TBS MAMBO TBS TRACER - User Manual

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Overview

Function Description
Important Technical Specifications
Usage Features
Maintenance Features

The TBS MAMBO Radio is a compact, all-in-one remote control radio designed for drone and RC aircraft enthusiasts. It integrates the TBS TRACER system, known for its low latency and robust performance, and is compatible with existing TBS CROSSFIRE modules via a JR bay. The radio runs on TBS FreedomTX, a temporary OpenTX fork, offering a blend of advanced capabilities and user-friendliness.

Function Description

The TBS MAMBO serves as a primary control interface for various RC models. Its core function is to transmit control signals to a receiver, enabling precise manipulation of the aircraft. The integrated TBS TRACER Micro TX provides a low-latency radio link, ensuring responsive control. The radio also supports external modules through its JR bay, expanding its compatibility with other long-range systems like TBS CROSSFIRE. It features a comprehensive configuration menu system, allowing users to customize stick modes, channel mixing, end-points, and various other settings to suit different aircraft types and personal preferences. The device also includes features for model management, firmware updates, and telemetry monitoring.

Important Technical Specifications

Type: All-in-one (AIO) integrated radio
RC System: Built-in TBS TRACER Micro TX
Output Power: 25mW to 1W (location-specific restrictions apply)
Frequency Bands: 2.4GHz band
Antenna: Embedded antenna, with an optional external SMA port
Holding Style: Pinch, thumb, and hybrid friendly
Default Stick Mode: Mode 2 (throttle and yaw left), user-changeable
Display: 3.5" LCD-Panel, 128 x 96 pixels
Battery: 2x 18650 Lithium-ion battery (not included), USB-C charging (1A at 5V)
Runtime: Approximately 6 hours
Channels: 8- or 12-channels (TRACER), more to be unlocked via software update (free)
Operating Range: Variable, depending on output power and radio environment
Gimbals: Full-size Digital Hall Gimbals (TANGO 2 Gimbals, upgradeable to PRO/folding)
Controls: 2x Quad full-size hall gimbals, 2x Two-position switches, 2x Three-position switches, 1x 2-position switch, 1x momentary button, 3x Configuration buttons, 1x Rocker switch, 1x Power-on button
Ports: 3.5mm headphone audio-jack for OpenTX voice support, USB-C for software updates, simulator, and charging, Internal CROSSFIRE/TRACER RX port for a wireless trainer (not yet usable)
Neck-strap Mounting: Integrated
Speaker: 1W, for OpenTX voice support
Simulator Compatibility: Yes, over USB-C
Working Temperature: 0-40°C
Size: W 185 x L160 x H60mm (without Gimbals)
Weight: 565g (excluding batteries)
Kit Contents: 1x TBS MAMBO Radio Controller, 1x SD-card pre-setup, 1x Set of softer gimbal springs

Usage Features

The TBS MAMBO is designed for ease of use and extensive customization.

Getting Ready: The radio is largely plug-and-play with TBS equipment. Powering up involves holding the power button for three seconds.
USB Joystick Mode: Connect via USB-C to activate joystick mode for use with most common simulators.
SD Card Content: The radio uses an SD card for sound files and scripts (max 32GB, FAT32 format). Content can be updated from the TBS website.
Configuration Controls: Navigation through menus is done using left-side buttons (Menu, Page, Exit, Enter) and a right-side selector wheel (Rocker).
- Menu: Quick-press for model setup, long-press for radio configuration.
- Page: Quick-press for different configuration views, long-press for telemetry or previous page.
- Exit: Go backward or exit menus.
- Enter: Single-press for menu item, long-press for model select menu.
- Rocker: Scroll through menu items or settings.
Changing Stick Mode: The default is Mode 2 (throttle left). Users can change the mode in the radio setup menu and physically swap stick gimbals if needed.
Channel Mixing and End-points: Supports channel mixing for flying wings. For other aircraft, it's recommended to set these on the flight controller side.
Radio Configuration Menu: Accessed by long-pressing the MENU button. This menu includes:
- Tools: Access LUA tools scripts (BetaFlight, Kiss Lua).
- Memory Card: Browse SD card contents.
- Radio Setup: Configure date, time, battery range, sound settings (volume, beep length, pitch), variometer, and haptic feedback.
- Alarms: Set audible alarms for low battery, inactivity, memory low, sound off, RSSI shutdown, and backlight.
- Splash Screen & Delays: Configure splash screen duration, power on/off delays.
- Time Zone & GPS: Set UTC offset, adjust real-time clock by GPS, GPS format for telemetry.
- Voice Language & Units: Select audible package for alerts and units for telemetry.
- RX Channel Order & Mode: Determine channel order for primary controls and stick modes.
- Invert Rotary: Invert rotary control for menu selection.
Global Functions: Assign switches to trigger special functions like soundtrack playback or speech output.
Hardware Settings: Calibrate sticks, set switch types, calibrate battery, check RTC battery voltage.
Version Information: View firmware build and version.
Calibration: Re-perform gimbal stick calibration.
Model Selection/Configuration Menu: Accessed by quick-pressing the MENU button.
- General Overview: View model metrics, reset flight data, timers, and telemetry.
- Model Select: Create, select, or delete models.
- Manage Models: Organize models into categories.
- Create Models: A wizard guides users through setting up new models (plane, delta, multi).
OpenTX Configuration Menu: Detailed settings for OpenTX features.
- OpenTX Setup: Configure model name, timers, extended limits, extended trims, show trims, trim step, T-reverse, T-source, T-trim, preflight checks (checklist, T-warning, S-warning), center beep, external RF settings, global functions, and model match.
- Flight Modes: Create flight presets with selectable activation switches, trim arrays, and slow transitions.
- Inputs: Set input formatting rules for each stick axis (Rud/Ele/Thr/Ail).
- Mixer: Map control actions to servos (CH1-CH32).
- Outputs: Adapt each channel to mechanical characteristics of the model.
- Curves: Use custom curves in input formatting or mixers.
- Logical Switches: Compare values and combine conditions for logical switches.
- Special Functions: Trigger special functions (1-64).
- Custom Scripts: Select and configure Lua scripts (LUA1-LUA7).
- Telemetry: Monitor RSSI (Receiver Received Signal Strength Indicator), set alarms, and view sensor data.
- Display: Configure telemetry view screens (Screen 1-4).
External Module Usage: Open the back cover to install JR-style modules (e.g., TBS CROSSFIRE). Enable the external module in model settings and select the correct protocol.
Neck-strap: Integrated metal hook for a neck strap.
Bind: Connect to a TRACER receiver via Agent Lite.
Model ID: Bind a receiver to a specific model ID (0-99).
Set Failsafe: Configure TRACER failsafe settings via Agent Lite.
Set up Switch Warning: Monitor switch positions and set warnings.
Instant Trim: Hold sticks in a leveled flight position and press a button to set trim values.

Maintenance Features

Installing the Battery: Open the battery compartment on the back to insert two 18650 Lithium-ion batteries, ensuring correct polarity.
Battery Protection: The radio includes battery protection based on nominal voltage, with alerts for different battery levels (fully charged, level 3, level 2, level 1, critical level, shutdown voltage). The radio can be charged during flight using a power bank.
Alert Prompts: The remote raises alerts for low battery, low RSSI telemetry data, telemetry lost, expired timers, and inactivity. Additional alerts can be programmed via the OpenTX "Special Function" menu.
Inside the Radio (Opening for Adjustments): To change stick mode, travel range, throttle ratchet, or gimbals, remove four M2.5 hex screws from the back housing. Warranty remains intact.
Adjusting Throttle Ratchet Strength: Adjust a screw on the metal bracket to change throttle tension from smooth to ratchet/clicking.
Adjusting Stick Tension: Adjust tension screws to change the stiffness of the gimbal springs.
Adjusting Stick Range: Adjust screws to limit the range of motion for elevator and throttle. Recalibration is required after adjustment.
Upgrading / Changing Gimbals: Remove four nuts holding the switches, then remove sixteen screws holding the mainboard. Disconnect speaker, display, and backlight cables. Gimbals can be pulled out and new ones inserted. Gently tighten switch nuts. Recalibration is required.
Changing Gimbal Springs: Remove gimbals, unscrew spring tension holders, unhook old springs, and attach new ones.
Installing External Antenna: Remove the mainboard to expose the PCB. Plug a U.fl connector onto the PCB and secure it. Cut a 7mm hole for the SMA connector, feed the antenna wire, and tighten the nut. Activate the external antenna in Agent Lite/MAMBO TRACER/General/TX Antenna settings.
Firmware Upgrade: Download TBS Agent X (version 2.0.33 or later) from team-blacksheep.com. Connect the MAMBO via USB-C, select USB Agent (HID), and use Agent X to update FreedomTX and the built-in TRACER firmware.
Backing up SD-card Content: Copy /Models, /Radio, /Crossfire, and /Logs folders from the SD card to a PC before updates.
WiFi Module Initiation and Connection: Download and unpack WiFi module firmware files. Connect the TRACER TX, power it up, and connect a PC/phone to the "TBS_TRACER_AP_xxxxxx" WiFi network. Open a browser to 192.168.4.1, select the firmware file, and update. Then, connect to an external WiFi hotspot via the Web-UI or Agent X menu.
Bootloader Mode: To enter bootloader mode, turn off the device, unplug USB, hold the PAGE button (for FreedomTX) or MENU button (for TRACER), and plug in the USB until AgentX detects the MAMBO.

TBS MAMBO TBS TRACER Specifications

General

Brand	TBS MAMBO
Model	TBS TRACER
Category	Radio
Language	English