Does anybody know if current model Futaba Transmitters are area coded, and if this is the case how can the region be changed? I have a 10CAG which offers France or Rest of World selection in the menu, but no such option exists in my 18SZ. I also note that in a recent update revision table for the 18MZ it states "Area Code is Europe Only" for firmware
V 2.5. Does this we have been forced to adopt the inferior EU system by stealth?
Any information will be much appreciated.

Where are you located?

Good Day Bill,
Location is Sydney Australia.

You should not use the EU update. What source are you using to see updates? I believe that you should be able to use the updates located on the FutabaUSA site.

2.7.3 is the current 18MZ version and 3.11 is the current 18SZ version

Not sure if there is region coding as in earlier models, but I do know the EU has new rules regarding protocols, etc. Those do not apply to Australia as far as I know.

Thanks Bill for your prompt reply.
I have been using Ripmax UK as they have all of the legacy firmware on their website as well as the latest versions, this is something Futaba USA & Japan do not do. I have compared the code for the latest versions from both sources and cannot see any difference, so if my theory is correct it would seem the code is the same. The revision document also suggests they are the same. What concerns me is that Futaba users around the World have been forced to adopt the inferior EU protocol.

The 18MZ is not affected by the new regulations - so you can use updates from any site.

modtron
Oxford UK

Good to know.

Thank you all for your replies. I understand the regulations but that is not my point. My concern is that Futaba users are now forced to operate on the EU protocol regardless which country they are in. It may be of no interest to some, but as we know the US system which many other countries accepted is superior to the EU system brought in by France. It used to be the case, and possibly still is, that if you purchases Spektrum in US or Australia the transmitter was marked "Not for use in EU"

Unless you download an update for a newer radio from an EU source you are not forced to do anything. Older systems nothing will be affected. The only newer system that is affected is the 16IZ. Modtron (Ripmax) has already made clear that the 18MZ is not any different.

Futaba is not doing updates for older systems as it is. Even the 18MZ will likely not see any updates moving forward. The 18SZ/16SZ are not going to be changed by an update either.

Not clear where your concern is coming from.

Does this mean an 18SZ purchased from US or Australia and updated to V3.11E firmware obtained from Futaba USA is operating on the US protocol and not EU?

since you mentioned it, is there a sticky that has the link to futaba USA for the update downloads?

https://futabausa.com/

thanks, Bill