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

[MZFAN]

Hi everybody!
Following are some information on how to set your module area and Frequency. It is necessary in some countries where Futaba 'forgot' to implement some legal frequencies... Unfortunatly in some case you might need to change the radio area too which is another story.
If your radio is set for the right area but your module is not or have different area/frequency than you need you can reprogram it.:wink:

The first thing to know is that these information are kept in the module in a Microwire 16 bits 93C46 EEPROM.
Then you have to build a simple serial programmer (see joined files) and install a serial EEPROM programming software like this one:
http://www.lancos.com/prog.html

After that, reading and changing the data from the EEPROM is very easy and with no risk for the module. But don't forget to backup the original data in a file before playing around. That way you can mess around and still be able to go back.
You'll find all code correspondances and schematics in the zip file below. But don't forget that your settings have to match your radio for the area and possible frequencies in this area or you will have the 'mismatched module...' message when you start.
If you get the 'mismatched frequency...' message then it is OK you just have to set again the frequency for your current model.


I have heard of some 'all areas modules' but didn't find something like this yet.
I am interested in your experiences, please share.

[DavidH]

Don't see why this is needed.
I have used 35 mhz, 50 mhz, 72 mhz, in my 12Z with no problems. Get the freguency mismatch message when modules are changed. But just push OK and go on and the frequency list is there.

[apleichau]

I have posted before to explain the reason to change the frequency. In Hong Kong, the legal 40mz frequency only includes 40.665-40.695. We can only get the MZ module of China version which only includes 40.770-40.850. I have bought the China version of MZ module in Hong Kong and sent back to Futaba in Japan for modification to the legal frequency. After 40 days they refused and sent it back through Hong Kong Distributor without any explanation. Is it interesting?

[MZFAN]

Originally Posted by DavidH

Don't see why this is needed.
I have used 35 mhz, 50 mhz, 72 mhz, in my 12Z with no problems. Get the freguency mismatch message when modules are changed. But just push OK and go on and the frequency list is there.

Hi David,
To use both 35 50 and 72 MHz on the same radio you probably had to change the area of the radio. Am I wrong? Doing this is easy with the 12Z but more difficult with the 14MZ or FX40.
It doesn't seems that there is any 'Futaba's area' that will permit this... Or the 14 MZ are not all the same in the world.
As apleichau said if you are not in the main 'Futaba's aeras' in the world then you really might need this.

[benben]

Hi MZFAN,
I think the 14MZ has 2 versions, one for Japan and one for the rest of the world. The Japanese one don't allow you to use other module besides the ones for Japan. The Japanese one also don't have 12ch PPM even with the latest update.

[MZFAN]

Originally Posted by benben

Hi MZFAN,
I think the 14MZ has 2 versions, one for Japan and one for the rest of the world. The Japanese one don't allow you to use other module besides the ones for Japan. The Japanese one also don't have 12ch PPM even with the latest update.

Hi benben,
What make you think this? Personnaly I don't think so. I have access to japanese and none-japanese 14MZ and didn't see such difference. Of course if the none-japanese 14MZ I used is in fact a modified japanese 14MZ it could be...

If there are some differences it could be more like asian, european and american 14MZ. But not many people are willing to share information on this subject and it will be hard to find out.
Thanks for your comment.

[benben]

It makes me think this because I tried using a 36mhz module for the Japanese 14MZ and it woudn't let me use it while it worked on the Hong Kong version and the Taiwan version. Do you know how to change the Japanese version to other version?

Thanks
Ben

[alexpippo]

Originally Posted by DavidH

Don't see why this is needed.
I have used 35 mhz, 50 mhz, 72 mhz, in my 12Z with no problems. Get the freguency mismatch message when modules are changed. But just push OK and go on and the frequency list is there.

--------------
Hello David
I call Alexander and I write from Italy.
I ask excuse for English, have bought the Futaba 12z in China (Hong Kong), have need of aid, you can explain like is made to me to change the frequency to the module and to carry it to the European zone?
Thanks Alexander

[DavidH]

Should be fine. Just stick 35 mhz or 40 mhz module in transmitter. At least that has been fine from what I have seen.

David

[alexpippo]

Originally Posted by DavidH

Should be fine. Just stick 35 mhz or 40 mhz module in transmitter. At least that has been fine from what I have seen.

David

I have the module from 40 Mhz
Alessandro

[futurawko]

Hi MZFAN,

I have a T-12FG from Hong Kong.
First when I plugged in the european HF-Module I got the message "modul mismatch".
So I follow your description to change the region code of the module and it works fine.
But now I can only use the frequencies allowed in Hong Kong channel 75 to 82 .
I think I have to change the region code in the transmitter from Hong Kong to european to get use of full 35MHz range.
Can you tell me how to change the region code in the transmitter ?
Please help.

[MZFAN]

There are some instruction on this forum (sticker) for the 12Z and I know how to do it for the 14MZ but I don't have any idea for the 12FG. Sorry...

[oak]

Anyone know if the region code in the TM-14 (FASST) module can be altered with this same method?

[nicolas.goddeeris]

The question is, is the FASST module TM-14 region locked or not. It might be different than the conventional modules, as the legal frequency tables do no longer apply. Futaba USA has just put this question to Futaba Japan but they are at this very moment still closed for their New Year holidays. (See Futaba Support Forum on RCU). Everyone is awaiting the answer !

[nicolas.goddeeris]

And yes, I am also looking for somebody who can add the frequency 34.930 MHz to the 14MZ. European frequencies start with 34.950-...

[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]

Originally Posted by sinver

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!!!

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:

---------------------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.