Spektrum Firma 200A Smart Brushless Marine ESC

Product Information

This document provides instructions for the Spektrum Firma 200A Smart Brushless Marine ESC (SPMXME1200). It is an advanced hobby product that requires careful operation and basic mechanical skills. Improper use can lead to injury or damage to the product or property.

Important Safety Notes:

• WARNING: Failure to follow procedures may result in property damage, consequential damage, and severe injury, or a high probability of minor injuries.
• CAUTION: Failure to follow procedures may result in property damage AND the risk of severe injury.
• NOTE: Failure to follow procedures may result in property damage AND little to no risk of injury.

Read the entire manual before operation to familiarize yourself with the product's functions. This product is not intended for use by children under 14 years of age without adult supervision.

This product is intended exclusively for use in unmanned, remote-controlled vehicles and aircraft in the hobby sector. Horizon Hobby disclaims any liability and warranty outside of its intended use.

Support Information

Scan the QR code or visit horizonhobby.com and select the Support tab on the product page for the most up-to-date manual information.

Specifications

Water-Resistant Vehicle with Splash-Proof Electronics

Your Horizon Hobby vehicle is equipped with a combination of water-resistant and splash-proof components, allowing operation in wet conditions including puddles, streams, wet grass, snow, or rain. While designed to be water-resistant, it is not fully waterproof and should not be treated like a submarine.

Electronic components like the Electronic Speed Controller (ESC), servos, and receiver are waterproof. Most mechanical components are only water-resistant and should not be submerged.

Metal parts, bearings, bolts, screws, and nuts, as well as electrical cable contacts, are susceptible to corrosion. Additional maintenance is required after operation in wet environments to preserve long-term performance and warranty. If this maintenance is not performed, do not operate the vehicle in wet conditions.

General Precautions for Wet Conditions:

• Read the maintenance procedures for wet conditions and ensure you have the necessary tools for proper ESC maintenance.
• Do not use the ESC in environments where it may come into contact with saltwater, contaminated, or polluted water. Saltwater is highly corrosive and conductive.

Usage Conditions

Your ESC will operate successfully in the following scenarios:

• 2 hours continuous operation in wet grass or vegetation.
• 2 hours continuous operation in dense fog (95% humidity, saturation, condensing water).
• 1 hour continuous operation in light rain (<2.5mm/0.10 in per hour).
• 15 minutes continuous operation in heavy rain (<7.6mm/0.30 in per hour).
• 1 hour continuous operation in light sleet (<2.5mm/0.10 in per hour).
• 1 hour continuous operation in light snowfall (<6.35mm/0.25 in per hour).
• 45 minutes continuous operation in standing or flowing fresh water (water level below vehicle frame) or constant spray, without submerging waterproof components.
• 5 minutes continuous operation in standing or flowing fresh water (water level not exceeding 10mm / 0.5 in above vehicle frame), constant spray, or frequent temporary submersion of waterproof components.
• 1 hour continuous operation in damp sand, dirt, mud, or snow (material remains below vehicle frame), constant spray, without submersion or covering of waterproof components.

The ESC is best protected against corrosion and water damage by performing maintenance promptly after exposure to moisture.

Maintenance for Wet Conditions

• Gently rinse mud and dirt with a garden hose.
• Remove battery/batteries and dry the contacts.
• Use compressed air to blow out any water trapped in small crevices or corners of the ESC. Dry any water that may have entered connector housings.
• Allow the ESC to air dry internally before storing. Water may seep or evaporate from waterproof areas for several hours.

NOTE: Never clean your vehicle with a high-pressure washer.

Schematic Diagram and Water Cooling

Wiring Diagram

The wiring diagram illustrates the connections for the ESC:

• Motor Wires: Connect the three ESC motor wires (A, B, C) to the motor wires. If the motor spins in the wrong direction, swap any two wires.
• Throttle Connection: Connect the throttle servo lead to the receiver's throttle channel.
• Steering Servo: Connect the steering servo lead.
• LED Indicators: Display ESC status.
• Programming Connector: For connecting a programmer or fan.
• Switch Panel: Contains the On/Off and Set buttons.
• Battery Wires: Connect to the battery.
• Receiver: Connects to the ESC for signal and power.
• Battery: Connect to the ESC.

Water Cooling for Marine Versions

For marine ESCs, use silicone tubing for water cooling. Water should flow first through the ESC, then through the motor, and finally exit through the water outlet.

Note: Motor not included. Some Firma ESCs have round connectors directly on the ESC housing.

Throttle Signal

SMART Throttle

The Spektrum Firma ESC is compatible with SMART Throttle, which combines throttle signals with telemetry data from the ESC on a standard three-wire servo connector. Compatible receivers will recognize a SMART Throttle ESC and automatically begin sending telemetry data.

This ESC can send voltage, current, and other telemetry data via the SMART Throttle connection. It also relays battery data from compatible Spektrum SMART batteries (requires IC3™ or IC5™ connectors). EC series connectors (EC3™, EC5™) are compatible for basic operation but do not provide SMART battery data.

Check your receiver manual for compatibility with SMART Throttle. If the ESC is not connected to a SMART Throttle-compatible receiver, no telemetry data will be available, but it will operate normally with a standard servo signal (PWM).

Normal-Servosignal (PWM)

Firma ESCs are fully compatible with standard RC receivers and will use a conventional normal-servo signal for basic operation.

Mounting and Wiring

1. Mount the ESC and power switch using the included mounting tabs, double-sided tape, or hook-and-loop fasteners. Choose a location with good ventilation for cooling.
2. Connect the three motor wires from the ESC to the motor wires (A to A, B to B, C to C). If the motor spins in the wrong direction, swap any two wires.
3. Connect the throttle servo lead to your receiver's throttle channel.
4. Secure all wiring to protect it from damage or moving parts.

NOTE: Do not connect a separate receiver battery to the receiver along with the ESC. When the ESC is powered on, it supplies the receiver with regulated 6V power from the main battery via the throttle connector. The ESC can be damaged if the receiver is also connected to a separate receiver battery.

ESC and Transmitter Calibration

Begin with the transmitter and receiver bound.

1. Set the transmitter's throttle channel to 100% travel and trim to neutral.
2. Turn on the transmitter and connect a fully charged battery to the ESC.
3. Turn on the ESC while holding down the SET button.
4. When the red LED starts blinking, release the SET button. (Holding the button for over three seconds enters programming mode.)
5. When the throttle trigger is in the neutral position, press and release the SET button. The red LED will stop blinking, and the green LED will blink once, accompanied by a motor beep, indicating the neutral position is set.
6. Move the throttle trigger to full throttle. Press and release the SET button. The green LED will blink twice, and the motor will beep twice, indicating the full throttle position is set.
7. Move the throttle trigger to full brake. Press and release the SET button. The green LED will blink three times, and the motor will beep three times, indicating the full brake position is set.

After calibration, the motor will function normally.

Button Programming

Follow these steps for button programming:

1. Turn on your transmitter.
2. Connect the battery to the ESC and turn on the ESC.
3. Hold the SET button for one second.
4. The green LED will blink. Release the SET button to enter programming.
5. To reset programming points, hold the SET button for five seconds.
6. The number of green LED blinks corresponds to the programming point number.
7. Hold the SET button for three seconds to select a programming point.
8. The number of red LED flashes corresponds to the option number within the selected programming point.
9. Hold the SET button for three seconds to save the selected option.
10. To exit programming mode, turn off the ESC or select another programming point.

Programmable Elements

LED Indicators and Codes

Programming with SPMXCA200 SMART Programmer Box

1. Connect the programmer box cable to the ESC's programming connector.
2. Connect a battery to the ESC.
3. Turn on the ESC and select the desired parameter using the SELECT button.
4. Change the value of the selected parameter using the EDIT button.
5. Press the SAVE button to save changes. The ESC must be turned off and on again to apply saved settings.

Firma Programming via Transmitter

Advanced functions for your ESC can be accessed directly through your Spektrum-compatible transmitter (DX5C, DX5 Rugged, DX5R, DX5 Pro, and DX6R) when using a compatible Spektrum™ Firma™ Smart ESC with a Smart-compatible telemetry receiver.

Further Programming Options:

1. Turn on the transmitter.
2. Turn on your Smart-equipped vehicle.
3. When the Smart logo appears on your transmitter's main screen, navigate to the Firma Programming screen.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions. (Turn the wheel fully right and hold for 5 seconds, then turn fully left and hold for 5 seconds.)
5. The menu will switch to ESC programming options, disabling the throttle. The vehicle will not respond to throttle commands while in the ESC programming menu. Normal throttle control resumes upon selecting an Exit option.
6. Functions displayed in the transmitter menu are identical to the Spektrum ESC programming field.
• Use the throttle trigger to navigate the menu: push forward to scroll down, pull back to scroll up.
• Cursors next to lines indicate selectable functions.
• Turn the wheel left or right to access parameter values. An asterisk "*" indicates the ESC's default setting.
• Select an Exit option by moving the cursor to it, then turn the wheel left or right to exit the menu.
7. Save with/Exit: Saves all changed parameter settings.
8. Default with/Exit: Resets all parameters to ESC default settings.
9. Exit: Exits the Smart ESC menu without saving changes.

Important: You can access other transmitter menu functions outside the Firma Programming screen, but you cannot drive your transmitter until you exit the Firma Programming screen. The throttle is disabled while the Firma Programming screen is active; steering control remains active.

Operation

1. Connect a battery to the ESC.
2. Leave the transmitter throttle in neutral and press the ESC's On/Off button to power it on. The ESC will emit several tones. The number of tones indicates: (1) the ESC's operating status, (2) the number of detected LiPo cells, and (3) the ESC's readiness.
3. To turn off the ESC, press the On/Off button and disconnect the battery.

NOTE: Do not leave the battery connected when the ESC is turned off for an extended period. Always disconnect the battery for storage to prevent battery damage.

Troubleshooting

Warranty and Service Information

Warning: Remote-controlled models are not toys and can cause serious injury or property damage if misused. Operate your RC model only in open areas and follow all instructions in the model and transmitter manuals.

Warranty Period

Horizon Hobby, LLC (Horizon) warrants that the purchased product will be free from material and workmanship defects. The warranty period complies with the legal regulations of the country where the product was purchased. In Germany, the warranty period is 6 months, and the warranty period is 18 months after the warranty period.

Warranty Limitations

(a) Warranty is granted only to the original purchaser (buyer) and is non-transferable. The buyer's claim is limited to repair or replacement under this warranty. Warranty applies only to products purchased from an authorized Horizon dealer. Sales to third parties are not covered. Claims require valid proof of purchase. Horizon reserves the right to change or modify these warranty terms without notice.

(b) Horizon makes no warranty regarding the product's merchantability or the consumer's fitness and ability for a particular purpose. The buyer is solely responsible for determining if the product meets their abilities and intended use.

(c) Buyer's Claims: It is at Horizon's sole discretion whether a product with a confirmed warranty claim will be repaired or replaced. These are the buyer's exclusive remedies for defects. Horizon may inspect all components involved in a warranty claim. The decision to repair or replace is solely Horizon's. Warranty excludes cosmetic defects, defects caused by force majeure, misuse, improper application, commercial use, or modifications. It also excludes damage from incorrect installation, handling, accidents, operation, service, or repair attempts not performed by Horizon. Claims arising from use that violates applicable laws or regulations are also excluded. Returns to Horizon or its representatives must be in writing.

Limitation of Liability

Horizon is not responsible for direct or indirect consequential damages, loss of income, or commercial losses related to the product, regardless of whether the claim is based on contract, warranty, or guarantee. Horizon will not accept claims exceeding the individual value of the product. Horizon has no influence on the installation, use, or maintenance of the product or any product combinations chosen by the buyer. Horizon provides no warranty and accepts no claims for subsequent injuries or damages. By using and installing the product, the buyer accepts all warranty terms without limitation.

If the buyer is unwilling to accept these terms, the product should be returned to the seller in unused condition in its original packaging.

Safety Instructions

This is a high-quality hobby product, not a toy. It requires careful and prudent operation and involves mechanical and mental skills. Failure to operate safely can lead to serious injury or property damage. This product is not intended for use by children without adult supervision. The manual contains safety instructions, regulations, and maintenance/operation guidelines. It is essential to read and understand these instructions before initial operation to prevent misuse and accidents.

Questions, Help, and Repairs

Your local dealer and point of sale cannot process warranty assessments or repairs without consulting Horizon. In such cases, contact the dealer who will consult with Horizon to reach a proper decision to assist you quickly.

Maintenance and Repair

If your product requires maintenance or repair, contact your dealer or Horizon directly. Returns/repairs are processed with an RMA number issued by Horizon, obtained from technical service. More information is available on the service portal at www.horizonhobby.de or by calling Horizon technical service.

Pack the product carefully. The original carton may not be sufficient for shipping. Use a tracked and insured shipping service, as Horizon is not responsible for shipments until accepted. Include proof of purchase, a detailed description of the fault, and a list of all components sent. Provide your full address, a contact phone number, and an email address.

Warranty and Repairs

Warranty requests are processed only with original proof of purchase from an authorized dealer, showing the buyer and purchase date. If a warranty case is confirmed, the product will be repaired or replaced at Horizon Hobby's sole discretion.

Paid Repairs

For paid repairs, a cost estimate will be provided to your dealer. Repairs commence only after dealer approval. Payment is made to your dealer. Paid repairs incur a minimum of 30 minutes workshop time and return shipping costs. If no approval is received within 90 days, Horizon reserves the right to destroy or otherwise dispose of the product.

CAUTION: Paid repairs are only performed for electronics and motors. Mechanical repairs, especially for helicopters and RC cars, are complex and must be performed by the buyer.

Warranty and Service Contact Information

Legal Information for the European Union

EU Declaration of Conformity

EU Declaration of Conformity: Spectrum Firma 200A Smart Brushless Marine ESC 12S (SPMXME1200): Horizon Hobby, LLC hereby declares that the device complies with the following directives: EU Directive on Electromagnetic Compatibility 2014/30/EU; RoHS 2 Directive 2011/65/EU; RoHS 3 Directive - Amendment 2011/65/EU Annex II 2015/863.

The full text of the EU Declaration of Conformity is available at: https://www.horizonhobby.com/content/support-render-compliance.

WEEE Notice

This device is marked according to the European Directive 2012/19/EU on Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE). This symbol indicates that this product is not to be disposed of as normal household waste, but must be disposed of at a designated collection point for electrical and electronic equipment.