Futaba 6EX and 7C Service Advisory

[krysta]

Futaba 6EX, 7C and TM-7 Service Advisory-

This service advisory affects only owners of the Futaba TM-7 module and 6EX and 7C FASST systems. Each FASST transmitter contains a unique eight digit identification code, programmed at the factory to identify the respective transmitter and to allow a receiver to be paired only to that radio’s signal. Recently we have learned that a very small number of the TM-7 modules, and 6EX and 7C FASST systems were incorrectly coded with a common code number during the manufacturing process. These units were subsequently sold prior to our awareness of the situation.

If two or more units, utilizing this common identification code, were to be in use simultaneously, they may cause interference with one another. Please note: Units which utilize the correct identification code will not be affected by these units.

We’re extremely confident that this is not a widespread problem. We know of only one instance in the United States. However, to give you peace of mind that your system is not affected, we will soon be setting up test stations at participating hobby shops throughout the country where you will be able to go to determine -- within a matter of minutes -- whether or not your transmitter is affected, at no charge to you. Or, if you prefer, you may send it in to our service center we will analyze it for you at no charge. If any problem is found, it will be replaced. We will gladly pay the postage for returning the unit and sending it back to you.

If you have questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact our Futaba Service Center at: 217-398-0007 or via email at: service@futaba-rc.com. Our staff is available to you Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm U.S. Central Standard Time.

Precautionary Measures and Information-

1) As with all radio control equipment, we strongly suggest that you pre-flight your aircraft thoroughly prior to flying. When flying at a location with other FASST owners, prior to flying we suggest that all pilots briefly activate their systems simultaneously to check for any interaction between units. If any interactions should occur, do NOT fly. Return the unit to the Futaba Service Center for immediate replacement.

2) Each time that your transmitter is turned on, it is imperative that you allow the FASST system an adequate amount of time to thoroughly boot-up completely before shutting down the transmitter. We recommend allowing the system at least five (5) seconds prior to turning off the power to the transmitter.

3) If the transmitter and receiver have lost their binding which required them to be re-linked, we recommend returning them to the Futaba Service Center for analysis. This is not expected behavior and should be investigated accordingly.

[krysta]

Futaba 6EX, 7C and TM-7 Service Advisory-

This service advisory affects only owners of the Futaba TM-7 module and 6EX and 7C FASST systems. Each FASST transmitter contains a unique eight digit identification code, programmed at the factory to identify the respective transmitter and to allow a receiver to be paired only to that radio’s signal. Recently we have learned that a very small number of the TM-7 modules, and 6EX and 7C FASST systems were incorrectly coded with a common code number during the manufacturing process. These units were subsequently sold prior to our awareness of the situation.

If two or more units, utilizing this common identification code, were to be in use simultaneously, they may cause interference with one another. Please note: Units which utilize the correct identification code will not be affected by these units.

We’re extremely confident that this is not a widespread problem. We know of only one instance in the United States. However, to give you peace of mind that your system is not affected, we will soon be setting up test stations at participating hobby shops throughout the country where you will be able to go to determine -- within a matter of minutes -- whether or not your transmitter is affected, at no charge to you. Or, if you prefer, you may send it in to our service center we will analyze it for you at no charge. If any problem is found, it will be replaced. We will gladly pay the postage for returning the unit and sending it back to you.

If you have questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact our Futaba Service Center at: 217-398-0007 or via email at: service@futaba-rc.com. Our staff is available to you Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm U.S. Central Standard Time.

Precautionary Measures and Information-

1) As with all radio control equipment, we strongly suggest that you pre-flight your aircraft thoroughly prior to flying. When flying at a location with other FASST owners, prior to flying we suggest that all pilots briefly activate their systems simultaneously to check for any interaction between units. If any interactions should occur, do NOT fly. Return the unit to the Futaba Service Center for immediate replacement.

2) Each time that your transmitter is turned on, it is imperative that you allow the FASST system an adequate amount of time to thoroughly boot-up completely before shutting down the transmitter. We recommend allowing the system at least five (5) seconds prior to turning off the power to the transmitter.

3) If the transmitter and receiver have lost their binding which required them to be re-linked, we recommend returning them to the Futaba Service Center for analysis. This is not expected behavior and should be investigated accordingly.

[ClayK]

Threads Merged to save confusion

[warpspeed]

Time for a quick comparo::flamesuit

Spektrum: There's nothing wrong with our stuff. You're an idiot who didn't read the manual.

Spektrum: Ok, maybe there's a small issue. We're looking into it.

Spektrum: Buy our capacitor and all your troubles are gone!

Futaba: We've been notified of an issue, the trouble was our fault, send 'em in postage paid and we'll fix it asap.


Man I wish they'd hurry up with that 9 channel Fasst system!

[ChrisH]

I wish they'd hurry up with the 7 channel FASST system!

[gdbontly]

I presume there's no way to check your transmitter/module based on a serial number or mfg date, huh? I have the TM-7 module. I don't even know if there's a S/N or mfg date on it. I will check it tonight.

[DavidH]

Originally Posted by gdbontly

I presume there's no way to check your transmitter/module based on a serial number or mfg date, huh? I have the TM-7 module. I don't even know if there's a S/N or mfg date on it. I will check it tonight.

Not that I know of. You can still fly your model and use your transmitter module safely till you have it checked. It is a simple procedure for it to be checked. Some of the hobby shops should be receiving testing equipment in the next few days. It takes less than 10 seconds to check the transmitter.

As for using it at the field. Just check an see if there is anyone else at the field with a 6EX, 7C or 7 channel module on 2.4ghz at the field. If there is, just turn on your transmitter and see if you can control there receivers. If you can't, you and them are OK.

David

[DavidH]

Update to the service advisory
http://2.4gigahertz.com/techsupport/...m7-7c-6ex.html

David

[DavidH]

Updated information on the service advisory
http://2.4gigahertz.com/techsupport/...m7-7c-6ex.html


David

[gustafh]

I think I am suffering from the Futaba Fasst ID reset problem.
Has anyone else had any problems with this so far?

I use the 6EX 2.4GHz FASST system with my two TRex helicopters.
The first heli uses the R606FS receiver that came with the transmitter, the second heli uses a R607FS that I bought separately.

I recently experienced a the problem, both my receivers lost the ID link with my transmitter.

Prior to the problem I just had successful flights with both helicopters.
When turning on my 6EX transmitter and then my heli equipped with R606FS, the receiver just blinked green as if it had been unlinked with my transmitter.
The second heli with the other receiver did the same thing.

The transmitter still showed correct setup programs for both helis, and the voltage was 10.5v, and the memory on the transmitter was fine.

When I got home I repeated the linking procedure, as described in the 6EX manual, on the first heli and the receiver worked fine.
Same thing with the second heli.

Luckily I haven't crashed or controlled other peoples gear yet, but I am definitly worried now.

Further discussions about the problem on another forum:
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=798002

[worldofmaya]

Hi!
You only have to rebind your transmitter if the ID changes or your receiver forgets it. Because both lost binding your transmitter will be the problem. Now that you rebinded both receivers are bound to ID 0 which could be a problem if someone else uses a radio with the same failure. Here in the German speaking area radios will be updated so this can't happen. The problem until now is that if you shut off your radio just right after switching on you can lose your ID and when powering down your battery this could happen too. 2G4 FF6 will get some new electronics with updated software, that's what our local distributor is offering...
-klaus

[DrJustice]

After much to and fro, I finally got confirmed that the latest firmware version for the 7C has a permanent fix for the GUID = 0 problem. I.e. it will no longer be set to 0 on fast on/off switching or deep battery discharging. A rather important piece of information, that has been "a secret" for a while (confirmed by a Futaba representative in this RCU thread).

So, 7C owners, get that firmware upgrade!

DJ
--

[worldofmaya]

Robbe (local Futaba distributor) began to fix this problem for FF6 / FF7 and TM-7 two weeks ago. The update didn't affect the model data (in case of FF6 and FF7). Seams to work fine now...
-klaus

[Maart]

Originally Posted by DrJustice

After much to and fro, I finally got confirmed that the latest firmware version for the 7C has a permanent fix for the GUID = 0 problem. I.e. it will no longer be set to 0 on fast on/off switching or deep battery discharging. A rather important piece of information, that has been "a secret" for a while (confirmed by a Futaba representative in this RCU thread).

So, 7C owners, get that firmware upgrade!

DJ
--

So all the 7c who is not listed as unsafe has this update?