|
|
|
|
|
The
4PK is an impressive transmitter to say the least. The screen
is easy to read while operating your car, truck, or boat and the
buttons are setup in a no nonsense manner. Once you familiarize
yourself with the button functions, you can easily navigate throughout
the 4PK's interface at blistering speed, and almost every function
included in the 4PK can be accessed with just a few actions.
Lets
say you want to change from your car to boat, just press the jog
button to enter the menu, then scroll over to M-SEL to select
your model and press the center of the jog button, which serves
as the enter button. Choose your model and press the + and - at
the same time to confirm, and your done. It doesn't get any easier
with a high-tech computer radio and every function on the 4PK
can be accessed in the same manner. Now, I would like to briefly
touch on some of the great features the 4PK has:
FEATURES
|
| 2.4GHzSS
(Spread Spectrum) radio communication system. Frequency
channel setting is unnecessary. Channel shifting takes place within
the 2.4GHz band automatically and minimizes interference from other
2.4GHz systems. |
|
| 40
model memory. Model names can use up to 10 letters, numbers,
and symbols. A model memory with different setups can be created
by using the model copy function. |
 |
|
There
are 2 pages of available models
|
|
| Menu
customizing. Function menus can be customized as desired. |
 |
|
Customize
|
|
| Brake
mixing for large cars (BRAKE). Brake mixing of the front
and rear wheels of 1/5 scale and other large vehicles can be adjusted
independently. |
 |
|
Brake
mixing
|
|
| Anti-skid
braking system (A.B.S.). This function applies the brakes
so that the tires of gasoline engine cars, etc. don't lose their
grip on the road even when braking at corners. |
 |
|
Anti-lock
braking
|
|
| Throttle
acceleration (ACCEL). Gasoline engine cars have a time
lag before the clutch and the brake become effective. The TH-ACCEL
function reduces this time lag. |
 |
|
Throttle
acceleration
|
|
| Start
function (START). Sudden trigger operation on a slippery
surface will only cause the tires to spin and the model not to accelerate
smoothly. By setting the throttle speed function, operation can
be performed smoothly and easily. It also suppresses battery consumption. |
 |
|
Start
function
|
|
| Steering
speed (STSPD). When you sense that the steering servo is
too fast, etc., the servo operating speed can be adjusted. |
 |
|
Steering
speed. Throttle speed is also available
|
|
| Racing
timer (TIMER). The lap timer can record 99 laps, total
time, and average lap time. it can be started automatically by trigger
operation or assigned to any button. The race time and audible alarm
can be set. Target laps and refueling times can be indicated by
the audible alarm. |
 |
|
Race
timer
|
|
| Digital
trim with reset function. The current trim position is
displayed on the LCD screen. Trim operation has no affect on maximum
travel of the steering and throttle servos. |
 |
|
Digital
trim
|
|
| Function
select dial function (DIAL). This function assigns functions
to dials (digital trim, grip dial, knob). The step amount and operating
direction can be adjusted. |
 |
|
The
dial can be programed for many functions
|
|
| Function
select switch function (SWITCH). This function assigns
functions to 3 switches. The operating direction can also be set. |
 |
|
Switches
can also be programmed for various functions
|
|
| Wheel
and trigger position can be changed. The wheel position
can be offset by using an optional APA wheel position offset adapter.
The wheel angle can also be adjusted. The position of the throttle
can be moved forward or backward up to 7mm for the most comfortable feel. |
 |
|
Adjustable
throttle trigger
|
|
| Left-handed
support. The left and right installation direction of the
wheel selection can be reversed. |
 |
|
Wheel
can be moved from right to left easily
|
|
| Tension
adjustment function. The tension of the steering wheel
and throttle trigger springs can be adjusted from the outside. The throttle position can be moved foreward or back up to 7mm for comfort. |
 |
|
Adjustable
throttle trigger
|
|
| Vibrator
build into the grip. The vibrator can be operated at racing
timer lap navigation, time-up, and low battery alarm. |
 |
|
Vibration
menu
|
|
| 7-color
LED pilot lamp. Your favorite color can be selected. |
 |
|
Adjustable
throttle trigger
|
|
| |
|
The
features included with the Futaba 4PK are quite impressive. Now,
I would like to list all the functions and tell you what they
mean. A detailed explanation of each function is available in
the instruction manual.
FUNCTIONS
| EPA |
End
point adjustment |
| STEXP |
Steering
curve adjustment |
| STSPD |
Steering
servo delay |
| THEXP |
Throttle
curve adjustment |
| THSPD |
Throttle
servo delay |
| A.B.S. |
Pumping
brake |
| ACCEL |
Function
which adjusts the rise characteristic from the throttle neutral
position |
| START |
Throttle
preset at the start function/ engine cut off by switch |
| BRAKE |
Front
and rear independent brake control for 1/5 scale cars |
| IDLUP |
Idle
up at engine start |
| TIMER |
Up,
down, lap, or lap navigation timer |
| LAP-L |
Lap
timer data check |
| PMIX1 |
Programmable
mixing between channels |
| PMIX2 |
Programmable
mixing between channels |
| BOAT |
Boat,
etc. brake operation stop/outboard engine tilt mixing |
| SUBTR |
Servo
center position fine adjustment |
| REV |
Servo
operation reversing |
| F/S |
HRS,
PCM mode fail safe, battery fail safe |
| M-SEL |
Model
memory call |
| M-RES |
Model
memory reset |
| M-COP |
Model
memory copy |
| NAME |
Model
memory name set, user name set |
| DIAL |
Selection
of function operated by digital dial and digital trim |
| SWTCH |
Selection
of function operated by push switches |
| D/R |
Steering
angle adjustment while running |
| ATL |
Brake
side adjustment |
| CH3/4 |
Channel
3 and 4 servos operation position set/check |
| RXSYS |
Servo
response mode and receiver type |
| MENU-T |
Function
menu type selection |
| SYSTM |
Battery
type/back light/LCD contrast/buzzer/LED display color/initial
screen display mode/power off alarm/2ND condition/2.4GHZ band
adjustment and setting |
| DTTRN |
Data
copy from one 4PK to another 4PK |
| SERVO |
Displays
servo operation on a bar graph |
| MCSLNK |
Link
software setting function |
| ADJST |
Steering
wheel and throttle trigger correction |
| VIBRA |
Vibrator
setting |
| THMOD |
Neutral
brake and throttle servo forward side and brake side operating
rate setting |
|
| |
|
So
you see, the 4PK comes with ALOT of high tech functions to fully
adjust almost every parameter of control you can think of. For
rc boating, I personally like the IDLUP setting which allows my
gas engine to warm up for a few seconds before it idles. You can
also setup any nitro or gas vehicle/boat with a kill switch by
assigning it to a button. When you press the button, the servo
will move to a predetermined position, which in this case is just
enough to close the carb. The kill switch is done through the
START function and is very easy to setup.
The
possibilities are endless with the 4PK and reading the manual
will quickly familiarize you with its capabilities, even if you've
never owned or operated a computer radio.
|
 |
|
Front
|
|
 |
|
Throttle,
and steering trim buttons. The buttons on the right are
unassigned
|
|
 |
|
Adjustable
throttle trigger
|
|
 |
|
Menu
buttons. The large round one is the jog button
|
|
 |
|
4
channel receiver
|
|
 |
|
1700
mAh NiMh pack
|
|
|
The
4PK includes the R604FS 4-channel receiver. If you've ever owned
a 2.4GHz system, the first thing you'll notice is the small antenna
wire. It's only about 4-inches long and can be slid in a small
antenna tube or run without one, but it is recommended to use
a tube to protect it from damage. The R604FS receiver must be
bound to the transmitter before initial use. Once it it bound,
it will remain bound until unbound. To bind the receiver with
the 4PK, bring them close to each other, turn on the transmitter,
then turn on the receiver. Next, push the tactile switch on the
receiver and wait for the LED to turn solid green. Your system
is now bound and ready for use.
MENU LEVELS
The 4PK's comes programmed with 4 preset menu options. Menu preset number 1 is what I consider an essentials only preset and includes 22 of the available 36 functions. Menu preset number 2, which is the default setting from the factory, includes 30 functions and in my opinion has the greatest level of usable features for the sport driver or weekend racer. Menu preset number 3, which is called Big Car, includes functions that would be used when operating a large-scale gasoline powered car. Menu preset number 4 is the final preset and includes all 36 functions available.
SERVO SETTINGS
The 4PK can switch between standard and high speed servo modes to take advantage of the latest digital servos. This allows a faster response time, higher resolution (less deadband, more accurate servo positioning), constant torque throughout the servo travel, and increased servo holding power. Keep in mind that you must use a digital servo to operate in high speed servo mode, called HRS on your 4PK.
|
 |
|
Main
display screen
|
|
 |
|
Main
display overview
|
|
 |
|
Menu
1
|
|
 |
|
Menu
2
|
|
 |
|
Direct
Select menu
|
|
 |
|
Button
layout
|
|
 |
QUICK TAKE VIDEOS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
I
race large scale gas-powered boats and have used the 4PK all season.
It's my transmitter of choice for all my boats. I cannot stress
enough how easy it is to navigate through the menus. I rarely
have to access the manual because I have learned the direct route
to every feature I use. Granted, there are some features I dont
use and would require a little reading if I needed to learn them,
but the manual is written clearly enough that learning anything
should take only a few minutes.
I
recently raced at a small lake where the number of laps per heat
was increased from 7 to 8 laps. On the longer offshore course,
a typical heat race seems like it lasts forever. With my older,
heavier 3PK, I would rest my arms on the rail so I wouldnt tire
from holding it up. The 4PK, with its light weight body, is the
ideal remedy for tired arms. I can hold the 4PK up close incase
I need to change the trim quickly and verify my settings with
a quick glance.
|
 |
|
Winning
a race w/ the 4PK
|
|
 |
|
The
4PK is light weight and easy to hold, even during a long
8-lap heat race.
|
|
 |
|
Buttoning
up the Avenger for a long heat.
|
|
|
|
MORE VIDEO
click the link below
|
|
 |
Email this Article
| PDF
