Important EZUHF Futaba 8FG notice from ImmersionRC

[Coyote]

From ImmersionRC

Just a quick note to warn EzUHF users who are using a Futaba 8FG radio. Looks like Futaba introduced an unwanted change in the PPM output spec of the radio which result is a dangerous incompatibility with the EzUHF (and possibly other LRS systems).
For the details: http://vimeo.com/57169465
We are working on a nice workaround, which is already available on our beta page for brave testers, but this will have to go through at least a week or two of testing before we release it as a production quality release.

And on Vimeo

Travesty, a word often used to denote a grotesque misrepresentation, a little harsh? Perhaps, but there's no sugar coating this one I'm afraid. So here we are sitting with our shiny new 8FG radio, which has its own, lets say rather unique, representation of a PPM stream. Dear Futaba, could you please fix these issues?

Futaba 8FG - a PPM travesty on Vimeo

After seeing the oscilloscope display of the 8FG PPM stream there is really only one conclusion.............

Do not use the Futaba 8FG with the EZUHF long range system right now.

The PPM stream is a complete mess, I do not think this will be isolated to EZUHF at all, but many UHF systems.

ImmersionRC are at least aware of this problem and are addressing the issue. Further firmware updates will fix this issue in the near future

[Teamftp]

Oh for %#^* sake!! I have just ordered one and guess what radio i am using!

[Rudeboy]

there may be a fix to this, there's a thread running about it over on FPV Lab!!

http://fpvlab.com/forums/showthread.php?11135-Futaba-8FG-users-with-EZUHF-please-HELP!

[Teamftp]

Well I am a bit miffed to say the least. I am running chainlinkdare at the moment and have ordered the EZUHF for another project I am working on. Looks like it will be going on the old 6EX rather than the 8FG, oh dear!!

Will have a read of that thread, thanks for the heads up though!

[MarkLincs]

Just use an older firmware or do not update the 8FG to the firmware that causes the issue. So if its a new update that's causing it what version then double check your 8FGs.

Easy solution :)

[Teamftp]

Well the chainlinkdare has just been to 1000ft and not had any issues today. It has the FY31AP on it so might be ok if it drops signal.

Going to try it higher tmoz with the tracker and see what happens!!!

[Teamftp]

Does anyone know if this is sorted yet?!?!

[Flyn]

You seen this Si?

http://www.immersionrc.com/betaville

[Spookfish]

I hope it works with a 12FG as that's what I use. I have a EzUhf sitting in the drawer ready for the new ZII.

I was thinking of using one of these http://fpvlongrange.com/fpv-repeater-system/ for a number of reasons really.
a) I wouldn't need to strap the EzUhf and a 3S lipo (12FG only runs on 7.2v) to the back of my radio.
b) It keeps the buddy port free for when I fly the Z at my local club (they are sticklers for the rules).
c) It can be positioned away from my ground station to avoid any conflicts there.
d) By the sound of this thread it may work better than plugging it straight into my 12FG.

There are a couple of disadvantages though.
a) It's another link in the chain and therefore a link that could get broken.
b) I obviously would not be able to reach the boost switch on the EzUhf if I need it.
c) There would inevitably be some latency, although I suspect this would be negligible in most cases.

What do you think fellas?? :anyone?:

Spook

[Teamftp]

That sounds good to me spook.

Cheers Flyn looks good that, just wonder if they have a 100% fix or if Futaba have done out about it??

[Spookfish]

Just found this too http://www.hobbystores.co.uk/default.asp?WPG=HOB_HomePage1&itemid=P-WRT-7  Dunno if it could be made to work with EzUhf though.

Spook

[wgt40w]

I hope it works with a 12FG as that's what I use. I have a EzUhf sitting in the drawer ready for the new ZII.

I was thinking of using one of these http://fpvlongrange.com/fpv-repeater-system/ for a number of reasons really.
a) I wouldn't need to strap the EzUhf and a 3S lipo (12FG only runs on 7.2v) to the back of my radio.
b) It keeps the buddy port free for when I fly the Z at my local club (they are sticklers for the rules).
c) It can be positioned away from my ground station to avoid any conflicts there.
d) By the sound of this thread it may work better than plugging it straight into my 12FG.

There are a couple of disadvantages though.
a) It's another link in the chain and therefore a link that could get broken.
b) I obviously would not be able to reach the boost switch on the EzUhf if I need it.
c) There would inevitably be some latency, although I suspect this would be negligible in most cases.

What do you think fellas?? :anyone?:

Spook

Comment2

1) Am I right in thinking the tx 2.4ghz sends signal to the Repeater, where the signal is 'repeated' out on 433 or 459mhz on your Ezuhf. Therefore the Repeater becomes the physical place at the circular CENTER of your effective flying range - i.e. the pilot is left standing so to speak at the edge of the circular range.

2) Would be even better if you could also do something similar for the video tx system.

3) Don't fancy on a day's flying to also have to think about battery condition of a Lipo approx. 1000 metres away !!!

[Spookfish]

I hope it works with a 12FG as that's what I use. I have a EzUhf sitting in the drawer ready for the new ZII.

I was thinking of using one of these http://fpvlongrange.com/fpv-repeater-system/ for a number of reasons really.
a) I wouldn't need to strap the EzUhf and a 3S lipo (12FG only runs on 7.2v) to the back of my radio.
b) It keeps the buddy port free for when I fly the Z at my local club (they are sticklers for the rules).
c) It can be positioned away from my ground station to avoid any conflicts there.
d) By the sound of this thread it may work better than plugging it straight into my 12FG.

There are a couple of disadvantages though.
a) It's another link in the chain and therefore a link that could get broken.
b) I obviously would not be able to reach the boost switch on the EzUhf if I need it.
c) There would inevitably be some latency, although I suspect this would be negligible in most cases.

What do you think fellas?? :anyone?:

Spook

Comment2

1) Am I right in thinking the tx 2.4ghz sends signal to the Repeater, where the signal is 'repeated' out on 433 or 459mhz on your Ezuhf. Therefore the Repeater becomes the physical place at the circular CENTER of your effective flying range - i.e. the pilot is left standing so to speak at the edge of the circular range.

2) Would be even better if you could also do something similar for the video tx system.

3) Don't fancy on a day's flying to also have to think about battery condition of a Lipo approx. 1000 metres away !!!

1) You're right. Your control Tx sends it's signal to a standard compatible Rx who's servo outputs are connected to the FPVLongRange Repeater which then converts those signals into a PPM signal for the EzUhf.

2) Potentially you could do it for your video by transmitting from your aircraft to your ground station in say 5.8Ghz for instance, then from your ground station to your goggles in say 1.3Ghz (I know 1.3 is not legal in the UK).

3) I wouldn't have it too far away!

[wgt40w]

I hope it works with a 12FG as that's what I use. I have a EzUhf sitting in the drawer ready for the new ZII.

a) I wouldn't need to strap the EzUhf and a 3S lipo (12FG only runs on 7.2v) to the back of my radio.

Spook

Spook - to avoid this problem I have strapped a 3S lipo + voltage regulator + Ezuhf to a basic flat transmitter tray. To use my 12FG on uhf, I just unclip the 2.4 module, pick up the tx tray, plug in uhf to Trainer port and 'clip' 12FG onto tray. Takes me less than 1 minute.

[pk-surfing]

Thomas Scherrer (designer of the Scherrer LRS gear) picked up on this a couple of months back on RCG as people were reporting problems, he managed to program a new firmware upgrade that appears to have got round the Futaba problem.

Post #1105
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=905915&page=734

Really surprising that Futaba decided to change this and don't seem to be responding anywhere !

PK