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

[Boulder]

	Quote: Originally Posted by Dsp Dave
	And also at this point the resetting of the ID# is isolated to a couple of people and we don't even know if it is a problem yet amoung all the radios, but to make sure Futaba issued the advisory and asked people to send back their radios just to be safe.

To all,

This statement is almost verbatim from a conversation I've had with a Futaba representative a couple of days ago.

Futaba isn't sure that the issue is due to the transmitter resetting the GUID. Futaba has stated that they believe that some systems left the factory having the same GUID programmed in them from the factory, and that's the issue they are trying to resolve.

They have told us a "resetting" issue can't be duplicated with the systems they have in stock, no matter how many times they've tried to make it happen. They have gone through extensive testing cycling these switches on and off many many times with no "resetting" issue. They simply can't make it happen no matter how hard they've tried.

The advisory was sent as "strictly a precaution". In no way do they believe that cycling your switch can make this situation arise, but thought it better to be safe than sorry.

Also, the reason the 12Z and the 14MZ can't be affected is because the systems are using a software switch.

[Boulder]

	Quote: Originally Posted by dubd
	Most people do not send in warranty cards.

While that may be true dubd, how can we hold a manufacturer responsible for getting the word out to the individual system owners if the owner doesn't do this simple process?

The manufacturer would have a record of which hobby shops they sent systems to, but the hobby shop may or may not have a record of who purchased the system. Of course, if someone used a credit card they would have a record of the transaction, but if Joe Hobbydude came in, paid cash...no record, unless of course the guy behind the counter remembers the transaction for some reason.

[Dsp Dave]

My point exactly Boulder! There is alot of us that have been testing these systems for almost a year now with zero problems. I have never had to rebind any of my planes since I set them up and have never had any lockout issues or any other problems. Since this whole ID problem came out, I to have done futher testing. The first thing I did was leave my radio on and let it run completely dead, and then recharged it and turned it on and it was still bound to all my planes, which tells me the ID # is still the same. The second thing I did was cycled the switch on/off several times as fast as I could and still no dice, it was still bound to all my planes. So at this point I don't even think we can say there is a problem with all the radios or if it is isolated to a couple radios. Just my opinion but I think if it was with all the radios we would of heard about more situations before now.

[rcflyer]

	Quote: Originally Posted by dubd
	If Futaba was not able to find this issue on their own with the 6 and 7 channel radios, how do they know that the issue does not exist with the 14 channel module? There are less people who own the 12/14 channel module, so the issue may exist, but has not reared it's head. This does not give me confidence in converting my 14mz over to FASST.

I have the same concern

[Boulder]

	Quote: Originally Posted by rcflyer
	I have the same concern

The 12 and the 14 use a software switch which eliminates that possibility, the software shuts the system down, not the switch.

[Judge]

	Quote: Originally Posted by dubd
	Come on dude. If you're going to sport "Team Futaba" in your signature, just stay neutral on the subject.

I think my signature says it all!!!

Or rather it is my sarcastic way of saying that I am insulted that anyone would think that I am a shameless shill merely for the cost of a shirt!! Are most of your ethics so low that you could be so easily bought?? My opinions are mine based on my understanding and experience. To dismiss them because I get a shirt is an easy way to avoid dealing with the content.

Sorry - the coffee is still kicking in this morning!!

[Judge]

	Quote: Originally Posted by Boulder
	They have told us a "resetting" issue can't be duplicated with the systems they have in stock, no matter how many times they've tried to make it happen. They have gone through extensive testing cycling these switches on and off many many times with no "resetting" issue. They simply can't make it happen no matter how hard they've tried.

Well if you took an infinite number of modelers and an infinite number of radios and gave them an infinite amount of time, what would happen then????? If monkeys can reproduce Shakespeare, surely modelers can outsmart the programming in their radios!!

And besides, people out here think that some of us cannot be listened to because we get free shirts so how can we possibly believe people who are getting PAID????

OK, I'm taking another hit of my coffee, I'll be OK soon!!

[Boulder]

	Quote: Originally Posted by Judge
	Well if you took an infinite number of modelers and an infinite number of radios and gave them an infinite amount of time, what would happen then????? If monkeys can reproduce Shakespeare, surely modelers can outsmart the programming in their radios!! And besides, people out here think that some of us cannot be listened to because we get free shirts so how can we possibly believe people who are getting PAID???? OK, I'm taking another hit of my coffee, I'll be OK soon!!

Do you really think something as simple as coffee is going to make you OK???

[Judge]

	Quote: Originally Posted by Boulder
	The 12 and the 14 use a software switch which eliminates that possibility, the software shuts the system down, not the switch.

However, you can cause the 12/14 to lock up if you cycle the power during the boot up/shut down sequence. It usually only causes you having to either pull the battery for a minute or worse case hit the reset button on the back.

And as an aside, ALL of you 12/14 guys should make certain to make a backup copy of all your models onto a memory card. Just in case.

See, a positive post

[Boulder]

Agreed Judge,

I've had it happen on a 14, but it hasn't happened on my 12, to date.

[sweetpea]

The only thing that worries me is that Futaba doesn't know why it happened or how. They are assuming that radios left the factory that way.

Of course we are only into week 1 of them even having the radios in hand and I don't expect an answer this fast. The advisory is a good start at stopping the problem from getting worse.

I too think Futaba will figure it out in the long run and create a permanant fix.

Also, I agree with Boulder......90% of the FASST users are going to find out about the issue from online, warranty cards or LHS. Its the 10% that go on with their happy lives that have no clue and think they are immune to 2.4's on the same freq.

The more people informed online----means the more people informed at the field. The more informed at the field means that "WE" as model community will catch most of that last 10% and let them know to have the radio looked at.

Isn't this what its all about? Helping each other out?


I fly JR/Spektrum/XPS.....but I just yesterday helped out a FASST user who had no clue of the issues (only because Futaba confirmed it).

Xjet (regardless of his methods) brought to light a suspected problem of XPS which XPS confirmed. Once XPS confirmed it I in turn let my friends who don't go online but use XPS know.

Spektrum issues.......actually some of my friends let me know about the Spektrum voltage issues, the capacitor needing to be glued down in the RX and now here on FG I saw the thread about being able to send in all RX's for the fast reboot.

This thread is useful

[DR10044]

As I always tell my tech guys, no matter what the problem, the sky is not falling, stay calm and work the problem. Futaba has been around a long time, I am sure that is what they are doing. Of course, this could be tied to the Texas UFO sightings, in which case, they may have been sent here by planet 72 to disrupt all 2.4 frequency transmissions, which then maybe the sky is falling!