Futaba FASST Foul-up

[Adrian Harris]

Futaba 6EX, 7C and TM-7 Service Advisory- Updated 01/30/08

This service advisory affects only owners of the Futaba TM-7 module
and 6EX and 7C FASST systems. Each FASST transmitter contains a
unique eight digit identification code, programmed at the factory to
identify the respective transmitter and to allow a receiver to be
paired only to that radio's signal. Recently we have learned that a
very small number of the TM-7 modules, and 6EX and 7C FASST systems
were incorrectly coded with a common code number during the
manufacturing process. These units were subsequently sold prior to
our awareness of the situation.

If two or more units, utilizing this common identification code, were
to be in use simultaneously, they may cause interference with one
another. Please note: Units which utilize the correct identification
code will not be affected by these units.

We're extremely confident that this is not a widespread problem.
However, to catch any possible incorrectly coded units in the field
and to give you peace of mind that your system is not affected, we
have set up test stations at participating hobby shops throughout the
country where you will be able to determine -- within a matter of
minutes -- whether or not your transmitter is affected, at no charge
to you. There are 100 such Test Stations in place now, and the number
will be increased to 500 over the next two to three weeks. Please
see: http://2.4gigahertz.com/techsupport/ser ... ry-tm7-7c-
6ex.html#list for a listing of these testing stations. Or, if you
prefer, you may send it in to our service center and we will analyze
it for you at no charge. If any problem is found, it will be
replaced. We will gladly pay the postage for returning the unit and
sending it back to you.

If you have questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact
our Futaba Service Center at: 217-398-0007 or via email at:
service@futaba-rc.com. Our staff is available to you Monday-Friday,
8am-5pm U.S. Central Standard Time.

Precautionary Measures and Information-

It is important to note that the precautionary measures are relevant
only to the Futaba FASST items with serial numbers as described
below. To determine if your transmitter might be affected, look on
the bottom of the transmitter case. If using the TM-7 module, the
serial number is located on the inside portion of the module:

6EX: A7xxxxxxx without the "I" (Inspected) sticker
7C 07xxxxxxx without the "I" (Inspected) sticker
TM-7 07xxxxxx without the "I" (Inspected) sticker

The precautionary measures do not apply to systems that utilize a
serial number as noted below:
6EX ALL A8xxxxxxx or systems with the A7xxxxxxx serial number which
include the "I" (Inspected) sticker
7C ALL 08xxxxxxx or systems with the 07xxxxxxx which include
the "I" (Inspected) sticker
TM-7 ALL 08xxxxxx or modules with the 07xxxxxx which include the "I"
(Inspected) sticker

1) As with all radio control equipment, we strongly suggest that you
pre-flight your aircraft thoroughly prior to flying. When flying at
a location with other FASST owners, prior to flying we suggest that
all pilots briefly activate their systems simultaneously to check for
any interaction between units. If any interactions should occur, do
NOT fly. Return the unit to the Futaba Service Center for immediate
replacement.

2) Each time that your transmitter is turned on, it is imperative
that you allow the FASST system an adequate amount of time to
thoroughly boot-up completely before shutting down the transmitter.
After the battery voltage appears on the LCD, we recommend allowing
the system to remain on at least one (1) additional second prior to
turning off the power to the transmitter.

3) If the transmitter and receiver have lost their binding which
required them to be re-linked, we recommend returning them to the
Futaba Service Center for analysis. This is not expected behavior
and should be investigated accordingly.

[Adrian Harris]

I've checked my 6EX and it certainly starts with A7, but then what's the guessing that every one they made in 2007 starts that way ...

Adrian.

[Armortek]

Gentlemen

We are well aware of this issue. As we are effectively a Futaba dealer we have been sent a test receiver to check for this error. We have tested all our own sets, and each new one prior to sending it out, since we heard of the issue. I am pleased to report that so far we have no issues with any of these sets.

I have also tried to get a set to fail by switching on and of rapidly and basically doing everything they say to avoid. I have not been able to generate the fault.
We would recommend that you follow the Futaba advise about use and get your set checked. You can do this at your local model shop or we can do it for you, if you return the transmitter to us. We also strongly recommend that you do not over react to this. Talking to the importer, we get the impression that this is rare.

Mark