More 2.4 stuff

[Stuart Mellor]

It appears some 2.4 Futaba 6's have escaped into the US & possibly over hear uncoded.
i.e the Tx code is set to zero. No one knows how many, but apparently Futabaa have recognised the problem. In effect this means, ANY Futaba tranmitter will operate these sets. The only way tro test it is to switch on another Tx & see if it affects your rx. If so your Tx is set to the default condition. Bonding of the rx makes no difference.
take care
Stuart

[Bill Michie]

Correct Stuart. I was alerted to this via a posting a week ago. Some Clubs have issued Alerts to their members, mine included. BMFA are aware. Futaba & Ripmax are investigating and last week, Ripmax posted a statement on their website.
Basically, if there are two or more 2.4 FASST sets at the field, it seems to be a good idea to perform what is basically, an "adjacent channel check" using ALL those tx's & rx's. Only Futaba FASST sets are the subject, and it appears most/all are the lower-end 6 & 7ch sets. And it would seem to be a VERY rare/ isolated but confirmed problem.
Long threads going on RCU and a UK website Forum.
Regds, Bill.

[Nigel Armstrong]

Hi Gents, my club has also contacted all members to inform them of the problem. I fly in an area were 90% of pilots use Futaba. There is an update on this posted on the Ripmax website and verious model shops round the country will be able to run a test to see if your Tx is coded. I think the advice is if in any doubt return it to Ripmax for them to test it.

[Richard Christopher]

This is taken straight from the Ripmax website:

Futaba 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 using this common identification code were to be in use simultaneously, they may cause interference with one another. Please note: Units which use 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 (Revised 22-1-2008)

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 models are turned on, then each transmitter is turned on (one at a time) to check for correct operation. If any interactions should occur, do NOT fly. Please return the transmitter/module to the Ripmax Futaba Service Centre immediately.

2) If other FASST owners arrive at the site, then they should turn their model on and ask each of the existing FASST owners to turn on their transmitters to confirm that none of the already tested transmitters operate the model. Once it has been confirmed that none of the other transmitters operate the model, it can be assumed that this transmitter will not interact with any other models either.

3) 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.

4) 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.

Regards,
Richard C

[Ashley Hoyland]

Steve H a club member has asked that I share this with you.  It is a note given by a model shop on behalf of Futaba after checking a Tx for problems. The three transmitters that were checked on this occasion all passed and no fault was found.   A sticker was also given to be attached to the TX.  The test is carried out against a Rx with a known zero code, if the transmitter on test does not link with the test Rx the transmitter passes the test and is deemed safe to use.

Dear Customer,

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

Every individual FASST transmitter/module 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.

With this unique coding it is extremely important that the transmitter/module is not switched on and then off again in under 5 seconds, as this can - on rare occasions - cause the unit to revert to the common code. Ensuring the transmitter is never switched off within 5 seconds of switch on will completely eliminate this possibility.

In the event that the link with your receiver is lost, or that any interference is detected, please immediately return your transmitter/module to your local model shop, so that they can carry out a simple test that will confirm if the units have the correct coding or not. If a problem is found the unit should be returned to the Ripmax Futaba Service Centre immediately, and should not be used.

Please note that sets using the TM-14 module are not affected by this issue.

Yours,

Ripmax Ltd

[Ashley Hoyland]

Now we have clear guide lines on this subject this tread has been transferred from our Members Area of the forum and locked.

___________________

I do not want to confuse the issue but I thought it would be right to pull these comments in also from a post on JR 2.4GHz.

Question

I have just been reading another thread which was regarding the X9303 use in UK. Will it be permissible to use this, or should I take my older Spektrum DX7 ?
I do not mind use of the latter, but the issue has been raised so I need to address it.

Answer

We cannot use anything which is against the recommendations of the BMFA and there has been much correspondence on the subject.

All our CDs are awaiting official guidance, but we already know that there could be serious insurance implications if equipment made for the US market is used in the UK.

We would therefore have to say please use your Spektrum.

[Matt Hoyland]

The GBR/CAA Committe have released a statement regarding the ongoing 2.4GHz issues.  Please see below.  It is essential that all CD's are aware of the current issues surrounding Spectrum, JR and Futaba sets and manage this effectively at all events.

JR X9303 2.4Ghz sets.

After very careful and complete discussion with the RCPTC the use of this equipment at UK events should be disallowed with immediate effect. It is now known that this set has a power output greater than is type approved for legal use in the UK, it is also believed that there is currently no detuning software available for this set for which to be used to correct the output power and therefore allow legal use within the UK. On this basis, we have no option but to withdraw the permitted use of this system from our events with immediate effect. Should any further instruction on the use of this system become available to us, we shall of course review this action and advise accordingly.    

 Spektrum 2.4Ghz Replacement Module Alteration.

It has been recognised by committee that some owners of the Spektrum 2.4Ghz replacement modules that are available for various sets in the UK, are modifying their modules to incorporate an internal aerial connection. Whilst it is recognised that this alteration is being carried out through the interests of safe use and the subsequent avoidance of damage to the aerial connection through continued use and exposure, we should take the time to consider the legal implications of any alterations undertaken by the end user. Type approval of any given piece of equipment is only valid for the piece of equipment in its original state, subsequent alteration to said equipment would normally require further submission for testing and type approval by the person altering the said piece of equipment, however, self-certification can be applied by the person who has carried out the alteration but this would be called in to question upon any problem arising from the use of the altered equipment. You are therefore advised to research and understand your legal obligations as a result of your alterations.