View Full Version : Has anybody sent their 12/14mz in for a module change? 72-35
Hi guys,
Has anyone sent their futaba 12/14mz in for a module change (72 mHz to 35Mhz)? I'm just wondering if that can be done at home? Is there just a switch to flip or is it actually a software update/chagne besides the actual module itself?
Finless
08-05-2006, 10:56 AM
I believe it is just a module change.... At least it is going from 72 to 50.
Bob
Bob,
This is from Futaba's website under FAQ:
12Z Radio System FAQ
I am coming to/leaving the US next month and want to use my 14MZ (12Z) while I am here/overseas. If I purchase a new module and receiver, can I just plug these in and use them in my transmitter?
No, each radio is "coded" for the area that it was sold in (e.g. UK, America, etc). To make use of this radio in a different country, you will need to send this into the service center of the country you will be traveling to as soon as you arrive. The service center will then switch the "area" for you and this will allow you to use it with your new module and receiver. Once you go back, you will then need to send it back to the service center in your own country to be switched back again.
Finless
08-05-2006, 11:49 AM
Ah OK.... so here in the states you can switch from 72 to 50 but going from 35 to others requires a region code change. Well I bet RCFan will have the ptoblem solved soon! All the code change probably does is show the menus for setting the proper frquency.
Bob
Do you think that's something that can be done via SD memory card? Maybe Futaba will make it available on line and then you wouldn't have to send it in to Futaba services just to make the module change.
See what the boys can do to remedy this one...
Thanks
Finless
08-06-2006, 02:25 PM
I doubt Futaba will release it, but someone sent me a little tip that it is something in the RF pack that tells the radio the region. I am going to have a look inside mine later this week to see if there is something simple in the RF pack that sets the region.
Bob
Thanks for checking this out Bob! Would be nice if it's something simple.
Certain asian online-shops can "unlock" your 14MZ (and probably the 12MZ as well) so it'll accept RF modules from any region.
/James
Finless
08-07-2006, 02:22 PM
I am going to have to conclude that it is something set in the radio e.g. either a hardware jumper or something on the main board, or set in software.
Reason I say this is I took apart my RF pack and it is clear there are jumper configs in it that tell the radio what kind of cartridge is in the radio.
See attached picture.
Now looking at this it is also clear SOFTWARE must also decide if you plug in a pack configured as 35mhz and your radio is US region, that the radio wont accept it so I think I am going to have to agree it is something in the radio code that sets the region and allows certain packs!
In order to make a radio REGION FREE either the code is set that way or some kind of jumper config on the main board sets this otherwise you would not be able to plug in just any region RF pack!
RCFan.... have you seen anything is the code for this?
I am going to investigate the hardware mainboard now!
Bob
RCfan
08-07-2006, 03:08 PM
Haven't hit anything in code that looks for that, although I've been spending much of my time looking at other things. It's possible it's part of the code that runs on the cop, which I haven't studied much yet. I too agree that it's most likely handled in software and not hardware.
RCfan
08-07-2006, 04:08 PM
BTW, hookup with Angelos over at the hacking site ... he's apparently done some pretty interesting work already and may be able to shed more info on this matter.
Man you guys rock! I'm sure you'll have an answere on this soon. Good to have friends in high places...
elviswl
08-10-2006, 09:44 AM
Certain asian online-shops can "unlock" your 14MZ (and probably the 12MZ as well) so it'll accept RF modules from any region.
Are the RF modules Region Based or is the Radio itself region based ?
If you have a 14MZ on 72mHZ, but the radio boots up with ASIA "region"; is this OK to use in the US ?
Thanks,
-elvis
Finless
08-10-2006, 12:10 PM
What is appears is the RF modules are keyed for certain mhz. When the module is plugged in the radio sees what kind of module it is. The radio MUST be programmed for regions so if your in the US and plug in a 35mhz module the radio say NOPE... wrong region.
I have looked over the hardware inside the radio and I do not find a JUMPER or anything to set this so it must be done in software.
Bob