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Futaba FP-8SSAP Single Stick Transmitter 2.4GHz Convers... - 7/16/2012 5:46 PM   
ohnas


 

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From: Leiw Center, OH, USA
Status: offline 		 I finally got my hands on one of the futaba 8 channel single stick transmitters from the late 80s and early 90s and decided to see what it would take to do a conversion to Spektrum DSM2.  From my web searching, there was basically one option due to the 8SSAP being PCM 512 only- Change the radio guts with a newer radio.  To me, that seemed expensive so I came up with a new plan.  My first thought was to make a PCM decoder with a PIC or similar processor but I quickly gave up on that.  So, after a couple days of pondering the problem and seraching for a futaba PCM512 decoder, I realized I already had one- the receiver!

I'll post pictures and go over the complete process once I am done with the image editing.  I can also answer any questions for others that want to do a similar conversion.  In total, I spent $75 plus the 8 Channel PCM512 receiver.


Okay, here are the parts:  THe blue circuit board is an 8 channel ppm encoder from DIYDrones







< Message edited by ohnas -- 7/17/2012 10:06 PM >

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RE: Futaba FP-8SSAP Single Stick Transmitter 2.4GHz Co... - 7/17/2012 2:50 AM   
impactiq


 

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Status: offline 		I will be waiting anxiously to see how you did the conversion!

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RE: Futaba FP-8SSAP Single Stick Transmitter 2.4GHz Co... - 7/17/2012 1:36 PM   
hook57


 

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Status: offline 		Ditto that too!
If you did it with the 8SS it should be doable with the JR Galaxy 9 PCM (the G9); I have one of each. We're all ears..... (or eyes!)
hook

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RE: Futaba FP-8SSAP Single Stick Transmitter 2.4GHz Co... - 7/17/2012 1:55 PM   
J Strong


 

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Status: offline 		Sometimes I wish it worked out for Tony Stillman to have converted mine, but after 400-700 flights, finally made the two stick switch. Almost gave the hobby up it was such a large undertaking, especially flying pattern.
Still carry and fly my JR Century 7 every month or so. Think Da and I still have 15 or more of the ole single stickers .

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RE: Futaba FP-8SSAP Single Stick Transmitter 2.4GHz Con... - 7/17/2012 10:27 PM   
ohnas


 

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Status: offline 		So here is the basic plan-

Since I have PCM 512 from the radio but no PPM, I had to figure somethign out for the conversion.  Having taken the r118gp receiver apart before, I noticed the RF and PCM boards are separate and thus the PCM board is easily removed and connected to the new PPM encoder.  So the "new" module connects DSC wire, the PCM board of the receiver connects to the PPM encoder, the PPM encoder then connects to the PPM pin of the DM8 module.  HIt the switch and you are transmitting on 2.4GHz with a PPM signal.



 

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RE: Futaba FP-8SSAP Single Stick Transmitter 2.4GHz Con... - 7/18/2012 2:38 AM   
J Strong


 

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Status: offline 		That's cool, but just thinking, is 2.4 worth all the work. Fewer and fewer folks are on 72 now, but guess after saying that, I never use to pratice fly on Saturday mornings prior to a pattern contest, due to the frequency clash potential.
If you need moe work to do, I can send you my favorite JR PCM 9 .
I loved the top rudder feature of this and the Kraft Signature Series model Single sticks.
Jamie in Bama

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RE: Futaba FP-8SSAP Single Stick Transmitter 2.4GHz Con... - 7/18/2012 4:09 AM   
ohnas


 

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As you can see there are only a few wires connecting the PCM and and RF boards
  • White- PCM signal
  • Red- Batt+
  • Black- Batt-
  • Orange- B+
  • Yellow- DSC control
I delsoldered all wires from the PCM board as well as the servo connector board.





Then, connecting each of the servo outputs of the PCM board to the PPM board




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RE: Futaba FP-8SSAP Single Stick Transmitter 2.4GHz Con... - 7/18/2012 4:30 AM   
J Strong


 

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Status: offline 		Very neat, and nice info
Dad still only flys his Krafts, and would like to get them changed to work with the JR stuff. He presently has one of the Dymond conversions, but thier Rx's are pricey.
I admire folks that can figure that kind of stuff out.

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RE: Futaba FP-8SSAP Single Stick Transmitter 2.4GHz Con... - 7/18/2012 12:40 PM   
doxilia



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Status: offline 		The conversion of good old American PPM radios (e.g., Kraft, Proline, Ace, EK, etc.) to 2.4 is really quite simple, especially if the original encoder is in good shape and functional. Essentially a swap out of the RF board from AM or FM to 2.4 along with four wires is all that's required. Of course, with the original encoders, one doesn't have all the computer functions of modern radios. Because of that, in part, the Microstar 2000 (MS2K) project was born. I hope to build myself a couple of Kraft (one SS, one DS) radios with the MS2K encoder and 2.4 RF some time in the not too distant future.

The conversion of a PCM based radio here is very interesting! Keep up the interesting details.

David

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RE: Futaba FP-8SSAP Single Stick Transmitter 2.4GHz Con... - 7/18/2012 12:51 PM   
J Strong


 

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Status: offline 		Couldn't help but notice what looks to be a pattern ship in the pic by your signin
You fly pattern as well?
All my buds are NATs bound, but 7 days away from home is a bit much with 9 more contest left in the season for 2012

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RE: Futaba FP-8SSAP Single Stick Transmitter 2.4GHz Con... - 7/19/2012 11:57 PM   
ohnas


 

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Status: offline 		 Here is the finished PCM/PPM transcoder

The yellow wire is the new PPM out  Connects to PPM pin of DM8

Red is battery +  6-15 volt
Black is -

White is PCM 512 input (this connects to the DSC wire of the transmitter)





Next is a picture of the test setup




Here is a picture of the PCM waveform (white wire of transcoder)




The PPM waveform being fed to the DM8



And finally one of the servo outputs from the DSM receiver





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RE: Futaba FP-8SSAP Single Stick Transmitter 2.4GHz Con... - 7/20/2012 2:55 AM   
dhal22


 

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Status: offline 		Over my head, thats for sure. Nice work, please keep posting.

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RE: Futaba FP-8SSAP Single Stick Transmitter 2.4GHz Con... - 7/22/2012 4:05 PM   
hook57


 

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Status: offline 		But what a really clean, novel idea. Wonder why the experts didn't think of it (or didn't want too). In essence, the PCM is decoded by the DIY encoder and then transmitted via a PPM signal to the DM8 module and then transmitted at 2.4 from there, is that correct Ohnas. And the signal looks very clean too. Brilliant! A Guiness anyone?
Mark

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RE: Futaba FP-8SSAP Single Stick Transmitter 2.4GHz Con... - 7/23/2012 4:10 PM   
B-262


 

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Status: offline 		I have 3 of the FP-128DP dual conversion for my helicopter version,would one of those boards work? still fly mine almost every week in a 60's taurus. a friend of mine has one to and we have talked about conversion but looks to be over my head!

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RE: Futaba FP-8SSAP Single Stick Transmitter 2.4GHz Con... - 7/23/2012 6:56 PM   
ohnas


 

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Status: offline 		 Does the 128dp have a DSC port?  If so, it might take a little work to isolate the PCM decoder electronics but would definitely be doable.  I'll try to locate a 128 and do some experimenting.




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RE: Futaba FP-8SSAP Single Stick Transmitter 2.4GHz Con... - 7/23/2012 7:22 PM   
ohnas


 

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quote:

ORIGINAL: hook57

But what a really clean, novel idea. Wonder why the experts didn't think of it (or didn't want too). In essence, the PCM is decoded by the DIY encoder and then transmitted via a PPM signal to the DM8 module and then transmitted at 2.4 from there, is that correct Ohnas. And the signal looks very clean too. Brilliant! A Guiness anyone?
Mark


I kind of wondered why the experts didn't come up with this either- for certain I can't possibly the first though.  I have heard of some high dollar conversions but they weren't really an 8ss when done and take quite a bit of time to complete.  

I'm looking for an 8ssh now and hope to get one of those converted as well.

I'll have more pictures and details up as well-  there is a transistor to invert the ppm to go over.



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RE: Futaba FP-8SSAP Single Stick Transmitter 2.4GHz Con... - 7/24/2012 12:45 AM   
B-262


 

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Status: offline 		yes they do have the D.S.C. port. i understood these receivers they were good for both 512 and 1024

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RE: Futaba FP-8SSAP Single Stick Transmitter 2.4GHz Con... - 8/11/2012 4:20 AM   
ohnas


 

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Status: offline 		 I ebayed a couple of the r128dp receivers and they can easily be used for the ppm conversion.  I will get pictures but when you ake the receiver apart, there are two boards like the 118gp and you simply desolder 5 connections to get the boards apart and you are ready to go.  I haven't tested pcm1024 with the r128dp but I will.

I am almost done with the radio so finished pictures will be up soon.  

Here is the question though- my 8ssap pictured above is in perfect condition- is it worth more converted?  I have a beater 8ssap and may eBay the perfect one.




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RE: Futaba FP-8SSAP Single Stick Transmitter 2.4GHz Con... - 8/11/2012 4:29 AM   
ohnas


 

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quote:

ORIGINAL: B-262

I have 3 of the FP-128DP dual conversion for my helicopter version,would one of those boards work? still fly mine almost every week in a 60's taurus. a friend of mine has one to and we have talked about conversion but looks to be over my head!


I can certainly help with the conversion of yours-  if you like how mine looks when done, we can work something out.  It will be PPM or pcm512 selectable.



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RE: Futaba FP-8SSAP Single Stick Transmitter 2.4GHz Con... - 9/7/2012 2:35 AM   
ohnas


 

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The PPM encoder pictured below was made from the 128dp and is easier to make because there is less desoldering.  The finished module is also slightly smaller.  The radio in these pictures is also a different one that I purchased with a hole already drilled in the front so I added the knob and switch there.  For my other 8ssap, I am replacing the power switch with one the will lock in the center so up will be pcm and down will be ppm, making the radio look like it has not been modified.  

If you have any questions, please let me know.  I also decided I will do conversions for people so let me know if you are interested.  I would need the radio and a 128dp or r118gp receiver.









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RE: Futaba FP-8SSAP Single Stick Transmitter 2.4GHz Con... - 10/28/2012 10:38 PM   
crashprofector


 

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Status: offline 		HI Nice job single sticks are the only way in my opinon, sorry to bother if you dont mind what is the measurements of the case.

Thanks
Mike Grissom
electricalplus@embarqmail.com

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RE: Futaba FP-8SSAP Single Stick Transmitter 2.4GHz Con... - 10/28/2012 11:52 PM   
J Strong


 

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Status: offline 		I sold two really nice 8 units like that last year. To many analogue switches and stuff to go bad, the way it was.
Still have 15-16 single sticks around the house, its all my Dad will fly.
Competing, I had to make the two stick switch 5 years ago, and boy, it was tuff, for a while. Now I can fly one as ll as the other, but the S'S will always feel better
Jamie
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