I got a new Futaba 12FG and have a few issues

[dubd]

I recently bought a 12FG as a back-up to my 14MZ. The radio is nice in terms of ergonomics, but there are a couple things that irk me. The first two I knew about before buying the radio. The radio should come with a lith-ion battery (rather than a Nihm) and a tx case IMO. Hell, $50 drills come with lithium packs and plastic cases.

Like I said, I knew about the Nihm battery and lack of case before I bought the radio. The big issue I have is how Futaba implemented the file format for models. You can not view your model files when you connect the SD-card to a computer. You only see a .img file. In the manual it states that you must download a "special conversion" software from Futaba in order to manipulate the files on your computer. The problem is Futaba has not released the software and make no mention of it on their web site. I called Futaba's support line the other day and the techs knew nothing about it either. In fact, the tech said I was wrong and there is no such thing software being produced by Futaba. I gave him the page number in the manual, he went and consulted with his supervisor, and came back and said that the software will be out "sometime in the future". Problem is, I bought the 12FG will the intention of copying over the models stored on my 14MZ, just like you can do with the 12MZ... but until Futaba releases this software, I'll have to configure all my models manually into the radio. Why Futaba decided to force people to use software to do this is beyond me. Anyone know what the rationale was to force people to install software (which will probably be crappy) on our computers just to copy model files onto the SD-card?

[klhoard]

.
.
You'd think that new computer radios would come with bluetooth nowadays, eh?
.
.

[Mithrandir]

What memory media does the 12FG have?
Can you use a "Buddy Box" cable to transfer data?
I have this little ScanDisk gizmo that plugs into USB on my computer that will accept SD, Compact Flash, Memory stick and a couple more different memory media... was only $20.00 maybe that would help?

[Judge]

Regarding the file format, Futaba made it clear months ago that the file formats were different. And even with the 14MZ and 12Z all you see on your computer is the file (.mdl format) and cannot open the file and make changes or do anything else with your computer.

[BR289]

The idea of keeping the price down was the motivation on using the battery they have and no case for the radio. Its basically pretty much like the 12Z without some of the frills....

[Mithrandir]

	Quote: Originally Posted by Judge
	Regarding the file format, Futaba made it clear months ago that the file formats were different. And even with the 14MZ and 12Z all you see on your computer is the file (.mdl format) and cannot open the file and make changes or do anything else with your computer.

As long as 8 character names and number of channel rules are not violated... can models be copied from a 14MZ to a 12FG?

[dubd]

	Quote: Originally Posted by Judge
	Regarding the file format, Futaba made it clear months ago that the file formats were different. And even with the 14MZ and 12Z all you see on your computer is the file (.mdl format) and cannot open the file and make changes or do anything else with your computer.

Where did Futaba make this clear? On their 12FG product page? I didn't see that mentioned there.

I don't want to open the file. I just want to see it. Futaba's customer support told me the 12FG would operate similar to the 12/14MZ in terms of seeing the model files, but would need to be converted over to the 12FG format with their software. Regardless, requiring a person to install software in order to see the model file is stupid.

From towerhobbies website: "Works with an included Futaba Utility File that allows you to download software updates, share models and more!"

The Futaba Utility File software IS NOT included with the transmitter. As of now, it is just vaporware.

[Mithrandir]

The guys in marketing are always ahead of the engineers and software guys!! LOL...

If you are like me and this will be your radio for the next 10 years... waiting a few weeks or months for the "Utility" to become mature and be released really is only a low level annoyance!

I am curious though what you think of the radio compared to the 14MZ? Does it have a significantly reduced utility or capability?? or mostly a "Whistle and Bell" difference?

thanks!
mds

	Quote: Originally Posted by dubd
	Where did Futaba make this clear? On their 12FG product page? I didn't see that mentioned there. I don't want to open the file. I just want to see it. Futaba's customer support told me the 12FG would operate similar to the 12/14MZ in terms of seeing the model files, but would need to be converted over to the 12FG format with their software. Regardless, requiring a person to install software in order to see the model file is stupid. From towerhobbies website: "Works with an included Futaba Utility File that allows you to download software updates, share models and more!" The Futaba Utility File software IS NOT included with the transmitter. As of now, it is just vaporware.

[Judge]

	Quote: Originally Posted by Mithrandir
	As long as 8 character names and number of channel rules are not violated... can models be copied from a 14MZ to a 12FG?

No, you cannot exchange models between the 12Z/14MZ and the new 12FG. You CAN between the 12Z and 14MZ with the caveat that the 12Z is limited to 8 charactrs in the name

[Judge]

	Quote: Originally Posted by dubd
	Where did Futaba make this clear? On their 12FG product page? I didn't see that mentioned there. I don't want to open the file. I just want to see it. Futaba's customer support told me the 12FG would operate similar to the 12/14MZ in terms of seeing the model files, but would need to be converted over to the 12FG format with their software. Regardless, requiring a person to install software in order to see the model file is stupid. From towerhobbies website: "Works with an included Futaba Utility File that allows you to download software updates, share models and more!" The Futaba Utility File software IS NOT included with the transmitter. As of now, it is just vaporware.

First, it appears that this software will allow for sharing between 12FG radios. As far as the different files types for the two different series of radios, I saw several references to this on RCU in the Futaba support section. I agree that they need to be more clear about this.

[dubd]

Judge, thanks for the help. I wouldn't be happy if I can't use 14/12mz models with my 12FG, but I'll get over it.

Mith, as far as I can tell, there isn't a whole lost to miss from the 14mz aside from the materials (metal chassis) and display. The 12FG doesn't have the preset mixing functions, i.e. aileron to rudder, so you'll have to select the functions manually. Aside from that, it is nearly identical in terms of functionality. I am setting the 12FG up to run with both my 40% comp-arfs as a back-up and so far i have not come across anything that is preventing me from getting it set-up exactly like my 14mz for IMAC and 3D.

[Judge]

	Quote: Originally Posted by dubd
	Judge, thanks for the help. I wouldn't be happy if I can't use 14/12mz models with my 12FG, but I'll get over it.

And just to be clear, you can certainly FLY anything with any of the radios, you just can't swap model files between them.