channel 2 and channel 4 controls at
high or low extremes and then switch the receiver on;
these are the F1 and F2 buttons on a Tx20v2
and the Selecta switch and S2 button on a Tx22X;
the receiver LED will flash rapidly shortly after switch on,
centre one or both channel 2 & 4 controls (e.g. release the buttons
on Tx20v2 or the S2 button on Tx22X)
- switch the transmitter and receiver on (they must be bound),
wait 5 seconds without touching any controls and then tap out morse
SOS (... --- ...) on the transmitter bind
button (or toggle the gear switch high to low for a stick transmitter);
- dots (…) will be a quick press of the button and must be
less than 1 second in duration
- dashes (---) must be greater than 1 second and shorter
than 5 seconds – 2 seconds is a reliable time
- the time between each dot or dash must be less than 5 seconds
When programming mode has been successfully entered, the receiver LED
will show a 1-flash - this is the 1 from the first column
of the programming table.
If you do not get the 1-flash, repeat the procedure to enter
programming mode. It usually takes a couple of
attempts to get the SOS method correct if you have never done it before.
Enter a Program Sequence
One programming change requires up to five choices to be made.
These are called 'levels' and each has several options.
They are documented in the programming table.
Completion of a programming change exits programming mode and requires the
receiver to be placed into programming mode again for the next change.
It is a good idea to write the programming sequence on a piece of scrap
paper and cross off each digit as it is entered so that you
don't lose track of where you are in the sequence.
You always start at the top of the first column and 1-flash is
displayed on entering programming mode.
- The flash count for a level is incremented by setting the
R/C channel 3 control low and back to mid.
- The flash count for a level may be decremented by holding
the R/C channel 4 control low while operating the R/C channel 3
control; R/C channel 4 is available on some Micron transmitters
- e.g. F2 on Tx20v2 and S2 on Tx22X and Tx42v2
- The level value is accepted and the flash count for the next
level is displayed by setting the R/C channel 3 control
high and back to mid.
Most Micron transmitters have a toggle switch on R/C channel 3
which is marked A/B, or forward/reverse for a low-off transmitter:
- pushing the switch down (or toward 'reverse' for a low-off transmitter)
sets the R/C channel to a low value and increments the flash count,
- pushing the switch up (or toward 'forward') sets the
R/C channel to a high value,
accepts the flash count and moves the program sequence
on to next level or exits programming mode if the current level is
the last in the sequence.
Always return the toggle switch to centre after pushing down or up.
Refer to the transmitter user manual for specific information
on the R/C channel 3 control - Tx24 has a rotary reverser control.
The receiver LED will flash rapidly while R/C channel 3 is high or low and
then return to a slower repeated flash when the control
is back to the middle.
After accepting the flash count for a level, the receiver LED displays
a flash count for the current value of the next level. This could be
higher than 1-flash if the function is set in the receiver configuration
or has been previously programmed. For example:
- the default Selecta R/C channel is 2, so a 2-flash will be
displayed after entering 4,8,2
- P1 is configured as a front light, so a 4-flash will be
displayed after entering 3,1
When the last level for a sequence has been accepted, the receiver LED
will light continously and the receiver is back in normal operating mode.
The maximum number of levels is 5, but not all sequences use all 5;
if level 5 in the table is blank, the CPU LED will light continously
after level 4 is accepted.
Programming changes are accepted only when the receiver LED lights solid
at the end of the sequence.
If a mistake is made mid way through a sequence,
switch the receiver off to abort.