Old Futaba FG radios-swap tx module

Also, Can I make these radios FM by using an FM tx module?

-Steve

FGK units were AM and FM, had one original FM and two original AM, now all FM.

Swapping modules between AM and FM units (if that's what you're talking about) doesn't work - the AM stick/trim/switch inputs are not the same as FM, so rewiring is needed as well.

Cheers, Fred McClellan The House Of Balsa Dust

If that is the case, why not just plug the servos in the different sockets on the receiver? The old Futaba AM's I have transmitted A,T,E,R,aux1,aux2. I believe the new Futaba's are A,E,T,R, etc. So if you just swap the Elevator and Throttle connections at the receiver, it should work.

Dan Thompson (AMA 32873, EAA 60974, WB4GUK, GROL) remove POST in address for email

Talking about Gold Futabas: I have one at home in Finland, 40MHz FM. Several years ago 40MHz was "opened" to ground vehicles, so to be safe I should upgrade to 35MHz. I've looked at a few Futaba FM TX modules, but have not found one that would suit for sure. There are two differences:

- My radio has the TX module as bare PCB, not cased as in newer models

- My radios module has fewer connector pins as the newer ones. Like 6 vs. 10 (out of memory). The position of the connector is such that I can physically install a newer module to my radio. I just have not dared to turn on the power, as I do not know if the modules are compatible. Any insight on this? Would my old radio work with a newer TX module? What type of TX module should I look for?

-Tapio-

I wouldn't try the newer module. I am sure the pinouts are different. One thing that DOES work is the Hitec Master series modules. Hitec made their Master series to use the same modules and even listed the Futaba models they were compatible with. Hitec also sold the same modules with different part numbers for Futaba sets for a while. I have both types in 72mHz.

Puhzacktly right.

Duh . . .

Shoulda remembered that . . . when I finish flight testing a new model I move it from the 7FG(K) to the 9Z, and if I stay with POFM all I have to do is swap two servo plugs (elevator and throttle IIRC).

I was thinking in terms of making an old AM Tx trainer-cord-compatible with a newer FM rig, and that does require solder. If you don't care about trainer cord issues swap the module and fiddle up the Rx outputs as needed.

Again, duh . . .

Cheers, Fred McClellan The House Of Balsa Dust

I don't believe it is exactly 'Legal' to use a HiTec Tx module in a Futaba Radio... There has been much bandwidth on such not too long ago... I know, I know...it works, but Uncle Charlie (FCC) and Futaba don't like it.... "listed" is the key word below...I don't think HiTec lists any compatability anymore....