Futaba Attack
08-11-2002, 04:04 PM
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Futaba Attack
I have been flying a Futaba Attack radio that I purchases used. People at the field have pointed out the fact that it is AM. I didn't realize that AM was ever used on planes. My Question is am I taking an foolish risk with my plane using AM? Compairing it with the reception of an AM radio you would listen to for music I would say I can't believe I haven"t already crashed! Thanks for your input, Cliff
08-11-2002, 04:12 PM
#2
Futaba Attack
My opinion is AM is very acceptable in alot of different areas of the country. If your not experiencing problems, go with it. Just keep a check on the batteries, and fly the heck out of it.
If it comes time to service it, or if you do start experiencing problems, then upgrade. Til then....happy landings.
Also,,,,just check to see if your equipment is gold-stickered, and on narrow band. The transmitter will have a gold sticker, and the reciever(if Futaba) will be a model# something like a 114, or a 117. Other then that.....have fun.
If it comes time to service it, or if you do start experiencing problems, then upgrade. Til then....happy landings.
Also,,,,just check to see if your equipment is gold-stickered, and on narrow band. The transmitter will have a gold sticker, and the reciever(if Futaba) will be a model# something like a 114, or a 117. Other then that.....have fun.
08-11-2002, 09:36 PM
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Futaba Attack
PLEASE make sure your radio system is legal to use in the US (assuming you are using it in the US).
Please visit:
http://www.futabarc.com/faq/service-faq.html#q41
to determine if your radio is currently legal.
Unfortunately, we are no longer able to narrow band these old transmitters. If you do want your old TX narrow banded, unfortunately, we are no longer allowed under FCC to service these radios as of 3/98. It is questionable whether it is still legal for the non-affiliated service centers to service these radios. It is your option if you wish to contact one of the non-affiliated service centers (see below) to see if they may be able to assist you.
However, before doing so, there are a few things which you may want to consider. In addition to the cost of narrow banding, your receiver will need to be replaced. Also most likely your old servos are G connection style, so they, too must b or you must purchase G to J adapters for each servo. If your radio hasn't been used since pre 1991 your RX and TX batteriet definitely need to be replaced as well. When you add up all these costs it will be close to, if not more than, the cost of purchasing a brand new system. Technology has come a LONG way since before 1991, and the new equipment you would purchase will likely have more features as well as having better transmission/reception capabilities, thus making it more safer for you and your model.
Radio South, Tony Stillman, 850-434-0909
3702 N PACE
PENSACOLA, FL 3250EST/radiosouth/RS1.html
[email protected]
Kraft Midwest (KMI), Pete Waters
248-486-4800 phone
248-486-1603 fax
[email protected]
7420 Seven Mile Road
Northville MI 48167
Gold Sticker for $30 plus ship; gold sticker & freq chg $40 plus ship
Also offers narrow band AM RX for $49.95.
Please visit:
http://www.futabarc.com/faq/service-faq.html#q41
to determine if your radio is currently legal.
Unfortunately, we are no longer able to narrow band these old transmitters. If you do want your old TX narrow banded, unfortunately, we are no longer allowed under FCC to service these radios as of 3/98. It is questionable whether it is still legal for the non-affiliated service centers to service these radios. It is your option if you wish to contact one of the non-affiliated service centers (see below) to see if they may be able to assist you.
However, before doing so, there are a few things which you may want to consider. In addition to the cost of narrow banding, your receiver will need to be replaced. Also most likely your old servos are G connection style, so they, too must b or you must purchase G to J adapters for each servo. If your radio hasn't been used since pre 1991 your RX and TX batteriet definitely need to be replaced as well. When you add up all these costs it will be close to, if not more than, the cost of purchasing a brand new system. Technology has come a LONG way since before 1991, and the new equipment you would purchase will likely have more features as well as having better transmission/reception capabilities, thus making it more safer for you and your model.
Radio South, Tony Stillman, 850-434-0909
3702 N PACE
PENSACOLA, FL 3250EST/radiosouth/RS1.html
[email protected]
Kraft Midwest (KMI), Pete Waters
248-486-4800 phone
248-486-1603 fax
[email protected]
7420 Seven Mile Road
Northville MI 48167
Gold Sticker for $30 plus ship; gold sticker & freq chg $40 plus ship
Also offers narrow band AM RX for $49.95.
08-12-2002, 01:34 AM
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Futaba Attack
The Futaba Attack 4 is a narrow band radio. I used one from 1989 to 1994. Most manufaucters started narrow banding radios in 1988, they gold sticker them till about 4 years ago, now no gold sticker is required on the radios now, but they must all be narrow banded.
The Attack 4 worked flawless for me. Yes it is AM modulation but it never was a problem for me and I was flying within sight of cellular towers all the time.
David
The Attack 4 worked flawless for me. Yes it is AM modulation but it never was a problem for me and I was flying within sight of cellular towers all the time.
David
08-12-2002, 12:54 PM
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Futaba Attack
David,
The attacks were available both ways, narrow and pre-narrow, so we will want to be sure based upon its model # and whether or not it has already been gold stickered.
The attacks were available both ways, narrow and pre-narrow, so we will want to be sure based upon its model # and whether or not it has already been gold stickered.
08-12-2002, 02:42 PM
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Thanks for all the help!
I have been able to verify on three criteria the servo connectors, channel number, and model number that my system is narrow band. What a relief! I was lucky this time and recieved a free but very valuable lesson. Thanks to all of you for your help, Cliff.
