Futaba 9Z or 12Z???

[Dave]

Currently I have an Futaba 8U and I would like to get a Z radio.

I am considering a 9ZH WW2 radio in like new condition or a new 12Z. The 9Z can be had for about half the price of the 12Z.

My question is what does the 12Z give you over the 9Z WW2? Are any of the features worth the extra money?

While I am somewhat familar with the major features of the 9Z I am not familar with the 12Z.

I believe I have seen it stated that the 12Z is more user freindly. While this may be nice it is a not a big factor to me. I am confident I will not have a problem figuring out either radio.

Of course the obvious 12 channels instead of 9 is not a big concern either as I can not imagine using even 9 channels.

I am specifically looking for what can I do with a 12Z that I can not do with an 9Z WW2?

As an interesting side note: At the Port Charlotte FF this last weekend I was surprized at the number of 14Z I saw. There were far less 12Z and I did not see any 9Z on the line.

Thanks in advance for the help.

[DavidH]

I had a 9Z from 1993 till 2006. I have a 12 since June 2006. The 12Z is so superior to the 9Z. The processor in the radio is better. You also have the frequency changing capability with the G3 2048 PCM receivers. I knew the 9Z programming very well . But I would say the 12Z programming is simpler and easier to navigate and program.
The 12Z software can be updated when needed. There has already been a couple of updates since its release. This was done simply by downloading the new software onto the CF card and installing it in the radio.
The 14MZ has been out about 18 months longer than the 12Z. So that is why you see more of the 14's than the 12Z.
I would suggest to get the 12Z over the 9ZWC2. You can find the 12Z selling NIB for around $1300.

David

[Dave]

David,

Thanks for your reply. With 13 years on the 9Z your insight is extreemly valuable to me. The frequency changing is not that big of deal to me either as I use 50MHz (ham frequencies) and I never have a conflict. I probably do not need a $300 plus receiever! Instead I probably will use an 50 MHz 149 DP on a fixed frequency regardless which radio 9Z or 12Z I end up with.

What I am really looking for is what does a 12Z do that a 9Z can not? Simpler and superior sounds great but really do not tell me much.

I can get the 9Z for $600 which is $700 less then $1300 for the 12Z.

[Dave]

Oops, what I should have said is the 72Mhz G3 2048 PCM receiver does not go into the ham frequencies.

I have corrected my previous post as well.

[DavidH]

Dave,
I use the 12Z on 50 mhz G3 2048 PCM. Yes it is extremely nice to be able to switch between the 50 mhz also. Going to large events you will find there are a number of pilots that use the 50 mhz band. So with only 10 channels, it is a good possibility your going to run into someone that is also on the same channel. I have had that happen at several events over the last year.
I use the 2048 G3 receiver and one model with a 149 DP. There is a significant difference in the G3 being better than the 149.

Well most WCII's I have seen selling for less than $500 for about the last six months. I would hope for $600 it is new in the box as they selling for only $775 when they were still being sold by the dealers. Also the 9Z series has been discontinued. There is a new 12FG coming also in the very near future. It will come with the 149 DP rx. So you can get all the features of the 12Z.

Here is a link to the information about the 12FG

http://at.robbe-online.net/rims_at.storefront/45da3f1b0027c516271b3e0dc1460622/Product/View/1-F8059

From looking at the price difference between the 12Z and 12FG. I would think it is going to sell here in the USA for about 30-35% less than the 12Z.

David

[Dave]

David,

Perhaps I was too quick to assume that the G3 receiver is not that big of a deal. It looks like I only have one TX module that will work on the 9Z so I would be limitted to channel 02 at least for now. Certainly it would be nice to be able to QSY if there is a conflict. You said there is a significant difference in the G3 and the 149. Is this due to the 2048 PCM vrs. 1024 PCM or is there more to it then that? I kind of understand the 2048 as having twice the resolution. I had somewhat dismissed this as 1024 seems like a lot of resoltion to start with.

I see the 9Z as a major step forward from my 8U and the move from a 9Z to a 12Z as a much smaller step. Is this a fair statement or am I once again too quick to dismiss the differences between the 9Z and the 12Z?

The 9ZHP WW2 at $600 is not NIB but it is in excellent condition and the seller will not move a dime, claims I will not find an 9Z in better condition then his. Since I am comparing it to a new 12Z this is a plus. It does have the Campak, syntesized 72MHz module and case but no RX or other items. Of course the Synthesized 72MHz module is of little interest to me other than resell value. It would be pretty hard to sell it and move up without this.

The 12FG sounds interesting and a 35% discount would bring it down to about $850. I wonder why it does not have the Z designation.

Is there any features that you have missed by moving from the 9Z to the 12Z?

[DavidH]

The step from a 9Z to a 12Z is a large one. I feel like it is a larger step than from a 8U to the 9Z.
The 9Z was a fine radio. But the 12Z/14MZ is a much better radio.
The sticks on the 12Z are smoother than they were on the 9Z to me.

Here is some 9ZWC II's that sold recently
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=014&sspagename=STRK:MESE:IT&viewitem=&item=330087926894&rd=1&rd=1

http://www.runryder.com/helicopter/t319269p1/


I saw your posts on Helifreak inquiring about the couple of 9Z's for sale. Not sure it either one of those are still available.

David

[Dave]

Interesting that you consider the step from the 9Z to the 12Z a larger one.

The 9ZWC II on Ebay was an 9ZAP that was modified to not have the clicks on the throttle! The 9Z on RunRyder did seem like a good deal I missed.

No luck on the 9Z on helifreak.

[DavidH]

9Z is 9Z no matter where it is A or H. Software is the same. Only difference is a couple of different switch placements and the ratchet on the throttle.

My opinion I would wait on the new 12FG if you can't swing the money for a 12Z.
I think you would be happier with a 12FG or Z in the long run over a 9Z.

David

[Dave]

Thanks David. I think that is exactly what I will do, unless I find a good deal on a 9Z while I am waiting! :wink:

[wjvail]

Here is a little bit of a vent...

I called Hobby Service/Futaba Service Center yesterday hoping we could get a head start on making a Screen Protector for the 12FG. I got "John" the technician on the phone who was a super nice guy but had never heard of the 12FG. :oops: :? He was kind enough to explain the the only Futaba G series radios were a gold box radio and they have been out of production for some time (no kidding... I still have one). He went on and ventured to say there may be a 12FG but it will most like be released only in Europe. I found myself, an end user, trying to explain the 12FG will like be positioned between the 9C and 12MZ. His response was the 9C was already out and had been for some time. :arggg:

I know I wasn't talking to the VP of marketing but I wish there was better communication on these new releases.

Bill Vail
www.RCScreenProtectors.com

[DavidH]

Bill,
Some of the techs don't know what is coming down the pipe till it arrives.
You could send him this link lol
http://at.robbe-online.net/rims_at.storefront/45e6f01e0020d621271d3e0dc1460636/Product/View/1-F8059

The screen on the 12FG appears to be the same as the 12Z. Only difference I see is there is no buttons on left side of screen.


David