UPDATED -- Futaba 6EX and 7C Serivce Advisory

krysta · Jan 17, 2008, 09:19 AM

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/...-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.

Prof. Dr. YoMan · Jan 17, 2008, 09:42 AM

"We’re extremely confident that this is not a widespread problem."

Simply wrong.

Lots of known losts of GUID right now going on here an there while people trying to reproduce the error.

Just look around!

pda4you · Jan 17, 2008, 09:47 AM

Thanks Krysta for the quick action and statement....

I assume the Hobby Shop Test stations involve checking the GUID code in perhaps service menus. If that is the case can tech support walk us through the process? I have both the 7C and 6EX FASST systems.

Mike

Julez · Jan 17, 2008, 09:54 AM

While TXes with a ZGUID may not be widespread, this is certainly not true for the underlying problem.
At this point, there is reason to belive that the main problem, which is that TXes are able to lose the ID, is actually widespread.

bjpaul · Jan 17, 2008, 10:06 AM

So are you still selling the units through TOWER HOBBIES today, even knowing the they could be subject to the "switch bounce" zero GUID reset?

richard hanson · Jan 17, 2008, 10:10 AM

[quote=krysta]Futaba 6EX, 7C and TM-7 Service Advisory-

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. We recommend allowing the system at least five (5) seconds prior to turning off the power to the transmitter.

NOTE: Maam- I hope you have a better fix for this -as relying on the operator to do switch operations in a prescribed manner is simply wistful thinking.
Not wishing anybody bad luck on this !!!!

Silent-AV8R · Jan 17, 2008, 10:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Prof. Dr. YoMan

"We’re extremely confident that this is not a widespread problem."

Simply wrong.

Certainly you would be the one to make this determination. After all, you know how many units have been manufactured, how many have been sold, and have been part of the assessment of the situation.

Oh wait, that wasn't you, that was Futaba/Hobbico/Ripmax.

How can you make any such statement? It is simply your opinion and it is not based on anything other than what you "feel" since you are not privy to any of the actual facts that would be required to make such a statement accurate.

I love this. The people who make the unit along with their authorized sales and service companies make a statement, but you know it's wrong. The Internet. Gotta love it.

Silent-AV8R · Jan 17, 2008, 10:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bjpaul

So are you still selling the units through TOWER HOBBIES today, even knowing the they could be subject to the "switch bounce" zero GUID reset?

I was told last week that once the problem was determined that sales were stopped. Seemed like the prudent thing to do.

Prof. Dr. YoMan · Jan 17, 2008, 10:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Silent-AV8R

How can you make any such statement? It is simply your opinion and it is not based on anything other than what you "feel" since you are not privy to any of the actual facts that would be required to make such a statement accurate.

Two known users in german forums got the error of loosing their id while trying to reproduce the error.

Both lost the binding to before bound RXs and both can control RXs that are new and where never bound before.

And now?

PS: Julez is one of them.

Sisyphus · Jan 17, 2008, 10:32 AM

Ironic, really. Well, the sky is falling.

krysta · Jan 17, 2008, 10:40 AM

Since the two users, " Two known users in german forums got the error of loosing their id while trying to reproduce the error."they would need to contact repair center in Germany.

Sincerely,
Krysta
Product Development & Support Specialist
Futaba Service Center USA

Quote:

Originally Posted by Prof. Dr. YoMan

Two known users in german forums got the error of loosing their id while trying to reproduce the error.

Both lost the binding to before bound RXs and both can control RXs that are new and where never bound before.

And now?

PS: Julez is one of them.

bjpaul · Jan 17, 2008, 10:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Silent-AV8R

I was told last week that once the problem was determined that sales were stopped. Seemed like the prudent thing to do.

Well what you were told (wishfull thinking) and what you can still do on the Tower Hobbies website (reality) are two different things.

I just went there and was able to order a 6ch and a 7ch system, put then in by cart and get all the way to inputing my CC with no notice that thete were not going to be shipped. They show "in stock".

Brad

bjpaul · Jan 17, 2008, 10:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by krysta

Since the two users, forced their transmitters to get this error, they would need to contact repair center in Germany.

Sincerely,
Krysta
Product Development & Support Specialist
Futaba Service Center USA

"forced" how disingenuous..... Looks like this is going to be "blame the user" and deny, deny, deny.

Silent-AV8R · Jan 17, 2008, 10:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by richard hanson

NOTE: Maam- I hope you have a better fix for this -as relying on the operator to do switch operations in a prescribed manner is simply wistful thinking.
Not wishing anybody bad luck on this !!!!

Dick - People with the 14MZ and 12Z have been using a similar procedure since those radios hit the market. Cycling the power too quickly or shutting off the switch before the TX completes booting up can cause those systems to have issues.

It is really not that big of a deal. Just a fact of life for those systems. Why make a big deal out of it?

Prof. Dr. YoMan · Jan 17, 2008, 10:54 AM

Simply leaving the TX running until the power was depleated an the TX stopped shouldnt be "forced".

Jan 17, 2008, 09:19 AM	#1
krysta Registered User Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Champaign Posts: 78	UPDATED -- Futaba 6EX and 7C Serivce Advisory 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/...-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. Last edited by krysta; Jan 30, 2008 at 02:13 PM. Reason: Update

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Jan 17, 2008, 09:42 AM	#2
Prof. Dr. YoMan Holger Rusch Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Germany, Karlsruhe Posts: 409	"We’re extremely confident that this is not a widespread problem." Simply wrong. Lots of known losts of GUID right now going on here an there while people trying to reproduce the error. Just look around!

Jan 17, 2008, 09:47 AM	#3
pda4you Registered User Join Date: May 2002 Location: Trophy Club TX (DFW) Posts: 9,713	Thanks Krysta for the quick action and statement.... I assume the Hobby Shop Test stations involve checking the GUID code in perhaps service menus. If that is the case can tech support walk us through the process? I have both the 7C and 6EX FASST systems. Mike

Jan 17, 2008, 09:54 AM	#4
Julez Proud to eat Kraut ;-) Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Germany Posts: 2,697	While TXes with a ZGUID may not be widespread, this is certainly not true for the underlying problem. At this point, there is reason to belive that the main problem, which is that TXes are able to lose the ID, is actually widespread.

Jan 17, 2008, 10:06 AM	#5
bjpaul It must be a glitch Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: Sanford Centrl Reg, Florida, United States Posts: 3,139	So are you still selling the units through TOWER HOBBIES today, even knowing the they could be subject to the "switch bounce" zero GUID reset?

Jan 17, 2008, 10:10 AM	#6
richard hanson Registered User Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 1,441	[quote=krysta]Futaba 6EX, 7C and TM-7 Service Advisory- 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. We recommend allowing the system at least five (5) seconds prior to turning off the power to the transmitter. NOTE: Maam- I hope you have a better fix for this -as relying on the operator to do switch operations in a prescribed manner is simply wistful thinking. Not wishing anybody bad luck on this !!!!

Jan 17, 2008, 10:32 AM	#10
Sisyphus on a vacation Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Upper U.S. Posts: 3,040	Ironic, really. Well, the sky is falling.

Jan 17, 2008, 10:54 AM	#15
Prof. Dr. YoMan Holger Rusch Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Germany, Karlsruhe Posts: 409	Simply leaving the TX running until the power was depleated an the TX stopped shouldnt be "forced".