Can we get some cheaper RX's, p p please!?!

[GunnyGlow]

So most of my airframes require more than 4 channels. But a few...namely lightweight "parkies" don't need so many channels.

My question, and the reason for this thread, is: I would like to know what Futaba has planned as far as making a cheaper 2.4 RX. I have no complaints...I absolutely LOVE my Futaba gear. But when my RX cost is nearly equal the cost of the entire airframe and gear, well, it begs the question. Where are the cheap(er) 4 channel RX's!!

It would be nice if they had the "normal" servo ports, too. ;)


And what about replacement antennas!?!? Why won't you sell us those!?! Surely it's not impossible to swap them out. ??

Thanks!

[rcfreakazoid]

I hear that,been using Futaba since the 80's this is why im considering a DX7.Time to step up Futaba ;)

[skaluf]

Hi guys,

Futaba constantly has new products in the works. You can rest assured that if someone else has a product that works for the modeler, they [Futaba] are already working on it. The majority of the time Futaba has been working on a product long before anyone else comes out with it. Nine times out of ten they are the innovator of new technology and features. However, due to their throughness they often take a bit longer to release the product.

Hang in there regarding more receivers and many other things, and you won't be disappointed.

Steve
Hobbico
Assistant Marketing Manager
Futaba

[GunnyGlow]

Hi guys,

Futaba constantly has new products in the works. You can rest assured that if someone else has a product that works for the modeler, they [Futaba] are already working on it. The majority of the time Futaba has been working on a product long before anyone else comes out with it. Nine times out of ten they are the innovator of new technology and features. However, due to their throughness they often take a bit longer to release the product.

Hang in there regarding more receivers and many other things, and you won't be disappointed.

Steve
Hobbico
Assistant Marketing Manager
Futaba

Well.....I know Futaba kicks tail.....but they kinda rushed the release of the 2.4 systems, eh??? Anyone remember the ZGUID fiasco. Mine wasn't affected...and it surely didn't scare me away......but what about lighting a fire under there butts!?!?! I just brought a newborn home and I"m not sure I can afford to buy $100+ receivers all the time now.

Can we get a tenative date?!?! Details?? SOMETHING!!! :blockhead: Don't make me beat it outta ya Steve!!! ;):D

Lemme know if ya need someone to do some field testing...or high altitude testing!!!! Gunnison is pretty famous for high altitude testing of things. (I know I know, altitude doesn't matter much...but it COULD!! ;) )

Thanks for the Reply Steve.....we most certainly ARE awaiting some new Futaba gear!!! :clap:

[tommy boy]

c'mon gunny. you want the best, you gotta pay for it!

ya know, they could be figurin' that since they cost so much, folks won't buy so many, and that decreases odds of some other sort of ZGUID fiasco!?

not sure if that makes sense, considering I know very little about ZGUID. but just to rub it in...i just bought 2.5 ar6100's for the price of one of your rxs!:blockhead:0:)

[Flyinfool]

This what your looking for?
http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXUDS7&P=SM

[tommy boy]

i love how that R616FFM is only compatible with micro connectors only. Futaba just can't go far enough in privatizing (can't think of the right word) their stuff. just make it a universal connector. make everybody happy!

[pilotError]

I'm still paying for my conversion to the G3 receivers :eek:

At this point, buying a DX7 set is cheaper than buying the module/receiver for my 14mz.

With rumors of 5Ghz and 700 Mhz floating around, I think I'll sit back and watch for a while. I'd love to go 2.4 but I'd rather spend the money on fuel right now...

I think I'd rather see the Futaba radios be more consistent.

The 14mz, 12z and 12fg do grouping and have different channel assignment (default) than the rest of the line. There's no good way to buddy box without having to reprogram (and rewire) everything for the old channel assignments.

[nioa]

i love how that R616FFM is only compatible with micro connectors only. Futaba just can't go far enough in privatizing (can't think of the right word) their stuff. just make it a universal connector. make everybody happy!

Please don't get me started on proprietary manufacturing. It is a sad attempt to funnel $$$ only into the pocket of the owner or licensee of the product.

Look at all the various Lipo balance connectors out there for example.

It's frustrating, and ridiculous, especially WHEN there is no real technical reason to do it.

One solution ultimately is that if we stick with one reasonable design, we can vote for the best product with our pocketbook.

Now getting agreement on the one reasonable technical design :rolleyes:!

[tommy boy]

thats the word..proprietary. thank u

[rcfreakazoid]

One solution ultimately is that if we stick with one reasonable design, we can vote for the best product with our pocketbook.

Now getting agreement on the one reasonable technical design :rolleyes:!

or wallet ;)

[GunnyGlow]

c'mon gunny. you want the best, you gotta pay for it!

ya know, they could be figurin' that since they cost so much, folks won't buy so many, and that decreases odds of some other sort of ZGUID fiasco!?

not sure if that makes sense, considering I know very little about ZGUID. but just to rub it in...i just bought 2.5 ar6100's for the price of one of your rxs!:blockhead:0:)

I do pay for it. I pay $100 for a RX that I only use 4 of the channels though.......if I need a $300 RX I'll buy it.

The ZGUID is long gone. I would be pretty surprised if someone had an issue with it.

Ya...well, you have fun with those DSM RX's...and their low voltage issues. :Craven: 0:) :p



This what your looking for?
http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXUDS7&P=SM

No no no....I"ve seen that thing. I don't want to even mess with those oddball servo connectors. And it's 6 channel...we're lookin for cheap here. :o

I just want a cheap 4 channel 2.4 RX for no frills parkies. Is that to much to ask!?!

[tommy boy]

i'm just here to pester Gunny. i only expect it in return! thanks for not lettin' me down!

[GunnyGlow]

i'm just here to pester Gunny. i only expect it in return! thanks for not lettin' me down!


Doh!:blockhead:

[rcpilot82]

I agree, I have been a hardcore Futaba pilot since my trainer days. that being said, the 2.4 thing has had a huge impact on flying, it is actually harder to fly at some events because they are not set up to properly monitor us old fashoned pilots. I would love to get a 2.4 system but IMO futaba has fallen behind here. so in my research i found that spectrum sells a module for futaba TX, has anyone used these?? do the different brands "get along"?? I really want to get 2.4, I like my futaba TX but dont like the futaba 2.4 system. especially the micro plug b.s. just my $.02

[3dflyer88]

how do you buy 2.5 rxs? do u get half and buy the rest later?? what about a spektrum module to use spektrum receivers?

[tommy boy]

very carefully......

[rcsargento]

That idea crossed my mind but having bought the 10c is some what impractical $$ wise to do that and looked at other options.

I thought of selling the 14ch module and buy 2 of the 6ch or 7ch modules. If you are upgrading a 9c or 8ch radio then I could see that as an alternative, but then again for that just buy a DX7 or something on DSM2.

I like Futaba, never had a range problem or glitch. and the times I had problems is when I mix and match with other brands.

I do hope they come out with a $50-$60 6ch rx with standard servo connectors.

[helical]

I've always flown Futaba as well. This winter I plan to upgrade to a 2.4 system and for the first time I am seriously considering JR. I'd really like to stay Futaba (I'm one of the few at my field with a Futaba radio) but the JR's have a lot going for them right now.

[rcsargento]

I might buy a R616FFM and try to mod it, I will lose the warranty but it might be a cool little project. or buy the connectors and modify the servos which may be a more expensive but do not void the warranty option.

molex female connector 1.25mm ($2.5 for 10 of them)
http://www.mouser.com/search/ProductDetail.aspx?R=51021-0300virtualkey53810000virtualkey538-51021-0300

connector terminal 1.25mm 26-28 awg ($4 for 100 of them)
http://www.mouser.com/Search/ProductDetail.aspx?qs=QtQX4uD3c2UPfDutzNF0AA%3d%3d

you can get the 28-32 awg for thinner wire servos (same price)
http://www.mouser.com/Search/ProductDetail.aspx?qs=TLs3Kb%252bkMqLwdCN02a%252bF dg%3d%3d

Note: you may need to get crimpers if you are not very good with pliers, the crimpers are very expensive!!! This is why I thought of moding the rx

Hillar

[rcpilot82]

I might buy a R616FFM and try to mod it, I will lose the warranty but it might be a cool little project. or buy the connectors and modify the servos which may be a more expensive but do not void the warranty option.

molex female connector 1.25mm ($2.5 for 10 of them)
http://www.mouser.com/search/ProductDetail.aspx?R=51021-0300virtualkey53810000virtualkey538-51021-0300

connector terminal 1.25mm 26-28 awg ($4 for 100 of them)
http://www.mouser.com/Search/ProductDetail.aspx?qs=QtQX4uD3c2UPfDutzNF0AA%3d%3d

you can get the 28-32 awg for thinner wire servos (same price)
http://www.mouser.com/Search/ProductDetail.aspx?qs=TLs3Kb%252bkMqLwdCN02a%252bF dg%3d%3d

Note: you may need to get crimpers if you are not very good with pliers, the crimpers are very expensive!!! This is why I thought of moding the rx

Hillar

Hey if you end doing a mod make sure you post pics!! That would be intresting to see;)

[DKTek]

I've been flying my 9ZHPS since 1994 and I still love it. (Been flying Futaba since 1985) But, I want to retire it to being an AP radio for my CopterWorks gimbal on the XLV. The mixing functions are very useful for this work. I looked at the 12FG and wanted to cry. :( It felt cheap as hech and very "Walmart" plastic. The 9Z feels like a quality radio as does the 14MZ. Beyond that, I'm very disappointed with Futaba's current selection. Big features but lacking the substance of a nice piece of equipment. :mad:

My friends fly the 9303's and they are very pleasant to handle and the quality feels right. I'm considering the JR12X these days pending a chance to hold one. I like the 14MZ and the cost isn't a problem but I don't want to spend $2G on a computer radio with ANALOG pots. That's just insane considering the capability of the radio and there are far superior DIGITAL solutions available. Would you use Flintstone rocks for wheels on a modern Rolls Royce? That's about the same mentality.

If the JR 12 channel radio feels half as good as the far cheaper 9303, I'm switching over to JR in about a month. :confused: I waited a long time to try Futaba's 12 channel radios, I'm not waiting again on that kind of quality. :blockhead: JR's stuff will only feel strange for a short time while I get over the Futaba like a good marriage gone bad.

I truly hope that Futaba gets their act together before they loose their customers. They should fire the guy who said go cheap. IMHO!

[rcsargento]

My only complain regarding the new futaba line of transmitters is that they are somewhat big and the turn wheel feels cheap. For someone with a pinch (thumb and index finger) flying style, will have a tough time getting to the switches. My 10c feels very solid overall and I have had my friends 12z and it feels even better, again size aside, the gimbals on the 12z are silky smooth. I never owned a 9z but comparing with the 9c the quality is about the same, except on the select wheel, this thing feels very cheap; it wobbles as you turn it. I wish they would have kept the same 9c and 7c wheel.

Now going back on topic regarding the RX's. I have order the R616FFM and should get it in about a week’s time if they ship today (Towerhobbies so tham slow), I got one of those $20 off $50 purchase so the rx came out to $49.99 including shipping :D. I also order some of the connectors I linked to, we will see if these are the correct ones.

[rcsargento]

Well my happiness ended today when I saw an email from Tower saying that the ad was sent in error and that it is for new customers only. Apparently I also have multiple accounts with them which is true but they go to different residences. Ohh well I guess I will have to wait until Futaba releases something cheaper. if I order at regular price $59.99 + $9.99 shipping plus connectors $5 + $6 shipping and the hassle, it is no longer worth it, as for $89 shipped I can get the R606FS from GrandRC.

I think that Futaba needs to get on the ball and start producing some cheaper rx if they want to stay competitive, JR has 6 channel dual diversity rx for $49 and the weight is about the same. Assan and other 2.4ghz manufacturers have them as cheap as $29. I cannot see how futaba justifies $90 for the cheaper receiver that works with regular servos.

I hope that the Fasst technology as someone in RcGroups put it "Fasst will become the Betamax of 2.4ghz" does not become reality

[GunnyGlow]

I hope that the Fasst technology as someone in RcGroups put it "Fasst will become the Betamax of 2.4ghz" does not become reality

I seriously doubt that. ;) Spektrum gear is...well....I won't turn this thread into "that" thread. 0:)

Sorry to hear about Tower and their mess up. If it were me I'd just call and tell them how unhappy you are about it. I wouldn't be surprised if they honored the code........they've always taken care of me in situations such as this. :clap:

[Gmoney]

You wont be considered a trader if you pick up a RD 8000 or a DX7. I have a couple friends that dont want to use ther 14MZ, of 12X for after hours foamie flying. My deal was with the kids at the park. I cant tell you how many antennas I have puchased because of my kids in a hurry with there small clumsy feet. NO more antennas. My son sports his very own DX6 I cant tell you the piece of mind that gives me. Imagine a small kid running around with 72 mhz radio AAHHH, Not to mention if it was my old 10X. I picked up Spectrums new 5100 for 46.00 dollars. You just cant beat that. Now All thats left to do is sell this BOX of 72mhz receivers. I hate selling 200.00 receivers for 50.00

[rcsargento]

I seriously doubt that. ;) Spektrum gear is...well....I won't turn this thread into "that" thread. 0:)

Sorry to hear about Tower and their mess up. If it were me I'd just call and tell them how unhappy you are about it. I wouldn't be surprised if they honored the code........they've always taken care of me in situations such as this. :clap:

It seems you where right Gunny, the email was just a "friendly remainder" and nothing more. That same day they sent the package to the warehouse and it shipped yesterday 9/4. I did not call them or anything, pretty good!

So... now I am back on track. I already have the JST molex connectors to do the adapters. I also very conveniently order some 3 pin servo connectors to see if it’s possible to just change the headers in the rx itself. I am guessing that the pins may not seat correctly, it all depends how they routed the bus trace for the power and ground. I am hoping that since they do have a 3-pin for the esc that the bus can be used.

[rcsargento]

I received the 616 rx and all I can say it is very small and light, specially without the plastic cover. I did not have my scale but it may be about half the weight. For what I saw there seems to be only one antenna, which I had read somewhere that it had two, one internal and the external one.

The JST molex connectors I linked to before are the correct size, so for all of you wanting to get this receiver but where not sure which connector to get, now you know.

The power bus is connected to all 6 channels as expected and the signal is separate. Unfortunately there is not much space to solder the 3-pin connectors to the board, so the simplest way is to ether change the connector on the servos to be used or make an adapter like I did. You can also de-solder the jst and solder the adapter in place (the wires directly to the pcb) but this approach will void the warranty.

Sorry for the blurry picture, I will take another shot if someone is interested.

[GunnyGlow]

Doesn't look very fun to mod that board. ?? I probably wouldn't be ambitious enough to try. thanks for the links and info. I think the adapter cables you made would be ok. It just slides into the servo extension??? How do you secure it??

[rcsargento]

Yeah the board is not friendly at all. I am thinking of doing an add-on board with extra pcb that I have and may give a shot to a mod anyways.

Regarding the cable adapters they work great, and they have very small chances of becoming loose since all of the wires are zipped tied to the frame of the heli, very little vibration and no room to move. I can see the adapter becoming a problem in an airplane, specially a gas one.

This clips work great http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXE971&P=ML
You can also use some dental floss to tie both ends together by the wires.

[rcsargento]

I realized I have been calling the Molex plugs JST. This is the incorrect name and the ones needed are the 1.25mm Molex PicoBlade, again not JST. The JST is used in the Spektrum and other systems and will not work with Futaba.

All the links I provided are correct for the Molex PicoBlade connectors.

I just felt I needed clarify that.

[rcsargento]

I just wanted to say that the connectors keep working flawless; I now have about 50 flights with them and no problems at all. The receiver seems to handle everything i can give it.

[rcsargento]

I am now waiting on delivery of a solder and rework station, once I get it I might do a brake out board maybe something that plugs in to get standard connectors. We will see...

[GunnyGlow]

I"m pretty sure the next RX I buy will be one of these little 616 receivers. sometimes I actually get kinda PO'd that I have a $100 RX in a plane worth about the same. Thanks for the mod info rcsargento. I surely wouldn't get the 616 if I didn't see how easy(kinda) it was for you. Still.....

FUTABA/GREAT PLANES!! If you read this.....cut the crap and give us some cheaper electronics. I"m not the only one that is turned off by your ULTRA expensive 2.4 RX's. I"m sure you kids there at Futaba know Spektrum is kicking the crap out of you, as far as market share is concerned. I would speculate that 90% of 2.4 users at any given field are Spektrum. I would also speculate that it is b/c of the, once again, high cost of your 2.4 RX's. Please don't make me beg......b/c I will. :)

[rcpilot82]

FUTABA/GREAT PLANES!! If you read this.....cut the crap and give us some cheaper electronics. I"m not the only one that is turned off by your ULTRA expensive 2.4 RX's. I"m sure you kids there at Futaba know Spektrum is kicking the crap out of you, as far as market share is concerned. I would speculate that 90% of 2.4 users at any given field are Spektrum. I would also speculate that it is b/c of the, once again, high cost of your 2.4 RX's. Please don't make me beg......b/c I will. :)


EXACTLY!! this is why I am using a spektrum module in my futaba radio! I just coudnt justify spending twice as much cash on a rx that I can get for half the price and has been proven. Futaba has fallen behind here. if i didn't love my 9c and have so much cash in the rx for it, I'd probally switch to jr.

[rcsargento]

I contemplated to get the Spektrun/JR over the Futaba simply on RX availability. I decided to get the 10C because I got one of those cannot let it pass deals, otherwise, I would have gotten a 903 or a DX7.
I am still shocked that Futaba has not made anything available for the regular park flyer crowd, which in my opinion, is dominating the market. Spending $60 in the RX and then another $20 in connectors does not make a whole lot of sense.
The next mod will actually attempt to get a cheaper alternative to the adapter cables. I am still waiting on the solder station, can’t wait. And ofcourse this will void the warranty :D

[GunnyGlow]

Holy crackroll!! Look look at this!!! They have been listening!!!! Maybe I can score one to do some testing!!! :D :D :D

http://www.flyinggiants.com/forums/fg107/37528-futaba-2-4ghz-fasst-has-gone-micro.html

[ericb]

Finally. It is too late for me as I have gone with JR now, but good to see this for Futaba fans.