Futaba 12FG 2.4ghz or 12Z 2.4ghz?

[Espeefan]

I bought my Futaba 9CHPS last year, for helis, but didn't know it wasn't exactly the best radio for CCPM. Now I'm looking for something better. A lot of guys keep recommending a JR radio, but I'm pretty loyal to Futaba. I'd consider a 10C, but they might not be out soon enough for me, and no one really knows how well they perform, or anything about the latency that seems to plague the 9CHPS, so I'm now considering the 12Z and 12FG. Is there a clear cut winner between these two radios?

[DavidH]

http://2.4gigahertz.com/systems/futk9250.html

Converting a signal from analog to digital form requires processing time — what you experience as lag. The 10C, on the other hand, was designed with a totally digital data stream. The signal starts digital and stays digital. Since no additional processing is needed, there’s no lag, either — just virtually instantaneous, real-time response.


And because the 10C is modular, you can use the TM-10 module to fly 2.4GHz-equipped aircraft…or replace it with a 50 or 72MHz module, and fly existing models without added equipment or expense.


Lot of radio and features for a great price.

David

[Espeefan]

Hmm, so you're saying I should wait for the 10C, right? :D I'm just wondering if it could end up having problems, due to it being a brand new model. Little things that haven't been worked out yet. That is why I started considering other radios. Proven technology already, if you know what I mean. One would think the 10C would then be one of the fastest radios in Futaba's line up then?

[DavidH]

The technology Futaba is using in the 10C is proven technology. They have been using it for a few years in the 14MZ/12z/12FG. Using 14 channel or 8 channel 2.4ghz receiver, it will be 2048 resolution.

David

[Espeefan]

Thanks for the response. Interesting stuff. I noticed the 12FG is also has the same 2048 resolution, and the 12FG is available right now. I am almost leaning more toward the 12FG because of that. Any idea how much longer before the 10C is going to ship?

[DavidH]

Says late May. So I would think they would get the 10C in the next 10 days.
http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0093p?&C=JRB

$600 at Tower, Probably at shops like Ron's HP South and HP. The 10C may be around $550 or so.

2048 resolution only functions when using the 608FS ( 8ch) or 6014FS ( 14ch receiver). It is just normal 1024 resolution using the 7 channel and lower receivers. That is on the 14MZ, 12Z, 12FG, also.
David

[PaulH]

If you're not using all nine channels, consider the 7C FASST system as well. It works with both the 6- and 7-channel receivers.

One inconvenience if you buy any of the other "module-based" FASST radios (including the 9C Super, 10C, 12FG, 12Z, or 14MZ) is that you will have to switch between 7-channel mode and multi-channel mode if you want to use eight or more channel receivers. So, you will either end up buying all one kind of receiver, or you'll have to change the mode every time you change models.

Food for thought...

[tbirg]

Paul,

If what I was told at the WRAM show is correct...

Switching between the two modes on the 10C and higher is done as setting in the radio and will be saved with the model. So when you switch models it will automatically switch modes for you. After a mode switch you might have to turn the radio on and off(ala switching between PCM and PPM on a 9C).

I am personally going with the 10C since I will still have some modules on 72Mhz and my helis use 8 channels(gov with a seperate on/off switch). If I want to fly a 72Mhz aircraft I plop in my 72 MHz module from my 9C. I don't have to carry two radios with me. The 7C is 2.4 GHz only. I can't afford to buy like 10 2.4 GHz recievers in one shot.

I plan on turning my 9C in a spektrum only with their module for my park flier planks. It's nice only paying $50 for a reciever. Hopefully futaba will get on the ball and come out with a cheap park flier receiver using "plugs" instead of the mini plugs.

[PaulH]

I just dug up similar information on Futaba's web site. The 10C w/ TM-10 module and the TM-14 module can be switched from 7-channel to multi-channel mode via the display. Thanks for the correction!

I hear you about buying multiple receivers. I intend to eBay some of my radio equipment to help defray the cost of the 7C I bought last weekend. :) Fortunately I only need to buy three extra receivers, but that count will go up over time... I have a few planks waiting to be built!

Agreed on the 6-channel receiver; wrong plugs and stupid expensive.

[Espeefan]

Hey thanks for the information guys. Looks like the 10C release dtae has been pushed back again, so now I am leaning even more torward the Futaba 12FG.

[ErichF]

You won't regret it, promise.

[Espeefan]

I just got my new Futaba 12FGH today! Man, this thing is nice. This is the most expensive radio I've ever owned, thus far, but just checking it over, I can see why. I haven't read the manual yet, but the menus are so easy to navigate. This thing should really rock! I can't wait to actual dig in and set it up for my heli. Thanks again for everyone who helped me decide.

[Caleb.R]

I've got my new 12Z 2.4GHz in transit! Pretty pumped for it let me tell ya. I think both radio's will do more than enough for us... complete overkill and bling! But bling tends to get the better of us :)

I went with the 12Z due to it being built off the same concept as the 14MZ. Only lacking the touch screen, colour screen and MP3 player... no real biggy! It can hold a few more features over the FG and is eligible of being updated etc with the same firmware as the 14MZ. You'd wonder why Futaba wouldn't chuck in the 'Acceleration' function with the 10C, the program wouldn't be worth much... I spose that's how they get there money. 12FG and 12Z are both awesome radio's!