Futaba 14SG Review.
Futaba14sg review.
.
Before I received my Futaba 14sg radio I had searched the internet for ages but could not find any reviews on it. The following is my honest opinion and review based on my experiences with this radio.
I bought the Futaba 14sg as a replacement for my first radio the Futaba 7C 72mhz. I was worried about the cost of genuine Futaba RX's but found FrSky fasst receivers for $21 on Hobby King. I put them into my smaller planes of .40 size and smaller. The two selling points for me was the telemetry (for RX voltage) and the ability to use any of the Futaba 2.4ghz frequency hopping protocols. FASST, FASSTest, SFHSS and FHSS. For those who don't know, all Futaba 2.4ghz radios use frequency hopping systems that allow the radio to skip continuously between frequencies to avoid interference. The first 2.4 system Futaba made was FASST. This was a very 'over engineered' system and consequently quite expensive. It is still used by most futaba users today and so it has stood the test of time. S-FHSS is Futaba's cheap version and is quite fast and also to Futaba's safe standard. None of these however, are capable of having the RX 'talk back' to the radio and send information like RPM, temperature, height, etc. Then Futaba came out with FASSTest. FASSTest is Futaba's two way system. This means that FASSTest is Futaba's only telemetry capable protocol. The 14sg is a great radio to get because it means that no matter what type of Futaba 2.4 RX you have in your planes, you will be able to use them in this radio. SBUS is another nice feature that allows you to use up to 16 servos in one receiver.
Packaging.
The 14sg came in a small box compared to other futaba radios. It was well ppackaged and no damage was obtained in transit. Upon opening I found the manual, neckstrap, 6vbattery, LIFE battery bracket, a switch, screw driver, RX and charger. It is worth noting that the charger is only a 110 volt charger and so it would be useless in some countries. The TX itself had protective plastic screen covers like that on an iPod. They were however, so badly applied that I removed them straight away and bought new ones. The sticks had a very tight tension but that was soon altered through the tension screws through the rear of the case under the grips.
Closer look at TX
Compared to my Futaba 7C the 14sg was quite heavy which I like because it adds to the quality feel. The plastic was fine and I really liked the styling. After feeling a Spektrum DX8 in the shop I was looking forward to the rubber grips. I was a little disappointed when I felt the 14sg grips because they are very hard and not very rubbery although they are probably more resistant to methanol. The neckstrap holder perfectly balances the radio. The screen is a nice size and I found navigation great with the sensor touch. The TX has two home screens. One has lots of information and the other enlarges the two timer displays. The alarm is in my opinion loud enough but the vibrating option is not very powerful. The gimbals, once adjusted to my preferred tension felt fine and smooth. The Futaba 14sg overall has a modern, compact and quality feel to it.
Linking.
Linking the included Futaba FASSTest RX was easy to do but unconventional. I involves some setting up in the systems menu but is explained well in the manual. The FRSky RX's were also easy to link by powering up the RX, holding down the failsafe button on the RX and turning on the TX. Of coarse the TX has to be in FASST 7ch mode for It to work.
Switches,
There are 6 three position switches on the 14sg, 1 two position switch and 1 two position spring loaded switch. I really like there being 6 three position switches because I can, for example, set timer start, reset and pause all on one switch. As well as flight conditions, dual rates etc. There are also 2 rotary knobs and two sliders on the rear. I love these for flaps, undercarriage, etc. The switches are slightly wobbly but I don't think it is a problem.
Manual,
The manual is fine for me and is for the most part okay.
Software updates.
The software update was a quick and painless process. It is done through an SD card.
Features:
This is where the 14sg excels. I like the dual rates. They have up to 5 different rates. All of the exponential rates are laid out in a brilliant graph. Model selection is easy and it can be done from either the home page or systems menu. There are three different menus. They are the system menu, the link menu and the model menu. Setting up functions such as dual aileron and/or dual elevator is simple and straight forward with the manual. Mixing is easy if you follow the manual. One disappointing thing is that there are no flight conditions in airplane mode. Flight conditions is a function that allows you to have the plane set up in different ways for different phases of flight. You switch between flight conditions using switches. Maybe with a future update theflight modes will be usable in airplane mode too. There is a headphone plug in the rear of the transmitter. This is currently useless but I heard somewhere that it will be able to be used for voice output when the next update comes out. The key with a TX like this is to use the manual!
Use:
I arrived at the field and began setting up the planes. Using the Frsky receivers I conducted a range check. To range check you hold the center of the sensor touch and turn on the TX. You press the center of the sensor touch again and it will start a countdown from 90 seconds. Once the timer is up the range check is finished and the radio will automatically start to transmit at full range again. The clone receivers have worked well in my .40 sized planes for over 12 hours flying time and have not had any problems. I have not flown with the included RX yet but I have set up a plane that is soon to be maidened.
The design of the transmitters back is amazing and very comfortable. I get that locked in feeling they advertise.
Telemetry:
Telemetry only works on FASSTest and so I have only had a chance to test it on the ground and yes the RX voltage works as it should. I will buy additional sensors for height, speed , temperature and RPM in the future.
Summary:
Overall I love this radio. I am very satisfied with it and with the clone receivers. It is all very cheap. The Futaba 18mz is the next step up from the 14sg and for the price I can't see a huge difference between them in functions.
Futaba 14sg radio
Tower Hobbies
$549.00
FrSky TFR6 7ch
Hobbyking.com
$21.49
I bought it for my sailplanes. I like the slide switches for the spoilers.
the manual leaves a lot to be desired.
ex: the "program" function has all of 2 whole pages to explain how. youre supposed to be able to program any situation from what you learn on those two pages.
in all of the programming functions there are never any examples of common programming.
it took me hours to figure out how to set up (a very common feature these days) dual elevator servos.
finally found a post that said to use ailevator function and set aileron to 0% and elevator to 100%. or something like that.
my old airtronics rd8000 actually has a dual elevator function (you just "select" it) and it is listed in the book.
aside from all that, Im really enjoying the radio. with some use, it has become easier to program and the virtually unlimited functions that I can program are impressive
I have one function I can not figure out.
the timer on the motor run.
the two timers can be programmed in a few ways.
I am looking for:
when I open the throttle I want the timer to run, and when I bring throttle to "0" I want it to stop.
this way I can monitor the battery time.
I almost have it figured out, but im missing something.
can someone explain the steps to do this?
jon
Go to the timer T1 and press RTN, scroll down to Mode and change it to Down, scroll to Alarm and change to 10:00 then scroll to Start press RTN and select J3, in the J3 ON/OFF menu scroll to ON/OFF and change that to REV. Now put the throttle stick where you would like the counter to start, scroll back to POS and press RTN. Done!
Hope that helps,
Doug
Not down
i just reversed that from your directions
i think I was originally goofing up by trying to set a "stop" action aalso I knew it almost made sense to me I was just missing one step
ive got it now
i like to monitor the battery usage for the flight
jon
i decided to select "glider" mode.
when i did all my programming was lost.
i re programmed it.
only thing i can't do is my snap roll functions.
i had 2 functions set up on switches
SD was a gentle turn - slight up elevator and slight right rudder.
SE was full up and full right rudder. if i need to spin it down.
is there any way to create these 2 mixes in programming mixes?
doesnt seem to. all i want to do is flip a switch and have the elevator move a set amount and rudder move a set amount.
jon
Futaba14sg review.
.
Before I received my Futaba 14sg radio I had searched the internet for ages but could not find any reviews on it. The following is my honest opinion and review based on my experiences with this radio.
I bought the Futaba 14sg as a replacement for my first radio the Futaba 7C 72mhz. I was worried about the cost of genuine Futaba RX's but found FrSky fasst receivers for $21 on Hobby King. I put them into my smaller planes of .40 size and smaller. The two selling points for me was the telemetry (for RX voltage) and the ability to use any of the Futaba 2.4ghz frequency hopping protocols. FASST, FASSTest, SFHSS and FHSS. For those who don't know, all Futaba 2.4ghz radios use frequency hopping systems that allow the radio to skip continuously between frequencies to avoid interference. The first 2.4 system Futaba made was FASST. This was a very 'over engineered' system and consequently quite expensive. It is still used by most futaba users today and so it has stood the test of time. S-FHSS is Futaba's cheap version and is quite fast and also to Futaba's safe standard. None of these however, are capable of having the RX 'talk back' to the radio and send information like RPM, temperature, height, etc. Then Futaba came out with FASSTest. FASSTest is Futaba's two way system. This means that FASSTest is Futaba's only telemetry capable protocol. The 14sg is a great radio to get because it means that no matter what type of Futaba 2.4 RX you have in your planes, you will be able to use them in this radio. SBUS is another nice feature that allows you to use up to 16 servos in one receiver.
Packaging.
The 14sg came in a small box compared to other futaba radios. It was well ppackaged and no damage was obtained in transit. Upon opening I found the manual, neckstrap, 6vbattery, LIFE battery bracket, a switch, screw driver, RX and charger. It is worth noting that the charger is only a 110 volt charger and so it would be useless in some countries. The TX itself had protective plastic screen covers like that on an iPod. They were however, so badly applied that I removed them straight away and bought new ones. The sticks had a very tight tension but that was soon altered through the tension screws through the rear of the case under the grips.
Closer look at TX
Compared to my Futaba 7C the 14sg was quite heavy which I like because it adds to the quality feel. The plastic was fine and I really liked the styling. After feeling a Spektrum DX8 in the shop I was looking forward to the rubber grips. I was a little disappointed when I felt the 14sg grips because they are very hard and not very rubbery although they are probably more resistant to methanol. The neckstrap holder perfectly balances the radio. The screen is a nice size and I found navigation great with the sensor touch. The TX has two home screens. One has lots of information and the other enlarges the two timer displays. The alarm is in my opinion loud enough but the vibrating option is not very powerful. The gimbals, once adjusted to my preferred tension felt fine and smooth. The Futaba 14sg overall has a modern, compact and quality feel to it.
Linking.
Linking the included Futaba FASSTest RX was easy to do but unconventional. I involves some setting up in the systems menu but is explained well in the manual. The FRSky RX's were also easy to link by powering up the RX, holding down the failsafe button on the RX and turning on the TX. Of coarse the TX has to be in FASST 7ch mode for It to work.
Switches,
There are 6 three position switches on the 14sg, 1 two position switch and 1 two position spring loaded switch. I really like there being 6 three position switches because I can, for example, set timer start, reset and pause all on one switch. As well as flight conditions, dual rates etc. There are also 2 rotary knobs and two sliders on the rear. I love these for flaps, undercarriage, etc. The switches are slightly wobbly but I don't think it is a problem.
Manual,
The manual is fine for me and is for the most part okay.
Software updates.
The software update was a quick and painless process. It is done through an SD card.
Features:
This is where the 14sg excels. I like the dual rates. They have up to 5 different rates. All of the exponential rates are laid out in a brilliant graph. Model selection is easy and it can be done from either the home page or systems menu. There are three different menus. They are the system menu, the link menu and the model menu. Setting up functions such as dual aileron and/or dual elevator is simple and straight forward with the manual. Mixing is easy if you follow the manual. One disappointing thing is that there are no flight conditions in airplane mode. Flight conditions is a function that allows you to have the plane set up in different ways for different phases of flight. You switch between flight conditions using switches. Maybe with a future update theflight modes will be usable in airplane mode too. There is a headphone plug in the rear of the transmitter. This is currently useless but I heard somewhere that it will be able to be used for voice output when the next update comes out. The key with a TX like this is to use the manual!
Use:
I arrived at the field and began setting up the planes. Using the Frsky receivers I conducted a range check. To range check you hold the center of the sensor touch and turn on the TX. You press the center of the sensor touch again and it will start a countdown from 90 seconds. Once the timer is up the range check is finished and the radio will automatically start to transmit at full range again. The clone receivers have worked well in my .40 sized planes for over 12 hours flying time and have not had any problems. I have not flown with the included RX yet but I have set up a plane that is soon to be maidened.
The design of the transmitters back is amazing and very comfortable. I get that locked in feeling they advertise.
Telemetry:
Telemetry only works on FASSTest and so I have only had a chance to test it on the ground and yes the RX voltage works as it should. I will buy additional sensors for height, speed , temperature and RPM in the future.
Summary:
Overall I love this radio. I am very satisfied with it and with the clone receivers. It is all very cheap. The Futaba 18mz is the next step up from the 14sg and for the price I can't see a huge difference between them in functions.
Futaba 14sg radio
Tower Hobbies
$549.00
FrSky TFR6 7ch
Hobbyking.com
$21.49
I have owned a 14SG for several months now and use it for 3 Helis and two fixed wing aircraft. Overall I really like it.
I agree with you on the Frsky (Orange) Fasst receivers, they have performed identically to the Futaba receivers in my Helis for years.
I did have an issue with my 14SG when it was new but fixed it myself (probably voiding warranty but that's ok.. it works perfectly now)
Vid here..
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IpFan0kDSR0 Make sure you calibrate the gimbals to get the absolute best accuracy from your radio.. (a bit on the 14SG here also)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DaDdcg4G2jo
i tested one in a full scale range test on the ground in a straight line and compared it to the 7008 rx
the frsky was about 1/3-1/2mile
the futaba was about 30% greater distance
in the air I would expect the range to be a bit more
but I fly sail planes and can reach over 4,000 feet
so I need the range
but I will use the frsky on my .40 size powered a/c
i tested one in a full scale range test on the ground in a straight line and compared it to the 7008 rx
the frsky was about 1/3-1/2mile
the futaba was about 30% greater distance
in the air I would expect the range to be a bit more
but I fly sail planes and can reach over 4,000 feet
so I need the range
but I will use the frsky on my .40 size powered a/c
In all my range testing I can easily get more than 3000 meters (over 10,000 feet) with both Futaba, FRsky and JR/Spektrum.
Some vids.. these are ground ranges, I also think they would improve in the air.
First one is 2800 meters (9200 feet)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PPIWgfgvxAU This one is 1500 meters (4900 feet)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KVIR0a9s8TE
after almost one full flying season, very happy with the purchase. I use it with 2 planes, one on FHSS and one on FASST. From the flyers point of view, they both are working great. No issues.
I haven't done any of the sd card upgrades yet.
after almost one full flying season, very happy with the purchase. I use it with 2 planes, one on FHSS and one on FASST. From the flyers point of view, they both are working great. No issues.
I haven't done any of the sd card upgrades yet.
Shame you have to wear headphones though.
Doug
Thanks so much for the excellent and helpful info that you shared here!
Use of a Futaba 9CAP has been great for a long time 🌞 ... but the info here has greatly helped to start shifting over to the 2.4 GHz 🙂. I’m not there yet but the Futaba 12K is started and it’s very similar to the 14SG. Apparently the software is the same (except that only the T-FHSS and S-FHSS can be used in the 12K).
Do you have any suggestions or other tricks that would be helpful to address/try now ... a few years after this great info was posted?
Best regards,
Dave
Thanks so much for the excellent and helpful info that you shared here!
Use of a Futaba 9CAP has been great for a long time 🌞 ... but the info here has greatly helped to start shifting over to the 2.4 GHz 🙂. I’m not there yet but the Futaba 12K is started and it’s very similar to the 14SG. Apparently the software is the same (except that only the T-FHSS and S-FHSS can be used in the 12K).
Do you have any suggestions or other tricks that would be helpful to address/try now ... a few years after this great info was posted?
Best regards,
Dave
Thanks for those thoughts 😀. The 12K is what I have and it has a couple less channels than the 14SG or 16IS, but it’s a nice improvement too 😀
Futaba support confirmed that the 12K and 14SG have the same features & software. The Kindle text sounds like a good idea though ...
For the upgrades, is there any risk to upgrade from version 2 to 4?
The FlySky sounds interesting too but can it be used as a T-FHSS? 🤔
Best regards 🌞
Thanks for those thoughts 😀. The 12K is what I have and it has a couple less channels than the 14SG or 16IS, but it’s a nice improvement too 😀
Futaba support confirmed that the 12K and 14SG have the same features & software. The Kindle text sounds like a good idea though ...
For the upgrades, is there any risk to upgrade from version 2 to 4?
The FlySky sounds interesting too but can it be used as a T-FHSS? 🤔
Best regards 🌞
Thanks for those comments. The orange receivers have failed for a couple of other friends, resulting in a few plane destructions. The crash causes for those are unknown though. 🤔
... I think a lot like you about using the other receivers too, so that thought might be better to leave alone. 😀
Interesting that you’ve used 9 updates so far. That is a good example and the Futaba devices have never been a problem for me going way back too. I guess that fear cab go away too 🙄😉
Cheers,
Dave
I dont care for the programming on the 14, its way to cumbersome as compared to the older systems. So much so, I haven't ever used to fly anything in two years since I bought it. I am sure its a great system, but its not easy for this old dog to be taught new tricks.
I dont care for the programming on the 14, its way to cumbersome as compared to the older systems. So much so, I haven't ever used to fly anything in two years since I bought it. I am sure its a great system, but its not easy for this old dog to be taught new tricks.
I dont care for the programming on the 14, its way to cumbersome as compared to the older systems. So much so, I haven't ever used to fly anything in two years since I bought it. I am sure its a great system, but its not easy for this old dog to be taught new tricks.