Fourteen
channels and
telemetry at a
bargain price
FASSTest technology ...
fl ybarless gyro support ... S.Bus
programmability ... telemetry …
holy smokes! When searching for a
new radio, users are faced with myriad
choices on the market today and many
of them look good.
Fortunately, it is now possible to
buy a radio that will last you for many
years and it’s backed by a company
with a solid history of reliability and
support. The new 14SG from Futaba
is incredibly priced for a radio with
its number of features. The backward
compatibility and user-capable updates
take the worry out of buying a new
transmitter.
FASSTest is the latest revolution
in Futaba 2.4 GHz technology and
makes the 14SG a bidirectional radio
system capable of supporting a range
of telemetry functions. Don’t worry if
you have several aircraft already set up
with older FASST or S-FHSS systems,
because you can simply select that in
the setup menu and continue to use
them.
Each memory slot will maintain
whatever mode you select and there
are many memory slots! The radio
has 30-model memory and with
the installation of an SDHC card, it
becomes virtually unlimited.
Where to Begin
The radio comes in airplane and
helicopter versions, but each is capable
of doing both, along with sailplanes.
The primary difference is the ratchet
on the throttle and placement of the
throttle hold and momentary switches.
I got the airplane version, but
because I prefer a smooth throttle, I
crimped a piece of brass tube over the
ratchet arm. That allows me to have
smooth throttle and still adjust tension.
You no longer have to remove the back
of a radio to adjust tension; pop off the
grips and use a screwdriver to adjust
the screws.
The radio has an SD card slot that
will accept nearly any size card. I
installed a 32 GB SDHC card and
as soon as I turned on the radio, it
Photos by the author
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Greg Gimlick
FUTABA SG . GHZ COMPUTER RADIO [email protected]
041-045_MA0713_Futaba.indd 41 5/20/13 3:32 PM
The top le quadrant is set up the same way except instead of a spring-loaded momentary
switch toward the rear, it uses a two-position switch commonly used for throttle hold, but is
fully programmable.
The top right quadrant has three 3-position
switches and a momentary spring-loaded
switch. To the le of the front switch is a digital
dial for volume or other function use. The two
front switches are di erent lengths for easy
identi cation.
detected it and asked to format it. It
must be formatted by the Futaba radio
and not on your computer.
When it is formatted, it can only
be read using Futaba’s computer
software. My radio arrived with the
latest software version, but if it hadn’t,
I could simply download the update to
the SD card and the radio would install
it. No more sending the radio off as
updates are developed. This opens the
possibility of adding endless features to
the programming.
The 14SG is not overly clunky or
heavy. At 32 ounces, it doesn’t wear
you out, but it has a solid feel and
excellent balance. If you fl y using a
neck strap, you’ll be glad to fi nally
have a radio that is designed to balance
perfectly when hung on the loop.
The base fl ares slightly to ensure the
radio sets fi rmly upright on the bench.
You won’t be afraid that your radio
will tip over.
Stick lengths are adjustable and the
digital trim buttons are well placed.
With an eye toward the future, there
is an audio output plug on the back of
the transmitter. Trainer port and S.Bus
connectors are hidden behind a small
cover on the back of the radio, which
protects them from dust and dirt
buildup.
My one hesitation when I got my
radio was the “sensor touch” wheel.
Years ago I had an iPod with a similar
device and I didn’t like it. It always
seemed to argue with what I was
trying to do. My fears were unfounded
because the sensor touch wheel on the
14SG works like a champ. After a few
seconds, I was easily fl ying through the
programming windows.
The four techniques you use are one
short tap, two short taps, touch and
hold, and scroll. That’s self-explanatory
with the possible exception of
scrolling. To do that, simply slide your
fi nger around the perimeter of the
sensor in a circular motion.
Another great feature is the separate
exit button located below the throttle
stick that allows you to get out of a
menu without having to scroll to an
exit selection. After you get used to the
program methodology, you can zoom
through the screens.
I’m No Programming Genius
That’s one of the beauties of this
radio—you don’t have to be. Whenever
I try a new radio, I attempt to program
a simple airplane without reading the
manual beyond the initial charge and
update information.
Let’s face it, most of us just want
to get an airplane in the air and we’ll
learn more as we go. This radio has
templates for everything and the
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The System menu is ready
for the initial radio setup.
The Linkage menu is the
next step to use when
programming a new
model.
The Model menu contains
the mixes and ne-tuning
options.
The Info screen is under
the initial System menu
and displays the product
number, identi cation
number, language,
so ware version, region,
SD card size, and available
space.
The Function menu is
found under the Linkage
section and opens the
door to completely
customizing mapping
channels, controls, and
trims.
The Servo monitor allows
you to see the movement of
all controls and adjust them
without having to connect
to your model. Using this
properly will prevent any
linkage interference when
nalizing setups.
Telemetry options depend
on what sensors are
purchased and connected.
The quick reference screen
can be brought up with one
touch and alarms can be set
for each parameter.
layouts are intuitive. Without the help of the
manual, I quickly set up a model employing
two aileron servos, two fl ap servos, two elevator
servos, one rudder servo, ESC, and three
electric retracts!
I didn’t set up mixes for elevator/fl ap or
rudder/aileron, but the choices are there to
easily do it. I was able to do the same for my
Discus Launch Glider and T-Rex 450.
After the basic setup was done and I knew it
was all working, I looked further into the manual
to tweak and adjust things more to my liking;
however, I could have gone fl ying within minutes
of getting the radio unpacked and charged.
Ultimate Flexibility
I mentioned that the 14SG could be used
with any of the current 2.4 GHz technologies
Futaba employs, but its fl exibility goes far
beyond that. I never liked being forced to
accept the channel and switch assignments
manufacturers predetermined for me. For years,
I used a radio that allowed me to map channels
the way I wanted them. I can once again do
that, because Futaba saw fi t to build that
fl exibility into the radio.
There is nothing easier than setting up a
four-servo biplane by assigning each servo its
own channel! They are still all controlled and
trimmed with the aileron stick and trim button,
but each can be perfectly dialed in using its
own subtrim during the build. The same goes
for a twin-servo elevator. This feature alone
would have been enough for me to buy the
14SG, but when combined with everything else
it had to offer, it was a no-brainer!
Safety Matters
When it comes to safety, Futaba has stepped
up the game. When you turn on the radio,
there is a screen asking if you wish to transmit
radio frequency. Radios used to automatically
send the signal. Why do we care? In this
crowded environment of large fl y-ins, there is
the possibility of hundreds of radios being on
at the same time, especially when you take into
account the ones actually out on the fl ightline
and the ones being used in the pits.
We’ve become complacent with the advent
of the 2.4 GHz technology, but there can
still be interference with band saturation
by large numbers of radios being on at the
same time. This allows us to do some radio
programming in the pits without ever sending
a signal through the air. To check the settings,
you’ll eventually have to transmit and check
the model, but you can do much of the
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The bottom opens to reveal the 6-volt, 1800 mAh NiMH battery pack and SD card slot.
programming without transmitting RF
signals.
I fly electrics, glow, and gas aircraft
and I always set up a mix that allows
me to use one of the switches to kill
my engine or motor. This is necessary
for safety, especially with electrics.
A gas engine won’t run up if you
accidently hit the throttle in the
pits before you start the engine, but
once armed, an electric is an accident
waiting to happen.
The 14SG’s programming allows
you to tell it that the throttle is a
motor and from there you can adjust
the settings. It essentially assigns a kill
switch that prevents anything from
happening if you hit the throttle and
the ESC is armed. This should be a
mandatory feature on all radios and
Futaba has seen the importance and
taken action.
For gas/glow fliers, there is an idledown
and throttle-cut function that
allows you to bring an engine instantly
to idle or shut it down completely
with the flip of a switch. These
functions are set up to work at throttle
settings below 30% and are adjustable
for each model without affecting the
others.
Program Sequence
The 14SG shines in this regard. The
three program sections are logically
arranged to make it a sequential
process from left to right.
The System menu sets up the radio
options that affect how the radio
functions. This is where you set up the
trainer functions allowing the student
to have as few or as many controls as
the instructor wants.
It’s also where you adjust the
display, user name, sound, hardware
(stick reversal, mode, calibration), start
setup, auto lock information regarding
the transmitter, and program the S.Bus
servo. Think of these as global settings
that you will seldom access after you
customize your radio.
The Linkage menu is the next step
around the sensor wheel and is where
you begin to program each model. In
this menu you will have access to:
• Servo (also accessible through
the “mon” button beneath the aileron
stick)
• Model select
• Model type
• System select mode of 14-channel
FASSTest, 12-channel S-FHSS, FASSTMulti,
or seven-channel FASST
• Function: choose your channel
mapping and trim adjusters
• Subtrim
• Reverse
• Fail-safe
• End point (think ATV or travel)
• Servo speed (perfectly adjust your
retract or flap speed)
• Throttle cut
• Idle down
• T1-T4 (set trim sensitivity)
• Warnings (low battery, throttle cut,
idle down, etc.)
• Telemetry
• Sensor
• Data reset
Each of these settings only affects
the selected model and can be changed
without affecting another model in the
memory. The same applies for the next
section.
Model menu is the next segment of
the sensor wheel and contains all the
sections for fine-tuning the model and
its mixes. Most are self-explanatory
and many are preset templates for the
most frequently used mixes. Here’s a
rundown of the model menu:
• Servo (same as in Linkage menu
for monitoring servo movements)
• Dual rate
• Program mix (these are five free
mixes for customization)
• Throttle curve
• Aileron differential
• Flap set
• Aileron to camber flaps
• Aileron to rudder
• Camber mix
• Elevator to camber
• Camber flaps to elevator
• Rudder to aileron
• Rudder to elevator
• Snap roll
• Air brake
• Gyro
• Motor
Special Consideratons
Several areas might benefit from
further explanation, although a radio
with the 14SG’s capabilities would
require a book to address everything.
Practicing with the transmitter in hand
and a few test aircraft is the best way
to learn.
Flight Conditions
Flight conditions can be selected
in the sailplane or helicopter modes,
but the option is unavailable in the
airplane mode. It’s not a problem in
actual usage. There is no reason not to
program a powered airplane using the
sailplane model type, thereby giving
you five flight conditions.
The wing-type selections will give
you enough options to set up dual
aileron servos and dual servo flaps,
along with more mix options. You
will lose the automatic templates for
variable pitch propellers, snap rolls, and
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Specifications
Futaba 14SG Transmitter
Transmitting
frequency: 2.4 GHz band
System: FASSTest 14CH;
FASSTest 12CH; FASST
MULTI; FASST 7CH;
S-FHSS switchable
Power supply: 6-volt HT5F1800B NiMH
battery (optional 6-volt
LiFe battery)
Dimensions: 180 x 190 x 50 mm
Weight: 32 ounces
Futaba R7008SB Receiver
Receiving 2.4 GHz FASSTest
frequency: system
Power 3.7-7.4 volts (voltage
requirement: range 3.5-8.4 volts)
Current drain: 75 mA
Extra voltage
port: 0-70 volts DC
Size: 0.98 x 1.9 x 0.56 inches
Weight: 0.38 ounces
What’s included
• 1800 mAh NiMH transmitter battery
• LiFe spacer for optional FT2F2100B/
FT2F1700B battery pack
• 12-volt DC battery charger
• R7008SB eight-channel, high-voltage
receiver
• Manual
• Switch harness
• Neck strap
PLUSES
• Programming for airplane, helicopter,
and sailplane.
• Backward compatibility with FASST
and S-FHSS.
• SD card allows for easy software
updates.
• Backlit screen.
• LiFe battery option.
• Fully assignable switches and
controls.
• Good ergonomics.
MINUSES
• No smooth throttle option for airplane
version.
• Extensive features deserve a larger
user manual.
AT A GLANCE ... rudder-to-elevator mixing, but with
the five free mixes, you can make up
for that.
Another benefit of setting a model
up in the sailplane template for
flight conditions is the ability to have
various mixes and trims set that can
be programmed to work across each
condition or only within one.
There is also a provision to prioritize
the switches, so if you accidently flip a
switch that would put you into a mix
that would interfere with one you’re
presently using, the switch can be set
to have a lower priority so it would be
ignored if the first switch was already
activated. It’s easier than it sounds.
Using flight conditions can present
a situation where changing the trim
of something might be necessary, but
not when going to one of the other
conditions. You can program acrossthe-
board trims or program them
only within that one condition. The
flexibility is incredible.
Sensor Touch
Depending on your method of
holding a transmitter, your palm could
touch the sensor and possibly make
a change. This can be prevented by
locking the sensor either automatically
or manually.
I’m a thumb flier when I fly
airplanes, but I’m a finger flier when
I fly helicopters. Because I don’t use
a tray, I have heard a beep telling me
my palm has touched the sensor while
flying a helicopter. It hasn’t made any
changes, but you can set the lock to
automatic or set it manually as I do.
Start Select
This feature in the System menu
allows you to customize how you
want your radio to start. You can set it
to have the model select menu come
up when the radio is turned on or set
so that the last selected model is the
one still available. If there are four
aircraft that you frequently fly, you
could set it so those are the choices
you see when you power on the radio.
Motor Function
This feature is valuable for anyone
using an electric motor to power
an airplane or sailplane. The safety
feature alone makes buying this radio
worthwhile, but the electric-powered
sailplane fliers are going to fall in love
with it.
In the past, Limited Motor Run
pilots had to use the throttle stick
for the motor, losing the ability to
use it for mixes. Now the motor can
be set up on a switch, the ramp-up
speed of the motor programmed,
and the throttle stick used the way
experienced sailplane pilots used it
before electric power.
Imagine using various positions on
the throttle stick to deploy flaps, crow,
extend the landing wheel, or change
camber—all on one stick.
Helicopters
Helicopter pilots will appreciate
the ease of setting up a machine and
the options the 14SG offers. During
initial setup, there are six swash
configurations from which to choose
including the increasingly popular
140° setup. Flybarless users will find
all the options they need including
three-axis gyro support.
Conclusion
I’ve barely scratched the surface of
what this radio can do. This is a topend
radio at a mid-level price. The
flexibility of the Futaba 14SG will
take you down a path of programming
that most haven’t enjoyed before.
The available updates for future
improvements are a huge plus and the
SD slot makes it even better.
Free channel mapping gives the
user a clean slate if he or she doesn’t
like the standard templates. Learning
a new radio usually brings with it a
little cussing and fussing, but this one
brought nothing but smiles each time
I found another thing I could do with
it.
I may be in love!
—Greg Gimlick
[email protected]
MANUFACTURER/DISTRIBUTOR:
Great Planes Model Distributors
(800) 682-8948
www.futaba-rc.com
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