Wiring

Spirit can be used as a standalone tail gyro or as a flybarless system. Wiring to the unit depends on the type of receiver used.

NOTE
Spirit is pre-programmed to 1520µs servo neutral impulse and 50Hz frequency – please ensure you have the correct servo parameters selected as specified by your servo manufacturer. If the neutral impulse of your servo/s is different to the above, such as 760µs, do not connect this servo yet as it could be damaged.

Some connectors have non-standard dimensions that could interfere with neighboring connectors after plugging in the unit. As a solution, we recommend replacing these connectors with JR or Futaba type.

Never plug a connector for powering the unit into the SYS or ELE/PIT/AIL positions or you may risk damaging the unit.

1 STANDALONE GYRO AND FLYBAR

Owners of flybarred helicopters can take advantage of the heading hold gyro, which keeps the tail in the direction given by the transmitter regardless of effects from wind or any outside forces.

Connect the rudder servo to the CH4 port of the Spirit unit. If you also use a standard receiver, you will need to connect GEAR (or AUX) from your receiver to the AUX port on the Spirit unit. Also, you will need to connect your receiver RUD port to the RUD port on the Spirit unit.

Even if you do have a flybarred model, you can also connect the unit in the same way as a you would a flybarless one. This allows you to use the full potential of the unit including Stabilization and Rescue mode. In order for this to work correctly, it is necessary to tick the Flybar mechanic parameter in the Stabi tab during setup. All other parameters can be configured just the same as with a flybarless head.

2 FLYBARLESS

Flybarless helicopters can take advantage of the full capabilities of the Spirit unit. The Spirit will stabilize the model on all axes and also make it less affected by wind, extend flight times and increase the agility of your model. When properly set up, flight characteristics should be more stable which will give you the confidence to carry out even the most challenging maneuvers.

Flybarless rotor blades are also different from blades designed for flybarred models. For optimum flight characteristics it is recommended to use them. When using the Spirit unit as a flybarless system, all servos should be connected in the corresponding positions:

Spirit

CH1 – Pitch / Aileron servo

CH2 – Elevator servo

CH3 – Aileron / Pitch servo

CH4 – Rudder servo

Spirit Pro

CH1 – Pitch / Aileron servo

CH2 – Elevator servo

CH3 – Aileron / Pitch servo

CH4 – Rudder servo

CH0 – auxiliary (optional) cyclic servo for CCPM 90 swashplate type.

NOTE
Servos at positions CH1 and CH3 are dependent on the Swashplate settings. Aileron servo on the model is mostly positioned on the right side while pitch on the left side.

3 CONNECTION OF STANDARD RECEIVER (PWM)

Spirit – receiver type: PWM

Spirit Pro – receiver type: PWM

For standard receivers it is necessary to use two normal and one special cable. Three connectors from the special cable should be plugged into the receiver and the end of this cable to the unit.

The unit is powered by two cables from the receiver connected to AUX and RUD positions. The Throttle cable should be connected to the receiver as well.

The easiest way you can start connect RUD with Rudder output in the receiver. Then continue with AUX which should be connected to the Gyro Gain channel output. Next, connect the Aileron, Elevator and Pitch (Aileron 2) channels. If you are not sure whether you have the correct output or not, you can plug in one servo and power the unit to verify that your connection is correct. This can be repeated for each servo. The diagnostics tab is very helpful too.

Spirit Pro

The unit is able to control Bank Switching by 7th channel of the receiver. Connect the cable to the AUX2 port and allow Bank Switching in the software.

Never plug a connector for powering the unit to SYS or ELE/PIT/AIL ports.

4 CONNECTION OF SPEKTRUM DSM2/X SATELLITE

Spirit – receiver type: Spektrum DSM2/X

Spirit Pro – receiver type: Spektrum DSM2/X

Connection to a BEC is optional. If the model is powered by an external BEC, this must be connected to the RUD port. Also the power lead from the ESCs internal BEC must be disconnected.

Spirit

A second satellite can be connected, but this can only be achieved via a special adapter connected to the RUD port. This adapter can be purchased separately. Before satellites can be used they must be bound to your transmitter, taking into account any failsafes that need to be set. To use both, two satellites and an external BEC, be sure to use a Y-harness made from large gauge wire to supply the high current that is needed.

Spirit Pro

The Pro version allows you to connect two satellites directly to the unit. If you want to use only one satellite, you have to use the Primary connector.

To bind the satellites, insert a bind plug in the SYS port for DSM2 satellites or the ELE/PIT/AIL port for DSMX satellites. Power cycling the Spirit start the bind process. Once successfully bound, the STATUS LED will go out and the satellite LED will come on. If the second satellite fails to bind, swap the satellites and repeat the bind process.

Be sure Receiver type in the software is configured to Spektrum DSM2/X or else binding process will not work. Never plug a connector for powering the unit to SYS or ELE/PIT/AIL positions.

5 CONNECTION OF FUTABA S-BUS RECEIVER

Spirit – receiver type: Futaba S-BUS

Spirit Pro – receiver type: Futaba S-BUS

Spirit

When using S-BUS it is necessary to use an inverter that replaces the cable between the receiver and the Spirit unit's RUD port. This inverter cable can be purchased separately. The inverter cable have to be connected in the way, that longer end is directed to the unit and shorter to the receiver.

Spirit Pro

Connect the receiver with the unit by normal patch cable to the RUD port. You can use cable that is included in the package.

Connection to a BEC is optional. For models of 500 size and larger it is recommended to use dual power supply cables due to the increased power consumption. That means besides the S-BUS cable, an additional power supply cable should be connected to the AUX port.

When using this type of receiver you can connect the throttle cable directly to the receiver. Alternatively, you can assign the throttle channel in the software and use the AUX as throttle output from the unit.

Never plug a connector for powering the unit to SYS or ELE/PIT/AIL ports.

6 CONNECTION OF PPM RECEIVER

Spirit – receiver type: PPM

Spirit Pro – receiver type: PPM

NOTE
Connection to a BEC is optional. For models of 500 size and larger it is recommended to use dual power supply cables due to the increased power consumption. That means besides the communication cable, an additional power supply cable should be connected to the AUX port.

When using this type of receiver you can connect the throttle cable directly to the receiver. Alternatively, you can assign the throttle channel in the software and use the AUX as throttle output from the unit.

Never plug a connector for powering the unit to SYS or ELE/PIT/AIL ports.

7 CONNECTION OF JETI EX BUS RECEIVER

Spirit – receiver type: Jeti EX Bus

Spirit Pro – receiver type: Jeti EX Bus

This connection type now supports the new integration with JETI Model transmitters. You can now fully configure the Spirit unit remotely through the JETI Model transmitter.

Remember to configure the receiver type through the software or the integration will not work. Also, it is necessary to download Spirit.bin file from the website. Move the file to the Devices directory in the SD card of your transmitter.

NOTE
Connection to a BEC is optional. For models of 500 size and larger it is recommended to use dual power supply cables due to the increased power consumption. That means besides the EX Bus cable, an additional power supply cable should be connected to the AUX port.

When using this type of receiver you can connect the throttle cable directly to the receiver. Alternatively, you can assign the throttle channel in the software and use the AUX as throttle output from the unit.

A special cable is needed to enable this communication. Signal wire (Orange) is connected to the AIL pin, while power wires (Red and Brown) are connected to the RUD port in the unit. For JETI REX receivers, end of the special cable is connected to the EX1 or EX2 (depending on the receiver configuration). For EX receivers, please use EXT port.

Never plug a connector for powering the unit to SYS or ELE/PIT/AIL ports.

8 CONNECTION OF SRXL/SUMD RECEIVER

Spirit – receiver type: SRXL/SUMD

Spirit Pro – receiver type: SRXL/SUMD

NOTE
Connection to a BEC is optional. For models of 500 size and larger it is recommended to use dual power supply cables due to the increased power consumption. That means besides the communication cable, an additional power supply cable should be connected to the AUX port. This protocol family can work with a wide range of receivers. Thus you can use Multiplex SRXL, BeastX SRXL, Graupner SUMD, Jeti UDI, Spektrum SRXL and more.

When using this type of receiver you can connect the throttle cable directly to the receiver. Alternatively, you can assign the throttle channel in the software and use the AUX as throttle output from the unit.

Never plug a connector for powering the unit to SYS or ELE/PIT/AIL ports.

9 CONNECTOR ORIENTATION

All cables connected to the unit must be oriented so that the signal wire (Lightest color wire) is closer to the connector pin label, towards the center of the unit. This orients the negative (darkest color wire) toward the edge of the unit.