SYSTEM INSTRUCTION MANUAL

FM/QPCM
Acro / Glider
Heli
Three in One
 Table of Contents

Introduction to the Optic System 3 Airplane Model Function Descriptions 27

About this manual 3 EPA - End Point Adjust 27
Optic System Options: 3 D/R - Dual Rates 27
Flying Safety 4 EXP - Exponential 28
Airplane Frequencies 5 STRM - Subtrim Settings 28
Radio Installation Notes 5 REV - Servo Reversing 29
Notes on Servos 5 T.CUT - Throttle Cut (Engine Kill) Function 29
Mounting 5 STCK - Throttle Location 29
Servo Throw 5 FLPT - Flap Travel Function 30
Switch Harness Installation 5 FLPN - Flaperon Mixing 30
Receiver Notes 5 ADIF - Aileron Differential 31
Antenna 5 CAMB - Camber Control 32
Connectors 6 LAND - Landing Function 33
Using The Aileron Extension 6 ELVN - Elevon Mixing 34
Vibration and Waterproofing 6 VTAL - V-Tail Mixing 35
Charging the Optic Ni-Cd Batteries 6 A->R - Aileron Rudder Mixing 36
Operating With A Trainer Cord 6 E->F - Elevator Flap Mixing 36
Other Adjustments 7 CROW - Crow Mixing (Airbrakes) 37
Adjustable length control sticks 7 PMX1, PMX2 - Programmable Mixes 1 and 2 38
Stick lever tension adjustment 7 S/W SEL - Switch Selection For Auxiliary Functions 39
Changing the Optic transmitter's mode 7 AILV - Ailevator Function 39
Factory Repair Service 8 FAIL - Failsafe Function 41
Optic Controls and Switch Assignments 8 Aircraft Flight Trimming Chart 41
Transmitter Input Buttons 9 Optic Helicopter (HELI) Programming 44
Receiver - Servo Connection List 9 Optic Helicopter Controls and Switch Assignments 45
Transmitter Displays & Messages 9 Helicopter Setup Instructions 46
Warning Displays 11 Menu Descriptions - Helicopter 49
Model Setup Functions 11 Helicopter Flight Conditions 49
M.SEL - Model Select 11 R->T - Rudder Throttle Mixing 50
COPY - Copy Model 11 GYRO - Gyro settings 51
ACGL, HELI - Model Type Select 12 HOLD - Throttle Hold 51
Swashplate Type Selection 12 THCV - Throttle Curve 52
Model Name 13 PTCV - Pitch Curve 53
Transmit Shift - SFT.N, SFT.P 13 S/W SEL - Switch Selection For Auxiliary Functions 53
Modulation - PPM, QPCM 14 RVMX - Revolution mixing 54
TIME -Timer Function Setup 14 SWAH - Swashplate adjust (120° swash only) 54
REST - Data Reset 15 Hovering Throttle Adjustment Lever (Pilot Control) 55
AIRCRAFT & GLIDER (ACGL) MENU FUNCTIONS 15 Hovering Pitch Adjustment Lever (Pilot Control) 55
Simple Transmitter Setup - Helicopter Flight Trimming Chart 56
Aerobatic Airplane (ACGL Menu) 16 Adjusting Hovering Pitch and Hovering Throttle 56
Simple Transmitter Setup - Electric Airplane, GLOSSARY 57
5-Channel Receiver (ACGL Menu) 22 ACGL Model Data Recording Sheet 58
Optic Aircraft Controls and Switch Assignments 26 HELI Model Data Recording Sheet 59

Table of Contents - Page 2

 Introduction to the Optic System
Congratulations! You now own a Hitec R Optic, an extremely About this manual
versatile radio control system that may be effectively used by This manual has been carefully written from scratch to
both beginning and master pilots. The transmitter may be be as helpful to you, the new owner, as possible - it is
programmed for aircraft/gliders or helicopters, all with special not just a translation! There are many pages of setup
mixing functions, so it can accommodate many model procedures, examples, explanations, and trimming
configurations. You can store programming for eight different instructions. In order for you to make the best use of
models in this powerful system! The transmitter will remember your system and to fly safely, please read this manual
all of your settings for each of your different models forever - carefully. If you don't have time to read it thoroughly, at
no backup battery is ever needed. With programmable shift, it least spend some time browsing through it so that you
can be used with all PPM/FM receiver models, even those can see all the features this fine system has to offer and
from other brands! The system pushbuttons allow rapid data remember them for future use.
input into the easy-to-read LCD display. With its electronic
Optic System Options:
digital trims, you'll never lose your trim positions again, 1. Standard Version, Item #158721. Includes four
because they stay at the same place you left them for every HS-325HB ball bearing servos, 8 channel Supreme
model stored in memory! You can select the on-off switches receiver, 600 mAH airborne battery, standard switch
for many functions, and you can even assign the throttle to an harness, and overnight wall charger.
on-off switch, great for electrics! Standard programming 2. Airplane Spectra Version, Item # 158722. Includes
features include servo reversing for all channels, subtrims, end Transmitter and Spectra frequency synthesizer
point adjust on all channels, dual rates (with choice of switch), module and overnight wall charger.
and exponential. Pre-programmed functions and programmable 3. QPCM Version, Item # 158724. Includes four
mixers allow you to use the system for any type of model you HS-325HB ball-bearing servos, 7-channel QPCM
can imagine. For those learning to fly, the transmitter has receiver, 600 mAH receiver battery, switch harness,
"buddy-box" capability, so that you may connect a second and overnight wall charger.
Hitec transmitter with an optional trainer cord part #58310 for These versions come with the following accessories:
training by an instructor pilot. - 12" (30 cm) servo extension cord
- Frequency number flag
- Hardware and mounting package for all the servos
There are two aircraft menu's to choose from:
- Flight preserver" closed-cell foam wrap to protect
Aircraft/Glider preprogrammed mixing features include the receiver from shock and vibration.
flaperon (dual aileron servos), flap trim, camber control, - Warranty card
landing mixing, aileron differential, ailevator (dual elevator - Manual

servos), V-tail, elevon (for flying-wing models), landing settings, 4. Spectra QPCM Transmitter Version, Item # 158725.
Optic transmitter with Spectra Synthesizer Module,
throttle-cut, throttle control select, aileron rudder mixing,
7-channel QPCM receiver and overnight wall charger.
elevator flap mixing, and crow mixing. Two programmable
mixers are also provided for making your own custom functions. This product is to be used for sport and recreational
The second aileron may be set to plug into channel 5, so you flying of radio-control models only. Hitec is not
can use the system with ultralight five-channel receivers responsible for the results of use of this product by the
without any problems! customer or for any alteration of this product, including
modification or incorporation into other devices by third
Helicopter features include five-point pitch and throttle curves, parties. Modification will void any warranty and is done
high and low revolution mixing, throttle cut, throttle hold, gyro at owner's risk.If you have any difficulties, please consult
settings, and rudder throttle mixing. You may select a this manual, your hobby dealer, or Hitec (contact
conventional swashplate, or if you have a more complex information is provided in the rear of this manual). Note
chopper, mixing is provided for the 120 type of three-servo the information contained in this manual is subject to
swashplates. Two programmable mixers are also provided for change without notice due to possible changes in
making your own custom functions or for custom manufacturing procedures, system software
compensations. Of course, the Optic helicopter menus have programming, or updates. "Hitec" is a registered
the four helicopter flight mode settings found in other radios trademark of the Hitec RCD, Inc.Disclaimer: This
costing hundreds of dollars more. information specific to North American versions of the
Optic.

Introduction to the Optic System - Page 3

 Flying Safety
To ensure your own safety and the safety of others, please motor may unexpectedly turn on and cause a severe injury.
observe the following precautions: Before starting the engine, fully retract the transmitter antenna,
power up the transmitter and receiver, and check to be sure
Charge the Batteries! that the servos follow the movement of the sticks. If a servo
Be sure to recharge the batteries before each flying session. operates abnormally, don't attempt to fly until you determine
A battery low in charge will soon die, causing loss of control the cause of the problem. We recommend that you range-
and a crash. Plug in the charger that comes in this system check your system before each flying session. Have an
and hook up the transmitter and airborne batteries the day observer verify that the system works with the transmitter about
before a planned flying session. Be sure the charger is not 30 paces away with the transmitter antenna collapsed. Finally,
turned off by the room's light on-off switch! before starting the engine, be sure to check that the transmitter
When you begin your flying session, reset the transmitter's model memory is correct for the chosen model.
timer to keep track of how long the system's been used, and While you're getting ready to fly, if you place your transmitter
monitor the transmitter's voltage display. Quit flying when your on the ground, be sure that the wind won't tip it over. If it is
transmitter battery level reaches 9.4 volts. knocked over, the throttle stick may accidentally get moved
Be careful when you use a field charger on your batteries. causing the engine to race unexpectedly, causing damage or
A fast-charger may overcharge the batteries, causing injury to anyone nearby.
overheating and a premature failure. Never charge your Before taxiing, be sure to extend the transmitter antenna to its
transmitter or receiver battery at a rate higher than 2 amps. full length. A collapsed antenna will reduce your flying range
and may cause a loss of control. It is a good idea to avoid
Flying field pointing the transmitter antenna directly at the model at all
We recommend that you fly at a recognized model airplane times, since the signal is weakest in that direction.
flying field. You can find model clubs and fields by asking the Finally, don't fly in the rain! Water or moisture may enter the
nearest hobby dealer, or contacting the Academy of Model transmitter through the antenna or stick openings and cause
Aeronautics. Always pay particular attention to the flying erratic operation or loss of control. If you must fly in wet
field's rules, as well as the presence and location of spectators, weather during a contest, be sure to protect your transmitter
the wind direction, and any obstacles on the field. Be very with a plastic bag or waterproof barrier.
careful flying in areas near power lines, tall buildings, or
communication facilities as there may be radio interference in
their vicinity. If you must fly at a site that is not a club field, be
sure there are no other modelers flying within a two-mile range,
or you may lose control of your aircraft.

Once you arrive at the flying field...

Before flying, be sure that the frequency you intend to fly with
is not in use, and secure any frequency control device (pin, tag,
etc.) for that frequency before turning on your transmitter.
Never believe that it's possible to fly two or more models on the
same frequency at the same time. Even though there are
different types of modulation (AM, PPM or FM, and PCM), only
one model may be flown on a single frequency.
When you are ready to fly your model, position the throttle stick
or switch to its low speed position, or do whatever is necessary
to command your motor NOT to run. Then, you may turn on
the transmitter power followed by the receiver power. Use the
LOCK function to prevent accidental throttle commands. When
you have finished flying, begin by turning off the receiver power,
then turn off the transmitter power. If you do not follow these
procedures, you may damage your servos or control surfaces,
flood your motor, or in the case of electric-powered models, the

Flying Safety - Page 4

 Airplane Frequencies
The following frequencies and channel numbers may be used
for flying aircraft in the U.S. (this information specific to North
American versions of the Optic):

72 MHz band
Ch.No. MHz Ch.No. MHz Ch.No. MHz Ch.No. MHz
11 72.010 24 72.270 37 72.530 50 72.790
12 72.030 25 72.290 38 72.550 51 72.810
13 72.050 26 72.310 39 72.570 52 72.830
14 72.070 27 72.330 40 72.590 53 72.850
15 72.090 28 72.350 41 72.610 54 72.870
16 72.110 29 72.370 42 72.630 55 72.890
17 72.130 30 72.390 43 72.650 56 72.910
18 72.150 31 72.410 44 72.670 57 72.930
19 72.170 32 72.430 45 72.690 58 72.950 It is very important to display your transmitters channel number
20 72.190 33 72.450 46 72.710 59 72.970
21 72.210 34 72.470 47 72.730 60 72.990 at all times. To install your frequency flag device on your
22 72.230 35 72.490 48 72.750 transmitters antenna, slide the appropriate paper numbers into
23 72.250 36 72.510 49 72.770 the slots and slip the device onto the transmitters antenna.

Radio Installation Notes

While you are installing the battery, receiver, and servos into Switch Harness Installation
your model's fuselage, please pay attention to the following When you are ready to install the switch harness, remove the
guidelines: switch cover and use it as a template to cut screw holes and a
rectangular hole slightly larger than the full stroke of the switch.
Notes on Servos Choose a switch location on the opposite side of the fuselage
Mounting from the engine exhaust, and choose a location where it can't
When you mount each servo, use the supplied rubber be inadvertently turned on or off during handling or storage.
grommets and insert an eyelet up through the bottom. Be sure Install the switch so that it moves without restriction and "snaps"
not to over tighten the screws. If any portion of the servo case from ON to OFF and vice versa.
directly contacts the fuselage or the servo rails, the rubber
grommets will not be able to attenuate vibration, which can Receiver Notes
lead to mechanical wear and servo failure. DO NOT cut or coil the receiver antenna wire. It is normal for
the receiver antenna to be longer than the fuselage. DO NOT
cut it or fold it back on itself - cutting or folding changes the
electrical length of the antenna and may reduce range.
Secure the antenna to the top of the vertical fin or the tail boom,
and let the excess length trail behind the aircraft (be sure it
cannot tangle with the tail rotor on a helicopter).

Servo Throw You may run the antenna inside of a non-metallic housing
Once you have installed the servos, operate each one over its within the fuselage (a plastic outer pushrod housing works well
full travel and check that the pushrod and output arms do not for this), but range may suffer if the antenna is located near
bind or collide with each other, even at extreme trim settings. metal pushrods or cables. Be sure to perform a range check
Check to see that each control linkage does not require undue before flying. With the antenna collapsed, you should be able
force to move (if you hear a servo buzzing when there is no to walk 20 - 30 paces from the model without losing control or
transmitter control motion, most likely there is too much friction seeing "jitter" in the servos. The range check should be done
in the control or pushrod). Even though the servo will tolerate with the motor running and the model should be securely
loads like this, they will drain the battery pack much more rapidly. restrained in case of loss of control.
Airplane Frequencies, Radio Installation Notes - Page 5
 Radio Installation Notes
Connectors Vibration and Waterproofing
Be sure the alignment of a servo or battery connector is correct The receiver contains precision electronic parts. Be sure to
before inserting it into the receiver. To remove a connector avoid vibration, shock, and temperature extremes. For
from the receiver, try to pull on the connector's plastic housing protection, wrap the receiver in the provided "Flight Preserver"
rather than pulling on the wires. Pulling the wires can ruin the foam rubber, or use some other vibration-absorbing materials.
connector pins and break wires. It's also a good idea to waterproof the receiver by placing it in a
plastic bag and securing the open end of the bag with a rubber
Using The Aileron Extension band before wrapping it with foam. If you accidentally get
If any of your servos are located too far away to plug directly moisture inside the receiver, you may experience intermittent
into the receiver (like the aileron servo), or you need to unplug operation or a crash.
the servo each time you disassemble the model, use a servo
extension cord to extend the length of the servo lead.
Additional Hitec extension cords of varying lengths are
available from your hobby dealer.

Charging the Optic Ni-Cd Batteries

1. Connect the transmitter charging cord to the transmitter's NOTE: If you need to remove or replace the transmitter battery, do not
charging socket (on the rear of the case, left side). pull on its wires to remove it. Instead, gently pull on the connector's
2. Connect the receiver battery to the receiver connector plastic housing where it plugs in to the transmitter. The battery must
on the charging cord. be removed to charge it properly with a "peak" charger.
3. Plug the charger into a wall socket.
4. The charger's LEDs should light, indicating charging current
is flowing. The batteries should be left on charge for about
15 hours. If either light does not turn on, verify that both
power switches are OFF. Also be sure the wall switch
controlling the room lights does not shut off the charger's
electrical outlet when you leave the room.
- Try to charge the batteries with the charger supplied with your
system exclusively. The use of a fast-charger may damage
the batteries by overheating and dramatically reduce their
lifetime.

Operating With A Trainer Cord

An optional training cord is available from your dealer. The transmitter is on a different frequency than the student's,
cord may be used to help a beginning pilot learn to fly easily by use the student's as the master transmitter and the other as
allowing a second transmitter, operated by an experienced the student's.
instructor, to be connected to this system. The instructor may 2. Collapse the student's antenna, and fully extend the
override the beginning pilot at any time to bring the model back instructor's antenna. If the student's transmitter has a
under safe control. For training, the transmitter may be removable RF module, remove it from the transmitter.
connected to another Hitec FM system using the Hitec cord 3. The Hitec cord is specifically marked at one end as the
part # 58310. "master" the other end as "student". Plug it accordingly into
each transmitter, with power switched off. The trainer jack is
on the back of the transmitter. Turn the connector until its
To use the trainer cord:
notches line up and it fits without having to be forced.
1. Set up both the student's and instructor's transmitters to
have identical trim and control motions. If the instructor's
Radio Installation Notes, Charging the Optic Ni-Cd Batteries, Operating With A Trainer Cord - Page 6
 Operating With A Trainer Cord
4. Turn on the instructor's transmitter. DO NOT turn on the
student transmitter power. Move the controls on the
instructor's transmitter, and verify each control moves the
proper direction. Now verify that the student's trims and
control travels match the instructor's by using the trainer
switch (the momentary Trainer switch on the top left of the
transmitter case) and switching back and forth while leaving
the control sticks and trims alone, then moving the control
sticks.
5. The instructor's transmitter has normal control over the
model unless the trainer switch is pulled, passing control to
the student's transmitter. If the student loses control, the
instructor can quickly "take over" by releasing the trainer
switch and controlling the model.
Charge Jack Trainer Jack

Other Adjustments
Adjustable length control sticks Stick lever tension adjustment
You may change the length of the control sticks to make your You may adjust the stick tension of your sticks to provide the
transmitter more comfortable to hold and operate. To lengthen "feel" that you like for flying. To adjust your springs, you'll have
or shorten your transmitter's sticks, first unlock the stick tip by to remove the rear case of the transmitter. Using a screwdriver,
holding locking piece B and turning stick tip A counterclockwise. remove the six screws that hold the transmitter's rear cover into
Next, move the locking piece B up or down (to lengthen or position, and put them in a safe place. Unscrew the antenna
shorten). When the length feels comfortable, lock the position and set it aside. Now, place some padding under the front of
by turning locking piece B counterclockwise. the transmitter and set it face-down on the pad. Gently ease
off the transmitter's rear cover. Now you'll see the view shown.
A B
Using a small cross-point screwdriver, rotate the adjusting
screw for each stick for the desired spring tension. The
tension increases when the adjusting screw is turned clockwise,
and decreases for counterclockwise motion. When you are
satisfied with the spring tensions, you may close the transmitter.
Very carefully reinstall the rear cover. When the cover is
Changing the Optic transmitter's mode properly in place, tighten the six screws.
If you wish to change the mode of the transmitter, say from
Mode 2 to Mode 1, switch the transmitter on while holding the TENSION SPRING SPRING LIMIT
TO CLOCKWISE RATCHET COPPER
two EDIT keys down. Then, scroll through the menus using BRACKET

one of the edit keys until you reach the STICK menu. Press
one of the cursor keys to switch between Mode 1 and Mode 2.

RATCHET COPPER TENSION SPRING

SPRING LIMIT TO CLOCKWISE
BRACKET

Operating With A Trainer Cord, Other Adjustments - Page 7

 Factory Repair Service Information
Please read the warranty card supplied with your system and - Symptoms of the problem in as much detail as you can
return it. Before you decide to have your system repaired, if provide, including any unusual mounting conditions or
there is no apparent physical damage, read this instruction equipment orientation
manual again and check to be sure that you are operating the - A list of items you are sending, and what you want to be
system as it was designed to be operated. If you are still repaired.
having trouble, pack up your system in its original shipping - Your name, address, and telephone number.
materials and send it to the nearest authorized Hitec R/C Hitec-RCD, Inc.
Service Center. 12115 Paine St.
Be sure to include a note in your package that describes the Poway, CA 92064
trouble in as much detail as possible, including: Telephone: 1-858-748-6948
FAX 1-858-748-1767
Web site: http://www.hitecrcd.com

Optic Controls and Switch Assignments

SW 2
Gear or
SW 4
Auxiliary Switch
Flight Mode
Trainer Switch Switch

Engine Cut
Switch
SW 1
Elevator-Rudder SW 3
Dual Rate Switch Aileron Dual
Rate Switch

Left Lever
Right Lever

Aileron &
Rudder - Elevator Stick
Throttle Stick

Elevator
Trim Switch
Throttle
Trim Switch

Rudder Aileron
Trim Switch Trim Switch

Power Switch

This figure shows the assignments for a Mode 2 system as supplied by the factory in North America.
Note that some of the functions will not operate until activated in the mixing menus.

Factory Repair Service Information, Optic Controls and Switch Assignments - Page 8
 Transmitter Input Buttons
The buttons are used for different things as follows:
1. The Edit buttons allow you to move up and down within the
model menus, and move within the regular display.
2. The Cursor Left/Right buttons allow you to select options
within a particular function, and control the timer function. 1 1 3 3
3. The Data +Increase & -Decrease buttons allow you to
increase or decrease the numerical settings for a function 2 2 5 4
4. The Clear Active/Inhibit button resets numbers, and turns
functions on and off.
5. The Lock button holds the throttle channel fixed while other
channels still respond to the transmitter.
You'll learn how to use these buttons in the setup sections that follow.

Receiver - Servo Connection List

The table below shows the hookups that should be used for each of the model types. Note that some functions shown will not
operate until they are activated in the transmitter.

Receiver Aircraft Glider Helicopter

channel (ACGL) (HELI)
1 Aileron Aileron (or Roll Cyclic)
or Right flaperon (FLPN on) or Swash servo 1 (120')
or Right elevon (ELVN on)
or Right aileron (ADIF on)
2 Elevator Elevator (or Pitch Cyclic)
or V-tail right side (VTAL on) or Swash servo 2 (120')
or Left Elevon (ELVN on)
or Right elevator (AILV on)
3 Throttle (controlled by throttle stick or Switch 01) Throttle
4 Rudder or Rudder
V-tail left side (VTAL on) (Or Yaw control through the gyro)
5 Landing gear (controlled by Gear/Aux switch) Gyro sensitivity
or Left aileron (ADIF on) (values set in GYRO menu)
or Left elevator (AILV on)
6 Flap (travel controlled by VR-L and neutral set by VR-R) Pitch (or Collective)
or Left flaperon (FLPN on) or Swash servo 3 (120')

The servo response varies with the selected function. Standard options are shown first.

Transmitter Displays and Messages

When you first turn on your transmitter, the first screen shown
Edit keys
below appears on the LCD display. Before flying, or even - DATA key + DATA key
starting the engine, BE SURE that the model number Voltage/Timer Display
Timer Display
appearing in the upper right of the display matches the Normal Display Mode
model that you are about to fly! If you don't, reversed
Trim Menu [TRIM]
servos and incorrect trims will lead to an immediate crash.
Lock key
You can scroll up and down through the startup screen by
Model Name Display Throttle Lock
pressing one of the two Edit keys (the two keys on the far left).
Edit keys
If you press timer or engine cut or lock keys, you go directly to
those functions regardless of the display.
Transmitter Input Buttons, Receiver - Servo Connection List, Receiver - Servo Connection List - Page 9
 Transmitter Displays and Messages
This screen appears at startup. The model memory number is Pressing the Lock button locks the throttle servo and holds it
shown by the small down-arrow. Battery voltage is shown in where you last commanded it. This is a safety feature to be
the bottom left, and operating time is on the lower right. used when you are carrying the model and transmitter to
You can reset the operating time display by hitting the Clear ensure you don't accidentally give throttle. The LOCK indicator
button (the one on the farthest right). Do this after each charge shows when the Lock switch has been engaged.
to keep track of your operating time on a single charge. LOCK indicator

Pressing the Up button gives the Trim display (different Warning Displays
numbers may appear depending on the model type). To see The LOW BATTERY warning is displayed when the transmitter
where the trim for a certain channel is, you have to move it! battery voltage drops below 9.3 volts, and a beeper sounds.
Be sure to move it back to where it was. Note that the CH3 trim The operating time is still shown on the right. If you reset this
only moves downward, so if you need more engine RPM, set each time you charge the system, you will have a good idea of
up idle with the trim at -25% so you can increase it if needed. how long you can safely operate.
WHEN THE BEEPER SOUNDS, LAND YOUR MODEL AS
SOON AS POSSIBLE BEFORE LOSS OF CONTROL DUE
TO A DEAD TRANSMITTER BATTERY.

Pressing the Up button again gives the Model Name display.

If you've named your model, it will appear here so you can be
sure you have recalled the correct memory. If you do not name
the model, you'll have to remember which model memory it's
stored within by the memory number. The IDLE ON warning is displayed when the transmitter is
powered up with the Idle switch on in the helicopter mode only.
You can turn this off by moving the Flt. Mode (SW-4) switch
FORWARD. For your safety, the transmitter will not broadcast
until this alarm is ended

Pressing the Right button gives the Timer display, with a

stopwatch display on the left, and operating time on the right.
This also starts the timer, so hit the Right key again to stop it.
Hitting the Cursor Left (Off) button resets the timer.
The HOLD ON warning is displayed when the transmitter is
powered up with the Throttle hold switch (SW-1) on in the
helicopter mode only. You can turn this off by moving the
SW-1 switch AFT (ELEV RUDD D/R switch). If you then get
the IDLE ON alarm (see above), you must move the Flt. Mode
switch fully FORWARD. For your safety, the transmitter
will not broadcast until this alarm is ended.

Transmitter Displays and Messages - Page 10

 Model Setup Functions

This section describes the model setup functions that are used to choose all of the operating features of a particular model
memory. These functions are used to select the model memory, the model type (from airplane/glider, and helicopters), set the
stopwatch, and other useful functions. These functions are used to set up a new model or a new model memory, to switch
between memories, and to change transmit shift..

Map of Basic Menu Functions (see right) Power On While Pressing

both Edit keys

M.SEL Model select: choose one of eight model Model Select 1-8 [M. SEL]
memories 11
Model Name [ABCD-99]
**** Model Name (four letters +
up to three numbers) 13 Model Type
[ACGL] or [HELI]
ACGL Acrobatic/Glider model mode 12
HELI Helicopter model mode 12 Swashplate type (HELI only)
NOR Normal swashplate (HELI only) 12 [NOR] [120]

120° 120° Swashplate (HELI only) 11

Copy Model [COPY]
COPY Data Copy 13
SFT.N Negative Transmit Shift 13 Shift Dir. [SFT.N][SFT.P]

SFT.P Positive Transmit Shift 13 Modulation [PPM] or [QPCM]

PPM PPM or QPCM Modulation 14
QPCM PCM Modulation 14 MODE 1, MODE 2

STCK1 Transmitter mode 1 7 Time Setup [TIME XX]

STCK2 Transmitter mode 2 7
TIME Timer setup 14 Reset Memory [REST]

REST Reset Memory 14

M.SEL - Model Select 3. Select the desired model number by pressing the Cursor
Your Optic system can store up to eight independent sets of Right or Left button. At this time, the small arrow above the
model data in its memory. The Model Select (MODL) function selected model number will blink on and off.
allows you to choose from any of the eight sets of model data. 4. Switch power off.
You can assign a four-character name and three numerals 5. Switch power back on. The previously-selected model
from 0-199 to each model memory. number is indicated by the arrow above the model numbers
The model names are not visible when you wish to switch in the display.
memories. There are several ways to keep track of which
model is in each memory. You may attach a small piece of COPY - Copy Model
white tape to the transmitter and write the model's name along The COPY function is used to copy the model data stored in
with the model setup number (and its channel number), or you the current model memory into another model memory. This
may use a notebook, or label the model with its memory function is handy to use to start a new model that's similar to
number prominently near its on-off switch inside the fuselage. one you have already programmed, and is also handy for
Choosing a model memory to load copying the current model data into another model memory as
1. Start with the transmitter switched off. a backup.
2. Turn on your transmitter while pressing both of the two Edit
Copying from one model memory to another
keys (the two keys on the far left). This gets you into the
1. With the transmitter switched off, turn on your transmitter
model select (M.SEL) menu
while pressing both of the two Edit keys (the two keys on the
Flashing far left). The model select (M.SEL) menu will be displayed.
2. Press the Up arrow key. This gets you into the model copy
(COPY) menu. (If you're already in the setup menus, you
can just press the UP or Down arrow key to get here.)

Model Setup Functions - Page 11

 Model Setup Functions
Flashing 6. If you've selected the HELI menu, go to the Swash select
Destination menu (see below) and choose the swash type for your model.
(Flashing)
7. Press the Up or Down arrow keys to get to another setup
menu, or switch power off.
8. Switch power back on. You may now set up the details of
3. The source model memory (the memory that will be your model in the Edit mode.
duplicated) is the current one, indicated by the fixed upper
arrow. To select your destination model number, press the Swashplate Type Selection
Left or Right Cursor keys. The selected destination memory If you are using the helicopter (HELI) setting menu, you must
number is shown by the flashing triangle under it. tell the Optic system what type of swashplate your model uses.
4. Press the +Increase and -Decrease Data keys at the same Helicopters may have one servo each for pitch, aileron, and
time. The transmitter beeps twice rapidly, indicating the elevator (NOR) or they may use three servos in concert on the
copy has been completed. swash to provide these functions (120'). If you are not sure
5. Switch power off. about your swash type, please consult your model's instructions.
6. Switch power back on. If you wish to go to the newly-saved Note that this menu will not be available unless you have
memory, repeat step 1. selected the HELI model type

Selecting the Swashplate Type

ACGL, HELI - Model Type Select
1. Select the HELI model type in the Model Type Select menus
This function is used to select the type of model to be
(see above).
programmed in the current model memory. You may select
2. With the transmitter switched off, turn on your transmitter
from aircraft/glider (ACGL) and helicopters (HELI). If you
while pressing both of the two Edit keys (the two keys on the
select a helicopter type, you will need to set the swash type.
far left). The model select (M.SEL) menu will be displayed.
These settings are covered below.
3. Press the Up or Down arrow keys:
Selecting the Model Type If you're in HELI mode, SWASH will be highlighted and you
1. With the transmitter switched off, turn on your transmitter can select from two swashplate types: NOR and 120':
while pressing both of the two Edit keys (the two keys on the CH2
far left). The model select (M.SEL) menu will be displayed.
CH1
2. Press the Down arrow key. This gets you into the type
select menu. The current model type will be flashing on and
off. (If you're already in the setup menus, you can just press NOR
(CH6=PITCH)
the Up or Down arrow key to get here.)

CH6 CH1

CH2

Flashing Flashing 120

4. If the swash type displayed is correct, go on to the next step.

If you wish to change the swashplate type from that displayed,
3. If the model type you want is displayed, you're done. [If you
press on the Left or Right Cursor buttons until the swash type
wish to change the swash type in the HELI model settings,
you want appears. CAUTION: if you change types, you may
see the sections below.]
lose settings in the menus.
4. If you wish to change the model type from that displayed,
5. Press the Up or Down arrow keys to get to another setup
press on the Left or Right Cursor buttons until the model
menu, or switch power off.
type you want, either ACGL or HELI, appears.
6. Switch power back on. You may now set up the details of
5. To select your desired model type, press both the +Increase
your model in the Edit mode.
and -Decrease Data keys simultaneously. Two beeps tell
you that the new model type is now registered. THIS WILL
ERASE ALL THE OLD SETTINGS IN THE MODEL
MEMORY, SO BE SURE YOU'RE IN THE CORRECT
MODEL MEMORY BEFORE YOU CHANGE MODEL TYPE!
Model Setup Functions - Page 12
 Model Setup Functions
Model Name 10. Switch power back on. You may now set up the details of
The Model Name function is used to create an alpha-numeric your model in the Edit mode.
name which is stored in the model memory along with the rest
of the model settings. You will find it useful to help keep track Transmit Shift - SFT.N, SFT.P
of multiple models that are stored in your Optic system. The Transmit Shift function is used to change the shift
The model name can be four alphabetic characters, along with direction of the Optic system. Hitec receivers use a negative
up to three numbers, 0-199. The letters may be used to shift direction for their transmissions. However, some other
abbreviate the model's name, and the numbers may be used brands of RC gear use positive shifting. With this menu, you
for the memory number, or you may wish to store that model's can change the way your transmitter broadcasts, so that it can
channel number so you can remember it easier. address all types of PPM receivers. (PPM receivers are also
Inputting a Model Name referred to as "FM" receivers.) As shown later, the Optic FM is
TM

1. With the transmitter switched off, turn on your transmitter also compatible with Hitec QPCM receivers. Hitec/RCD and
TM TM

while pressing both of the two Edit keys (the two keys on the Futaba receivers use negative shift (N), where Multiplex ,
TM TM

far left). The model select (M.SEL) menu will be displayed, JR and Airtronics use positive shift (P)
with "the model type" to represent letters to be chosen. If you choose the wrong shift direction for your receiver, the
servos may move erratically and will not respond to the
transmitter, even if it is on the correct frequency. Turn off
your receiver at once and change the shift direction to preclude
damage to your servos.
If you use a mixture of receiver brands, sure that each model is
correctly set for the model of receiver you are using in the
2. Press the Up or Down arrow key until you get into the model corresponding model memory.
name menu. You'll see the display as shown to the right,
Changing the Frequency Shift
with the MODEL and NAME indicators in the upper left on.
1. With the transmitter switched off, turn on your transmitter
The first character of the name will be flashing on and off.
while pressing both of the two Edit keys (the two keys on the
(If you're already in the setup menus, you can just press the
far left). The model select (M.SEL) menu will be displayed.
Up or Down arrow key to get here.)
2. Press the Up or Down Edit key until you get into the shift
3. To change the first character, press the +Increase and
menu. You'll see either the word SFT.N or SFT.P, with the
-Decrease Data keys until you see the character you desire.
last character, N or P, flashing on and off. (If you're already
You may select from the upper case letters A - Z, *, +, -, /,
in the setup menus, you can just press the Up or Down
and the numbers 0 - 9.
arrow key to get here.)
4. Press the Right Cursor key to move to the next character.
5. Press the +Increase and -Decrease Data keys until you see
the character you desire.
6. Repeat the previous two steps to input the third and fourth
Flashing Flashing
characters of the display.
7. Press the Right Cursor key to move to the number displays
on the right. TM
3. N represents negative shift and will work with Hitec and
8. Press the +Increase and -Decrease Data keys until you get TM
Futaba . P represents positive shift and will work with
to a number that you like. This can be any number from 0 to TM TM TM
Multiplex , JR and Airtronics brands.
199. If you have lots of models with different frequencies, 4. To change the shift direction from what is shown, press
you may wish to input your channel number here. either the Left or Right Cursor key one time. This will
change the display from P to N or N to P.
5. Press the Up or Down arrow keys to get to another setup
menu, or switch power off.

9. Press the Up or Down arrow keys to get to another setup

menu, or switch power off.
Model Setup Functions - Page 13
 Model Setup Functions
Modulation - PPM, QPCM second to tell you the time has elapsed.
The Modulation function is used to choose what type of receiver If you wish to reset the timer, just press the Left Cursor button.
you will be using with your Optic system. Hitec has two types of You may then press the Right Cursor button to reset it and
receivers, PPM and QPCM. PPM receivers are also referred to count down again, whenever you like.
as "FM" receivers. QPCM receivers offer you the option of The above instructions apply to both of the Optic's timers.
failsafe which will hold the last set of positions received before
the interference, or allow you to choose what positions the Setting up the Optic's Two Timers
servos will move to if the signal is lost or interfered. 1. With the transmitter switched off, turn on your transmitter
while pressing both of the two Edit keys (the two keys on the
Failsafe will only work with Hitec QPCM receivers. far left). The model select (M.SEL) menu will be displayed.
You can have a mixture of QPCM and PPM receivers, and the 2. Press the Up or Down EDIT arrow key until you get into the
Optic transmitter will remember which type of modulation you Timer (TIME) menu (if you're already in the setup menus,
are using for each separate model memory. you can just press the Up or Down arrow key to get here).
You'll see a display with the word "TIME." The numbers 1
Changing the Modulation and 2 are shown; the small triangle indicates whether you
1. With the transmitter switched off, turn on your transmitter are setting Timer 1 or Timer 2.
while pressing both of the two Edit keys (the two keys on the
far left). The model select (M.SEL) menu will be displayed.
2. Press the Up or Down Edit key until you get into the
Modulation menu. You'll see either the flashing word PPM
or QPCM. (If you're already in the setup menus, you can just
press the Up or Down arrow key to get here.)
3. To change the number of minutes shown, press the +
Increase and -Decrease Data keys until you see the amount
you desire. You may select from 1 to 60 minutes.
4. Press the Left or Right CURSOR key to get to the other
timer setup menu. Repeat instruction 3 for the second timer
if desired.
3. PPM is also known as "FM" and will work with Hitec and
5. Press the Up or Down arrow keys to get to another setup
other receivers that are not PCM. QPCM represents pulse-
menu, or switch power off.
code modulation and will only work Hitec QPCM receivers.
6. Switch power back on. You can view, start, and stop either
4. To input your choice, press either the Left or Right Cursor
of the two timers by pressing either DATA key. Press the
key one time. This will change the display from PPM to
Right Cursor button to start the timer, press the Right
QPCM or vice versa.
Cursor button a second time to stop it, and press the Left
5. Press the Up or Down arrow keys to get to another setup
Cursor button to reset the timer.
menu, or switch power off. This setting will be remembered
in the current model memory only.
REST - Data Reset
The Reset function is used to clear out an existing set of model
TIME -Timer Function Setup data within a single model memory, the one currently selected.
Your Optic system contains TWO special timer functions, This function resets all data to initial values, and may be used
helpful for keeping track of flight duration, engine run time, or to get a "fresh start" so that you may be begin with a clear
other things that need to be monitored during flight. You can memory before you input new model settings into a memory
set up the timers to count down from anywhere from 0 to 60 that had been used for another model. A safety feature allows
minutes. (In addition, the Optic has an "elapsed time" counter you to verify "that you wish to reset" before all data is lost.
that continuously records how long the transmitter has been
operating.) Resetting the memory
If you select a time from 1 to 60 minutes, the timer will count 1. With the transmitter switched off, turn on your transmitter
down the number of minutes selected when you first press the while pressing both of the two Edit keys (the two keys on the
Right Cursor button. You may stop it at any time by pressing far left). The model select (M.SEL) menu will be displayed.
the Right Cursor button a second time. Beginning the last 10 2. Press the Up or Down arrow key until you get into the Reset
seconds of the selected time, the system will beep every (REST) menu. This display has the word "REST" flashing on
Model Setup Functions - Page 14
 Model Setup Functions
and off. (If you're already in the setup menus, you can just 4. Press the Up or Down arrow keys to get to another setup
press the Up or Down arrow key to get here.) menu, or switch power off.
5. Switch power back on. You may now set up the details of
your model in the Edit mode.

CAUTION: WHEN YOU COMMAND RESET, YOU'LL ERASE THE

3. IF YOU ARE SURE YOU WANT TO RESET and clear out MEMORY YOU'RE IN AND LOSE ANY PROGRAMMING YOU HAVE
the current model memory, press both the +Increase and ENTERED. DON'T DO THIS UNLESS YOU ARE POSITIVE YOU WANT
-Decrease Data keys at the same time. The transmitter will TO FLUSH OUT THAT MEMORY AND START FROM SCRATCH WITH
beep twice to indicate a successful reset THE FACTORY-DEFAULT SETTINGS.

AIRCRAFT & GLIDER (ACGL) MENU FUNCTIONS

This section describes the functions for fixed-wing aircraft, provides a setup example,
and then describes the functions individually. Helicopter functions are in the following section

Voltage/Timer Display
ACGL Functions Map (see right)
Normal Display Mode
Press both Edit/Display key
Simple Aerobatic Airplane Transmitter Setup 15
End Point Adjust [EPA]

EPA End Point Adjust (servo travels) 27 Dual Rate Set [D/R]
D/R Dual Rates 27 Exponential [EXP]
EXP Exponential Settings 28 Sub-Trims [S.TRM]
STRM Subtrim (Neutral settings) 28
Servo Reversing [REV]
REV Servo Reverse 29
T.CUT Throttle Cut (engine shut off) 29 Throttle Cut [T.CUT]
STCK Throttle Control Location 29 Throttle Ioc. [STCK]
FLPT Flap Travel 30
Flap Travel [FLPT]
FLPN Flaperon (combined flaps & ailerons) 30
Flaperon Mix [FLPN]
ADIF Aileron Differential 31
CAMB Camber (combined flaps & ailerons) 32 Ail Differential [ADIF]
LAND Landing function (select aileron/flap presets) 33 Camber [CAMB]
ELVN Elevon mixing (tailless models) 34
Landing Mix [LAND]
VTAL V-tail mixing 35
Elevon Mix [ELVN]
A->R Rudder Coupling 36
E->F Elevator Flap mixing 36 V-Tail [VTAL]
CROW Crow (Proportional Airbrake Function) 37 Ail Rud Mix [A-R]
PMX1-2 Programmable Mixer #1 - #2 38
Elev Flap Mix [E-F]
S/W SEL Switch select for A-R, E-F, CAMB, CROW,
LAND, PMX1, PMX2 39 Crow Mix [CROW]

AILV Ailevator function (Dual elevators) 39 Prog. Mix 1 [PMX1]

FAIL QPCM Position Input Menu 40 Prog. Mix 2 [PMX2]
Aircraft Trimming Chart 41-43
Switch select S/W SEL
Useful Switch & Lever Information for [A-R] [E-F] [CAMB] [CROW]
Gear Switch ( SW-2) controls receiver CH5 [PMX1] [PMX2][LAND]
Gear Switch Down turns on CROW Ailevator [AILV]
Left Lever controls CROW (airbrake motions)
Failsafe [FAIL]
Right Lever controls CAMBer motion (QPCM only)
FLT MODE (SW-3) switch Aft = LAND On, Forward CAMB On
Simple Transmitter Setup - Aerobatic Airplane (ACGL Menu) - Page 15
 Simple Transmitter Setup - Aerobatic Airplane (ACGL Menu)

The following pages will take you step-by-step through the setup process for a sport or aerobatic airplane in the ACGL menu.
Going through this complete section will help you learn how to use your system quickly and easily.
If you need to set up a helicopter, please refer to the quick setup instructions in the helicopter section.

AIRCRAFT SETUP INSTRUCTIONS (AEROBATIC PLANE)

The aircraft setup procedure presented below uses an 5. Press the Down arrow once. This gets you into the model
aerobatic model as an example and assumes that there are name mode (note the words "MODEL" and "NAME" in the
two aileron servos, one in each wing. You can use a similar upper left of the display).
procedure to set up your own model; your setting's numbers
and percentages will probably be different. If your model only
has one aileron servo, skip the instructions referring to flaperon.
1. Be sure that all of your servos are plugged into the proper
receiver channels:
CH1 - Right aileron
6. Now you can select four letters to identify your model. With
CH2 - Elevator
the first of the four letters flashing, press the Data +Increase
CH3 - Throttle
or -Decrease key to change the letter that is displayed.
CH4 - Rudder
Stop when the first letter is the one you want.
CH5 - Gear
7. Press the Right Cursor key once to get to the second letter.
CH6 - Left aileron
Repeat the previous step to choose the second letter.
2. We recommend that you do this programming exercise with
8. Repeat two more times to fill out the remaining two letters.
the servos installed in the model and connected to the
If you like, you can hit the right cursor button one more time
respective control surfaces. This will enable you to
and select a number between 0 and 199 for further
immediately see the effect of each programming step.
identification. It can be handy to use this to store the plane's
3. Turn on your transmitter while holding down the two Edit
channel number.
keys (the two keys on the far left). This gets you into the
9. Press the Down arrow four times. This gets you into the
model select (M.SEL) menu. Press the Cursor Right button
Timer menu (TIME). If you want, you can use the Data
to move to a new model memory. The selected model
+Increase or -Decrease keys to select the amount of time
memory is indicated by the little flashing arrow pointing down.
you want the stopwatch to count down. You can set the
Memory #2 is shown here.
second timer for something else in the same menu.

4. Press the Up arrow until the word ACGL appears, flashing

on and off. If it does, you're ready to proceed on to the next
step. If not, press the Left or Right Cursor keys until it
appears. You must press both Data keys to "Save" the
setting, after which the radio will beep twice. This is how 10. This completes the initial part of the setup. Now, we'll go
you select the type of model you wish to use, either ACGL ahead and customize the ACGL settings for your model.
or HELI. Switch transmitter power OFF.
11. Now turn power ON. The transmitter should display the
model number and battery voltage as shown. The number
on the right is the elapsed time, which will vary depending
Flashing
on how long the transmitter has been left on.

WARNING: selecting a different model type will erase the settings in the
model memory. BE SURE you're in the correct model memory before
selecting a new model type, or you might accidentally erase a model
you're using. (The other memories will not be affected.)
Simple Transmitter Setup - Aerobatic Airplane (ACGL Menu) - Page 16
 Simple Transmitter Setup - Aerobatic Airplane (ACGL Menu)

12. Press both Edit keys to get to the regular programming R for Reversed is chosen when the little triangle is below the
menu. The end-point adjust menu (EPA) should appear. channel number. Move the right-hand stick again and verify
Press the Down arrow to get to the flaperon menu (FLPN). the right aileron moves the right directions. The display
The display should show that it is inhibited (INH). shows Channel 1 reversed.

13. Turn on the Flaperon function by pressing the Active/ 18. Next we'll set the direction of the elevator servo, channel 2.
Inhibit button (Clear) until "On" appears in the display. When you move the right-hand stick towards the BOTTOM
of the transmitter, the elevator should move up. Check to
make sure it moves the proper direction! (More planes are
crashed due to reversed controls than for any other reason.)

DOWN DOWN

14. Be sure that you connect the right aileron servo to receiver UP

CH1 and the left aileron servo to receiver CH6. UP

15. Later, you can get differential by adjusting the up and down
motion of the two servos in the FLPN menu. Now we'll set
19. If the elevator control moves the wrong direction, move
the servo throw directions.
over to Channel 2 by pressing the Cursor Right key. Now
Now check that each servo moves the proper direction.
the '2' should be flashing in the display. Activate the
We'll use the Reversing function if they don't. Go to the
opposite direction for the elevator servo by pressing the
Reversing menu (REV) by hitting the Down arrow.
Active/Inhibit (Clear) key. Move the right-hand stick up-
and-down again and verify the elevator moves the right
direction.
20. Now we'll set the direction of the throttle servo. When you
move the left-hand stick towards the BOTTOM of the
transmitter, the throttle should close, meaning that the hole
in the carburetor should close. Check to make sure that the
16. We'll start by setting the right aileron servo direction. This throttle lever on the engine moves the proper direction!
is channel 1, and the 1 should be flashing for this command.
HIGH
When you move the right-hand stick to the right, the aileron HIGH Throttle :
on the right wing should move upwards, and the aileron on carburetor fully opened
LOW Throttle :
the left should move downward. Check that the right aileron
carburetor at idle position
moves the correct way! (not fully closed)
LOW

RIGHT
21. If the throttle servo moves the wrong direction, move over
LEFT RIGHT to Channel 3 by pressing the Cursor Right key. Now the 3
LEFT should be flashing in the display. Activate the opposite
direction for the throttle servo by pressing the Active/Inhibit
Front View
(Clear) key. Verify the throttle stick makes the servo move
17. If it does not, activate the opposite direction for the CH1 the carburetor opening in the correct direction.
aileron servo by pressing the Active/Inhibit (Clear) key. 22. Now we'll set the direction of the rudder servo. When you
Each press switches from Reversed to Normal and from move the left-hand stick towards the CENTER of the
ormal to Reversed. In the display, N for Normal is chosen transmitter (to the right), the trailing edge or rear rudder
when the little triangle is above the channel number, and should move to the right. Check to make sure!
Simple Transmitter Setup - Aerobatic Airplane (ACGL Menu) - Page 17
 Simple Transmitter Setup - Aerobatic Airplane (ACGL Menu)

RIGHT

Servo
LEFT RIGHT
LEFT Pushrod

90
Front View

Adjust the clevises on each servo pushrod to get the position of

If the rudder moves the wrong direction, move over to Channel
each control to be as close as you can to neutral (lined up with
4 by pressing the Cursor Right key. Now the '4' should be
the adjacent portion of wing or tail).
flashing in the display. Activate the opposite direction for the
Setting Subtrims. Now we'll adjust all the subtrims to
rudder servo by pressing the Active/Inhibit (Clear) key. Move
electronically set the desired neutral locations. To do so, go
the left-hand stick left-and-right again and verify the rudder
back to the programming menu by pressing both Edit keys,
moves the right direction.
then press the Up or Down arrow key repeatedly until STRM
If your model has retracts, set the correct response direction
appears.
when commanded by the Gear (SW-2) switch, using the same
procedure.
If you're using a second aileron servo, you'll now set the left
aileron servo direction (otherwise skip this and the next step).
This is channel 6, and the '6' should be flashing for this
command. When you move the right-hand stick to the right, the
aileron on the left wing should move downwards. Check that 25. Set the right aileron subtrim first. If the little arrow is not
the left aileron moves the correct way! If it does not, activate pointing at channel 1, press the one of the Cursor Left or
the opposite direction for the left aileron servo using the above Right buttons until it is (see figure). Then, adjust the
procedures. Move the right-hand stick again and verify the left subtrim amount by adding or subtracting with the Data
aileron moves the proper directions. +Increase or -Decrease keys. When you reach a place
Press the Up or Down arrow keys to the Flap Travel function where the right aileron matches up with the fixed portion of
(FLPT), and input a percentage of zero (0) using the Data - the wing, you are done. If you can't get both to match up,
Decrease key. This temporarily disables the flap lever (Right then set the subtrim back to zero and mechanically adjust
Lever) so that you can set aileron neutrals without regard to the clevis to get as close as you can, then readjust the
the flap lever position. Later we'll turn it back on. subtrim if necessary.
26. Note 1: you should NOT use subtrims instead of
mechanically adjusting the pushrods to be close. This is
because you can reduce the travel of the radio, especially
if you have to set the subtrim at or above 50%. As we
stated before, get the pushrods close mechanically first,
then use the subtrim adjustment to get it just right.
23. Before we set the servo neutrals, we need to be sure that 27. Note 2: if you mess up the number you've entered or find
all the trims are centered. Press both Edit keys to get to the the percentage the wrong direction, you can get back to
main menu, where voltage and time are displayed. Press zero quickly by pressing the Active/Inhibit (Clear) button.
the Up arrow until the word TRIM appears. By moving each 28. Repeat the subtrim adjustment with the elevator servo (CH2).
of the four trim levers around, you can see their positions, First set the pushrod length mechanically to get as close to
and move them back to zero for the next step. neutral as possible, then set the subtrim to get the elevator
24. Once you have centered all the trims, unscrew the screws lined up to be parallel with the stabilizer portion. For
holding the servo arms onto the elevator, aileron, and full-flying surfaces, use an incidence meter or another
rudder (we'll set the throttle travel later). You will want to method to get the incidence angle recommended by the kit
place the servo arms on the output shaft so they are near manufacturer or model designer.
neutral - that is, about 90° to the servo case sides or, if
the servo is mounted sideways, 90° to the pushrod
(sideways mounting is not recommended). This way you
won't run out of subtrim authority. Remove all the arms
that are in the way or interfere with your pushrods.
Simple Transmitter Setup - Aerobatic Airplane (ACGL Menu) - Page 18
 Simple Transmitter Setup - Aerobatic Airplane (ACGL Menu)

29. For the throttle, we recommend not setting a subtrim at this for elevator and throttle, thus the dual meanings for the
time. You will use the trim tab on the transmitter for setting letters). Now if your servo is stalled or binding, you'll hear
your idle RPM. To shut off the motor you will use the a buzzing sound. Hit the minus -Decrease Data key until
Engine Cut function. In this way, you don't lose your the buzzing stops. If the servo is not buzzing, leave the
carefully-set idle position. setting at 100%. If you can, choose a location for the
30. Most people set up their engines to idle with the throttle pushrod on the servo arm so that the throw is adjusted in
trim near center, so that there is room for changes due to the 90-100% range.
humidity and other factors. 37. To set the right aileron's LEFT motion, move the aileron
31. The Optic provides a special throttle trim function which stick all the way to the left and hold it. The letters "L/U"
allows the throttle trim lever to work at low throttle levels, should appear next to the flashing percent sign (as shown
but disables it at high throttle. in the figure above). Again listen and hit the -Decrease
32. Repeat the subtrim adjustment with the rudder (CH4), Data key until the buzzing stops. If the servo is not buzzing,
gear (CH5), and 2nd aileron channel (CH6). As before, leave the setting at 100%. (Remember, you're only setting
first set them mechanically, then adjust the electronic the right aileron travel. You set the other aileron's travel in
settings. Be sure you have selected the appropriate channel 6's EPA.)
channel number each time. 38. To set the UP elevator motion, press on the Right Cursor
33. Servo EPA (End Point Adjustment). Now we'll go through key until the indicator moves over channel 2. Now move
and set the servo travels for each channel. This is both the right stick all the way to the transmitter bottom and hold
helpful and important, because you can set the throw of it. The letters "L/U" should appear next to the flashing
each servo, in each direction, so that there is no binding. percent sign. Again listen for a buzzing sound to indicate
Eliminating binding is important because it causes very the servo is stalling, and hit the -Decrease Data key until
high current drain, and can lead to a battery dying the buzzing stops. If the servo is not buzzing, leave the
prematurely. Another use for the EPA function is to adjust setting at 100%.
Changes from L/U to
the model's total throws to match the recommended control R/D with ELE stick motion
motions specified on the plans or instructions by the
model's designer. Flashing
34. To set travels, get to the EPA menu by pressing one of the
Up Down Edit buttons repeatedly until EPA appears. In
sequence, we'll set right aileron right travel, right aileron left
travel, up and down elevator travels, right and left rudder 39. Repeat the previous step for DOWN elevator by moving
travels, open and closed throttle positions, and left aileron the stick all the way to the top of the transmitter, full "down"
travels. elevator. Check for binding and adjust the percentage as
Changes from L/U to
R/D with AIL stick motion before.
40. To set the throttle position at IDLE, first return to the regular
Flashing display and set the throttle trim to +25%. Then go back to
the EPA menu and press the Right Cursor key until the
arrow moves over channel number 3. Now move the
throttle stick all the way to the transmitter bottom and hold it.
35. When you reach the EPA menu, you'll see the screen as The letters "L/U" should appear next to the flashing percent
shown. The channel indicator is above numeral 1 for right sign. Listen for a buzzing sound to indicate servo stalling,
aileron, the percent symbol will be flashing, and you'll and hit the -Decrease Data key until the buzzing stops.
notice that you can change the L/U indicator to R/D (or vice Change the setting to nearly - but not completely - close
versa) by moving the aileron (right) stick. You are about to the throttle (engine idle). Later you may increase or
see that this is how you set the travel directions decrease this number so you can't accidentally shut off the
independently for each stick motion. engine using the trim tab.
36. To set the RIGHT aileron motion, move the aileron stick all
the way to the right and hold it. The letters "R/D" should
appear next to the flashing percent sign, meaning you are
setting either Right or Down travel (with ailerons it's right or
left only, but the display is set up to use the same indicators
Simple Transmitter Setup - Aerobatic Airplane (ACGL Menu) - Page 19
 Simple Transmitter Setup - Aerobatic Airplane (ACGL Menu)

41. To set the FULL throttle position, move the throttle stick all 47. You can use the dual rate function or the exponential
the way to the transmitter top and hold it. The letters "R/D" function to reduce the aileron and elevator travel in flight by
should appear next to the flashing percent sign. [Notice flipping switches. Dual rates are typically used to reduce a
that the Optic transmitter thinks of throttle stick positions to model's sensitivity and cut down total travel. Exponential
the reverse of the way it seems, in that with the throttle functions make the response slower around center and
stick fully forwards - "up" towards the transmitter top, is the larger away from center.
Down position.] Listen for a buzzing sound to indicate the You can use both but they are activated by the same switch.
servo is stalling, and hit the -Decrease Data key until the You may wish to use Dual rate on one side of the switch
buzzing stops. If the servo is not buzzing, leave the setting and exponential on the other.
at 100% or change your linkage as necessary to fully open 48. Aileron Dual Rate setting. Get to the D/R menu by
the throttle. pressing one of the Up Down Edit buttons repeatedly until
42. To set the RIGHT rudder motion, press the Right Cursor D/R appears, as shown.
key until the indicator moves over channel 4. Now move
Lower arrow
the left stick all the way to the right and hold it. indicates lower
The letters "R/D" should appear next to the flashing switch setting

percent sign. Listen for a buzzing sound to indicate the

rudder servo is stalling, and hit the Data -Decrease key
until the buzzing stops. If the servo is not buzzing, leave
the setting at 100%. You may wish to increase or decrease 49. The aileron dual rate setting automatically affects both
this number depending on how strongly the model reacts ailerons if the flaperon function is active. To set the aileron
when the rudder is deflected. Now move the stick to the dual rate, move the arrow by pressing the Right Cursor
left side, and repeat the setting procedure for left rudder. key until the little arrow is under or over the numeral 1 (the
43. In the same manner as described above, be sure to set arrow depends on the position of the Ail D/R switch above
EPA values for channels 5 (landing gear) and 6 (second the right stick. Now move the aileron D/R switch up or
aileron), if you have either. down, noticing the position of the arrow. You can set two
44. If you wish to have the flaps operate with the CH6 lever, dual rates, one for each switch position. If you set them,
go back to the FLPT menu and input a number greater be sure to note which switch position turns them on.
than zero. Adjust the number to get the desired amount of 50. By pressing the Data +Increase or -Decrease keys, you
flap travel as you turn the lever. can add or subtract from the numerical value displayed.
Note that you may pick a value anywhere from 0% to 125%
(125% is larger than the normal amount, so if you do this
be careful not to exceed servo travel limits and cause
stalling or excess current drain). If you quickly want to get
back to the default 100%, press the Clear key. We suggest
using an initial value of 75%.
45. If you wish to have differential aileron travel, this can be 51. NOTE: if you set any of the dual rates to 0%, you will have
done in the flaperon menu. First, we'll reduce the down ZERO CONTROL AUTHORITY and LOSE CONTROL OF
travel on the right aileron. Press the Right Cursor key YOUR AIRCRAFT when the switch is in that position.
until the little triangles are both above and below the DON'T DO IT!
numeral 1. Hold the aileron stick to the left and press the 52. Elevator dual rate setting: press the Right Cursor key
-Decrease Data key until the number is smaller. 50-75% is one time to get the little arrows above or below the
a good starting point. Watch to be sure you're setting the numeral 2. Now set the elevator dual rates in the same
down travel on the right aileron. way you set the ailerons in the previous step.
46. Next, we'll reduce the down travel on the left aileron. Upper arrow
Press the Right Cursor key until the little triangle moves indicates upper
D/R switch setting
below the numeral 6 (the second aileron; the upper triangle
should stay over the number 1). This time, hold the aileron
stick to the right and press the -Decrease Data key until
the number is the same as you chose for the other side.

Simple Transmitter Setup - Aerobatic Airplane (ACGL Menu) - Page 20

 Simple Transmitter Setup - Aerobatic Airplane (ACGL Menu)

53. Rudder dual rate setting: press the Right Cursor key one 60. Be sure to input a mixing percentage for each side of the
time to get the little arrows above or below the numeral 4. elevator stick motion.
Now set the rudder dual rates in the same way you set the
ailerons and elevator in the previous steps. ON or OFF
depends on Flt.
54. Landing setup. You can get an airbrake effect by flipping
Mode switch setting
a switch to raise or lower both flaperons and add elevator
to keep it trimmed. This high-drag configuration makes the
landing approach steeper to help make safe landings in
small fields. This is an on-off function, not proportional. 61. Throttle Cut. The TCUT function allows you to kill the
55. With landing mode on, it is possible to lose some aileron engine by pressing on the ENG CUT pushbutton on the top
effectiveness. Be sure to test the landing settings at altitude right of the transmitter, commanding the throttle servo to
before trying it on a landing approach. You should spend move to a preset position. If you use the TCUT function,
some time fine-adjusting the elevator travel so that there is you'll never need to adjust the trim on your engine after
minimal trim change when the landing (Flt. Mode (SW-4)) you've got a good idle position! For safety, the TCUT
switch is operated. feature only operates if the throttle stick is below its 50%
56. Press one of the Up Down Edit buttons until the LAND position. After about 3-5 seconds, the throttle servo
window appears, as shown. The landing mode is OFF responds to throttle stick.
unless the Flt. Mode (SW-4) switch (upper left of transmitter) To set up TCUT, get to the TCUT menu. Now you may input
is fully aft (away from you). the amount of throttle servo motion using the Data
+Increase key. Choose a small negative number, which
ON or OFF will command the throttle servo to close the carburetor
depends on Flt. below its idle position. If the engine doesn't quit when you
Mode switch setting
press the cut button, increase the negative percentage. Be
careful not to choose a position which stalls the servo.
62. CAMBER. You can use the CAMB function to configure
57. The arrow should be over the numeral 2. Now press the your model to droop its ailerons and flaps to get higher lift
Data +Increase key to change the percentage shown. You for takeoff and landing. The camber function may be turned
may input the amount of offset for the elevator at this time. on and off with a switch, and you may also add elevator
This should be set from -7% to -10%. Don't use too much offset to keep the model trimmed. Camber is an on-off
or it could crash your model. function, not proportional. To set up camber, please read
58. Press the Cursor Right key one more time, and you may the setup instructions on page 33.
now input the CH6 setting. The rates may vary 63. Ailevator. You may use the AILV for models that have two
considerably for different models, but for initial settings you elevator servos to automatically gang them together for
might try the flap rate around 50-55%. You may want flaps elevator function without using a programmable mixer. In
to droop or rise, depending on the model type. addition, you may program in a response to aileron
59. E->F Mixing: you may couple or mix elevator to flaps for Commands, which allows you to use them for 3-D maneuvers
tighter corners in the elevator-to-flap mixer. Get to the such as torque rolls. The AILV function cannot be switched
E->F menu, then activate it by pressing the Clear key. on and off during flight. For more information on AILV,
Press the Right Cursor key to get the percent symbol to please read the setup instructions on page 39.
flash. Now you may input the percentage of mixing with 64. Aileron differential (ADIF) is a function that allows you to
the Data +Increase key. Start out with 10-20% and Individually set the up and down motion of ailerons
increase it until the corners in your loops are square controlled by two separate aileron servos. The two servos
enough. If the flaps don't drop when you pull up elevator, must be plugged into channels 1 and 5, so this function is
reverse the sign in front of the mix percentage he best way to control a two-servo model using a five-
(change the + to a - or vice versa). channel receiver.
You cannot activate both ADIF and FLPN functions, you
must choose one or the other. We recommend using FLPN
for receivers with six channels and ADIF for receivers with
five channels. For instructions on how to use ADIF, please
refer to the setup instructions on page 31.
Simple Transmitter Setup - Aerobatic Airplane (ACGL Menu) - Page 21
 Simple Transmitter Setup - Aerobatic Airplane (ACGL Menu)

65. Programmable mixers: now take advantage of your up elevator for rudder going both directions. Move the
system's advanced custom programming capabilities. You rudder stick to the right and press the Data +Increase until
may use one or both of the two programmable mixers you can see which way the elevator moves; if incorrect,
(PMX1, PMX2) to get rid of unwanted tendencies (for press the Data -Decrease key until the plus sign changes
example, rolling or tucking during knife-edge flight. to a minus sign. Repeat this by moving the rudder stick to
66. For tucking during knife-edge, you want to apply a little up the other side. You'll end up with a plus sign for one rudder
elevator when you are using full rudder to sustain knife- direction, and minus for the other direction. Start with only
edge. Thus, we want the master channel to be rudder, and 5-10% mixing on both sides until you know how much you
the slave to be elevator. need from actual test flying.
67. To program this mixing, first get to the PMX1 window. 71. Be sure you understand how to set the switch to turn PMX1
Press one of the Edit Up/Down keys until you see PMX1 on and off, since you won't want this mixing on during
displayed. Then press the Active/Inhibit (Clear) key to normal flight, only during knife-edge. Later, after you fly the
activate it (a flashing ON or OFF will appear, depending on model you may fine-tune the amount of elevator travel so
the position of the selected ON-OFF switch, which turns that the pitching tendency is eliminated.
mixer #1 on and off).
68. Next, press the Cursor Right key once to select the master
channel (MAS flashes on and off), then press the Data
+Increase key until the little arrow moves over the numeral
4, indicating CH4 (rudder) is the master channel. Press the
Cursor Right key once (SLV flashes on and off), then press
the Data +Increase key until the little arrow is under the You can use the other mixer to handle adding aileron
numeral 2, indicating CH2 (elevator) is the slave channel. corrections during knife-edge. In this case, you'll have the
69. Now, you'll define the mixing percentage. Notice that the same percentage sign on both sides of the rudder.
mixer starts with 100% on both sides, which is WAY too This introduction just scratches the surface of the
much. Move the rudder stick to one side and press the capabilities of your Optic system. Please read the manual
Clear button, zeroing the percentage. Move it to the other so you'll know what other features you can take advantage
ide and repeat. Now both sides are set to zero percent. of. The sky's the limit - we know you'll enjoy using your
70. If your model tucks during knife-edge, you'll want to input Optic system!

Simple Transmitter Setup - Electric Airplane, 5-Channel Receiver (ACGL Menu)

The aircraft setup procedure presented below uses an electric model as an example and assumes that there are two aileron
servos, one in each wing. It also assumes that you are using a micro five-channel receiver. It will take you step-by-step
through the setup process for an electric airplane in the ACGL menu, including the setup for airbrakes.

FIVE-CHANNEL ELECTRIC AIRCRAFT SETUP INSTRUCTIONS

1. Be sure that all of your servos are plugged into the proper 3. Follow steps 3-10 in the Aerobatic Airplane setup instructions to do
receiver channels: the initial setup for your electric model.
CH1 - Right aileron 4. Now, you will customize the ACGL settings for your model.
CH2 - Elevator Switch transmitter power OFF, then turn power ON.
CH3 - Electronic speed control the transmitter should display the model number and battery
CH4 - Rudder (if used) voltage as shown. The number on the right is the elapsed
CH5 - Left aileron time, which will vary depending on how long the transmitter
2. We recommend that you do this programming exercise with has been left on.
the servos installed in the model and connected to the
respective control surfaces. This will enable you to
immediately see the effect of each programming step.
You should remove the propeller for safety.

Simple Transmitter Setup - Aerobatic Airplane (ACGL Menu) - Page 22

 Simple Transmitter Setup - Electric Airplane, 5-Channel Receiver (ACGL Menu)

5. Press both Edit keys to get to the regular programming the left should move downward. Check that the right
menu. The end-point adjust menu (EPA) should appear. aileron moves the correct way! (More planes are crashed
Press the Down arrow to get to the aileron differential menu due to reversed controls than for any other reason.)
(ADIF). The display should show that it is inhibited (INH).
RIGHT

LEFT RIGHT
LEFT

Front View

6. Turn on the ADIF function by pressing the Clear button until 12. If it does not, activate the opposite direction for the CH1
"On" appears in the display. aileron servo by pressing the Active/Inhibit (Clear) key.
Each press switches from Reversed to Normal and from
Normal to Reversed. In the display, N for Normal is chosen
when the little triangle is above the channel number, and R
for Reversed is chosen when the little triangle is below the
channel number. Move the right-hand stick again and
7. Be sure that you connect the right aileron servo to receiver verify the right aileron moves the right directions. The
CH1 and the left aileron servo to receiver CH5. display shows Channel 1 reversed.
8. You may wish to have the electric motor controlled by an
ON-OFF switch instead of the throttle stick (good for racers
and aircraft that only use full throttle). In this case, go to the
STCK INPUT SELECT menu by pressing the UP or DOWN
arrow key.

13. Next we'll set the direction of the elevator servo, channel 2.
INPUT SEL
When you move the right-hand stick towards the BOTTOM
of the transmitter, the elevator should move up. Check to
make sure it moves the proper direction!
DOWN
9. You can select Switch SW-01 ("ELEV RUDD D/R" to DOWN

operate the electronic speed control by pressing the CLEAR

button. UP

UP
INPUT SEL
14. If the elevator control moves the wrong direction, move over
to Channel 2 by pressing the Cursor Right key. Now the '2'
should be flashing in the display. Activate the opposite
10. Now we will check that each servo moves the proper direction for the elevator servo by pressing the Active/
direction. If not, we'll use the Reversing function. Go to Inhibit (Clear) key. Move the right-hand stick up-and-down
the Reversing menu (REV) by hitting the Down arrow. again and verify the elevator moves the right direction.
15. Now we'll set the direction of the electronic speed control.
If you're using the left-hand stick for throttle control, when
you move the stick towards the TOP of the transmitter, the
motor should spin. It should stop at low throttle stick.
HIGH
HIGH Throttle
11. We'll start by setting the right aileron servo direction. This
is channel 1, and the 1 should be flashing for this command.
When you move the right-hand stick to the right, the aileron LOW Throttle
on the right wing should move upwards, and the aileron on LOW

Simple Transmitter Setup - Electric Airplane, 5-Channel Receiver (ACGL Menu) - Page 23
 Simple Transmitter Setup - Electric Airplane, 5-Channel Receiver (ACGL Menu)

16. If the throttle stick operates the speed control the wrong won't run out of subtrim authority. Remove all the arms
direction, move over to Channel 3 by pressing the Cursor that are in the way or interfere with your pushrods.
Right key. Now the 3 should be flashing in the display.
Activate the opposite direction for the throttle servo by
pressing the Active/Inhibit (Clear) key. Verify the throttle Servo

stick makes the motor turn on and off in the correct direction.
Pushrod
17. If you are using Switch SW-1 for throttle on-off, check that
90
the switch operates the motor in the direction you would like.
The UP position should be used for motor ON, and DOWN
for motor OFF. If it does not, reverse CH3 using the REV Adjust the clevises on each servo pushrod to get the
menu as described above. position of each control to be as close as you can to neutral
18. Now we'll set the direction of the rudder servo, if used. (lined up with the adjacent portion of wing or tail).
When you move the left-hand stick towards the CENTER Setting Subtrims. Now we'll adjust all the subtrims to
of the transmitter (to the right), the trailing edge, or rear of electronically set the desired neutral locations. To do so,
the rudder should move to the right. Check to make sure! go back to the programming menu by pressing both Edit
keys, then press the Up or Down arrow key repeatedly until
RIGHT STRM appears.
22. Set the subtrims for CH1 and CH5 ailerons, elevator, and
LEFT RIGHT rudder following the instructions given in steps 25 - 32 in
LEFT
the aerobatic setup instructions. Remember your second
Front View
aileron servo is plugged into CH5.
23. Servo EPA (End Point Adjustment). Set up the servo
If the rudder moves the wrong direction, move over to travels for each channel following the instructions given in
Channel 4 by pressing the Cursor Right key. Now the '4' steps 33 - 43 in the aerobatic setup instructions.
should be flashing in the display. Activate the opposite 24. Dual Rates and Exponential Functions. You can use the
direction for the rudder servo by pressing the Active/ exponential function to make the aileron and elevator
Inhibit (Clear) key. Move the left-hand stick left-and-right responses less sensitive around neutral, so that your racer
again and verify the rudder moves the correct direction. reacts smoothly for mild control inputs, but reacts strongly
19. Now set the CH5 aileron servo direction (otherwise skip when you command a lot of stick. You can adjust the
this and the next step). This is channel 5, and the '5' amount in flight by flipping switches. Exponential functions
should be flashing for this command. When you move the make the response slower around center and larger away
right-hand stick to the right, the aileron on the left wing from center. You may also use dual rate to adjust the total
should move downwards. Check that the CH5 aileron travels, but keep them linear.
moves the correct way! If it does not, activate the opposite Set up dual rates following the procedures given in steps
direction using the above procedures. Move the right-hand 48 - 53 of the aerobatic aircraft setup instructions.
stick again and verify the CH5 aileron moves the proper NOTE: if you set any of the dual rates to 0%, you will have ZERO
directions. CONTROL and LOSE CONTROL OF YOUR AIRCRAFT when the
20. Before we set the servo neutrals, we need to be sure that switch is in that position. DON'T DO IT!
all the trims are centered. Press both Edit keys to get to the 25. Airbrake setup using CAMB. You can get airbrakes by
main menu, where voltage and time are displayed. Press flipping a switch to raise both flaperons and add elevator to
the Up arrow until the word TRIM appears. By moving each maintain trim. This configuration increases the drag, making
of the four trim levers around, you can see their positions, the landing approach steeper to help make safe landings in
and move them back to zero for the next step. small fields.
21. Once you have centered all the trims, unscrew the screws With CAMB on, it is possible to lose some aileron
holding the servo arms onto the elevator, ailerons, and effectiveness. Be sure to test the landing settings at altitude
rudder (we'll set the throttle travel later). You will want to before trying it on a landing approach. You should spend
place the servo arms on the output shaft so they are near some time fine-adjusting the elevator travel so that there is
neutral - that is, about 90° to the servo case sides or, if no trim change when CAMB is on.
the servo is mounted sideways, 90° to the pushrod
(sideways mounting is not recommended). This way you
Simple Transmitter Setup - Electric Airplane, 5-Channel Receiver (ACGL Menu) - Page 24
 Simple Transmitter Setup - Electric Airplane, 5-Channel Receiver (ACGL Menu)

26. Press one of the Up Down Edit buttons until the CAMB 34. Now, you'll define the mixing percentage. Notice that the
window appears, as shown. Activate it using the CLEAR mixer starts with 100% on both sides, which is WAY too
button. The CAMB mode is OFF unless the FLT MODE much. Move the elevator stick down and press the Clear
switch SW-4 is forward. (You can change this switch in the button, zeroing the percentage. Move it up and repeat.
SWITCH SELECT menu.) Now both sides are set to zero percent.
27. Hit the Cursor Right key one time to get to the Ch1 preset 35. You'll probably want to input down flap for up elevator only.
menu. Press the Data +Increase key to input a preset Move the elevator stick up and press the Data +Increase
value for the CH1 aileron. Start out with a moderate value until you can see which way the elevator moves; if incorrect,
and increase it after you've seen how the model behaves. press the Data -Decrease key until the plus sign changes to
minus sign. You'll end up with a number for up elevator
OFF direction, and zero for the down direction. Start with only
5-10% mixing on the UP side until you know how much you
need from actual test flying. Too much droop increases
drag and slows the model down.
36. Be sure you understand how to set the switch to turn PMX1
28. Press the Cursor Right key to move the arrow over the on and off, since you only want this on during racing. Later,
numeral 2. Now press the Data +Increase key to change after you fly the model you may fine-tune the amount of
the percentage the elevator moves to. This should be set a aileron travel for tighter turns.
very small number, as it will affect the trim considerably.
Don't use too much or it could crash your model.
29. Press the Cursor Right key one more time, and you may
now input the second aileron's CH5 setting. Set it to match
the CH1 servo's travel.
30. If you want this airbrake function to be a proportional control
Use the other mixer to set up the droop of the second
using the left slide lever, use the CROW menu instead of
aileron, CH5, in the same way. In this mixer, master = CH2,
the CAMB menu. See the setup instruction for more
slave = CH5. Set the mixing percentages so that both
information on the CROW menu.
ailerons droop the same amount, or else your model will
31. Elevator->Flaperon Mixing: you may want to set up your
roll when you pull elevator!
model so that when you pull elevator, the two ailerons
This introduction just scratches the surface of the
droop for tighter corners. This may be done with
capabilities of your Optic system for a five-channel electric
Programmable mixers. You will use both of the
model. Please read the manual so you'll know what other
programmable mixers (PMX1, PMX2) for this feature.
features you can take advantage of. We hope you enjoy
For a little down flap when you pull elevator, set the master
using your Optic system!
channel to be elevator, and the slave to be aileron 1 (CH1).
32. To program this mixing, first get to the PMX1 window.
Press one of the Edit Up/Down keys until you see PMX1
displayed. Then press the Active/Inhibit (Clear) key to
activate it (a flashing ON or OFF will appear, depending on
the position of the selected ON-OFF switch, which turns
mixer #1 on and off).
33. Next, press the Cursor Right key once to select the master
channel (MAS flashes on and off), then press the Data
+Increase key until the little arrow moves over the
numeral 2, indicating CH2 (elevator) is the master channel.
Press the Cursor Right key once (SLV flashes on and off),
then press the Data +Increase key until the little arrow is
under the numeral 1, indicating CH1 (aileron 1) is the slave
channel.

Simple Transmitter Setup - Electric Airplane, 5-Channel Receiver (ACGL Menu) - Page 25
 Optic Aircraft Controls and Switch Assignments

SW2
Aux(ch-5:gear)
Crow ON/OFF SW4
Elevator to Flap Mix
Camber mix
Trainer Switch (Landing mix)

Engine Cut
Switch
SW1
Electric Motor On/Off SW3
Elevator / Rudder D/R Aileron Dual
Rate Switch

Aux
FLIP TRIM
(ch-6:flap adj)
Crow Activate

Aileron &
Rudder - Elevator Stick
Throttle Stick

Elevator
Trim Switch
Throttle
Trim Switch

Rudder Aileron
Trim Switch Trim Switch

This figure shows the assignments for a Mode 2 system as supplied by the factory.
Note that some of the functions will not operate until activated in the mixing menus.

Optic Aircraft Controls and Switch Assignments - Page 26

 Airplane Model Function Descriptions
EPA - End Point Adjust 4. To set EPA travel for other channels, press the Cursor Right
The EPA function is used to set (or limit) the travel of each key to select the channel you wish to change. The little
servo, and may be set anywhere from 0% and 125% for each triangle moves and indicates the active channel. Repeat
travel direction. Reducing the percentage settings reduces the these steps with each channel in sequence, taking care to
total servo throw in that direction. The EPA function is normally set the travel for both directions. You may set each channel
used to prevent any servos from binding at the ends of their separately, anywhere in between 0% and 125%, and if you
travel. If you change the EPA setting to 0%, you will not wish to rapidly return to the default 100% setting, press the
have any servo response in that direction, and will Active/Inhibit (Clear) key.
probably crash. 5. Return to the regular operating mode by pressing the two
Edit Up Down keys simultaneously.

D/R - Dual Rates

If this is your first computer radio, you may have never been
introduced to dual rates before. Dual rates are used because
most models respond more rapidly to control inputs while
they're flying at higher speeds, and it is possible to be really
gentle with the controls and yet still over-control. Dual rates are
Setting EPA values on your system: used to adjust the transmitter so that a control actuated at high
1. Enter the programming mode by pressing the two Edit Up speed will not cause a radical response, so they are very useful
Down keys (the two keys on the far left) at the same time. for beginning pilots as well as experts.
You should pop right into the EPA screen, but if you do not, Dual rates are selected by flipping the dual rate switches on the
press either Edit Up Down key until you see EPA displayed. transmitter. The Optic has two dual rate switches, one for
The channel indicator is above numeral 1 for ailerons, the ailerons and one for elevator, and rudder. The aileron dual rate
percent symbol will be flashing, and you'll notice that you switch is located over the right-hand stick; the elevator and
can change the L/U indicator to R/D (or vice versa) by rudder dual rate switch is located over the left-hand stick. The
moving the aileron (right) stick. In the next steps you will amount of travel reduction or increase may be set anywhere
see how you set the travel directions independently for each between 0 and 125%.
stick (or lever or gear switch) motion. Note: if you set the dual rate amount to zero,
you will get no response from that channel, which may cause a crash.

Inputting Dual Rate Values

1. Get to the D/R screen with the Edit Up Down keys.
2. The active channel number is indicated by the arrow above
or below the channel numbers. The arrow's position
2. To set the RIGHT aileron servo travel, move the aileron stick depends on the position of that channel's dual rate switch.
all the way to the right and hold it. The letters "R/D" should In the figure, the aileron (CH1) dual rate setting at the D/R
appear next to the flashing percent sign, meaning you are switch's lower position is being programmed.
setting either Right or Up travel (with ailerons it's right or left
only, but the display is set up to use the same indicators for
elevator and throttle, thus the dual meanings for the letters).
Now if your servo is stalled or binding, you'll hear a buzzing
sound. Hit the Data -Decrease key until the buzzing stops.
If the servo is not buzzing, leave the setting at 100%. Later,
depending on how rapidly the model rolls, you can use
aileron dual rates to reduce the sensitivity.
3. To set the LEFT aileron motion, move the aileron stick all the
way to the left and hold it. The letters "L/U" should appear
next to the flashing percent sign. Again listen and hit the
Data -Decrease key until the buzzing stops. If the servo is
not buzzing, leave the setting at 100%.
Airplane Model Function Descriptions - Page 27
 Airplane Model Function Descriptions
3. Use the Data +Increase or -Decrease key to choose the Setting Exponentials
amount of dual rate for that switch position. You may set 1. Enter the programming mode by pressing the two Edit Up
the travel for both sides of the switch simply by flipping the Down keys (the two keys on the far left) at the same time.
switch to the other position (the arrow will also switch sides). Press either Edit Up Down key until the EXP menu appears,
If you wish to return to the original 100% value, press the as shown.
Active/Inhibit (Clear) key.
4. Press the Cursor Right key to move to another channel you
wish to input dual rate settings.
5. Repeat the first three steps for the dual rate settings on the
remaining channels. Note that you can leave one side of
the dual rate switches alone. This can be used for
exponential settings (see next function). 2. To set exponential for channel 1, move the arrow by pressing
6. Return to the regular operating mode by pressing the two the Cursor Right or Left keys repeatedly until the arrow is
Edit Up Down keys simultaneously. under or over the channel number you want. Now switch the
appropriate switch up or down, noticing the position of the
EXP - Exponential arrow. You can set two values of exponential, one for each
You may be new to exponential settings. "Exponential" refers switch position. By pressing the Data +Increase or
to a mathematical function where the curve grows steeper the -Decrease keys, you can add or subtract from the numerical
further away from center it gets. Expo is a way to get the value displayed. Note that you may pick a value anywhere
effect of dual rates without having to flip a switch. The figure from -100% to +100%. If you quickly want to get back to the
below will help explain this concept. default 0%, press the Active/Inhibit (Clear) key. You should
understand that you won't see changes in your model's servo
Servo

Much less response

Response response unless you move the sticks. To get a feel for how
around neutral(compare
with Normal line)
Normal
linear
exponential works, just hold partial stick and switch the Expo
response
on and off (one side of the switch should be set to zero expo).
You'll see how it affects the servo travel.
75%
Stick Motion Exponential gives
smaller response for
3. The values you set for exponential are highly dependent on
Increasing same stick motion
50%
exponential around neutral both the model and pilot's preference. I normally recommend
25% (shallower around
0%
(Linear)
neutral)
a start value of about -10% to -20%, and many test flights,
slowly increasing the number until things are "right".
You will notice that exponential has a smooth curve. For this Obviously this depends on the pilot and model so go ahead
reason it is possible to have low sensitivity at low stick angles and fly it with Expo only on one side of the switch, turn it on
(like dual rates), and yet have full motion at full stick deflection. and off during flight, and change things to suit yourself. Or
The Optic allows you to have two different values of don't use it at all if you don't like it - it's not for everyone.
exponential, chosen by the same dual rate toggle switches on 4. Repeat this procedure for the expo settings on the other
the transmitter, described earlier. You might want to set a dual remaining channels.
rate at one switch position with zero exponential, and an 5. Return to the regular operating mode by pressing the two
exponential value with 100% dual rate at the other. Then you Edit Up Down keys simultaneously.
can switch between them in flight and decide which you like
better. Later, you can combine both dual rate settings and S.TRM - Subtrim Settings
exponential on a single switch setting. The Subtrim window is used to make small adjustments or
There are really two kinds of exponential, "positive" and corrections in the neutral position of each servo, independent of
"negative." Negative exponential is the one shown above, and the digital trim buttons. The recommended procedure is to zero
the type of expo most commonly used, where servo movement out both the trims (see settings menu) and the subtrims (this
is softer around neutral. Positive exponential is where the menu). Then, one mounts the servo arms and sets up linkages
servos are very sensitive around neutral and soft at extremes. so that the neutral position of each control surface is as close to
It is sometimes used for helicopter tail rotors. where it should be as possible, with the arm 90° to the
The Optic allows you to set exponential for ailerons, elevator, pushrod. Finally, small amounts of subtrim are used to make
and rudder. fine corrections. We recommend that you try to keep all of the
subtrim values of as small as possible. Otherwise, when the
Airplane Model Function Descriptions - Page 28
 Airplane Model Function Descriptions
subtrims are large values, the servo's full range of travel may T.CUT - Throttle Cut (Engine Kill) Function
be restricted. The Throttle Cut function provides you an easy way to stop the
engine by simply pressing a button with the throttle stick at idle,
Setting Subtrims which commands the throttle servo to move a prescribed
1. Use the Edit Up Down keys to call up the STRM window. amount. The throttle servo moves to the selected cut position
when the Cut button is pressed and the throttle stick is below
50%. Above 50% throttle, the cut button has no effect.
The activation direction may be chosen by the owner.

Setting up the Throttle Cut function

1. Get to the T.CUT screen with the Edit Up Down keys.
2. Press the Cursor Right or Left key until the small arrow is 2. Place the throtle stick at its idle position (towards bottom of
above the channel you wish to adjust (the figure shows transmitter). Use the Data -Decrease key to select the
subtrim adjustment for CH1). amount of motion of the throttle servo you wish - normally
3. Adjust the neutral position using the Data +Increase or you want to completely close the carburetor, but be careful
-Decrease keys. You may adjust between -100% and not to choose too much travel that might stall the servo. You
+100%. If you want to reset the value back to zero, press may see the servo move when you press the Active/Inhibit
the Active/Inhibit (Clear) key. (Clear) button. A maximum of 50% may be chosen, but
4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 for each channel to be adjusted in turn. only use the amount you need to fully close the carburetor
5. Return to the regular operating mode by pressing the two without stalling the servo.
Edit Up Down keys simultaneously.

Flashing
REV - Servo Reversing
The servo reverse function may be used when you need to
change the direction that a servo responds to a control stick
motion. When you use this function, BE SURE THAT YOUR
3. Return to the regular operating mode by pressing the two
CONTROL IS MOVING THE CORRECT DIRECTION. If you
Edit Up Down keys simultaneously.
are using any preprogrammed mixers such as flaperon, be
Note: the throttle servo will be disabled for a 2-3 second period after
sure to set correct travels in the REV menu setting up the
the throttle cut button is pressed.
preprogrammed function.
Note: The throttle cut function does not operate if Switch 01 controls
Reversing Servos the throttle (see below).
1. Get to the REV screen with the Edit Up Down keys.
STCK - Throttle Location
2. Use the Data +Increase or -Decrease key to select the Your Optic system has a unique feature that allows you to
channel you wish to reverse. The active channel number choose whether the throttle control plugged into channel 3 is
will flash. activated by the throttle stick or by Switch SW01(the switch
labeled "Elev Rudd D/R" on the top left of the front of the
transmitter). If you are flying an electric-powered model or
some other model that only needs the throttle to be on or off,
you can use this function.

Setting the Throttle Location

3. Toggle between normal (N) and reverse (R) with the Active/
1. Use the Edit Up Down arrow keys to select the STCK window.
Inhibit (Clear) key. The arrow above the number indicates
The window will either display the STCK display, indicating
normal travel, while the arrow below indicates reversed
the throttle stick controls channel 3, or the SW01 display,
travel (the figure shows all channels normal, none reversed).
indicating the switch controls it.
4. Repeat this procedure for each channel needing to be
reversed.
INPUT SEL INPUT SEL
5. Return to the regular operating mode by pressing the two
Edit Up Down keys simultaneously.

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 Airplane Model Function Descriptions
2. Press the CLEAR key to switch between the two possible
settings.
3. If you choose the Switch SW-01 control setting, be sure the
switch is in the OFF position before you switch on the CH1
Aileron Operation
CH6

airborne system. This is to ensure you do not accidentally

turn on full throttle.

FLPT - Flap Travel Function CH1

Flap Operation
CH6

The Flap Travel function is used to specify the amount of flap

travel produced by motion of the flap control (the Left lever). You can combine the flaperon function with the landing function
If flaperon is inactive, the Right lever may be used to trim the (LAND), to get steeper descents without building up airspeed.
flap position. With flaperons active, the Right lever controls This is very convenient for making short approaches on small
the motion of both flaperons. fields. Note that you cannot have both flaperon and elevon
mixing active at the same time.
Setting Flap Travel function
1. Use the Edit Up Down arrow keys to select the FLPT Setting up the Flaperon function
window. The number in the display may be different. 1. The right flaperon servo should be plugged into CH1, and the
left flaperon servo should be plugged into CH6.
2. Press one of the Up Down Edit buttons repeatedly to select
the FLPN window. The INH indicator will show.
3. Press the Active/Inhibit (Clear) key to activate the flaperon
function. This will show the On indicator.

2. Press the Data +Increase or -Decrease key to input your

desired flap motion setting. The 30% default value produces
"reasonable" travel for many models, but you must try it out
on your own model to be sure. A 100% setting causes
extreme travel and is not recommended as it can cause the
servos to bind or excessive trim changes. You may want to 4. Press the Cursor Right key once. A small arrow is displayed
set it to a smaller number, say 10% for starters. If you wish over the numeral 1, representing aileron master channel, and
to return to the default 30% setting, press the Active/Inhibit the percent indicator will blink on and off. A small arrow is
(Clear) key. You can toggle through the settings 0%, 30%, displayed under the numeral 1, which tells us we're setting
and 100% by continuing to press this key. Setting it to 0% the right (CH1) flaperon servo. Move the aileron stick all the
disables the Right lever control, but the flaps will still respond way to the right, and check that both flaperons move the right
to mixing functions such as E->F and to the Landing function. direction. If the right (CH1) flaperon moves the wrong way,
change the its travel direction by holding the stick to the right,
FLPN - Flaperon Mixing pressing the Active/Inhibit (Clear) key, then pressing the
Data -Decrease key until you reach -100%. This will also
The Flaperon mixing function uses two servos to individually
change the travel for the left stick motion.
control two ailerons, combining the aileron function with the flap
function. Both ailerons can be raised and lowered
simultaneously for a flap effect. Of course, aileron function,
where the two controls move in different directions, is also
performed. The down travel of the left and right ailerons can be
adjusted, so you can also get a differential effect. (Left and
right flap travel are adjusted individually in the EPA menu.)
To take advantage of the flaperon mixing function, you'll need
to connect the right aileron servo to CH1 (AIL) and the left
aileron servo to CH6 (FLP).

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 Airplane Model Function Descriptions
5. If the left (CH6) flaperon moves correctly with aileron stick, as 0% down, and the ailerons will move up only.
go to the next step. Otherwise, change the its travel direction This is preferred over reducing the up travel, which reduces
by pressing the Cursor Right key (the little arrow moves the roll rate.
under the 6), press the Active/Inhibit (Clear) key (sets 0%), 9. You must repeat this procedure for the left flaperon also.
then press the Data -Decrease key until you reach -100%. Press the Cursor Right key one time, so the little arrow
moves under the 6 indicating the left (CH6) flaperon. Move
the stick to the Right and as before, press the Data
-Decrease key until you get to 50-75%.

ADIF - Aileron Differential

Before we explain why we use differential, please note that this
6. Now you'll input the amount of flap response on the flaperons. function drives two aileron servos out of channels 1 and 5. So
The flap motion is commanded by the Right Lever on the if you have a five-channel receiver, use the ADIF function
right side of the case (near your right-hand index finger), and to set up your model.
both flaperons should move the same direction when you Ailerons are used to roll or bank the aircraft's wing, but making
move the lever. Press the Cursor Right key one time, so the a roll or turn has a price. A wing that generates lift also
little arrow moves over the 6 indicating flaps are now the generates a drag component called induced drag, meaning that
master channel. Note the arrow under the 6 as well, drag is induced as a byproduct of the lifting wing. This means
indicating left (CH6) flaperon. Now you may adjust the that the wing that is lifting more is also dragging more, and the
amount of left flaperon travel with the Data +Increase and resulting drag difference causes the fuselage of the model to
-Decrease keys. Press Active/Inhibit (Clear) key if you wish yaw away from the desired turn direction, exactly the wrong
to reset to 0%). You may need to choose negative values to thing to have happen. This causes even more drag, which can
get the control to travel the correct direction. really hurt an aircraft's performance. There are two ways to
reduce the yaw of the fuselage, differential (ADIF) and rudder
coupling (A->R). Both should be used together.
Aileron differential causes the ailerons to automatically move
with more UP than DOWN motion, which helps to reduce
induced drag. It helps, along with rudder-coupling, to make the
fuselage point straight into the oncoming air stream (this is also
7. Now you'll input the amount of flap lever response on the called "coordinating the turn").
right (CH1) flaperon by pressing the Cursor Right key once. The amount of differential is highly dependent on the model
Now the little arrow moves under the 1, and you may adjust configuration. A good starting point is for the down aileron to
the amount of right flaperon travel with the Data +Increase move 50% to 75% as much as the up-moving aileron.
and -Decrease keys.

Coordinated turn
8. You may wish to set aileron differential. Aileron differential fuse lines up with turn direction
Nose Points outside Circle
increase coupling and/or
means that each aileron has more travel in the 'up' direction (don't change anything!)
differential
than the 'down' direction. Normally the down travel is
reduced to about half of the up travel, especially on slower-
flying models. Press the Cursor Right key two times, so the
little arrows move over and under the 1 indicating aileron
stick is again the master channel. The arrow under the 1
indicates the right (CH1) flaperon. Move the stick to the LEFT
Nose Points inside circle
and press the Data -Decrease key until you get to 50-75%. Too much coupling or differential.
Reduce one or both.
If you need even more differential, you can choose as low
Airplane Model Function Descriptions - Page 31
 Airplane Model Function Descriptions
Setting Up Differential CAMB - Camber Control
1. Press one of the Up Down Edit buttons repeatedly to select Your Optic system contains a special mixing function called
the ADIF window. To begin with, the function is already "Camber." You may use the Camber function to select a group
activated, but it's set to 100% on both sides so there is no of preset positions for channels 1, 2, and 6 (1, 2, 5, and 6 if
differential. ADIF is activated). This is used for models requiring these
presets for certain flying conditions. For example, many
sailplanes use drooped ailerons and flaps to maximize their
climb during launch. Scale models might drop ailerons and
flaps for slower, more realistic flight.

Setting up Camber function

2. A small arrow is displayed under the numeral 1, showing 1. Use the Edit Up Down arrow keys to select the CAMB
that CH1 is the affected channel. To set the differential for window. Depending on the position of the FLT MODE
the right aileron (CH1) down travel, hold the aileron stick to (SW-3) switch, the display will show a flashing OFF or ON.
the left side (display shows L/U), and press the Data The FLT MODE (SW-4) switch turns CAMB on when all the
Decrease key (the right aileron moves down when left way forward.
aileron stick is commanded). Continue reducing the
percentage until you reach about 60% to 70%. OFF

3. Make sure that the up travel for the first aileron (CH1) stays
at 100% by holding the aileron stick to the right side (display
shows R/D) and verifying that the display shows 100%.
4. Press the Cursor Right key once, to get to the left aileron
(CH5) setting menu. A small arrow is displayed under the 2. First the amount of Right or first aileron offset is programmed.
numeral 5, showing that CH5 is the affected channel. Press the Cursor Right key to get a small arrow displayed
5. Move the aileron stick to the right (display shows R/D), and over the numeral 1 (representing first aileron). You may
press the Data Decrease key reducing the percentage until adjust the amount of travel with the Data +Increase and
you reach about 60% to 70%. -Decrease keys. You may use anywhere between -100%
6. Make sure that the up travel for the second aileron (CH5) and +100%, but a small value of 10% or less is the
stays at 100% by holding the aileron stick to the left side recommended starting value. Be careful as this may have
(display shows L/U) and verifying that the display shows a significant effect on the model's trim. Press the Active/
100%. Inhibit (Clear) key if you wish to reset to 0%.
7. If for some reason you want a 0% setting, press the Active
/Inhibit (Clear) key. This is the maximum amount of OFF

differential you can get, but will reduce the roll rate if
selected.

3. Next, the amount of elevator offset is programmed. A small

arrow is displayed over the numeral 2 (representing elevator).
You may adjust the amount of travel with the Data +Increase
and -Decrease keys. You may use anywhere between
-100% and +100%, but a small value of 10% or less is the
recommended starting value. Be careful as this has a very
powerful effect on the model's trim. Press the Active/Inhibit
(Clear) key if you wish to reset to 0%.

OFF

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 Airplane Model Function Descriptions
4. To get to the second aileron travel setting, press the Cursor Setting up Landing function
Right key. The small triangle is now displayed above the 1. Use the Edit Up Down arrow keys to select the LAND
numeral 5, indicating the flap channel. You may input any window. Depending on the position of the landing switch,
desired flap travel with the Data +Increase and -Decrease the display will show a flashing OFF or ON. The Flt. Mode
keys. The default is 0%, and you may set this anywhere (SW-4) switch turns on LAND when all the way AFT.
from -100 to +100% (check that there is no binding with large
flap deflections and aileron commands). With flaperons,
large motions should also be avoided because of reduced
aileron effectiveness. You may return to the 0% settings by
hitting the Active/Inhibit (Clear) key.

OFF
2. First the amount of elevator offset is programmed. A small
arrow is displayed over the numeral 2 (representing elevator).
You may adjust the amount of travel with the Data +Increase
and -Decrease keys. You may use anywhere between
-100% and +100%, but a small value of 10% or less is the
5. To get to the flap travel setting, press the Cursor Right key. recommended starting value. Be careful as this has a very
The small triangle is now displayed above the numeral 6, powerful effect on the model's trim. Press the Active/Inhibit
indicating the flap channel. You may input any desired flap (Clear) key if you wish to reset to 0%.
travel with the Data +Increase and -Decrease keys. The
default is 0%, and you may set this anywhere from -100 to
+100% (check that there is no binding with large flap
deflections and aileron commands). You may return to the
0% settings by hitting the Active/Inhibit (Clear) key.

3. To get to the flap travel setting, press the Cursor Right key.
OFF
The small triangle is now displayed above the numeral 6,
indicating the flap channel. You may input any desired flap
travel with the Data +Increase and -Decrease keys. The
default is 0%, and you may set this anywhere from -100 to
Note: At first, be very cautious using the CAMB function when you are +100% (check that there is no binding with large flap
flying slowly, as there could be a loss of roll authority. deflections and aileron commands). With flaperons, large
Check out how it works at high altitude first. motions should also be avoided because of reduced aileron
effectiveness. You may return to the 0% settings by hitting
the Active/Inhibit (Clear) key.

LAND - Landing Function

The LAND function simultaneously moves the flap and
Note: At first, be very cautious using the LAND function when you are
elevator servos to defined positions to help make steep
flying slowly, as there could be a loss of roll authority.
descents or limit airspeed in dives. The controls move to the
Check out how it works at high altitude first.
defined positions by flipping the FLT MODE SW-4 switch fully
AFT. If your model has a single flap servo on CH6, the flap is
dropped. If flaperons are active, you'll want to raise both to
prevent tip-stalling with some up-elevator to compensate, but
you may want to experiment with small values of down
flaperons to slow the model down. Use the elevator offset to
maintain pitch trim when the landing function is turned on.
Airplane Model Function Descriptions - Page 33
 Airplane Model Function Descriptions
ELVN - Elevon Mixing
The Elevon function should be used with delta wings, flying
wings, and other tailless aircraft whose layouts combine the
aileron and elevator functions, and requires one servo for each
elevon. Connect the right elevon to receiver CH1 and the left
elevon to CH2. The amount of aileron and elevator response
6. If the right (CH1) elevon moves down with up elevator stick,
can be adjusted independently. However, if you program in
change the its travel direction by pressing the Cursor Right
too much elevator or aileron travel, the servos may reach their
key (the little arrow moves under the 1), then press the Data
travel limits before full stick motion has occurred. The default
-Decrease key until you reach -50%. Otherwise, continue.
values for this mixer are 100%, but you may want to keep the
7. Now you'll input the amount of aileron stick response on the
travel settings at 50% or below because most elevon planes
right (CH1) elevon by pressing the Cursor Right key once.
are very sensitive, and adjust the control linkages to get the
Now the little arrows move both over and under the 1, and
travel you desire. Note that you cannot use either flaperon or
you may adjust the amount of right elevon travel with the
V-tail mixing when elevon mixing is active.
Data +Increase and -Decrease keys. 50% is a good starting
CH1 CH2 point. As before, change the sign and use -50% if it travels
the wrong way with aileron stick.
Aileron Operation

Elevator Operation

Setting up elevon mixing

1. The right elevon should be plugged into CH1, and the left
elevon should be plugged into CH2. 8. Now you'll input the amount of aileron stick response on the
2. Press one of the Up Down Edit buttons repeatedly to select left (CH2) elevon by pressing the Cursor Right key once.
the ELVN window. Now the little arrow moves under the 2, and you may adjust
3. To activate, press the Active/Inhibit (Clear) key. The letters the amount of left elevon travel with the Data +Increase and
"INH" will turn to "On." -Decrease keys. 50% is a good starting point. Change the
sign if travel needs to be reversed.

4. Press the Cursor Right key once, to get to the elevator travel
setting menu. A small arrow is displayed over the numeral 2
represents elevator master channel, and the percent
indicator will blink on and off. The little arrow below the 2
indicates left elevon is being set.

5. Move the elevator stick all the way to the back (full up
position): both elevons should move upwards like elevators.
If the left (CH2) elevon moves down, change the its travel
direction by pressing the Active/Inhibit (Clear) key to get
0% quickly, then pressing the Data -Decrease key until you
reach -50%.
Airplane Model Function Descriptions - Page 34
 Airplane Model Function Descriptions
VTAL - V-Tail Mixing 5. If the left (CH4) ruddervator moves down with up elevator
V-tail mixing is used with V-tail aircraft so that both elevator stick, change the its travel direction by pressing the Cursor
and rudder functions are combined for the two tail surfaces, Right key (the bottom arrow moves under the 4), the Active/I
called "ruddervators." The response to both elevator and nhibit (Clear) key (sets 0%), then press the Data -Decrease
rudder inputs can be adjusted independently. However, if you key until you reach -50%. Otherwise, continue.
program in too much elevator or rudder travel, when both
rudder and elevator are commanded the servos may reach
their travel limits before full stick motion has occurred.
Therefore, you should keep the travel settings at 50% or below
and adjust the control linkages to get the travel you desire.
Note that you cannot have both V-tail and elevon mixing active
at the same time. 6. Now you'll input the amount of rudder stick response on the
left (CH4) ruddervator by pressing the Cursor Right key
once. Now the little arrows move both over and under the 4,
and you may adjust the amount of left ruddervator travel
CH2 CH4
CH2 CH4 with the Data +Increase and -Decrease keys. 50% is a
Up Elevator Left Rudder (view from rear)
good starting point. Press Active/Inhibit (Clear) key if you
wish to reset to 0%).

Setting up V-Tail mixing

1. The right ruddervator should be plugged into CH2, and the
left ruddervator should be plugged into CH4.
2. Press one of the Up Down Edit buttons repeatedly to select
the VTAL window. The INH indicator will show.
3. Press the Active/Inhibit (Clear) key to activate the V-tail 7. Now you'll input the amount of rudder stick response on the
function. The display will show On. right (CH2) ruddervator by pressing the Cursor Right key
once. Now the little arrow moves under the 2, and you may
adjust the amount of right ruddervator travel with the Data
+Increase and -Decrease keys. 50% is a good starting point.
Press Active/Inhibit (Clear) key if you wish to reset to 0%).

4. Press the Cursor Right key once, to get to the elevator

setting menu. A small arrow is displayed over the numeral
2, representing elevator master channel, and under the
numeral 2, indicating the right (CH2) ruddervator, and the
8. Remember to be sure not to have so much travel as to
percent indicator will blink on and off. Move the elevator
cause binding when both elevator and rudder are
stick all the way to the back (full up position): both
commanded simultaneously.
ruddervators should move upwards. If the right (CH2)
ruddervator moves down, change the its travel direction by
pressing the Active/Inhibit (Clear) key, then pressing the
Data -Decrease key until you reach -50%.

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 Airplane Model Function Descriptions
A->R - Aileron Rudder Mixing either the ON indicator or the OFF indicator will be flashing,
Aileron-to-rudder mixing is a function that causes the rudder to depending on the position of the ON-OFF switch that is
move automatically with the motion of the aileron stick. This is selected. See the Switch Select instructions on P. 39 for
done because when ailerons are used to command a turn, the information on how to select the ON-OFF switch.
down-moving aileron has more drag than the up-moving one,
Flashing
so the plane's fuselage tries to yaw against the turn. Adding
rudder mixing cures this problem by making the fuselage point
straight into the oncoming air stream (this is also called
"coordinating the turn").
2. Press the Cursor Right key once, and the Percent sign will
be flashing. Move the aileron stick all the way to the right,
and adjust the R/D mixing amount by pressing the Data
+Increase or -Decrease key. You may set any amount
between -100 and 100% (an initial value of 10-20% is
suggested). To return to the initial 0% value, press the
The slower the model flies, the more mixing is needed, and the
Active/Inhibit (Clear) key.
faster it moves, the less is needed. It is ideal to make slow-
3. Move the aileron stick all the way to the left, and adjust the
flying scale models fly realistically. The amount of coupling is
L/U mixing amount in the same way. To return to the initial
highly dependent on the model configuration. Usually only a
0% value, press the Active/Inhibit (Clear) key.
small amount of rudder is needed. It will also help to set up
some aileron differential using the EPA menus. A good
starting point is to limit the ailerons' down motion to 50% to
75% of the up-moving aileron's motion.
The aileron-to-rudder mixing function may be on always, or
may be turned on and off using Switches 1, 2, 3, or 4. You E->F - Elevator Flap Mixing
may choose how in the S/W SEL menu. Elevator-to-flap mixing makes the flaps drop or rise whenever
you pull on the elevator stick. It is used to make tighter "pylon"
turns or squarer corners in maneuvers. Elevator-to-flap mixing
is set up so that the flaps droop (are lowered) when up elevator
is commanded.
DOWN flap or flaperon UP elevator

Nose Points outside Circle Coordinated turn Notice that this mixing function works with the flaperon setting.
increase coupling and/or fuse lines up with turn direction
differential (don't change anything!) If flaperon mixing (FLPN) AND E->F mixing are activated, when
you pull up elevator, BOTH ailerons will droop. This function is
turned on with the Flt. Mode (SW-4) switch fully forward.

Setting Up E F Mixing
1. Press one of the Up Down Edit buttons until the E->F
window appears. The default is for the function to be
Nose Points inside circle inhibited. To activate, press the Active/Inhibit (Clear) key.
too much coupling or differential.
Reduce one or both. This will cause he INH display to change to a number display,
and either ON or OFF will be flashing either the ON indicator
Setting Up A->R Mixing (Rudder Coupling) or the OFF indicator will be flashing, depending on the
1. Press one of the Up Down Edit buttons until the A->R position of the ON-OFF switch that is selected. See the
window appears, as shown. The default is for the function Switch Select instructions on P. 39 for information on how
to be inhibited, as shown. To activate, press the Active/ to select the ON-OFF switch.
Inhibit (Clear) key. The letters "INH" will turn to "0," and
Airplane Model Function Descriptions - Page 36
 Airplane Model Function Descriptions
drag) occur at "low" slider position (towards the bottom of the
ON or OFF transmitter). The selected ON-OFF switch must be ON for
depends on Flt.
Mode switch setting Crow to operate.
Note: activating CROW automatically turns CH5 into a second aileron
servo, and CH6 becomes a flap servo commanded by the Right
slider if FLPT is not set to zero.
2. Press the Cursor Right key to get the percent sign flashing,
then press the Data +Increase and -Decrease keys to Setting Up Crow Mixing
increase or decrease the amount of mixing. Check the 1. Start by locating the CROW menu with the Up Down Edit
direction the flaps move with elevator stick: with up elevator, keys. Either the ON or OFF display will be flashing,
the flaps should droop downwards, and for down elevator depending on the position of the Gear switch SW-2
they should come up. In other words, they should move (forward is on).
opposite the elevator motion. If they don't, use the Data 2. First set the CROW function activation point. Hit the Cursor
+Increase and -Decrease keys to change the sign in front Left key one time to get to the SET menu. Now move the left
of the percentage number. You should probably start with lever all the way up. Enter that position by pressing the
a smaller number (say 20% or so) and slowly increase it to Clear Active/Inhibit key. The display should read a number
learn how the model reacts. Remember the position of the around +125%.
Flt. Mode (SW-4) switch turns this function on and off (fully
aft turns it ON).

CROW - Crow Mixing (Airbrakes) 3. Make sure CROW is ON by moving the Crow on-off switch
The Crow mixing function is useful for increasing the drag of to its ON position. Verify by looking at the flashing ON/OFF
a model during landing approaches, which makes the approach indicator. Either the ON indicator or the OFF indicator will be
steeper and slower, making landings shorter and easier. This flashing, depending on the position of the ON-OFF switch
is especially useful for stunt planes and sailplanes to help make that is selected. See the Switch Select instructions on
precision landings. You may select the switch that turns on P. 39 for information on how to select the ON-OFF switch.
the Crow function, and the function is commanded
4. Next, set up the throws for the first aileron. Press the Cursor
proportionally by the Left Lever position. You can move the
right key two times to get to the aileron setting menu
lever a small or large amount and get a small or large travel
(a small arrow will appear over the number 1 in the display).
(unlike Camber which provides a fixed amount of motion).
Press the Data +Increase or -Decrease keys to adjust the
Ailerons, elevator, and flaps are the three controls that are
amount of aileron motion. Move the Left lever all the way
commanded by Crow function, which is also called "butterfly"
down and be sure the ailerons go UP. If they don't, press the
in the sailplane world.
Clear Active/Inhibit key and then press the Data keys
change the sign. You'll probably want a fair amount, but not
all, of aileron travel. Be sure not to use full travel, so you'll
have roll authority while on approach in full crow command.
Notice that you set the throw for both ailerons at the same
time: this is the reason to have identical control arm lengths
and identical neutral positions.

The idea of the crow function is to simultaneously raise the

ailerons (which reduces the wing's lift), and drop the flaps (to
regain the lift lost by the up aileron movement). Elevator motion
may also be also commanded if needed to prevent a trim
change induced by the flap and aileron motion. Normally, crow
is set up so that the maximum control movements (maximum
Airplane Model Function Descriptions - Page 37
 Airplane Model Function Descriptions
5. Now press the Cursor right key one time to get to the Caution: when setting up crow, do not call for too much aileron "up"
elevator setting menu (a small arrow will appear over the travel, or you'll lose roll authority, and this occurs at a crucial
number 2 in the display). Press the Data +Increase or time, when your model is flying relatively slowly on a landing
-Decrease keys to set up the throws for the elevator as approach. Always make changes in small increments, don't
desired. Move the left lever and be sure the elevator goes try to do it "all at once."
down with crow. If it doesn't, change the sign (this may
depend on servo orientation). You probably should not use
much elevator motion until you determine if Crow changes
the trim.
6. Now press the Cursor right key one time to get to the
PMX1, PMX2 - Programmable Mixes 1 and 2
second aileron setting menu (a small arrow will appear over
Your Optic system contains TWO independent programmable
the number 5 in the display). Press the Data +Increase or
mixers (PMX1 and PMX2) with unique capabilities. You may
-Decrease keys to set up the throws for the second aileron
use mixing to correct unwanted tendencies of the aircraft during
as desired. Move the left lever and be sure the second
aerobatics, takeoff, or landing, or some special maneuver of
aileron goes UP with crow. If it doesn't, change the sign
your own choosing. Each mixer may be programmed to do
(this may depend on servo orientation). Be sure to set both
things that are not built-in programs. This makes them useful
aileron offsets to be the same.
for all sorts of different things. Note that the mixers may be
7. Now press the Cursor right key one time to get to the flap
programmed to be turned on by flipping a selected switch, or
menu (a small arrow will appear over the number 6 in the
to be on all the time.
display). Press the Data +Increase or -Decrease keys to set
You may also use the mixers for correcting unwanted flying
up the throws for the flaps as desired. Move the Left lever
tendencies, like automatically applying a bit of rudder with
and be sure the flaps go down with crow. If they don't,
throttle to account for torque/P-factor effects, to a corrective
change the sign (this may depend on servo orientation).
elevator motion during knife-edge flight to correct for an
You'll probably want as much flap motion as possible - 90 is
undesired tucking tendency (the latter is described in the
great if you can get it. Like the ailerons, you set both flap
ACGL model setup section and below).
offsets at the same time.
Using the Programmable mixers
1. Call up the mixer screen by repeatedly pressing one of the
Edit Up Down keys until a PMX window appears. The
default is for the function to be inhibited. To activate, press
the Active/Inhibit (Clear) key. This will cause the INH
display to change to a display showing 100%, Master and
8. If you can't get enough travel, go to the EPA menu and be Slave indicators, and a flashing ON or OFF depending on
sure channel 6 is set as high as possible to get 90° flap the position of the ON-OFF switch that is selected. See the
travel. Of course, you can reduce them to get the amount of Switch Select instructions on P. 39 for information on how to
travel that you'd like at full crow in the EPA menu, but this is select the ON-OFF switch. Be sure the PMIX is ON so you
better done in the Crow menu as given in the previous step. can see the results of your programming. The default switch
It may be helpful to use long servo arms on the flap servos for PMIX 1 is SW-3 and default for PMIX 2 is SW-1.
to increase their effective throw.
For starters, use zero or very little elevator compensation
until you fly and determine what is needed: if the model
pitches up with crow, add down elevator compensation and
if it pitches downwards, add some up compensation. Make
only small changes in compensation because it has a big 2. Now you'll select the Master channel for the mixing, the
effect on trim. channel that causes the mixing to occur. Press the Cursor
Remember to try your crow setup out at higher altitudes to Right key to get the master channel indicator MAS flashing
verify that the trim doesn't change rapidly. If you want to on and off, then press the Data +Increase or -Decrease
steepen the descent, increase the flap downward deflection keys to move the top arrow over the number of the desired
while increasing the up aileron movement. master channel, 1 - 6.
Airplane Model Function Descriptions - Page 38
 Airplane Model Function Descriptions
Master Choosing The On-Off Switch For Certain Radio Functions
Slave 1. Call up the Switch Select screen by repeatedly pressing one
of the Edit Up Down keys until the highlighted words S/W
SEL appear. The window may appear with any of the
following displayed: A->R, E->F, CAMB, CROW, LAND,
PMX1, and PMX2.
3. Next you'll put in the Slave channel, the one that is affected 2. Use the Data +Increase or -Decrease keys to select the
by motion of the master channel. Press the Cursor Right desired function.
key to get slave channel indicator SLV flashing on and off, 3. Use the Left Right Cursor keys to select from the following
then press the Data +Increase or -Decrease keys to move on-off possibilities for the selected function
the bottom arrow underneath the number of the desired slave a. On indicates the function is ALWAYS on.
channel. b. 1 represents Switch SW-1, the "ELEV RUDD D/R"
4. Now you'll input the mixing percentage, which tells how much switch. On is down.
the slave channel responds to the master channel. Press the c. 2 represents Switch SW-2, the "GEAR AUX" switch.
Cursor Right key to cause the percent (%) sign to the right of On is down.
the large number to flash on and off. Note that you can set d. 3 represents Switch SW-3, the "AIL D/R" switch.
the percentage for the mixer on each side of the master On is down.
channel's control's motion by moving the master channel's e. 4 represents Switch SW-4, the "FLT MODE" switch.
control back and forth. The motion of the master channel's The FLT MODE switch has three positions to
control is also indicated by the R/D (= Right/Down) or L/U select from:
(= Left/Up) indicator in the window. i. NOR = on at forward position
5. Hold the master channel's control to one side, and then use ii. ST1 = on at middle position
the Data +Increase or -Decrease key to change the iii. ST2 = on at aft position
percentage for the mixer. Verify that you get the proper 4. Repeat Steps 2-3 for any additional functions you wish to set.
motion of the slave channel when you move the master.
If you don't get a response to the master movement,
check that the mixer is turned on with its on-off switch. AILV - Ailevator Function
Change the percentage if the amount of travel is incorrect. Your Optic system contains special programming to allow you
If you want to set the percentage to ZERO, press the to fly a model with two independent elevator servos which
Active/Inhibit (Clear) key. respond together to the elevator stick, and in opposite
6. Move the master control to the other side of its travel and directions to the aileron stick. This combination of aileron and
then repeat the actions in the previous step to set the elevator results in the name "ailevator" and allows you to do
amount of mixing on the other side. Use the Data +Increase torque rolls with 3-D aircraft! Note that the AILV function is on
or -Decrease key to change the percentage for the mixer all the time once it is activated.
until you get the response you want for the second side. Setting Up the Ailevator Function
1. This function requires two elevator servos, one for each side.
[Knife-Edge Example: for a model that tucks during knife-edge Plug the right elevator servo into channel 2, and the second
flight, set up a mixer with Master = 4 (Rudder), and Slave = 2 elevator servo into channel 5. If you need retracts, you will
(elevator). You want to get up elevator mixed in for either have to use the output from channel 6.
direction of full rudder. Therefore, you'll set plus mixing on one 2. Call up the mixer screen by repeatedly pressing the Edit Up
side of the rudder stick, and minus mixing on the other side. or Down key until the AILV window appears. The default is
Normally only 5% to 10% mixing is needed to solve this problem. for the function to be inhibited. To activate, press the
CLEAR key. This will cause the AILV INH display to change
to AILV ON. AILV is not a switch able function, it is either
S/W SEL - Switch Selection For Auxiliary Functions ON or OFF.
Your Optic system allows you to customize your radio and
choose what switches are used to turn on the following
functions: A->R, E->F, CAMB, CROW, LAND, PMX1, and
PMX2. Note that each of these functions may be chosen to be
turned on by flipping a switch, or to be on all the time.
Airplane Model Function Descriptions - Page 39
 Airplane Model Function Descriptions
3. Move the stick to command aileron. In addition to the aileron 7. If the elevator servo plugged into CH5 goes the correct
servo(s), both elevator servos should move. They may move direction with aileron stick, go to the next step. Otherwise,
in opposite directions (as they should) or the same direction press the Cursor Right key to get to the AIL->CH5 setting
(instructions for correcting this are below). menu, then press the Data +Increase or -Decrease keys to
change the sign of the percentage displayed. If it is (+),
change it to (-), or vice versa. Only change the sign of the
number, you can decrease its value later if you need to.

4. Move the stick to command elevator. Both elevator servos

should move. They may move in the same direction (as
they should) or opposite directions (to be corrected below). 8. If the elevator servo plugged into CH2 goes the correct
direction with elevator stick, go to the next step. Otherwise,
press the Cursor Right key to get to the AIL->CH2 setting
menu, then press the Data +Increase or -Decrease keys to
change the sign of the percentage displayed. If it is (+),
change it to (-), or vice versa. Only change the sign of the
number, you can decrease its value later if you need to.

5. Press the Cursor Right key to get to the travel setting

menus. The display shows a triangle over the number 1 and
under the number 2, indicating you are in the AIL->CH2
setting menu, programming the response of the CH2
elevator servo due to aileron (CH1) commands.

Master control 9. If the elevator servo plugged into CH5 goes the correct
Slave Ch. direction with elevator stick, go to the next step. Otherwise,
press the Cursor Right key to get to the ELEV->CH5 setting
menu, then press the Data +Increase or -Decrease keys to
change the sign of the percentage displayed. If it is (+),
change it to (-), or vice versa.
6. If the elevator servo plugged into CH2 goes the correct
direction with aileron stick, go to the next step. Otherwise,
press the Data +Increase or -Decrease keys to change the
sign of the percentage displayed. If it is (+), change it to (-),
or vice versa. Only change the sign of the number, you can
decrease its value later if you need to.
10. Once you have all the servos moving the correct directions,
you can go back and adjust each of the travels
independently, so that both elevator servos move up the
SAME amount when elevator control is given, and move
opposite the same amount for aileron command. You will
need to decrease the percentage shown for the one moving
further, or increase the percentage for the one moving less.

Airplane Model Function Descriptions - Page 40

 Airplane Model Function Descriptions
FAIL - Failsafe Function 1. To access this screen, turn on the transmitter.
Your Optic system contains special programming to allow you 2. Turn on the receiver power.
to fly a model using Hitec's special QPCM software. In this 3. Press both Edit keys at the same time enter the menu loop.
menu, which only appears when QPCM is selected in the 4. Use the Edit keys to scroll down or up through the menu
power-on menus, you can choose where your servos are until you come to the Failsafe screen.
commanded to move if the receiver loses the signal from the
transmitter due to interference.

Setting Up the FAILSAFE Function

QPCM Operation
Note: The OPTIC 6 QPCM is NOT compatible with Hitec's older
HPD-07RB PCM receivers and must be used with Hitec's 5. The default position has the failsafe feature inhibited.
HPD-07RH QPCM receiver. 6. Arm the failsafe feature by pressing the "Clear" key, the
screen should now read, FAIL On.
Activating the Hitec QPCM Failsafe 7. To set the desired servo position when failsafe lockout
The failsafe feature of Hitec's QPCM receiver, model number occurs, move the control sticks to the position you want the
HPD-07RH is a safety feature designed to allow the user to control surfaces to be in if a failsafe condition should occur,
program a "set" position for a flight control surface to be at, hold the sticks in this position and press both Data keys at
in the event of a loss of signal from the transmitter. the same time. You should hear a double "beep"
8. Cycle the transmitter on, then off, then back on.
Note: Failsafe does not have to be activated to use the QPCM signal. 9. Test the effect by turning off your transmitter and watching
You do have the choice of using or not using the failsafe function. the servo failsafe position activate.
10. To change the failsafe hold positions, repeat step
7, 8 and 9

Aircraft Flight Trimming Chart

The following chart may be used to systematically set up and trim a model for straight flight and aerobatic maneuvers.
Please note that for best results, trimming should be done in near-calm conditions. Before you decide to make a change,
be sure to try the test several times before making adjustments. If any changes are made, go back through the
previous steps and verify that they are not also affected. If they are, make further adjustments as necessary.

To test for... Test Procedure Observations Adjustments

1. Control Fly the model straight and Use the transmitter trims for hands-off Change electronic subtrims
neutrals level straight & level flight. or adjust clevises to center
transmitter trims.

Airplane Model Function Descriptions - Page 41

 Aircraft Flight Trimming Chart

To test for... Test Procedure Observations Adjustments

2. Control Fly the model and apply full Check the response of each control Change EPA (for high rates),
throws deflection of each control in - Aileron high-rate: 3 rolls in 4 seconds; and Dual Rate settings (for
turn low-rate: 3 rolls/6 sec low rates) to achieve desired
- Elevator high-rate: to give a smooth responses.
square corner; low-rate gives approx.
130 ft diameter loop
- Rudder: high-rate 30-35° for stall
turns; low rate maintains knife-edge

3. Decalage Power off vertical dive A. Model continues straight down A. No adjustment
(crosswind if any). Release B. Model starts to pull out (nose up)? B. Reduce incidence
controls when model vertical C. Model starts to tuck in (nose down)? C. Increase incidence
(elevator trim must be neutral)
4. Center of Method 1: Roll into near A1. Nose drops A. Add weight to tail
Gravity vertically-banked turn. B1. Tail drops B. Add weight to nose
Method 2: Roll model inverted A2. Lots of forward stick (down
elevator) required to maintain level
flight
B2. No forward stick (down elevator)
required to maintain level flight, or
model climbs
5. Tip weight Fly model straight & level A. Model does not drop a wing. A. No adjustment
(coarse upright. Check aileron trim B. Left wing drops. B. Add weight to right tip.
adjustment) maintains level wings. Roll C. Right wing drops C. Add weight to left tip.
model inverted, wings level.
Release aileron stick.

6. Side Thrust & Fly model away from you into A. Model continues straight up. A. No adjustment
Warped Wing any wind. Pull it into a vertical B. Model veers left B. Add right thrust
climb, watch for deviations as C. Model veers right C. Reduce right thrust
it slows down. D. Model rolls right D. Put trim tab under left
wing tip *
7. Up/Down Fly the model on normal path A. Model continues straight up A. No adjustment
Thrust into any wind, parallel to strip, B. Model pitches up (goes toward top B. Add down thrust
at a distance of around 100 of model) C. Reduce down thrust
meters from you (elevator trim C. Model pitches down (goes toward
should be neutral as per Test bottom of model)
3). Pull it into a vertical climb
& neutralize elevator

8. Tip weight Method 1: fly the model as per A. Model comes out with wings level A. No adjustment necessary
(fine Test 6 and pull into a B. Model comes out right wing low B. Add weight to left tip
adjustment) reasonably small diameter C. Model comes out left wing low C. Add weight to right tip
loop (one loop only)
Method 2: fly the model as per
Test 6 and then push into
an outside loop (one only,
fairly tight)
Aircraft Flight Trimming Chart - Page 42
 Aircraft Flight Trimming Chart

To test for... Test Procedure Observations Adjustments

9. Aileron Method 1: fly model toward A. No heading changes A. Differential settings OK
differential you & pull into a vertical B. Heading change opposite to roll B. Increase differential
climb before it reaches you. command (i.e. heading veers left C. Decrease differential
Neutralize controls, then after right roll)
half-roll the model. C. Heading change in direction of roll
command

Method 2: fly model on normal A. Roll axis on model centerline A. Differential settings OK
pass and do three or more B. Roll axis off to same side of model B. Increase differential
rolls as roll command (i.e. right roll, roll C. Decrease differential
axis off right wing tip)
C. Roll axis off to opposite side of
model as roll command

Method 3: fly the model straight A. Model flies straight ahead without A. Differential settings OK
and level and gently rock the yawing B. Increase differential
aileron stick back and forth B. Model yaws away from roll C. Decrease differential
command (i.e. right roll, yaw left)
C. Model yaws towards roll command
(i.e. right roll, yaw right)

10. Dihedral Method 1: Fly the model on A. Model has no tendency to roll A. Dihedral OK
normal pass and roll into B. Model rolls in direction of applied B1. Reduce dihedral
knife-edge flight; maintain rudder B2. Use mixer to produce
flight with top rudder (do C. Model rolls in opposite direction in aileron opposing rudder
this test in both left & right both tests travel (start with 10%)
knife-edge flight) C1. Increase dihedral
Method 2: Apply rudder in C2. Mix ailerons with rudder
level flight direction 10%

11. Elevator Fly the model as in Test 6 A. No rolling tendency when elevator A. Elevators in correct
alignment and pull up into an inside loop. applied alignment
(for models Roll it inverted and repeat the B. Model rolls in same direction in both B. Either raise one half, or
with above by pushing it up into tests - halves misaligned. lower the other
independent an outside loop. C. Model rolls opposite directions in C. Reduce throw on one side,
elevator both tests. One elevator half has or increase throw on the
halves) more throw than the other (model other.
rolls to side with most throw).

12. Pitching in Fly the model as in Test 10 A. There is no pitch up or down A. No adjustment needed
knife-edge B. The nose pitches up (the model B. Alternate cures:
flight climbs laterally) 1) move CG aft;
C. Nose pitches down (model dives 2) increase incidence;
laterally) 3) droop ailerons;
4) mix down elevator with
rudder
C. Reverse 'B' above

*Trim tab is 3/16" x 3/4" x 4" trailing edge stock, placed just in front of aileron on bottom, pointed end forward.
Aircraft Flight Trimming Chart - Page 43
 Optic Helicopter (HELI) Programming

This section describes how to use the Optic helicopter functions (model type HELI).
Descriptions of the other functions, such as endpoints, dual rates, expo, etc., are contained in the aircraft (ACGL) section.
The HELI menu provides three flight conditions in addition to the normal one (NOR).
ST1 may be used for forward flight and mild aerobatics, ST2 may be used for inverted, and ST3 is used for autorotations.

Helicopter Functions Map see right Voltage/Timer Display

Helicopter Setup Example 46 Normal Display Mode
Press both Edit/Display key
End Point Adjust [EPA]
EPA End Point Adjust (servo travels) 27
D/R Dual Rates 27 Dual Rate Set [D/R]

EXP Exponential Settings 28 Exponential [EXP]

STRM Subtrim (Neutral settings) 28 Sub-Trims [STM]
REV Servo Reverse 29 Servo Reversing [REV]
T.CUT Throttle Cut (engine shut off) 29 Throttle Cut [T.CUT]
PMX1-2 Programmable Mixer #1 - #2 38
Prog. Mix 1 [PMX1]
R->T Rudder->Throttle mixing 50
Prog. Mix 2 [PMX2]
GYRO Gyro Settings 51
HOLD Throttle Hold 51 Rud Thr Mix [R-T]

THCV Throttle Curve 52 Gyro setting [GYRO]

PTCV Pitch Curve 53 Throttle Hold [HOLD]
S/W SEL Switch select for Dual Rates, Pitch Curve [PTCV]
PMX1&2, R->T, HOLD 53
Switch select for [A-DR]
RVMX Revolution mixing 54 [E-DR] [R-DR] [R->T]
FAIL Failsafe Position Input Menu 40 [HOLD] [PMX1][PMX2]

SWAH Swashplate settings (120° only) 54 Revolution [RVMX]

Hovering Throttle Adjusting lever 55 Failsafe [FAIL]
Hovering Pitch Adjusting lever 55 (QPCM only)

Swashplate [SWAH]
Helicopter Trimming Chart 56

The Optic system comes with two choices for the helicopter's
swashplate arrangement, which may be found in the setup
menu: normal (NOR) and 120°(120'). NOR is the standard
ROTOR TYPE
swashplate where one servo each performs the collective pitch, CH2 CH2
elevator, and aileron functions. 120° is intended for three-
servo swashplates needing special mixing to get the servos to CH1
properly provide the required pitch, elevator, and aileron CH6
functions. The swashplate type 120° is also referred to CH6
as SN-3. CH1
NOR 120

Optic Helicopter (HELI) Programming - Page 44

 Optic Helicopter Controls and Switch Assignments

SW2
Gyro Switch (ch-5)
SW4
Idle-up 1 and 2
Trainer Switch NOR or Hover Switch

Engine Cut
Switch
SW1
Throttle hold Switch SW3
Elevator / Rudder D/R Aileron Dual
Rate Switch

Hovering
Pitch Volume Hovering
Throttle Volume

Aileron &
Rudder - Elevator Stick
Throttle Stick

Elevator
Trim Switch
Throttle
Trim Switch

Rudder Aileron
Trim Switch Trim Switch

This figure shows the assignments for a Mode 2 system as supplied by the factory.
Note that some of the functions will not operate until activated in the mixing menus.

Optic Helicopter Controls and Switch Assignments - Page 45

 Helicopter Setup Instructions

The following example shows how the Optic may be programmed for a helicopter model.
Your model's settings will be dependent on the setup and linkages.
If you're not sure about the settings for your particular model, please ask an experienced pilot for assistance.

The helicopter setup procedure presented below uses a WARNING: selecting a different model type will erase the settings in
standard helicopter setup, one servo each for ailerons and the model memory. BE SURE you're in the correct model
elevator. You can use a similar procedure to set up your own memory before selecting a new model type, or you might
model; your setting's numbers and percentages will probably accidentally erase a model you're using.
be different.
1. In the helicopter, install each servo and hook up the aileron, 4. Swash Type. Now it's time to select the swash type. Select
elevator, throttle, rudder, and collective pushrods to the NOR for helis with independent aileron, elevator, and pitch
servos in accordance with the model's instructions or plans. servos; 120' for models using 120° swashplates. Press
Be sure that all of your servos are plugged into the proper the Up Edit arrow until you see the word "SWASH" in the
receiver channels: upper right of the display. The swash type in the lower left
CH1 - Aileron (Roll Cyclic) will be flashing.
CH2 - Elevator ( Pitch Cyclic)
CH3 - Throttle
CH4 - Rudder (Gyro Yaw control)
CH5 - Gyro (For gyro gain control) Flashing

CH6 - Pitch ( Blade Collective)

If your model uses 120° swash programming, plug in the
servos as indicated in the table on page 9.
We recommend that you do this programming exercise with
the servos installed in the model and connected to the
respective control surfaces. This will enable you to
immediately see the effect of each programming step.
5. Name your model. Press the UP arrow once. This gets
2. Model Memory. Turn on your transmitter while holding the
you into the model name mode (note the words MODEL and
two Edit Display keys. This gets you into the model select
NAME in the upper left of the display).
(M.SEL) menu. Press the Cursor Right button to move to a
new model memory. The model number of the model NAME

memory you select is indicated by the little arrow pointing

down. The figure shows Memory #4.
Flashing

6. Now you can select four letters to identify your model. With
the first of the four letters flashing, press the Data +Increase
or -Decrease keys to change the letter that is displayed.
Stop when the first letter is the one you want.
3. Model Type. Press the UP Edit arrow two times. The word
7. Press the Right Cursor key once to get to the second letter.
ACGL will appear, flashing on and off. Press the Left or
Repeat Step 5 to choose the second letter.
Right Cursor keys until HELI appears. You must press both
8. Repeat the previous steps two more times to fill out the
Data keys to "Save" the setting. This is how you select the
remaining two letters. If you like, you can hit the right cursor
type of model you wish to use, either ACGL or HELI.
button one more time and select a number between 0 and
199 for further identification. The model's frequency number
might be a good choice.
Flashing

Helicopter Setup Instructions - Page 46

 Helicopter Setup Instructions
9. Set the stopwatch. Press the Down arrow four times. This
Right Aileron:
gets you into the Timer menu (TIME). Use the Data Increase swashplate tilted
and Decrease keys to select the amount of time you want the LEFT RIGHT towards chopper's
right side.
stopwatch to count down. This is handy to keep track of
engine running time so you don't run out of gas. You can set Left Aileron:
swashplate
a second timer for a different amount of time. tilted towards the
left side.

DOWN Down Elevator:

swashplate tilted
towards chopper's
front.
10. This completes the initial part of the setup. Now, we'll go Up Elevator:
ahead and customize the settings for your model. Switch swashplate
tilted towards the
transmitter power OFF. rear.
11. Switch transmitter power back on and transmitter should UP
display the model number and battery voltage as shown.
The number on the right is the elapsed time, which will vary HIGH HIGH Position:
depending on how long the transmitter has been left on. high rotor pitch
AND carburetor
fully opened.
LOW Position:
low rotor pitch,
carburetor at idle
(use trim tab to
LOW fully close)

12. Servo Directions. Check the proper direction of throw for

each servo. Use the reversing function [REV] to reverse LEFT RIGHT
channels as necessary to get proper throw directions. If LEFT

you're using the 120° swashplate, please read the SWAH RIGHT

menu instructions on page 53 to see how your model

responds to the different commands.

14. Servo Neutrals. First, be sure the hovering pitch and

hovering throttle levers on the sides of the radio are
centered. Set up all linkages so that all servos are as close
(STRM) window to make fine adjustments on the servo
neutrals.

13. If you're using 120° swash type, please use the

swashplate (SWAH) menu, page 53, to adjust these
responses.

15. Servo Travel. Use the EPA command to limit servo travels
to prevent binding.

Helicopter Setup Instructions - Page 47

 Helicopter Setup Instructions
16. Collective Pitch. The blade collective pitch angle Your model's instructions may provide suggested values for
(controlled by CH6 on a conventional helicopter) should the blade pitch angles. If not, you may want to start with the
vary from -2° to +10° with full stick motion, in the "NOR" following:
or hovering Flt Mode. We recommend setting the hovering Pitch Curve NOR
pitch (pitch with throttle stick at center) to +4.5°. Adjust
Point 1 (low) 2 3 4 5 (high)
servo arms and EPA values to get the desired travel at the Pitch 0 deg. +5 +6.5 +8.0 +10.0
end points, measuring with a pitch meter.
17. Engine Servo travel. On the regular display menu, enter After you've set the pitch at each of the five points, be sure to
a value of -25% for throttle trim. Use the EPA menu to set check that both aileron and elevator motions do not cause
up the carburetor pushrod so that at full throttle there is no binding at extreme pitch settings. If they do, use EPA to
binding, and so the engine idles smoothly at low throttle. reduce travels.
18. Throttle Cut. Enter the throttle cut (T.CUT) menu and enter
a value of -25% or so. Press the Cut button and be sure 21. Revolution mixing (RVMX) uses the tail rotor to suppress
that the carburetor fully closes, which will shut off the engine. the torque reaction of the main rotor due to changes in
Don't pick too large a number, or binding may occur. collective pitch. It is disabled whenever Idle-Up, ST2,
ST3 or Throttle Hold are activated.

RVMX may be set on either side of the stick (note the letters
R/D and L/U displayed). Adjust RVMX mixing for both travel
directions as described in the trimming instructions on page 56.

19. Throttle Curve. You can use the Throttle Curve (THCV)
menu's five-point setting curves to fine-tune the engine
servo's response. Adjust the throttle position for hover to
get the desired head RPM. You can change the curve
values to make a steeper curve near idle and shallower
22. Gyro settings. You can select an independent value of
curve past hover. See the THCV menu description on
gyro gain for each flight condition by using the GYRO menu.
page 52 for more details.
Press one of the Cursor keys to activate the Gyro gain
Function.Select the desired flight condition, with the FLT
Mode SW-4 or SW-1 Switch. Then use the Data keys to
choose the desired value. The gyro must be plugged into
CH5. You cannot independently control this channel.
It is for gyro gain control functions only. See page 51 for
If your instructions don't give any suggested values, more information on the Gyro gain set-up.
you may start with the following settings:

Throttle Curve NOR

Point 1 (low) 2 3 4 5 (high)
% 0 26 45 72 100

20. Pitch Curve. You can use the Pitch Curve (PTCV) menu's 23. Aerobatic Setups and Flight Conditions. Your Optic
five-point setting curves to make finer adjustments to the system has three built-in flight condition menus in addition
endpoints and the middle of travel of the pitch servo. to the normal (NOR) hovering mode. Two -- ST1 and ST2
-- are typically used for aerobatics, including 540° stall turns,
looping, and rolling stall turns. ST3 is used for "throttle hold"
so that the throttle servo is disengaged during autorotations.
These functions are switched on as follows:
- NOR: ON when FLT MODE Switch is forward.
- ST1: ON, when FLT MODE Switch is centered
Helicopter Setup Instructions - Page 49
 Helicopter Setup Instructions
- ST2: ON when FLT MODE Switch is AFT. 24. Throttle Hold Setting. Throttle hold (HOLD) commands the
- ST3: ON when ELEV RUDD D/R, SW-1 Switch is down. throttle to a preset position near idle and disconnects it
As these functions are switched on or off, ST3 will override all from pitch when activated. Move to the HOLD menu and
the others, followed by ST2 and ST1, which will override NOR. move the SW-1. switch to the forward position. Set the hold
Regular settings (NOR) occur when the others are off. position to maintain engine speed safely above idle without
engaging the main rotor clutch.
Throttle and pitch curves, revolution mixing, and gyro gain may
be independently selected for each condition.

Here are some suggested starting settings if your instructions

do not provide any:
Throttle Curve ST1 25. Dual Rate Settings. If you find that your aileron and
Point 1 (low) 2 3 4 5 (high) elevator controls are too sensitive, you may set dual rates
% 50 38 50 75 100 to reduce them. Use the dual rate (D/R) window to adjust
them to the desired amount of response when the switch is
Throttle Curve ST2
flipped.
Point 1 (low) 2 3 4 5 (high)
% 100 50 38 50 100

Pitch Curve ST1

Point 1 (low) 2 3 4 5 (high)
Pitch -4 deg. +0.5 +6.0 +7.5 +9.0
This is only a brief introduction to the setup procedure for
Pitch Curve ST2 helicopters. Be sure to browse through the pages following
Point 1 (low) 2 3 4 5 (high) this example to see the details about the menus for helicopters.
Pitch -9 deg. -6.0 0 6.0 9 or 10.0

Pitch Curve ST3 (HOLD)

Point 1 (low) 2 3 4 5 (high)
Pitch -4 deg. -- +6.5 -- +12

Menu Descriptions - Helicopter

Helicopter Flight Conditions

Your Optic system's HELI menu provides three flight modes in The defaults for the switches controlling these flight
addition to the normal one (NOR). Within each condition, you conditions are as follows:
may program an independent set of dual rates, exponentials, - NOR: ON when Flt. Mode (SW-4) Switch is FORWARD.
throttle and pitch curves, revolution mixing, and gyro gain. In - ST1: ON when Flt. Mode (SW-4) Switch CENTER.
the HELI menus, these are automatically called up whenever - ST2: ON when Flt. Mode (SW-4) Switch is AFT.
you switch to a new condition. - ST3: ON when SW-1 is DOWN.
NOR is intended for hovering flight. ST1 may be used for
forward flight and mild aerobatics, ST2 may be used for
inverted, and ST3 is used for autorotations as it includes a
throttle hold feature which disengages the throttle servo from
collective commands. These conditions are activated
whenever the model memory is chosen to be HELI type.
Menu Descriptions - Helicopter - Page 49
 Menu Descriptions - Helicopter
As these functions are switched on or off, ST3 = HOLD has R->T - Rudder Throttle Mixing
highest priority, followed by ST2 and ST1. Regular settings Rudder Throttle (R->T) mixing is used to maintain rotor
(NOR) occur when all of the others are off. You can see which speed so that altitude is kept constant when the rudder stick is
condition your transmitter is currently in by viewing the display. operated in hover. The reason for this mixing is that when
The current condition may be found flashing in the lower right rudder is commanded, the tail rotor consumes a little more
of the TRIM display. power, which reduces the power at the main rotor and the
helicopter drops or climbs. For helicopters with normal rotor
rotation, commanding right rudder (which requires more power)
should also increase throttle slightly, while using left rudder
(requires less power) should decrease the throttle slightly.
R->T mixing is handy for hovering but may also be used in
540° stall turns, hovering eights, nose-in circles, Top Hats,
Pirouettes, and other aerobatics. This function only operates
EPA - End point adjust
See ACGL instructions on page 27. when the NOR menu is selected.

Setting Up Rudder->Throttle Mixing

D/R - Dual Rates 1. Press one of the Up Down Edit buttons repeatedly to select
Refer to ACGL instructions on page 27. the R->T window. To begin with, the function is already
activated, but it's set to 0% on both sides so there is no
differential.
EXP - Exponential
See the ACGL instructions on page 28.

STRM - Subtrim
Refer to the ACGL instructions on page 28.
2. To set the mixing amount for the left rudder, hold the rudder
stick to the left side (display shows L/U), and press the Data
REV - Servo Reverse Decrease key. Continue reducing the percentage until you
See ACGL instructions on page 29. reach about 10%. If for some reason you want a 0% setting,
press the Active/Inhibit (Clear) key.
3. Input the mixing amount for right rudder by moving the
T.CUT - Throttle Cut rudder stick to the right (display shows R/D), and press the
Described in the ACGL instructions on page 29. Data Increase or Decrease key to reach about 10%.
4. After you try these settings out, you can adjust them higher
or lower to suit your machine. The signs shown here may
PMX1, PMX2 - Programmable Mixing need reversing depending on the way the servo is mounted.
See ACGL PMX instructions on page 38. These instructions 5. You may select which ON-OFF switch turns this function on.
are the same for the two programmable mixers in the helicopter See the Switch Select instructions on P. 53 for information
menus. on how to select the ON-OFF switch.
6. Note that R->T mixing may only be set up, and only
operates, in the NOR menu.

Menu Descriptions - Helicopter - Page 50

 Menu Descriptions - Helicopter
GYRO - Gyro settings Setting Up Throttle Hold
Gyro settings are used to automatically control the gyro's gain 1. Press one of the Up Down Edit buttons until the H0LD
in different flight modes. It may be set to different values in window appears. The default is for the function to be
NOR, ST1, ST2, and ST3 flight modes, allowing you to pick the inhibited. To activate the throttle hold function, press the
gain you need for each circumstance. The Gyro settings down Data -Decrease key. This will cause the flashing INH
Control the output at receiver CH5. You cannot independently display to change to a -6% value with an ON or OFF display,
control this channel with a switch or slider. depending on the SW-1 switch's position.
2. Now you can adjust the throttle hold position with the Data
Using Gyro Settings +Increase or -Decrease keys, anywhere between -50 and
1. Press one of the Up Down Edit buttons repeatedly to get to +50% (to return to the default 0%, press the Active/Inhibit
the GYRO menu. To begin with, the function is inhibited. (Clear) key).
Press one of the Cursor keys to activate it. Once activated,
it's set to 50% in all four flight modes.

3. Check that your throttle goes to the desired hold position by

flipping the selected on-off switch one way and the other.
2. To set the mixing amount for the normal (NOR) flight mode, Adjust the number as needed. Be sure to choose an engine
flip the Flt. Mode (SW-4) switch all the way forward. NOR speed that's fast enough to keep the engine from accidentally
will be flashing on and off. Set the percentage to yield the quitting but slow enough to not engage the main rotor clutch.
desired gyro gain (this is usually a high-gain setting). If for 4. You may select which ON-OFF switch turns this function on.
some reason you want a 0% setting, press the Active/ See the Switch Select instructions on P. 53 for information
Inhibit (Clear) key. on how to select the ON-OFF switch.
3. Flip the Flt. Mode (SW-4) switch to its center position. ST1
will be flashing on and off. Set the percentage to yield the
desired gyro gain in this flight mode (this will usually be a
lower-gain setting for reduced damping in stunts).
4. Flip the Flt. Mode (SW-4) switch all the way aft. ST2 will be
Flashing on and off. Set the percentage to yield the desired
gyro gain.
5. Now flip the SW-1 switch fully down. You may now input a
setting for ST3.
6. Make some test flights to try these settings out. Take note
of when more gain is need, and when less gain is needed.
You can adjust all of the gyro settings in each flight mode to
suit your machine.

HOLD - Throttle Hold

The Throttle Hold function moves the engine throttle servo to a
selected position near idle, and disengages it from the throttle
stick. It is commonly used during autorotation, and activated
with the SW-1 switch on the left front of the transmitter. You
can set the throttle position to be held over a -50 to +50% range
centered about the throttle idle position. Activating throttle hold
also disables revolution mixing (RVMX).

Menu Descriptions - Helicopter - Page 51

 Menu Descriptions - Helicopter
THCV - Throttle Curve Setting Up The Throttle Curve
The throttle & pitch curves are tied to the position of the 1. Press one of the Up Down Edit buttons until the THCV
collective stick, and are specified at five points labeled 1 window appears. The default is for a linear curve, a straight
through 5 below. These "curves" are really straight lines line from 0 to 100% passing through 50% at hover (center,
connecting the settings at the five points, and are defined by point 3).
assigning servo movement percentages to five positions of the 2. Be sure you're in the desired flight Mode by moving the
left stick: lowest = Point 1, the 1/4-up stick position = Point 2, Flt. Mode (SW-4) switch to its proper position. Remember,
half-stick = Point 3, 3/4 position = Point 4, and top position = you can input separate, independent throttle curve settings
Point 5. With the numbers defined as shown, the servo would for each separate idle-up mode (except for ST3, throttle
move 50% of full travel to one side at low collective stick hold)! Also, be sure to center the hovering throttle lever
position, and 50% of full travel to the other side at high stick 3. You begin at set point #1, idle. A small arrow should appear
position. over the number 1 in the display, and a value of 0% should
be shown. Press the Data +Increase or -Decrease key to
Example Five-Point Curve change the setting to your desired value.
100%

75%
75%
63%

50%
50%
Servo Response

38% 4. When you're finished with Point 1, move to the next point
25% with the Cursor Right key. A small arrow over the number
25% 2 indicates you are setting the value for Point 2. Note that
the function is inhibited (Inh) to start with. If you leave it, you
Curve Point 0% get a straight line from points 1 to 3. Otherwise, you can
1 2 3 4 5
change this setting with the Data +Increase or -Decrease
Low Collective Stick High
keys.

You can get a linear response by making the five settings line
up as shown above. But if you want another shape, you're
free to do it. You can "flatten out" or "soften" the curve around
hover as shown here. This is handy for making the control
less sensitive around hover. 5. Repeat this procedure for Points 3, 4, and 5 by pressing the
Cursor Right key, then adjusting as desired with the Data
5-Pt Curve Soft Near Hover +Increase or -Decrease keys.
100% 6. When you've completed the settings for the first flight mode
(NOR), test fly your model. When you're satisfied with the
Shallower 75% settings, use them as a basis for the other flight mode.
Slope in this 75%
Flip the switches as necessary to get into the new modes,
region
verify on the display that you are in the desired flight mode,
60%
50% then set all the five points in by going through the steps
50%
Servo Response

40% given previously.

25%
25%

Curve Point 0%
1 2 3 4 5
Low Collective Stick High

Menu Descriptions - Helicopter - Page 52

 Menu Descriptions - Helicopter
PTCV - Pitch Curve S/W SEL -
Like the throttle curve described previously, pitch curves are Switch Selection For Auxiliary Functions
tied to the position of the throttle collective stick, and are Your Optic system allows you customize your radio and choose
specified at five points labeled 1 through 5 below. Setup what switches are used to turn on the following helicopter
instructions are the same as those for throttle curve, except functions: AIL D/R, ELEV D/R, RUDD D/R, R->T, HOLD, PMX1,
that you may also input a curve for the throttle hold/ST3 flight and PMX2. Note that each of these functions may be chosen
mode.You can get a linear response by making the five settings to be turned on by flipping a switch. Some may be selected to
line up as shown above. But if you want another shape, you're be on all the time.
free to do it. You can "flatten out" or "soften" the curve around
hover, which is handy for making the control less sensitive there. Choosing The On-Off Switch For Certain Radio Functions
1. Call up the Switch Select screen by repeatedly pressing one
Inputting The Pitch Curve Values of the Edit Up Down keys until the highlighted words S/W
1. Press one of the Up Down Edit buttons until the PTCV SEL appear. The window may appear with any of the
window appears. The default is for a linear curve, a straight following displayed: AIL D/R, ELEV D/R, RUDD D/R, R->T,
line from 0 to 100% passing through 50% at hover (center). HOLD, PMX1, and PMX2. Note that if you change switch
2. Be sure you're in the desired flight Modes by moving the locations, the switch labeled (for example) AIL D/R or SW-4
Flt. Mode switch (SW-4) to its proper position. Remember, will not control aileron dual rate afterwards. You should
you can input separate, independent throttle curve settings carefully consider how you assign all the switches in
for each separate idle-up mode. consideration of the flight mode switches. See also Item 3a
3. You begin at set point #1, idle. A small arrow should appear below.
over the number 1 in the display, and a value of 0% should 2. Use the Data +Increase or -Decrease keys to select the
be shown. Press the Data +Increase or -Decrease key to desired function.
change the setting to your desired value. 3. Use the Left Right Cursor keys to select from the following
on-off possibilities for the selected function
a. On indicates the function is ALWAYS on. You can also,
for example, set HOLD to be On at all times. This will
permanently disable the throttle servo, not a good thing!
Be very careful choosing ON as a possible setting for all
of these functions.
4. When you're finished with Point 1, move to the next point b. 1 represents Switch SW-1, the "ELEV RUDD D/R" switch.
with the Cursor Right key. A small arrow over the number On is down.
2 indicates you are setting the value for Point 2. Note that c. 2 represents Switch SW-2, the "GEAR AUX" switch.
the function is inhibited (Inh) to start with. If you leave it, you On is down.
get a straight line from points 1 to 3. Otherwise, you can d. 3 represents Switch SW-3, the "AIL D/R" switch.
change this setting with the Data +Increase or -Decrease On is down.
keys. e. 4 represents Switch SW-4, the "FLT MODE" switch.
5. Repeat this procedure for Points 3, 4, and 5 by pressing the The FLT MODE switch has three positions to select from:
Cursor Right key, then adjusting as desired with the Data i. NOR = on at forward position
+Increase or -Decrease keys. ii. ST1 = on at middle position
6. When you've completed the settings for the first flight mode iii. ST2 = on at aft position
(NOR), test fly your model. When you're satisfied with the 4. Repeat Steps 2-3 for any additional functions you wish to set
settings, use them as a basis for the other flight Modes.
Flip the switches as necessary to get into the new mode,
verify on the display that you are in the desired flight mode,
then set all the five points in by going through the steps
given previously.

Menu Descriptions - Helicopter - Page 53

 Menu Descriptions - Helicopter
RVMX - Revolution mixing SWAH - Swashplate adjust (120 °swash only)
The revolution mixing function mixes pitch commands into The swashplate menu is intended only for helicopters whose
rudder (pitch rudder) in order to suppress the torque collective pitch is controlled by more than a single servo at a
generated by changes in the main rotor's pitch angle and time, and is sometimes referred to as CCPM (Collective &
rotational speed. You can input independent values for Cyclic Pitch Mixing). The Optic contains settings for 120°
revolution mixing above and below one-half throttle for each of swashplates. Consult your model's setup instructions to find
the NOR, ST1, and ST2 flight conditions. Revolution mixing is out whether you need special swash settings.
disabled whenever throttle hold (ST3, operated by switch The swashplate menu is used to control the response of all
SW -1) is on. three collective servos as a group. It should NOT be used for
For a clockwise-turning rotor, revolution mixing should apply reversing or individual servo travel adjustment. Perform these
right rudder when pitch is increased; for a counterclockwise- settings in the REV and EPA menus respectively.
turning rotor, the opposite should occur. Remember to set the When you move the collective stick, all swashplate servos
value for both sides of the throttle stick's motion. should move in the same direction and the same amount to lift
Revolution mixing has no preprogrammed values input at the or drop the swashplate without tilting. If the swashplate should
start. You will need to input values for your helicopter as tilt to one side when you command collective, one or more
described in the setup example. servos is moving the wrong direction or the wrong amount, and
Note: A procedure for adjusting revolution mixing is given in a must be adjusted in the SWAH menu. If the swashplate moves
table on page 56. down when pitch should be increasing or vice versa, change
the sign in front of all three servos from (+) to (-) or vice versa.
Revolution Mixing Programming Note that there is no SWAH menu when the NOR menu is
1. Call up the revolution mixing screen by repeatedly pressing selected, but the 120° swash type does contain the SWAH
one of the Up Down Edit buttons until the RVMX window menu. The swash default settings are shown below.
appears. The function is active with 0% mixing turned on.
NOR 120'
Put the throttle stick to its idle position.
No SWAH menu CH1 +70%, CH2 +70%,CH6 +70%

Swashplate Programming
1. Consult your model's setup instructions. If three servos are
needed to move the swashplate in a 120° CCPM set-up,
2. Now press the Data +Increase key. This will increase the go to the model setup instructions (page 21) and select the
percentage of RVMX mixing for the low side of throttle. You 120° swash type.
may set a value of 0% to 100% for this side. If you wish to 2. With all the servos hooked up, and the transmitter and
return the mixing percentage to the default 0% value, press receiver turned on, move the throttle/collective stick up and
the Active/Inhibit (Clear) key. down. The swash should move up and down with no
3. Move the throttle stick to a position above half-throttle, and rotations. Move the aileron stick left and right. The swash
change the percentage number to suit. should tilt left and right without pitching or rising. Move the
4. Now verify that the rudder responds both the correct elevator stick. The swash should tilt fore and aft with no
direction and amount for travel on both sides when throttle is rotations. If there are rotations when collective is moved, or
commanded. the swash moves up and down with aileron or elevator, you
5. Set up the RVMX values for the other flight conditions (ST1, need to adjust the settings in the swash menu.
ST2) by flipping the Flt. Mode (SW-3) switch and repeating 3. If the servos do not all respond in the same direction for
these procedures. collective or opposite directions for aileron and elevator, you
will need to reverse one or more of them in the reversing
menu (REV). It may take a little trial and error trying different
FAIL - Failsafe
combinations of normal and reverse rotation to get the servos
See the instructions on page 41.
to respond properly. Don't worry about the direction they
respond, just that they all move the same for collective and
tilt for aileron and elevator.

Menu Descriptions - Helicopter - Page 54

 Menu Descriptions - Helicopter
4. Call up the swash screen by repeatedly pressing one of the Hovering Throttle Adjustment Lever (Pilot Control)
Up Down Edit buttons until the SWAH window appears. The Hovering Throttle lever may be used to adjust the throttle
The function is automatically active when you select 120' servo's position around hover without affecting main rotor pitch.
mixing in the model setup menu. It's handy to make up for changes in rotor speed caused by
variations in temperature, humidity, or other conditions. To
change the hovering throttle setting, simply move the Hovering
throttle lever (Left Lever) to get the desired setting. As shown
in the figure, moving the lever has the largest effect in the
hovering region and leaves the endpoints alone. Center this
lever before you set neutrals or input throttle curves.
5. If all the servos raise the swash with increasing collective,
go to the next step. If they lower the swash, press the Full
Pwr
Cursor Right key twice to get to the collective setting menu
(the arrow appears over the number 6). Now press the Data

Throttle Servo Response

-Decrease key until the sign is reversed in front of the
percentage value. Now the swash should properly respond
to collective. If you've done the wrong thing, you can reset Changing the
the percentage by pressing the Active/Inhibit (Clear) key. HV-T value
moves the
6. If all the servos tilt the swash to the right with right aileron throttle response
stick, go to the next step. If they tilt the swash to the left, above or below
the straight line
press the Cursor Right key once to get to the aileron setting
Idle
menu (the arrow appears over the number 1). Reverse the Low Hover High
sign in front of the percentage with the Data -Decrease key. Throttle Stick Motion

Now the swash should properly respond to aileron.

7. If all the servos tilt the swash aft with up elevator stick, go to
the next step. If they tilt the swash forwards, press the Hovering Pitch Adjustment Lever (Pilot Control)
Cursor Right key once to get to the elevator setting menu The Hovering Pitch lever may be used to trim the collective
(the arrow appears over the number 2). Now press the pitch servo(s) near hover without affecting throttle. Like
Data -Decrease key until the sign is reversed in front of the hovering throttle, it's handy to make up for changes in rotor
percentage value. Now the swash should properly respond speed caused by variations in temperature, humidity, or other
to elevator. conditions. You can adjust the hovering pitch value simply by
8. Double check that all three functions, collective, aileron, and moving the Hovering pitch lever (Right Lever). Like hovering
elevator, produce the desired result on the swashplate. Do throttle, this lever only works near hover and tapers off at either
not set any SWAH values to 0% or you will disable the end of throttle. Center this lever before you set neutrals or
response to that control! input throttle curves.

Max
Pitch
Pitch Servo Response
Collective

Changing the
Hovering Pitch
value moves the
pitch response
above or below
the straight line
Min
Pitch
Low Hover High
Throttle Stick Motion

Menu Descriptions - Helicopter - Page 55

 Helicopter Flight Trimming Chart

This procedure assumes helicopter is trimmed for hovering. Trimming must be done in near-calm conditions.
Repeat tests several times before making adjustments. If any changes are made,
go back over the previous steps and verify, or further adjust as necessary.

To test for... Test Procedure Observations Adjustments

1. RVMX mixing Fly the model straight and Observe rotation as helicopter descends
- Up settings level into the wind at 100 ft A. No rotation A. None
(Part 1) altitude, lower pitch to 0° B. Model rotates counterclockwise B. Add right rudder trim
C. Model rotates clockwise C. Add left rudder trim

2. RVMX mixing Bring the helicopter into hover, Observe rotation as helicopter ascends
- Up settings add full pitch and ascend 75 ft A. No rotation A. None
(Part 2) B. Model rotates counterclockwise B. Increase UP RVMX mix
C. Model rotates clockwise C. Decrease UP RVMX mix

3. RVMX Down Begin Down RVMX mixing Observe rotation as helicopter ascends
mixing settings with same number as UP
mix. From inverted flight A. No rotation A. No adjustment
(top of loop, or mid-point of B. Model rotates clockwise B. Increase Down RVMX mix
roll, or inverted part of split-S), C. Model rotates counterclockwise C. Decrease Down RVMX mix
add full negative pitch

Adjusting Hovering Pitch and Hovering Throttle

RPM Stick Primary Corrective Action
High Below 1/2 Decrease hovering throttle
Low Below 1/2 Decrease hovering pitch
Perfect Below 1/2 Decrease hovering throttle, decrease hovering pitch
High 1/2 stick Increase hovering pitch, decrease hovering throttle
Low 1/2 stick Decrease hovering pitch, increase hovering throttle
Perfect 1/2 stick Don't touch a thing!
High Above 1/2 Increase hovering pitch
Low Above 1/2 Increase hovering throttle
Perfect Above 1/2 Increase hovering pitch, increase hovering throttle
Want more Keep 1/2 Decrease hovering pitch, then increase hovering throttle
Want less Keep 1/2 Increase hovering pitch, then decrease hovering throttle

Helicopter Flight Trimming Chart - Page 56

 GLOSSARY

The abbreviations used with the Optic are defined below alphabetically.
Related pages are given in parenthesis following the definition.

A M
ACGL Acrobatic/Glider aircraft menu (15) MAS Master channel in mixer (38)
ADIF Aileron differential. Ailerons move more to one M.SEL Model select menu (11)
side than other (31) N
AILV Differential elevator servos, for 3-D aerobatics (39) NOR Normal helicopter swashplate (1 servo each for
ATL Adjustable Travel Limit. Limits throttle trims to elevator, aileron, pitch. (12)
only the throttle idle position. (built in to your system) O
A->R Aileron Rudder mixing (36) OFF Function or Switch in OFF position.
C ON Function or Switch in ON position.
CAMB A function which droops or raises the entire P
trailing edge of a wing. (32) PPM Pulse-Position Modulation,
COPY Data copy: command used to copy one memory also known as "FM". (14)
to another (11) PCM Pulse-Code Modulation. (14)
CROW Airbrake function (37) PMX Programmable mixer. Mixing between
CURSOR Button used to step through menus (9) arbitrary channels. (38)
D PTCV Pitch curve function (53)
D/R Dual rate: switch-controlled function reduces Q
control travels. (27) QPCM Pulse-Code Modulation. (14)
DATA Editing keys change numbers (9) R
E R/D Indicates Right or Down stick motion
ELVN Elevon function combines ailerons & elevators for REV Reverse. Servo operating direction
tailless models. (34) switching function. (29)
EPA End Point Adjust. Function that adjusts the servo t REST Reset model memory (15)
ravel at the left and right sides. (27) RVMX Revolution mixing (54)
EXP Exponential function, reduces sensitivity around R->T Rudder Throttle mixing (50)
neutral (28) S
E->F Elevator Flap mixing (36) S/W SEL Select on-off switches for different functions (39,53)
F SFT.N Negative transmit shift direction (13)
FAIL Failsafe function moves servos to preset locations SFT.P Positive transmit shift direction (13)
if interference is received. (41) SLV Slave channel in program mixer (38)
FLPN Flaperon function gives the ailerons a flap STCK Choose Mode of transmitter. (13)
function. (30) STRM Subtrim function used to adjust
FLPT Flap travel function. (30) servo neutrals. (28)
G SWAH Swash type (12,54)
Gear Landing gear control switch. (8) T
GYRO Gyro setting menu (51) T.CUT Throttle cut function used to kill engine
H without moving trims (29)
HELI Helicopter settings menu. (45) THCV Throttle curve function (52)
HOLD Throttle hold function holds the throttle in a near- TIME Timer/Stopwatch function (14)
idle position (used for autorotation). (51) V
I VTAL V-tail function combines the
INH Inhibit. Function will not operate elevators and rudder. (35)
L Numerical
L/U Indicates Left or Up stick motion 120' Helicopter swashplate, 120° (12,54)
LAND Landing function (33)
Lock Lock throttle button (9)

GLOSSARY - Page 57
 ACGL Model Data Recording Sheet

Make copies before using

Model Name ___ ___ ___ ___ -__ __ __ Memory No. 1 . 2 . 3 . 4 . 5 . 6 . 7 . 8

MENU FUNCTION CH 1 CH 2 CH 3 CH 4 CH 5 CH 6
REV Servo Rev (circle) N.R N.R N.R N.R N.R N.R
EPA End Point Adj. R/D % % % % % %
L/U % % % % % %
SBTR Subtrims Value % % % % % %
D/R NOR Up % % %
Down % % %
D/R ST1 Up % % %
Down % % %
D/R ST2 Up % % %
Down % % %
D/R ST3 Up % % %
Down % % %
EXP NOR Up % %
Down % %
EXP ST1 Up % %
Down % %
EXP ST2 Up % %
Down % %
EXP ST3 Up % %
Down % %
T.CUT %
PMX1 Programmable Mixer 1 ON.INH MAS CH ___ SLV CH ___ R/D + o - __% L/U + o - __%
PMX2 Programmable Mixer 2 ON.INH MAS CH ___ SLV CH ___ R/D + o - __% L/U + o - __%
ADIF Aileron Differential 1-1 R ___% 1-1 L ___% 1-5 R ___% 1-5 L ___%
CROW Crow Mixing ON.INH CH1 ___% CH2 ___% CH6 ____% SET ___%
CAMB Camber presets ON.INH CH1 ___% CH2 ___% CH6 ____% SET ___%
LAND Landing Mixing ON.INH CH2 ____% CH6 ____%
FLPT Flap Travel ON.INH Amount ____%
E->F Elevator Flap Mixing ON.INH Up ____% Down ____%
A->R Ail Rud Mixing ON.INH Left ____% Right ____%
ELVN Elevon Mixing ON.INH 2-2 ____% 2-1 ____% 1-1 ____% 1-2 ____%
VTAL V-tail Mixing ON.INH 2-2 ____% 2-4 ____% 4-4 ____% 4-2 ____%
FLPN Flaperon Mixing ON.INH 1-1 R ____% 1-1 L ____% 1-6 R ____% 1-6 L ____% 6-6 ____% 6-1 ____%
S/W SEL Switch Select ON.INH 1-1 R ____% 1-1 L ____% 1-6 R ____% 1-6 L ____% 6-6 ____% 6-1 ____%
AILV Ailevator Mixing ON.INH 2-2 ____% 2-4 ____% 4-4 ____% 4-2 ____%

ACGL Model Data Recording Sheet - Page 58

 HELI Model Data Recording Sheet

Make copies before using

Model Name ___ ___ ___ ___ -__ __ __ Memory No. 1 . 2 . 3 . 4 . 5 . 6 . 7 . 8

MENU FUNCTION CH 1 CH 2 CH 3 CH 4 CH 5 CH 6
REV Servo Rev (circle) N.R N.R N.R N.R N.R N.R
EPA End Point Adj. R/D % % % % % %
L/U % % % % % %
SBTR Subtrims Value % % % % % %
D/R NOR Up % % %
Down % % %
D/R ST1 Up % % %
Down % % %
D/R ST2 Up % % %
Down % % %
D/R ST3 Up % % %
Down % % %
EXP NOR Up % %
Down % %
EXP ST1 Up % %
Down % %
EXP ST2 Up % %
Down % %
EXP ST3 Up % %
Down % %
T.CUT %
PMX1 Programmable Mixer 1 ON.INH MAS CH ___ SLV CH ___ R/D + o - __% L/U + o - __%
PMX2 Programmable Mixer 2 ON.INH MAS CH ___ SLV CH ___ R/D + o - __% L/U + o - __%
R->T Rud-Thr Mixing Right Side (R/D) + o - __% Left Side (L/U) + o - __%
GYRO Gyro setting NOR __% ST1 __% ST2 __% ST3 __%
HOLD Throttle Hold setting ____%
THCV Throttle Curve NOR % % % % %
THCV Throttle Curve ST1 % % % % %
THCV Throttle Curve ST2 % % % % %
PTCV Pitch Curve NOR % % % % %
PTCV Pitch Curve ST1 % % % % %
PTCV Pitch Curve ST2 % % % % %
PTCV Pitch Curve ST3 % % % % %
RVMX Revolution Mixing NOR High Side (R/D) + o - ____% Low Side (L/U) + o - ____%
RVMX Revolution Mixing ST1 High Side (R/D) + o - ____% Low Side (L/U) + o - ____%
RVMX Revolution Mixing ST2 High Side (R/D) + o - ____% Low Side (L/U) + o - ____%
SWAH Swash settings % % %

HELI Model Data Recording Sheet - Page 59

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English manual