Official Futaba 6EX, 7C and TM-7 Service Advisory

[Zrakoplov]

Found it! It's an e-mail received by some users from Robbe (European Futaba distributor).

	Quote: Originally Posted by e-mail from Robbe
	Dear Sir and Madam, Every 2.4 GHz FASST transmitter (or RF module) contains a unique code number (GUID) which is assigned during the production process. It is this coding which makes it possible to bind a receiver to one transmitter alone. It has come to our knowledge that a very small number of non-coded transmitters of the types listed above have been manufactured. These non-coded transmitters use the code number GUID=0. If, by chance, two of these non-coded transmitters should be used simultaneously at the same location, each may affect the proper operation of the other. If you have noticed any unusual behaviour in your FASST transmitter, or simply wish, in the interests of safety, to find out if your device is affected by this problem, then please send your RC system to the robbe Service Centre for a free check. Additional information and safety measures: 1. You can carry out a check at the flying field to discover whether any FASST transmitters feature GUID:0. This simply involves switching on all the transmitters and receivers simultaneously. • If there are unwanted inter-actions between particular systems, stop using the equipment in question, and send the devices back to the robbe Service Centre for checking. • You can continue to use the remaining RC systems for flight operations, with all the usual FASST reliability. • If only one FASST transmitter is in use at a flying site, it is impossible for these problems to arise. 2. When you switch on your FASST transmitter, you should not switch it off again immediately. Always allow a certain period of time - we recommend three to five seconds - for the FASST system to get “up to speed” before you switch it off again. 3. If the transmitter and receiver are no longer bound to each other, we recommend that you send your RC system to the robbe Service Centre for checking and examination. 4. In isolated cases it has been reported that T7CP transmitters lose their GUID if the transmitter is left switched on, and the transmitter battery becomes deep-discharged. Investigations on the part of robbe and Futaba have been unable to confirm this to date. If your transmitter battery has been deep-discharged, and is no longer bound to the receiver, please send the transmitter to the robbe Service Centre. When a new receiver is bought separately, its code is GUID:0, and remains so until it is bound to a FASST transmitter. In this state the receiver can be used to detect transmitters with GUID:0. Futaba’s engineers are aware of this problem, and are working non-stop on a solution to prevent it recurring.verhindern. • These difficulties do NOT affect other 2.4 GHz FASST systems and modules which are correctly coded. • The TM14 2.4 GHz module is also unaffected by this, as the integrated Area Code would not allow a system to operate with GUID=0. • RC car systems exploiting 2.4 GHz technology are also UNAFFECTED by this, as these systems employ a different coding system with 4.2 billion codes. In the next few days additional information on this matter will be published on the robbe website and / or distributed by e-mail. 21.01.2008 Information from robbe/Futaba concerning the following Futaba 2.4 G FASST systems T6EXP (No. F 4068 and F 4069), T7CP (No. F 7029) and TM7 RF module (No. F 1957)

Apparentlyl since TXs test for the country code of the module at startup they also do it for the ZGUID.

[NormS]

I just noticed that Tower has changed their stock-status dates for the TM-8 and TM-14 modules from "late January" to "late February": http://www.towerhobbies.com/products...futl8927m.html
I guess this could be due to a lot of reasons, but it would not be a great stretch of the imagination to think that its due to the zero GUID issue. Anyone have any real info?

[DR10044]

	Quote: Originally Posted by NormS
	I just noticed that Tower has changed their stock-status dates for the TM-8 and TM-14 modules from "late January" to "late February": http://www.towerhobbies.com/products...futl8927m.html I guess this could be due to a lot of reasons, but it would not be a great stretch of the imagination to think that its due to the zero GUID issue. Anyone have any real info?

I guess it is possible it is related to the GUID but I know they kept changing the stock status every month for the 12FG 2.4 since early last summer until it finally came out. This very common, not just for Futaba to keep bumping delivery dates on new products.

[crhammond]

	Quote: Originally Posted by Zrakoplov
	First of all I'd like to say that while we all know these are unoficial speculations, I have read many interesting opinions, and definitely learned a few new things. The amount of technical knowledge in the RC community is part of the fun and one of the reasons why I enjoy this hobby so much. Bwana, regarding the tm-14 I've read somewhere (I'm looking for the link, but I've read so many information in the last couple of days that I can't remember where exactly I saw it) a claim that the new software for the 12 and 14 ch TXs are able to test the module for the ZGUID and would display an error if found. I hope I can find the info and post the link soon. I'd like also to point out that the official advisory on futaba's website has been updated with some new info regarding the testing of the units. http://2.4gigahertz.com/techsupport/...m7-7c-6ex.html

The 12Z and 14MZ use the code that is built in to the transmitter as the "GUID." This is the same code that's used with the 5x14 G3 Rx. It is NOT in the module. This is very nice as you can see the code in use. That is what I was told from Hobbico support and BAX also posted this on RCU. Gives a LOT of comfort to the 12Z/14MZ TM-14 users as this means you can't be shot-down by a ZGUID Tx

[sweetpea]

Ryan from the RCgroup post has gone to his local hobby shop to test his radio after it lost bind from switching on/off to quickly......he assumed it went to Zguid

Notes from going to the LHS:

-Store had no idea there was an issue or how to use the test equipment.
-He tested his radio and it infact was on Zguid
---though it was not tested prior to the power cycle so in reality it could have been there from the start
-Store attempted to try an in stock radio. The battery was dead in the transmitter and the store employee attempted to turn it on/off rapidly trying to get it to work. Employee had no idea that doing that was a bad issue.
-No stickers were in the test package to put on radios that passed.

[rcflyer]

Futaba Corp could be opening itself to litigation.

[1bwana1]

Apparently, despite the service bulletin, another model was shot down by this problem today.
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showt...798002&page=32

[Julez]

http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showt...32#post9045732

[krysta]

Here is our UPDATED Service Advisory:

Futaba 6EX, 7C and TM-7 Service Advisory- Updated 01/30/08

This service advisory affects only owners of the Futaba TM-7 module and 6EX and 7C FASST systems. Each FASST transmitter contains a unique eight digit identification code, programmed at the factory to identify the respective transmitter and to allow a receiver to be paired only to that radio’s signal. Recently we have learned that a very small number of the TM-7 modules, and 6EX and 7C FASST systems were incorrectly coded with a common code number during the manufacturing process. These units were subsequently sold prior to our awareness of the situation.

If two or more units, utilizing this common identification code, were to be in use simultaneously, they may cause interference with one another. Please note: Units which utilize the correct identification code will not be affected by these units.

We’re extremely confident that this is not a widespread problem. However, to catch any possible incorrectly coded units in the field and to give you peace of mind that your system is not affected, we have set up test stations at participating hobby shops throughout the country where you will be able to determine -- within a matter of minutes -- whether or not your transmitter is affected, at no charge to you. There are 100 such Test Stations in place now, and the number will be increased to 500 over the next two to three weeks. Please see: http://2.4gigahertz.com/techsupport/service-advisory-tm7-7c-6ex.html#list for a listing of these testing stations. Or, if you prefer, you may send it in to our service center and we will analyze it for you at no charge. If any problem is found, it will be replaced. We will gladly pay the postage for returning the unit and sending it back to you.

If you have questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact our Futaba Service Center at: 217-398-0007 or via email at: service@futaba-rc.com. Our staff is available to you Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm U.S. Central Standard Time.

Precautionary Measures and Information-

It is important to note that the precautionary measures are relevant only to the Futaba FASST items with serial numbers as described below. To determine if your transmitter might be affected, look on the bottom of the transmitter case. If using the TM-7 module, the serial number is located on the inside portion of the module:

6EX: A7xxxxxxx without the “I” (Inspected) sticker
7C 07xxxxxxx without the “I” (Inspected) sticker
TM-7 07xxxxxx without the “I” (Inspected) sticker

The precautionary measures do not apply to systems that utilize a serial number as noted below:
6EX ALL A8xxxxxxx or systems with the A7xxxxxxx serial number which include the “I” (Inspected) sticker
7C ALL 08xxxxxxx or systems with the 07xxxxxxx which include the “I” (Inspected) sticker
TM-7 ALL 08xxxxxx or modules with the 07xxxxxx which include the “I” (Inspected) sticker

1) As with all radio control equipment, we strongly suggest that you pre-flight your aircraft thoroughly prior to flying. When flying at a location with other FASST owners, prior to flying we suggest that all pilots briefly activate their systems simultaneously to check for any interaction between units. If any interactions should occur, do NOT fly. Return the unit to the Futaba Service Center for immediate replacement.

2) Each time that your transmitter is turned on, it is imperative that you allow the FASST system an adequate amount of time to thoroughly boot-up completely before shutting down the transmitter. After the battery voltage appears on the LCD, we recommend allowing the system to remain on at least one (1) additional second prior to turning off the power to the transmitter.

3) If the transmitter and receiver have lost their binding which required them to be re-linked, we recommend returning them to the Futaba Service Center for analysis. This is not expected behavior and should be investigated accordingly.


Sincerely,
Krysta
Product Development & Support Specialist
Futaba Service Center USA

	Quote: Originally Posted by 1bwana1
	Apparently, despite the service bulletin, another model was shot down by this problem today. http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showt...798002&page=32

[Mithrandir]

Thank You Krysta

[Julez]

Ok, we now have an official product recall here in Germany.

All users are required to send the stuff back in.
The T6 will recieve a completely new board, where it is impossible to get a ZGUID.
The 7C will get new software, and the TM7 will be exchanged completely.

Shipping labels will be set via eMail.

robbe Germany will have the required parts at week number 8.

[1bwana1]

Is that because in Germany they are acknowledging that the GUID can change? They are not doing a recall here in the US yet.