Futaba 12FGH Comments
01-04-2008, 09:07 AM
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Futaba 12FGH Comments
I received my new Futaba 12FGH from Tower Hobbies yesterday.
I upgraded from the 6EX 2.4GHz to the 12FGH2.4 GHz (I still own both) and was surprised on opening the box to see that the 12FGH is basically a 72MHz transmitter with no 72MHz module and a TM14 2.4 GHz module loose in the box; I expected the 12FGH to be like the 6EX with the 2.4 GHz antenna coming out of the main unit, not some kind of do-it-yourself Franken-unit. The manual is for the 72MHz 12FG and there's a TM14 leaflet enclosed. Even the box is a 72MHz 12FG box with stickers strategically placed over the bar code and product specs. None of the product descriptions I read pointed this out and the pictures all give the impression that the set is designed as a dedicated 2.4GHz system.
The TM14 module does not allow me to turn the antenna so that it can be tilted towards me in the way I wanted – which I could do on the 6EX – which means that it will be difficult to avoid 'pointing' the antenna at the plane - something the 2.4GHz manual tells you to avoid. The TM-14 module also appears weak and flimsy in the way it attaches and connects to the main unit.
The 12FGH 2.4GHz has an unused, almost military spec, gimbaled, antenna mount in the main unit that is intended for 72MHz but I have to live with the flimsy TM-14 module. Futaba you need to change your product description it is misleading. I could have bought a 12FG 72MHz a while back and added the TM-14 module myself; then I would have had 72MHz and 2.4 GHz. I don't see 72MHz modules listed anywhere to add 72MHz to my 2.4 GHz 12FG, is this possible? If so, which module do I need and what receivers will work with it?
The manual is unacceptably poor for a product costing $1,200. It is just an 'old' 12FG 72MHz manual. It doesn't mention 2.4 GHz at all, no mention of how to select 7 channel mode (I eventually found that in the linkage menus); also there is no mention of virtual channels.
I am on software version 1.3. I see that 1.4 is about to be released and that I will need a 1Gig SD card plus a software download to apply this upgrade; why don't you supply the SD card? It would have made sense and cost almost nothing in comparison to the $1,200 price tag. Where is the software I need to use my PC with a Futaba-formatted SD card? It isn't under 'downloads' on the Futaba FASST web site.
I am very disappointed with the product in the respects indicated and feel that I have been misled by the marketing pictures; I never intended to buy a transmitter with a separate RF module; if I had known that's what I was buying, I probably would have gone that route on my own. This isn't a new product at all, it's just a 72MHz version with the antenna and 72MHz module and RX removed, a TM-14 + RX added, and some stickers on the old box.
RSVP
I upgraded from the 6EX 2.4GHz to the 12FGH2.4 GHz (I still own both) and was surprised on opening the box to see that the 12FGH is basically a 72MHz transmitter with no 72MHz module and a TM14 2.4 GHz module loose in the box; I expected the 12FGH to be like the 6EX with the 2.4 GHz antenna coming out of the main unit, not some kind of do-it-yourself Franken-unit. The manual is for the 72MHz 12FG and there's a TM14 leaflet enclosed. Even the box is a 72MHz 12FG box with stickers strategically placed over the bar code and product specs. None of the product descriptions I read pointed this out and the pictures all give the impression that the set is designed as a dedicated 2.4GHz system.
The TM14 module does not allow me to turn the antenna so that it can be tilted towards me in the way I wanted – which I could do on the 6EX – which means that it will be difficult to avoid 'pointing' the antenna at the plane - something the 2.4GHz manual tells you to avoid. The TM-14 module also appears weak and flimsy in the way it attaches and connects to the main unit.
The 12FGH 2.4GHz has an unused, almost military spec, gimbaled, antenna mount in the main unit that is intended for 72MHz but I have to live with the flimsy TM-14 module. Futaba you need to change your product description it is misleading. I could have bought a 12FG 72MHz a while back and added the TM-14 module myself; then I would have had 72MHz and 2.4 GHz. I don't see 72MHz modules listed anywhere to add 72MHz to my 2.4 GHz 12FG, is this possible? If so, which module do I need and what receivers will work with it?
The manual is unacceptably poor for a product costing $1,200. It is just an 'old' 12FG 72MHz manual. It doesn't mention 2.4 GHz at all, no mention of how to select 7 channel mode (I eventually found that in the linkage menus); also there is no mention of virtual channels.
I am on software version 1.3. I see that 1.4 is about to be released and that I will need a 1Gig SD card plus a software download to apply this upgrade; why don't you supply the SD card? It would have made sense and cost almost nothing in comparison to the $1,200 price tag. Where is the software I need to use my PC with a Futaba-formatted SD card? It isn't under 'downloads' on the Futaba FASST web site.
I am very disappointed with the product in the respects indicated and feel that I have been misled by the marketing pictures; I never intended to buy a transmitter with a separate RF module; if I had known that's what I was buying, I probably would have gone that route on my own. This isn't a new product at all, it's just a 72MHz version with the antenna and 72MHz module and RX removed, a TM-14 + RX added, and some stickers on the old box.
RSVP
01-04-2008, 11:01 AM
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RE: Futaba 12FGH Comments
It seems that you were answered regarding your issues in another forum. I hope the comments from the other forum have helped you out.
Sincerely,
Krysta
Product Development & Support Specialist
Futaba Service Center USA
Sincerely,
Krysta
Product Development & Support Specialist
Futaba Service Center USA
