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

[hercdriver7777]

Hey, I just noticed the Futaba 2.4 gig website is updated. Not much new info, maybe a few new pictures..
http://2.4gigahertz.com/

[madmax]

Cool! I gotta get me one of those robots. Saw 'em at Toledo, thing was a hoot!!

[rc4flying]

One thing that answers alot of questions, is the configuration of the FG antenna. I see it is on the module like the 12Z and 14MZ will be.
Those earlier photos must have been photo chops.

[Judge]

Yes, they were. The FG will use a module the same as the 12Z and 14MZ. You will be able to go between 2.4 and any other legal band in your country by way of a simple module swap.

I like the idea of not having to buy a boatload of new receivers as I change over to SS.

[gwk]

So what's the difference between the 12Z and the 12FG then? Is the 12Z a higher end radio? Why should I buy a 12FG?

[RTK]

Good question

[whirlyspud]

My understanding of it is that the 12z will be going away in the future.

Mike

[derek powers]

Still need definite answer. Will the retrofit modules be as fast as the built in systems?

Will there be any differences?

How would the swap to 72mhz work with the antenna?

[whirlyspud]

My understanding is the antenna will be just like the antenna on a 12 or 14. If you have the 2.4 module in, you remove the regular antenna. If you are on other bands 35/72/50mhz you use the regular antenna. This is all what I was told by one of the reps at toledo. Time will tell.

Mike

Mike

[Judge]

The 12FG has about 99% of the programming features of the 12Z. It uses a 1700 NiMH TX battery versus the 2200 lithium pack in the 12Z. It has an SD card and not a CF card for extra storage (and I understand that you CANNOT transfer a program form the 12Z & 14MZ to the 12FG). Honestly you have to look pretty hard to see the differences.

There is an accurate photo of it here:

http://2.4gigahertz.com/systems/futk9200.html

I have not heard any rumors of the demise of the 12Z, but it could be since the two radios are so similar.

Resolution and latency of the 2.4 module are reported to be the same as if the RF deck were in the radio itself and are on par with that of the 2048 PCM system, which is excellent.

Swapping bands will be a snap. Simply put the regular antenna in when using a 72 module, take it off when using SS.

[santaqwerty]

	Quote: Originally Posted by whirlyspud
	My understanding of it is that the 12z will be going away in the future. Mike

More likely the 12Z will stay around but will not be available in the USA. The 12Z is probably eating into Hobbico's/GP more profitable 14MZ sales. The 12Z offers practically the same features for a lot less money. Both are 12+2 radios. The 12FG will allow Hobbico/GP to drop the 12Z and push more people into the higher profit 14MZ.

They will price the 12FG slightly less than the 12Z, then kill the 12Z, leaving you the choice of the premium 14MZ or the slightly ghetto 12FG.

[Banker]

So the 12FG must still be PPM if it uses the module and can still use 72 mhz. So the "purpose built systems that are all digital" must still have better latency?