I`ve had a run of radio failures with my Futaba 7C system. Not nice or funny when your models repeatedly plough into the floor due to a brown outs.

Distributors and service agents for Futaba have been Ripmax at Enfield. Due to Covid, the establishment is currently closed and we can`t get radio gear serviced. (August 2020)

In desperation, the internet found me Mike Ridley in Southampton. Mike runs Model Radio Workshop from home. See his web site for his services. Located just a couple of miles off the M27 on the A3024, he provides a whilst you wait service. Mikes` labour charge is just £20 an hour. His phone number is 07708 436163. I strongly suggest you make a note of this contact for the future. Tescos are down the road so you can get a meal whilst you wait for your gear to be repaired.

Mike services most RC model equipment and has a range of glow plug driver and other natty units at very reasonable prices. A top man and highly recommended.

Hope everyone finds this post useful.

Mike K

I`ve had four of these digital servos fail immediately after installation. More fool me for inadvertently buying these Lofty Ambition servos via eBay. I bought a few on the basis of their being Tower Pro metal geared MG996R units. Clearly, they are not Tower Pro and examination of the labelling reveals the truth. I`ve had no issues with the Tower Pro units. I got caught good and proper with these near identical Lofty Ambition products. I`ve had this make of "knock off" servo loose centring, stall, produce smoke and seize. Not fit for the purpose is an accurate description in my opinion. Treat like The Plage...don`t touch them. Sooner or later, they may crash your model. Mine have had the wires cut off and are now destined for the Tandridge Borough waste disposal unit.

I`ll no longer buy such rubbish. Fitting genuine Futaba, Hi-Tec or other reputable types makes sense.

Mike

Whilst I was working on the DVII in the workshop tonight, the 7C transmitter screen started flickering and produced odd hieroglyphics before totally failing. Whilst the transmitter still seems to be working, the mode/page, end and select buttons have now stopped functioning. The same with the rotary press selector. To all intents, this transmitter is unusable.

Can anyone give me any pointers as to my next line of action, please. I suppose the TX and perhaps RX should be sent to Ripmax Service which I believe is in Enfield. It appears LCD screen units are still available but am loath to buy one without knowing if it is indeed the screen alone that has failed.

Used FASST 7C transmitters are a rarity on eBay in the UK. I know they do come up from time to time. I`ve created an alert so will just have to sit back and wait for someone to list one. I have seen a new unit advertised by  UK model shop but suspect the listing is old and the unit perhaps no longer current. That is my last resort for obvious reasons of a price of about £238. Does anyone in the Club have a used and operable 7C for sale or some other brand of transmitter with FASST type technology for sale and workable with  FS617 receivers? Please contact me if you know one that might be available. 079 74 131127. £75-90 seems to be about the going rate.

I have a 6EX here which is compatible with the 617 receivers but I find that transmitter less than easy to input. So I could do with another 7C as a matter of urgency. Until that happens or I can get the failed unit repaired, I`m grounded!

All advice gratefully received.

Many thanks,

Mike Kennedy

Currently, @Emay @shanemarsh28 @Bravedan @Trevor @Gerard and of course @Pilot Ben all have a TARANIS transmitter. 

Oh, and did I mention that all of them (including a 12 channel tx with a large colour screen), are all below £480?

The equivalent Spektrum iX12 (with fewer features I should point out), is over £200 more expensive! For that you could buy the new Wot 4 foam-e, one of the fantastic TARANIS receivers and some LiPo batteries and still have cash left over for the pub!

More details on the TARANIS system can be found from the main uk distributor here - https://www.t9hobbysport.com/rc-gear/frsky-taranis-transmitter

BTW, if anyone would like to purchase an X9D model, there are two available for purchase. Please PM me for more details if you are interested.

B

P.S. My X9D is wearing a vinyl wrap, as a way to freshen it up a bit!

Thank you  

B  

http://www.nexusmodels.co.uk/powerbox-smartswitch-jr-jr-6510-4250416701404.html

B  

I have suddenly gained one of these sets wrongly supplied as part of a bigger buy, was not ordered, but effectively I'd be arguing over £17 to return it and get the Rx I had ordered and I doubt they will pay postage back (it was though from a true UK source, NOT China).

So I have played with it............

I'm quite shocked by it, as so far its easy to set up, has a decent menu system, OK display, 2.4GHz frequency hopping dual diversity, 6 channels, 20 model memories, four assignable switches, one being three way, and two pots.................AND telemetry from its neat well cased two aerial 6Ch RX, which also has direct PPM output to go into things like NASA boards and other multi gear and save lots of wiring!! Digital trims and a trainer socket.............

Its also a small thin case that is comfortable at my hand size yet would be ideal for junior sized hands, AND it has adjustable stick length.

These things retail out at less than £50 UK source............for the COMBO..........................

I'll find out tomorrow if it has a range of inches...........after all, it can't be any good, can it??...........

While I haven't had the chance to fly it at Fickleshole, I have a quad that I fly FPV. I've had problems with losing the 2.4GHz RC link while the video is still fine even while using an omni Rx antenna, a 25mW Vtx and well within the accepted limits of LOS. After much fiddling around with no success, I gave up on 2.4 with this quad and picked up a TBS Crossfire to provide the RC link. The Crossfire is a frequency hopping digital radio, similar in principle to the current crop of digital radios, that operates at 868MHz instead of 2.4GHz. TBS claim a telemetry range of 30km but all I wanted was for my RC link to be solid at a larger range than my video link so I could turn back if video degraded (or, obviously, if I was reaching the limit of LOS to stay legal). I know that plenty of people have no trouble with range while using a 2.4GHz RC link, it may be something particular to my quad but I'm not looking to diagnose that issue anymore.

The only problems with other radio equipment I am aware of from my research is with 1.3GHz FPV gear used in the US. This is not due to the Crossfire emitting RF outside its allocated band but the Vrx's not being selective enough. 2.4GHz digital radios are resilient in the presence of lots of other 2.4GHz RF and the third harmonic of 868MHz should be out of that band anyway. 5.8GHz UK-legal FPV gear doesn't seem to be affected by the Crossfire.

I don't know of any reason I shouldn't be able to use the Crossfire (FPV or otherwise) at Fickleshole but I wanted to put the info out there and ask if anyone else, particularly the committee, had any objections or wanted to discuss it.

ttfn

James

Hi Guys

Do any of you DX8 owners live near West Wickham and have a BX8 charger I could text on my radio for a few minutes?

With mine, when I plugin the charger, it doesnt always start charging, I seem to have to wiggle the charge lead in the socket for it to light up and start charging, but dont know if its that charger or the radio thats causing it.

I just took the radio apart to see if there was anything obvious wrong inside, but everything inside seems rock solid, so am hoping its just a bit of corrosion inside the charge lead thats causing the problem..

I can tell immediately if its working or not, so just a minute is all I need, to use your charger on my radio and my charger on your radio to nail down what item is causing the problem..

Thanks guys

Worth starting a specific thread I think as it is now released and demo ones are hitting the UK suppliers.

https://www.facebook.com/T9hobbysport-120217737998160/?v=wall

You may have read about this, but in case it has passed you by, or you have not realised the impact, please read on.

There are increasing numbers of reports of link problems while in flight with EU "Listen before Transmit" firmware equipped FRSKY Rx's. Like Spektrum a few years ago, currently all this is unsubstantiated and perhaps fuelled by some people's inability to install gear correctly, but better safe than sorry, Eh?

FRSky users who now get new UK sourced Rx's will get the EU firmware installed on supply, like it or not. (I have just got three). These will NOT work with the pre-EU firmware in the Tx as previously supplied. However, it is currently possible to back date the firmware on these.

As previous post with this title, from next year all new radio gear must be designed so that ONLY locally legal software/firmware can be used.

The law is not retrospective, so existing gear in use can continue as before. However, you will not IT SEEMS from the information extant now be able to use new Rx's as MOST PROBABLY they will not be able to run pre-EU firmware. You MAY (or may not) be able to buy offshore sourced "world" status firmware equipped gear. (Don't forget, these Rx's transmit as well as receive)

Be aware though the the USA is considering similar legislation and if that happens I suspect all countries will rapidly follow.

Currently all UK bought gear I'm getting is being back modded to pre-EU state to match the Tx and existing Rx's, which are all still in pre-EU status.

I intend to get a Horus when released, which will AFAIK only be available legally as 2016 EU compliant. I'll worry about EU firmware on any existing Rx's then and not before!

If you already have EU firmware in use, I strongly suggest you do one off very thorough full range (not just power down) testing on any new installation before use INCLUDING using telemetry? A small pain to offset possibly a much bigger one!

I read on EVERY R/C forum that the TARANIS was a nightmare to setup, but, having set one up (ish) in ONE night, I just don't see what the fuss is about. Maybe most 12 year olds don't set them up ( "the computer generation" ), or the new TARANIS plus is just better. I spoke to an anonymous member (Rod) and he too said that he struggled and had to ask another anonymous member (Emay) for help. I hope somebody replies and tells me what all the fuss is about, or I will have to shut up and deal with the debate at the field. The only thing I found is that care MUST be taken, or, in my case, you will click the center beep on, and will spend hours figuring it out. By the way, check out last, last months RCM&E for TWO articles on TARANIS. One forum member even wrote: "SOS, how do I put battery in and shut cover".

I do hope someone can shed some light on this confusing issue,

Ben

MORE EU legislation coming next year, this will force 2.4GHz Radio manufacturers that allow firmware/software updates to TX and Rx to ensure their hardware being sold new can ONLY install and use firmware that is compliant IN THAT GEOGRAPHICAL AREA.

Obviously FRSky is one such likely affected. (but by no means the only)

Does not, it appears, affect existing sets sold before the due date directly (as was similarly the case with the now current firmware to comply with EU ruling on Listen Before Transmit), but will most likely introduce further incompatibility issues between old and new TX/Rx combos. Most likely to be affected seems to be the modules and Rx's that FRSky sold that do not have updated EU compliant firmware update options available from FRSky.

Basically, the EU IT doughnuts have belatedly realised that their prize LBT legislation had a massive black hole in it by just "pretending" you were located somewhere else.

Time to assess what's best for YOU.................

I've been setting up a throttle arming switch on my Futaba 8FGS for a model which didn't have it.

For previous models, I have used a switchable throttle curve:

• curve #1 (default) has all outputs set to 0

• curve #2 (activated by switch) has all outputs set to the same as the input

With this model, this didn't seem to work. Curve #1 (all zero) was never activated, no matter what the position of the switch.

After much experimentation (and cursing), I have discovered that there seems to be a bug in the 8FGS software. If none of the receiver channels are set to VPP (variable pitch propeller) function (in the FUNCTION screen), then the throttle curve switch is ignored even though it is set and can be seen on the THR CURVE screen! I can't find any mention of this in a web search though.

The manual *does* document that not having anything set to VPP function means that the PIT(ch) CURVE screen doesn't appear, which makes perfect sense and doesn't bother me. However, the THR CURVE screen does appear, does allow me to configure switchable curves, but the switch never actually works to select them! Grrr!

I also tried configuring this via a mix instead ("mix throttle to throttle, 100% -> -100%" being the advice I've heard). Actually getting this to work on the 8FGS has also proved something of a strain.

The best I seem to be able to do is to mix -100% -100%, with offset Y also set to -100%, which does have mostly the correct effect: with the switch in safety position, the throttle stick is (mostly) ignored and the output is low. However, due to the way the throttle trim works, I have to choose between either correct idle at throttle stick low but slightly higher idle at the other end, or the slightly higher idle all the way through the throttle stick movement! This does appear to be a trim thing, as if I set the mix to take account of trims then the whole range of the throttle is this slightly higher idle!

All a bit frustrating!

Being widely called the LBT change, but is wider than just that.

Pay attention at the back please, this may well affect YOUR radio either now or in the near future !!

Quite a lot of the founding 2.4GHz systems do not comply, and so cannot be sold new now without change. Manufacturers are working on or have issued firmware updates, both for Tx AND for Rx. SOME OF THESE AFFECT IF NOT STOP EXISTING COMPATIBILITY, and not only with compatible Rx's like Orange and FRSky working but also within a manufacturers range!

It's NOT just an "old" system issue either, as while DSM2 and FASST are both non-compliant, so also is(was) FRSky.

It is being stated that new FRSky ACCST Tx firmware has been released for the X-series RXs, XJT module and Taranis TX. However, it is also being said across forums that existing X series will not work with an upgraded TX, and new X-series RXs will not work with a Taranis that has not been upgraded to the new firmware. You could fall into the middle of this!! D series and V8 (non telemetry) RXs seem unaffected and work with an upgraded TX without any changes; no D/V8 RX firmware updates released as yet.

Now for the punch line.........your existing Gear does not HAVE to change, you can continue to use it without ANY change, but manufacturer firmware changes on new Rx's being sold MAY affect it and if you need more Rx's in the future that may force it !!

DON'T take the above examples as definitive at this stage, but as a warning NOT to allow/install firmware upgrade unless you know EXACTLY what its going to do to ALL your existing gear!!!!

Oh, and no going into "smug mode" that your system isn't affected, its a developing situation and it ain't over till it's over........

Also remember, this is an EURO rule change, and does not apply worldwide (at the moment)!

You SHOULD update to 2.0.13 ASAP. A very important bug has been squashed and all reported issues have been resolved with this version. The lead developer, Bertrand Songis, stated that this is the most stable version of OpenTX they have ever created.

http://www.open-tx.org/2014/11/20/opentx-2.0.13/

http://www.phoenixmp.com/acatalog/Futab ... tters.html

http://www.os-rc.com/

(Richard) Looks like is supports FPV pretty nicely too

http://www.modelhelicopters.co.uk/clear ... s.html?p=2

I'm about to start the build of my FPV Groundstation, so just wondering if any of you guys have any interest in FPV, or am I the only one?

Its a 6 channel E-sky ET transmitter znd all channels activate every servo and not a servo for each channel as if the transmitter is transmitting the same constant signal for every stick.

Anyone know what the problem could be.

So, I "think" I finally have the throttle cut issue resolved with the Futaba 10CG, because I wanted a way to throw the Xeno and have instant 100% throttle at the flick of a switch with my right hand, and still control the right stick...

I simply set 2 throttle curves, 1 with zero throttle regardless of throttle position, and at the flick of a switch, normal throttle curve, so I can flick the switch to set all 0% throttle, throw the wing over my head with fingers still safe, and as soon as its out of my hand, flick a switch and watch it go, while still controlling its direction!

Simples

Not the textbook way to do it, but the 10CG doesnt have any way to 100% kill the throttle that I can remember, although I did manage it another way, somehow, a year or so ago, but cant for the life of me remember how I did it, so this seemed much easier..

Should work..

Just checked mine and found mine does this too!

Mine is also on the Spektrum recall list, to which I filled out the recall form and have to send it back to KLMS asap...

I was reading about this over @ FPVLab and looks like its the 2.04 software that causes it...

If you are programming your radio and this happens, it wipes out everything you have done!