UPDATED -- Futaba 6EX and 7C Serivce Advisory (Full Version)

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Krysta -> UPDATED -- Futaba 6EX and 7C Serivce Advisory (1/17/2008 2:42:28 PM)

Futaba 6EX, 7C and TM-7 Service Advisory- Updated 01/30/08

This service advisory affects only owners of the Futaba TM-7 module and 6EX and 7C FASST systems. Each FASST transmitter contains a unique eight digit identification code, programmed at the factory to identify the respective transmitter and to allow a receiver to be paired only to that radio’s signal. Recently we have learned that a very small number of the TM-7 modules, and 6EX and 7C FASST systems were incorrectly coded with a common code number during the manufacturing process. These units were subsequently sold prior to our awareness of the situation.

If two or more units, utilizing this common identification code, were to be in use simultaneously, they may cause interference with one another. Please note: Units which utilize the correct identification code will not be affected by these units.

We’re extremely confident that this is not a widespread problem. However, to catch any possible incorrectly coded units in the field and to give you peace of mind that your system is not affected, we have set up test stations at participating hobby shops throughout the country where you will be able to determine -- within a matter of minutes -- whether or not your transmitter is affected, at no charge to you. There are 100 such Test Stations in place now, and the number will be increased to 500 over the next two to three weeks. Please see: http://2.4gigahertz.com/techsupport/service-advisory-tm7-7c-6ex.html#list for a listing of these testing stations. Or, if you prefer, you may send it in to our service center and we will analyze it for you at no charge. If any problem is found, it will be replaced. We will gladly pay the postage for returning the unit and sending it back to you.

If you have questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact our Futaba Service Center at: 217-398-0007 or via email at: service@futaba-rc.com. Our staff is available to you Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm U.S. Central Standard Time.

Precautionary Measures and Information-

It is important to note that the precautionary measures are relevant only to the Futaba FASST items with serial numbers as described below. To determine if your transmitter might be affected, look on the bottom of the transmitter case. If using the TM-7 module, the serial number is located on the inside portion of the module:

6EX: A7xxxxxxx without the “I” (Inspected) sticker
7C 07xxxxxxx without the “I” (Inspected) sticker
TM-7 07xxxxxx without the “I” (Inspected) sticker

The precautionary measures do not apply to systems that utilize a serial number as noted below:
6EX ALL A8xxxxxxx or systems with the A7xxxxxxx serial number which include the “I” (Inspected) sticker
7C ALL 08xxxxxxx or systems with the 07xxxxxxx which include the “I” (Inspected) sticker
TM-7 ALL 08xxxxxx or modules with the 07xxxxxx which include the “I” (Inspected) sticker

1) As with all radio control equipment, we strongly suggest that you pre-flight your aircraft thoroughly prior to flying. When flying at a location with other FASST owners, prior to flying we suggest that all pilots briefly activate their systems simultaneously to check for any interaction between units. If any interactions should occur, do NOT fly. Return the unit to the Futaba Service Center for immediate replacement.

2) Each time that your transmitter is turned on, it is imperative that you allow the FASST system an adequate amount of time to thoroughly boot-up completely before shutting down the transmitter. After the battery voltage appears on the LCD, we recommend allowing the system to remain on at least one (1) additional second prior to turning off the power to the transmitter.

3) If the transmitter and receiver have lost their binding which required them to be re-linked, we recommend returning them to the Futaba Service Center for analysis. This is not expected behavior and should be investigated accordingly.



Sincerely,
Krysta
Product Development & Support Specialist
Futaba Service Center USA




Teachu2 -> RE: Futaba 6EX and 7C Serivce Advisory (1/17/2008 3:47:26 PM)

THANK YOU for getting this posted!



carlosponti -> RE: Futaba 6EX and 7C Serivce Advisory (1/17/2008 7:54:21 PM)

I am glad to hear futaba is taking care of this. So far i havent had problems with my 7c but i am glad to know ahead of time if there is a problem so i can be cautious.

thanks futaba
joe



AIRPLANENUTS -> RE: Futaba 6EX and 7C Serivce Advisory (1/17/2008 9:51:34 PM)

I can't resist. This is taken from Futaba's website.

Futaba gets it right the first time.

Futaba takes great pride in making sure that every new product performs flawlessly before it's offered to our customers. Others hesitate to invest so much effort in testing. Some may even consider their "first run" products a step in the process of working out bugs, using feedback from the earliest buyers. Futaba is different. When you choose a Futaba 2.4GHz FASST radio system or module/receiver set, you've selected a fully tested, well-engineered, totally reliable product – one that's absolutely ready to give demanding R/C hobbyists the performance they expect. Our hands-on experience with 2.4GHz technology stretches back 15 years, long before anyone considered its value in hobby applications. That's when engineers in Futaba's industrial R/C division – designers of radio-control tools for construction, civil engineering, and similar uses – began employing and perfecting their own 2.4GHz equipment. Those same engineers were brought in to share their knowledge as soon as we were comfortable that 2.4GHz technology had perfected for the unique demands of R/C hobby applications. No other radio manufacturer had such an instant supply of expertise.



shakes268 -> RE: Futaba 6EX and 7C Serivce Advisory (1/17/2008 10:01:18 PM)


quote:

ORIGINAL: AIRPLANENUTS

I can't resist. This is taken from Futaba's website.

Futaba gets it right the first time.

Futaba takes great pride in making sure that every new product performs flawlessly before it's offered to our customers. Others hesitate to invest so much effort in testing. Some may even consider their "first run" products a step in the process of working out bugs, using feedback from the earliest buyers. Futaba is different. When you choose a Futaba 2.4GHz FASST radio system or module/receiver set, you've selected a fully tested, well-engineered, totally reliable product – one that's absolutely ready to give demanding R/C hobbyists the performance they expect. Our hands-on experience with 2.4GHz technology stretches back 15 years, long before anyone considered its value in hobby applications. That's when engineers in Futaba's industrial R/C division – designers of radio-control tools for construction, civil engineering, and similar uses – began employing and perfecting their own 2.4GHz equipment. Those same engineers were brought in to share their knowledge as soon as we were comfortable that 2.4GHz technology had perfected for the unique demands of R/C hobby applications. No other radio manufacturer had such an instant supply of expertise.


Your glee in the troubles of others would be noteworthy had your post presented something new. However, you were beaten to the punch in other threads - numerous times.



Teachu2 -> RE: Futaba 6EX and 7C Serivce Advisory (1/17/2008 10:12:37 PM)

Make something foolproof, and there evolves a more advanced fool..................



harphunt -> RE: Futaba 6EX and 7C Serivce Advisory (1/17/2008 11:16:21 PM)

I am happy to finally see that this issue has been addressed by Futaba. I am still unsure about the "Switch" issue. If my 7c "checks out," it seems that tx can reset its code by being switched on and off at "incorrect" intervals. I'm confussed then. Is this correct?

Krysta, please respond to this post-manufacturing issue.

Thanks



Krysta -> RE: Futaba 6EX and 7C Serivce Advisory (1/18/2008 5:58:21 PM)

Hi harphunt,

The chances of someone being able to cycle the transmitter power off and on in 3 milliseconds would be highly doubtful. This is a precautionary statement only. It has not been confirmed by Futaba. As long as you give the transmitter time to power off, when shutting down, you should not have any problems.

Just as on your home PC, it is not good to just pull the plug from the wall when you are done, you actually turn it off step by step to let the PC itself, shut each function down. This is the same concept for your transmitter, and this is a good precaution with ANY computer radio.

Also if you never have had to rebind your receiver to your transmitter, then your system is not zeroed out and it is fine.


Sincerely,
Krysta
Product Development & Support Specialist
Futaba Service Center USA



rg -> RE: Futaba 6EX and 7C Serivce Advisory (1/18/2008 9:13:43 PM)

I just tested 3 of my TM-7 modules to see if they would connect to two new unbound 607 rx's and one module connected to both receivers, the other modules will not connect, I think I have a module with a zero GUID, and I think I have been lucky as this is the only module I have flown with yet!!!! Sorry should have added I purchased all 3 modules in the US and I am wondering where do I stand with regard to warranty.



Silent-AV8R -> RE: Futaba 6EX and 7C Serivce Advisory (1/18/2008 9:18:28 PM)

Well, you would have only had a problem if another zero GUID TX showed up. An non-zero TX would not control your RX's that were bound to non-zero GUID TXs already.

For grins, take one of the RXs you used for this test and actually go through the binding process with the module you suspect of being a problem. Then repeat the test. I am curious what happens in this instance.



rg -> RE: Futaba 6EX and 7C Serivce Advisory (1/18/2008 9:34:32 PM)

I don't think this will make any difference as I was prompted to check all my moduleswhen the service advisory stated that there is a problem if you had to re-bind which I had to do once with this module



cwharper -> RE: Futaba 6EX and 7C Serivce Advisory (1/19/2008 12:47:23 AM)

I bought my 6EX FASST back in May 2007. Is there any chance that mine was affected? I've never had any problems, and never had to rebind any receivers (I have 5 rx)



shaggman1 -> RE: Futaba 6EX and 7C Serivce Advisory (1/19/2008 1:06:10 AM)

Can someone clarify if this is a Tx or Rx problem? I'm wanting to know about the problem this thread was created to explain. If I read that first post right Krysta is warning of a possible Tx issue.

Also Krysta, is there a page we can go to see when and where the testing at local shops will be available?

Thanks,
Sam



Rudy F -> RE: Futaba 6EX and 7C Serivce Advisory (1/19/2008 5:00:45 AM)


quote:

ORIGINAL: Krysta

Hi harphunt,

The chances of someone being able to cycle the transmitter power off and on in 3 milliseconds would be highly doubtful. This is a precautionary statement only. It has not been confirmed by Futaba. As long as you give the transmitter time to power off, when shutting down, you should not have any problems.

Just as on your home PC, it is not good to just pull the plug from the wall when you are done, you actually turn it off step by step to let the PC itself, shut each function down. This is the same concept for your transmitter, and this is a good precaution with ANY computer radio.

Also if you never have had to rebind your receiver to your transmitter, then your system is not zeroed out and it is fine.


Sincerely,
Krysta
Product Development & Support Specialist
Futaba Service Center USA



What quality is the power switch? Double contacts? Goldplated?



harphunt -> RE: Futaba 6EX and 7C Serivce Advisory (1/19/2008 2:04:41 PM)

Again, thank you for your response Krysta. I'm sure things are a bit stressfull in your and Bax's professional lives. I do need one more question answered that might sound like the same one, but isn't.

-Is Futaba still looking into this "switch issue," or do they consider the problem solved with the transmitter check (thank you for this proactive action) and a "switch" precautionary statement?

I would really appreciate a response.

Thank you in advance.




AIRPLANENUTS -> RE: Futaba 6EX and 7C Serivce Advisory (1/20/2008 12:34:43 PM)

"If you have questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact our Futaba Service Center at: 217-398-0007 or via email at: service@futaba-rc.com. Our staff is available to you Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm U.S. Central Standard Time. "

I have tried e-mailing a question concerning my FASST system numerous times to the above address, and each time it has bounced. Is there another support e-mail address available?



summerwind -> RE: Futaba 6EX and 7C Serivce Advisory (1/20/2008 3:11:39 PM)


quote:

ORIGINAL: AIRPLANENUTS

"If you have questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact our Futaba Service Center at: 217-398-0007 or via email at: service@futaba-rc.com. Our staff is available to you Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm U.S. Central Standard Time. "

I have tried e-mailing a question concerning my FASST system numerous times to the above address, and each time it has bounced. Is there another support e-mail address available?

same problem...............



MalcolmL -> RE: Futaba 6EX and 7C Serivce Advisory (1/21/2008 10:34:50 AM)

I was very unsurprised to read AirplaneNuts' post about Futaba's hype on their own website - which I have not seen yet - nor have I seen the other comments mentioned by shakes268. Thanks AirplaneNuts for bringing this to the attention of RCU readers and RC flyers. It serves as an apt reminder to RC flyers NOT to believe everything they read on the internet - or Futaba's website - or any other site for that matter. I've been an avid Futaba customer/user since the early 1970's - and flown Futaba in 4 continents around the world (not in S America or Antarctica) - considering myself a good ambassador for the Futaba brand (I've owned more than 10 Futaba radios over the years - keeping at least one radio in one of those 4 continents (and models ready to fly). On occasions I've had cause to make use of the local Futaba importer wherever I've been flying and always received good and willing service. However - and here's the sour note - there have been changes at Futaba inn recent times - some of these changes appear to have affected the quality and service Futaba offer compared to earlier years. I refer to products manufactured outside Japan for one and the availability of servicing radios for another.

Car manufacturers have been increasing the complexity of their cars eg computers yet their standard of servicing has kept up with or even improved. Futaba has also increased product complexity and sophistication (their 9ZAP series was a leap forward) and yet their standard of service and it's availablity has suffered. Perhaps not in the USA, but certainly in Asia, and this at a time when their more complex products require higher servicing and repair skills. For me, Futaba has definitely slipped backwards as a service support facility.

For the first time in over 30 years of RC flying, I am now seriously considering buying JR. This despite having over 100 Futaba servos and over 30 receivers.

Only one question remains for me - am I about to do the right thing ? MalcolmL






MalcolmL -> RE: Futaba 6EX and 7C Serivce Advisory (1/21/2008 10:38:54 AM)

I was very unsurprised to read AirplaneNuts' post about Futaba's hype on their own website - which I have not seen yet - nor have I seen the other comments mentioned by shakes268. Thanks AirplaneNuts for bringing this to the attention of RCU readers and RC flyers. It serves as an apt reminder to RC flyers NOT to believe everything they read on the internet - or Futaba's website - or any other site for that matter. I've been an avid Futaba customer/user since the early 1970's - and flown Futaba in 4 continents around the world (not in S America or Antarctica) - considering myself a good ambassador for the Futaba brand (I've owned more than 10 Futaba radios over the years - keeping at least one radio in one of those 4 continents (and models ready to fly). On occasions I've had cause to make use of the local Futaba importer wherever I've been flying and always received good and willing service. However - and here's the sour note - there have been changes at Futaba inn recent times - some of these changes appear to have affected the quality and service Futaba offer compared to earlier years. I refer to products manufactured outside Japan for one and the availability of servicing radios for another.

Car manufacturers have been increasing the complexity of their cars eg computers yet their standard of servicing has kept up with or even improved. Futaba has also increased product complexity and sophistication (their 9ZAP series was a leap forward) and yet their standard of service and it's availablity has suffered. Perhaps not in the USA, but certainly in Asia, and this at a time when their more complex products require higher servicing and repair skills. For me, Futaba has definitely slipped backwards as a service support facility.

For the first time in over 30 years of RC flying, I am now seriously considering buying JR. This despite having over 100 Futaba servos and over 30 receivers.

Only one question remains for me - am I about to do the right thing ? MalcolmL






PhilNZ -> RE: Futaba 6EX and 7C Serivce Advisory (1/21/2008 6:10:04 PM)

Hi Krysta,
Thank you for making us aware of this problem.

Can you tell us how many sets TX/RX this effects world wide and does Futaba know where these sets are.

Is there a range of serial numbers to look for ?

Thank you

Phil



summerwind -> RE: Futaba 6EX and 7C Serivce Advisory (1/22/2008 2:55:24 AM)

great support.....i've sent a bunch of emails........no response.........i think this is the time when we might all think about a class action suit no?

i mean we certainly aren't playing with cheap toys here now are we, not to mention the potential of someone getting hurt with a runaway model.
i had to rebind my receiver about a month and a half after getting the radio......never thought to much about it til now.



1bwana1 -> RE: Futaba 6EX and 7C Serivce Advisory (1/22/2008 3:46:09 AM)

Summerwind,
It's a little early in the fix it process to start lawsuit talk isn't it? While I agree that a GUID problem is about as serious as one can get on a 2.4 system, and there is no excuse for releasing a product with a bug like this, we must give the staff at Futaba a little room. I'm betting they are scrambling to get a handle on the problem, and decide what to do about it. I can also imagine some people polishing their resumes if this falls in their laps. In the mean time they probably feel, the less said the better. In your case, they have already answered your likely question in the release. If you lose bind, something is wrong, you are supposed to send the TX in so Futaba can have a look at it. So send it in, you may help solve the problem.



summerwind -> RE: Futaba 6EX and 7C Serivce Advisory (1/22/2008 5:15:37 AM)

i want to send it in, and i do not want to make a fuss about it...........but the offer is, email us for shipping arrangements and we'll take care of the arrangements............hasn't happened.



Silent-AV8R -> RE: Futaba 6EX and 7C Serivce Advisory (1/22/2008 6:59:26 AM)


quote:

ORIGINAL: summerwind

great support.....i've sent a bunch of emails........no response.........i think this is the time when we might all think about a class action suit no?

i mean we certainly aren't playing with cheap toys here now are we, not to mention the potential of someone getting hurt with a runaway model.
i had to rebind my receiver about a month and a half after getting the radio......never thought to much about it til now.


Class action, or any action, requires that the class show "damage". Can you tell me what damage you have sustained?? And that does not mean a crashed planes. And sorry, but perceived potential is not sufficient for legal action.

Really, this is getting silly.



Silent-AV8R -> RE: Futaba 6EX and 7C Serivce Advisory (1/22/2008 7:01:04 AM)


quote:

ORIGINAL: 1bwana1
there is no excuse for releasing a product with a bug like this,


This assumes they were aware of the issue, which clearly they were not.



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