oy4310

I can't figure out if the mz 14 today is delivered as a fully 2.4 ghz
with integrated antenna. Is there anybody who knows that??????

Silent-AV8R

As of right now the 14MZ uses a plug in module. This allows the use of either 2.4 FASST or 72/35/50 MHz modules. The antenna on the 2.4 FASST module folds over between the case and the handle. It is out of the way and I have not really noticed any issues with mine. A fully integrated 14MZ might be slightly more aesthetically pleasing, but would not offer and performance benefit over the module.

oy4310

Yes I agree, but if you only buy this transmitter with only one purpose, it would be nice with an integrated solution. Thats why I'm also looking at JR 12X

Have anyone heard from Futaba. Is an integrated version on their way.

rctom

I doubt it, because the modular version is so well designed there would be no point to making it fully integrated. The appearance and functionality of the Futaba systems with the TM-14 is really excellent, I wouldn't change anything at all.

And remember, even though 2.4 is what's happening today you never know what might come around in a year or two, and a fully integrated system could become obsolete. Consider resale too, the next guy might want something different that is available in a module.

TF

Silent-AV8R

Futaba is notorious for playing their cards close to the vest and rarely releases any hints of things to come. As Tom says, I doubt the integrated 14MZ is coming, but I have been wrong before.

However, I recently saw this, so perhaps there are some fun things coming soon....

oy4310

Well it could be worth waiting for. Everything I have bought the last couple of years has been upgradet a couple of weeks after. Soonest I bought an Apple lap, and only a week after they introduced a hole new series.[:'(]
I dson't want to make the same mistake with my coming 2.4 Transmitter

onewasp

_____________________

With electronics. you be certain to let us know when you've nailed down that definition !

Most everything today is being replaced "on the drawing board" before it even reaches full production.
Pick a Tx you really like, because you may need that 'love' factor in the immediate future.

BuschBarber

My Feedback: (2)

The XP9303 then the X9303 2.4 then the 12X and then the 11X. You can wait all you want but you will never have State of the Art for long. You buy what you need or want when you can afford it.

There is another thread where a guy was complaining that the introduction of the 11X knocked down the resale value of his 12X.

Flyfalcons

There is no need for an integrated 14MZ. One may come out but flexibility is a good design characteristic. The 14MZ as is, is plenty fast and functional for world class RC flying.

ww2birds

My Feedback: (14)

I hope there is something new coming!

At Toledo last year, they intro-d S-Bus (cute, but I still don't have any problems that is solves...), and I noted that it supported 16 channels. I asked the presenter at the seminar "what transmitter can talk to channels 15+16?" .. he said "none at this time" and I think I saw him grin.

Maybe at the AMA convention we'll see something new, maybe 16 channels, maybe telemetry .. should be interesting. I really like the 14MZ but it's been out a while now, they must have something brewing...

Dave

skorp_jon

Maybe 14MZ, 12Z, 12FG will become update for 16 channels.

It's been confirmed that 8FG will become update for 12+2 channels.

MX240

My Feedback: (4)

Well, if Futaba would come out with a new system I would hope they would have a better instruction book then they have for the 14Z. It is old (still written for the 72 bands) and I think was written by the guy that designed the softwear so he thinks you should already "know what condition means". lol
Once you figure out some of the key meanings in the system it becomes somewhat clear.

Silent-AV8R

That would make it a 12FG since the 12FG already does 12+2. The 8FG right now does 8+2 for 10 channels. I suspect that anything new will likely be announced at Toledo. In the past the AMA show has not been the place where they show new stuff. But maybe, anything is possible I guess.

skorp_jon

12+2 Channels will not made 8FG to 12FG.

I own 12FG and my friend has 8FG. It's big difference in functionality.

ww2birds

My Feedback: (14)

That's ok, I can wait till Toledo :-)

onewasp

VERY INTERESTING !!!

Based upon rumor alone you guys have the 8FG up to 12 channels, to be announced at Toledo 2011..
That's a 50% increase.

Why not the 14 to 21 channels ??????? Or one of the 12's to 18 ?????
Shoot , as long as we are at it we'll raise everything 50% !!!!!!

I have no idea why anyone would want it but it's the same math. [X(] [8D]

Nothing is "better" there is just more of it. [&o]
Short of the novelty I personally don't have any real interest in telemetry then again, I've only been flying for 50+ so perhaps time will tell, ya' think ?

oy4310

Well, still I think if Futaba will keep their position with the main leading high end transmitter, they have to make their next step very soon.

Here in Europe I only see some few pilots using the 35 mhz. Everyone is using 2.4 today.

If I want a new dvd player, I don't buy a new machine with VHS!I will no longer spend my money in the 35 mhz system either, and I don't buy a high end Transmitter every day,
so I think it's naturally to look for a system based on tommorrow and not yesterday.

Come on Futaba. Whats in your mind! It's like the music industry. Give us a new number, and if we like it we buy the album. [>:][]

Flyfalcons

So then buy the 14MZ with the 2.4 module. If a new band becomes popular in the near future, you'll be able to get a module for that. Because the 14MZ is so modular through internet-downloadable upgraded programming and an interchangable frequency module, it will remain a viable system well into the future.

oy4310

ANY NEWS

exeter_acres

My Feedback: (2)

where do you feel the 14mz is lacking?????

oy4310

Well, I still think an integrated 2,4 antenna would be a better solution as the JR12X and several others. Also the telemetri they have announced is worth waiting for.

hrrcflyer

MX240,
I couldn't agree more. I've been flying nothing but Futaba radio's since the 6EXA and I still find mysel doing ALLOT of head scratching when I have to read the manual for my 12Z. I could only imagine how bad the 14MZ manual is. If anyone ever wrote a user friendly manual for the 12Z, I'd be first in line for a copy....

Sorry for getting off topic.....
David

bem

My Feedback: (1)

Hi,

Many was wating for any news from Futaba/Robbe at Nurnberg Fair 2011 that was just finished. But nothing new really from Futaba. It was rumours Futaba was to show a new T-18 radio (I'm rather sure that one will have only 2.4 GHz integrated antenna if/when it is released) and Futabatelemetry.
However it is good news for Futaba 8FG owners - there will be a software update soon with many enhancements, see below (from Robbe 2011 catalog, just released).
I have a Futaba 14MZ myself and I hope it will be more enhancements via software to this radio also. Even if Futaba will release a T-18 (or whatever the name will be) I will still use my 14MZ many years. 14MZ was released in 2005/2006 so it is rather long time ago. A new radio with more channels, telemetry, less weight, battery (LiPo or LiFe) with more mAh just to mention some improvements one could wish for in next high end Futaba radio.

/Bo

BE_BXL

As I understood in Karlsruhe, the T12FG will come out as an 18 channel TX, with an integrated 2.4 module, and with telemetry only next year.
According to what the Robbe guy said, the telemetry is not possible on the FASST system, so they will introduce a new 2.4 system next to FASST.
So you will be able to choose between a FASST system without telemetry, or the new 2.4 system with telemetry on the same transmitter.
A little bit alike the FM modules where one can choose PPM or PCM.

MX240

My Feedback: (4)

As A thirty year JR user that has just moved over to Futaba goodness I wish this company would upgrade the old stiff wire pigtails on their servos. I bought a new two thousand dollar Futaba radio and get a off-on slide switch that is junk. Not even a built in charge plug with it. I cut the male/female ends off it and tossed the switch in the trash. Used a heavy duty JR switch.

I guess you have always been a Futaba user you would not notice these things.
Kind of like a person that never drives anything but a Ford.....Chev.