FUTABA PCM1024 - User Manual

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Summary

Before Use

Loading the Transmitter Battery

Instructions for inserting batteries into the transmitter holder and loading it.

Receiver and Servo Precautions

Important precautions for using receivers and servos to prevent damage or malfunction.

Receiver Antenna Routing

Guidelines for optimal receiver antenna placement to ensure maximum range and prevent interference.

Basic Settings

Transmitter Normal Settings

Standard settings for the transmitter, including trims, adjustments, and switches.

FET Amp Adjustment

Detailed steps for adjusting the FET amplifier, including neutral, high point, and power curve.

Fail Safe Functions

Fail Safe (F;S) Function

Setting up the fail-safe function to prevent runaway when interference occurs.

Battery Fail Safe (B. F;S) Function

Setting up the battery fail-safe to prevent runaway due to receiver battery voltage drop.

The Futaba FP-3PB is a digital proportional radio control system designed for experts, offering high-resolution and fast-response 3-channel control. It is suitable for both land (motor cars, engine cars) and water (motor boats, engine boats) use. The system features a PCM 1024 system, ensuring precise and quick reactions.

Key Features and Specifications:

Transmitter (FP-T3PB):

Control System: Pistol grip, 3-channel.
Transmitting Frequency: Available in 27, 29, 40, 72, or 75 MHz bands.
Modulation: FM-PCM/PPM switching, allowing flexibility with different receiver types.
Power Requirement: Operates on 7 penlight batteries (10.5V) or a 9.6V NiCd battery pack.
Current Drain: 200mA.
Data Retention: Set data is not lost even when the battery is changed.
Trim Operation: One-touch trim with positive operation indicated by a beep sound.
RF Module: Removable for band changes.
Crystal: Requires a matched transmitter and receiver crystal pair for frequency changes.
Mixing Functions: Full mixing capabilities are available.
Grip Adapter: Can be fitted for preferred handling.
Hook Band: Provides stable grip and easier operation.

Receiver (FP-R113iP):

Type: Miniature, lightweight 3-channel PCM receiver.
Receiving Frequency: Matches transmitter bands (27, 29, 40, 72, or 75 MHz).
Intermediate Frequency: 455kHz.
Power Requirement: 4.8V or 6V.
Current Drain: 16mA (idle).
Dimensions: 42.7 × 28.7 × 16.0mm (1.68 × 1.13 × 0.63in).
Weight: 21g (0.74oz).
Receiving Range: 300m on the ground (varies with conditions).
Antenna Length: 50cm (19.5 inches).
Crystal: Replaceable from the outside of the receiver case. Always use a Futaba transmitter and receiver crystal pair.

Servos:

The system supports a range of high-starting-torque servos, including:

FP-S3301: Output torque 8.0 kg.cm (111 oz-in), Operating speed 0.19S/60°, Dimensions 59.2 × 28.8 × 49.8 mm (2.33 × 1.13 × 1.46 in), Weight 94g (3.32 oz).
FP-S9301: Output torque 5.0 kg.cm (69.4 oz-in), Operating speed 0.22S/60°, Dimensions 40.5 × 20 × 35.5 mm (1.59 × 0.79 × 1.40 in), Weight 50g (1.76 oz).
FP-S9401: Output torque 3.2 kg.cm (44.4 oz-in), Operating speed 0.16S/60°, Dimensions 40.5 × 20 × 35.5 mm (1.59 × 0.79 × 1.40 in), Weight 50g (1.76 oz).
FP-S9601: Output torque 2.4 kg.cm (33.3 oz-in), Operating speed 0.15S/60°, Dimensions 31 × 16 × 30.2 mm (1.22 × 0.63 × 1.19 in), Weight 31g (1.09 oz).
FP-S132H: Output torque 1.8 kg.cm (25.0 oz-in), Operating speed 0.13S/60°, Dimensions 37 × 18 × 30.5 mm (1.46 × 0.71 × 1.20 in), Weight 32g (1.13 oz).
Control System: + pulse width control 1520µs neutral.
Operating Angle: One side 45° or more (including trim).
Power Requirement: 4.8V or 6V, shared with receiver.
Current Drain: 12mA at 6V (idle).

FET Amp (FP-MC116):

Type: EFT amp for experts (motor car set only).
Operating System: Forward only, with electronic brake.
Power Requirement: 6-cell 1200 or 7-cell 1200 NiCd battery pack.
Regulator Output: 6V/2A (max).
Continuous Current (8 mins rating): 35A.
FET Ratings: Continuous max current 210A, Instantaneous max current 1260A.
Loss Resistance: 0.0035Ω (FET rating).
Dimensions: 38.5 × 40.3 × 15.5 mm (1.52 × 1.59 × 0.61 in) (excluding cords).
Weight: 42g (1.48 oz).

Usage Features:

Transmitter Battery Loading: Insert 7 penlight batteries into the holder, paying attention to polarity. For NiCd packs (NT-8LP), use the Futaba charger for 15 hours.
RF Module and Crystal Change: Modules and crystals can be changed to switch frequency bands. Always use a matched transmitter and receiver crystal pair.
Receiver and Servo Connections: Detailed diagrams are provided for connecting receivers and servos, both with and without an FET amp. Special attention is given to 4WS (4 Wheel Steering) and twin servo setups.
Servo Precautions: Ensure pushrods move freely, adjust servo horns for smooth movement, and solder noise-killing capacitors to the motor. Do not cut or fold the receiver antenna.
Receiver Antenna Routing: Emphasizes not cutting the antenna wire, storing excess wire with an antenna shortener, and keeping the wire away from battery and speed control wiring to prevent interference.
Basic Settings: Includes instructions for throttle and steering one-touch trim, wheel angle adjuster, ATL knob, AUX knob, sub trim, exponential (EXP), adjustable travel volume (ATV), and reversing switches for CH1, CH2, and CH3.
FET Amp Adjustment: Step-by-step guide for neutral adjustment, high point adjustment, and power curve adjustment. Crucially, these adjustments should not be made with the motor connected.
Functions for Linkage Adjustment: Covers steering sub trim, steering EXP, steering ATV, reversing switches, wheel tension adjuster, throttle sub trim, throttle EXP, throttle ATV, and throttle neutral adjuster.
Mixing Functions: Details brake mixing (for brake servo and needle control servo) and twin servo mixing (for steering control).
Functions for Running: Includes steering one-touch trim, steering dual rate, wheel angle adjuster, throttle one-touch trim, adjustable throttle limitter, 4WS mixing, and boat mixing.
Fail Safe Functions (F/S and B.F/S): Prevents runaway in case of interference or low battery voltage. F/S holds the last received state or moves the throttle servo to a preset position. B.F/S moves the throttle servo to a preset position when battery voltage drops.
PCM/PPM Switching: Allows use of optional Futaba FM receivers in PPM mode, though F/S and B.F/S functions are not available in this mode.
DSC (Direct Servo Control) Function: Enables vehicle adjustment without turning on the transmitter, useful during races or when sharing a band. Requires the transmitter power switch to be off.

Maintenance Features:

Battery Alarm: The transmitter features a battery alarm (blinking lamp and buzzer) to indicate low battery voltage, prompting a change.
RF Output Display: A level meter indicates RF output. If the pointer doesn't deflect, check the RF module connection.
DSC Display: Lights up during DSC operation.
Fail Safe Data Transmission Display: Blinks off momentarily every 60 seconds when F/S data is transmitted.
Servo Horn Mounting: A table provides appropriate screw dimensions for various servo types to prevent damage to the final gear or potentiometer.
Water Protection: For use in wet conditions, the receiver should be placed in a plastic bag and sealed to prevent condensation and damage.
Motor Noise Reduction: Always solder noise-killing capacitors to the running motor to prevent shortened receiving range or dead points.
FET Amp Installation: Ensure the FET fins do not touch conductive materials like aluminum or carbon chassis to prevent damage.