Alan J Roberts

Hi Harold, That's an excellent piece of information. Probably the answer that I've been seeking. I'd like to know your source of info on the carbon fiber attenuation so I can follow that up myself. If the carbon fiber issue is as significant as it sounds it would certainly enhance the case for purchasing the Spektrum system over the Futaba one? regards Alan

Hi Harold, I'm not concerned about satellite receivers, I'm sure that they work very well. I am trying to convince myself that they are actually required. My reasoning is that Futaba don't seem to need them? best AJ

A very good point Eric. I'm assuming that even on a large model with four satellite receivers deployed surely its unlikely that any of those aerials would be working once they were all behind a tower? I'm doing my very best to justify these satellite receivers here guys, but I'm having real difficulty . . .

I appreciate what you are saying there guys. Seems to me everyone's quoting what they've read in the manuals and mags? I wonder if anyone out there in the real world has experienced glitching with their Futaba radio's which they put down to loss of signal. I certainly haven't had any with my Futaba stuff? AJ

I can't help wondering why Spektrum seem to need a satellite unit, when Futaba are able to pack everything into a very nice single unit? The fact that this new larger Spektrum receiver now supports up to four satellites raises a further doubt in my mind about their confidence in their single satellite's system's reliability? I'm not slagging off Spektrum or JR in any way, I've been a user of those systems for many years and have always been happy with their reliability. Its just a question that I feel needs to be answered. AJ

Hi John, if its info you're after this is the best I can offer - The 2.4 GHz version looks to be available about Xmas time in the USA - in my opinion this will be an identical unit to the UK one when it comes available here, I'm guessing about March time. Of course the USA version won't be certificated for use here, but as I said I'm virtually certain it will be the same unit (he says covering his eyes expecting to be lashed many times). The reason I say it will be the same version is because it will be much cheaper for the radio manufacturers to produce a single Tx that conforms to ALL country standards who accept 2.4GHz - much better for us too 'cos we'll be able to put our Tx into our suitcase and just use it anywhere we please. Thats why its getting more common these days for RC gear manufacturers to ship radio gear without a mains charger. If you want one you'll need to get one on back order NOW because the take up is terriffic - otherwise you'll have to wait till the next batch comes available in the summer 2008. If you want to read details of the 12FG, then the controls will be virtually the same as the 35Mhz or 72Mhz version, you'll find a good review here http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=730325 Of course if anyone has more then I'd be pleased to know about it. cheers AJ

Absolutely superb. The little receivers can certainly take a bashing too (please don't ask me how I know) I've ran out of models on the 6EXP Tx, and I also miss the flight mode switch, so I'm eagerly awaiting the Futaba 12FG and will be one of the first to buy when it comes available. If there's anyone from Futaba reading this then the addition of the technology thats in the Spektrum which won't allow you to fly the wrong model would be welcome!! I used to use JR equipment, its very good stuff, but I didn't like the twin receivers setup for 2.4Ghz so I've switched to Futaba now.