FrSky 2.4ghz conversion to futaba 3vc guide
 

Ok, i recently converted my Futaba 3vc using the Frsky conversion, and after 3 meetings i can safely ay its better than my spektrum in many ways.

1. It doesn't have range issues like my spektrum module, i can only presume the over head power-lines may have reduced signal strength, but the frsky doesn't suffer this issue.

2. Boot up time is faster, it only save a second or two but when rushing to the start of a heat it all counts.lol

3. COST, simple.

So on Tuesday i converted a friends futaba 3vc using the same hack module and 4ch receiver. Here's a quick guide on how to do it.

Equipment used:
Frsky 2.4ghz Hack module - http://www.giantshark.co.uk/frsky-24...-p-405206.html
Frsky 2.4ghz 4ch receiver - http://www.giantshark.co.uk/24ghz-fr...-p-404806.html

If anybody has any questions please feel free to ask on here or send me a p.m. I will try and answer as quickly as possible.

Firstly, remove the aerial, then remove the back cover with 4x philips screws.
http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...e/IMG_3861.jpg

Once inside, remove the module plate with the 2x silver phillips screws at the top. Now identify the +, - and signal wire. Pictured from left to right is BLANK_NEGATIVE_BLANK_POSTIVE_SIGNAL.
http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...e/IMG_3863.jpg

Next, shorten the wires slightly on your hack module and tin with solder ready.
http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...e/IMG_3864.jpg
http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...e/IMG_3865.jpg

Now solder on the reverse of the above pictured module board, to make it easier mark the positive, negative and signal on the reverse as you dont want to mix these up.
http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...e/IMG_3866.jpg
http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...e/IMG_3867.jpg

Once soldered, wrap the cables around the module board as theres a good length there. You can cut and shorten if needs be but i didnt have time.
http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...e/IMG_3868.jpg

Then i simply fixed the module and cables in place with some insulating tape wrapped around the module board. Not the best looking solution but it works.
http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...e/IMG_3869.jpg

Now, before fixing the board back into place, you'll need to adapt the case to accept the aerial socket. I simply cut the lug off the top of the transmitter case.
http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...e/IMG_3862.jpg

Next just thread the aerial through the hole and fix by tightening the nut supplied.
http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...e/IMG_3870.jpg

Now, you can fix the module board back onto the transmitter with the 2 silver philips screws. Note i also added 3 pieces of small heatshrink onto the existing pins just incase they make contact. You can cut them off but i wanted the option to convert back if anything changes in future.
http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...e/IMG_3872.jpg

Next the rear casing will need to be modified to make room for the wires and module. I simply cut the blank plate off with a craft knife, and also note that i have cut away the material at the top and bottom of the housing to make space for the wires.
http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...e/IMG_3873.jpg
http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...e/IMG_3874.jpg

Now its ready to re-fit the back cover, so tighten the 4 screws back up. nd finally to cover the gap and protect the module i used the outer cover of the original 40mhz unit which clicks into place. You can however drill 2 holes and fix the modules bind button with led to the blank cover, but as its only ever used to bind i figured it was better off hidden away.
http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x...e/IMG_3876.jpg

And remember, before binding to a receiver, ensure you enable PPM as PCM or RF can damage the module. To do this just enter menu 3 and scroll across to MOD and scroll to select PPM.

Great guide - cheers Jamie! :thumbsup:

Glad you're loving the FrSky setup - I saw quite a few of them around the oOple race, so they are certainly gaining in popularity with the racers! :)

Nice guide mate. I used the plug in module on my 3vc, i'm sure its just the same but take seconds :)

great tutorial ! thanks ! :thumbsup: i'm now convinced !

i was considering the hack solution as well because the antenna on top of the transmitter is more sensible ; it looks better and reduces risk of breakage...

why aren't you using this frsky receiver though ?

http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/s...ompatible.html

it has a plastic case and is very tiny, only downside is the twin antenna i guess... any feedback on these ?

Hi Martin,
I just use the replacement module instead of the hack module and very happy with it. Already using it in 4 cars (and more to follow) without any hick up. I you want to have a look at it, I will at the next KK in Kampenhout. I am using the 7 and 4 channel RX without any issue!

The receiver you link to isn't compatible with the frsky hack type 2.4ghz module, this is a receiver made by frsky to be compatible with the futaba FASST module as a cheaper alternative.

damn i hadn't noticed that ! glad i asked here... i was about to order 3... thanks again :thumbsup:

with the plug in module the aerial actually fits up behind the handle, i actually think its less likely to get caught that having the aerial out of the top...

Careful Rich - when your transmitter falls backwards sitting on your pit table, the aerial will take the force of this. And it will take it on the most delicate part - the hinge.

If this breaks or becomes loose then at best you have a dodgy aerial and at worst, youve got a broken transmitter and have to buy (and fit!) a new aerial.

Totally up to you chum, but I would strongly advise to consider the proper "aerial out the top" conversion. Dead easy and safe as house :thumbsup:

Great write up Jamie.

It was my transmitter that was converted in those pics :thumbsup:, and it works very well and Jamie made it look easy.

I would recommend this setup to anyone as it's very affordable and works extremely well.

Hi mate, see pic below, i'd say my aerial is possbly even safer than being on top, should my tranny fall in any direction it cant be caught and snapped....

Ahh cool mate!! Totally agree, nice and safe :thumbsup:

When you said "behind the handle" I thought you meant outside it.

On the KO this wouldnt have worked as the handle is further up and even when the aerial is "inside" the handle, the base of it still takes the brunt of any impacts.

Happy tranny-ing! :lol:

ah yeah my bad! i had a ko and the aerial stuck way out past the handle!

Sorry to cut in on this chat but has anybody converted a 3PK (The 3VC's wheel brother!)

Either the hack or used the plug in module?

I'm presuming the hack is the same pin layout as the 3VC?


Many Thanks

Kevin

I don't use the FrSky hack or plug in modules
I use the Original Futaba FASST Module with the FrSky FASST Receivers

On the Futaba ( like the KO ) modules the aerials come out of the lower half of the unit and as such are in danger of being hit in a tranny tip situation

There is an easy Solution to this to protect the aerial!
The handle on the back of the tranny, simple un-bolt it and mount it back on un-side down, this way the handle now protects the protruding aerial !!
Hope this helps!

I was told by someone on the giantcod forum that all futaba pin layouts are the same, so I would say the 3vc's ugly sister will be the same

Thanks.

Ugly sister, good one :p

John333 is correct, all futaba module pins are laid out the same.

Before converting mine i looked all over the web to ensure i was picking up on the correct pins, and they're all the same from the 3ch upwards.

Appreciate the info. Looks like I have some soldering to do in my future:thumbsup:

Can you use the TFR4 RX with this hack mod.

I currently use the TFR4 with my 3PKS TX using a Futaba Fasst Module so it would be handy if I convert my sons 3VC the this FRSky mod that I can use the same RX's

Cheers

Mark

no they dont work, i made the mistake of buying them for my plug in module. i assume the hack is the same. you need to use the v series ones.

worth a note that hitec transmitters with modules are also of the same pin layout. using futaba frsky plug in module on an hitec optic 6 for a tank project, works fine

Would it be possible using this plug in/rebild modules in a 3VCS?

Plug In:DFT
http://www.frsky-rc.com/ShowProducts.asp?id=34

To Build: DHT
http://www.frsky-rc.com/ShowProducts.asp?id=85

Those mentioned on first post were discontinued and these are Frsky recommended transitions.

Great guide. I have converted my 9 channel flying radio this meat hod and never had any range or other issues since. I have flow over 2 km not line of sight and been fine. Now I am about to do my 3vc the same. It has a corona modual at the moment but the Frsky stuff is great.

OK so the hack mod is good and the clip in mod is good for the futaba 3vc how are they performing as I'm looking for 2.4 for my 3vc ...I have the spectrum mod done but its short on range and I do get the dreaded GLITCH from time to time....

My 3vc with plug in module has been flawless. Cant say any more than that :)

Anyone done this to a FF3, if so whats the pin order you used? I checked mines with the meter and oscilloscope but it's been a long time since I last used any scope so I am struggling with which is actually the signal wire.

Going from left to right outside the case:
Pin 1 - Signal - ~0v
Pin 2 - Signal - Battery Voltage +
Pin 3 - Signal - ~5v
Pin 4 - No Signal - Earth
Pin 5 - Signal - ~0v

I have been using the corona plug in in mine with no problem's but it does take about 20 seconds to bind
http://www.giantshark.co.uk/24ghz-fu...-p-404873.html

To answer my own question, yes the wiring should be the same for the FF3 as 3VC. The much easier option though is to buy the FrSky DFT module, disable the telemetry via the switch on the back and pair it up with a V8R4-II receiver and off you go :)

Does anyone know if the HS PPM option is only available on the V8R4-II style receivers or is it only for the bigger channel flying receivers?

Pretty good step-by-step guide and tips. Can use this myself. Thanks :)

What module (plug in ideally) and RX do I need to use this with a FF3 or 3VC?

This would free up my KO RX's in my vintage runners :D

G

Anyone? :cry:

G

You can use the FrSky FF-1 2,4 GHz combo pack for Futaba w/ module and receiver or the FrSky FD 2,4 GHz combo pack for Futaba w/ module and receiver in the 3VC and in the FF3. It is just taking the 40 MHz module out and replacing it with the FrSky module. I have been doing this for the last 2 years without any issues. Also converted a Sanwa Super Exzess and a KO Esprit II with the DIY pack. Works a treat!:thumbsup:

What's the difference between the two and what receivers are compatible?

Thanks,

G

been using this module in a 3vc and 3pk no problems. they work with the v8 series of frsky receivers

http://www.t9hobbysport.com/frsky-df...smitter-module

I have a 3vc and looking at the plug an play and the other frsky option does anyone know what part numbers I would need or links to were I could buy that work with my 3vc
thanks

Can some one tell me if i can take a FRSKY hack out of my 3VC- i bought it second hand with the hack fitted.. its awfull , never had so much glitching.

depends how it has been fitted Chris.

Just converted my Futaba Field Force 3 with the module combo. I couldn't stand the aerial out the back so i moved the aerial connector inside the Tx case.

[IMG]http://i495.photobucket.com/albums/r...psqfuzmxmv.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://i495.photobucket.com/albums/r...psipqa3vqi.jpg[/IMG]

3VC with FR-Sky Telemetry module issues
 

hey guys, got a module with telemetry options thats in my 3vc and have had brown out issues since i started using it... im on the FF8 i think it is 4 channel receivers.... i even bought another module thinking it was faulty... is there something i need to set or that on the tranny ??

cheers


Gordon.