[PeterV]

From RC Car Action reader Anthony...

There is a new 2.4ghz system by Futaba for the 3pk: 603fs rx and pk-fsm2.4g tx module. All I could get out of the Futaba rep is "Those are for R/C car use. The system comes with a 3-channel receiver, and the transmitter module fits the 3PK transmitter only. "

There is nothing on the futaba-rc.com homepage. These were apparently already released in Europe/Japan though.

Hope you can get more details to publish than I did,
-Anthony

I'm working on it! --Pete

[chilly4kc]

Here is what I found from another website called rc-car-online and it appears to be valid:

"Brand new genuine Robbe/Futaba 3PK-B set # F3022 with invoice and warranty, NIB.

This set comes without crystals. They are obsolete now and a thing of the past since this system uses the 2.4 GHz band. The transmitter scans for a free frequency before it goes on air. This system has an incredible range, nevertheless the receiver uses absolutely no external antenna!
A special feature of this system is the variable-height steering wheel; the wheel can be positioned on either side of the top part of the transmitter, or - with an adaptor - can be set at the same height as the pistol grip trigger.
Placing the "throttle" and "steering" axes at the same level produces ergonomic advantages for the steering function.
The transmitter retains proven components such as rocker buttons for easy access when the car is running, and the integral digital trimmer in the pistol handle.

The large back-lit LCD graphics screen displays the comprehensive functions clearly, ensuring simple operation.

Naturally, the core of the system is the software which provides wide-ranging adjustment facilities and mixer functions, enabling the user to set up the system perfectly to match any model; the data can be stored individually in the ten internal model memories. The model memories can be expanded by 10 models per 16K CAMPac module. The software includes a new brake mixer for convenient a?djustment of the front and rear brakes, with variable delay and front-rear balance. The essential brake mixer set-up functions can be assigned to any of the adjustors or trims, allowing you to adjust the brake set-up while the car is on the track. This mixer function is very important, as the brake set-up may vary markedly during the race as a result of wear."

Functions:
General:
10 internal model memories, can be expanded by 10 models per 16K Campac module.
Model name, reset and copy
2.4 GHz
2 programmable mixers with offset, mix-unmix mode, variable trim increment
Unrestricted selection of control element and mixer function assignment
Completely variable direct call-up menu
Function level pre-select for beginners, advanced and expert drivers
Graphic servo travel display
Basic settings include screen contrast, beep, LED colour or home menu display
Timer / Counter: Total and single lap, count-up and count-down timer, pre-set time with alarm for total and single lap, navigation timer, lap time list
Steering: Sub-trim, reverse, end-point adjustment, servo speed (both directions), exponential, 2 x D/R
Throttle / Brake: Sub-trim, reverse, end-point adjustment, servo speed, exponential, VTR or 5-point curve, throttle pre-select, start program, traction control
Brake: brake power, time, cycle, delay and speed (A.B.S.)
Brake point adjustment, brake mixer
Channel 3: Trim, sub-trim, end-point adjustment, optional trim-tab mixer for racing boats.

Specification:
Dimensions: 220 x 160 x 130 mm
Weight: 620 g
Frequency band: 40.00
Channel spacing: 10 kHz
Spotfrequencies: 22.00
Current drain: 40/250 mA
Power Suply: 9,6 Volt NC/NiMH-Akku
Transmision system: PPM, 2.4 GHZ H
Functions: 3/6 Servos
more Specifications:
Optional left-hand conversion
DSC socket, earphone alarm sounder

Kit contains:
1 Megatech T3PKS-B transmitter (excl. battery)
1 PK-FSM2.4G RF module
1 R603FS receiver
1 Standard switch harness
1 Steering wheel positioning adapter
Instruction manual in English and German

[TheSteve]

If we are to believe the Futaba FCC documention then the claimed operating range of the system is 150meters.
The transmitter module has the small switch on it to select transmit power, in France you can only use 10mw on outdoor 2.4ghz devices, I believe everwhere else you can use 100mw. The system also uses Direct Sequence spread spectrum, the same as the Spektrum system(don't expect the Futaba transmitter module to control a Spektrum receiver or vice versa though)
The Nomadio uses FHSS(frequency hoping) in its native mode and Direct Sequence when driving a Spektrum receiver.
The Spektrum transmitter modules have 10mw of transmit power, Nomadio have 100mw in FHSS mode and 10mw in DS mode.

[Secretsg]

I do believe the Futaba System is FHDSS. Something changed along the way and they didn't go with DSSS as originally planned. Interestingly enough a Nomadio rep pointed this out along with the fact the new module has same transmitting specs as the sensor....

[Holeshot101]

No rx antenna! no more antenna tubes! sweet. Idk I think thats cool for some reason.

[chadthenube]

thats [B]AWSOME

[TheSteve]

I've also heard they went one way and then the other.
I can't help but wonder if it was FHSS to DSSS though, as doing FHSS with no real antenna on the receiver would be quite difficult. The FCC approval documents also state DSSS. It may be a mystery until Futaba tells us.

[Secretsg]

It's FHDSS. Checkout vendor desriptions of the system.
http://www.microtechracing.com/produ...2-85A718F3D975

Robbe's description of the system. I believe they were the co developers.
http://at.robbe-online.net/rims_at.s...1b3e0dc1460647

[TheSteve]

They must have completely redesigned the system - and at this point being there is no FCC certification for a Futaba FHSS product. It may have been made by someone else and just looks the same as the DS model they made.
The real question is why its taken them so long and what are the real latency figures. The Spektrum has a pretty strong following at this point and the Pro system seems to work quite well.

[TheSnick]

Its a licensened Nomadio product. Mystery solved.

[xsp]

So can anyone tell me what's the difference between the module above an this one?

http://at.robbe-online.net/rims_at.s...View/1&2DF1901

[TheSteve]

Originally Posted by TheSnick

Its a licensened Nomadio product. Mystery solved.

Very cool - although all Nomadio has suggested is an add on module is a substandard way of adding 2.4Ghz.

[Secretsg]

The thing is, I have a feeling Nomadio will make more money off the licensing for Futaba than sensor sales.

[TheSteve]

I agree.

[Nitro 4 me]

so will the sensor work with the futaba receiver?

[Nomadio_Sales]

No, but there is another brand of radio that is coming out that we will work with right off the bat.

[tracer]

Interesting that even the Japanese Futaba site has no mention of this, yet it's available for sale in Europe already.

[Nomadio_Sales]

It is on the Tower Hobby web site already too but is not in stock

[RC-ZOMBIES]

Tower and Omni Models have the system or seperate module and receiever instock... both are offering $20.00 discount code. but omni has the better deal... free shipping.

looking forward to getting mine next week.

[Nomadio_Sales]

Omni and Tower owned Hobbico the Futaba importer.

[WJ Birmingham]

Originally Posted by Nomadio_Sales

Omni and Tower owned Hobbico the Futaba importer.

Huh? Tower/Omni are owned BY Hobbico/Great Planes.

[Nomadio_Sales]

Yes they are both owned by Hobbico why is that shocking.

[WJ Birmingham]

Originally Posted by Nomadio_Sales

Yes they are both owned by Hobbico why is that shocking.

Because that's not what you said.

[Nomadio_Sales]

Exactly what I said "Omni and Tower owned Hobbico the Futaba importer." Which is true. So why are you having issues with that statment?

[fastharry]

just saw the reciever.......the same size as my old 3pk...a hump the size of a camel,AND,get this,an antennae wire longer than my SPECTRUM micro..........NICE TOUCH.....is this the result(advantage) of using liscenced technology?...not good..I'll stick with the spectrum MICRO,thanks....