[NSRCA-discussion] Futaba FAAST trouble

Fri Jan 11 05:45:12 AKST 2008

Gee Mark...I'd be happy to test a couple for you...
:-)
JLK

Date: Fri, 11 Jan 2008 09:14:54 -0500From: atwoodm at paragon-inc.comTo: nsrca-discussion at lists.nsrca.orgSubject: Re: [NSRCA-discussion] Futaba FAAST trouble

Agree.  

I’ve been part of the testing of the Airtronics system that’s now being released (8-Channel) and in an effort to AVOID this type of thing Japan has had us testing the system relentlessly, even providing DOZENS of additional radios, JR’s, Futaba’s, Car radios, EPS Systems, etc to have on at the same time to try and mimic all of the possible saturation  and interference scenarios.  That’s a LOT to try and account for.  Lot’s of bizarre installation scenarios to experiment with, (By the way, putting the Rx in a small metal box in the airplane significantly reduces the range…go figure).

We think we have a solid system…but even mass testing doesn’t completely duplicate all the real world scenarios…and poor installation scenarios…that will eventually occur.  Only time and use will iron all of those out.  I’ve been an Airtronics guy for a while now, but I have to agree with Arch…it’s a little early in the game of this new technology to throw too many stones.

That being said, ALL the manufacturers will do well to be a little more “open” when problems DO occur to both admit it, and make the fix publically known and understood so that we can get some trust and comfort with the systems, and prevent as many accidents as possible.  

-Mark

From: nsrca-discussion-bounces at lists.nsrca.org [mailto:nsrca-discussion-bounces at lists.nsrca.org] On Behalf Of Archie StaffordSent: Friday, January 11, 2008 8:59 AMTo: 'NSRCA Mailing List'Subject: Re: [NSRCA-discussion] Futaba FAAST trouble

Wayne,

Not one radio has come out that has not had some problems.  This time last year, Spektrums were having problems..QQ lost his new Python at SEFF because of it.  There were other losses as well.  I remember when the first ones came out…they had problems with ANYTHING that got in front of the radio…Yes, it was geared towards park flyers, but they still had problems.  They learned of the voltage drop problem from QQ, but it cost others planes as well, just didn’t get acknowledged until QQ had a problem. I have yet to hear of any incidents with a module based Futaba radio.   I don’t know if this incident on RCU actually happened or not…I’m curious as to why they went ahead and flew knowing they had an issue on the ground..and also curious as to the guys setup with a 40% airplane with a 6EX radio..lots of Y’s or matchboxes there.  The Futaba setup does have advantages..it is true Spread Spectrum where the JR/Spektrum is not.  It never frequency hops.  I’m sure there will be growing pains, just like with the JR/Spektrum.  I know Airtronics is also working on a 2.4 system.  

Arch

From: nsrca-discussion-bounces at lists.nsrca.org [mailto:nsrca-discussion-bounces at lists.nsrca.org] On Behalf Of WayneSent: Friday, January 11, 2008 1:24 AMTo: NSRCA Mailing ListSubject: Re: [NSRCA-discussion] Futaba FAAST trouble

dedicated circuitry....hmmmm That sounds like it was done right!

I'll stick with the Spektrum product at least people are using it. I'm sure there will be problems with any system. Its the growing pains of the situation. However to be running ads that are pretty much bashing the other guys saying Futaba did it right. Egg on the face it seems.

Besides JR and Spektrum have the market well in hand. You need a RX for a indoor or park flyer, they got it. Need a 9 channel system for you jet or Pattern plane they got it and people have been flying it for months. Need something just for a 7channel sport plane, got it. Oh and by the way all the stuff from the very first RX on DSM as well as all the RX's on DSM2, they all work on the same TX and any of the newer TX's. Its really nice to have reverse compatibility. I guess we know who did Spread Spektrum Right?

I was looking toward the 14MZ but a local IMAC guy planted 3  40% models on the "new" G3 RX before they told him to cut the antenna off. That's a lot of bones to plant. Each time the RX's went back to Hobbico for a checkup, nothing wrong with them. Its your setup, its this, its that. He now flies the 10X with Spektrum Module.

By the way I love the X9303. Switched over from the Futaba 9Cap and haven't looked back. The 9303 blows the doors off the 9C and its got a 2.4 system that works. I think when the 12X hits the shelves I might drop my dime on it. I just can't believe I flew Futaba all these years and was missing the forest for all the trees. I have 3 different books how to program the 9C and have yet to crack the plastic wrap on the 9303 CD manual. Its awesome.

All I can say it was a sad day when Futaba closed its doors in Irvine, CA and sent the ball into Hobbico hands. Back then they had people that knew what was up, knew what was needed in a system and drove the market. Today they are along for the ride. I wish Steve Helms and crew were still running the show. Giving us Hysteresis adjustment OMG, making it a music player another OMG,  just make the darn thing work man! I can listen to music on an 8 track player. I wanna fly my toy airplane.

Derek the question came as to what people want from Futaba. Well here is your answer. Futaba Corp of America not Hobbico.

----- Original Message ----- 

From: Stuart Chale 

To: 'NSRCA Mailing List' 

Sent: Thursday, January 10, 2008 7:21 PM

Subject: Re: [NSRCA-discussion] Futaba FAAST trouble

I guess I should have said radio not modules (thanks RVP.  6 ch and 7 ch.  Here is the RCU thread.
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_6857282/tm.htm

Stuart

From: nsrca-discussion-bounces at lists.nsrca.org [mailto:nsrca-discussion-bounces at lists.nsrca.org] On Behalf Of Stuart ChaleSent: Thursday, January 10, 2008 6:37 PMTo: 'NSRCA Mailing List'Subject: [NSRCA-discussion] Futaba FAAST trouble

I am sure a bunch of you are watching the various threads on this, but if not and you have one of the Futaba 2.4 systems, be careful.  Apparently on a couple of occasions one radio has shot down another.  So far it has only been reported a couple of times with the 6 and 7 channel modules only.  The word on the forums and I am not sure how accurate this is, is that some transmitters have been shipped without programming a unique identifier into them.  They have the basic 0000… code.  The receiver is bound to the transmitter’s supposedly unique code.  So if two transmitters have not been programmed with a unique ID then any receiver bound to one of them will respond or be shot down by the other, because they essentially have the same ID code.  Again I am not sure that this is suspicion or fact but be careful if you are flying one until more is known.

Stuart C.

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