GONZO Posted April 23, 2014 Share Posted April 23, 2014 This may or may not be just a scare story but it would be useful if some one had definitive and verifiable factual information on this topic. A day or so back I was reading another forum when I came across a current thread that was discussing a new EU directive that was due to come into force in 2015 concerning 2.4gHz transmissions. Basically, it was stated that the implications of this new directive on 2.4gHz transmissions would be to make redundant the majority of current RC protocols used by the main manufacturers of RC. It would not be retrospective (allowed to continue to use existing equipement) but all new equipement would have to be compliant (for us no new Rx using the old/non compliant protocols). It was stated that Futaba FASSTest and Spektrum DSMX was already compliant and those systems that were possible to update the firmware could/may be made compliant (FrSky). So, if there is some truth in this the era of cheap DSM2 Rx and compatible FASST Rx may be drawing to a close. I wondered why Futaba dropped FASST and I've noticed a shortage of stock of compatible FASST Rx, may be coincidence. I hope some one can put my mind at rest with conclusive and verifiable proof that all is not as bad as it looks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phil 9 Posted April 23, 2014 Share Posted April 23, 2014 if FASST becomes illegal to use then that is very bad news for me. Is that really the case? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GONZO Posted April 23, 2014 Author Share Posted April 23, 2014 From what was stated in the thread on the other forum it will not be illegal to use older/existing protocols as directive is not retrospective but will mean it will be illegal to sell new items using these older/existing protocols as they will no longer be compliant - no 'CE' sticker! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
simon burch Posted April 23, 2014 Share Posted April 23, 2014 Don't know where you have read about Futaba dropping Fasst, but I don't think that is the case. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
graeme jones Posted April 23, 2014 Share Posted April 23, 2014 Gonzo - a bit more info. would be useful. Where did you read it? Is there a number given for the "EU Directive"? I've done a Google search but can't see anything relevant except your post. Graeme Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Codename-John Posted April 23, 2014 Share Posted April 23, 2014 Where is the shortage of FASST compatible RX`s also ? theres loads on ebay, T9 Hobby sport have got loads, even Giant shark have got some ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GONZO Posted April 23, 2014 Author Share Posted April 23, 2014 The thread started out discussing how the change to 2.4gHz has effected the submarine section of the boating hobby but by the last two posts on page one had started to stray onto this aspect. On page three there is reference by 'WTWUK' to an EU Directive number, but on searching for it I did not think the reference had been quoted correctly. This is the reason I've asked the question here to get a fresh opion unbiased by previous involvement. A bit of a distraction occured over the rights of full ham licence holders part way through. As a full ham licence holder myself I am legally allowed to use 400W on part of the 2.4gHz band but not not for remote control of aircraft and additionally I have to transmit my call sign at the start of transmission and at regular intevals throughout, its part of the licencing terms. So, not relevant to this issue. **LINK** Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GONZO Posted April 23, 2014 Author Share Posted April 23, 2014 SB, It's my perception that Futaba are phasing out FASST in favour of their more recent protocols not that they are suddenly dropping it. CJ, Yet again it's my perception that stock levels held by some supplier are slowly decreasing. I mainly use HK followed by T9 and GiantShark(just under 50% OOS) so I could have a biased view. As I said its my perception. These are all very much side issues to the main thrust of this thread, that of information on any potential implimentation of any new EU Directives in 2015 that may impact on the protocols used for RC. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frank Skilbeck Posted April 23, 2014 Share Posted April 23, 2014 There's a bit of info on it here (Strange the EU directive is discussed on a US forum but there you go). The upshot is that the testing standards are changing and some units may need to be updated if they are to continue to be sold. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Levanter Posted April 23, 2014 Share Posted April 23, 2014 As a general rule EU Directives are not retrospective. I don't want to start the CE debate all over again. I had 8 years of that professionally. Basically EU Product Directives are supposed to be trade enabling tools. Usually (but not always) supported by ISO Standards. They are not retrospective and apply to items placed on the market within the EU or put into service in the EU after a certain date. There is usually an introductory period of 2 years. Consumers will not have to upgrade but manufacturers may have to. The US industries have fantastic networks and lobby's for digging out proposed EU directives because this is an important market and they are true global exporters. Very often they seem to know in advance. If something becomes discontinued it is likely to be for commercial or technical reasons and very unlikely to have anything to do with a directive. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GONZO Posted April 23, 2014 Author Share Posted April 23, 2014 FS, Interesting link and the links contained within, missed that one. As you say strange its on a US forum. Thanks for that. I'll do some reading and see if I can tease out the implications. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
simon burch Posted April 23, 2014 Share Posted April 23, 2014 What more recent protocols? Fasst is their top end system and from what I've read it's expensive to produce which is why you have the FHSS system to compete with the middle market. I have seen nothing to indicate Futaba dropping it's top end system. You have the new Fasstest system, but that is for the telemetry on the newer rx's. Just progress I think, not something being dropped. Simon Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Martin Whybrow Posted April 23, 2014 Share Posted April 23, 2014 2.4GHz is classed as an ISM band (industrial, scientific, & medical) and is, therefore, not subject to strict regulation, other than the EIRP limits (effectiver radiated power). I would be very surprised if this de-regulated band were to suddenly become subject to some EU edict. I'm with Simon, FASST is Futaba's high-end protocol, FASSTesT just adds telemetry capability. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Privett Posted April 23, 2014 Share Posted April 23, 2014 Posted by Martin Whybrow on 23/04/2014 23:42:20: 2.4GHz is classed as an ISM band (industrial, scientific, & medical) and is, therefore, not subject to strict regulation, other than the EIRP limits (effectiver radiated power). I would be very surprised if this de-regulated band were to suddenly become subject to some EU edict. Well, whether you're very surprised or not, here's a link to the final draft of the "edict". Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Allan Bennett Posted April 24, 2014 Share Posted April 24, 2014 To an electronics dabbler, but not an expert by any means, the directive seems to apply only to devices such as WiFi, which are accessories or add-ons to computers and other equipment. Check out Section 1 Scope of John's link, and see what you think. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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