12FG discontinued
12-30-2012, 10:36 AM
#76
My Feedback: (19)
RE: 12FG discontinued
ORIGINAL: Dave McDonald
Does the 14SG have the high quality ball bearing gimbals that were in the 9Z, 12FG, 12Z, 14MZ, and 18MZ?
Does the 14SG have the high quality ball bearing gimbals that were in the 9Z, 12FG, 12Z, 14MZ, and 18MZ?
12-30-2012, 12:07 PM
#77
RE: 12FG discontinued
Go to Futaba's website. The 12FG is not being discontinued. Just because Tower doesn't want to sell it, doesn't mean that Futaba is discontinuing the 12FG. Only Tower is discontinuing carrying the 12FG.
http://www.futabarc.com/faq/faq-12fg-q1142.html
From the above link:
Radio System FAQ
QUESTION: Is the 14MZ/12Z/12FG being discontinued? I am in the process of acquiring two 14 MZ transmitters on 72 MHz and have been told by some hobby shops that this radio and the 12Z is soon to be discontinued, is this true?
ANSWER: None of these transmitters is being discontinued, you are just seeing the lack of availability on 72Mhz.
One good thing about the 12FG, 12Z and the 14MZ's is that they are modular. While they may not be available on 72 MHz, you can purchase the 72 MHz module from Futaba Services, and an R5114DPS receiver from your local hobby store, or simply buy the module and use your current 72 MHz receivers.
With more and more people going to 2.4 GHz, the need for stock of 72 MHz has drastically reduced. But, the flexibility of going from 2.4 GHz to 72 MHz is one of the advantages of these two radios not being "dedicated 2.4Ghz".
http://www.futabarc.com/faq/faq-12fg-q1142.html
From the above link:
Radio System FAQ
QUESTION: Is the 14MZ/12Z/12FG being discontinued? I am in the process of acquiring two 14 MZ transmitters on 72 MHz and have been told by some hobby shops that this radio and the 12Z is soon to be discontinued, is this true?
ANSWER: None of these transmitters is being discontinued, you are just seeing the lack of availability on 72Mhz.
One good thing about the 12FG, 12Z and the 14MZ's is that they are modular. While they may not be available on 72 MHz, you can purchase the 72 MHz module from Futaba Services, and an R5114DPS receiver from your local hobby store, or simply buy the module and use your current 72 MHz receivers.
With more and more people going to 2.4 GHz, the need for stock of 72 MHz has drastically reduced. But, the flexibility of going from 2.4 GHz to 72 MHz is one of the advantages of these two radios not being "dedicated 2.4Ghz".
12-30-2012, 12:26 PM
#78
My Feedback: (243)
RE: 12FG discontinued
ORIGINAL: eastern
The whole thing just baffles me. Apparently even if I had bought an 18MZ I still wouldn't have been able to transfer model memories over. So what's the point of having the ability of storing memories if the only transmitter you can use them in is the one you own!
The whole thing just baffles me. Apparently even if I had bought an 18MZ I still wouldn't have been able to transfer model memories over. So what's the point of having the ability of storing memories if the only transmitter you can use them in is the one you own!
12-30-2012, 12:51 PM
#79
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RE: 12FG discontinued
ORIGINAL: Airplanes400
Go to Futaba's website. The 12FG is not being discontinued. Just because Tower doesn't want to sell it, doesn't mean that Futaba is discontinuing the 12FG. Only Tower is discontinuing carrying the 12FG.
http://www.futabarc.com/faq/faq-12fg-q1142.html
From the above link:
Radio System FAQ
QUESTION: Is the 14MZ/12Z/12FG being discontinued? I am in the process of acquiring two 14 MZ transmitters on 72 MHz and have been told by some hobby shops that this radio and the 12Z is soon to be discontinued, is this true?
ANSWER: None of these transmitters is being discontinued, you are just seeing the lack of availability on 72Mhz.
One good thing about the 12FG, 12Z and the 14MZ's is that they are modular. While they may not be available on 72 MHz, you can purchase the 72 MHz module from Futaba Services, and an R5114DPS receiver from your local hobby store, or simply buy the module and use your current 72 MHz receivers.
With more and more people going to 2.4 GHz, the need for stock of 72 MHz has drastically reduced. But, the flexibility of going from 2.4 GHz to 72 MHz is one of the advantages of these two radios not being ''dedicated 2.4Ghz''.
Go to Futaba's website. The 12FG is not being discontinued. Just because Tower doesn't want to sell it, doesn't mean that Futaba is discontinuing the 12FG. Only Tower is discontinuing carrying the 12FG.
http://www.futabarc.com/faq/faq-12fg-q1142.html
From the above link:
Radio System FAQ
QUESTION: Is the 14MZ/12Z/12FG being discontinued? I am in the process of acquiring two 14 MZ transmitters on 72 MHz and have been told by some hobby shops that this radio and the 12Z is soon to be discontinued, is this true?
ANSWER: None of these transmitters is being discontinued, you are just seeing the lack of availability on 72Mhz.
One good thing about the 12FG, 12Z and the 14MZ's is that they are modular. While they may not be available on 72 MHz, you can purchase the 72 MHz module from Futaba Services, and an R5114DPS receiver from your local hobby store, or simply buy the module and use your current 72 MHz receivers.
With more and more people going to 2.4 GHz, the need for stock of 72 MHz has drastically reduced. But, the flexibility of going from 2.4 GHz to 72 MHz is one of the advantages of these two radios not being ''dedicated 2.4Ghz''.
Doug.
12-30-2012, 08:28 PM
#81
My Feedback: (243)
RE: 12FG discontinued
The web link in DougV's post is for Futaba USA.
Futaba Japan is here:
http://www.rc.futaba.co.jp/english/
They still show both 12's and the 14MZ however the english site is new and still under construction so it may not be up to date.
Futaba Japan is here:
http://www.rc.futaba.co.jp/english/
They still show both 12's and the 14MZ however the english site is new and still under construction so it may not be up to date.
01-01-2013, 05:03 AM
#82
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RE: 12FG discontinued
I think that the statement that the 12fg was the same price as the 14sg is misleading £495 for the 12fg was for the battery,charger & manual only the 14 sg can be purchased for £424 from Kings Lynn models & is £449 every where else but for that you also get a £90- £100 RX
01-01-2013, 07:05 AM
#84
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RE: 12FG discontinued
ORIGINAL: eastern
Regardless of costs it's still being put out as a replacement for the 5-6 years old 12FG which it quite plainly isn't.
Regardless of costs it's still being put out as a replacement for the 5-6 years old 12FG which it quite plainly isn't.
Doug.
01-01-2013, 09:23 AM
#86
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RE: 12FG discontinued
The 12FG and 12Z are being discontinued per Bax.
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_11334705/tm.htm
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_11334705/tm.htm
01-02-2013, 09:13 AM
#87
RE: 12FG discontinued
ORIGINAL: Airplanes400
Go to Futaba's website. The 12FG is not being discontinued. Just because Tower doesn't want to sell it, doesn't mean that Futaba is discontinuing the 12FG. Only Tower is discontinuing carrying the 12FG.
http://www.futabarc.com/faq/faq-12fg-q1142.html
From the above link:
Radio System FAQ
QUESTION: Is the 14MZ/12Z/12FG being discontinued? I am in the process of acquiring two 14 MZ transmitters on 72 MHz and have been told by some hobby shops that this radio and the 12Z is soon to be discontinued, is this true?
ANSWER: None of these transmitters is being discontinued, you are just seeing the lack of availability on 72Mhz.
One good thing about the 12FG, 12Z and the 14MZ's is that they are modular. While they may not be available on 72 MHz, you can purchase the 72 MHz module from Futaba Services, and an R5114DPS receiver from your local hobby store, or simply buy the module and use your current 72 MHz receivers.
With more and more people going to 2.4 GHz, the need for stock of 72 MHz has drastically reduced. But, the flexibility of going from 2.4 GHz to 72 MHz is one of the advantages of these two radios not being ''dedicated 2.4Ghz''.
Go to Futaba's website. The 12FG is not being discontinued. Just because Tower doesn't want to sell it, doesn't mean that Futaba is discontinuing the 12FG. Only Tower is discontinuing carrying the 12FG.
http://www.futabarc.com/faq/faq-12fg-q1142.html
From the above link:
Radio System FAQ
QUESTION: Is the 14MZ/12Z/12FG being discontinued? I am in the process of acquiring two 14 MZ transmitters on 72 MHz and have been told by some hobby shops that this radio and the 12Z is soon to be discontinued, is this true?
ANSWER: None of these transmitters is being discontinued, you are just seeing the lack of availability on 72Mhz.
One good thing about the 12FG, 12Z and the 14MZ's is that they are modular. While they may not be available on 72 MHz, you can purchase the 72 MHz module from Futaba Services, and an R5114DPS receiver from your local hobby store, or simply buy the module and use your current 72 MHz receivers.
With more and more people going to 2.4 GHz, the need for stock of 72 MHz has drastically reduced. But, the flexibility of going from 2.4 GHz to 72 MHz is one of the advantages of these two radios not being ''dedicated 2.4Ghz''.
I spent several months looking at and investigating the Futaba 9Z WCII a number of years back. There were consistant rumors about it being discontinued which Bax (Bill Baxter at Hobbico) as well as the other Futaba sources I contacted, denied the radio was being discontinued. It was also mentioned that Tower had a 30 exchange policy so if the radio was in fact discontinued within 30 days I could swap it out.
So I ordered the radio and three weeks later the 12Z was announced along with the 9Z being discontinued.
I contacted Tower about returning the radio on the 30 exchange and they said "sure, send it back and we'll swap it out for anything in stock." I told 'em I wanted the new 12Z radio and would pay the price difference, they told me that the 12Z wouldn't be there for a couple of months so I could not swap the 9Z radio since "the 12Z is not in stock and the thirty day exchange policy only applies to in stock items."
As for a radio not being discontinued but Tower simply choosing not to carry it? Seems way far fetched to me since Hobbico owns Tower as well as the Futaba import/distribution rights for the USA and they own numerous other model related companies.
So don't put any stock in whatever you see on a webpage, I was kind of surprised that Bax confirmed the rumor but in my experience if there are this many rumors floating around about discontinued radios, you'd best listen if it's important to you....
01-02-2013, 01:34 PM
#89
My Feedback: (19)
RE: 12FG discontinued
I solve the new radio, discontinued radio problem a very simple way. I try to never buy a new radio, engine, etc. when they first come on the market. I prefer to let a new product mature a bit, get debugged by others, etc. before I buy one. In my business and personal life, I find the latest and newest product isn't always the greatest one.
01-02-2013, 06:13 PM
#90
RE: 12FG discontinued
Synthesized 9Z WCII do not like off brand receivers; especially ones that are auto shift. Something about there being 2048 resolution near stick center with the synth module; some kind of ripple signal that off brands cant read.
01-03-2013, 07:50 PM
#91
My Feedback: (243)
RE: 12FG discontinued
ORIGINAL: Zeeb
I can speak from personal experience when I say that Futaba lies when it comes to asking the question about whether or not a radio is being discontinued.
I spent several months looking at and investigating the Futaba 9Z WCII a number of years back. There were consistant rumors about it being discontinued which Bax (Bill Baxter at Hobbico) as well as the other Futaba sources I contacted, denied the radio was being discontinued. It was also mentioned that Tower had a 30 exchange policy so if the radio was in fact discontinued within 30 days I could swap it out.
So I ordered the radio and three weeks later the 12Z was announced along with the 9Z being discontinued.
I contacted Tower about returning the radio on the 30 exchange and they said ''sure, send it back and we'll swap it out for anything in stock.'' I told 'em I wanted the new 12Z radio and would pay the price difference, they told me that the 12Z wouldn't be there for a couple of months so I could not swap the 9Z radio since ''the 12Z is not in stock and the thirty day exchange policy only applies to in stock items.''
As for a radio not being discontinued but Tower simply choosing not to carry it? Seems way far fetched to me since Hobbico owns Tower as well as the Futaba import/distribution rights for the USA and they own numerous other model related companies.
So don't put any stock in whatever you see on a webpage, I was kind of surprised that Bax confirmed the rumor but in my experience if there are this many rumors floating around about discontinued radios, you'd best listen if it's important to you....
I can speak from personal experience when I say that Futaba lies when it comes to asking the question about whether or not a radio is being discontinued.
I spent several months looking at and investigating the Futaba 9Z WCII a number of years back. There were consistant rumors about it being discontinued which Bax (Bill Baxter at Hobbico) as well as the other Futaba sources I contacted, denied the radio was being discontinued. It was also mentioned that Tower had a 30 exchange policy so if the radio was in fact discontinued within 30 days I could swap it out.
So I ordered the radio and three weeks later the 12Z was announced along with the 9Z being discontinued.
I contacted Tower about returning the radio on the 30 exchange and they said ''sure, send it back and we'll swap it out for anything in stock.'' I told 'em I wanted the new 12Z radio and would pay the price difference, they told me that the 12Z wouldn't be there for a couple of months so I could not swap the 9Z radio since ''the 12Z is not in stock and the thirty day exchange policy only applies to in stock items.''
As for a radio not being discontinued but Tower simply choosing not to carry it? Seems way far fetched to me since Hobbico owns Tower as well as the Futaba import/distribution rights for the USA and they own numerous other model related companies.
So don't put any stock in whatever you see on a webpage, I was kind of surprised that Bax confirmed the rumor but in my experience if there are this many rumors floating around about discontinued radios, you'd best listen if it's important to you....
As far as knowing if a Futaba radio is being discontinued, Futaba calls the shots and often without any warning. They are pretty tight lipped about their products so it is here today, gone tomorrow.
01-03-2013, 09:08 PM
#92
RE: 12FG discontinued
Stated in Tower Hobbies' policies and procedures URL:
"RETURNING MERCHANDISE
Complete instructions for returning merchandise are printed on the back of your Tower Hobbies invoice. You may also download the return instructions and form (Adobe PDF file, 511KB). Please carefully read those instructions if you need to return an item. We will accept merchandise for return that was purchased from Tower Hobbies within 30 days of receipt. The merchandise must be in new and unused condition and in its original packaging. We are unable to reimburse for return shipping costs. We do not accept returns via COD or any other collection method. COD packages will be refused. Packages billing Tower Hobbies without authorization will result in actual shipping charges billed back to sender unless other prior arrangements were made. Due to shipping regulations, fuel cases may not be returned to us. There is no restocking fee for qualified returns. Mounting and running fuel through a model engine, installing radio parts in a model, cutting up balsa sheets in kits, installing software or discarding the packing material are some examples of what constitutes used merchandise."
The bottom line for return is: within 30 days, with a receipt, in unused condition and in original package.
"RETURNING MERCHANDISE
Complete instructions for returning merchandise are printed on the back of your Tower Hobbies invoice. You may also download the return instructions and form (Adobe PDF file, 511KB). Please carefully read those instructions if you need to return an item. We will accept merchandise for return that was purchased from Tower Hobbies within 30 days of receipt. The merchandise must be in new and unused condition and in its original packaging. We are unable to reimburse for return shipping costs. We do not accept returns via COD or any other collection method. COD packages will be refused. Packages billing Tower Hobbies without authorization will result in actual shipping charges billed back to sender unless other prior arrangements were made. Due to shipping regulations, fuel cases may not be returned to us. There is no restocking fee for qualified returns. Mounting and running fuel through a model engine, installing radio parts in a model, cutting up balsa sheets in kits, installing software or discarding the packing material are some examples of what constitutes used merchandise."
The bottom line for return is: within 30 days, with a receipt, in unused condition and in original package.
01-04-2013, 05:50 AM
#93
RE: 12FG discontinued
ORIGINAL: Dick T.
I believe you are stretching facts a bit on the 30 Day Return Policy. You can request a credit towards future purchases. Tower is pretty liberal with their return policy and have been as long as I have been a customer (20+ years).
I believe you are stretching facts a bit on the 30 Day Return Policy. You can request a credit towards future purchases. Tower is pretty liberal with their return policy and have been as long as I have been a customer (20+ years).
That takes a LOT OF FRIGGIN GALL on you part, but I guess if you're a FAN BOY that excuses it?
You can take your d*mn orange T-shirt and stuff it where the sun doesn't shine.
01-04-2013, 06:42 AM
#94
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RE: 12FG discontinued
Hi guys, here are the facts. Futaba has discontinued the manufacture of the 12Z and the 14MZ, Hobbico has discontinued selling the 12FG.
These items will continue to appear on our web site (www.futaba-rc.com) for roughly six months as many hobby retailers in North America still have these radios in stock. Also we always support discontinued systems for roughly five years, sometimes longer if our parts inventory is strong.
Steve
These items will continue to appear on our web site (www.futaba-rc.com) for roughly six months as many hobby retailers in North America still have these radios in stock. Also we always support discontinued systems for roughly five years, sometimes longer if our parts inventory is strong.
Steve
01-04-2013, 08:43 PM
#95
My Feedback: (243)
RE: 12FG discontinued
ORIGINAL: Zeeb
So you're calling me a liar?
That takes a LOT OF FRIGGIN GALL on you part, but I guess if you're a FAN BOY that excuses it?
You can take your d*mn orange T-shirt and stuff it where the sun doesn't shine.
ORIGINAL: Dick T.
I believe you are stretching facts a bit on the 30 Day Return Policy. You can request a credit towards future purchases. Tower is pretty liberal with their return policy and have been as long as I have been a customer (20+ years).
I believe you are stretching facts a bit on the 30 Day Return Policy. You can request a credit towards future purchases. Tower is pretty liberal with their return policy and have been as long as I have been a customer (20+ years).
That takes a LOT OF FRIGGIN GALL on you part, but I guess if you're a FAN BOY that excuses it?
You can take your d*mn orange T-shirt and stuff it where the sun doesn't shine.
The way your post was written it appeared there was no other option which there clearly is. Perhaps the person you spoke with did not fully understand the return options even though it is spelled out on the back of their invoices.
Personally I have never had a problem receiving credit for a return to Tower. Recently They credited me $55.00 for an item that had a price reduction of that amount several days after I ordered it. But I needed to talk to a manager to explain as the initial contact person did not think it could be done.
One only needs to peruse Tower's Scratch & Dent page to see the condition of some returned stuff. Obviously some is crash damage or cannibalized for parts then returned. They are very liberal despite what the Returning Merchandise text states.
I moved from two 9ZWCII to a 14MZ when they first came out. I bought a 12FG one year ago and another 14MZ less than 6 months ago (sold the original 14MZ after buying the new one). Recently bought the 18MZ. So now I have two Futaba orphans and a current model. Futaba still services the 9ZWCII so I suspect the transmitters I have will be servicable for many years to come.
No, I don't have an orange T-Shirt but do have an orange jacket. The sun always shines in California so I have no fear about stuffing it anywhere.
God Bless, have a prosperous New Year.
01-05-2013, 07:21 AM
#97
RE: 12FG discontinued
ORIGINAL: Skaluf
Hi guys, here are the facts. Futaba has discontinued the manufacture of the 12Z and the 14MZ, Hobbico has discontinued selling the 12FG.
These items will continue to appear on our web site (www.futaba-rc.com) for roughly six months as many hobby retailers in North America still have these radios in stock. Also we always support discontinued systems for roughly five years, sometimes longer if our parts inventory is strong.
Steve
Hi guys, here are the facts. Futaba has discontinued the manufacture of the 12Z and the 14MZ, Hobbico has discontinued selling the 12FG.
These items will continue to appear on our web site (www.futaba-rc.com) for roughly six months as many hobby retailers in North America still have these radios in stock. Also we always support discontinued systems for roughly five years, sometimes longer if our parts inventory is strong.
Steve
Now the real question is whether Futaba will replace 12z / 14mz with new product(s) that are in the same price range. 18mz is nice but much more $$$.
01-05-2013, 07:47 PM
#98
My Feedback: (243)
RE: 12FG discontinued
ORIGINAL: Truckracer
Dick T.
My Tower return experiences have been exactly as you stated in your post. Painless! On the occasions I have returned things they simply credited the amount of the purchase to my Credit Card.
Dick T.
My Tower return experiences have been exactly as you stated in your post. Painless! On the occasions I have returned things they simply credited the amount of the purchase to my Credit Card.
As you said, "Painless"!
01-05-2013, 07:51 PM
#99
My Feedback: (19)
RE: 12FG discontinued
ORIGINAL: Dick T.
I always let them post credit to my Tower account since I order frequently. Saves them a few bucks by not running back and forth to the credit card.
As you said, ''Painless''!
ORIGINAL: Truckracer
Dick T.
My Tower return experiences have been exactly as you stated in your post. Painless! On the occasions I have returned things they simply credited the amount of the purchase to my Credit Card.
Dick T.
My Tower return experiences have been exactly as you stated in your post. Painless! On the occasions I have returned things they simply credited the amount of the purchase to my Credit Card.
As you said, ''Painless''!
01-08-2013, 10:33 PM
#100
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RE: 12FG discontinued
Highly unlikely. The 14MZ was replaced by the 18MZ and 12 Z seems like an orphan and is based on older non supported technology. If Futaba is still manufacturing the 12 FG then it is likely that its replacement is due only later in the year and hobbico has decided to carry only the 6J, 8J, 14SG and 18MZ. Thats a lot less inventory and supports the FHSS/S-FHSS, and the latter two the FASST and FASSTest. Makes a lot of sense.