09Futaba.ht1.doc
[Headline: Futaba 10J Transmitter]
[Subhead: An affordable telemetry and S.Bus-capable radio]
[Author: Chris Mulcahy]
[Email: [email protected]]
[Photos by the author]
[Sidebars within text]
SPECIFICATIONS
Number of channels: 10
Model memory: 30
Frequency: 2.4 GHz
Modulation: T-FHSS, S-FHSS
Resolution: 2,048
Frame rate: 14.8ms
Power supply: Four AA alkaline batteries
Trim type: Digital
View screen: 128 x 64-dot backlit LCD display
Program input: Buttons
Trainer function: Wired
Number of switches: Eight
Number of sliders: Two
Number of knobs: One
Included: R3008SB 8-channel receiver; switch harness; neck strap; manual
Street price: $349.98
R3008SB RECEIVER SPECIFICATIONS
Channels: Eight
Modulation: T-FHSS
Weight: .36 ounces
Size: .98 x 1.86 x 0.56 inches
Power requirement: 4.8-7.4 volts
Price: $59.99
AIRPLANE PROGRAM FEATURES
• Six programmable mixes
• Nine factory-defined mixes
• Flaperons with differential rate
• Flap trim
• Differential ailerons
• Gyro sensitivity
• Five-point throttle and pitch curves
• Throttle delay
• Idle down
HELICOPTER PROGRAM FEATURES
• Six programmable mixes
• 10 factory-defined mixes
• Eight swashplate types
• Five flight conditions with delay
• Throttle curve (four curves, five points)
• Pitch curve (five curves, five points)
• Throttle hold and delay
• Swash Adjustable Function Rate
• Electronic swash ring
PLUSES
• Built-in telemetry.
• Built-in S.Bus programmer.
• Solid-feeling design.
• Easy to navigate.
• Easy to program.
• Wireless model transfer.
• User-updatable firmware.
MINUSES
• No wireless trainer function.
• No external speaker for voice telemetry.
The new 10J transmitter is the latest in the line from Futaba that supports the S-FHSS protocol. In addition, it supports the new T-FHSS protocol, which supports telemetry.
The 10J ships with the R3008SB eight-channel receiver, that supports S.Bus, S.Bus2, and is also a high-voltage receiver. The receiver has the built-in “Extra Voltage” port similar to its FASSTest counterparts. This means that the R3008SB receiver is also compatible with all of Futaba’s S.Bus2 telemetry modules.
The 10J comes with a printed manual that explains all of the transmitter’s functions. Also in the box is a standard switch harness and neck strap, both of which are the same type that comes with most of Futaba’s transmitters.
The 10J requires four AA batteries, which are not included. The cage for the AA batteries is removable so you can install a suitably sized rechargeable battery, such as a LiPo or LiFe pack. If the battery type is changed, you can go into the system menu and change the battery alarm voltage to match.
The 10J packs an impressive amount of features at this price. It has a large 128 x 64-dot backlit LCD screen—the same style navigation joystick that was used on the 8J—30-model memory, S.Bus servo programmer, wireless data transfer between similar transmitters, and of course, telemetry.
The telemetry features also have a synthesized voice option that you can hear via external headphones that plug into the back of the transmitter. By default, you are given the receiver voltage on the transmitter, to which you can assign an alarm.
By using the optional extra voltage cable, you can also monitor a flight battery directly, instead of via an ESC, which is usually regulated to a particular voltage. This gives you the ability to forgo a timer and rely on a low-voltage alarm that you can preset, giving you the most from each flight—which could be longer or shorter depending on how you fly that particular flight.
Telemetry alarms can also be set with a vibration alert, in case you miss the beeps at a noisy fly-in. The included R3008SB receiver supports S.Bus2, so you can use Futaba’s full line of existing telemetry modules, such as external voltage, rpm, GPS, etc.
The 10J has all the typical features you can expect from a Futaba transmitter, including sub trim, dual rates, preprogrammed mixes, six programmable mixes, gyro menus, throttle and pitch curves, and condition menus for gliders and helicopters.
There are no conditions for the aerobatic mode, but the 10J has a powerful and versatile dual-rate system that makes it easy to program many settings on the control surfaces. You can choose to have your aileron, elevator, and rudder rates all on a single switch, all on separate switches, or any combination of the two methods. Heli and Glider modes both have flight conditions. Channels 5 through 10 are customizable and you can assign any switch or throttle position to any of those channels.
You can select from four models types: Acrobatic, Helicopter, Glider, and the new Multirotor mode. The Acrobatic, Glider, and Helicopter modes have all of the common features needed for programming such models, as well as the telemetry options.
The new multirotor mode features a simplified menu structure (most of the software setup is done on the multirotor itself), and has a new center-stick alarm that helps you gauge the mid-stick area on your transmitter without having to look down. For multirotor users, this is typically the point at which a multirotor will hover without gaining or losing any altitude.
All of the menu features are easily accessible by holding down the plus key, and the multifunction switch makes menu navigation easy. The parameter menu contains all of the system settings, such as backlight and volume settings, plus some telemetry and speech settings.
The parameter menu is also where you can select the model type. Models can be wirelessly transferred between two 10J radios, and backed up using the optional CIU-2 USB interface. You can also use the CIU-2 to update the transmitter as new firmware versions are released.
If you are using S.Bus servos, you can use the 10J to assign channels directly to the servo. No additional equipment is required. Simply plug the servo into the back of the transmitter (as well as a Y-harnessed battery to power the servo), and use the S.Bus link menu to adjust a host of options for the servo such as channel number, soft start, neutral offset, dead band, travel adjust, etc.
I started with a multirotor model, using the new multirotor setting on the 10J. I attached my flight battery to the R3008SB’s “ext voltage port,” and programmed an alarm to trigger at the appropriate time for my 3S LiPo flight battery. The 10J displayed the receiver voltage and the flight-pack voltage.
The simplified menu didn’t get used much because most of the mixing and programming were done on the flight controller in my multirotor, but the uncluttered menu was less distracting when hunting down telemetry and timer settings. I activated the center-stick alarm, and it worked well. It didn’t take long for me to hear the stick beep when I wanted to stop ascending or descending.
I programmed my Flyzone Beaver using a spare S-FHSS receiver, and setup was quick and easy. I even programmed a crow function (Air Brake in the menu) by splitting the two aileron servos into separate channels. I enjoyed flying the Beaver so much with the 10J that I decided to use the 10J for my Pylon Racing airplanes.
I used high-voltage S.Bus servos in one model, and was able to set a low receiver battery for the small LiPo that I use on my receiver pack. This made monitoring the battery during races easy.
Conclusion
The transmitter felt great during use. The sticks felt smooth, and the switches have a solid feel to them (much like my 14SG). The audible and vibration alarms were useful, and the voice telemetry worked as advertised (you need an earbud to use the voice feature).
I’ve programmed several models with the 10J, and so far there has been little that I couldn’t achieve. The transmitter is versatile and easy to use, and will keep any modeler satisfied for a long time.[dingbat]
—Chris Mulcahy
[email protected]
MANUFACTURER/DISTRIBUTOR:
Hobbico
4105 Fieldstone Rd.
Champaign IL 61822
(800) 338-4639
www.futaba-rc.com