Marty,
I'm also running the newest software, and I have not noticed any behavior like this. If you change to one of the other models in the radio, does that "restore" the normal function of the beeps ?

Ok, just started messing with a bit more and somehow the "player" option in the "system" menu was changed. That is, a three position switch was assigned to the player volume control which was set at zero/50%/ and 100%. As soon as I set the control to "null" I was able to adjust the volume to max with no switch associated to it and all good now. Don't know how or when I messed with that menu but apparently I did.

Ahh, good that you fixed it :)
I must say I'm a little dissapointed by the "data logger" of the 18MZ, in the CSV file, if you have changed the names of the sensors (for example if you have more of the same sensor type), the name is not used in the file, but only the generic name. Would be nice if the "typed in name" would be used in the file

Steve Kaluf,
I know it's a long shot, but do you think that Futaba at some point could be talked into making a "generic/typeless" sensor on the transmitter, one that only can show a number (-32767 to 32768) and where the nice lady saying the numbers just says the number and nothing else ?
One can then use the "rename" function of the individual sensors and put some meaningful info in the title (f.ex "Fuel left (ml)")
That would enable some of the coming SBUS2 third party telemetry modules like this: http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/rc-j...atalogger.html

You should make a request on their Webb site, they are responsive to change. I requested a zero voltage warning change and got it!

m

I'm still hoping we can get voice indications for the timers at programmable intervals like every 30 seconds or every minute. At busy jet rallies with six jets in the air, sometimes you want to cut a flight short when two or three guys are all calling landing at the same time and you have to keep asking your spotter to try and see your timer.

Mick,
thanks for the suggestion, I have done what you suggested, lets see if I'm lucky :)

This has been a great thread to monitor news on the 18MZ, and also the aftermarket devices that are being produced, especially the telemetry units (such as the pitot-static airspeed sensors, the upcoming ASSI Carsten created and Xicoy will be producing, and many others).

My sincere hope is that Futaba will see the development of this "ecosystem" of products to enhance their system as something positive, and will encourage this to happen more and more .. to drive independent innovation around their radio platform. I know Steve K monitors this forum so perhaps he could comment.

I'll go make these suggestions on the Futaba website but I thought I would mention here and see if others have some additional or even better ideas on what Futaba could do to encourage more work by third parties, which I think has great benefits for Futaba.

1. Thanks for letting end-users edit telemetry signal names!

2. Since the aftermarket devices have to emulate Futaba devices, sometimes the units of measurement or scaling of the signals is wrong .. e.g. one of the aftermarket devices uses emulation of a temperature sensor to read out fuel remaining. 100 degrees C = 100% fuel, 0 degrees C = 0% fuel. So you read tank percentage full as "degrees C". Usable but not elegant :-) How about making some "generic" devices that are designed to be adapted for third party devices?

3. If #2 is done, can we have a way to do at least a simple scaling (y=mx+b) where x=raw device input, m = scale multiplier, b=offset .. this would let us take the native/raw output of devices and scale it to convenient display units. Perhaps in the future there could be more scaling, just as Futaba already has in the mixers. We should also have an ability to edit the units name to whatever parameter name makes sense for the device in question.

4. How about a way to use Telemetry values (perhaps scaled .. see #3) in a mixer ..to effect other channels in the radio (e.g. telemetry brings down the air pressure of the retract system, if too low, lower the gear) this would let us monitor the air status (perhaps for more than one air system), scale it and display it in "nice" units (e.g. PSI), and use it to take some useful action.

5. If we can do #4, it opens the door to some more interesting possibilities .. consider a turbine speed limiter .. telemetry brings down the speed .. today we can do alarms .. but not impact the throttle channel via a mix. That has to be done in the plane .. as the ASSI unit does .. but if we had the ability to use telemetry in mixes, we might be able to program that on the ground and be in more control of it. Probably to do this right you need to have a PID controller option built in to the radio. It's not really all that complicated, but I can understand this might be considered too complex by the manufacturer.

I am hoping others find this interesting and make other suggestions, and hoping that the great innovations around the 18MZ radio as a platform continue .. it is really great for the owners of this system.

Dave McQ

The 18MZ is undoubtedly a great system but it has one major flaw, in my opinion, and that is the feel. I am a long time Futaba user and I've been trying to persuade myself that I can put up with this TX so that I can benefit from the software and programming that it has.

However, to me, it feels completely unbalanced (maybe due to the big screen) and the sticks don't feel great. If Futaba can improve the quality/design of the case and put better sticks on it then I'll buy one. However, I'm guessing that's not going to happen so it's looking increasingly likely that I will end up buying something from a different manufacturer.

This isn't a decision that I would take lightly as I have a load of Futaba receivers that would become redundant but I'm not really left with much choice :( If Spektrum can put sticks on their DX7 that feel nice, why can't Futaba do it on a $3000 TX?

Dave,
that is very well written! I have posted some of the ideas before on Futabas "wish list", but if they actually "listen" or not, time will tell.
It's a pity with their system that they are not more open to these kind of things, there is a big community "out there" who is just waiting to make nice devices for this!
(I have 3 other designs on prototype stage that I would like to launch at some point in time, hopefully they will do some of the generic type of sensors (super explanition you gave above!!)

I've just been asking for a talking timer so I don't have to look at the screen. I can never keep track of the beeps to know where I'm at:rolleyes:.

Dave,

Those are some GREAT Ideas. I love the air pressure monitor that could trigger an alarm and gear deployment.

For the effort and cost to do this Futaba would definitely reap the rewards quickly. To stay at the top of the $3000 mountain these are the kinds of things that could keep it there.

I too would like a talking timer for the exact reasons mentioned above.

Futaba please read this free advice! It WILL sell more radios.

Steve

Your problem can be easily solved. You can use Jeti independent telemetry with data downlink and display all data wirelessly on JetiBox Profi. We have many people using JetiBox with full range of sensors. You can also setup Alarms for wide range of conditions.

http://www.espritmodel.com/jeti-tele...rogrammer.aspx

How would that work with the Futaba 18mz FASSTest ????

I have a Robbe Telemetry box that already does what the Jeti box does, just with the Futaba FASSTest telemetry. I find with the boxes the items displayed are pretty useless. The reason being is there is simply not enough time to look away from your jet at a display and not get yourself into trouble.

On the other hand I like flying with an earbud and listening to the 18mz talk to me when I flip a switch. It would sure be nice to add some more sensors like .. Landing gear Air Pressure .. Fuel Consumed .. I'm very interested to try Carsten's new device when available. 4 of my motors are Jetcats but I also have a Jet Central, KingTech and Jets Munts that use the Xicoy ECU. I'm looking forward to future developments.

Steve

I own a18Mz and would love these software up grades. Seem that new Taranis radio (172.00) has all these features and many chomping at the bit to get their hands on one. Should be interesting to see how they do after a few years, but for 172 that's almost a carefree disposable undertaking.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hkOkSHfhoyc

Yes but also very risky, if the "Free" TxOpen guys go on strike you have nothing left only sub-standard plastic case with some wires. Also if there is problem with software-hardware integration who is the responsible one? But it will be interesting to see the progression of the system.

Zb/Jeti USA

Just simply set up your alarms, and run it as independent telemetry. You can use earbug, but DO NOT LOOK at the screen, set audible alarms or voice notification.

Zb/Jeti USA

Video:
http://www.espritmodel.com/jeti-tele...rogrammer.aspx

Telemetry Functions & Alarms
All of the telemetry screens have been updated to support the latest Duplex EX sensors. You can display up to 20 different telemetry parameters on 5 different desktop screens and also monitor the output of up to 16 transmitter channels. In addition to monitoring telemetry in real-time, you are able to record telemetry data for review after the flight. You can then view the logged data using the Jeti Graphics Flight Monitor Interface. Another cool set of function are the programmable alarms. This has proven to be a bulletproof way of enhancing safety for both yourself and your model. You can simply set a receiver battery capacity alarm for the desired capacity used and once that number is reached the system acoustically and visually gives you warnings.

[TABLE="width: 100%"]
[TR]
[TD="bgcolor: white"]http://file.espritmodel.com/telemetr...tibox-capn.jpg [/TD]
[TD="bgcolor: white"]Capacity Alarm
You can see battery capacity alarm activated. ProfiBox Profi will program all Jeti Duplex Sensors. [/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="bgcolor: white"]http://file.espritmodel.com/telemetr...box-varion.jpg [/TD]
[TD="bgcolor: white"]Voltage, Variometer
You can see displayed actual Receiver Voltage and Variometer. Especially helpful for soaring sailplane models. [/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="bgcolor: white"]http://file.espritmodel.com/telemetr...tibox-runn.jpg [/TD]
[TD="bgcolor: white"]Capacity, Voltage, Run Time
You can see displayed Battery Capacity (mAh), Battery Voltage (V), Current (A) and Motor Run Time. [/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="bgcolor: white"]http://file.espritmodel.com/telemetr...tibox-gpsn.jpg [/TD]
[TD="bgcolor: white"]GPS Coordinates, Time
You can see displayed GPS Coordinates, GPS Satellite Count and Local Time Stamp. [/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="bgcolor: white"]http://file.espritmodel.com/telemetr...ibox-tempn.jpg [/TD]
[TD="bgcolor: white"]Voltage, Signal, Temperature
You can see displayed actual Receiver Voltage, Receiver Antenna Signal Strength and Temperature [/TD]
[/TR]
[/TABLE]