Power Switch: Futaba 8FGA FASST System - 2010/10

One of the best features of the transmitter is a built-in SD card
slot. It will accept SD cards ranging in size from 32 megabytes
(MB) to 2 gigabytes (GB).
An SD card, not included, performs two
functions with the 8FG. First, it allows software
updates to be performed without having to send
the transmitter in for service. Second, it permits
more models to be stored than the 20 that is
standard with the transmitter.
Before the card can be used, it must be
formatted by the transmitter. This is
accomplished by inserting the card and turning on the unit. It will
give you the option to format the card.
After my card was formatted, I downloaded software version
2.0 to update the transmitter to the most current edition. Following
the instructions provided on Futaba’s Web site, I was able to
download and install the update to the
transmitter in less than five minutes.
Once installed, you can confirm the
software version in the System Menu under
Info. Also displayed next to card size was
966, meaning that my 512MB card was
providing an additional 966 model memories.
This simple process provided a four-page
list of features that were added or changed.
One of the updates was the addition of a
warning display that lights at power on if the
throttle stick is above one-third throttle.
Then you have the option of lowering the
throttle or allowing it to transmit at the current
setting. That’s a nice safety feature.
When you give the 8FG a once-over, you
might notice that it has eight switches, two
knobs, and two sliders, all of which can be
programmed to the pilot’s liking. Three
switches on the top left of the transmitter are
three-position types, and the other one
provides two positions.
Three switches on the right side are the
three-position variety, and the fourth is a
momentary switch. The knobs are located on
the upper front of the transmitter. Sliders are
located on the back, within easy reach of your
fingers.
Ball-bearing control sticks on the radio
come from the factory with a nice tension
setting. If you want to adjust it, you must
remove the back of the case.
The left stick of the airplane version of the
radio is ratcheted, while the helicopter version
has a smoothly loaded throttle action. Both
can be adjusted for tension preference.
Programming Basics: The manual provides
basic settings for airplanes and helicopters, to
quickly get users’ models into the air, but the
instructions don’t scratch the surface of the
8FG’s features. It is loaded with
programming options, some of which you
normally see only in higher-priced models.
The backlit 128 x 64 LCD screen offers
adjustable contrast for easy viewing in any
light conditions, and it does a good job of
keeping programming fairly simple.
The Home screen shows all digital trim
settings, system timer, key lock indicator,
battery indicator, model type and model
name, model timer, FASST mode (there’s one
for seven- or eight- or more-channel
receivers), radio frequency indicator, and user
name. The latter is a great addition, making it
simple to identify to whom the transmitter
belongs.
The System menu sets up functions of the
transmitter itself and involves no model data.
A selection under the System menu is the
trainer function. Most transmitters offer that,
but the 8FG takes it to the next level with
many great features.
The instructor can choose what functions
and channels are assigned to the student,
allowing their control to be tailored to his or
her flying skills. The instructor can also set up
the transmitter to allow corrections to be input
while the student still has control of the
aircraft.
Display settings and the user name
function are under the System menu, as is the
H/W (hardware) setting. It allows the user not
only to change the mode of the transmitter,
but also reverses the direction of the sticks,
switches, trim levers, and knobs.
The Info function provides the Product
I.D. number and language, which can be
English, Japanese, German, Dutch, French,
Spanish, Czech, Russian, and Italian. Version
shows the program version. The card size
shows the current and maximum number of
models for which data is available.
The Linkage menu consists of functions
that perform model addition, model type
selection, frequency setting, endpoint setting,
and other model basic settings, one of which
is throttle cut. That is extremely important,
especially with electrics that can start
immediately, for any radio.
Using the throttle cut setting, I could
program the “SF” switch simply by activating
it, setting the “POS” to 0%, and selecting my
switch. I was even able to program the switch
so that on and off were in the direction I
wanted. That’s customization!
For gas and glow models, throttle cut will
kill the engine by closing the throttle to the
preset level you program. It keeps you from
having to use the digital trims.
Servo Monitor is another thoughtful
addition to the radio. It is used for testing
servo movement and fixed position using a
graphical chart. This feature enables users to
see what signal the radio is sending to each
servo. The neutral test can be used for setting
up new aircraft and locating the neutral
position of a servo horn.
The Linkage menu also includes the
Function option, which allows the actual
channel assignments to be changed. If you
don’t like your ailerons on Channel 1, switch
them to any of the other channels.
The Model menu covers dedicated mixes
relevant to the model type that is selected.
Everything including dual rates, flight
conditions, programming mixes, and
differential is found here.
The dual rate function for each flight
condition allows for up to five rates for each
condition. Exponential is also found in the
dual rate menu.
The R6008HS receiver included with the
transmitter has 2,048 resolution (available
with all Futaba receivers with more than eight
channels) and offers normal and high-speed
modes. In normal mode, the receiver will
work with any servos or equipment with a
frame rate of 14 milliseconds (ms). The highspeed
mode works with digital servos on
channels 1-6 and cuts the frame rate to an
amazing 7ms.
You can change the mode by holding the
Link/Mode button and powering on the
receiver. When the unit is turned on, the lights
confirm the mode. Red is normal, while high
speed flashes green and red for two seconds
and then turns to red.
So far I have set up two airplanes and one
helicopter on the 8FG. The level of
customization and programming options are
astounding. This transmitter is well rounded
and will easily satisfy any airplane, glider, or
helicopter pilot.
The addition of a memory card slot
ensures that the radio will be able to support
your needs for a long time, with the ability to
update it yourself combined with virtually
unlimited model memories.
The manual was quite useful in helping me
understand how to use all of the radio’s
features. The instructions were loaded with
pictures of the transmitter and programming
screens. An example of why I might use some
of the settings was the only thing I wished
was covered more with some of the
programming features with which I was
unfamiliar.
SensorTouch has proved to be a nice
programming interface, and now I find it
quicker than the standard buttons used on
most transmitters. The S1 function on the
sensor pad also makes navigating easier; I
can return to the top of a menu item by
tapping it or return to the Home screen by
holding it in for a few seconds.
The light weight of the transmitter makes
it comfortable to hang onto, even after a long
day of flying, and it balances perfectly using
a neck strap. The placement of the switches
is thoughtful, and being able to program their
functions and directions to my liking lets me
focus all of my effort on flying. MA
Jay Smith
[email protected]

One of the best features of the transmitter is a built-in SD card
slot. It will accept SD cards ranging in size from 32 megabytes
(MB) to 2 gigabytes (GB).
An SD card, not included, performs two
functions with the 8FG. First, it allows software
updates to be performed without having to send
the transmitter in for service. Second, it permits
more models to be stored than the 20 that is
standard with the transmitter.
Before the card can be used, it must be
formatted by the transmitter. This is
accomplished by inserting the card and turning on the unit. It will
give you the option to format the card.
After my card was formatted, I downloaded software version
2.0 to update the transmitter to the most current edition. Following
the instructions provided on Futaba’s Web site, I was able to
download and install the update to the
transmitter in less than five minutes.
Once installed, you can confirm the
software version in the System Menu under
Info. Also displayed next to card size was
966, meaning that my 512MB card was
providing an additional 966 model memories.
This simple process provided a four-page
list of features that were added or changed.
One of the updates was the addition of a
warning display that lights at power on if the
throttle stick is above one-third throttle.
Then you have the option of lowering the
throttle or allowing it to transmit at the current
setting. That’s a nice safety feature.
When you give the 8FG a once-over, you
might notice that it has eight switches, two
knobs, and two sliders, all of which can be
programmed to the pilot’s liking. Three
switches on the top left of the transmitter are
three-position types, and the other one
provides two positions.
Three switches on the right side are the
three-position variety, and the fourth is a
momentary switch. The knobs are located on
the upper front of the transmitter. Sliders are
located on the back, within easy reach of your
fingers.
Ball-bearing control sticks on the radio
come from the factory with a nice tension
setting. If you want to adjust it, you must
remove the back of the case.
The left stick of the airplane version of the
radio is ratcheted, while the helicopter version
has a smoothly loaded throttle action. Both
can be adjusted for tension preference.
Programming Basics: The manual provides
basic settings for airplanes and helicopters, to
quickly get users’ models into the air, but the
instructions don’t scratch the surface of the
8FG’s features. It is loaded with
programming options, some of which you
normally see only in higher-priced models.
The backlit 128 x 64 LCD screen offers
adjustable contrast for easy viewing in any
light conditions, and it does a good job of
keeping programming fairly simple.
The Home screen shows all digital trim
settings, system timer, key lock indicator,
battery indicator, model type and model
name, model timer, FASST mode (there’s one
for seven- or eight- or more-channel
receivers), radio frequency indicator, and user
name. The latter is a great addition, making it
simple to identify to whom the transmitter
belongs.
The System menu sets up functions of the
transmitter itself and involves no model data.
A selection under the System menu is the
trainer function. Most transmitters offer that,
but the 8FG takes it to the next level with
many great features.
The instructor can choose what functions
and channels are assigned to the student,
allowing their control to be tailored to his or
her flying skills. The instructor can also set up
the transmitter to allow corrections to be input
while the student still has control of the
aircraft.
Display settings and the user name
function are under the System menu, as is the
H/W (hardware) setting. It allows the user not
only to change the mode of the transmitter,
but also reverses the direction of the sticks,
switches, trim levers, and knobs.
The Info function provides the Product
I.D. number and language, which can be
English, Japanese, German, Dutch, French,
Spanish, Czech, Russian, and Italian. Version
shows the program version. The card size
shows the current and maximum number of
models for which data is available.
The Linkage menu consists of functions
that perform model addition, model type
selection, frequency setting, endpoint setting,
and other model basic settings, one of which
is throttle cut. That is extremely important,
especially with electrics that can start
immediately, for any radio.
Using the throttle cut setting, I could
program the “SF” switch simply by activating
it, setting the “POS” to 0%, and selecting my
switch. I was even able to program the switch
so that on and off were in the direction I
wanted. That’s customization!
For gas and glow models, throttle cut will
kill the engine by closing the throttle to the
preset level you program. It keeps you from
having to use the digital trims.
Servo Monitor is another thoughtful
addition to the radio. It is used for testing
servo movement and fixed position using a
graphical chart. This feature enables users to
see what signal the radio is sending to each
servo. The neutral test can be used for setting
up new aircraft and locating the neutral
position of a servo horn.
The Linkage menu also includes the
Function option, which allows the actual
channel assignments to be changed. If you
don’t like your ailerons on Channel 1, switch
them to any of the other channels.
The Model menu covers dedicated mixes
relevant to the model type that is selected.
Everything including dual rates, flight
conditions, programming mixes, and
differential is found here.
The dual rate function for each flight
condition allows for up to five rates for each
condition. Exponential is also found in the
dual rate menu.
The R6008HS receiver included with the
transmitter has 2,048 resolution (available
with all Futaba receivers with more than eight
channels) and offers normal and high-speed
modes. In normal mode, the receiver will
work with any servos or equipment with a
frame rate of 14 milliseconds (ms). The highspeed
mode works with digital servos on
channels 1-6 and cuts the frame rate to an
amazing 7ms.
You can change the mode by holding the
Link/Mode button and powering on the
receiver. When the unit is turned on, the lights
confirm the mode. Red is normal, while high
speed flashes green and red for two seconds
and then turns to red.
So far I have set up two airplanes and one
helicopter on the 8FG. The level of
customization and programming options are
astounding. This transmitter is well rounded
and will easily satisfy any airplane, glider, or
helicopter pilot.
The addition of a memory card slot
ensures that the radio will be able to support
your needs for a long time, with the ability to
update it yourself combined with virtually
unlimited model memories.
The manual was quite useful in helping me
understand how to use all of the radio’s
features. The instructions were loaded with
pictures of the transmitter and programming
screens. An example of why I might use some
of the settings was the only thing I wished
was covered more with some of the
programming features with which I was
unfamiliar.
SensorTouch has proved to be a nice
programming interface, and now I find it
quicker than the standard buttons used on
most transmitters. The S1 function on the
sensor pad also makes navigating easier; I
can return to the top of a menu item by
tapping it or return to the Home screen by
holding it in for a few seconds.
The light weight of the transmitter makes
it comfortable to hang onto, even after a long
day of flying, and it balances perfectly using
a neck strap. The placement of the switches
is thoughtful, and being able to program their
functions and directions to my liking lets me
focus all of my effort on flying. MA
Jay Smith
[email protected]