FlyingGiants Exclusive! Introducing The Futaba 12FG, Modules & More!

[torquen]

Paffy, I believe the failsafe is controlled right through the radio just like you would on PCM. I think this is the same way the FASST 6 channel works but don't hold that to me

When DK said I don't care about two way communication that is not totally true. I just don't see it being a real benefit. Most of the things they have mentioned are not even on the market such as Fuel level sensors, fuel flow sensors, air pressure sensors ect. Where is this stuff going to transmit too? If it transmits to a computer or PDA how are you going to look over and see this while your flying? To me its hard enough to take my eyes off the plane to find a trim button or look at the timer. "This is my opinion" and this is why having different products will hopefully solve everyones needs.

But DK not to burst your bubble, most people have always liked to stick with the name brand products over aftermarket. What will happen when people start sticking aftermarket Modules in their radios and have a short or something? Is this going to be a warranty issue now? Just like in cars when you start swapping parts your warranty starts to go down the tube.

The Futaba FASST module is a true module based Spectrum system for Futaba. Notice there does not need to be any jumper cords going into a buddy box.

DK, I don't think most people are saying Futaba is any better than XPS. But many people have said throughout these forums when a radio company comes out with a 9 channel or above system on 2.4 they would go for it no matter what company it was. Futaba has not only hit that goal but exceeded it.

To the few people that said they are mad about buying a radio last season and now this comes out. Why would you be mad? In this world today when you make a decision to buy something you better be sure you like the product as it is right that second because the next day something better may come out. Computer and cars are notorious for improving just about overnight. The nice thing is Futaba has made it easy for you to upgrade at a much lower price than buying a completely new radio system.

Lets keep these posts civil and about Futaba just as Max has stated a few times.
Garrett Morrison

[torquen]

	Quote: Originally Posted by PGR
	It all has to do with the components they use. These radios are made with low volt-low current ICs. 72MHz Multiplex Evos have been using low volt-low current stuff for years with great success. My Evo-9 will run for close to 8 hours on a charge and it has the stock 1500mAh 6-cell NiMH pack in it. If the 12FG proves to be anywhere near as efficient, that - in and of itself - may be good reason to upgrade to a new radio rather than a new module. I have a sneakin' suspicion that this Futaba news is only one of several revelations we'll see 'tween now and the end of the Toledo show. Pete

The 12 and 14 channel Futaba Radios use a Li-ion pack. Its the same type of pack that a camcorder uses. My 14mz seems to go forever on a charge and I really love this feature.
Garrett

[Dangerous Dan]

HOW DO YOU RANGE CHECK WITH THE SHORTER NON COLAPISIBLE ANTENNA?

[cyco]

does anybody know when it will be out in Germany ?

Thanks,Chris

[Dantley]

	Quote: Originally Posted by Judge
	Futaba Corporation does +/- $850 million per year according to various publicly available sources. I've heard through the grapevine that the RC end is worth about 15% or so of that. Call it $130 million or so. Not exactly chicken feed in anyone's book. Take a look at Formula One sometime. Futaba supports TWO cars!! How's THAT for a hobby??

I don't have exposure to Futaba's non RC products, so I am amazed by the numbers. I always suspected Futaba to have deeper pockets than JR.

If only Futaba would pay a design agency to improve the Tower Hobbies web site. The Futaba 2.4Ghz module announcement is up on towerhobbies.com, but the presentation is pathetic.

[Kiwi]

	Quote: Originally Posted by Dangerous Dan
	HOW DO YOU RANGE CHECK WITH THE SHORTER NON COLAPISIBLE ANTENNA?

Dan.

I suspect that will be an easy question to answer once the users manuals and full programming instructions hit the stores.

There has to be a million questions we can ask here and they wont get answered but rest assured.
Fail safe, Range testing, binding and a host of things we have not even thought to ask have been asked, addressed and will be funcional when these toys hit the shelves.

Patience can be a virtue guys.

Kiwi

[NormS]

Judge, any idea if Futaba is going to offer functionality similar to Spektrum's model match feature. If so, will Futaba offer a software update for existing transmitters?
Thanks a lot.
Norm S

[Judge]

	Quote: Originally Posted by NormS
	Judge, any idea if Futaba is going to offer functionality similar to Spektrum's model match feature. If so, will Futaba offer a software update for existing transmitters? Thanks a lot. Norm S

I have no idea on that.

[Judge]

	Quote: Originally Posted by Dantley
	I don't have exposure to Futaba's non RC products, so I am amazed by the numbers. I always suspected Futaba to have deeper pockets than JR. If only Futaba would pay a design agency to improve the Tower Hobbies web site. The Futaba 2.4Ghz module announcement is up on towerhobbies.com, but the presentation is pathetic.

Hobbico/Great Planes/Tower are not part of Futaba. What they do with their site is independent of what Futaba does. Hobbico is merely the North American distributor of Futaba products. I'd contact Hobbico (who owns Tower) and give them your feedback.

[PGR]

	Quote: Originally Posted by torquen
	The 12 and 14 channel Futaba Radios use a Li-ion pack. Its the same type of pack that a camcorder uses. My 14mz seems to go forever on a charge and I really love this feature.

Charging and lowest voltage issues aside, the voltage of 2-cell LiPo and 6-cell Ni packs are close enough to be considered interchangable. A common upgrade Evo owners make is to retrofit a 2100mAh LiPo pack. This provides some impressive 'time between charge' figures but I think the real magic of the upgrade is the LiPo pack's almost non-existant self-discharge rate. You can charge the TX, toss it in the trunk, and several weeks later it's still fully-charged.

That may not be the best way to treat LiPo packs, but at the rate a TX discharges them the degradation of capacity is negligible.

Pete

[GREAT PLANES]

	Quote: Originally Posted by Dangerous Dan
	HOW DO YOU RANGE CHECK WITH THE SHORTER NON COLAPISIBLE ANTENNA?

Hi, Dan-

The modules will include a power down function that allows for range checking of these systems. It will function similarly to that of the 6EX FASST system. If you'd like to read more about this, please refer to page 9 of the 6 EX FASST system manual. It is located at: http://manuals.hobbico.com/fut/6ex-2_4ghz-manual.pdf

Best regards,
Mark

[GREAT PLANES]

	Quote: Originally Posted by cyco
	does anybody know when it will be out in Germany ? Thanks,Chris

Hi, Chris-

Unfortunatly, we don't have any information as to the European release. I would check with Robbe as they are the German agent for Futaba. Their web site is: http://www.robbe.de/

Mark