Help with Futaba R614FF Receiver

[knighthawk]

Hi,
I have a Futaba 3VCS 2.4Ghz

has anyone tried the new Futaba R614FF receiver with this radio
the new 614 is a lot smaller and easier to fit into my car but I don't want to buy one if it doesnt bind with the TX Modual

Thanks for any help

[ianjoyner]

Unfortunately I think that's only for the 4PK / 4PKS, which uses FASST in C2 mode.

http://www.gpdealera.com/cgi-bin/wgainf100p.pgm?I=FUTL7633

The 4PK / 4PKS can use the older R603FF and R603FS receivers, but the older transmitters can't user the newer R614FF receiver.

[ryanlownie]

I know on my 4PK you can select C1 or C2 mode, not sure if that is possible on the radio you have but without that option, you are stuck.

[Big G]

I'd be interested to know if you can use this with the 3vcs too

[blue_pinky]

Affraid not...

***CLICKY*** (http://www.futaba-rc.com/accessories/modules.html) Scroll down...compatibility table at the bottom!

As much as I love my Futaba kit, it does annoy me....there seems to be some limitation with the futaba systems, they have conveniently made of their 2.4ghz radio systems different/incompatible for some reason :mad:

Seems the 4PK might have some improved version of the FASST system, which would be a fair reason to be incompatible...but...

They have had some nice looking tiny receivers for their plane sets that are presumably much the same technology as the original system that'd all be great for cars! I would dearly love a smaller receiver for the 3PK, but it's just not available. In my mind they have really missed a trick there!

Seems to me that a company with Futaba's development capability should really have the knowledge and good sense to give us that option! And why they are expending so much time and effort making 2 or more different but entirely similar 2.4ghz systems rather than 1 common and compatible one is beyond me.

Why are the air/surface systems different?...surely it'd be easier for them if they were the same?!?! We'd all be buying more stuff of them if they did! Def loosing out there :eh?:!

[SlowOne]

Futaba compatibility has been excellent. My old FF3 (c. 199-something) was compatible with every Futaba servo and receiver ever made until the 3VC, and with the Spektrum 2.4 when it first came out. Most other racers were buying new radio to use 2.4, whereas my FF3 just plugged in and worked - in a 15-year-old radio!

Things have to move on, so it is the 4-series radios that have moved things on again. I reckon that two upgrades, with lack of backward compatibility, in something over 20 years is not a bad record.

I appreciate the point, but I don't think Futaba are losing out. The 613 and 614 receivers are small enough for a 12th car, and they don't come much more space-challenged than that!

Air/surface systems differ because the requirements for meeting US and EU standards for air control are far more stringent than surface control. Additionally, weight is a major issue for aircraft, especially now that electric flying with LiPo is such a growing class - weight is a selling point for flyers. Add to that the much lower need for power to servos and speedos in most aircraft, and you can make something very small and light for a 'plane that wouldn't work in a car or a boat. HTH :)