calling all FUTABA 3PK users.....
05-19-2008, 09:31 PM
#768
I know you can adjust the wheel tension from the outside, also the brake travel. Throttle tension can only be adjusted by cracking the radio open. If the throttle tension wasn't adjustable at all it would break the 3pk--its FAR too stiff in stock form. Nothing like an M11 feels.
05-20-2008, 02:14 AM
#769
Tech Master
iTrader: (49)
Been having some problems with the 2.4ghz Futaba stuff.
System works fine but seems to cut out when used where temps get a little high. (50-60C) You leave it for about a 5min period and it turns back on.
I know of six other people that have had the same thing happen.
Anybody here have a similar story?
System works fine but seems to cut out when used where temps get a little high. (50-60C) You leave it for about a 5min period and it turns back on.
I know of six other people that have had the same thing happen.
Anybody here have a similar story?
05-22-2008, 01:17 AM
#771
Tech Master
iTrader: (49)
With mine I don't know if the LED was on or off as it was in the car during a race that it cut out.
By the time it came back on I was searching for a problem but didn't notice the condition of the LED.
I've returned my system to the importer and told them to credit it as I don't want it back.
By the time it came back on I was searching for a problem but didn't notice the condition of the LED.
I've returned my system to the importer and told them to credit it as I don't want it back.
05-22-2008, 07:27 AM
#772
I just had the same problem during my last weekend's race. It cut out after 18mins in my main. After about 2-3 mins of resting, it cme back on
I've check around and found the same with some fasst user who reverted back to crystals. But so far no such issue with spectrum users
I've check around and found the same with some fasst user who reverted back to crystals. But so far no such issue with spectrum users
05-22-2008, 05:05 PM
#773
Tech Initiate
Yes guys its definately a heat related problem, I've proved it for myself with 2 different R603FS recievers in an oven, 60'C for about 7-8 minutes and they go into failsafe, cool them down a bit and they start working again.
Had everything tested by toy traders after telling them my heat related findings and they replied everything was ok, instal the reciever somewhere less prone to heat....
Sent 5 emails over 2 months to Futaba USA and never got a reply, at all. So what do ya do, I pretty much gave up rc cars. :shrugs:
Old posts relating
http://www.rctech.net/forum/showthread.php?t=172547
and
http://www.rctech.net/forum/showthread.php?t=202441
Had everything tested by toy traders after telling them my heat related findings and they replied everything was ok, instal the reciever somewhere less prone to heat....
Sent 5 emails over 2 months to Futaba USA and never got a reply, at all. So what do ya do, I pretty much gave up rc cars. :shrugs:
Old posts relating
http://www.rctech.net/forum/showthread.php?t=172547
and
http://www.rctech.net/forum/showthread.php?t=202441
05-26-2008, 01:06 AM
#775
Tech Master
iTrader: (49)
I can't see this NOT being a big issue for anyone running a Futaba 2.4 set, and if the calls get very loud, Futaba in general.
My problems have been in a 1/5th road car where the RX is well away from the engine and any heat source, in a rather thick RX box.
I've read many other complaints where the units were being used in 1/8th off-roaders but I can't see how you wouldn't have issues even in an E/P road car.
A lot of heat from cells, ESC's and the motor where the RX is virtually right near them all. You don't have too many options in these car where you put the RX.
My problems have been in a 1/5th road car where the RX is well away from the engine and any heat source, in a rather thick RX box.
I've read many other complaints where the units were being used in 1/8th off-roaders but I can't see how you wouldn't have issues even in an E/P road car.
A lot of heat from cells, ESC's and the motor where the RX is virtually right near them all. You don't have too many options in these car where you put the RX.
05-26-2008, 02:31 AM
#776
Tech Initiate
Jeff Hamon from Brendale up here in Qld told me one day this summer the 1:5 scales were running with a track temp of 64'C iirc, 2 Fasst users had this issue happen and couldn't solve it, 1 of them tried Jeff's exact same RF603FS and it was fine, so apparently it's not a problem with all of them, just some.
I can run my 1:10th EP drifter all day without a problem, they just dont get that hot, even with my 1:8 GP buggy it takes 30-40 mins consecutive running to appear, and that's in hot weather, so it must be borderline for alot of people.
I wonder how many Fasst users have had it happen just once or twice and put it down to something else..
Just sent another bunch of emails off to every Futaba address I can find, still not holding my breath for a response.
Maybe our U.S. brothers would have more luck contacting them, our local Futaba dealer (Toy Traders) is an infamous joke!
Get up 'em guys, I'll bet the new 4PK will have exactly the same problem too..
I can run my 1:10th EP drifter all day without a problem, they just dont get that hot, even with my 1:8 GP buggy it takes 30-40 mins consecutive running to appear, and that's in hot weather, so it must be borderline for alot of people.
I wonder how many Fasst users have had it happen just once or twice and put it down to something else..
Just sent another bunch of emails off to every Futaba address I can find, still not holding my breath for a response.
Maybe our U.S. brothers would have more luck contacting them, our local Futaba dealer (Toy Traders) is an infamous joke!
Get up 'em guys, I'll bet the new 4PK will have exactly the same problem too..
05-26-2008, 06:34 AM
#777
This is ridiclous! No answers from Futaba? I will ask a friend to call them.
BTW, I have been using the Spektrum with my 3PK for over 2 years and it has not failed me at all. Matter of fact, it has been flawless. I run it on 1/5 and 1/10 cars. On my B44 I have the micro receiver, it is even siting right beside the ESC. It has had no issues whatsoever either.
BTW, I have been using the Spektrum with my 3PK for over 2 years and it has not failed me at all. Matter of fact, it has been flawless. I run it on 1/5 and 1/10 cars. On my B44 I have the micro receiver, it is even siting right beside the ESC. It has had no issues whatsoever either.
05-27-2008, 02:48 PM
#779
Tech Initiate
OMG, I got a reply, 6th time lucky I guess...
Funny thing is its even more laughable than the reply I got from Toy Traders, talk about the "company line".
Here's the entire email I sent
And here is their reply, notice the 1 line thats not part of the automated response.
So there we have it, after 5 months of trying to sort this issue I've been told there is nothing wrong with my gear, and to
a) mount my receiver somewhere less prone to heat, and
b)Futaba hasn't specified an operating temperature range.
But at least the channels of communication are open, I've replied with
Anyone else have any joy from them?
Funny thing is its even more laughable than the reply I got from Toy Traders, talk about the "company line".Here's the entire email I sent
To: r/[email protected]
Subject: RF603FS Problems, PLEASE RESPOND!
Hello there,
I wonder if someone can help me, this is my 5th email to Futaba over 5
months and I am still to receive any replies back.
Ive had all my stuff tested by Toytraders Australia and they have failed to
resolve the issue.
My question is simple, what is the acceptable operating temperature range of
the RF603FS receivers?
The following are the previous emails sent.
Sent 25th Jan 2008
Hello there,
I've been having problems with my new R603FS receivers, I contact the local
distributors today, Toy Traders(Australia), and was asked to send one in to
them which I've done.
I thought you should know my findings, maybe you can help shed some light.
The following text is a copy of the letter I've sent to Toy Traders which
explains the problem.
Thanks
Alex
Hello there,
I spoke to Steve today from the service department and he asked that I send
in my R603FS receiver for testing.
I have 2 of these receivers and am having the same problem with both, and
after much testing I think I've isolated them problem to being heat related.
After 30+ minutes of consecutive running in my 1:8 nitro buggy I lose signal
When i check the receiver the red led is lit. After a couple of mintues
cooling all is ok again for a little while until heat builds up and I lose
signal again.
I also have a 1:10 electric onroad car, I can run the same receivers in this
car nonstop, no problems.
After much testing I've isolated the problem, at a temperature of approx 60
C for about 10-12 minutes, both receivers lose signal, displaying the red
led. This is with fresh batteries, nothing else connected to the receivers.
It was a completely repeatable test, same thing happen every time with both
receivers.
I've tried various combinations of batteries, servo's etc in the car, it has
no effect on the problem. Also I'd expect 60'C is a reasonable temp to
expect inside an I.C. car in Australia in summer, and electronic gear in
cars, computers etc runs at temps far greater than 60'C no probs at all.
I bought the FASST module and receivers from Mr Toys Toywold up here on the
Sunshine Coast Qld a couple of months ago and have receipts, I hope you can
help me, its really this 60'C "cutoff" that worries me.
Regards
Alex Nicholaidis
Sent 19th Feb
Hello there,
I've been having problems with my new R603FS receivers, I contact the local
distributors today, Toy Traders(Australia), and was asked to send one in to
them which I've done.
I thought you should know my findings, maybe you can help shed some light.
The following text is a copy of the letter I've sent to Toy Traders which
explains the problem.
Thanks
Alex
Hello there,
I spoke to Steve today from the service department and he asked that I send
in my R603FS receiver for testing.
I have 2 of these receivers and am having the same problem with both, and
after much testing I think I've isolated them problem to being heat related.
After 30+ minutes of consecutive running in my 1:8 nitro buggy I lose signal
When i check the receiver the red led is lit. After a couple of mintues
cooling all is ok again for a little while until heat builds up and I lose
signal again.
I also have a 1:10 electric onroad car, I can run the same receivers in this
car nonstop, no problems.
After much testing I've isolated the problem, at a temperature of approx 60
C for about 10-12 minutes, both receivers lose signal, displaying the red
led. This is with fresh batteries, nothing else connected to the receivers.
It was a completely repeatable test, same thing happen every time with both
receivers.
I've tried various combinations of batteries, servo's etc in the car, it has
no effect on the problem. Also I'd expect 60'C is a reasonable temp to
expect inside an I.C. car in Australia in summer, and electronic gear in
cars, computers etc runs at temps far greater than 60'C no probs at all.
I bought the FASST module and receivers from Mr Toys Toywold up here on the
Sunshine Coast Qld a couple of months ago and have receipts, I hope you can
help me, its really this 60'C "cutoff" that worries me.
Regards
Alex Nicholaidis
The preceding mail was sent to you on the 25th of Jan, i got no response.
After sending one of my receivers in as above i was contacted by them and
told the technician wanted to speak to me so i provided home and mobile
phone numbers.
Shortly after they tried to call but it was the one day i was out, also out
of mobile range.
In the 2 weeks since I have called toy traders 3 times and told Steven there
I'm available and waiting and he's assured me the tech would be in touch, to
no avail.
I've just got off the phone from toy traders again, Steven wasn't available,
and i was told by the secretary that my receiver is ok and on the way back,
the tech has suggested i move it somewhere less prone to heat.......so she
said.
Of course that's a completely unacceptable response, and doesn't at all
respond to my concerns in the initial fault report.
So can you, the product manufacturers, please answer me one simple question.
What is the acceptable temperature range for a R603FS receiver????
Awaiting your response
Alex
Sent 22nd Feb
Hello there
I've been having problems with my new Fasst 3PK system, and as advised by
the shop I bought from, sent it in to the local distributor, Toy Traders,
for attention.
Despite an extensive fault report, and numerous attempts to speak to the
technician, the unit has been sent back to me without my issues being
addressed.
I've also sent 2 emails to r/[email protected] the problem, one on the
25th of jan and one on the 19th of feb, and have not had any reply.
Can I forward on details to this address for attention, or can you please
provide me with a channel so I can contact someone who can help me?
Thanks
Alex Nicholaidis
Sent 29th Feb
I saw two other drivers have the same problem on the weekend, we had ambient
temps in the mid 40'c and track temps in the low 60'c.
You have an issue with the R603FS receivers and you need to look into it.
You at least need to start replying to my emails, I'm not going away until I
get an answer, and the problem is gathering weight.
Please answer my simple question.
What is the acceptable range for temperature of a R603FS receiver?
4th email and still awaiting a reply
Alex Nicholaidis
Its now the 25th of May and I have still not had ANY response from Futaba,
PLEASE RESPOND TO THIS EMAIL!
Regards
Alex
Subject: RF603FS Problems, PLEASE RESPOND!
Hello there,
I wonder if someone can help me, this is my 5th email to Futaba over 5
months and I am still to receive any replies back.
Ive had all my stuff tested by Toytraders Australia and they have failed to
resolve the issue.
My question is simple, what is the acceptable operating temperature range of
the RF603FS receivers?
The following are the previous emails sent.
Sent 25th Jan 2008
Hello there,
I've been having problems with my new R603FS receivers, I contact the local
distributors today, Toy Traders(Australia), and was asked to send one in to
them which I've done.
I thought you should know my findings, maybe you can help shed some light.
The following text is a copy of the letter I've sent to Toy Traders which
explains the problem.
Thanks
Alex
Hello there,
I spoke to Steve today from the service department and he asked that I send
in my R603FS receiver for testing.
I have 2 of these receivers and am having the same problem with both, and
after much testing I think I've isolated them problem to being heat related.
After 30+ minutes of consecutive running in my 1:8 nitro buggy I lose signal
When i check the receiver the red led is lit. After a couple of mintues
cooling all is ok again for a little while until heat builds up and I lose
signal again.
I also have a 1:10 electric onroad car, I can run the same receivers in this
car nonstop, no problems.
After much testing I've isolated the problem, at a temperature of approx 60
C for about 10-12 minutes, both receivers lose signal, displaying the red
led. This is with fresh batteries, nothing else connected to the receivers.
It was a completely repeatable test, same thing happen every time with both
receivers.
I've tried various combinations of batteries, servo's etc in the car, it has
no effect on the problem. Also I'd expect 60'C is a reasonable temp to
expect inside an I.C. car in Australia in summer, and electronic gear in
cars, computers etc runs at temps far greater than 60'C no probs at all.
I bought the FASST module and receivers from Mr Toys Toywold up here on the
Sunshine Coast Qld a couple of months ago and have receipts, I hope you can
help me, its really this 60'C "cutoff" that worries me.
Regards
Alex Nicholaidis
Sent 19th Feb
Hello there,
I've been having problems with my new R603FS receivers, I contact the local
distributors today, Toy Traders(Australia), and was asked to send one in to
them which I've done.
I thought you should know my findings, maybe you can help shed some light.
The following text is a copy of the letter I've sent to Toy Traders which
explains the problem.
Thanks
Alex
Hello there,
I spoke to Steve today from the service department and he asked that I send
in my R603FS receiver for testing.
I have 2 of these receivers and am having the same problem with both, and
after much testing I think I've isolated them problem to being heat related.
After 30+ minutes of consecutive running in my 1:8 nitro buggy I lose signal
When i check the receiver the red led is lit. After a couple of mintues
cooling all is ok again for a little while until heat builds up and I lose
signal again.
I also have a 1:10 electric onroad car, I can run the same receivers in this
car nonstop, no problems.
After much testing I've isolated the problem, at a temperature of approx 60
C for about 10-12 minutes, both receivers lose signal, displaying the red
led. This is with fresh batteries, nothing else connected to the receivers.
It was a completely repeatable test, same thing happen every time with both
receivers.
I've tried various combinations of batteries, servo's etc in the car, it has
no effect on the problem. Also I'd expect 60'C is a reasonable temp to
expect inside an I.C. car in Australia in summer, and electronic gear in
cars, computers etc runs at temps far greater than 60'C no probs at all.
I bought the FASST module and receivers from Mr Toys Toywold up here on the
Sunshine Coast Qld a couple of months ago and have receipts, I hope you can
help me, its really this 60'C "cutoff" that worries me.
Regards
Alex Nicholaidis
The preceding mail was sent to you on the 25th of Jan, i got no response.
After sending one of my receivers in as above i was contacted by them and
told the technician wanted to speak to me so i provided home and mobile
phone numbers.
Shortly after they tried to call but it was the one day i was out, also out
of mobile range.
In the 2 weeks since I have called toy traders 3 times and told Steven there
I'm available and waiting and he's assured me the tech would be in touch, to
no avail.
I've just got off the phone from toy traders again, Steven wasn't available,
and i was told by the secretary that my receiver is ok and on the way back,
the tech has suggested i move it somewhere less prone to heat.......so she
said.
Of course that's a completely unacceptable response, and doesn't at all
respond to my concerns in the initial fault report.
So can you, the product manufacturers, please answer me one simple question.
What is the acceptable temperature range for a R603FS receiver????
Awaiting your response
Alex
Sent 22nd Feb
Hello there
I've been having problems with my new Fasst 3PK system, and as advised by
the shop I bought from, sent it in to the local distributor, Toy Traders,
for attention.
Despite an extensive fault report, and numerous attempts to speak to the
technician, the unit has been sent back to me without my issues being
addressed.
I've also sent 2 emails to r/[email protected] the problem, one on the
25th of jan and one on the 19th of feb, and have not had any reply.
Can I forward on details to this address for attention, or can you please
provide me with a channel so I can contact someone who can help me?
Thanks
Alex Nicholaidis
Sent 29th Feb
I saw two other drivers have the same problem on the weekend, we had ambient
temps in the mid 40'c and track temps in the low 60'c.
You have an issue with the R603FS receivers and you need to look into it.
You at least need to start replying to my emails, I'm not going away until I
get an answer, and the problem is gathering weight.
Please answer my simple question.
What is the acceptable range for temperature of a R603FS receiver?
4th email and still awaiting a reply
Alex Nicholaidis
Its now the 25th of May and I have still not had ANY response from Futaba,
PLEASE RESPOND TO THIS EMAIL!
Regards
Alex
And here is their reply, notice the 1 line thats not part of the automated response.
Dear Valued Customer:
Thank you for your Email.
Futaba hasn't specified an operating temperature range.
We hope you find this information helpful. Should you have any further questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us at this email address. (Please be sure to copy all previous emails into any future questions.)
DID YOU KNOW that our web pages now all contain FAQs? (Frequently asked questions) Please drop by and take a look! We hope you'll find the information helpful and valuable to you.
Sincerely,
Futaba Service Center North America
3002 N. Apollo Dr. Suite 1
Champaign IL 61822
USA
Phone: (217) 398-0007
Fax: (217) 398-7721
Email: [email protected]
Web: http://www.futaba-rc.com/index.html
Thank you for your Email.
Futaba hasn't specified an operating temperature range.
We hope you find this information helpful. Should you have any further questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us at this email address. (Please be sure to copy all previous emails into any future questions.)
DID YOU KNOW that our web pages now all contain FAQs? (Frequently asked questions) Please drop by and take a look! We hope you'll find the information helpful and valuable to you.
Sincerely,
Futaba Service Center North America
3002 N. Apollo Dr. Suite 1
Champaign IL 61822
USA
Phone: (217) 398-0007
Fax: (217) 398-7721
Email: [email protected]
Web: http://www.futaba-rc.com/index.html
a) mount my receiver somewhere less prone to heat, and
b)Futaba hasn't specified an operating temperature range.
But at least the channels of communication are open, I've replied with
Hello there
Thank you for the response even though its not what I wanted to hear, so let me try again.
I have 2 RF603FS receivers, neither of them work at a temperature of over 60 degrees Celsius for more than a few minutes, is that to be expected and if so how can I use my Futaba gear when our track temp often exceeds 60 degrees Celcius?
Thank you for the response even though its not what I wanted to hear, so let me try again.
I have 2 RF603FS receivers, neither of them work at a temperature of over 60 degrees Celsius for more than a few minutes, is that to be expected and if so how can I use my Futaba gear when our track temp often exceeds 60 degrees Celcius?
05-27-2008, 03:24 PM
#780
Well in regards to the fasst system shutting down I called today and spoke with a customer service rep. and he acted as if he never heard of the issue. Maybe he hasn't, I dont know, all Futaba told me was package it up along with a receipt and send it in. I dont feel to assured that the problem is going to be solved.