Quick confirmation from other Futaba users.

I received a new 12FGA before Xmas that had the "Trainer/Snap switch on the top right of the TX. Called Futaba and they said it should be on top "Left" where it has always been for a aircraft version mode two TX! OK, I call Tower they send me another Radio, charge my card again until I send the first one back for credit. Today [10 days later] I receive another 12FGA Mode two Radio and it is exactly the same as the first one trainer/snap switch on thr top right? This time I call Tower back, they put me on hold, come back and tell me that's where Futaba Support said the switch should be for "Aircraft mode two!" When I asked for a superivisor she hung up on me!

I know I am "old & outdated" but to me it would be very bad to activiate a snap switch with the same hand that controls the elevator and ailerons?

Am I missing something here???

I called Tower back and did get a supervisior that is going to investigate this and get back to me.

Anyone else with a new 12FGA mode two have this problem?

why dont you just plug it off and place it where you like??

i did it to my 14mz!


...you can use also an extenal spring in any swich you know!

According to pages 12 and 13 of the manual, switch "H" is the momentary and located on the right side of the TX.
If the switches are just plug in then just put it where you want, That would be the easiest, least expensive and fastest option. (But might void warranty)
Even if the switches are not plug in it should be a simple swap.

Is there a "Heli" version of this TX?

The location of the momentary switch and the ratchet on the throttle are the only differences between the airplane and heli versions of all of the other Futaba TX's.
The location of the momentary switch that you have is what has been on every Futaba "Heli" radio that I have owned. 8U, 9Z, 9C, 14MZ
I have never had an issue with the momentary on the right. it is operated with my pinky finger without affecting the stick.

You can do that with the 14MZ but according to Futaba support I can not do this with the 12FGA. I asked if I could do just that in the field and was told "NO" that it would void my warranty and it had to be done by Futaba support.

Jusr received a call from the supervisior at Tower and this is her report:

The warehouse pulled all there stock of 12FGA Mode II and they "ALL" have the snap switch on the right. The support center is now teiing her they have e-mailed Japan to get "Documentation" on exactly how Mode II Air is supposed to be set up. I told her they were going to be in the middle of a "Major" conflict with "Aerobatic" pilots if this wasn't changed. They are going to get back to me once Japan responds to them.

Jeff

The switch being on the right "IS" correct for Mode I and all Heli [FGH] Radios but has never been correct for any of the "A" designated radios from Futaba.

Just received another call from Futaba Hobby Servicies.

Looks like Japan is on Holidays for the new Year and a check with the warhouse stock indicates they may have a Mode II hardware problem. They are going to modify one they have and ship it out to me Monday.

Also, anyone ordering or currently having a 12 FG or 12FZ system will require a software down load in order to be able to use the FASST Module system. The only problem with that is there is no cable included with the radio to be able to download directly to the radio! It appears the only way to do that is you will have to purchase an SD memory card and a reader if your current computer does not have one built in. Download the program to your computer and then write it to your SD card. Then insert card into radio and update to Fasst.

Now for the second part of the FASST issue, At this time the software program DOES NOT EXIST on any Futaba/Tower web-site period.[:@]

I am not at all sure this is as stated above as no one seems to have all the facts regarding this procedure, certainly not Krysta over on the Futaba Direct Support Forum. I do know that the Supervisior at Tower Hobbies and the Tech Manager at Hobby Services is bending over backwards to help me get this all sorted out. There biggest problem seems to be Futaba Japan being out with the New Year Holiday.

The new FASST Radio System will go into a recently converted BVM "Electric" Agressor which is a very "HARSH" enviorment for Radios and associated equipment. If that all goes well I will then put it into my new Yellow F-15 Turbine!

Cheers to All.

The more important question is how did they deal with the employee, I had this very thing happen to me with graphics vendor.
They fired the person as she seemed to have an issue with being questioned.

12FG 2.4 upgrade is on Futaba Flyers Club website. 12Z and 14MZ are the ones the update isn't available for yet.

This is all very discouraging.
I have had the 12FGA on back order since March.
And this is what I have been waiting patiently for.
Now let me see if I have this right.
1) The snap switch is in the wrong location for mode 2 airplane.
2) The manual is not written or explained well.
3) Before it will work, I have to update software on a Brand New radio with no USB cord included.
4) I will also need a SD card and driver in my computer to do this????
I think someone will have another radio in stock to sell in a few days.
If I am wrong, please let me know, I was looking forward to this radio.

All updates available here:

http://2.4gigahertz.com/downloads/downloads.html

See ya....
Chris

pattratt, do you have the 2.4 Ghz module for your 12FG ?

Here is some photos of 12Z with module installed and of RX next to G3 72mhz RX (same size). Update is done. This should be a great system.

Where can i get this 14 channel module \ Rx ? havent seen it in stock anywhere ?

Last Thursday I saw this Rx/module combo in Tower in limited-quantities stock condition. But when I decided to but it next day, the stock condition turned into Late-Jan[:@].

Got mine from Tower Hobbies.

Geez, I can't understand why people are complaining about an SD card and a card reader. Guess I'm spoiled living in the 21st century owning a $15.00 SD card(actually I have four or five of them laying around for different digital cameras and camcorders) and a $10.00 card reader from Wally World if you don't already have one in your PC. When you buy a $1000.00 digital camera, guess what? You don't get an SD card with it or a card reader so what's the difference with a $1000.00 radio? You don't need to keep the card in the radio after it's updated so maybe you can borrow one.

Marty

1GB memory deal under $10 http://www.mwave.com/mwave/skusearch...iteria=BA23221
Card reader for every card ever made under $10 http://www.mwave.com/mwave/skusearch...iteria=BA23221

Hurry these deals expire the 5th.

That is what my poor literary skills were trying to say.
You put it much better than I did.

I think Futaba may have had a rectal cranium inversion when they decided to put that switch on the right for everyone.
The fact that all of the radios in stock were the same and that the manual also states that the snap switch is on the right tells me that for some unfathomable reason they did it on purpose.

Put it where you want it...,..

Yes

I could not find the 12fga Fasst Download on this page. This link took me to some E-Store called 3DX.

Chris

This is not the 2.4 download to convert to FASST. it only the SALES brochure for all the FASST radios

Felker14

Where did you download the 12Z FASST software?

The link you previously sent did not have it or I could not finf it. Please be specific as to what page of the web-site you found the download.

Thanks

Marty

The complaint is not the cost, it's the fact there was no disclouser/procedure that any of this would be required to convert a 12 FGA to FASST.

Try this one. http://www.futaba-rc.com/sellsheets/index.html