Futaba
Distributed Exclusively in the U.S.A., Canada
and Mexico by: Great Planes Model Distributors P.O. Box 9021
Champaign, IL 61826-9021
http://2.4gigahertz.com
www.greatplanes.com
2.4 Spread Spectrum
eliminates the need for a frequency pin
Now controls dual elevator
servos
Well laid out and designed
transmitter
Price is easily affordable
to a large segment of pilots
Easy to program and setup
Small receiver size is
perfect for smaller aircraft such as Park Flyers
LCD screen seemed small and
crowded
Manual jumps around
Transmitter battery a bit small
Unless you've been living in a cave with no
contact to the outside world it's a pretty good chance that
you've heard about the new technology of 2.4 Ghz Spread
Spectrum radios. With all of the capabilities of the Spread
Spectrum radios it's pretty easy to understand what all the
excitement is about with this new technology. Spread Spectrum
radios have all but eliminated interference created by other
radios in use at the same time. This means that a Spread
Spectrum radio can be operated and will not be interfered with
if someone else turns on a radio. No more keeping track of
frequency pins, no more walking the flight line trying to find
if anybody else is on your frequency, and no more worrying
that somebody flying a park flyer 2 blocks from your field
will knock your plane out of the air.
With any new technology many will be worried that there are
going to be "bugs" with it and will decide to wait before
adopting the technology. Often, manufacturers will release a
radio and work out the bugs as they come up. But when it comes
to 2.4 Ghz technology Futaba is different. All of Futaba's 2.4
Ghz FASST (Futaba Advanced Spread Spectrum Technology) radios
are fully tested, well-engineered, totally reliable products.
Futaba has hands-on experience with 2.4 Ghz technology that
stretches back 15 years, long before anyone considered its
value in hobby application. That's when Futaba's industrial
R/C division - designers of radio-control tools for
construction, civil engineering, and similar uses - began
employing and perfecting their own 2.4 Ghz equipment. Now
Futaba is bringing that experience in 2.4 Ghz Spread Spectrum
technology to the RC hobby market to provide us with a fully
test and completely reliable product.
To speed development in this technology many radio
manufacturers are converting their current radio systems to
the 2.4 Ghz Spread Spectrum technology. This speeds up the
time it takes them to release radios as they are not
reinventing the wheel by developing totally new radio systems.
Futaba's latest release is just that; one of their most
popular radios converted to Spread Spectrum. Futaba's latest
release is the 2.4 Ghz Spread Spectrum T7CA, a 7-channel
system capable of controlling both aircraft and helicopters.
It's a system that offers much of Futaba's 9C set-up
versatility matched to 4-channel ease of use. It's a great
radio for those flyers who want the technology of 2.4 Ghz but
don't want to spend extra money for a more expensive radio
with more channels than they need. I think that the 7C will be
a perfect fit radio for a large majority of flyers that need a
2.4 Spread Spectrum radio.
So, let's dive in and take a look at what the T7CA has to
offer....
Futaba's FASST
(Futaba Advanced Spread Spectrum Technology)
shifts every two milliseconds virtually
eliminating signal conficts and
interruptions unlike other 2.4GHz systems
that only stay on one or two frequencies
Dual antenna
diversity enables FASST system to
automatically and seamlessly select the best
reception between the two antennas built
into the receiver ensuring that the aircraft
stays under constant control of transmitter
regardless of altitude
Newly designed
Dial-N-Key jog dial
allows cursor movement in four directions
for very user friendly navigating through
menus and programming
Includes
Futaba 7C 2.4GHz Transmitter
R617FS FAST 7-Ch Receiver
NR-4J 600mAh 4.8V NiCd
Receiver Battery
FBC-19B(4) 120V Battery
Charger
Four S3004 Standard Ball
Bearing Servos
NT8S600B 600mAh 9.6V NiCd
Transmitter Battery
Heavy Duty Switch Harness
w/Charge Cord
Black Transmitter Neck Strap
Servo mounting hardware and
instruction manual
Specifications
Available with 4 S3152 digital high-torque
servos
(FUTK7000/7001); 4 S3004 ball bearing servos
(FUTK7002); or
4 S3001 ball bearing servos (FUTK7003)
Dial 'n Key programming
Airplane/heli software
Assignable switches/functions
Up/down timer
Mode 1-4 selectable (modes 3 and 4 available via
transmitter software)
Large 72 x 32 LCD screen with adjustable
contrast
10-model memory
6-character model naming
Digital trims, trim memory, EPA, subtrims and
servo reversing (all channels)
Dual/Triple rates - aileron/elevator/rudder.
(Note: Available when used with 3-position switch)
Exponential (aileron/elevator/rudder)
Adjustable throttle cut
Fail-safe
NT8S600B 600mAh Tx NiCd w/dual-output charger
Trainer system (cord required)
Flap switch
Retract switch
Variable rate knob (channel 6)
Airplane advanced menu
3 programmable (P-Mix)
mixes
Flaperon
Flap trim
Air brake
Elevator-to-flap mixing
Flap-to-elevator mixing
V-tail mixing
Elevon mixing
Aileron-to-rudder mixing
Snap roll
Dual elevator servo mixing
Helicopter advanced
menu
Governor select
makes it possible to match
rpm/blade
speed to maneuvers
Swash to
throttle mixing helps heli pilots keep
their rpm steady
3 programmable
mixes
Throttle
curve (5-point normal, idle up 1 &
2)
Pitch curve
(5-point normal, idle up 1 & 2)
Revo mixing
Gyro mixing
Hovering
throttle
Hovering
pitch
Throttle
hold
Trim offset
6 swash plate set-ups (5
CCPM options)
* Note:
This price is for the package listed
above. Also available are two packages with the radio and
receiver only, no servos are included
Futaba 7C
7-Channel 2.4 Ghz (Air) with no servos,
$279,
FUTK7004
Futaba 7C 7-Channel 2.4 Ghz (Heli) with no servos,
$279,
FUTK7005
Futaba R617FS 2.4 Ghz FASST 7 Channel Reciever
Note: For this review I did not
receive the entire radio setup. I received the radio and
receiver only, and did not receive the rest of what would
normally be included when this system is purchased. Not shown
here are all accessories such as the receiver battery, battery
charger, servos, servo mounting hardware, power switch, and neck
strap. In addition, I did not receive a production copy of the
users manual, but rather a printed copy of the final draft of the
manual.
Anybody
familiar with previous Futaba radios will immediately recognize
the T7C since the exterior of the radio is identical to Futaba's
older 7C radios. The radio gimbals and sticks are of high
quality and are laid out so they are comfortable and easy to
use. Each of the four axis has an associated digital trim tab
for fine-tuning of the plane in flight. The biggest difference
between the T7C and older radios is the antenna. The antenna is
made of a hard rubber and is about 4" long. The antenna needs to
be placed in a position perpendicular to the radio while in
operation.
Located on the
upper left of the radio are 4 of the radio's switches. Directly
above the left control stick are two 2-position switches. As
with all of the switches on the T7C radio these switches are
user programmable and can be set to almost any functions that
the radio is capable of performing. The inner of the two
switches is longer than the outer switch to make it easier to
find while flying the plane. Located on the top left of the
radio are two more switches. One switch is a two position switch
and the other is spring loaded, which would normally be used for
a trainer function or a throttle kill. Directly above the right
stick are one 2-position switch and a variable rate knob that
can be used for such functions as controlling the throw of
flaps. On the top right side of the radio is one 3-position
switch.
Located on the
back of the radio are the battery compartment, a trainer cord
connection, and a radio status indicator. While it is kind of
difficult to see in the pictures, the indicator is located in a
recessed hole below the antenna. Contained here is a red and
green LED, which indicates the proper operation of the radio
signal when binding the receiver.
Programming and
setting up the T7C radio is facilitated by a LCD display, 4
navigation buttons, and Futaba's "Dial 'n Key". The buttons and
the Dial 'n Key allow for moving through the radio's programming
screens and for changing the information in each
screen. I found it very easy to move through the screens with
the controls provided and setting up the radio was accomplished
with very few problems. One of my only problems with the radio
was the LCD screen. I felt that it was a bit small and that the
screens it displayed all seemed a bit "crowded". But this did
not take away from the functionality of the programming setup.
The radio
comes with a 600 Mah Nickel-Cadmium battery to power the
transmitter.
The Manual
I've included a few shots of the
manual that I received with this radio but I really can't make any
comments based on this as the manual that I received was a copy of
the working draft from Futaba. From the draft I could tell that the
manual was very informative and did a good job of explaining the
operation of the Futaba T7C 2.4 Ghz radio. It covered all the
functions of the radio and gave a short step-by-step explanation of
how to program each step in the radio. It also did a good job of
covering the installation of the FASST receiver as well as binding
the receiver to the transmitter.
The Receiver
One
of the first things that will strike most people when
they see this system is the receiver. Immediately most
will notice the size of the receiver. The receiver is
approximately one and a half inches by 1 inch, and only
about a third of an inch thick making this receiver
small enough to fit into even the smaller park flyer
systems that are becoming more popular every day. As
you can see, when shown next to other Futaba receivers,
the R617FS receiver is quite a bit smaller. But
don't let the size fool you; this receiver is more than
capable of handling the needs of large planes with huge
servos. This receiver should be more than enough for
just about every pilot out there.
The next thing that most will notice is the antenna,
or more accurately, antennas. Most people who are used
to older
radios will notice that the 3' long piece of wire used
as an antenna is gone. In its place are two wires that
are used as the antennas. To be more specific the antennas
are only the last 1-1/4" of the wire (the clear
wire portion) on each side. The other 4" of the
antenna structures is simple coaxial wire that allows
for placement of the antennas inside of the plane for
best reception. Futaba has chosen to use the two antennas
to achieve what they call Dual Antenna Diversity. The
signal for the 2.4 Ghz is a much shorter wavelength
than older radios, and because of this it's entirely
possible that the antenna could become shielded by items
inside of the fuselage which could include the engine,
muffler, or carbon fiber parts. With the dual antennas
used for reception one antenna should still be able
to receive a signal if the other antenna becomes shielded.
In order for the Dual Antenna Diversity to operate properly the
antennas need to be properly installed in the airplane. The two
antennas need to be installed so that they are mounted 90
degrees from
each other. When I installed them in my plane it was a simple
matter to position the antennas. Two small pieces of tubing
glued in place in the fuselage keeps the antennas in place. As
with other radios, care must be taken when positioning the
antennas so that they are not near RF noise producing items such
as engine ignition units and electronic speed controls (ESC).
Other 2.4GHz systems hold firm to one or
two frequencies, increasing the potential for
interference. The frequency of Futaba 2.4GHz FASST
shifts every 2 milliseconds, so there are no signal
conflicts or interruptions - and no need for a frequency
pin!
Patent # 6,141,392
2.4GHz FASST scans incoming data and applies
sophisticated error correction techniques ? resulting in
a system that gives you a solid, impenetrable connection
with your model.
Futaba 2.4GHz FASST systems seamlessly
select the best reception between two receiver antennas,
so there's no loss of signal.
Futaba 2.4GHz FASST system transmitters leave the
factory with a unique and permanent ID code. Once linked
to the receiver, the code ensures that the receiver will
recognize and respond ONLY to that transmitter. The
linking process is simple...just push a button on the
receiver.
Setting up the T7C
Note: The radio that I received for this review was
the package that contains only the radio and receiver only. I
didn't receive any servos for use with this radio during the
review, and because of this I had to use my own servos. Some may
notice that the wires for the servos in my review plane are "the
other guy's" equipment. They are the servos that I already had
installed in my plane and I used them simply because they were
already in place. This is actually good because it does show that
this radio will work with any brand servo the end user may have
with no issues. My servos had the standard "Z" connectors on them
and they were able to plug directly into the FASST receiver
without needing any further modifications.
To
try out the Futaba T7C radio I decided to use my
tried and trusted Kaos 60. This plane has been with
me for quite a while now and has turned into quite a
little test bed for items that I try out or review.
Installing the radio in this plane was a very simple
matter. I placed the receiver in foam and then
positioned the dual antennas so they could be
positioned on the top of the fuselage. To place the
antennas I used a tip provided by RCU reviewer
Minnflyer when he reviewed the
Futaba 6EX radio. He glued small pieces of
tubing in place and used those to keep the dual
antennas properly positioned in the plane. This made
a quick, easy, and neat installation of the
receiver. With the antennas properly
positioned it was an easy task to connect the servos to the
receiver and finish packing foam around the receiver.
As with most Spread Spectrum radios
in order for the receiver to work properly with the transmitter it
must be "bound" to that transmitter. Normally the user will not
have to bind the receiver to the transmitter as this step should
have already been done at the factory when the radio was packaged.
The transmitter and receiver will be ready to go when the user
opens the box. But if for some reason they two are not bound
together it is a very simple procedure for the user to perform. To
bind the receiver to the transmitter first turn on the transmitter
and then turn on the receiver. Located between the two antenna
wires is a small button recessed in the receiver case. Press and
hold this button to bind it. While binding, the LED's in the
transmitter will flash and finally change to a solid green when
the receiver is bound. The button can then be released. Next up
was getting my plane set up on the new transmitter.
Programming the radio for the setup needed on my
plane turned out to be a very easy task. It took me about 10 minutes to have my plane
completely set up on the new radio. It was very simple process to
set the throw direction and end points for all of the control
surfaces, including the throttle.
While
not "technically" a set up step, I want to discuss range checking
the radio here. With older radios range checking was done by
walking 30-50 paces away from the radio and lowering the antenna
while working the controls to see if the radio still works
properly. Of course that's hard to do with a 2.4 Ghz radio because
you can't lower the antenna. Futaba has taken care of this by
providing a means of "powering down" the radio so that it transmits
with less power than normal. This will allow the pilot to check
the radio for proper operation before flying. To put the radio
into "Power Down Mode" (P.DN) the user needs to turn on the radio
while holding down the Dial-N-Key button. The radio will power up
with the symbol "P.DN" in the lower portion of the LCD
display, and will emit a beep every 3 seconds while in power down
mode. The radio will stay in this mode for 90 seconds before
returning to normal operation. The user can return the radio to
normal mode by pressing and holding the Dial 'n Key button for
about two seconds, or the user can simply turn the radio off and
then back on again.
Programming the T7C
While
I have heard some say that it's difficult to program the more
advanced Futaba radios, I was pleasantly surprised to find
that wasn't the case with the T7C. Once I was into the programming
modes I found that it was very easy to move around to the
different functions of the radio. I was able to figure out
a good bit of the functions of the radio without referring
to the manual, and the points that I didn't understand were
easy to find in the manual and get figured out.
While I don't want to try and replace or rewrite the Futaba manual
here, I do want to spend a little bit of time and go through the
programming and screenshots so that you can get an idea of what
this radio is capable of.
As
we get started let's take a quick look at the controls used
for programming the T7C radio. The LCD display is centered
on the radio and measures 7/8" x 2-1/8". Located
on the left side of the display are two push buttons labeled
Mode/Page and End. On the right side of the display are two
buttons that control the selection or the cursor, one button
for up and left and the other button for down and right. To
the far right of the display is the Dial 'N Key for further
programming choices. This control is turned to navigate through
choices on the screen and then pressed to select the item.
One great example of using the Dial 'N Key is when naming
the model in the radio. For each letter in the name the Dial
'N Key is turned to scroll through the alphabet and number,
and then when the proper selection is found pressing the Dial
'N Key will make the selection.
To get started with the programming
the radio needs to be turned on and then hold down the Mode/Page button
for one second to get into the programming mode on the radio.
Once into the programming screens of the T7C
pressing the Mode/Page button will switch back and forth
between the Basic and Advanced menus. With the either the
basic or advanced menu displayed you can navigate through the menu
by using the Dial 'N Key.
End Point of servo travel adjustment: the most
flexible version of travel adjustment available. It
independently adjusts each end of each individual
servo's travel, rather than one setting for the servo
that affects both directions.
Sub-trim: makes small changes or corrections to the
neutral position of each servo. Range is -120 to +120,
with 0 setting, the default, being no Sub-trim.
Up/Down Timer functions: controls an
electronic clock used to keep track of time remaining
in a competition time allowed, flying time on a tank
of fuel, amount of time on a battery, etc..
The 7C contains three separate linear programmable
mixes.
There are a variety of reasons you might want to use
these mixes. A few are listed here.
To correct bad tendencies of the
aircraft (such as rolling in response to rudder
input).
To automatically correct for a
particular action (such as lowering elevator when
flaps are lowered).
To operate a second channel in
response to movement in a first channel (such as
increasing the amount of smoke oil
in response to more throttle
application, but only when the smoke switch is
active).
To turn off response of a primary
control in certain circumstances (such as simulating
one engine flaming-out on a twin, or
throttle-assisted rudder turns, also with a twin).
Flaperon mixing function uses one servo on each of the
two ailerons, and uses them for both aileron
and flap function. For flap effect, the ailerons
raise/lower simultaneously. Of course, aileron
function (moving in opposite directions) is also
performed.
Airbrake is one function
that is really made up of a series of pre-programmed
mixes all done for you within the radio. Airbrake
simultaneously moves the flap and elevator, and is
usually used to make steep descents or to limit
increases in airspeed in dives.
Elevator to Flap Mix: This mix makes the flaps drop or
rise whenever the Elevator stick is moved. It is most
commonly used to make tighter pylon turns or squarer
corners in maneuvers. In most cases, the flaps droop
(are lowered) when up elevator is commanded.
Flap To Elevator Mix: This mix makes the elevator move
whenever the flaps are moved. This mix is used to
compensate for any pitching created by the flap.
V-Tail mixing is used with v-tail aircraft so
that both elevator and rudder functions are combined
for the two tail surfaces. The elevator and rudder
travel can be adjusted independently.
Elevon: used with delta wings, flying wings, and other
tailless aircraft that combine aileron and elevator
functions, using two servos, one on each elevon.
Aileron to Rudder mixing is a pre-programmed linear
mix. This mix is used to mix rudder operation with aileron
operation automatically, to make realistic coordinated
turns. It is especially effective when turning and banking
scale models or large models that resemble full-sized
aircraft.
This function allows you to execute snap rolls by
flipping a switch, providing the same input every
time. It also removes the need to change dual rates on
the 3 channels prior to performing a snap, as
Snap-Roll always takes the servos to the same
position, regardless of dual rates, inputs held during
the snap, etc.
Dual/triple rates and exponential (D/R,EXP): assigns
adjusted rates and exponential.
Dual/Triple Rates:
reduce/increase the servo travel by flipping a
switch, dual rates affect the control listed, such
as aileron,
Exponential:changes the
response curve of the servos relative to the stick
position to make flying more pleasant.
Endpoint
Sub-menu
End Point of servo travel adjustment: the most
flexible version of travel adjustment available. It
independently adjusts each end of each individual
servo's travel, rather than one setting for the servo
that affects both directions.
Sub-Trim
Sub-menu
Sub-trim: makes small changes or corrections to the
neutral position of each servo. Range is -120 to +120,
with 0 setting, the default, being no Sub-trim
Parameter submenu: sets those parameters you would likely
set once, and then not disturb again.
Model Reset: completely resets all
data in the individual model you have currently selected.
Type: The 7C radios support 6 basic
swashplate setups, including "single servo" (H- 1 - most
helicopters use this type) and 5 types of CCPM (cyclic and
collective pitch mixing). A "single servo" swashplate uses
one servo for each axis: aileron, elevator (cyclic pitch),
and collective pitch. CCPM helicopters utilize a
combination of servos working together to achieve the 3
axes of motion.
Throttle Curve (Normal}:
Inputs the normal (NORM) throttle curve, which is
usually not a linear response to the throttle stick
motion. The Throttle Curve has 5 separate points of
adjustment to allow for finer control of helicopter.
Pitch Curve (Normal): inputs the normal
(NORM) collective pitch curve, the collective pitch curve
for flight near hover. The Pitch Curve has 5 separate points
of adjustment to allow for finer control of
helicopter.
REVO.: mixes collective pitch commands to the rudder
(a PITCH-RUDDER mix) to suppress the torque generated
by changes in the main rotor's collective pitch angle,
keeping the model from yawing when throttle is
applied.
Up/Down Timer functions: controls an electronic clock used
to keep track of time remaining in a competition time
allowed, flying time on a tank of fuel, amount of time on a
battery, etc.
This 5-point curve is utilized to best
match the blade collective pitch to the engine RPM for
consistent load on the the engine. Curves are
separately adjustable for normal, idle-up 1, and
idle-up 2.
This 5-point curve is utilized to best
match the blade collective pitch to the engine RPM for
consistent load on the the engine. Curves are
separately adjustable for normal, idle-up 1, and
idle-up 2. In addition, a separate collective pitch
curve is available for throttle hold.
Gyro: simplifies adjusting/selecting the gyro
sensitivity, and can provide more than 2 gyro gain
settings. (The higher the gain, the more correction
the gyro provides and the "softer" or less responsive
the helicopter feels.) This function makes the best
possible use of the inflight adjustable gain of most
gyros.
Hovering Adjustments - Hover Throttle: Hovering
throttle is a fine-tuning adjustments for the
throttle, affecting performance only around the center
point. They allow in-flight tweaking of the curves for
ideal setup.
Hovering Adjustments - Hover Pitch: Hovering pitch is
a fine-tuning adjustments for the collective pitch
curves individually, affecting performance only around
the center point. They allow in-flight tweaking of the
curves for ideal setup.
Throttle Hold: This function holds the engine in the
idling position and disengages it from the THROTTLE
STICK when SWITCH E is moved. It is commonly used to
practice auto-rotation.
Offset: Optional separate trims in addition to those
for the normal condition. This function is used to
automatically change the trim of a helicopter, for
example, when transitioned from hover to flying at
high speed.
Swashplate to Throttle: The swashplate to throttle mixing
corrects slow of the engine speed caused by swashplate
operation at aileron or elevator operation. Engine speed can
be increased independently at aileron or elevator operation
in each flight condition.
The 7C contains three separate linear programmable
mixes.
There are a variety of reasons you might want to use
these mixes. A few are listed here.
Flying the plane turned out to be an adventure.
Looking at the forecast I found that we were staring
down the barrel of a huge oncoming ice storm, so I
tried to sneak out before it hit and fly the plane.
It was a less than perfect day to fly because it was
dark, overcast, misty rain, and a temperature
hovering around 45 degrees. Normally I wouldn't fly in
conditions like this, but I needed to get this
review turned in. After a good range check I got the
plane in the air as quickly as I could. I didn't get
too fancy on my flying because of the conditions and
I didn't want to get into trouble. I did fly the
plane out as far as I could see to check the range
and had no problems with it. The control and feel of
the plane was very good and I was quite pleased with
the way the radio felt as I was flying. After about
10 minutes I couldn't take the conditions any longer
so I brought the plane in, loaded up, went home, and
warmed up with a cup of hot chocolate!
After the "real" flight of the plane I decided I
needed to get some more stick time to get a better
feel for the radio so I connected it up to RealFlight 3.5 and spent the evening flying
different planes with it. This gave me the chance to
get a good feel for all of the switches and controls
of the radio. The more that I used the radio the
more I liked the feel for it in my hands. Everything
felt like it was exactly where it should have been.
I was able to find all of the switches and controls
without fumbling or looking down at the radio. I was
quickly becoming a big fan of this radio.
I only have a few items that I felt
could have been done better. The first would be the LCD display. The display I
thought the display could have been bigger. While the screen
was clear and easy to understand I felt that it seemed a bit
crowded and could have been a bit bigger. But by no means did
it take away from the great functionality of the 7C's
programming. The second item would be the transmitter battery. I felt that
it was a bit small in today's age of computer radios that
control multiple planes. The last item would be setting up
dual elevator servos. When setting up dual elevator servos
there is no way to individually trim each servo with the radio
itself. A mechanical adjustment must be used to trim an
individual servo in a dual elevator setup. This isn't a huge
deal because each servo can still be adjusted manually.
The
transmitter battery is one other area that I felt was a bit
weak. With the technology of today's radios I wish that
batteries with larger capacities would be provided. As
computer radios have ever-increasing capacity to control more
planes it's becoming more common to see someone show up at the
flying field with several planes to fly, all being controlled
by one radio. Smaller capacity batteries may not have the
capacity to provide a full flying day for multiple planes. I
would like to have seen a bigger battery provided with the
radio.
Installing the radio into my plane was a very simple matter. I
really liked the Dual antenna wires for the Spread Spectrum as
I felt they were easier to install than other 2.4 Ghz radio
systems that I have seen. Placing the 2 wires in the fuselage
was very easy to do and posed no problems at all. Once
installed and in the air I really liked the feel of the radio.
The radio felt good in my hands and all the controls were
easily accessible for my fingers. The resolution of the
control sticks was good and I liked the response of the plane
to my control inputs. I've had many radios in my Kaos, but I
think that I have found the radio that is going to stay in it!
The 7C has found a new home!
Anybody that has programmed a Futaba radio will have no
problems with the T7C. The programming is unchanged from
earlier 7C radios. I found the manual easy to understand and
it did a good job of explaining the different functions of the
radio. Many of the most popular mixes are predefined in the
programming of the radio, but there are enough user defined
mixes to allow the user to customize his setup. As with most
advanced Futaba radios all of the switches on the radio can be
changed and defined by the end-user, so the radio can be
customized by the pilot for what fits best.
Futaba has another winner with their T7C 2.4 Ghz radio system.
They have combined their popular 7C radio system with the
proven benefits of 2.4 Ghz Spread Spectrum technology to
produce a radio system that will appeal to a wide variety of
pilots. Many pilots these days want the advanced mixing and
programming capabilities but don't want to pay for a 9 or 12
channel radio and they will find that the T7C is the perfect
fit for them. The added security that Spread Spectrum gives
the pilot while flying makes this radio an all around winner.
Futaba T7CA 2.4Ghz 7-Channel Radio System
Futaba
Distributed Exclusively in the U.S.A., Canada
and Mexico by: Great Planes Model Distributors P.O. Box 9021
Champaign, IL 61826-9021
http://2.4gigahertz.com
www.greatplanes.com
Comments on RCU Review: Futaba T7CA 2.4Ghz 7-Channel Radio System
You said "When setting up dual elevator servos there is no way to individually trim each servo with the radio itself."
Are you sure? I witnessed a club member use the AILEVATOR mix with AIL3 & AIL4 rates set to 0. The two elev servos worked opposite to each other and the trim worked on both servos.
Yes, you can trim BOTH of the elevator servos with the trim tab for the elevator channel. But what I was referring to is that there is no way to trim each individual servo once they are bound together in to the Ailevator mix. If adjustments need to be made to an individual servo then they must be done mechanically, as there is no way to do it within the radio.
Ken
I just received mine yesterday and need to setup dual elevator servos. I assume channel 2 is for the right elevator half but what channel does the left half go into in order to use the AILVATOR function?
Thanks
Uduman
The comments, observations and conclusions made in this review are solely with respect to the particular item the editor reviewed and may not apply generally to similar products by the manufacturer. We cannot be responsible for any manufacturer defects in workmanship or other deficiencies in products like the one featured in the review.
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