Receiver	AR9100 + (3) Remote Rx
Manufacturer	Spectrum, DSM2
Special Features	DUID, ModelMatch, Fail-Safe
Modulation	2.4GHz Spread Spectrum
Channels	9
Range	Full Range
Voltage	4.8-10V
Dimensions	47mm x 40mm x 15mm
Weight	34g
Shift	-
Crystal	-

Included:
(1) AR9100 Receiver
(3) Spektrum Remote Receiver 2.4GHz
(1) Switch Harness
(1) 9" (230mm) Spektrum Rx Extension
(1) 12" (305mm) Spektrum Rx Extension
(1) 24" (610mm) Spektrum Rx Extension
(1) Binding Plug

The AR9100 is designed for models using multiple servos that draw excess current or multiple high-torque servos, such as giant-scale airplanes and jet models. It features a robust power bus designed to manage high-current loads, as well as dual 16G battery input leads with EC3 connectors for use with larger battery packs. This makes it possible to support high-current systems straight through the AR9100 without the need for a separate power system. As an added measure of safety, Spektrum designed the AR9100 with a soft switch. Servo current is routed around the switch so, should it fail for any reason, power to the system will not be interrupted.

The AR9100 uses three remote receivers, but fourth remote receiver can be added if desired.

The AR9100 PowerSafe™ receiver is a full-range receiver system that can be used with any type and size of model aircraft. This unique receiver design contains a main unit which houses the power bus, and it includes 3 remote receivers which come with one of each: 9", 12" and 24" remote receiver extensions. The dual path redundancy of Spektrum's DuaLink™ technology, plus the fact each of the receivers is mounted in a slightly different location, exposes each to a different view of the RF environment and creates a bulletproof RF link in all conditions. You can add an optional fourth remote receiver (Sold Separately) to further enhance the receiving capabilities of the system for more complex aircraft.

In addition to Spektrum's exclusive SmartSafe™ technology, the AR9100 gives you the option of using standard user preset failsafe settings. It is also compatible with Spektrum's optional Flight Log that reviews data about your overall RF link performance for post-flight review.

The AR9100 features DSM2TM technology and is only compatible with DSM2 transmitters.
The AR9100 will not operate with the DX6 or Spektrum surface systems.

More information (links):
* Spektrum AR9100 DSM2 RX Binding Instructions (pdf.)
* Click HERE for Spektrum Receiver installation in Carbon Fiber Fuselage




AR9100 receiver and a Quique Somenzini's Pitts Python with a Turbo Prop engine

When I started testing the new AR9100 receiver system in one of my 40% Caps, I could not believe how much more connected I felt. I had already equipped it with the AR7000 receiver and two batteries, one powering a match box. The big advantage of the AR9100 is the power supplied to the servos. Trying to run ten high-power servos through the standard servo connectors didn't supply the peak current loads that are needed in giant-scale applications. The difference I felt using the AR9100 was like going up a size in servos.

When starting my new giant-scale project, the AR9100 was the obvious choice. The plane is a Pits Python with a Turbo Prop motor, and it uses eight JR 8611a servos that require a good battery source. With the AR9100's dual 16 AWG battery input leads I knew that I would be getting the voltage I needed to every servo. Setting up the electronics was very simple, thanks to the AR9100's versatility, allowing me to locate the remotes anywhere in the plane. Using all four remotes with different lead lengths helped ensure that path diversity would not be a problem, since I was able to place the remotes throughout the plane, preventing signal polarization issues. My 2-cell Li-poly packs (at 7.4 volts each) are routed through two of the new Spektrum VR6010 Regulators, and the soft switch is plugged in to the regulators, so mounting them was a breeze. The new regulators also have a very small fan installed in them to help keep them cool for those high-current load applications. All of the servo current is routed around the switch so that if the power fails, power to the system will not be interrupted. The receiver and the regulators all came pre-wired with the new E-flite EC3 plugs, and the receiver has two small blue LEDs that indicate when power is on. The LEDs make it easy to tell that you have both batteries turned on, even in bright sun light.

Once everything was set up, it was time for some testing. Using the Flight Log I could see that the voltage read a solid 6.1 volts. I loaded the two rudder servos to a full stall, and the voltage stayed at 6.1 volts! Try that with a standard servo plug type battery plugged into a receiver.

Using the Flight Log to examine the antenna fades, all the numbers were very low since each receiver was mounted in a slightly different location and exposed to a different RF environment. Another convenient feature on the AR9100 is that it does not re-boot if the power on the receiver is cycled for some reason.

I feel much safer using Spektrum products in all my models, and with the new AR9100 receiver and the Spektrum Voltage Regulators, I can be sure that I have a bulletproof RF link and consistent power to the entire system.