In regards to the synthesized module from the 9CS, can you change the frequency in the radio or is it going to be like the Spectra Module from Hitec?

The radio has no software to change the frequency like the 9Z, so it would have to be similar to the Spectra.

I'm pleased to hear of the the improvements in FLAP control (driving two channels instead of just one). I have a few questions.
1) Does the new SUPER software in ACRO mode have one FLAP function that optionally drives two channels or does the SUPER acro have two FLAP functions (FLAP1 and FLAP2) like the Glider software does. I would be very dissappointed if the ACRO mode programmers failed to take the extra step for this.

2) Can each channel driven by the FLAP function be programmed independantly to support for example full span ailerons on the UltraSticks? IE: can each flap half be programmed to move in opposite directions? Or is the "improvement" limited to only Flap/Spoiler type movements (both surfaces up or down but not opposite).

Thanks,
D.Tipton

Hi, D! There are no new acro model types, such as FLP2 as you ask about. There is, however, the new programming inside of aileron differential to properly support 2 flap servos. It is not built in to be used for full span ailerons, but it SHOULD be doable by the user. I no longer hve access to the radio to test it, and did not try this particular setup.

However, now the glider programming is SO much more user friendly, that i for one would strongly consider setting up a plane like the ultrastick in the glider programing now, where before that was far too inhibiting. the only thing you DONT get in so doing is idle down and snap; but you DO get 3 full blown conditions on top of normal! So its definitely worth exploring....

Sincerely,
AnnMarie Cross
President
Crosswinds Equine Rescue, Inc
http://www.crosswindseqresq.org/

"4-servo wing Support for Acro
Futaba has obviously listened, and listened hard, to its clientele when they made the programming changes to create the 9C Super. Specifically, the Futaba customer base has been asking for ACRO programming that will properly support a 4-servo wing for aerobatic 3D models like the Horizon UltraStick. This seemingly simplistic change is an important addition to making this radio so much easier for acro users as these 3D-specific models continue to proliferate! "

If the only thing Futaba did was to add an optional channel for the FLAP to drive, then they maybe weren't listening all that hard, especially if they think that deploying flaps changes a plane into an "aerobatic 3D model". Since "Horizon Ultrastick" advertises full span ailerons, Futaba would have been smart to build the SUPER to readily support these functions (and to readily compete with other brands that do support these functions).

I'm sorry if it seems that I'm "targeting" you but I really enjoy reviews of products that are not fluffed up. I was dissappointed that the 9C was missing these functions. I found the 9C lacking only after I bought one.
No review I read prior to purchasing the 9C mentioned these short comings.
And now the reviews of the 9C Super still don't mention what the 9C SUPER CAN'T do. Of course, if that happened, Futaba wouldn't sell as many. But it might also force Futaba to be more competetive and put out the effort to add the additional functions. Maybe this will happen in the 9C EXTREMELY SUPER verison.
The only thing I can hope for is that Futaba reads these threads and takes heed.

Thanks for the review,
D.Tipton

D.,
Respectfully, the 9C CAN and DOES support full span ailerons and flaps -- in glider mode, just like the JR's that are so touted to support this aircraft type. And now the glider mode is FAR more capable than not only the acro mode but also anything in the competition lineup in the same price range. In the past, the glider mode was too limited to use for these acro aircraft, IMHO, due to its shortcomings in several areas.

The new 2-flap support is a really nice step forward, IMHO. It was something that I know was specifically asked for when I worked at Futaba, and was included in numerous reports.

I do agree full span aileron support would be a nice additional option, but in the grand scheme of aerobatic models, it is a rare request indeed. The number of aerobatic models that require support for 2 flap servos is FAR larger than the number that would also then desire full span aileron performance.

Please know I don't mean to be argumentative, and I appreciate your input. I didn't think to research the full span aileron option farther when I was playing with the radio I had to do this writeup. I will add a note to just this point to the review, as I do think its important.

I'm just trying to share with you the things I learned when working at Futaba, the largest of which is that a mid level radio simply CANNOT offer everything every user could ever want from it. But the 9C Super has made some nice steps forward toward adding the things that were most requested at least while I worked at Futaba after the release of the 9C.

Sincerely,
AnnMarie Cross
President
Crosswinds Equine Rescue, Inc
http://www.crosswindseqresq.org/

Author of Futaba 9C : The User's Guide (visit www.cwer.org for details/ordering)

(Hope you'll read the added text. Please let me know if you think it needs anything more...or less...)

PPS: I'd like to encourage you to read my review of the 7C published a few months ago. I try HARD to point out shortcomings in a review...also, did you notice the text in this review about AIL2? I take seriously the job of telling our readers anything I learn...and try hard to express it. I simply didn't explore the full-span aileron option, and appreciate your pointing it out!

Thank you for the responses and reviews. I didn't mean to vent frustrations with Futaba's programmers onto your reviews. It just ended up that way. I'm going to put the full span aileron thing to bed.

I fly an UltraStick40/9CH and am familar with the Glider2Flap mode/functions. It's easy to jump to the GLIDER type because the ease in which to program it's functions (even with the 9C super-less). However, (knew that was coming didn't you) I feel the Butterfly/Crow/Airbrake function in the glider mode is not so supportive of none GLIDER aircraft (ie powered aircraft). The Butterfly/Crow/Airbrake function is a linear mix with the throttle stick. This makes sense with a glider but doesn't quit work with a powered aircraft.
The Linear mix is inversely proportional to throttle stick position. (ie 0% throttle stick = 100% Butterly mix = BRAKES Applied). As the throttle stick is moved forward the Butterfly mix decreases (ie BRAKES Removed). This is pretty much useful on a GLIDER but doesn't quit get what you need on an UltraStick40.

Switching to ACRO mode gives you the AIRBRAKE mix. The AIRBRAKE function has two options: linear (simular to Butterfly in GLIDER mode) and manual. In manual mode, the surfaces are deflect a specified amount and are independant of throttle stick position. This is preferred, however, moving to ACRO mode causes you to loose the nice programmability that GLDR2FLP mode offers.

So neither ACRO mode nor GLDR2FLP are the best.
The release of the 9C SUPER would be an outstanding opportunity for Futaba to jump ahead of the competition instead of just catching up. We'll have to wait and see what option they choose.

Thanks,
D.Tipton

It's nice to see that Futaba has continued development of this great mid-range radio. What is the nature of the internal change(s)? Is there major new hardware, circuit boards etc or are the changes just programming (EPROM?). It appears that most of the enhancements are software rather than hardware. (A "software only" change would be much cheaper than a major hardware change unless the original hardware could not support the new programming.)

The big question is, of course, why can't the new enhancements be made available to current 9C owners? If, in fact, this is new programming built around the old hardware, I would think that Futaba would be wise to provide upgrades at some reasonable cost. I doubt that the improvements would entice very many current users to buy the new version but I think a fair number would pay for an upgrade. I expect that those who have purchased the "old" 9C in recent months are none too happy!

If the changes encompass totally new guts then I am way off base. Just curious.

Ross

Hi, Ross! Sorry I cannot answer as to what physical changes are internal, I don't have that information. I do know that in the past Futaba has not generally offered the option to 'upgrade' when a new version is released. I also know that the technology used does not allow a simple 'flash upgrade' like some types of really high-quantity generated items in different areas of the electronic arenas.

My only thoughts are that, in this world of computerized items, the newer better is always coming along, whether it be cell phones, palm pilots, radios, microwaves, let alone PCs themselves. I cannot take my model 1013X cell phone back into the store to have it upgraded to the 2013X by changing a chip, even though the 2013X has certain features I'd like to have.

However, the 9C people bought yesterday or 2 years ago remains the same great radio it's always been. It has superb capabilities and, as you say, is a great mid-range radio. There will always be an "I wish I'd waited" no matter what you purchase.

Please remember that I do not work for, speak for, or represent Futaba in any manner, and have not for nearly 2 yaers now. These thoughts are solely my own. If you'd like to confirm with Futaba whether or not a 9C can be upgraded, I'd like to recommend contacting them directly at support@futabarc.com.

On a different note, thanks again for reading this review and providing your input! What of the new features interests you the most?

Intresting.

LOTA feachers, ah!

AMC

I understand that this is still a great radio and the addition of new capabilities in no way diminishes the capability of my equipment. (I also knew that you no longer had an official association with Futaba)

My interests are principally in sport flying so the enhancements offered by the "Super" are minor. I probably wouldn't have bothered with an upgrade unless a) I was sending the radio in for service and b) the upgrade was cheap. If I flew gliders or even helis, it would be considerably different.

My posting was more in reference to upgrades of equipment in a generic sense rather than this specific case. It would make sense (to me) for any manufacturer to make product improvements available to current users, if possible. Costs would be borne by the customer unless the changes were made to fix a major problem or error. As I mentioned above, this is relatively easy and inexpensive if the changes are software or firmware ("flashable" eprom or even a prom replacement) but much more difficult (expensive) if there are changes in processors or circuit boards. (You will, no doubt, remember that Futaba offered a free "fix" for a programming error when the radio was initially introduced.) If a similar process could be used to bring older radios up to the current standard for a modest cost, many would do so and Futaba would have actually gained some loyality and appraciation from current users. Planned obsolescence, on the other hand, simply annoys the customer. Look at the software industry - enhancements, fixes patches etc are typically offered for free as long as the changes do not constitute a software major revision.

I asked the question at manufacturer's support forum at RCU and did not get any answer other than that the upgrade would not be made available. (That particular forum isn't the same since your departure!!) Again, if a major hardware change would be required (say > $100.00), then I understand completely but Futaba would be well advised to provide an upgrade path if possible.

I suspect that this may be the last generation of computer radios that will not have a simple and inexpensive upgrade path. Radios and programming have become a lot more sophisticated in the past several years and the technology (Internet and flash programming of eproms) has been around for a long time.

It looks like Futaba has finally entered the 21st century with their latest 14 channel radio although why they didn't make the computer an off-the-shelf item which interfaced with the radio is beyond me! (Sort of like programmers for digital servos) Would have cost less.

Thanks

Ross

Hi Ross,

I saw your post regarding upgrade paths for the 9CHP radios. I've just spent a considerable amount of money setting up for a 4 servo wing glider, I asked all the right people, I researched the net, I only became aware of the 9CHPS yesterday, my new 9CHP is to be delivered within the next 6days (mail order), I'm a very unhappy customer before it has even arrived.......

Wrote to Futaba support, no help. If you have any information on the internals/prom/eeprom upgrades (dodgey or not), I don't care about warranty, I want my glider to fly like an eagle, I'm a system engineer predominatley working with Sun MicroSystems.

This is unbelievable, Futaba have only put the 9CHPS on there web site in the last few days, very dissapointed

Paulfish-consider returning your unopened new radio, and buying super one.
Easier than deal with upgradings, etc.
Maybe its not even mailed out yet, call the place and cancel your order.