ACTION ELECTRONICS P40E

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MARINE MOTOR MIXER

For 2-3 motors

R/C ELECTRONICS

P40E

Neutral (centre stick)setting up Autoset (takes 2 seconds)

Receiver voltage 4.8 - 6V V*

Case size 55 mm x 36mm x 20mm

Power ON indicator LED

Adjustments Four different degrees of motor mix via 2-way PCB switch

This on-board marine motor mixer will suit models with two or three electronic speed-controlled

motors. It now has four user-selectable ‘degrees’ of mix which make it suitable for models from fast

launches to very manoeuvrable work-boats such as tugs. This offers full proportional control of

motors and steering from only two radio channels, although it will work with sets of four or more

channels. It has proved to be compatible with most electronic speed controllers which are equipped

with full forward and reverse power function, Use of BEC is notincluding those for brushless motors.

recommended but can be accommodated. We strongly recommend the use of a separate battery pack

for each motor to avoid the complications due to earth loops which can arise with resetting

microprocessors.

Straight-through output pin connections are provided for a rudder servo and a third, unmixed speed

controller for a central motor. This eliminates the need for Y-leads.

OPERATION

Always switch on your Transmitter first, then your receiver. (Allow the two to ‘bind’ if you are using a 2.4GHz

set). Wait for a further three or four seconds before moving either of the transmitter sticks; this allows the on-

board microprocessor to set itself to the incoming neutral signals from the transmitter. When closing down,

switch off the receiver first, followed by the transmitter.

DO NOT PLUG OR UNPLUG ANY CONNECTIONS TO THE RECEIVER OR MIXER WITH THE POWER SWITCHED ON.

IT CAN FATALLY DAMAGE MICROPROCESSORS.

MODES OF OPERATION

P40E has four different degrees of mixing, depending on the type of model into which you have fitted it. These

are set by moving the little switches 1 and 2 as follows:

Mode 1: SW1=ON; SW2=ON - This is designed for fast models such as patrol boats and modern lifeboats. The

inner motor in a turn is reduced in speed by applying increasing amounts of rudder command but it will not go

into reverse, irrespective of how fast the model is travelling. This avoids the model slowing down noticeably

when a turn is applied.

Mode 2: SW1=OFF; SW2=ON - This allows the inner motor to go into reverse at full rudder but restricts that

reverse speed to 25%. It suits slightly slower models than Mode 4 or where a little more manoeuvrability is

required.

Mode 3: SW1=ON; SW2=OFF - As Mode 2 except that the inner motor can reverse up to 50% full speed at full

rudder.

Mode 4: SW1=OFF; SW2=OFF - This is the classic “spin-on-the-spot” mode where the inner motor can be made

to run at full reverse speed with full rudder and a little throttle. It is designed for very manoeuvrable models

such as tugs.

Note that NONE of the modes allows the inner motor to reverse at full throttle full rudder which would causeand

a drastic “lurch” in the model’s progress at speed. Selection of the correct mode is down to the user by seeing

what the model does when different throttle and rudder commands are given. If in doubt we suggest starting

with Mode 1, which is the most “gentle” mix.

CONNECTION and TESTING

Connect the plugs on the two fitted leads marked and to the teering and hrottle outputs of your receiver.S T S T

Connect the port and starboard speed controllers to Motor 1 and Motor 2 output pins, ensuring that the leads are

fitted the right way around (See drawing). The third (central) motor speed controller can be connected if you are

using a central motor. This will follow the throttle control and will not be affected by any mixing. The lastonly

connection is the steering servo. IF YOU ARE USING ACTION SPEED CONTROLLERS THEN YOU SHOULD FIT A

SEPARATE BATTERY FOR EACH MOTOR to avoid the possibility of ground loops which could cause loss of motor

control.

* 5-CELL RECHARGEABLE PACK OR A 6V LEAD-ACIDPREVIOUS VERSIONS OF THE P40 COULD NOT BE USED WITH A BATTERY

HOWEVER THE P40E CAN BE USED FROM ANY 4.8V / 6.0V / 6.6V BATTERY

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Summary

P40 E Marine Motor Mixer Overview

Basic Settings and Indicators

Details receiver voltage, case size, power indicator, and adjustment switch for motor mix.

Operation Procedure and Warnings

Outlines correct power-on/off sequence and critical warnings for mixer operation.

Modes of Operation

Mode 1: Fast Models

For fast models, reduces inner motor speed with rudder, no reverse.

Mode 2: Slower Models

Allows inner motor reverse up to 25% speed with rudder.

Mode 3: Increased Reversing

Allows inner motor reverse up to 50% speed with rudder.

Mode 4: Spin-on-the-Spot

Classic mode for spin-on-the-spot maneuverability, full reverse.

Setting Up Your Mixer

Initial Setup Assumptions

Covers transmitter features, stick assignments, spare servos, and prop direction requirements.

Receiver and Servo Connection

Details connecting the mixer to the receiver and steering servo.

ESC and Motor Connection

Details connecting ESCs, motors, BEC handling, and checking prop directions.

Connections and System Diagram

P40 E Connections Overview

Describes how to connect ESCs, steering, and rudder servo to the mixer.

System Wiring Diagram

Illustrates the overall system wiring with ESCs, motors, and receiver.

Testing and Calibration Guide

Testing with Test Servos (Mode 1)

Guide for testing mixer functionality using test servos in Mode 1.

The P40E Marine Motor Mixer is an on-board electronic device designed for models with two or three electronic speed-controlled motors. It offers full proportional control of motors and steering using only two radio channels, though it is compatible with sets of four or more channels. The mixer is designed to be compatible with most electronic speed controllers that feature full forward and reverse power, including those for brushless motors. While it can accommodate Battery Elimination Circuitry (BEC), its use is not recommended. The manufacturer strongly advises using a separate battery pack for each motor to prevent earth loops that could lead to microprocessor resets.

Function Description:

The P40E provides four user-selectable "degrees" of mix, making it suitable for a range of models, from fast launches to highly manoeuvrable workboats like tugs. It includes straight-through output pin connections for a rudder servo and a third, unmixed speed controller for a central motor, eliminating the need for Y-leads.

Important Technical Specifications:

Neutral Setting Up: Autoset (takes 2 seconds)
Receiver Voltage: 4.8V - 6V (Previous versions of P40 could not be used with a 5-cell rechargeable pack or a 6V lead-acid battery; the P40E can be used from any 4.8V / 6.0V / 6.6V battery)
Case Size: 55 mm x 36mm x 20mm
Power ON Indicator: LED
Adjustments: Four different degrees of motor mix via a 2-way PCB switch

Usage Features:

Operation:

Always switch on the transmitter first, then the receiver.
Allow 2.4GHz sets to "bind."
Wait for three to four seconds before moving any transmitter sticks to allow the microprocessor to set itself to the incoming neutral signals.
When closing down, switch off the receiver first, followed by the transmitter.
Crucially, do not plug or unplug any connections to the receiver or mixer while the power is switched on, as this can fatally damage microprocessors.

Modes of Operation (Mix Degrees):

The P40E offers four distinct mixing modes, selected via two small switches (SW1 and SW2) on the PCB:

Mode 1 (SW1=ON; SW2=ON): Designed for fast models like patrol boats and modern lifeboats. In a turn, the inner motor's speed is reduced with increasing rudder command but does not go into reverse, preventing noticeable slowing down during turns.
Mode 2 (SW1=OFF; SW2=ON): Allows the inner motor to go into reverse at full rudder, but restricts this reverse speed to 25%. Suitable for slightly slower models than Mode 4 or those requiring a bit more manoeuvrability.
Mode 3 (SW1=ON; SW2=OFF): Similar to Mode 2, but the inner motor can reverse up to 50% of full speed at full rudder.
Mode 4 (SW1=OFF; SW2=OFF): The classic "spin-on-the-spot" mode, where the inner motor can run at full reverse speed with full rudder and a little throttle. Ideal for highly manoeuvrable models such as tugs.

None of the modes allow the inner motor to reverse at full throttle and full rudder, as this would cause a drastic "lurch" in the model's movement. Users should experiment to find the correct mode for their model; if in doubt, Mode 1 (the "gentle" mix) is recommended as a starting point.

Connection and Testing:

Connect the leads marked 'S' and 'T' to the Steering and Throttle outputs of the receiver.
Connect the port and starboard speed controllers to Motor 1 and Motor 2 output pins, ensuring correct lead orientation.
A third (central) motor speed controller can be connected if desired; it will follow the throttle control only and will not be affected by mixing.
The last connection is the steering servo.
If using ACTION speed controllers, a separate battery for each motor is advised to avoid ground loops that could cause loss of motor control.

Setting Up the Mixer:

The setup process requires following specific instructions in order, as the unit is a small computer with a defined operational regime. Basic assumptions for setup:

The transmitter has servo-reverse facility on both motor and steering channels.
Motor control is on the LH stick, steering on the RH stick.
Two spare servos are available for guidance during setup (though direct connection to ESCs and motors is possible if not).
The model has conventional outward-turning props (Starboard=Clockwise, Port=Anticlockwise). If inward-turning motors are used, set up as drawn, then reverse the two wires between each motor and its speed controller.

Setup Procedure:

Plug the mixer into the receiver; connect the steering servo to the mixer steering output and switch on.
Check that the servo moves correctly for rudder commands. Use the transmitter's reverse switch if needed, then leave this switch alone for the rest of the setup.
Plug a spare servo into each of the mixer's ESC outputs (motors 1 and 2) and switch on.
Allow four seconds for the Autoset function to activate before moving any sticks.
Move the throttle and rudder sticks and check that the servo discs move as shown in the diagram. Adjust the servo reverse switch on the throttle channel if necessary.
Try the commands in the last four rows of the diagram. Adjust servo positions (e.g., swap port and starboard) to effect necessary changes. Note the reverse switch positions for future reference.
Disconnect the servos and install the mixer in the model.
Connect Port and Starboard speed controllers to the corresponding mixer output pins (Motors 1 and 2).
Connect motors to speed controllers and speed controllers to main drive batteries.
If using BEC-equipped speed controllers, disable BEC in all but one (or all, if using a separate battery for the receiver) by removing the Red wire from the black plug that fits into the mixer.
Switch on the radio. Move transmitter sticks and check that the props turn in the correct direction. If a motor runs the wrong way, reverse its connection to the speed controller (for brushless motors, swap any two of the three wires). Do not reverse battery connections to speed controllers.
Adjust neutral and peak settings of speed controllers as per their manuals. ACTION Condor ESCs have full Autoset and will automatically handle further setup.
Always wait four seconds after switching on before moving transmitter sticks.

Maintenance Features:

Recovery Service:

A recovery or repairs service is available to ensure users are not left with a dead unit. The service charge for this kit is £18.00, including parts and return shipping cost within the UK. All returns must include full credit card details (Name & Address of cardholder, Card Number, Expiry date, and 3-digit Card Security Number).

Warranty:

ACTION R/C Electronics guarantees all products to be free from manufacturing defects for 12 months from the date of purchase. This warranty does not cover suitability for specific applications; components worn or damaged by use, tampering, incorrect connection, alteration to original components, damage to batteries or other equipment through use, misuse, or shipping damage. If goods are found faulty, the customer should return them in their original condition with instructions and packaging. Liability is limited to repairing or replacing goods to their original specification, not exceeding the cost of the goods. By using the product, the user accepts all liability. For fixed repair charges, repairs will be undertaken if judged economically viable. Otherwise, the customer will be offered a credit towards a new unit or a refund of the repair charge (less return carriage). The company reserves the right to modify this guarantee without notice.