Looking for a bit of advice. Been flying with a 12 yr old 12FG and decided to upgrade. I see Futaba 10J has a TFHSS protocol and a SHSS?
My planes are all equipped with the Faast receiver's which are not compatible with TFHSS. Is one system better than the other? Then I see the 14SG and the 16SZ are capable of running any receiver provided they are Futaba? I fly large scale gas planes and no heli's.
In any case I haven't found anywhere if one's better than the other.
Is one better than the other and would this be the time to upgrade all equipment?

Originally Posted by Flying-Blind

Looking for a bit of advice. Been flying with a 12 yr old 12FG and decided to upgrade. I see Futaba 10J has a TFHSS protocol and a SHSS?
My planes are all equipped with the Faast receiver's which are not compatible with TFHSS. Is one system better than the other? Then I see the 14SG and the 16SZ are capable of running any receiver provided they are Futaba? I fly large scale gas planes and no heli's.
In any case I haven't found anywhere if one's better than the other.
Is one better than the other and would this be the time to upgrade all equipment?

Two years ago I switched to a Jeti DS-24 from a 2007 year 12FG (50mhz) - and I have enjoyed it so much.
As all my equipment was "obsolete", the change didn't hurt that much. (25+ years with Futaba, and my son still uses the 12FG, solid radio on 50mhz.)

Anyway, if you want to stay with Futaba:

The 14SG is actually a downgrade from your curent 12FG, both in hardware and programming software. Don't get fooled by the "12", "14" and "16" figures....!!!
I think the 14SG "feels" toy-like compared to the 12FG. But that's my opinion.

The 16SZ is basically the same programming style software from the 12FG with newer protocols and nice color touch screen.
It's a "newer" radio in more or less the same class as your 12FG - with more current protocols and telemetry. I still think the 12FG feels more solid when gripping it.

When I made the switch from 12FG to Jeti I went back and forth with the idea and almost got the 18SZ:
I thought that was a real "upgrade" step from the 12FG. It felt better, but the Jeti fitted like a glove for my "pinching" grip style.

Mind the 12FG was designed as a "long antenna" radio and at the Club I never saw one that "balanced" correctly on the strap with the 2.4 module. The 16SZ and 18SZ feel much better in balance.

Happy shopping!!!!

Saludos,
Jean Paul

Agree with the above. I suggest either a 16SZ or 18SZ. The main difference is 2 more trims, LiFe battery and better sticks.

Well that narrows it down. The Jeti is a interesting radio but have to stick with what has been flawless for me. Gravitating to the 18 by the time I put a upgraded battery in the 16 I'd almost be there anyway.
Thank you for the info. Still would like to know more about the FHSS and the SHSS systems and the difference. The screens on the 16 and 18 sure got my attention nice points...

I went from the 12Fg to the 18SZ a number of years ago, was an easy transistion.
Once I set the model type and mibulation I just copied over each setting from the 12fg to the 18sz and it all worked.
18sz or 16SZ, don't think you'll be disappointed. I love my 18SZ.

Can the 18SZ read model files from 12FG on an SD card?

Originally Posted by JSB

Can the 18SZ read model files from 12FG on an SD card?

Yes, as long as the 18SZ is running V3.3 or higher.

Thanks Judge. If 18SZ reads 12FG files, then I guess it will not be able to read 18MZ files???

Originally Posted by JSB

Thanks Judge. If 18SZ reads 12FG files, then I guess it will not be able to read 18MZ files???

Actually there is a file converter to go from the MZ to the SZ

Originally Posted by Flying-Blind

Well that narrows it down. The Jeti is a interesting radio but have to stick with what has been flawless for me. Gravitating to the 18 by the time I put a upgraded battery in the 16 I'd almost be there anyway.
Thank you for the info. Still would like to know more about the FHSS and the SHSS systems and the difference. The screens on the 16 and 18 sure got my attention nice points...

Don't know about the 16's, but the 18SZ can do all the Futaba RF formats so I wouldn't worry about it if that's the radio you decide on. I've got the Anniversary Edition 18SZ and just really like the radio.

The 18SZ is a great radio.

Originally Posted by Zeeb

Don't know about the 16's, but the 18SZ can do all the Futaba RF formats so I wouldn't worry about it if that's the radio you decide on. I've got the Anniversary Edition 18SZ and just really like the radio.

The 16SZ and 18SZ are identical when it comes to programming. They both do all Futaba protocols.

The 16SZ has different sticks (from 14SG), 2 fewer trims (T5 and T6), and a NiMH battery.

Originally Posted by Flying-Blind

Still would like to know more about the FHSS and the SHSS systems and the difference. The screens on the 16 and 18 sure got my attention nice points...

S-FHSS and TFHSS are the same base protocol working off a non-proprietary chip set. The "T" means it is telemetry capable.

S-FHSS/TFHSS/FASST/FASSTest are all full range protocols.

Moved from the 12FG to the 16SZ about 3 years ago. Easy transition and you will get software updates that you are not getting with the 12FG due to end of product life. Pull the trigger on the 16SZ or 18SZ and you will glad you did!

SZ not SX just for clarity