[NSRCA-discussion] Li-Ion Tx Packs WAS Re: 12Z vs 12FG

Wed Feb 17 06:00:53 AKST 2010

FWIW, I disassembled both an old Futaba 14MZ TX pack and an "official" Sony 
pack purchased from Amazon. Both acquired about 3 years ago and service life 
was similar. Both contained the same Sony cells,  there are circuit boards 
in the packs that are different - not surprising as they're for different 
applications. However, the circuit board assembly in the "Sony" pack was 
terrible - really sloppy component installation and soldering. My guess is 
that, although the pack appeared to be official "Sony", it was a copy and 
not something I really want in my TX.

Given the uncertainty of obtaining real Sony packs, I'll stick with the 
Futaba packs (everything in the one I disassembled was quality) and consider 
the $0.30 or so a flight a minor cost of participation.

Earl
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Jay Marshall" <lightfoot at sc.rr.com>
To: "'General pattern discussion'" <nsrca-discussion at lists.nsrca.org>
Sent: Wednesday, February 17, 2010 8:47 AM
Subject: Re: [NSRCA-discussion] Li-Ion Tx Packs WAS Re: 12Z vs 12FG

>I did the same thing for my laptop battery. Lasted two months. I don't buy
> ebay batteries from China any more.
>
> Jay Marshall
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: nsrca-discussion-bounces at lists.nsrca.org
> [mailto:nsrca-discussion-bounces at lists.nsrca.org] On Behalf Of Pascoe,Tim
> [Burlington]
> Sent: Wednesday, February 17, 2010 9:09 AM
> To: General pattern discussion
> Subject: [NSRCA-discussion] Li-Ion Tx Packs WAS Re: 12Z vs 12FG
>
> Just a heads up on the lithium ion batteries for the 12Z and 14MZ. I
> recently picked up 3 for $20 a piece on E-Bay (from China). Came in the
> original Sony packaging complete with little 'official' hologram. I
> think with shipping it came to $22 a pack. WAY cheaper than Best Buy!
>
> Tim Pascoe
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: nsrca-discussion-bounces at lists.nsrca.org
> [mailto:nsrca-discussion-bounces at lists.nsrca.org] On Behalf Of Ron Van
> Putte
> Sent: Tuesday, February 16, 2010 1:52 PM
> To: General pattern discussion
> Subject: Re: [NSRCA-discussion] 12Z vs 12FG
>
> I have done mods on two 2-cell 2200 mah lipo packs (I removed the
> heavy power leads and added a battery connector that plugs in) for my
> Futaba 12 FG.  The packs last forever and I have another in my
> transmitter case if one gets low.
>
> I also contacted Evan Chapkis at RCAccessory and he is coming out
> with a 2-cell 2600 mah lipo pack which will plug right into a Futaba
> 12 FG or the new Hitec Aurora 9 2.4 GHz transmitter.
>
> Ron Van Putte
>
> On Feb 16, 2010, at 12:37 PM, Stuart Chale wrote:
>
>> The 10C uses the same stick assemblies as the 9C did.  The 12FG is
>> step up in stick assemblies.  Ball bearings and very smooth.  Uses
>> the same encoders as the 12Z and 14MZ  No angle adjustments.  The
>> 12Z and 14MZ use the same sticks.  adjustable angles (never used it
>> myself) metal shafts instead of the plastic ones in the 12 FG.
>> Otherwise pretty much the same.  One other benifit to the Z radios
>> is the lithium ion battery.  Much easier to swap at the field,
>> holds its charge, and you can buy a Sony replacement at Best Buy :)
>> If you are buying new keep in mind that a used 12Z is usually less
>> than a new 12FG
>> Check Ebay (personal plug, I have one there now :) )
>> If money were no issue than I would get a 14MZ, If money is a
>> concern and I wanted a new radio I would probably go for the FG.
>> Stuart
>>
>> On 2/16/2010 1:08 PM, Bob Richards wrote:
>>>
>>> Thanks guys.
>>>
>>> On the comparison chart, the only thing I saw that MIGHT sway me
>>> to the 12Z is the "logic for switches".  I think I used this
>>> feature once on my 9Z to do some experimenting, but don't know if
>>> it is something that I would ever really need.
>>>
>>> I was more concerned with the feel of the radio (quality of the
>>> sticks). That is one thing I don't like about the 10C, as well as
>>> the lack of conditions.
>>>
>>> Bob R.
>>>
>>>
>>> --- On Tue, 2/16/10, Robert L. Beaubien <rob at koolsoft.com> wrote:
>>>
>>> From: Robert L. Beaubien <rob at koolsoft.com>
>>> Subject: Re: [NSRCA-discussion] 12Z vs 12FG
>>> To: "General pattern discussion" <nsrca-discussion at lists.nsrca.org>
>>> Date: Tuesday, February 16, 2010, 12:43 AM
>>>
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>>> I have the 12Z.  Here are the major differences between them.
>>>
>>>
>>> 12Z has a metal case, the 12FG has a plastic case.
>>>
>>> 12Z uses a standard formatted CF (CardFlash) memory card, the 12Fg
>>> uses a specially formatted SD card (unreadable on a pc without
>>> special (free) software from Futaba.
>>>
>>> 12Z has 4 trim switches, 12FG has 6 trim switches (same as the 14MZ)
>>>
>>>
>>> They are almost identical when it comes to programmability.
>>> Basically comes down to if you want a metal case, get the 12Z,
>>> otherwise, get the 12FG.  Virtually the same radio for a lot less.
>>>
>>>
>>> - Robert Beaubien
>>>
>>> - NSRCA District 7 Webmaster
>>>
>>> -
>>>
>>> "No trees were harmed in the sending of this message, however a
>>> large number of electrons were terribly inconvenienced."
>>>
>>>
>>> From: nsrca-discussion-bounces at lists.nsrca.org [mailto:nsrca-
>>> discussion-bounces at lists.nsrca.org] On Behalf Of Bob Richards
>>> Sent: Monday, February 15, 2010 10:05 PM
>>> To: NSRCA Mailing List
>>> Subject: [NSRCA-discussion] 12Z vs 12FG
>>>
>>>
>>> Thinking of buying a better radio. (Please, no JR remarks here).
>>> Have been a Futaba guy for many years, have lots of FASST stuff
>>> already. I'm interested in either the 12Z or the 12FG. What are
>>> the differences, why would you buy one over the other, etc. Will
>>> be using for pattern and for IMAC.
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> Thanks in advance,
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> Bob R.
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> -----Inline Attachment Follows-----
>>>
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