Futaba SBUS & SBUS2
SBUS was one of the first serial data signal protocols. The receiver sends out control signals from the radio in data packets which the flybarless system can decode and use as control commands. This protocol is so popular that other manufacturers are using it as well, i.e. FRSKY receivers. So you don't need to have a Futaba radio system for using SBUS. Please note that the channel assignment of your radio can be different to the Futaba standard though. In this case you must teach a user defined channel assignment during in the BEASTX receiver menu later.
SBUS2 is the successor of SBUS. Basically it is the same protocol as SBUS but enhanced by bi-directional telemetry communication. With the BEASTX devices you can connect the SBUS2 port to the same port as SBUS. The system will accept this signal as well. Using MICROBEAST ULTRA you can take advantage of bi-directional communication. Here you must connect the SBUS2 signal to one of the bi-directional ports: DI2 or SYS.
Connection scheme
| Signal | Port | Telemetry |
|---|---|---|
| SBUS | DI1 | no |
| SBUS2 | DI1 | no |
| SBUS2 | SYS | yes (only MB ULTRA) |
| SBUS2 | DI2 | yes (only MB ULTRA) |
SBUS / SBUS2 - control only
Using SBUS/SBUS2 to control your helicopter is possible with any of the BEASTX devices. Connect the SBUS/SBUS2 port of your receiver with the DI1 port of your BEASTX system using one of the provided standard servo wires.
(Picture MBPLUS)
(Picture Nanobeast)
The ESC or throttle servo is connected at CH5 / IO2 output on MICROBEAST PLUS / ULTRA. NANOBEAST uses the port CH1 for the throttle.
(Picture MBPLUS)
(Picture Nanobeast)
SBUS2 - control and telemetry
For bi-directional telemetry connect your SBUS2 signal wire either to the SYS port or to the DI2 port of your MICROBEAST ULTRA. In both cases it is mandatory to add a pull-down 4,7kOhm resistor between signal line and ground (minus). When using the DI2 port, also you need an adapter from standard servo connector to 5-pin JST as shown below.
(Picture Resistor)
(Picture SYS)
(Picture Resistor)
(Picture DI2)
The ESC or throttle servo is connected at IO1 port. If needed the telemetry data line from the ESC is connected to the IO2 port.
Radio setup
Telemetry....
BEASTX setup
In order to use your SBUS / SBUS2 receiver you have to scan the input type in the RECEIVER MENU of your BEASTX device and set the correct channel ordering
for your radio system. By default the BEASTX system has a preset channel order that fits to most FUTABA radios. If needed you can change the channel ordering in RECEIVER MENU of the BEASTX system.
| Channel | Function |
|---|---|
| CH1 | Roll / Aileron |
| CH2 | Pitch / Elevator |
| CH3 | Throttle |
| CH4 | Rudder |
| CH5 | Gain |
| CH6 | Thrust / Collective |
| CH7 | AttitudeControl (optional) |
| CH8 | Governor (optional) |
| CH9 | Aux channel (optional) |
(The optional functions are described in the section Optional features.)
MICROBEAST PLUS / MICROBEAST ULTRA
Push and hold the button on your MICROBEAST and power up the device. Menu LED A will flash instantly. Now release the button. Push again to start the scan process. When scan was successful, Menu LED B will show up. Now push and hold the button for 2 seconds and release in order to load the default channel assignments. If needed you can set up your telemetry devices at Menu LEDs L & M, if applicable; push button briefly to skip. Finally teach throttle failsafe position at Menu LED N by bringing the throttle in lowest position on your radio and push the button again. Now your MICROBEAST will start with init sequence.
For further information about RECEIVER MENU setup, see next section. Then perform basic setup procedure in SETUP MENU.
NANOBEAST
Power up NANOBEAST. Then connect the push button to SYS port. Push and hold the button for 2 seconds, then release. The Status LED will change color or go off. Push the button again to start the scan process. When scan was successful, the Status LED will flash twice. Now push and hold the button for 2 seconds and release in order to load the default channel assignments. If needed you can set up your telemetry devices at Menus L & M, if applicable (Menu L = Status LED flashes long once and then 5 times, for Menu L 6 times); push button briefly to skip. Finally teach throttle failsafe position at Menu N (Status LED flashes long once and then 7 times) by bringing the throttle in lowest position on your radio and push the button again. Now your NANOBEAST will start with init sequence. For further information about RECEIVER MENU setup, see next section. Then perform basic setup procedure in SETUP MENU.
Setup with StudioX
You can also use the StudioX app to start receiver scan and perform further setup steps. In this case open the Control menu in StudioX and click the SCAN button in this menu's screen. For further informations please refer to the StudioX instruction notes. Please note that when the SBUS2 receiver is connected to SYS port on MICROBEAST ULTRA, you must connect the BLE2SYS / USB2SYS adapter at the DI2 port using the optional adapter from standard servo connector to 5-pin JST.
(Picture sys adapter!)