12FG, 12Z, 14MZ, FX40 module programming

[MZFAN]

Originally Posted by FredericG

I would think that the radio sends a value to the RF module in order to select the frequency. Also over SPI but to another component in the module? (just a wild guess)
Perhaps the frequency table contains ascii strings like "35.140" along with a value that is sent to the RF module. (even a wilder guess :wink
Perhaps it would be doable to place a controller between the radio and the rf module that alters the value sent to the module.

Perhaps it is possible to tune the circuit so that is is 20 KHz off?

I am looking for any hint on how this works...

Thanks
Frederic

Hi Frederic
If you look at the module, I mean at its components, there is not much! It is so simple that I think it has only two purposes: One is to provide the area limitation and frequency band information to the radio. The second is to amplify the RF signal provided by the radio.
Considering your guess the module would have to store all the area and possible frequencies for its band which would prevent from any update in case these frequencies allocation change.
If I am right the radio is doing the main job. But it is just a guess.

[FredericG]

Thanks for this additional info MZFAN !

I agree, the table is probably not in the module, but in the code of the radio. I was wondering if one could find the table by just browsing the (compiled) transmitter software. However, I suppose hacking the transmitter software can be dangerous and could leave the radio in a state where it does no longer accept new software.

Forgive my ignorance, I have never seen such a module, left alone opened one...
Do you mean that the radio also provides the carrier and that the module performs the FM modulation and amplification? Or do you think that also the modulation is done in the radio?

Thanks,
Frederic

[MZFAN]

Frederic,
I think too that hacking the software could be dangerous for the radio but if I was able to do this I would strart with the update files...:wink:
But anyway I would not advise to try this except if you are a professional.
When you open a module there are really few components. I would say it is just an amplifier but I am not sure at all about this.
There was a thread here were people put some shots of their open module but I can't find it...

[Skymax]

I have send mine to my futaba local distibutor, i's send back to me in the middle of next week.
At moment of in get it, i opened it and i take some pics and i post them.
I have already open it, inside we have 2 Epoxy card with some component, they are attach together by some pins and on this pin's have a conductor soldened and glued .
Wait for pics

[sambogosse]

Thanks for the info Skymax. It will be interesting to see which modification they will make to it (software or hardware).

[FredericG]

Thanks for the info MZFAN.
Would be cool Skymax if you could post some pics.

Frederic

[MZFAN]

OK,
Here are the pics for a 72 MHz module. You can say by the two red dots over the 72 writting. The eeprom is the component in the middle with the 8 connections.
The white big squares are ajustable component that might be set differently for a 29, 35, 40, 50 or a 72 MHz module...
In any case I doubt you would see any hardware change!
Skymax, I have a doubt! Which module you were speaking of, the new 2.4 GHz one? If so I would be very intrested in some nice pictures...

[flycop2000]

I have been reading these posts and its way over my head! I know nothing about electronics except "plug this in here and that in there"

But my question is: Has anybody here managed to change the region code on their 12FG?

I need to change mine from Hong Kong to U.K. as I want to use the 2.4 modules which are due in the hobby shops in the next couple days.

I may have admit defeat and send my Tx to Rip off Ripmax to be changed.

Richard

[sinver]

Originally Posted by MZFAN

OK,
Here are the pics for a 72 MHz module. You can say by the two red dots over the 72 writting. The eeprom is the component in the middle with the 8 connections.
The white big squares are ajustable component that might be set differently for a 29, 35, 40, 50 or a 72 MHz module...
In any case I doubt you would see any hardware change!
Skymax, I have a doubt! Which module you were speaking of, the new 2.4 GHz one? If so I would be very intrested in some nice pictures...

Hi,

I have opened my module of 35Mhz European and it is exactly just as the your module

I think that to change the code of area in the module can be relatively easy but it does not serve by that the area in my radio is fixed

someone knows as changing the code of area in 12FG ?

regards !!!

[flycop2000]

I telephoned Ripmax today and was quoted £45 to change the region code on my 12FG, alot of money for two minutes work?

Richard

[Skymax]

Originally Posted by MZFAN

Skymax, I have a doubt! Which module you were speaking of, the new 2.4 GHz one? If so I would be very intrested in some nice pictures...

Yes I speak about of the 2.4 module

[sinver]

Originally Posted by flycop2000

I telephoned Ripmax today and was quoted £45 to change the region code on my 12FG, alot of money for two minutes work?

Richard

It is too money but the good news is that can be made

now one must to discover as is changed the code of area in the radio !!!


regards !!!

[DavidH]

Don't know about the UK. But the majority of shops here in the US charge at least 1/2 hour labor rate. Some even charge an hour rate. No matter if the job takes 10 seconds or 29 mins.
Labor rates from Radio South here in the USA runs $35 an hour. They charge the rate in 15 min blocks. But I can tell you they are an exception here in the USA. I think Hobby Services gets about $60 an hour and they charge in 1/2 hr blocks.
I would call Ripmax and ask them what there hourly labor rate is and what time blocks they charge in.
The rate they gave you for changing the region code is most likely a flat rate. Since you did not the radio thru them as a distributor for the UK they probably charge more. Robbe/Futaba in Germany charges more for repairs on radios that were not distributed by them also. It is nothing new in the industry.

David

[flycop2000]

I wonder how much extra profit is made by companies who charge a minimum hourly rate for small repairs over the year?

If only somebody could quickly come up with calibration software, just like they did for the 12Z/14MZ.

Richard.

[flycop2000]

Well I gave in today and sent my 12FGH to Ripmax to get the region code changed so as I can use the 2.4 ghz module.

Does anyone know if the TX module can be region changed as well?

[DavidH]

Originally Posted by flycop2000

I wonder how much extra profit is made by companies who charge a minimum hourly rate for small repairs over the year?

If only somebody could quickly come up with calibration software, just like they did for the 12Z/14MZ.

Richard.

Pretty much all companies charge a minimum rate for repairs no matter how long they take. I own and ride a motorcycle also. The local shops charge a 1/2 hour labor rate to just look and inspect the bike. That is $35 where it takes 10 seconds or 29 mins. The shops are not there to lose money, so it is fairly common to charge a minimum rate for small jobs.
The shops have overhead costs when they stick the key in the door every day and unlock it. Utility bills, liability insurance, employees pay. etc. etc.

David

[DDJ]

Hi MZFAN
Do you know where I can get hold of ready made boards or kits for the programmer ? I looked at the site and downloaded PonyProg but don't see which board is the base board and which is the microwire one. Do I need only the one that's got the wires going into the module ?

Thanks

[MZFAN]

Hi DDJ,
There are some commercial eeprom programmer that generally come with their own software. You have to check before buying that they can program a microwire 93C46 or 9346 eeprom.
If you downloaded the file I provided you should have the schematic for a simplified board, combining the base board and the microwire board.
There is nothing much in it but if electronic is not your friend try to find somebody around you who can make the board for you.:wink:

[sinver]

DDJ,

fisicaly in the module the number 5 is GND & the number 8 is +5Vdc, view foto

regards !!!

[MZFAN]

Originally Posted by sinver

DDJ,

fisicaly in the module the number 5 is GND & the number 8 is +5Vdc, view foto

regards !!!

Yes it is.:wink: