12FG, 12Z, 14MZ, FX40 module programming

[Skymax]

Skymax, I have a doubt! Which module you were speaking of, the new 2.4 GHz one? If so I would be very intrested in some nice pictures...

Yes I speak about of the 2.4 module

[sinver]

I telephoned Ripmax today and was quoted £45 to change the region code on my 12FG, alot of money for two minutes work?

Richard

It is too money but the good news is that can be made

now one must to discover as is changed the code of area in the radio !!!


regards !!!

[DavidH]

Don't know about the UK. But the majority of shops here in the US charge at least 1/2 hour labor rate. Some even charge an hour rate. No matter if the job takes 10 seconds or 29 mins.
Labor rates from Radio South here in the USA runs $35 an hour. They charge the rate in 15 min blocks. But I can tell you they are an exception here in the USA. I think Hobby Services gets about $60 an hour and they charge in 1/2 hr blocks.
I would call Ripmax and ask them what there hourly labor rate is and what time blocks they charge in.
The rate they gave you for changing the region code is most likely a flat rate. Since you did not the radio thru them as a distributor for the UK they probably charge more. Robbe/Futaba in Germany charges more for repairs on radios that were not distributed by them also. It is nothing new in the industry.

David

[flycop2000]

I wonder how much extra profit is made by companies who charge a minimum hourly rate for small repairs over the year?

If only somebody could quickly come up with calibration software, just like they did for the 12Z/14MZ.

Richard.

[flycop2000]

Well I gave in today and sent my 12FGH to Ripmax to get the region code changed so as I can use the 2.4 ghz module.

Does anyone know if the TX module can be region changed as well?

[DavidH]

I wonder how much extra profit is made by companies who charge a minimum hourly rate for small repairs over the year?

If only somebody could quickly come up with calibration software, just like they did for the 12Z/14MZ.

Richard.

Pretty much all companies charge a minimum rate for repairs no matter how long they take. I own and ride a motorcycle also. The local shops charge a 1/2 hour labor rate to just look and inspect the bike. That is $35 where it takes 10 seconds or 29 mins. The shops are not there to lose money, so it is fairly common to charge a minimum rate for small jobs.
The shops have overhead costs when they stick the key in the door every day and unlock it. Utility bills, liability insurance, employees pay. etc. etc.

David

[DDJ]

Hi MZFAN
Do you know where I can get hold of ready made boards or kits for the programmer ? I looked at the site and downloaded PonyProg but don't see which board is the base board and which is the microwire one. Do I need only the one that's got the wires going into the module ?

Thanks

[MZFAN]

Hi DDJ,
There are some commercial eeprom programmer that generally come with their own software. You have to check before buying that they can program a microwire 93C46 or 9346 eeprom.
If you downloaded the file I provided you should have the schematic for a simplified board, combining the base board and the microwire board.
There is nothing much in it but if electronic is not your friend try to find somebody around you who can make the board for you.:wink:

[sinver]

DDJ,

fisicaly in the module the number 5 is GND & the number 8 is +5Vdc, view foto

regards !!!

[MZFAN]

DDJ,

fisicaly in the module the number 5 is GND & the number 8 is +5Vdc, view foto

regards !!!

Yes it is.:wink:

[MZFAN]

Hi everybody,
I have some very good news!:)
Thanks to somebody's feedback after using the module programmer, I can provide you with new area code settings that will make your module usable in your radio WHATEVER ITS AEREA SETTING IS!!!:banana:banana

Basically, instead of using some code like 00, 01, 02, 03 ... 0A for the area setting you just have to use codes like these: 80, 81, 82, 83 .... 8A. Just replace the first 0 with a 8 and you can use your module with any area radio!:smokin:
The table provided in the download file become this:

---------------------SEE ATTACHED PICTURE--------

You still have to match the area with your module frequency according to this table. For exemple it won't work if you choose 82 (Europe) for the area and 07 (72MHz) for the frequency as there isn't any 72 MHz in Europe area.

I am still looking for other codes like one that will allow to use a 40MHz (or 41MHz) module for both 40 and 41MHz bands in Europe. I am pretty sure these modules are hardware identical.
If you have seen this done, please PM me.:wink:

Caution:
Even if you can easily change module frequency from 40 to 72MHz it is better not to do it as there could be some hardware differences (filter setting). If you do it anyway do some extensive range check before flying.
There is no problem between 40 and 41MHz (tested) and probably not between 35 and 36 MHz too.

[sambogosse]

Wow, so that means there is still to find a "zone" in the radio which would allow ALL frequency bands to be used - maybe it exists in the radio - and you will have mastered the frequency problems with the 14MZ ;o)

Great Job !

[MarkD]

Well thinking about it there must be as Futaba has to test each region and from my experience with software it easier to programme in an 'All bucket' and then restrict the regions later after testing

BTW I don't see them as Freq problems - It's a necessity as in we drive on the left and you on the right

[Skymax]

hi, anybody have try with TM-14 module plz ?

[MZFAN]

hi, anybody have try with TM-14 module plz ?

Hi,
With the 2.4GHz module no try yet... I don't have one but if you want to send one to me I will!!!:lol::lol::lol:

[DDJ]

Thanks a lot to you both. I'll try and build it and see what happens.

[DDJ]

Hi DDJ,
There are some commercial eeprom programmer that generally come with their own software. You have to check before buying that they can program a microwire 93C46 or 9346 eeprom.
If you downloaded the file I provided you should have the schematic for a simplified board, combining the base board and the microwire board.
There is nothing much in it but if electronic is not your friend try to find somebody around you who can make the board for you.:wink:
Hi MZFAN

In the picture of the pc board you have the black wire in pin 8 & the red in pin 5. Your common neg in the pic seems to be black, next to the cap. Is this right ? Please supply some more pics if possible. Also, I can't seem to open the new freq. table. Sorry for asking so many stupid questions ! Just don't want to damage the module. Thanks

[Skymax]

Hi,
With the 2.4GHz module no try yet... I don't have one but if you want to send one to me I will!!!:lol::lol::lol:

Mine it's always on my local futaba distributor :( , he try to modify it .

[MZFAN]

Hi MZFAN

In the picture of the pc board you have the black wire in pin 8 & the red in pin 5. Your common neg in the pic seems to be black, next to the cap. Is this right ? Please supply some more pics if possible. Also, I can't seem to open the new freq. table. Sorry for asking so many stupid questions ! Just don't want to damage the module. Thanks
What do you mean you can't open the new table? It is just a jpg file.. Just click on it on this thread and it will appear bigger. Then right click on it and choose Save the picture....

I did check again and always see the black, pin 5 from the eeprom, connected to the left of the connector and then just to the right, the red, pin 8 from the eeprom.
Perhaps you were confused with the DB9 connector pin number?
The number on this schematic correspond to the eeprom pins.

[MZFAN]

Mine it's always on my local futaba distributor :( , he try to modify it .
Even if the 2.4GHz module is more complicated, it is possible it uses the same eeprom to store area and frequency information...
Anyway, good luck.;)

[DDJ]

Hi MZFAN

Just a big up to you and everyone who answered all my questions ! I've built it and it works ! I'm going to mill a box where the module just clips in on top and a DB9 on the side. That way, you just drop the module in and hook the serial cable up for programming. I post some pics sometime. Anyway, I'll try the 82 codes too.

Thanks again.

[sinver]

Hi MZFAN

Basically, instead of using some code like 00, 01, 02, 03 ... 0A for the area setting you just have to use codes like these: 80, 81, 82, 83 .... 8A. Just replace the first 0 with a 8 and you can use your module with any area radio!
The table provided in the download file become this:


Thanks again.

I think that this same would have to of operating for the modules of 2,4Ghz

Regards !!! ;)

[DDJ]

Hi guys

Just some pics of module programmer. This makes it very quick and easy to program the eeprom. I have a lot of friends with radios from HK and this box saves you from checking which pin goes where everytime. I used engineer's pvc which machines very easy.

37147

37148

37149

[sinver]

Hi guys

Just some pics of module programmer. This makes it very quick and easy to program the eeprom. I have a lot of friends with radios from HK and this box saves you from checking which pin goes where everytime. I used engineer's pvc which machines very easy.

37147

37148

37149

Hi DDJ,

Excellent work !!! :wink:

A question, please

if your programs that module ( 35Mhz HK ) and you let it free, you can transmit with the same radio ( HK ) in the channels of all the band of 35Mhz ?

thanks & regards !!!!

[DDJ]

Hi DDJ,

Excellent work !!! :wink:

A question, please

if your programs that module ( 35Mhz HK ) and you let it free, you can transmit with the same radio ( HK ) in the channels of all the band of 35Mhz ?

thanks & regards !!!!
Hi sinver

No, you still have to set the region to Europe. But that's pretty easy now.

DDJ