|
Special Notice regarding
Futaba 6EX, 7C and TM-7
Service Advisory
As some of you may be
aware, there has been much comment on over a reported problem with some
Futaba 2.4 GHz FASST systems, and has been the subject of a Futaba USA, and
Ripmax UK Service Advisory Bulletins. At the time of writing this, the
fault has yet to be positively identified and the root cause determined,
however it is believed that there have been 4 confirmed problems. It seems
that either, from new, or; under some conditions, a transmitter can “reset
it’s internal code” to a default setting or “all-zero GUID” If two such
transmitters do this, and then operate simultaneously, they will control
the other’s receiver.
The conditions that seem
to be involved are either: Switching the transmitter on, then off rapidly
(as if to check the battery voltage) or, allowing the battery to become
"flat" However, these are opinions at the moment, and have not been
positively verified.
This is under
investigation by the manufacturer and hopefully will be resolved very soon.
In the meantime, you should consider and follow the advice in the bulletin
(reproduced below) : Note this is from the UK, if a problem is noted, you
should discuss this with your NZ retail supplier.
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.
======================================================
Update 5 March 2008. The NZ Futaba agent
advises the following:
We are now able to check all 6ex sets sold in New Zealand
for any problems. (There has
been none found thus far)
7Channel sets and above, including 7ch 2.4 GHz modules, are being replaced
and/or
software upgraded, at no charge by Futaba America.
Note any sets in New Zealand must be returned to their point of purchase
for replacement,
upgrade, and should not be used until this is done. Customers will be
contacted by selling
dealers.
============================================================
Update 12 Feb 2008.
The NZ Futaba
agent advises that:
1. All 6EX
2.4ghz radios can be checked with an un-bound new
receiver. If
they operate such a receiver, they have the "All-zero" GUID.
2. Test sets
will be sent to dealers (basically a receiver with no binding button) when
these arrive from Futaba, we will advise further.
3. Checked
sets will have a blue circle by serial no. + 3D sticker, or inspected
sticker
4. Please note
the power cycle problem only applies to the 7C and larger sets (None have
been sold in NZ)
5. Futaba
advises that European sets manufactured for ROBBE Modelsport are of a
different design, (to meet different 2.4ghz spectrum requirements)
6. Futaba have
advised that the 6EX set will not be affected by low battery or power cycle
================================================================
|
