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Introduction
I couldn't wait for the man in the white and purple truck to drop off my newest toy. Something about a new transmitter is really exciting to me. But, all the excitement can often be fraught with "Will this be the right one?" type feelings. Of all the hobby purchases, the transmitter is the one you need to be "on the same frequency” with. Due to the success of Futaba's 9C, I was extremely excited about the 12FG's release. In fact, the 12FG was the only unit I could see parting me with my beloved 9CAP. When the Futaba name is printed on the front of the transmitter, there are a few things you can expect: reliability and flexibility wrapped into an super-easy-to-program package.
Features
What is it that would make you want to buy the 12FGA? Well, let's start with what it’s capable of.
The 12FGA comes fully equipped with the following features:
Overview of the 12FGA
First things first. Now that we know what the FG is capable of, we need to know how to make it do all those wonderful things. Although the 12FG has a plastic case, the "heft" factor of the unit is very nice. The plastic keeps the radio’s weight down while still retaining that "non-flimsy" feel.
The 12FG is extremely customizable. The stick lever tension and the throttle ratchet can all be adjusted via allen head screws on the back of the transmitter.
The 12 has 2 traditional sticks, 8 switches, 4 knobs, 1 button and 1 rotating selector wheel.
The thumb (or thumb and forefinger) sticks on the FG are also adjustable. You can make them nice and tall or short and squatty depending on how you like to fly. I tend to like them somewhere in the middle.
I am really impressed with the forethought that has been given to the antenna on the 12FG. It can be rotated and angled to just about any position, and then set in that position with a set screw. You can also store the antenna within the radio itself making transport that much easier.
I like to have a nice amount of available memory for different models so I don’t have to keep up with a radio for each airplane. With a total of 30 slots to store models, the 12FG surpasses the 12Z's 25 model memory. A micro SD slot in the battery compartment can be used to store models, and if you purchase a 1GB SD memory card, you can now store 63 times the original 30 models for a total of 1882 models. The 12 will even format the card for you. Now we all have a reason to buy more planes: "Gotta fill up the memory, honey!" I wish Futaba had continued to use the Lithium cell from the 12Z but you can't win em' all. The unit comes with a 1700mAh NiMh and can still be charged with the pack in the transmitter using the standard charger.
User Interface
12FG Compared to the 9CAP
One of the most pressing questions I seem to get from flyers on this radio concerns how it compares to the 9CAP. The 12FG is noticeably taller and thicker than the 9CAP, however it is thinner than the 9CAP. The increase in size did not mean a dramatic increase in weight. How does the 12FG compare to the 9CAP? "The 9C's for sale... whaddaya give me for it?"
Home Screen
Now, we dive into the "interior" of the unit. All data input that the 12FG receives is accomplished through essentially 2 buttons and a dial: the EDIT dial/EDIT button and the S1 button. The EDIT dial allows movement of the cursor from field to field. The EDIT button allows selection of fields. The S1 button allows you to go to the "next" page of a selection. The S1 button will also take you to the main selection of the current page and essentially acts as a "back" button on a web browser.
Once the unit is powered on, to ensure safety, the radio will only emit radio signals when commanded to via the EDIT dial and button. I have found this function to be extremely helpful; this should help cut down on some of the mishaps electric flyers are have with planes arming prematurely.
After the unit has powered on, and you have chosen wisely, it will allow you to access the home screen, the screen you will be looking at 90% of the time on this radio. The home screen is navigated with the EDIT dial and selections are made via the EDIT button.
I am one of those guys who likes to have a map of where he is going, so.
System Menu
The system menu allows the setup of many functions of the transmitter, but it won’t allow you to change any parameters of the model. This menu is strictly for transmitter parameters.
Within the system menu you can change any of the parameters listed on the screen or view information of the transmitter.
Linkage Menu
The Linkage menu allows changes to be made to the operating parameters of the aircraft systems. You can monitor the function of servos, select a model, create a new model, change the frequency transmitted, change the function of each channel, change sub-trims, reverse servos and change the end points of the servos. At first, I had some questions as to why items were on this menu instead of other menus. The Linkage menu just did not seem like the right spot for some of the model specifics. But I soon equated the Linkage menu with direct linkage setups on the airframe, and all was harmonious again.
The servo monitor function is used for testing the movement of servos to ensure they are indeed moving. Each and every function can be rearranged. If you wish to have the throttle on one of the sliders, no problem. Want to put the throttle on a toggle switch, no sweat. Want to put... Get the idea?
One of the most utilized sub-menus of the Linkage page is the Servo Reverse page. Reversing servos is just a fact of life, and the 12FG makes it as easy as it can be without having someone else do it for you.
Model Menu
The Model menu is home to all the programmable model parameters. This is where dual rates, exponential and other mixes live.
The Model Select page is used to load the settings of the desired model into the FG's memory. The Model Select function allows you to pick from the current models you have stored or create a new model. I would imagine if you are running the 1GB card and had 1882 models stored, this might take a moment.
If you are starting a new model memory, you can select all the parameters required for the model - what sort of wing, what kind of tail, anything and everything you could wish to program into the airframe. Model Type lets you choose from 7 different wings and 3 types of tails. In Helicopter mode there are 8 swash types. If you fancy a glider, you can choose from 7 types of wings and three types of tails.
Frequency Menu
One of the greatest items on this radio has to be the ability to tune into a frequency without having to deal with synthesizer modules or new transmitter crystals. Changing the frequency and modulation is as simple as scrolling over the parameter you wish to change, but it is a real pain to deal with dozens of models on various frequencies.
Ergonomics
When picking a radio, one must consider how it feels. It must be comfortable to hold. I have used my Futaba 9CAP almost exclusively since its release. Futaba radios have always "felt" right to me, the 12FG is no exception. It is quite possibly the most comfortable radio I've used to date. The 12FG is wider and a touch heavier than my 9CAP, however it feels better in my hands. All the knobs, switches, levels, sliders, trims and sticks are easily within my finger reach.
Flying with the 12FG
Enough chit chat about all the wonderful functions of this radio, we need to put the radio up for the task it is designed for - controlling our aircraft. I took the time to transfer a few of my current models from the venerable 8CAP to the 12FG. I must admit, standing on the edge of the strip with the new 12FG in my hands, felt a bit foreign. While foreign is in no way a bad thing, I have almost a decade long relationship with my trusty 8CAP, and bringing a new lady to the field was different to say the least. With the 12FG in my hands, I set my Micro SSX down and ran through a quick pre-flight to make sure the 12 was speaking the right language. It appeared to be copasetic, so away we went. I eased the throttle up and took the SSX to the sky. After several circuits, the 12FG and my hands were singing the same tune, and the radio felt wonderful. I have since moved over all of flyable fleet and am becoming more and more familiar with the 12FG. I actually picked up the 8CAP to fly recently and found myself missing the 12FG.
Conclusion
I was apprehensive to try another transmitter since I absolutely love my 9CAP, and it would take a great radio to convince me to sell it, but the 12FG just may be that radio. I love the 12FG’s model memory, and the ability to change frequencies and modulations. I have picked up quite a few planes at swap meets, and now there is no more buying new receiver crystals; with the 12FG, you just select your frequency. I can set up friends’ models on MY radio, so when I get a chance with them, the test flights go much smoother. I find myself using it more and more, rather than going back to my 9CAP. In trying to decide if an high-end radio such as the 12FG is for you, you should ask yourself a few questions: How much do I fly? If you fly everyday after work or every weekend, it might be a good purchase for you. How many airframes do I currently fly? This is one of the things that makes the 12FG shine in my eyes: The 12FG stores 1,000+ models!!! Do I do a lot of buddy training? If you are a club listed instructor, the trainer menu on the 12FG is extremely intuitive. Flaps? Gear? Spoilers? Bomb drops? Side force generators with rudders? If you plan to fly complicated aircraft, you need a radio that will communicate to the airframe. Do I use or want to use multiple frequencies? It's as simple as dialing a phone number: pick your plane, dial in the frequency, no more searching for crystals. The Futaba 12FG comes to the table with both form and function for the serious RC enthusiast - from the complete novice and the most hard core veteran.
Pluses:
Minuses:
The 12FG is an extremely powerful radio with a great feel. If you are currently in the market for a high end radio give the 12FG a shot! Last edited by Angela H; Oct 07, 2007 at 09:37 PM.. |
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Sep 28, 2007, 10:55 PM
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#2 |
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War Eagle!
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Birmingham, Alabama
Posts: 6,600
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Very nice review Jeff! You were definitely thorough with everything!
1,000+ models? Now that's a lot of models.  How's the battery life, by the way? Great job! |
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Sep 28, 2007, 11:25 PM
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#3 |
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Rammer Jammer, ya'll..
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Florence, Al
Posts: 24,893
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Battery life is great so far..
 I am planning on throwing a lipo into it soon.. |
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Sep 29, 2007, 12:34 AM
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#4 | |
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Electric Airplane Junkie
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: San Mateo, Ca , USA
Posts: 4,403
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Quote:
Brian, an EAJ |
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Sep 29, 2007, 12:39 AM
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#5 |
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Electric Airplane Junkie
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: San Mateo, Ca , USA
Posts: 4,403
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Tram,
Did you find out what is that switch next to the SD Card slot is for? Not a word mentioned in the manual? It is supposed to be a formatting switch on the 12Z, as I was told. Brian, an EAJ |
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Sep 29, 2007, 01:07 AM
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#6 |
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Rammer Jammer, ya'll..
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Florence, Al
Posts: 24,893
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I think that switch locks the memory card.. I don't think it's a formatting feature on the 12FG, as you can format it via the main menu..
That's a good question.. I'll get an answer for you.. 
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Sep 29, 2007, 04:01 AM
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#7 |
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There is no place like Hodges!
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Out yonder!
Posts: 3,400
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Great review man! Wish I had the extra cash for one of those..
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Sep 29, 2007, 07:28 AM
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#8 |
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We shall serve the Lord
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: TEXAS
Posts: 1,661
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Great review, Jeff. Until now I was of the opinion that the only way anyone was going to get my 9CAP was to pry it out of my cold d___ fingers! Now I'm not so sure. Dang your hide, I've got my piggy bank out of storage, labeled it "My New 12FGA", and started filling it with my pocket change.
Any word from Futaba if the FASST modules will fit this TX and if the transmit inhibit/inable functions will work at 2.4 gHZ? It sure would be nice to be able to switch between 72 and 2.4 with a simple module swap. Mike McD |
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Sep 29, 2007, 08:23 AM
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#9 | |
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War Eagle!
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Birmingham, Alabama
Posts: 6,600
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Quote:
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Sep 29, 2007, 08:31 AM
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#10 | |
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War Eagle!
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Birmingham, Alabama
Posts: 6,600
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Quote:
So, what LiPo brand do you recommend? 
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Sep 29, 2007, 09:42 AM
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#11 |
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Jeff Carr
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Ft. Mill SC / Charlotte NC
Posts: 1,628
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Very good Jeff
I would be interested to see how the programming would be for a full house Sailplane. Will the 12 work with the Berg receivers. I know it was an issue with some of the other radios Jeff |
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Sep 29, 2007, 12:10 PM
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#12 |
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Electric Airplane Junkie
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: San Mateo, Ca , USA
Posts: 4,403
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Yes, I was a bit confused about the 2.4GHz stuff. There seems to be difference version even on Futaba web site. First I saw in the Japanese magazine that the 12FG has a dedicated 2.4GHz version, then I saw the module for the 12/14MZ and the 12FG (from Futaba)with the antenna come up in the middle, then there is a version of the module(from Futaba) with the antenna come off the left side. Now they announced the dedicated 2.4Ghz version again.
As far as the sailplane programming, so far no radio after the Vision has the reverse differential built-in for landing in the butterfly(crow) mode. You have to create a mixer to have the reverse diff yourself. Other than that, I think the 12FG can be used for full house sailplanes. Brian, an EAJ Brian, an EAJ |
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Sep 29, 2007, 12:55 PM
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#13 | ||
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Rammer Jammer, ya'll..
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Florence, Al
Posts: 24,893
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Quote:
However, from what I understand, the 12FG FASST will be FM or 2.4 without needing a swap! Quote:
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Sep 29, 2007, 01:58 PM
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#14 | |
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Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: Raleigh/Durham Intl, North Carolina, United States
Posts: 5,011
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Quote:
The switch may be to update the software. I don't know if this one can be updated by the end user? but my 14MZ has a switch next to it and it has to be flipped when I update the software. |
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Sep 29, 2007, 02:00 PM
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#15 |
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Rammer Jammer, ya'll..
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Florence, Al
Posts: 24,893
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I've got the question submitted to Futaba Tech so we should have an answer pretty soon..
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