8FG Super flaps, need help!
08-26-2012, 12:55 PM
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8FG Super flaps, need help!
I can not figure out how to make the left slider operate the flaps, or any other switch or knob of that matter. Page 84 of the manual shows p-1/2 of the radio menu, it shows flaps. My radio is not like this. Simmilar but different. P-2/2 is completely different on my radio. I tried switching to "glider" and it changed nothing.
Comment.........I saved my pennies. I did my research. I hemmed and hawed. I finally spent family funds to buy this radio,........... and I hate it. It is too complicated. I am not stupid or techno-phobic. I am a professional scientist for gosh sake! It is taking the fun out of my fun hobby. It makes my blood boil in frustration. Unless you are a techno geek think hard before you buy.
Comment.........I saved my pennies. I did my research. I hemmed and hawed. I finally spent family funds to buy this radio,........... and I hate it. It is too complicated. I am not stupid or techno-phobic. I am a professional scientist for gosh sake! It is taking the fun out of my fun hobby. It makes my blood boil in frustration. Unless you are a techno geek think hard before you buy.
08-26-2012, 01:56 PM
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RE: 8FG Super flaps, need help!
Please... see if you can understand this pdf.
I'm not a scientist or techno-geek, but when I made the move from JR to Futaba it was like night and day. but now that I know the Futaba programming and how powerful and flexible that is, I just can't see myself going back. Now I find the programming super easy.
Doug.
I'm not a scientist or techno-geek, but when I made the move from JR to Futaba it was like night and day. but now that I know the Futaba programming and how powerful and flexible that is, I just can't see myself going back. Now I find the programming super easy.
Doug.
08-26-2012, 08:04 PM
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RE: 8FG Super flaps, need help!
Thanks, I hope you are right.
I had a revelation today, they call flaps "camber". That is sooooo wrong. I also noticed numerous misspellings. For a $500 radio they need to have an English speaking RC modeler re-write the manual. It a mess. I would expect that sort of thing from a Hobby King el cheapo radio not an expensive Futaba unit.
IMHO the manual is organized backwards. for instance, if I want to assign the flaps to the slider I should be able to look up "flaps" in the index. There is no index! 134 pages and no index? If there were an index I should be able to go to the "Flaps" page and follow a flow chart. Instead the manual is organized into four sections based on the four quadrants of the whiz wheel. The table of contents is pretty much random. There is no organization that helps you find what you want to do. You have to scan down the columns to find what you need to do. If what you want is, for instance, "flaps" you are SOL because they think "camber" is "flaps". That is poorly done in the extreme...........I think.
I had a revelation today, they call flaps "camber". That is sooooo wrong. I also noticed numerous misspellings. For a $500 radio they need to have an English speaking RC modeler re-write the manual. It a mess. I would expect that sort of thing from a Hobby King el cheapo radio not an expensive Futaba unit.
IMHO the manual is organized backwards. for instance, if I want to assign the flaps to the slider I should be able to look up "flaps" in the index. There is no index! 134 pages and no index? If there were an index I should be able to go to the "Flaps" page and follow a flow chart. Instead the manual is organized into four sections based on the four quadrants of the whiz wheel. The table of contents is pretty much random. There is no organization that helps you find what you want to do. You have to scan down the columns to find what you need to do. If what you want is, for instance, "flaps" you are SOL because they think "camber" is "flaps". That is poorly done in the extreme...........I think.
08-26-2012, 11:04 PM
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RE: 8FG Super flaps, need help!
First of all, I understand your frustrations. When I bought the 8FG I found that the only way to see what was going on was to sit down with the radio and systematically work through every menu while taking notes. Once you get to grips with it you will discover, as Doug says, that it is a superb radio and that the programming is very straightforward. The problem is that the manual is a total and utter disgrace. It repeatedly explains how to use the touch sensor to access each feature but gives little or no explanation of the purpose of these features or the significance of any values entered. It also contains passages of total gibberish, factual errors and spelling mistakes. You would think that a company specialising in radio control over several decades could manage to spell receiver correctly. To describe it as unprofessional doesn’t even come close.
Now let me try to help you understand flaps. Your “revelation” is not quite right. There are Flaps on the 8FG and they are not the same as Camber. You simply haven’t found them yet because of the unhelpful manual. The flaps have their own servos and a control (dial, lever or switch of your choice). However the radio also makes it easy to use them in mixes where they respond to a different control. For example, as well as operating independently as flaps, they can also rise and fall with the ailerons to give full span ailerons or the ailerons can rise and fall with the flaps to adjust the camber of the wing. The latter is what the camber settings are for.
A key point to understand is that the menus displayed on your transmitter will vary depending on the Model Type you select at the outset. If you do not select a model type with flaps then none of your transmitter menus will have any reference to flaps and so appear different to those illustrated in the manual. This is perfectly logical but it should be explained in very large print right at the start of the manual. Naturally it isn’t.
To set up your flaps on a slider you need to do the following. First go to the Model Type Menu (in the Linkage Menu). Set the type to Airplane or Glider as appropriate. The wing should be set to Normal. Beneath that you need to change the default 2AIL to 2AIL + 1FLP if your flaps are operated by a single servo or via a Y-lead. If your flaps have independent flap servos you should choose 2AIL + 2FLP. When you save these settings the software will configure your transmitter and assign controls.
Now go to the Function Menu in the Linkage Menu. This shows you the controls which have been assigned. If you look on the second screen you will see FLAP (plus FLAP2 if you selected a two flap wing). The numbers on the left indicate the channels to which each control has been allocated so these are the receiver sockets into which you plug your servos. The Left Dial (LD) is assigned by default but if you wish to replace this with a slider simply scroll to LD, tap RTN and select the slider or other control of your choice. The Function Menu allows you to assign any function to any channel and any control to any function. Once you understand the principle it is both hugely powerful and very simple to use.
Hope that hasn’t confused you further.
08-26-2012, 11:12 PM
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RE: 8FG Super flaps, need help!
Malcolm to the rescue.
Malcolm has produced some excellent notes on the 8FG which is a necessary supplement to the manual. Google it. Malcolm Holt supplementary Notes Futaba 8FG or just PM him for the link to the notes and his blog.
Once youunderstand that the radio works off what you select as the basic configuration of your model, it will all fall into place.
08-27-2012, 06:13 AM
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RE: 8FG Super flaps, need help!
When is Malcom going to do for the 8FG what Don Edberg did for the 8U?????:-)))))))))))))) In talking to Don at the time, he didn't make any money at it, but it sure helped an awfully lot of people, and I still refer to mine on occasion.
Les
Les
08-27-2012, 09:43 AM
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RE: 8FG Super flaps, need help!
I am making progress, thanks.
I think they should have included example programs in the TX and tell you how to hook up the RX to make it work properly. This unit has a bunch of memory so it should be no big deal. In fact, one of you guys who are really good with this radio could do just that. Put example airplanes on a flash card and write some, painfully detailed, instructions showing exactly how to set up the airplane to work with that example programming.
I think they should have included example programs in the TX and tell you how to hook up the RX to make it work properly. This unit has a bunch of memory so it should be no big deal. In fact, one of you guys who are really good with this radio could do just that. Put example airplanes on a flash card and write some, painfully detailed, instructions showing exactly how to set up the airplane to work with that example programming.
08-27-2012, 11:16 AM
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RE: 8FG Super flaps, need help!
ORIGINAL: Scota4570
I am making progress, thanks.
I think they should have included example programs in the TX and tell you how to hook up the RX to make it work properly. This unit has a bunch of memory so it should be no big deal. In fact, one of you guys who are really good with this radio could do just that. Put example airplanes on a flash card and write some, painfully detailed, instructions showing exactly how to set up the airplane to work with that example programming.
I am making progress, thanks.
I think they should have included example programs in the TX and tell you how to hook up the RX to make it work properly. This unit has a bunch of memory so it should be no big deal. In fact, one of you guys who are really good with this radio could do just that. Put example airplanes on a flash card and write some, painfully detailed, instructions showing exactly how to set up the airplane to work with that example programming.
08-27-2012, 01:14 PM
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RE: 8FG Super flaps, need help!
+1.
I found it daunting at first but as I worked through each feature and menu I discovered what it is capable of. Malcolm's notes told what these features could and THAT is sorely lacking in any Futaba Manual. Its like they expect the person buying it will have a degree in programming. Fortunately for me I've worked with programs like Pro/E wildfire and had some CNC machines at my disposal so the programming logic was familiar but for many its completely alien.
What I did was use the 20 model memory to programarbitrary planes. I went into set up and tried each wing configuration to see what on offer. It was a good couple of days before I felt comfortable programming my planes into it but when I did it was fairy easy.
radio + Malcolm's notes + ask for help = happy 8FG user.
PS: aThis note is for Futaba . Why the heck in the 21st century do I have to open a paper book, thats poorly laid out and written when I the manufacturer and distributors have electronic files that can be used to train the end user. FFS get with the program and get the manual into an interactive media. I KNOW YOU CAN, YES YOU CAN!
PS: aThis note is for Futaba . Why the heck in the 21st century do I have to open a paper book, thats poorly laid out and written when I the manufacturer and distributors have electronic files that can be used to train the end user. FFS get with the program and get the manual into an interactive media. I KNOW YOU CAN, YES YOU CAN!
08-27-2012, 01:46 PM
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RE: 8FG Super flaps, need help!
If you think that one is tough try Multiplex.
A fellow named Joedy wrote a tutorial for the Multiplex Evo and it more than 1200 pages.
In the manual there are several places where its not been translated from the German
A fellow named Joedy wrote a tutorial for the Multiplex Evo and it more than 1200 pages.
In the manual there are several places where its not been translated from the German
08-27-2012, 02:37 PM
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RE: 8FG Super flaps, need help!
In fairness to Futaba, the ral difficulty facign anyone is understanding the Futaba terminology. Once you speak Futaba it all falls into place
I.e. Camber.
Well camber is the term used in aeronautics when one alters the profile of a wing to change its efficiency for certain flight conditions. Most Rc pilots won't know the difference between it and Flaps. Hence the confusion.
Unfortunately being clever and technically correct does not sell radio's.
Another quirk is the throttle which is reversed from JR and Spektrum. A mate of mine switched from DSM2 to FASST via a 10CG and was setting up his Large Scale YAK 54. He was fidding with the throttle, while sitting in front of the plane. He got to wanting to see hoe the engine ran and set up his throttle end points and idle. It started at full throttle and came at him. Prop missed Mr McGoo by a hairs breadth. We add a "y" to his name in jest these days....
its the kind of information that should be on the first page of any manual. However since people don't read anymore, an interactive CD/memory stick/iPad app is the way to go with the instructor taking you through every feature of the radio + examples. Its really not that hard to do....
08-27-2012, 07:16 PM
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RE: 8FG Super flaps, need help!
I tend to agree with the manual being a joke. At one time I figured out the timer for one plane, and now that I added a second plane, damned if I can find that timer setting. Now I have to go back and dig through the manual to find the timer setting.
One thing I prefer the DX8 over the Futaba for is the range check, at least on the DX8 I dont need to power off the RX in order to go into range check mode. I find the Futaba is more comfortable to fly with, but I like the DX8 timer functions better. The more I fly though the better each radio fits in with the plane, I fly a Kadet LT40 with the Futaba and a 4*120 with the DX8. The engine kill switch is the one thing that isnt the same between the two as the switches are different between the two, so one is the top rear right, and the other is top front right.
I like the menu scroll on the DX8 better than the Futaba scroll wheel, but the menu is much better on the Futaba, so they each have their own pro's and con's.
One thing I prefer the DX8 over the Futaba for is the range check, at least on the DX8 I dont need to power off the RX in order to go into range check mode. I find the Futaba is more comfortable to fly with, but I like the DX8 timer functions better. The more I fly though the better each radio fits in with the plane, I fly a Kadet LT40 with the Futaba and a 4*120 with the DX8. The engine kill switch is the one thing that isnt the same between the two as the switches are different between the two, so one is the top rear right, and the other is top front right.
I like the menu scroll on the DX8 better than the Futaba scroll wheel, but the menu is much better on the Futaba, so they each have their own pro's and con's.
08-27-2012, 07:55 PM
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RE: 8FG Super flaps, need help!
ORIGINAL: malcolmholt
While I am more than happy to do my best to help fellow modellers I think your comments should be addressed to the manufacturers. It should not be up to Futaba's paying customers to provide support for their products.That said, if you search on-line, you will find plenty of helpful advice on the 8FG. I attach one of my offerings which may help your understanding of the basics. If you really want to realise the full potential of your radio you will just have to go through the pain barrier of spending time to familiarise yourself with it. It is a complex bit of kit and you will find that it is time well spent.
ORIGINAL: Scota4570
I am making progress, thanks.
I think they should have included example programs in the TX and tell you how to hook up the RX to make it work properly. This unit has a bunch of memory so it should be no big deal. In fact, one of you guys who are really good with this radio could do just that. Put example airplanes on a flash card and write some, painfully detailed, instructions showing exactly how to set up the airplane to work with that example programming.
I am making progress, thanks.
I think they should have included example programs in the TX and tell you how to hook up the RX to make it work properly. This unit has a bunch of memory so it should be no big deal. In fact, one of you guys who are really good with this radio could do just that. Put example airplanes on a flash card and write some, painfully detailed, instructions showing exactly how to set up the airplane to work with that example programming.
08-27-2012, 09:35 PM
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RE: 8FG Super flaps, need help!
The Futaba requires you power down the Tx not the Rx. You can leave the Rx powered, the plane won't go anywhere. Power up the Tx and hold down the RTN button and you're into range check.
THrottle kill can be anywhere you want it on the 8FG. Anyswitch, dial or slider.
My timers are all set up to the throttle stick. at lowest setting the timer stops and reset on extreme forward position of the LS Slider.
Mixes you can choose to have them permanently slaved or activated by switch or safety and switch. The radio can do more than the available switches allows you!
Makes me want to get a 18MZ!......................and maybe thats the point
04-28-2013, 01:02 PM
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RE: 8FG Super flaps, need help!
Hi Guys,
I'm recently bought an FG super and I'm having trouble programming a switch to control
the throttle stick.
Can anybody help?
Regards
Mike Sims
04-29-2013, 06:59 AM
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RE: 8FG Super flaps, need help!
For programming help, you need to provide details of exactly what you are trying to accomplish. "Programming a switch to control the throttle stick" doesn't tell us what you want to do. That, alone, doesn' t make a lot of sense. What is the switch controlling about the throttle stick? Please provide a bit more detail of what you are trying to accomplish.
04-29-2013, 08:42 AM
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RE: 8FG Super flaps, need help!
Oops, Sorry Bill,
I fly electric powered gliders. What I would like to do is use a switch to override the throttle stick so that I can't
accidently activate the motor.
Also I would like to be able to isolate the throttle stick whilst slope soaring as our club doesn't allow the use
of motors on the slopes.
After reading Malcolm Holt's electric glider setup I saw that on two of the flight conditions the motor is switched off
so I thought maybe I would be able to switch the motor on/off by isolating the throttle stick.
Thanks for replying to my initial post and any help would much appreciated
Regards
Mike.
04-30-2013, 06:41 AM
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RE: 8FG Super flaps, need help!
Malcom,
Is there an option for 1 AIL +1FLAP?
I've got a smaller plane with the aileron servos y-cabled to 1 channel and the flap servos similar y-cabled to another channel. I've been trying to set this up and wasn't able to find a way to setup 1 Aileron channel and 1 Flap channel in the menus. B/c of this I just put the flaps as a "gear" channel and moved forward with it but I was wondering why this didn't appear to be an option in the radio.
Is there an option for 1 AIL +1FLAP?
I've got a smaller plane with the aileron servos y-cabled to 1 channel and the flap servos similar y-cabled to another channel. I've been trying to set this up and wasn't able to find a way to setup 1 Aileron channel and 1 Flap channel in the menus. B/c of this I just put the flaps as a "gear" channel and moved forward with it but I was wondering why this didn't appear to be an option in the radio.
ORIGINAL: malcolmholt
First of all, I understand your frustrations. When I bought the 8FG I found that the only way to see what was going on was to sit down with the radio and systematically work through every menu while taking notes. Once you get to grips with it you will discover, as Doug says, that it is a superb radio and that the programming is very straightforward. The problem is that the manual is a total and utter disgrace. It repeatedly explains how to use the touch sensor to access each feature but gives little or no explanation of the purpose of these features or the significance of any values entered. It also contains passages of total gibberish, factual errors and spelling mistakes. You would think that a company specialising in radio control over several decades could manage to spell receiver correctly. To describe it as unprofessional doesn’t even come close.
Now let me try to help you understand flaps. Your “revelation” is not quite right. There are Flaps on the 8FG and they are not the same as Camber. You simply haven’t found them yet because of the unhelpful manual. The flaps have their own servos and a control (dial, lever or switch of your choice). However the radio also makes it easy to use them in mixes where they respond to a different control. For example, as well as operating independently as flaps, they can also rise and fall with the ailerons to give full span ailerons or the ailerons can rise and fall with the flaps to adjust the camber of the wing. The latter is what the camber settings are for.
A key point to understand is that the menus displayed on your transmitter will vary depending on the Model Type you select at the outset. If you do not select a model type with flaps then none of your transmitter menus will have any reference to flaps and so appear different to those illustrated in the manual. This is perfectly logical but it should be explained in very large print right at the start of the manual. Naturally it isn’t.
To set up your flaps on a slider you need to do the following. First go to the Model Type Menu (in the Linkage Menu). Set the type to Airplane or Glider as appropriate. The wing should be set to Normal. Beneath that you need to change the default 2AIL to 2AIL + 1FLP if your flaps are operated by a single servo or via a Y-lead. If your flaps have independent flap servos you should choose 2AIL + 2FLP. When you save these settings the software will configure your transmitter and assign controls.
Now go to the Function Menu in the Linkage Menu. This shows you the controls which have been assigned. If you look on the second screen you will see FLAP (plus FLAP2 if you selected a two flap wing). The numbers on the left indicate the channels to which each control has been allocated so these are the receiver sockets into which you plug your servos. The Left Dial (LD) is assigned by default but if you wish to replace this with a slider simply scroll to LD, tap RTN and select the slider or other control of your choice. The Function Menu allows you to assign any function to any channel and any control to any function. Once you understand the principle it is both hugely powerful and very simple to use.
Hope that hasn’t confused you further.
