SPEKTRUM AR8020T Telemetry Receiver User Guide

SPEKTRUM AR8020T Telemetry Receiver User Guide

NOTICE

All instructions, warranties and other collateral documents are subject to change at the sole discretion of Horizon Hobby, LLC. For up-to-date product literature, visit horizonhobby.com or towerhobbies.com and click on the support or resources tab for this product.

MEANING OF SPECIAL LANGUAGE

The following terms are used throughout the product literature to indicate various levels of potential harm when operating this product:

WARNING: Procedures, which if not properly followed, create the probability of property damage, collateral damage, and serious injury OR create a high probability of superficial injury.

CAUTION: Procedures, which if not properly followed, create the probability of physical property damage AND a possibility of serious injury.

NOTICE: Procedures, which if not properly followed, create a possibility of physical property damage AND a little or no possibility of injury.

Age Recommendation: Not for children under 14 years. This is not a toy.

WARNING: Read the ENTIRE instruction manual to become familiar with the features of the product before operating. Failure to operate the product correctly can result in damage to the product, personal property and cause serious injury.

This is a sophisticated hobby product. It must be operated with caution and common sense and requires some basic mechanical ability. Failure to operate this Product in a safe and responsible manner could result in injury or damage to the product or other property. This product is not intended for use by children without direct adult supervision. Do not attempt disassembly, use with Incompatible components or augment product in any way without the approval of Horizon Hobby, LLC. This manual contains instructions for safety, operation and maintenance. It is essential to read and follow all the instructions and warnings in the manual, prior to assembly, setup or use, in order to operate correctly and avoid damage or serious injury.

WARNING AGAINST COUNTERFEIT PRODUCTS. Always purchase from a Horizon Hobby, LLC authorized dealer to ensure authentic high-quality Spektrum product. Horizon Hobby, LLC disclaims all support and warranty with regards, but not limited to, compatibility and performance of counterfeit products or products claiming compatibility with DSM or Spektrum technology.

NOTICE: This product is only intended for use with unmanned, hobby-grade, remote-controlled vehicles. Horizon Hobby disclaims all liability outside of the intended purpose and will not provide warranty service related thereto.

AR8020T Telemetry Receiver

The Spektrum™ AR8020T receiver is a full range telemetry receiver featuring DSM® technology. It is compatible with all Spektrum™ aircraft radios that support DSM2® and DSMX® technology. Perform the failsafe setup for the AR8020T receiver through a compatible Spektrum Transmitter with Forward Programming. The Spektrum PC Programmer can be used for firmware updates.

Smart Throttle

The AR8020T receiver throttle port includes Smart Throttle. When equipped with Smart Throttle the normal servo connector delivers the throttle signal to the ESC, plus the ESC can send telemetry data like voltage and current back to the receiver. The AR8020T receiver throttle port will automatically detect when a Smart Throttle compatible ESC is plugged in and the throttle port will begin to operate in Smart Throttle mode.

ESCs with Smart Throttle and IC3® and IC5® connectors can also pass along battery data from compatible Spektrum Smart batteries.

If a standard ESC or servo is plugged into the throttle port on the AR8020T receiver, the throttle port will operate normally (PWM signal) like any conventional RC system. The AR8020T receiver is compatible with the Spektrum Avian line of ESCs for Smart Throttle.

For Smart Throttle to function you must have a Smart Throttle ESC paired with a Smart Throttle telemetry receiver, and a Spektrum DSMX transmitter with telemetry. An update for your transmitter may be required for Smart features. See www.spektrumrc.com to register and update your transmitter.

AR8020T Receiver Installation

For optimum RF link performance, mount the antennas for optimal signal reception accounting for all possible aircraft attitudes and positions. Orient the antennas perpendicular to each other; typically vertical and horizontal and at different angles.

Optional SRXL2 Remote Receiver (not included): If using an optional SRXL2 remote receiver, apply double-sided foam tape and mount it perpendicular to and at least 2 inches away from the main receiver’s antenna.

Airplanes with significant carbon fiber construction can create an RF shielding effect, reducing range. The AR8020T is designed to overcome these critical RF issues in carbon airplanes by outfitting the aircraft with two external antennas at specific points that will ensure secure RF coverage from all angles of the aircraft.

The AR8020T incorporates two feeder antennas; one antenna is 6.10 inches (155 mm) and the second antenna is 7.32 inches (186 mm). They are designed to be easily mounted through the fuselage in carbon airplanes. Each feeder antenna includes a coaxial portion and an exposed 31mm tip antenna. The last 31mm is the active portion of the antenna.

Installing the Receiver
Install the receiver in the normal position recommended by the airplane’s manufacturer. Double-sided tape or foam can be used to secure the receiver in place.

TIP: The hard case can be removed to help the AR8020T fit into a slim, carbon fuselage. It is recommended to cover the bare receiver in heat shrink.

Mounting the Antennas
To install the antennas, drill two 1/16-inch holes in the desired antenna mounting positions.

Slide the feeder antennas through the holes until the 31mm tip, and about 2mm of coaxial, completely exit the fuselage. Use a drop of CA or tape to fix the antenna to the fuselage.

IMPORTANT: Ensure that the 31mm active portion of each antenna tip is fully exposed.

TIP: Use the optional (sold separately) Antenna Exit Guides to safely mount the antennas outside of the fuselage.

IMPORTANT: If the antenna is to be mounted internally (in the front of a 2.4GHz fuse), the coaxial can be taped into position. Ensure the 31mm tip is located at least 2 inches from any significant metal or carbon structure.

Check that at least one antenna will always be in the RF visual line of sight of the transmitter (e.g. not blocked by carbon fiber structures) in all attitudes. This can easily be visualized by having a helper stand about 20 feet away and rotate the airplane in all attitudes, confirming that there is a direct line between you and at least one receiver antenna that isn’t blocked by carbon fiber structure.

Binding

The AR8020T receiver must be bound to your transmitter before it will operate. Binding is the process of teaching the receiver the specific code of the transmitter so it will only connect to that specific transmitter. When new out of the package, the AR8020T will automatically go into bind mode the first time it is powered on.

1. Connect the optional SRXL2 remote receiver (SPM9747 or SPM4651T) if desired and any telemetry sensors to the main receiver.

2. Push and hold the bind button on the receiver while turning the receiver on. Release the bind button once the orange LED starts to flash continuously, indicating that the receiver is in bind mode.
   TIP: It is still possible to use a bind plug in the BIND port if desired. This can come in handy if the receiver needs to be mounted in a location that is difficult to access, in which case a servo extension may be used for binding. If using a bind plug, remove after binding to prevent the system from entering bind mode the next time the power is turned on.

3. Put your transmitter in bind mode.

4. The bind process is complete when the orange LED on the receiver is solid.

Failsafe

In the unlikely event that the radio link is lost during use, the receiver will enable the selected failsafe mode. Smart Safe + Hold Last is the default setting on the AR8020T. Preset Failsafe and SAFE Failsafe are only available through forward programming.

SmartSafe + Hold Last
If loss of signal occurs, SmartSafe™ technology moves the throttle channel to its preset failsafe position (low throttle) that was set during binding. All other channels will hold their last position. When the receiver detects the signal from the transmitter, normal aircraft operation resumes.

Preset Failsafe
With preset failsafe, you can set the specific control surface positions you want to use if the signal is lost. When the receiver detects the signal from the transmitter, normal aircraft operation resumes.
Only available through Forward Programming

Testing Failsafe
Secure the aircraft on the ground and remove the propeller. Test Failsafe settings by turning the transmitter RF output off and noting how the receiver drives the control surfaces.

Receiver Power Only

• If the receiver is turned when no transmitter signal is present, the throttle channel will not have a control signal to avoid operating or arming the electronic speed control.
• All other channels have no output until the receiver has linked to the transmitter.

Forward Programming

Verify your transmitter is updated your transmitter to the latest Spektrum AirWare™ software to take advantage of Forward Programming. See your transmitter manual for updating instructions.

In your transmitter menu select Forward Programming -> Settings ->

• Select Failsafe -> Select each channel and assign it to Preset or Hold Last. When you select a different channel for Output, a new group of settings appears. Capture Failsafe Postions ->
  Hold the control sticks in the desired failsafe positions and select Apply.
  Channel selections must be individually set in Forward Programming to apply the preset positions or each channel will default to Hold Last. The value captured will be reflected in the position shown for each channel.

• Initiate Receiver Bind Mode
  Gives you the option of putting the receiver into Bind Mode from this menu.

Receiver Power System Requirements

Inadequate power systems that are unable to provide the necessary minimum voltage to the receiver during flight have become the number one cause of in- flight failures. Some of the power system components that affect the ability to properly deliver adequate power include:

• Receiver battery pack (number of cells, capacity, cell type, state of charge)
• The ESC’s capability to deliver current to the receiver in electric aircraft
• The switch harness, battery leads, servo leads, regulators etc.

The AR8020T has a minimum operational voltage of 3.5 volts; it is highly recommended the power system be tested per the guidelines below.

Recommended Power System Test Guidelines
If a questionable power system is being used (e.g. small or old battery, ESC that may not have a BEC that will support high-current draw, etc.), it is recommended that a voltmeter be used to perform the following tests.

View the receiver voltage during this test on your transmitters telemetry screen, load the control surfaces (apply pressure with your hand) while monitoring the voltage at the receiver. The voltage should remain above 4.8 volts even when all servos are heavily loaded.

How QuickConnect™ Technology Works

• When the receiver voltage drops below 3.5 volts, the system ceases to operate.
• When power is restored, the receiver immediately attempts to reconnect.
• If the transmitter was left on, the system reconnects typically in about 4/100 of a second.

QuickConnect is designed to allow you to fly safely through most short duration power interruptions, however, the root cause of these interruptions must be corrected before the next flight to prevent a crash.

NOTICE: If a brownout occurs in flight it is vital that the cause of the brownout be determined and corrected.

IMPORTANT: When using Y-harness or servo extensions with Spektrum equipment, do not use reversing harnesses. Using reversing Y-harnesses or servo extensions may cause servos to operate erratically or not function at all.

Flight Log

Flight Log data can help you optimize the control link for your aircraft. Flight Log data is displayed on telemetry capable Spektrum transmitters.

Using the Flight Log

A – Fades on main receiver.
B – Fades on remote receiver
L – Not available on AR8020T
R – Not available on AR8020T
F – Frame losses
H – Holds

Fades
Represents the loss of one bit of information on one receiver. Fades are used to evaluate the performance of each individual receiver. If any single receiver displays higher fade values it should be inspected and the antenna repositioned to optimize the RF link.

Frame Loss
A frame loss occurs when one complete data packet is missed. A single frame loss does not represent a loss of control, but frame losses should be monitored. In the air it’s normal to experience as many as 100 frame losses per minute of flight. On the ground the number of frame losses will be higher because the signal is hampered by earth and moisture.

Hold
A Hold occurs when 45 consecutive frame losses occur. This takes about one second, and in this event the receiver moves the channel outputs to the failsafe settings. If a hold ever occurs, it’s important to re-evaluate the system and check every component. If your system displays a hold taking place, diagnose the cause and resolve the issue before flying again.

It is normal to see a hold logged if you power OFF your transmitter and back ON.

IMPORTANT: The Spektrum Flight Log (SPM9540) is not compatible with the AR8020T receiver.

Range Testing

Before each flying session, and especially with a new model, it’s important to perform a range check. All Spektrum aircraft transmitters incorporate a range testing system, which reduces the output power to allow a range check.

1. With the model resting on the ground, stand approximately 100 feet (30 meters) away from the model.
2. Face the model with the transmitter in your normal flying position and put your transmitter into range test mode.
3. You should have total control of the model in range test mode at 100 feet.
4. If control issues exist, call Horizon Product Support for further assistance.

Advanced Range Testing
The Standard Range Testing procedure is recommended for most sport aircraft.
For sophisticated aircraft that contain significant amounts of conductive materials (e.g. turbine powered jets, scale aircraft with matalized finishes, aircraft with carbon fuselages, etc.), the following advanced range check will confirm that all receivers in the system are operating optimally as installed. This advanced range check allows the RF performance of each receiver to be evaluated independantly. A telemetry equipped Spektrum Transmitter is required for the advanced range test.

1. Stand approximately 100 feet away from the model.
2. Face the model with the transmitter in your normal flying position and put your transmitter into range test mode.
3. Have a helper position the model in various orientations (nose up, nose down, nose toward the transmitter, nose away from the transmitter, etc.).
4. Observe the telemetry on your transmitter. Note any orientations that cause higher fades or frame loss values. Perform this step for at least one minute.
5. Re-position any antennas related to higher fades as necessary.
6. Re-test to verify satisfactory results.
7. Repeat as neccesary.

After one minute, advanced testing should yield:

H – 0 holds
F – less than 10 frame losses
A, B – Fades will typically be less than 100. It’s important to compare the relative frame losses. If a particular receiver has a significantly higher frame loss value (2 to 3X) then the test should be redone. If the same results occur, move the offending receiver to a different location.

TIP: Use the fade values for A to investigate the performance of the telemetry link.

Telemetry

The AR8020T features full range telemetry and will provide receiver battery voltage, flight log data, and vario and altitude data without any additional sensors. The altitude and vertical speed (variometer) sensor (SPMA9589) functions are already integrated in the SPMAR8020T. Additional telemetry devices such as voltage sensors can be connected to the volt port, and XBus telemetry sensors can be connected through the XBus connector. Every XBus telemetry device has two XBus ports, and XBus telemetry sensors can be connected in a daisy chain in any order.

The AR8020T is not compatible with the Spektrum Temperature Sensor (SPMA9571)

See www.spektrumrc.com for more information about telemetry accesories.

*For use with electric power system batteries that are separate from the receiver battery(s).

Troubleshooting Guide

FCC Information

FCC ID: BRWSPMAR8020T
Supplier’s Declaration of Conformity
Spektrum AR8020T Telemetry Receiver (SPMAR8020T)

This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

CAUTION: Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.

NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

Horizon Hobby, LLC
2904 Research Rd.,
Champaign, IL 61822
Email: compliance@horizonhobby.com
Web: HorizonHobby.com

IC Information

CAN ICES-3 (B)/NMB-3(B)
IC: 6157A-SPMAR8020T

This device contains license-exempt transmitter(s)/receivers(s) that comply with Innovation, Science, and Economic Development Canada’s license-exempt RSS(s). Operation is subject to the following 2 conditions:

1. This device may not cause interference.
2. This device must accept any interference, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device.

Compliance Information for the European Union

EU Compliance Statement:
AR8020T Telemetry Receiver (SPMAR8020T); Hereby, Horizon Hobby, LLC declares that the device is in compliance with the following: EU Radio Equipment Directive 2014/53/ EU; RoHS 2 Directive 2011/65/EU; RoHS 3 Directive – Amending 2011/65/EU Annex II 2015/863.

The full text of the EU declaration of conformity is available at the following internet address: https://www.horizonhobby.com/content/support- render-compliance.

Wireless Frequency Range and Wireless Output Power:
2404 – 2476 MHz
19.71dBm

EU Manufacturer of Record:
Horizon Hobby, LLC
2904 Research Road
Champaign, IL 61822 USA

EU Importer of Record:
Horizon Hobby, GmbH
Hanskampring 9
22885 Barsbüttel Germany

WEEE NOTICE:

This appliance is labeled in accordance with European Directive 2012/19/EU concerning waste of electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE). This label indicates that this product should not be disposed of with household waste. It should be deposited at an appropriate facility to enable recovery and recycling.

© 2021 Horizon Hobby, LLC.
DSM, DSM2, DSMX, QuickConnect, ModelMatch, SmartSafe, Hangar 9 and the Horizon Hobby logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Horizon Hobby, LLC.
The Spektrum trademark is used with permission of Bachmann Industries, Inc.
All other trademarks, service marks and logos are property of their respective owners. US 9,930,567. US 10,419,970. US 10,849,013.

Created 09/21

64330.1
SPMAR8020T

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