Futaba

Heli-Max Axe 400 3D Overview

fastie — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 16:43:46 -0500

Heli-Max helicopters

Heli-Max Axe 400 3D is the latest entry from Heli-Max in the popular 400 size electric R/C helicopter market. This model comes as a kit with a Futaba radio or a Rx-R (Ready for Receiver) model. This is definitely designed for the advanced helicopter model ready to take on the exciting world of 3D flying. The helicopter comes in at around 24in. in length making it a bit shorter than the MX400 and MX450 series and a bit larger than the AXE CP series of helicopters. Heli-Max Axe 400 3D provides the right features for some exciting 3D aerobatics at your local field.

Futaba 6EX FASST Radio included

Heli-Max Axe 400 Features

The Heli-Max 400 3D R/C helicopter includes some excellent features the advanced modeler will appreciate. These include the precise “Bell-Hiller” rotor head and the efficient 120 degree eCCPM swash plate design. Heli-max explains that these features “contribute to smooth, accurate aerobatics.” They also include 325mm wood blades, a Futaba 6EX FASST Radio System with R606FS FASST receiver and four S3114 high-torque micro servos. Additional features of the helicopter kit include a 425-size brushless motor, a 25A electronic speed control and a HM4000 heading lock gyro to help you control the helicopter very precisely.

Model Specifications:

Main Rotor Diameter: 27.5 in (699 mm)
Length: 24 in (610 mm)
Weight: 21-25 oz (610-700 g)
Requires: 11.1V 2000mAh LiPo battery, LiPo charger, balancer & 8 "AA" batteries

Futaba 10C 2.4 GHz Radio Announced

Daniel Switkin — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 21:19:52 -0600

Futaba has just announced their latest spread spectrum radio, the 10C. It comes bundled with the R6014FS 14 channel receiver and is expected to have a street price of $600 USD. RC Universe has the press release with all the details. The radio is expected to ship in April, and is so new that it's not posted to the Futaba web site yet.

Our take: This new ten channel radio falls nicely between the 7C and the 12FG transmitters, and is a direct competitor to the JR X9303 2.4. One difference is that the 10C is a module system. The 2.4 GHz module that ships with the transmitter can be replaced with a 72 MHz module for compatibility with older receivers. The disadvantage is that the 2.4 GHz antenna sticks out from the module rather than the top of the radio.

Feature-wise the 10C looks strong, with a much larger LCD than the 7C and a NiMH battery, plus the kinds of advanced programming features you'd expect at this price. The main drawback we see is the limit of 15 model memories. This can be alleviated by the use of CAMPac memory modules, but is disappointing at this price. We plan to bring you coverage of the 10C and other Futaba developments from the WRAM Show in two weeks.

Updated: Read our WRAM coverage and conversation with Great Planes founder Don Anderson.

Futaba 7C 2.4 GHz Spread Spectrum Radio

Daniel Switkin — Sat, 15 Dec 2007 08:49:51 -0600

Futaba has released their 2.4 GHz spread spectrum version of the popular 7C which we reviewed. It carries over the 10 model memory and programming features of the FM version, but because it's based on the proprietary 2.4 GHz FASST system, there is no need for crystals or worrying about channel conflicts with other pilots.

Futaba 7C Radio Review

Daniel Switkin — Thu, 30 Aug 2007 19:59:29 -0500

Radio control transmitters have gotten extremely powerful, affordable, and ubiquitous. Even entry level radios come with small LCD screens, a few model memories, and functions like exponential. Feeling that it was time to upgrade, I decided to jump in somewhere in the middle of the price and feature spectrum.

The Futaba 7CAF is the airplane version of their seven channel computer transmitter. It comes bundled with an 8 channel R168DF FM receiver and four S3151 digital standard servos. Other packages are available for helicopter flyers, those who prefer PCM receivers, and a slightly less expensive version with analog servos.

Futaba Servo Quick Guide

Daniel Switkin — Sat, 28 Jul 2007 16:49:29 -0500

If you've spent any time browsing Futaba's web site, or your favorite online dealer, you've probably noticed the incredible number of servos available. It can be daunting for modelers to choose the right servo for a given use.

It turns out that for airplane applications, there's probably only two servos you need to consider. (If you're one of those very serious flyers with a 10 foot wingspan, 5 horsepower monstrosity, you don't need this quick guide anyway). That's because most planes call for either standard or micro size servos, although it's worth noting that not everyone seems to agree on what micro means. This table lists the two models to look for: