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Possible 2.4GHz problem


Andy Green
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The information is accurate and the study is ongoing. It is not an issue for the BMFA nor specifically Ripmax but for Futaba. The BMFA may act when Futaba have made a statement and / or the JRCUC have been consulted.

Early investigations would lead me to expect a product recall or a consumer applied 'patch'.

Watching closely.

Andy

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The Spektrum receivers are not particularly vulnerable to voltage drop, and the official information from Spektrum is to ensure that your chosen receiver battery can happily and consistently supply at least 4V or more. I doubt ANY receiver will be happy with less than 4V, and if your pack is not providing at least 4.5V under any conditions....it is, frankly, inadequate. In fact the Spekky AR7000 twin unit receiver will function at a minimum operational voltage of 3.5V before drop out occurs. It is always wise with ANY brand / model of radio gear to ensure the flight pack / regulator is up to the job.

Spektrum further recommend that if you are into large or heavy models and jets etc, you deploy twin battery packs, and mutiple switch harness, or even specialised "power-box" type devices.

I did not intend this to drift off topic, which was about Futaba 2.4Ghz failures, but as Eric has now brought up Spektrum, perhaps he could enlighten us further on the reported "Spektrum problems"- because there are a lot of rumours as usual, but very little, or even none are proven 2.4ghz equipment failures, which have not been finally diagnosed as either some form of operator / ancillary equipment error, or other mechanical failure.

Incidentally, Spektrum do now market a device to help with low voltage drop out problems, which by all accounts was marketed to try and help the problems some had experienced - however they do claim that this was really done to try and help in situations that should not have existed in the first place IE poor batteries being used in large or badly setup aeroplanes. The"device" appears to be little more than a reasonably sized electrolytic capacitor buffered across the main voltage supply rail.

"voltage protector"

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The following notice has just been issued by Futaba.

Important Notification - Futaba 6EX and TM-7Futaba 6EX and TM-7 Important Notification

This notification affects only owners of the Futaba TM-7 module and 6EX FASST systems. Each FASST transmitter contains a unique eight digit identification code, programmed at the factory to identify the respective transmitter and to allow a receiver to be paired only to that radio's signal. Recently we have learned that a very small number of the TM-7 modules, and 6EX FASST systems were incorrectly coded with a common code number during the manufacturing process. These units were subsequently sold prior to our awareness of the situation.

If two or more units, utilizing this common identification code, were to be in use simultaneously, they may cause interference with one another. Please note: Units which utilize the correct identification code will not be affected by these units.

We're extremely confident that this is not a widespread problem, however, to give you peace of mind that your system is not affected, we will soon be setting up test points at participating model shops throughout the country where you will be able to go to determine -- within a matter of seconds -- whether or not your transmitter is affected, at no charge to you. (We anticipate that all shops will have been advised and that this testing system will be starting in participating shops very shortly, so please contact your local shop to arrange testing.)

Precautionary Measures and Information

1) As with all radio control equipment, we strongly suggest that you pre-flight your aircraft thoroughly prior to flying. When flying at a location with other FASST owners, particularly prior to all units having been checked, we suggest that prior to flying all pilots briefly activate their systems simultaneously to check for any interaction between units. If any interactions should occur, do NOT fly. Please return the unit to the Ripmax Futaba Service Centre immediately.

2) Each time that your transmitter is turned on, it is imperative that you allow the FASST system an adequate amount of time to thoroughly boot-up completely before shutting down the transmitter. The system requires at least five (5) seconds boot up time prior to turning off the power to the transmitter.

3) If the transmitter and receiver have lost their binding which required them to be re-linked, we recommend returning them to the Ripmax Futaba Service Centre for analysis. This is not expected behaviour and should be investigated accordingly.

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Yes, I am sure they did ! I am not doubting the story, merely pointing out that this is not a fault as such, whereas the incorrect allocation of GUID codes in the Futaba system most definately is.

As I say, ANY receiver, on ANY system will fail to perform correctly if it is not supplied with its minimum safe operational voltage. That is NOT a fault, it is operator error. As a fellow modeller, I am genuinely sorry that a flyer has lost his model, but frankly, it was not faulty Spektrum equipment.

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