[NSRCA-discussion] Futaba and pattern

Thu Dec 20 16:45:46 AKST 2007

Ok.I don't use Futaba as I'm a non-sponsored fly only, and patiently waiting
for, Airtronics to catch up in the RC Aircraft world. (long wait, but I'm
hoping)

With regard to Ron's comment.This is almost always the American perception
of the Japanese. However, I have dealt with Japanese companies while a
Program Manager for an Electronics Contract Manufacturer as a supplier and a
customer. Ron's perception is popular in America, but is incorrect. It's
still frustrating, but a very wrong perception. Again reflecting from other
experience from the automobile industry, I had a chance to work in a TPS
(Toyota Processing System) environment at Toyota in Indiana. For those that
embrace lean in America, we are missing the boat on it. TPS is a way of
life, not just tools that is often misused in America.

So from the experience that I have, the Japanese culture takes failure very
personal. And yes, if customers lost planes I believe those responsible feel
a sense of personal failure. To not take responsibility is dishonorable
(makes for a short career in Japan) for the individual and /or teams that
are responsible in Japan.

This brings us to the silence, or not hearing anything about it. As
American, we have expectations that are contradictive to the Japanese
culture. In America we tend to speculate and throw quick band aids and hope
for the best. Many times it works for a while. In Japan, the worst thing to
do is put a quick band aid and again see failure. I have personally seen all
available engineers placed on a project (over 20) I was responsible for to
identify the root-cause and deliver the appropriate solutions. The solutions
were always solid. This takes time and in Japan engineers and management
don't speculate (hence silence). They use very detailed methods to
understand the failure and find a solution.

So the win-win is for us to understand the Japanese culture and for the
Japanese culture to find a way to communicate concerns to the American
consumers.

Larry Diamond

NSRCA 3083

  _____  

From: nsrca-discussion-bounces at lists.nsrca.org
[mailto:nsrca-discussion-bounces at lists.nsrca.org] On Behalf Of Ron Van Putte
Sent: Thursday, December 20, 2007 6:52 PM
To: NSRCA Mailing List
Subject: Re: [NSRCA-discussion] Futaba and pattern

I'm probably going to step on some toes, but it could be that Futaba is
reluctant to admit when problems occur, because it would cause them to "lose
face". I don't understand all the reasons regarding why Futaba might act
this way. Maybe someone who is more knowledgeable on my stereotyping of
"orientals" can straighten me out.

Ron Van Putte

On Dec 20, 2007, at 6:12 PM, AtwoodDon at aol.com wrote:

I would add the following to the list and expand on Jim's thoughts
below......

Let us run 2 or 3 lipos as the airborne battery and let us pick the voltage
we want to go into Battery Failsafe. I would like a servo like the 9650 but
with a tighter gear train. Also, get rid of the feedback pots like Jim
mentions below. Either go to a stepper motor approach or go to an optical
feedback instead of the mechanical wipers that wear out over time and
centering goes away. I know that would impact the repair/replacement revenue
but give us something we can run until some unfortunate collision with the
ground.

My last wish if for Futaba to be more straight forward in their
communications with customers as to what is actually going on. The delays in
the 2.4G systems and modules is frustrating even tho I am willing to wait
for the 'right' system. Also, if there are issues with a system, TELL US!!!
We pay a lot of money for these radio systems and pattern planes and if
those systems have a problem (like the long antennas on the 5014), tell us
the truth so we can choose what to do instead of basically denying anything
is wrong. The lack of accurate and timely information irritated me much more
than the fact there were some issues. 

Don

In a message dated 12/20/2007 12:24:07 P.M. Pacific Standard Time,
joddino at socal.rr.com writes:

My first thought won't make everyone happy because it will make a lot 
of stuff obsolete but I think it is time to get rid of the analog 
pulse width interface between the receiver and servos. It is time for 
a high speed computer bus so more information could be transferred at 
a higher rate. The servo should use a brushless motor and if possible 
a stepper motor that would eliminate the need for a feedback pot. In 
other words a true digital servo. It should run with a range of 
voltages (7.2 to 9.0 volts) with no change in performance so no 
voltage regulators would be required. It should keep working, at a 
noticeably slower rate, from 7.2 down to 3.6 volts. It should be 
programmable so servos could be matched exactly at all positions.

Jim O

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