FUTABA 2.4GHz FASST 7-CHANNEL MODULE

PRODUCTREVIEW
BY KLAUS RONGE PHOTOS BY PETE HALL
FUTABA 2.4GHz FASST
7-CHANNEL MODULE
Easy upgrade to 2.4GHz for your Futaba transmitter
SPREAD-SPECTRUM technology has revolutionized
our hobby to the point where
interference from other transmitters or
sources has been virtually eliminated.
Another benefit is that you can ignore the
“frequency board” found at just about
every RC field. Over the years, I have accumulated
a sizable fleet of planes and
helicopters and would like to take advantage
of the new technology, but I don’t
want to buy a new system and have to
reprogram all my models into a new transmitter.
Futaba has released a line of
modules that makes it easy to convert your
existing frequency module-equipped transmitter
to 2.4GHz. The TM-7 fits the 7U, 8U,
9C and 9Z radio systems and includes the
R607FS 7-channel receiver. Now I can use
my familiar transmitter that has all the
parameters for my planes that I painstakingly
set up. It only takes minutes to make
the conversion and benefit from the new
technology.
INSTALLATION
One of my favorite radios is the Futaba 9C
heli version so I was glad to be able to try
out the module. I find it to be very easy to
program and it has all the bells and whistles
I need for most airplanes and helis. Before
installing the module you need to go into
the programming and set the transmission
mode to “PPM.” To convert the transmitter,
all that you have to do is pop out the existing
RF module and plug in the TM-7
module in its place. The module has the
antenna attached and there is no need to
remove the existing one (it should remain
collapsed). The module has a button that
serves the dual purpose of failsafe disarm-
42 MODELAIRPLANENEWS.COM
ing and range check.
The R607FS is a small receiver that
weighs only 1 ⁄4 ounce (with case removed)
so it can be used for park flyers, yet it is a
full-range system that can be used on a 40percent
aerobat or big warbird. It features
dual antenna diversity, which means that
the receiver will select the best signal
between the two antennae so that there is
no signal loss. The instruction manual
details how the receiver should be installed.
The important point to keep in mind is that
the antennae should be oriented 90 degrees
to each other.
Simply remove the
existing RF module
and pop in the TM-7
2.4GHz module.
BINDING THE RECEIVER
Once the receiver is in place it’s time to set
up the “Easy Link” function. This links the
receiver to the transmitter so that it
responds only to that transmitter. Futaba’s
2.4GHz systems have a unique and permanent
ID code imbedded in the transmitters
or modules. To link the receiver to the
transmitter, turn on the transmitter and
verify that the light on the TM-7 module is
blinking green. Next, press the small button
between the antennae on the receiver for
one second. A solid green indication on the

LED confirms that the receiver and transmitter
are linked. The 2.4GHz conversion is
now complete and all that’s left is to rangecheck
the system.
AT THE FIELD
Futaba’s Pre-Vision technology scans the
incoming data and corrects any errors,
which greatly enhances the link between
the receiver and transmitter. Futaba also
claims that the servo response to a stick
movement is faster. At the field, I did a
range check by pressing the button on the
module and walking out about 50 steps. On
the Great Planes 1 ⁄4-scale Sukhoi I was flying,
I noticed almost no difference, which is
a good thing. If anything, I felt more connected
to the plane than with the 72MHz
system previously installed. I later tried it
on a 450-size electric heli, which glitches
fairly often on 72MHz, and I have not been
able to find the source of the interference.
The R607FS receiver was immune to the
interference and the heli did not glitch
once even at the crowded flying field. It was
also very nice not having to wait for a frequency
pin to fly.
Although 2.4GHz technology is new to
the hobby industry, Futaba has been using
it in their industrial radio control systems
for about 15 years. Futaba is also a leader in
industrial automation and they bring their
expertise and background to the RC industry.
The 2.4GHz modules and systems
exhibit the typical Futaba quality and reliability.
There will be additional modules
available soon including an 8-channel set
and a 14-channel set for the 12FG, 12Z and
14MZ radio systems. Additionally, the modules
will be available as a set with the
receiver, or alone to cover most of the popular
Futaba radios.
Spread-spectrum technology is a quantum
leap for the RC modeler. Now, Futaba
pilots can transform their current radios
quickly and easily to the new technology.
There’s no need to buy a completely new
system and reprogram all your models. I
plan on eventually converting all my models
but I’m not able to convert them all at
once. Now, in a matter of minutes I can
switch between 72MHz and 2.4GHz with
the same transmitter; I just have to remember
to check to make sure my frequency is
open before turning it on when the 2.4GHz
module is not in place.
See the Source Guide for manufacturers’ contact information.
SPECIFICATIONS
PRODUCT R607FS 7-channel 2.4GHz
FASST receiver/TM-7 transmitter module
MANUFACTURER Futaba
DISTRIBUTOR Great Planes
AVAILABLE FOR Futaba 7U, 8U, 9C and
9Z transmitters
FEATURES 2.4GHz transmitter module
and small, light full-range receiver
PRICE $250 (w/R607F receiver); $160
(transmitter module only)
NOW I CAN USE MY
FAMILIAR
TRANSMITTER
THAT HAS ALL THE
PARAMETERS FOR
MY PLANES
The TM-7 FASST
module and R607FS
receiver.
JANUARY 2008 43