Futaba FASST Receiver Installation Guidelines

[bax]

How to Get the Best Performance from
Your 2.4GHz FASST™ Aircraft Receivers

Every R/C pilot learns by experience what methods work well for installing and maintaining radio equipment. At the same time, we also want our aircraft to have the advantage of up-to-the-minute technology...which means that every now and then, we must master some new techniques.

Spread spectrum radio technology offers the perfect example. When Futaba® introduced 2.4GHz FASST radio equipment, R/C hobbyists quickly jumped to the front of electronic technology’s cutting edge. Not surprisingly, those new, state-of-the-art 2.4GHz receivers have significant differences compared to old 72MHz units. So it’s time to change a few old habits.

Below are some recommendations for updating the way you install and maintain radio gear. Make them a part of your routine, and you’ll enjoy the best performance from your 2.4GHz FASST radio gear.

1. Don’t wrap your FASST receiver in foam.

Protecting your receiver from vibration by wrapping it in foam used to be a “must”. Not so with 2.4GHz FASST receivers. Unlike 72MHz equipment, they’re not as vulnerable to vibration. Using less foam lets them operate cooler — which is a plus for all electronics.
Tip: To keep the receiver cooler use small foam blocks (like standoffs) so that there is an air channel around the receiver.

2. Shade your model from sunlight when not flying.

Clear canopies expose the radio compartment to direct sunlight which results in additional heat in the model interior. This causes no problems during flight, but makes shading your model on the ground very important. Cover the canopy with a white towel; or better yet, park your airplanes in the shade. This will help keep the electronic components cool.
Tip: It is important to note that lighter covering colors will absorb less heat whereas darker colors will absorb more heat.

3. Mount your FASST receiver away from heat sources.

We had to avoid mounting 72MHz receivers near anything that might produce RF noise. That’s not as much of a concern with 2.4GHz FASST receivers — you should instead make sure that you’re mounting the unit in the coolest part of the radio compartment.
Stay away from the muffler exhaust, battery packs, regulators or any other heat source. We also recommend that you use the receiver’s long, narrow side as its base (rather than mounting it with the bottom flat against the radio compartment floor). Secure the receiver using a Velcro® strap or gel tape.


We hope that these tips help you with your 2.4GHz FASST receiver installation and maintenance. If you have any questions, please let us know. Just contact us at the Futaba Service Center, by e-mail at: service@futaba-rc.com.

[dubd]

Does this mean that Futaba is acknowledging that there is an issue with the 6014 and heat, but will not be modifying the receivers?

[RV7guy]

Please re read the post from Bill Baxter. There is no reason or cause to modify the receiver. What must occur is a change is habits with the new technology. Just like those with Spektrum stuff that must learn to mount additional receivers in remote locations and not let your voltage drop below certain limits.

There is no issues if even a reasonable effort is made to protect your equipment from direct sunlight in high temp conditions.

I'm confident that Futaba is still thoroughly investigating those reported problems and investigating the test results. In the meantime, 6014 users can follow these recommendations and use the equipment in confidence.

The Futaba and Spektrum stuff is working great. Lets be thankful for the conveniences it has provided. With both brands, new habits need to be instilled in our installs. No big deal.

I realize this will not be satisfactory to some of you. But then, I'm sure you could not be pleased anyway. It is interesting that most of the biggest critics are those that don't even use Futaba gear.

I'm an EMS helicopter pilot in AZ. The helicopter I fly, a new $2 mil, Bell 407, is filled with state of the art electronics. The panel electronics alone is over $150K Every single piece of the avionics equipment in the aircraft has temperature limitations for use. So, why would our electronic RC gear be any different. I know it is a stretch for some, but follow the instructions and guidelines for use and the opportunity for problems will be reduced.

Darwin N. Barrie
Chandler AZ
Team Futaba
I get a free shirt and a hat per year and pay for everything else!!!!

[JohnVH]

Nice write up bax!

[zzw26n]

	Quote: Originally Posted by JohnVH
	Nice write up bax!

I second that! Nice write up Bax!

[dubd]

I hope the guidlines help those with the 6014 rx.

RV7guy, I've owned a 14mz for 2 years and only used futaba radios before this year.

[tedginto]

BAX did not write up that post it came from Futaba.

BAX is:
Bill Baxter, Manager Hobby Services/Futaba Service/North America

--
T. F. Ted Edginton

[Mithrandir]

	Quote: Originally Posted by tedginto
	BAX did not write up that post it came from Futaba. BAX is: Bill Baxter, Manager Hobby Services/Futaba Service/North America -- T. F. Ted Edginton

I bet you didn't know he was the first alternate on the 1987 Organic Yarn Crochet Team of Canada too!!!

[Rolling Thunder]

	Quote: Originally Posted by RV7guy
	I'm an EMS helicopter pilot in AZ. The helicopter I fly, a new $2 mil, Bell 407, is filled with state of the art electronics. The panel electronics alone is over $150K Every single piece of the avionics equipment in the aircraft has temperature limitations for use. So, why would our electronic RC gear be any different. I know it is a stretch for some, but follow the instructions and guidelines for use and the opportunity for problems will be reduced. Darwin N. Barrie Chandler AZ Team Futaba I get a free shirt and a hat per year and pay for everything else!!!!

Was retirement that boring that you went back to work?

I agree that it is important to follow guidelines for installation, but I been flying this system since January and the guidelines came out today. When I get my DA 170 in a couple of weeks, the 5014 receiver will be in the plane not the 6014.

[1bwana1]

Tony,
You're getting a DA-170?!!! What's it going in?

[exeter_acres]

I'll take the 6014 off your hands....

[Flyfalcons]

I'll take it too if you don't want it, also looking for the 607/617 and 608 receivers.