FUTABA 3PM w/2.4GHz FASST SYSTEM

PeterV · #1 02-08-2007, 11:35 PM

For immediate release:

**FUTABA 3PM w/2.4GHz FASST SYSTEM

A serious performance boost for the popular 3PM!

Futaba has done it again! The FASST (Futaba Advanced Spread Spectrum Technology) is now available on the three-channel 3PM computer radio! The 2.4GHz modulation is wired directly into the transmitter circuitry so there’s no separate module to plug in. On-road and touring drivers will appreciate the unbeatable combination of precision and convenience that the FASST 2.4GHz system offers. More great “driver-friendly” features of the 2.4GHz FASST system include:

• Constant shifting within frequencies – no more signal conflicts or waiting for a frequency to open up.

• “Auto-Detect” instantly determines whether HRS or PPM mode is active in the transmitter.

• Fail Safe for both the transmitter (in case of interference) and the receiver (in the event of low voltage).

• A wider range for larger tracks.

• Special ID code prevents glitching by not accepting unwanted signals.

• Other manufacturers use over-the-counter IC chips. Futaba has been using IC chips of their own design for the 2.4G FASST sytem with channel shifting.

Tx Rx Servos Modulation
FUTK2020 3PM R603FF -- FM/HRS Retail:$249.99 Street:$199.99

FUTL7631 2.4GHz FASST R603FF Receiver 3 PM Retail:$149.99 Street:$99.99

IN STOCK: Mid-March (2.4GHz FASST System is available now)

For more information please visit: www.futaba-rc.com

1822 · #2 02-09-2007, 11:52 AM

Awesome! I have the 2.4 GHz FASST module and receiver for my 3PKS and it works well. I'll have to pick up one of these and try it out.

slimbo5 · #3 02-09-2007, 01:51 PM

thats actually the low end model, the 3pk with the fast system is still the top futaba radio

vaderbxman · #4 02-12-2007, 07:06 PM

It's a relatively inexpensive alternative to the High-end futaba radio. I kind-of like the way they did that radio, so kudos to futaba.

Racing t · #5 02-17-2007, 01:59 AM

very nice I love my fm 3pm but know I want this!

ChuckDeez · #6 02-20-2007, 03:21 AM

I hope the material is good. I remember having problems with the 2pl. It was junk.

t9dragon · #7 03-02-2007, 12:16 PM

Just to let everyone know Tower Hobbies now has the radio in stock
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LW4118&P=E

nitrothugg · #8 03-02-2007, 10:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChuckDeez

I hope the material is good. I remember having problems with the 2pl. It was junk.

the "regular" 3pm is actually quite good. it has alot of features that you need without feeling like you have to get a degree.

i have that regular 3pm and i am looking forward to upgrading to this model. 2.4ghz is now becoming very affordable.

nitrothugg · #9 03-06-2007, 10:03 PM

just received a new 3PM 2.4GHz radio set. i have not got around to installing but it looks simple enough.

my only question is, why did futaba use two different receivers? one version for the 3PM and another for their plug-in module set for the 3PK. anyone in the know fill free to shed some light on this? its really not a big deal to me its just that the one for the 3PM is $10 cheaper so whats the difference?

nitrothugg · #10 03-07-2007, 12:59 AM

well it was nothing to it to install. it comes pre-binded from the factory which should help new people. since i have a lipo pack as a receiver battery, i have digital servos for both throttle and steering so it has Futaba's "HRS" mode which is supposed to be even more faster. i have to read up on it to get all the facts.

ittjv · #11 03-08-2007, 11:41 AM

Hey nitro,
Have you been able to test the HRS function? Or have you been able to compare the performance to a standard FM radio? I ordered one 2 weeks ago from Tower and they just barely shipped it out yesterday. I have a 3PM FS-Pro and I'm hoping this one is just as good!

nitrothugg · #12 03-09-2007, 09:06 AM

i have not put any track time on it yet so i cant say "i feel the difference" in hrs mode. i can only eyeball the difference.

as compared to my "regular" 3PM, its pretty much the same as far as menus go. if you use the PPM mode, there is a switch on the rear located where the crystal used to go to set up the fail safe (F/S). in HRS mode its imbedded in the menus somewhere before or after the ABS settings. in HRS mode, you can set the throttle, steering and 3rd channel independantly or on/off for the fail safe.

the antenna is pretty rigid as compared to anyone i'm used to (and i owned a 1st gen. spektrum until the transmitter module crapped out). you can get it to stand straight up by itself although you still need a tube to stick it in. even the way they stuck a heavy duty rubber grommet on the hole where it comes out the case is thinking ahead - it just screams quality and durability.

broncobill · #13 03-09-2007, 02:08 PM

I picked one up last week end at the lhs for $180. It seems very good. I use it in my Baja to replace the XS3 I had in it. There is no lag at 150' like the JR. I would recommend this radio.

superspeed · #14 03-09-2007, 09:07 PM

good radio, good price, much better choice than DX3 from spektrum

nitrothugg · #15 03-09-2007, 11:57 PM

my only potential issue with it is that the transmitter antenna seems a little weak or flimsy where it bends. i'm sure if you take care of it, you should be fine like with anything else but be careful with it.

i tried the same bench tested the same servos and car with the 75MHz version and i see the difference with the HRS mode - its faster.

johnqpublic · #16 03-27-2007, 11:06 PM

When will we be able to buy a 3pk w/ the 2.4 module/Rx already in it?

Secretsg · #17 03-28-2007, 12:03 AM

Hmm seems the only difference is the DSC function between the 2 receivers. I wonder if I can buy these instead for the cars that are not racing.

fearlessone · #18 03-28-2007, 06:55 PM

I read in one of the R/C mag reviews that they had to reset (set) the fail-safe every time they ran the vehicle. Is that true?

metalry101 · #19 03-29-2007, 03:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by superspeed

good radio, good price, much better choice than DX3 from spektrum

Much better than the DX3.0? In what way? The Spektrum version comes with an extra $80 reciever, a $40 metal geared servo, and a JR 3 year warranty. I wish it had more than 4 model memory, but other than that, I can't find a single fault with it.

Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but HRS is only usable if you're running digital servos throughout, correct? I've heard a lot of complaints from people running the 3PK with Futaba's 2.4 system that it burns up analog servos. Maybe that's because they have it in the wrong mode...I dunno...I remember their FM and/or PCM systems of old had a mode that was only usable with digital servos, I'd imagine it's the same system on the new 2.4 radios...isn't that the HRS mode?

H-Trainer · #20 03-29-2007, 03:48 PM

As you can read in every online shop that carries the FASST system, as well as on Futaba's website, the HRS mode can only be used with digital servos. This is because the HRS signal's frequency is too quick for analog servos.
However, you are free to choose the regular "PPM" mode, which works with all kinds of servos.

It's correct that you have to set the failsafe position (by pressing a button on the transmitter module) again after you have turned on the receiver, but only in "PPM" mode. In HRS mode, you can set the failsafe positions with the transmitter software and they're sent to the receiver.
I don't see the need for a failsafe in my 1/8 buggy, as I have a TRRB (throttle return rubber band) in conjunction with a nearly frictionless throttle servo (Futaba s9350).

I'd say the antenna is less weak and flimsy than other manufacturer's. However, I've never used the receiver antenna. First thing I did after opening the box was removing the antenna.

I'm happy with my FASST system on my 3VCS, it was working well at a race in a riding hall with steel driver's stand.

Grant Tokumi · #21 03-31-2007, 01:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by H-Trainer

It's correct that you have to set the failsafe position (by pressing a button on the transmitter module) again after you have turned on the receiver, but only in "PPM" mode. In HRS mode, you can set the failsafe positions with the transmitter software and they're sent to the receiver.
I don't see the need for a failsafe in my 1/8 buggy, as I have a TRRB (throttle return rubber band) in conjunction with a nearly frictionless throttle servo (Futaba s9350).

Not having a failsafe is one thing as the return spring can do its job, but an incorrectly set failsafe is potential big trouble, as it could hold its position at say partial or full throttle. Maybe I'm missing something with this radio. When you turn on the radio in PPM mode without setting the failsafe, does it failsafe to a random position? Or do the servos go limp as if you didn't have a failsafe?

nitrothugg · #22 04-01-2007, 12:26 PM

it will go limp/stay in its position if you do not activate it in PPM mode.

nitrothugg · #23 04-01-2007, 12:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by H-Trainer

...I'd say the antenna is less weak and flimsy than other manufacturer's. However, I've never used the receiver antenna. First thing I did after opening the box was removing the antenna...

which one did you remove?

H-Trainer · #24 04-07-2007, 05:09 PM

I removed the antenna wire on the receiver. The first version didn't have one, but then they added this short wire for applications where the receiver is surrounded by carbon fiber like in some 1/8 on-road cars.

dilpickle · #25 04-08-2007, 02:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nitrothugg

just received a new 3PM 2.4GHz radio set. i have not got around to installing but it looks simple enough.

my only question is, why did futaba use two different receivers? one version for the 3PM and another for their plug-in module set for the 3PK. anyone in the know fill free to shed some light on this? its really not a big deal to me its just that the one for the 3PM is $10 cheaper so whats the difference?

according to futaba's site, the one that comes with the 3pm-603ff only has one antenna, while the other one has the dual antenna diversity