Futaba Goes Spread Spectrum

[MikeV]

As you had expected, Futaba is getting into the spread spectrum game for us heli pilots. Their first entry into this new market is the T6EXP. It’s a 6-channel park flyer radio that uses Futaba’s new 2.4GHZ FASST (Futaba Advanced Spread Spectrum Technology) system. The new radio is not intended for anything larger than a micro helicopter, at this point we’re not yet sure what Futaba’s definition of “micro helicopter” is. Futaba’s FASST technology allows the transmitter and receiver to constantly jump from channel to channel at the same rhythm several times per second. Using this system allows the radio to only occupy a particular spot frequency for a very short period of time Futaba says that narrow-band interferences is virtually non existent. Once the receiver and transmitter are “bound” they’re locked on to each other using one of more than 130 million possible code combinations. Aside from the FASST technology the T6EXP is a fully functional 6-channel radio with helicopter CCPM 120º and 90ª mixing, 5-point throttle curves, 5-point pitch curves, revo-mix, gyro gain adjustment, swash plate to throttle mixing, 6-model memory and LCD display for making adjustments and displaying settings.
Look for more information and additional coverage of the Nuremberg Toy Fair in the May issue of RC Heli magazine, on-sale March 27th.

[theBZA]

Just what I was waiting for. Well, almost.

I HAD a DX7, but I sold it within a week because I was quickly reminded how much I hate JR.
It is nice to see Futaba is doing this, but this 6 channel radio just won't compete with the DX7.

Lets wait untill we see at least a 9 channel Fut radio.

[MikeV]

I would imagine Futab will have a 7 or 9 channel option within 6-8 months.

[blax1]

So!! The times-- they are a changing :)
Nice bit of gear Mike, well done Futaba--In 12 months we will certainly see massive improvements in this technology and it availability :cool:

[cbflys]

Although this is a nice feature to incorporate into a radio - the higher end radios that use a dedicated RF module can all be retro-fitted to support spread-spectrum by simply replacing the transmitter's RF module and supplying a new receiver. I'd bet money that both Futaba and JR are hard at work on this.

[heli-cuzz]

Although this is a nice feature to incorporate into a radio - the higher end radios that use a dedicated RF module can all be retro-fitted to support spread-spectrum by simply replacing the transmitter's RF module and supplying a new receiver. I'd bet money that both Futaba and JR are hard at work on this.


Oh yeah cb, and I look forward to a spektrum module for my 9chp. :D
One day it will happen, heli, I posted about 6 months ago at RR that there will eventually be a module for the 9chpTX.

[jschief]

I just figure this kind of change takes time. You do not want to sell a bunch of radios with un-proven technology. I still like to see how the 2.4ghz is going to hold up when everyone has it in their radio.

I am going to stick to 72mhz until all the bugs are gone and more people have the technology and there is no problems.

[SAAB-o-matic]

I just email Futaba 2 months ago asking if they were getting into the specktrum market. The answer- "We can't confirm wheter were are developing this technology." It's about time! I'm not a big JR fan.

[heli-cuzz]

I just email Futaba 2 months ago asking if they were getting into the specktrum market. The answer- "We can't confirm wheter were are developing this technology." It's about time! I'm not a big JR fan.

They'll never let you know unless they already advertised it in some way.

[mmillerr]

Does anyone have pics of the receiver?

[Dantheman]

Just what I was waiting for. Well, almost.

I HAD a DX7, but I sold it within a week because I was quickly reminded how much I hate JR.
It is nice to see Futaba is doing this, but this 6 channel radio just won't compete with the DX7.

Lets wait untill we see at least a 9 channel Fut radio.

I was thinking about getting a DX 7. The reviews I have read sounded pretty positive. What was it about the radio you did't like?

Dan

[theBZA]

I was thinking about getting a DX 7. The reviews I have read sounded pretty positive. What was it about the radio you did't like?


It isnt Futaba.