it is interesting to note how much futaba gear is used over there in america. here in australia we use all 3 major brands. im an exclusive user of jr gear...i wont touch hitec...and futaba would be my second choice if i went to another brand of gear.

the short 5-20 feet range test tells me that yes there is something wrong with your gear but i dont know either. perhaps setting a frequency scanner to your channel may provide you with some answers if there is interferrence being present.