This is my first Digital Radio. Does anyone have a guide to program a digital car radio? I got a new Sanwa 2.4 Radio and have no idea on the settings available. I managed to bind the unit, set the fail safe and reverse the servo, though.

My manual doesnt say why and how the settings should be used. I went through the manuals of similarily specd radios from Futaba, spectrum, KO Propo etc. Could not get much information on programming.

I would like to know the result of each setting, For example, what happens if I reduce or increase the values on EPA and how it will affect the handling of the car.

If some one has more info, please post or direct to it.

Ajo,

Here are some details which maybe of help to you

The Steering Dual rates function is used to change the amount of steering servo travel compared to the  amount of movement of steering wheel. Example by increasing the steering dual rate you can make the steering servo travel more which might prevent your model from pushing during the turns, if your model over steers during turns you can reduce the amount of steering dual rates.

The EPA Function is used to adjust the desired amount of servo travel in both the directions left or right independently. EPA can be set for steering, throttle or aux channels

Please note a very important point that before making EPA always make sure that you centre the servo horns.

Steering EPA is done to help, as in most models turning radius differs from left to right because of variations in suspension balance, linkages, weight distribution etc.

Thanks for this, Katty. How does Steering and Throttle ARC work? Also what is Sub Trim used for?

When I binded on my truggy, noticed that the brakes are jammed in neutral position. Did not adjust the linkages. Should I free the brakes from the linkage or try the radio adjustments?

Thought the new Radio will make my life easier.

Slightly offtopic...  why did you choose the Sanwa one instead of the Futaba one ?

Quote from: anwar on November 25, 2009, 12:50:24 AM
Slightly offtopic...  why did you choose the Sanwa one instead of the Futaba one ?

The factors that made me decide between the 2.4 Ghz versions of Sanwa MX-3 and the Futaba 3PM were based on reading many actual user reviews:

1. The menus on the Futaba are complicated and easier for intermediate users. Since this is my first digital radio, I wanted it to be simple.

2. The Futaba's fail safe works only on HRS mode which can combine with only digital servos. I have only analog servos on all my models. Brake Failsafe is absolutely important for me while using the Baja. Its a large car and can cause huge damage to itself and something its hits.

3. Futaba's 3rd channel is located near the area where our thumb is resting. Easy to hit the 3rd channel by mistake. Happened many times on my Monster truck Radio which has reverse. Shifting to reverse on the fly is bad for gears. Sanwa's 3rd channel is nicely located as a separate lever.

4. Cost - I got Sanwa Radio + 2 receivers for 14K, while I was quoted the same for the Futaba. RcDhamaka was so kind to remove the servos which were of no use to me and reduce the cost.

Sorry double post

Quote from: mail4ajo on November 25, 2009, 12:40:22 AM
Thanks for this, Katty. How does Steering and Throttle ARC work? Also what is Sub Trim used for?

When I binded on my truggy, noticed that the brakes are jammed in neutral position. Did not adjust the linkages. Should I free the brakes from the linkage or try the radio adjustments?

Thought the new Radio will make my life easier.

Ajo,

Always remember to centre the servo horns before doing any set up on the radio.

I think you may have brake lock or some other features on in the radio. Its best you check that out first.

Will post the details during the day or tonight.

The new radio will make life much easier once you get use to it and know how to use its full capabilities.

Quote from: mail4ajo on November 25, 2009, 12:40:22 AM
How does Steering and Throttle ARC work? Also what is Sub Trim used for?

Looks like the steering and throttle ARC settings are similar to the throttle and pitch curves on helis.  Basically, it allows you to precisely control how much control movement or throttle power you want at various control input positions. 

Sub-trim is primarily used to get your servo arms to be exactly at right angles. Due to centering or mechanical conditions, it is possible that you cannot get the control horns to be exactly horizontal, exactly vertical etc physically alone.  In such cases, you can try rotating the servo arm by 90 degrees physically, and it usually helps reduce the centering problems in Futaba and Hitec servos.  If your control arm is still off-center after doing that, you will use subtrim to get it dead-centered.  The less the subtrim the better.

Quote from: mail4ajo on November 25, 2009, 12:40:22 AM
Thought the new Radio will make my life easier.

All teething problems (and our natural aversion towards change)    You will soon be talking non-stop about how much better this radio is 

Ajo,

Any luck on your setup