Fortress Technologies Fortress Micro - Manual (Page 2)

∗ FCC Information: FCC ID: KH8-T2000 - This device complies with Part 15 of the Rules.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful
interference, and (2) this device must accept interference received, including interference that
may cause undesired operation.
PACKAGE CONTENTS:
1.
FMA Direct Fortress micro series AM or FM, 8 channel, Universal PPM receiver
2. Dealer or factory-installed channel crystal (if purchased with unit)
3. Owner's Manual
4. Programming Quick Reference
PREPARATION:
• AM VERSION COMPATIBILITY
Fortress micro AM version receivers are compatible with any AM transmitter set up on the
same frequency as your Fortress micro AM receiver. All Fortress micro receivers support full
crystal interchangability using FMA Direct low-profile Fortress micro series crystals. Contact
your local FMA Direct dealer or call FMA Direct to obtain the correct Fortress micro series
crystal for operation with your transmitter frequency.
• FM VERSION COMPATIBILITY - PROGRAMMING THE FORTRESS MICRO FOR
OPERATION WITH YOUR FM TRANSMITTER
1.
Designed for the utmost in reliability and compatibility, the new series of receivers from
FMA Direct are the first to incorporate user-programmable FM shift compatibility with
any standard FM/PPM transmitter currently being sold. User programmable through
a series of 5 dip switches, the same receiver can now operate with positive or
negative FM shift transmitters. So if you have a Futaba and a JR transmitter with you
at the field on different R/C channels, and one channel is already in use, you can
simply plug in the correct receiver crystal, change the settings of the dip switches
using a small screw driver and you’re ready to fly!
2. In general, 72 MHz Fortress micro series receivers are shipped compatible with
“negative”, Futaba type frequency modulation (FM) - also termed “high-going-low”
modulation. JR and Airtronics transmitters incorporate “positive” or “low-going-high”
frequency modulation. At Ham band (50 and 53 MHz), all current R/C transmitters
incorporate “positive” modulation so, in general, Ham frequency Fortress micro series
receivers are shipped compatible with “positive” modulation. If you are using JR or
Airtronics equipment on 72 MHz, you may need to adjust the DIP switch settings on
the Fortress micro before the receiver will “listen” to your transmitter.
3. In order to program the Fortress micro receiver to a different FM shift, refer to the
Programming Quick Reference included with your receiver. The DIP switches are
located on the top of the P.C. board. Each switch is labeled 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and the word
ON is identified on the other side of the switch array. You may need to make a small
slit in the top of the clear heat shrink case directly over the switch array to permit
access to the individual switches. Use a small jeweler type flat screw driver to change
the switches from one state to another. On the Programming Quick Reference,
identify your transmitter brand and the frequency band of the transmitter/receiver
combination (i.e. 72, 53, 50 MHz) on which you fly. Correlate this information to the
proper diagram and set the DIP switches at the positions shown. There are only two
settings which work. If one setting doesn’t work, the other one will.
•
INSTALLATION, POWER AND SERVO CONNECTION
1.
Care must be taken when installing your receiver to isolate the electronics from
vibration. Do this by wrapping the receiver in 3/8” thick foam rubber. Restrain the
foam-packed receiver using Velcro or a rubber band if necessary.
NOTE: FAILURE TO USE FOAM RUBBER AS DESCRIBED ABOVE DURING
INSTALLATION VOIDS PRODUCT WARRANTY.
2. Extend the antenna to its full length. Do not coil the antenna up or range will be
shortened. If you are installing the Fortress micro in a small aircraft and you require a
shorter antenna, you may cut off a portion of the 39.75” antenna without de-tuning the
receiver; a unique feature of FMA Direct receivers. Reducing antenna length will
reduce range, however. Proceed carefully, removing only a short amount at a time
and be certain to ground range check the receiver with each incremental reduction in
antenna length. NEVER CUT THE ANTENNA SHORTER THAN 18 INCHES! A
special note to helicopter pilots concerning standard FM receivers and antenna
placement: FMA Direct receivers are tested thoroughly in all types of aircraft including
helicopters. Helicopters often create a challenge because they generate RF noise
and heavy vibration from fast-moving parts. In order to improve reception in a
helicopter, it is recommended that you route the antenna of the receiver as far away
from the tail boom as possible. This is particularly true of carbon-fiber booms. Nylon
push rod material mounted to the underside of the skids provides a good channel
through which to route the antenna.
3. Fortress micro series
receivers are
compatible with all
Futaba, JR, Hitec
servos, Airtronics
servos equipped with
the new “Z TYPE”
connectors, as well as
other brands that use
standard polarity
(GROUND, PLUS,
SIGNAL). Fortress
micro series receivers
are not compatible
with “OLD STYLE”
Airtronics connectors
that use reverse
power polarity (PLUS,
GROUND, SIGNAL).
See warning below.
WARNING: IF YOU INTEND TO INTERFACE AIRTRONICS SERVOS THAT USE
“OLD STYLE” (PRE-“Z TYPE”) AIRTRONICS CONNECTORS TO THE FORTRESS
MICRO, YOU MUST UPDATE THE CONNECTOR TO THE CURRENT INDUSTRY
STANDARD POLARITY (SEE FIGURE 1) AND PROPER INDUSTRY STANDARD
SHELL THICKNESS. YOU MAY READILY CONVERT YOUR EXISTING “OLD
STYLE” AIRTRONICS CONNECTORS TO CURRENT STANDARDS 1) BY
INSTALLING APPROPRIATE ADAPTERS OR 2) BY REMOVING THE OLD
CONNECTORS AND PINS AND REPLACING THEM WITH FMA PART NUMBER
SEASSYJ. EACH SEASSYJ CONTAINS ONE JR COMPATIBLE MALE SHELL
AND 3 FEMALE PINS. YOU WILL NEED TO CRIMP THE PINS AND SOLDER
THEM TO THE WIRES OF YOUR EXISTING SERVO AND PLUG THEM INTO THE
SHELL PROVIDED. MAKE CERTAIN THAT THE RED WIRE (+V) GOES TO THE
CENTER PIN AS ILLUSTRATED IN FIGURE 1. FMA WILL NOT ACCEPT
RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY ATTEMPT TO USE “OLD STYLE” AIRTRONICS
CONNECTORS THAT DO NOT HAVE THE POLARITY CHANGED TO INDUSTRY
STANDARDS.
4. When hooking up servos to your receiver, use TABLE 1 and FIGURE 1 to check its
plug wire color orientation. Note: with the receiver sitting label side up, the signal lead
(marked #3 in FIGURE 1 and color coded as in TABLE 1) must match up to the pin
closest to the label side of the receiver. No damage will occur by plugging a servo in
backwards (reversing shell 180
°), but the servo will not operate. Your Fortress
Figure 1
TABLE 1 SERVO PLUG COLOR ORIENTATION
SERVO BRAND 1 2 3
FUTABA BLK RED WHT
JR BRN RED ORG
HITEC BLK RED YLW