An announcement from Ripmax

An announcement from Ripmax has just appeared on their website following problems that had started to be reported on our forum here and indeed across other R/C sites in relation to the Futaba 2.4GHz FASST system.

The announcement reads as follows –

“This notification affects only owners of the Futaba TM-7 module and 6EX 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 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 give you peace of mind that your system is not affected, we will soon be setting up test points at participating model shops throughout the country where you will be able to go to determine — within a matter of seconds — whether or not your transmitter is affected, at no charge to you. (We anticipate that all shops will have been advised and that this testing system will be starting in participating shops very shortly, so please contact your local shop to arrange testing.)

Precautionary Measures and Information

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, particularly prior to all units having been checked, we suggest that prior to flying all pilots briefly activate their systems simultaneously to check for any interaction between units. If any interactions should occur, do NOT fly. Please return the unit to the Ripmax Futaba Service Centre immediately.

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. The system requires at least five (5) seconds boot up time 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 Ripmax Futaba Service Centre for analysis. This is not expected behaviour and should be investigated accordingly”.

We’ll bring more news as we have it of course and the links to forums posts and discussions on the subject are below. If anyone has their transmitter tested then perhaps they’d be good enough to report on the forum.

Update 21/1/2008

I’ve spoken to Ripmax today who confirm that test kits are being sent to some 300 model shops starting today. The kits comprise a ‘common coded’ receiver that shouldn’t therefore operate when the users transmitter is switched on. Problems first started to be reported just before Christmas and so it is unlikely that sets purchased earlier last year are affected although the benefit of undertaking a check can’t be overstated. The new FF7 2.4GHZ sets have just arrived and have all been checked prior to dispatch to retailers.