Futaba 12Z VS 14SG

[squidy]

Hi All! Long time reader first time writer!

i have purchased an align Trex 600 (2nd hand, brand new) and it came with a Futaba 12Z which looks and feels like an amazing radio still! the only thing that puts me off is the age.... it comes with the 2.4Ghz modual and works fantastic with the fasst receivers... but im looking at upgrading to a 14SG any thoughts or opinions?

i use to be a hardcore spectrum, but after feeling a Futaba, i was won over! the programming is very hard to get use to....

[Bob O]

I love my 14SG. The programming isn't easy, but going with a basic setup and everything else done in the FBL controller makes it simple, as there is no need to get into the difficult parts of the Tx programming.

Sent via phone

[Four Stroker]

The 12Z has the exact same programming and sticks as a 14MZ. It does not have a color touch screen. Old 14MZ always need the color screen replaced - about $165 the last I heard. You want the white pots - can see them through the side rubber holes. There are still some original blue pot radios around. Pots about $100.

[squidy]

Thanks for the replies yeah i know the 12Z is basically the 14MZ without the bells and whistles my local hobby shop still sells the 12Z's and has a few lest in stock still going for $1200 AUD, but my concern is it was released in 2006!

Also my model was purchased in the USA so it may not be allowed if MAAA come check out radios

Do you think i should stay or upgrade?? im not into FBL yet but soon.....

[Four Stroker]

The only reason to upgrade is to get S.Bus or telemetry. UNFORTUNATELY, there is not a Futaba FASSTest radio between the 14SG and 18MZ. There is the Robbe FX32 but for some unexplained reason no handheld equivalent. Robbe is the engineering development house of Futaba. I think you nailed it on the head when you said that your local shop still has 12Z's. The consumers have gone cheap. The last 12Z update has 3 gyro support so you can go FBL but with wires.

[van-man-123]

14 Sg is a great tx lots of great features and super reliable but the vibe alert is by far the one that sold it to me

[RC Mike]

Originally Posted by van-man-123

14 Sg is a great tx lots of great features and super reliable but the vibe alert is by far the one that sold it to me

That’s a good point. I use that all the time – it will save you aircraft them flying in a noisy environment.

.