Let's take a closer look. As you can see, what you get is the module and a 7 channel receiver. The equipment looks like classic Futaba, solidly constructed, lightweight and it fits perfectly. It's versatile too. The TM7 module will fit in the 7U, 8U, 9C and 9Z transmitters. Just pull out the old module, pop the new one in, follow a couple of setup steps and go!

Before you install the module in the transmitter the first thing you need to do is set the model you are going to use in the "PPM" mode in the transmitter.

Now remove the existing module and replace it with the TM7 module on the back of the transmitter.

Unless you live in France, the "Area Select Switch" on the back of the transmitter module should be in the "General" position.

The white button on the transmitter module is the dual purpose "Fail Safe disarming"/"range check" button. To turn off the fail-safe, depress the "F/S Range" (disarming) button then turn on the transmitter. This button also serves a dual purpose for range checking before flight. I will explain that later in the review.

That's about all there is to do with the transmitter module for the initial setup. After that you don't need to touch it. Very simple and if you do not wish to defeat the fail-safe it should be a plug and play deal. Movin' right along.

One of the coolest things about this system is the improvement in response time with the 2.4GHz system. When I read that the response time was faster I thought, yeah right. But it really is faster. I found that there was no latency whatsoever and felt like I had crisp, instantaneous response. It truly feels slightly faster than the response that 72MHz delivers.

I decided to try this system in my AeroWorks 1.20 Yak 54 QB since it's new and fairly small and easy to handle. At the field I nervously denied myself a frequency pin and fired up the transmitter and receiver for a quick range check. To range test you turn on the transmitter and receiver and press and hold the F/S Range button on the transmitter frequency module. With the button depressed walk out about 30-50 paces and do a standard range check.

Everything checked out ok so it was time to fly. So that's what I did. I found that there was absolutely no difference in anything other than a slightly faster response between my inputs and the response from the airplane. This is exactly what I was hoping for, no differences. No re-adjusting throws, expo, nothing. It was a seamless transition, and I like it. AWESOME experience and I am already hooked.

The big difference is what is going on that you cannot see or feel. That is the secure signal from the transmitter to the receiver due to the new 2.4GHz technology. Let's talk about that a little in the next section.

Truthfully, this technology is not new. Futaba has been using it for almost 15 years in their industrial radio control.

Industrial radio control, you ask? That's right. We know Futaba as one of the leading radio control manufacturers of model aircraft systems, but Futaba is also a huge name in factory automation, industrial RC, electronic displays and more, and has been since 1948. So it's no wonder they have finally brought their 2.4GHz technology to their hobby RC line in a system they call "FASST" (Futaba Advanced Spread Spectrum Technology).

With their extensive background in 2.4Gig systems, here are some of the things Futaba's 2.4GHz brings to the party:

Continuous Channel Shifting. While other 2.4GHz radios lock onto one or two frequencies, the FASST system occupies each individual frequency for only 2 milliseconds before moving on, so interference is virtually impossible.

Pre-Vision. This sophisticated technology looks ahead for potential problems when scanning incoming data and applies error correction - resulting in a solid, impenetrable connection between you and your model.

Dual Antenna Diversity. By seamlessly selecting the best reception between two receiver antennas, the FASST system lets you fly with no fear of loss of signal, regardless of your aircraft's attitude.

Easy Link. The module comes with a unique, permanent ID code that is preset at the factory. Pushing the Easy Link button locks the receiver to your transmitter using that code. It's the only code that it will recognize - and with over 134 million possible codes, there's no chance of a signal conflict.

For more info on the Futaba 2.4GHz system including an FAQ, Click Here.

The End of "The Pin"

One of the most pleasant moments of this review was when I instinctually walked to the frequency board and then realized that I no longer needed a frequency pin.

Although this was a WONDERFUL feeling, I also realized something else. I am not completely cutover to 2.4GHz. I still have airplanes that will fly on 72MHz until I get them all changed over. At that point I realized that it is probably a good idea for me to have a few blank pins on the board just to stay in the habit of pulling a pin so that when I pickup my trusty 9Z and my channel 53 module I don't forget to get the pin.

After this experience I can tell you that it will not be long before I am done with 72MHz forever, and when I am I will enjoy never needing to impound a transmitter or deal with a pin again!

With the number of RC modelers growing larger by the day it is getting to the point that the features offered by 2.4GHz systems are not only a luxury, they are becoming a necessity.

The Futaba TM7/R607FS combo is a welcome and much needed extension of the 2.4GHz technology. Component systems like this and the others allow you to save money and time. More importantly they allow us to safely make good use of our expensive transmitters that were purchased for 72MHz. We can easily, seamlessly convert our transmitters over to the latest, greatest R/C technology at minimal cost and maximum convenience.

Finally, I'm stealing this quote that my friend Mike Buzzeo made in the Futaba 6EX 2.4GHz review because it is SO true, "And once the flying season is in full swing, I can't wait for our club know-it-all to ask me what frequency I'm on."