GRAUPNER HoTT - User Manual

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GETTING STARTED

Thank you for purchasing the Graupner HoTT 2.4 System Please read through this entire manual before

you attempt the installation and usage of your Graupner HoTT 2.4 System!

These operating instructions are part of this product. They contains important notes to the operation and

handling. Please take this into consideration when you pass on the product to third parties. Neglect of

the operating instructions and the safety instructions lead to expiring the warranty.

Graupner constantly work on the advancement of all remote control systems; changes of the scope of deli-

very in form, technology and equipment we must reserve ourselves therefore. Please have understanding

for the fact that from data and illustrations of this operating instructions no requirements can be derived.

Please keep these instructions for further reference!

1. GENERAL NOTE

When switching on or adjusting the radio control system it is essential to keep the transmitter aerial at

least 15 cm away from the receiver aerials at all times. If the transmitter aerial is too close to the receiver

aerials, the receiver will be overloaded, causing the red LED on the receiver to light up. The transmitter

responds by emitting a beep once every second; the red LED also goes out. The radio control system

is now in Fail-Safe mode.

If this should occur, simply increase the distance between the aerials until the audible warning signal

ceases, and the red LED on the transmitter lights up again; at the same time the red LED on the receiver

should go out.

2. FUNCTIONS

2.1. Binding

When you wish to use the Graupner HoTT 2.4 GHz receiver with a particular transmitter, the ﬁ rst step

must always be to “bind” the unit to “its” Graupner HoTT 2.4 GHz RF module (transmitter). This “binding”

procedure only needs to be carried out once for each combination of receiver and RF module. The units

supplied in the set are already bound to each other at the factory, i.e. the binding procedure described in

the following section only needs to be carried out when you wish to use an additional receiver. However,

it can also be repeated at any time if required, e.g. after changing transmitters. When binding is required,

this is the procedure:

• Switch the transmitter and receiver on.

• Locate the BIND / RANGE button on the back of the transmitter, and hold it pressed in while you

press and hold the SET button on the receiver. Both LEDs on the back of the transmitter now glow

constantly, and the red LED on the receiver ﬂ ashes.

• Under normal circumstances the ﬂ ashing red LED on the receiver will cease to ﬂ ash and switch to

a constant green within about ten seconds. This indicates that the binding process is complete. You

can now release both buttons, and your transmitter / receiver combination is ready for use.

• However, if the red LED on the receiver continues to ﬂ ash for longer than ten seconds, then the

binding process has failed. If this should occur, repeat the whole procedure.

2.1.1.Binding“ multiple receivers in one model

If required, it is also possible to bind multiple receivers to the transmitter for a particular model. The ﬁ rst

step is to bind each receiver individually using the procedure already described.

When the system is in use, the receiver which was bound last is the Master receiver. Any telemetry sen-

sors installed in the model must be connected to this unit, as only the Master receiver transmits sensor

data using the downlink channel. The second and all further receivers operate in parallel with the Master

receiver but in Slave mode, with the downlink channel switched off.

The control functions can also be distributed amongst multiple receivers; this is carried out using the

Channel Mapping function of the SMART-BOX (Order No. 33700). In the same way it is possible to as-

sign one control function to multiple receiver outputs; a typical example would be the use of two servos

for each aileron instead of only one, etc.

Getting Started Graupner HoTT 2.4 01

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Summary

Functions and Operations

Receiver Binding

Procedure to bind a Graupner HoTT 2.4 GHz receiver to a transmitter, including multi-receiver setup.

Range Checking

Method for checking the effective radio range of the system, essential before flight.

Fail-Safe Function

Default 'Hold' mode and programming throttle response for fail-safe situations to prevent loss of control.

Range Warning System

Understanding the audible warning for weak signal and its implications with low voltage or temperature.

Firmware Update and SMART-BOX

Connecting the SMART-BOX for firmware updates and system configuration.

Receiver Setup and Warnings

Receiver Connections and Power

Connecting servos and power supply to the receiver, noting socket polarity and specific model requirements.

System Voltage and Temperature Alerts

System warnings for low receiver voltage (below 3.8V) and extreme temperatures (-10°C/+70°C).

Receiver Firmware Updates

Procedure for updating receiver firmware using a PC, USB interface, and adapter lead.

Firmware Update Process

Transmitter and Receiver Update

Steps to update firmware for transmitter RF module and receiver using PC utility.

Update and Initialisation Steps

Using the upgrade studio, download process, and crucial post-update receiver initialisation.

Compliance and Environmental Info

Declaration of Conformity

Manufacturer's declaration of compliance with radio and telecommunications equipment regulations.

FCC Rules and Disposal

FCC compliance, warnings, RF exposure, and proper disposal of electronic equipment.

Product Accessories

Receivers and GPS Module

List of available receivers (GR-12S to GR-24) and the GPS/Vario module with order numbers.

Air-Module and Sensors

Details on General Air-Module, sensors (Temp, RPM), and SMART BOX with order numbers.

Summary

Functions and Operations

Receiver Binding

Procedure to bind a Graupner HoTT 2.4 GHz receiver to a transmitter, including multi-receiver setup.

Range Checking

Method for checking the effective radio range of the system, essential before flight.

Fail-Safe Function

Default 'Hold' mode and programming throttle response for fail-safe situations to prevent loss of control.

Range Warning System

Understanding the audible warning for weak signal and its implications with low voltage or temperature.

Firmware Update and SMART-BOX

Connecting the SMART-BOX for firmware updates and system configuration.

Receiver Setup and Warnings

Receiver Connections and Power

Connecting servos and power supply to the receiver, noting socket polarity and specific model requirements.

System Voltage and Temperature Alerts

System warnings for low receiver voltage (below 3.8V) and extreme temperatures (-10°C/+70°C).

Receiver Firmware Updates

Procedure for updating receiver firmware using a PC, USB interface, and adapter lead.

Firmware Update Process

Transmitter and Receiver Update

Steps to update firmware for transmitter RF module and receiver using PC utility.

Update and Initialisation Steps

Using the upgrade studio, download process, and crucial post-update receiver initialisation.

Compliance and Environmental Info

Declaration of Conformity

Manufacturer's declaration of compliance with radio and telecommunications equipment regulations.

FCC Rules and Disposal

FCC compliance, warnings, RF exposure, and proper disposal of electronic equipment.

Product Accessories

Receivers and GPS Module

List of available receivers (GR-12S to GR-24) and the GPS/Vario module with order numbers.

Air-Module and Sensors

Details on General Air-Module, sensors (Temp, RPM), and SMART BOX with order numbers.

This document describes the Graupner HoTT 2.4 GHz radio control system, covering its functions, usage, and maintenance features. The system is designed for remote control models, offering reliable communication and various programmable options for enhanced safety and control.

Function Description

The Graupner HoTT 2.4 GHz system operates as a remote control unit for models, comprising a transmitter and one or more receivers. Its primary function is to transmit control commands from the user to the model's servos and other electronic components. A key feature is its "binding" process, which establishes a secure link between a specific transmitter and receiver(s). This binding only needs to be performed once for each transmitter/receiver combination, ensuring that the system operates exclusively with its designated components. The system also supports binding multiple receivers to a single transmitter for a particular model, allowing for distributed control functions and enhanced redundancy. In such a setup, one receiver acts as the "Master" for telemetry data transmission, while others operate in "Slave" mode.

Telemetry is a significant aspect of the HoTT system, providing real-time feedback from the model to the transmitter. This includes warnings for low receiver voltage and temperature, ensuring the user is aware of critical operational parameters. The system generates audible alarms for these conditions, prompting the user to take corrective action, such as landing the model.

A crucial safety feature is the "Fail-Safe" function. In the event of signal loss or interference, the receiver can be programmed to adopt predefined servo positions or maintain the last valid positions ("Hold" mode). This is particularly important for throttle channels, which can be set to "idle" for engine-powered models, "stop" for electric models, or "Hold" for helicopters, preventing uncontrolled flight and potential damage or injury.

The system also incorporates a "Range Check" mode, which allows users to verify the effective radio range before each flight. This mode reduces the transmitter's output power, enabling a practical assessment of the control link's reliability over a safe distance.

For advanced configuration and updates, the system supports connection to a SMART-BOX (Order No. 33700) and a PC. This allows for detailed channel mapping, firmware updates, and customization of various settings, including fail-safe parameters and telemetry thresholds.

Usage Features

Operating the Graupner HoTT 2.4 GHz system involves several user-friendly features designed for ease of use and safety.

Binding Procedure: To bind a receiver to a transmitter, both units are switched on. The BIND / RANGE button on the transmitter and the SET button on the receiver are pressed and held simultaneously. The LEDs on both units provide visual feedback: constant glow on the transmitter LEDs and a flashing red LED on the receiver indicate the binding process is active. A constant green LED on the receiver signifies successful binding, typically within ten seconds. If the red LED continues to flash, the binding has failed and needs to be repeated. For multiple receivers, each is bound individually, with the last bound receiver becoming the Master.

Fail-Safe Programming: The Fail-Safe function can be programmed using the BIND / RANGE button on the transmitter. By holding this button while switching on the transmitter, users can cycle through different Fail-Safe modes:

Fail-Safe mode: Allows programming specific servo positions for a fail-safe event. Users move control sticks to desired positions and hold the BIND / RANGE button for 3-4 seconds to save.
Hold mode: (Recommended for helicopters) Servos maintain their last valid positions upon interference. This is the factory default.
Fail-Safe OFF: No specific fail-safe action is taken; servos remain in their last position.
Standard mode: (For fixed-wing aircraft) The throttle servo moves to a programmed fail-safe position, while other channels hold their last positions.

Visual and audible cues (beeps and LED changes) guide the user through the programming process. It's important to note that programming Fail-Safe via the button resets SMART-BOX settings and the Country setting to Universal, requiring re-selection if necessary.

Range Checking: Before each flight, a range check is recommended. The bound receiver is installed in the model, and both transmitter and receiver are switched on. The transmitter's BIND / RANGE button is pressed and held to activate range-check mode, indicated by alternating flashing red and green LEDs and a regular beep. The user then walks away from the model, constantly operating the transmitter sticks, to identify any interruptions in the control link. The ground range should be at least fifty meters for safe operation. The mode terminates automatically after ninety seconds or manually by pressing the BIND / RANGE button again.

Telemetry Warnings: The system provides audible warnings for critical conditions. A steady beep every second indicates low receiver voltage (below 3.8 V) or extreme receiver temperature (below -10°C or above +70°C). These thresholds can be customized via the TELEMETRY menu on the transmitter or using the SMART-BOX. A range warning, also an audible beep, signals a weak receiver signal in the downlink channel, prompting the user to fly the model closer.

Connections: Servos are plugged into numbered sockets on the receiver, observing polarity (brown wire for negative, red for positive, orange for signal). The "- +/B" socket is for the battery, and a Y-lead can be used to connect a servo in parallel. For high-power servos, power supplies should be connected to the vertical ports of the receiver. The "T" socket on the left-hand end is for optional telemetry sensors and firmware updates.

Maintenance Features

The Graupner HoTT 2.4 GHz system includes features for maintenance, primarily focused on firmware updates and initialisation.

Firmware Updates: Firmware updates for both the transmitter RF module and the receiver can be performed via a PC running Windows XP, Vista, or 7. This requires a USB interface (Order No. 7168.6) and an adapter lead (Order No. 7168.6A or 7168.6S). The necessary programs and files are available from the Graupner website. The update process involves connecting the device to the PC, starting the "Firmware Upgrade Graupner Studio" software, selecting the correct COM port, and browsing for the firmware file (ending in *.bin). The software guides the user through the process, displaying progress and status messages. During the update, both red and green LEDs on the receiver glow constantly; upon completion, the red LED flashes, and the green LED goes out.

Initialisation (Factory Reset): After a firmware update, or if settings need to be reset, the device must be initialised. This is done by pressing and holding the SET button on the receiver while switching it on. The red and green LEDs will blink, then after about three seconds, the green LED will go out, leaving only the red LED flashing. Releasing the SET button completes the initialisation. It is crucial to note that initialisation erases ALL user-entered settings, including those programmed via the SMART-BOX, requiring them to be re-entered.

Environmental Protection: The manual emphasizes responsible disposal of the product at the end of its useful life. It should not be discarded with ordinary domestic waste but taken to a local collection point for recycling electrical and electronic equipment. Batteries should also be removed and disposed of separately. For R/C models, electronic parts like servos, receivers, and speed controllers must be removed and disposed of at corresponding collection points for electrical scrap.

General Care: The manual advises against forcing plugs into sockets, as the connector system is polarised. It also stresses the importance of keeping the transmitter aerial at least 15 cm away from receiver aerials during switch-on or adjustment to prevent receiver overload. If overload occurs, indicated by a red LED on the receiver and a transmitter beep, increasing the distance between aerials will resolve the issue.

These features collectively ensure the Graupner HoTT 2.4 GHz system is not only functional and safe but also maintainable and adaptable to evolving user needs and technological advancements.