Futaba FF9 / 9C Super

Manufacturer: Futaba

Average Rating
No. of Reviews	16
RRP	N/A

Description: Launched in 2002/3 this system is commonly known as the Field Force 9. It launched the click-wheel facility and user programming that was far easier than previous computer systems. It's still extremely popular. 2.4Ghz modules will enhance it's flexibility.

Engine Doctor wrote on 01/10/2010:

GREAT RELIABLE TX

Strengths: Easy to programme comfortable and well balanced

Weaknesses: Chrome on facia lifts and bubbles and some plastic parts soften and break after long use wich is dissapointing from such a well known manufacturer

Overall: overall its an excellent Tx thats simple to use with easy to understand screen .Rock solid performance with both futaba modules and aftermarket 2.4 set ups

Ease of assembly		60%
Build quality		60%
Flight performance		100%
Value for money		60%
Overall		60%

twilightflyer wrote on 01/03/2010:

GREAT PIECE OF KIT

Strengths: I like the sheer quality of this TX and the reliabilty, with more than enough switches to meet every eventuality.

Weaknesses: It gets a bit of getting used to the layout of the menus

Overall: I like the ability to update this TX to 2.4 which I have, I have fitter the Jeti Duplex mdule which is able to use telemtry in real time which the Futabe module dosent have.

Ease of assembly		80%
Build quality		100%
Flight performance		80%
Value for money		100%
Overall		80%

Ralph Yeates wrote on 23/03/2009:

GREAT RADIO FOR THE PRICE

Strengths: fully programmable and the ability to move switches about apart from the 4 main gimbals

Weaknesses: limited to 7 channels on 2.4

Overall: great radio more functions than the average modeler needs and backed up by good after market books on the programming

Ease of assembly		100%
Build quality		100%
Flight performance		80%
Value for money		100%
Overall		80%

Trevor Parsons wrote on 22/11/2008:

FANTASTIC RADIO, PROGRAMING COMPREHENSIVE BUT EASY TO USE,

Strengths: Convertible to 2.4 either Futaba module or Spektrum, My preference the DSM2 Spektrum which works faultlessly, much more neatly than the Futaba system in my opinion.

Weaknesses: Switches can be vulnerable but no more than any other radio set i have used.

Overall: A good all radio which is proving future proof so far, whats next I wonder.

Ease of assembly		100%
Build quality		40%
Flight performance		100%
Value for money		80%
Overall		80%

Alan Florence wrote on 14/08/2008:

GUARANTEED TO IMPROVE YOUR FLYING

Strengths: very versatile

Weaknesses: takes awhile to familiarise yourself with all its menus and what you can achieve

Overall: excellent TX unit for the money and phone around for a good deal

Ease of assembly		80%
Build quality		60%
Flight performance		80%
Value for money		80%
Overall		60%

Dave Davies 3 wrote on 01/08/2008:

BRILLIANT

Strengths: easy to program comfortable to hold good good quality

Weaknesses: none

Overall: a fantastic transmitter

Ease of assembly		100%
Build quality		100%
Flight performance		100%
Value for money		80%
Overall		80%

Simon Barton-Jones wrote on 02/06/2008:

DOES EVERY THING I WANT AND MORE

Strengths: Solid and reliable with more than enough switches and buttons to cover every eventuality

Weaknesses: The covering seems to wrinkle with nitro fuel on it even if its just the excess after tuning the engine

Overall: A great piece of kit

Ease of assembly		60%
Build quality		60%
Flight performance		60%
Value for money		80%
Overall		60%

Jonathan Lewzey wrote on 31/03/2008:

CAPABLE, ADAPTABLE AND COMFORTABLE

Strengths: All the features and functions a sport flyer will want. Good number of model memories with aditional ones available through a campac. Comfortable to use. Synthesised module for easy channel switching. Compatibility with 2.4 ghz systems.

Weaknesses: Not yet available only in 2.4. Instructions only in flow charts -sometimes hard to find information

Overall: An excellent investment for any radio control flyer. Futaba quality and reliability. I can't think of a better 35 mhz transmitter.

Ease of assembly		80%
Build quality		60%
Flight performance		100%
Value for money		60%
Overall		60%

Martin Harris wrote on 20/03/2008:

GOOD AND CAPABLE TRANSMITTER

Strengths: Easy to program if you have experience of Futaba systems. Good range of mixes - including free mixes (unlike Tony Charnock's, mine has 7 free mixes including 2 with 5 point curves and I've used throttle to elevator mixes on several occasions)

Weaknesses: Instructions would cause a beginner some head scratching. Silver coating wrinkles and comes away.

Overall: I have used mine for @4 years and have had no problems or regrets. It has done everything I wanted it to. I would, and have, recommended one to friends.

Ease of assembly		80%
Build quality		60%
Flight performance		100%
Value for money		80%
Overall		80%

iawnski wrote on 12/03/2008:

LOVE IT

Strengths: easy to use

Weaknesses: none yet

Overall: a fine tranny adapts to 2.4ghz when im ready

Ease of assembly		80%
Build quality		80%
Flight performance		80%
Value for money		80%
Overall		80%

Chris Dowsett wrote on 07/03/2008:

AHEAD OF IT'S TIME. ADAPTS TO 2.4GHZ

Strengths: Relability, dial, battery monitor, buddy lead, balance, battery accessibility, programability, 2.4GHz capability

Weaknesses: Changing RF modules almost needs a tool. There must be better ways of implementing digital trims (not as good as analogs). Difficult to get away from standard model set ups, for example, crow braking and/or conventional flaps/air brakes. Buddy box set up must be fully tested. Do not like charger socket. Could do with better 'ring tones' and it is not easy reading battery volts. TM7 2.4GHz module looks Heath Robinson when installed

Overall: Had mine 5 years. Never missed a beat. Dropped it a couple of times - does not bounce much. Had a switch lever pop out. Ripmax supplied spares straight from stock. Used mainly for aerobatics slope and power. Cannot say how many hours but the timer has been round the clock several times. Only one crash - vertical dive from a reversal. Nothing to do with the FF9 (Bad design of connector on elevator servo).

Ease of assembly		80%
Build quality		60%
Flight performance		80%
Value for money		80%
Overall		60%

Mike Martin wrote on 09/09/2007:

A SUPER SET.

Strengths: Nice balance feels like a quality unit.

Weaknesses: Fiddly between menus.

Overall: Value for money

Ease of assembly		60%
Build quality		60%
Flight performance		80%
Value for money		100%
Overall		60%

Brian Coe wrote on 31/08/2007:

EXCELLENT VALUE FOR ITS PRICE.

Strengths: It offers a full range of programmable options that seem to cover all my needs. I like the large screen.

Weaknesses: The programming is not the most intuitive, I don't like 'inhibited'. Could have simpler linking between the options

Overall: Damn good value for money that is very reliable and comprehensive.

Ease of assembly		60%
Build quality		60%
Flight performance		100%
Value for money		100%
Overall		80%

Tony Charnock wrote on 03/08/2007:

VERY GOOD

Strengths: Easy to program even without manual, comfortable in the hand well balanced. Have a campac module which gives 32 model memories.

Weaknesses: No free mixers cannot link throttle to elevator. Would suggest an adjustable ball joint on aerial like other Txs., so it stays vertical when Tx is held at normal angle

Overall: Good value, easy to use, well pleased with mine & cannot wait for the 2.4Ghz conversion modules to be available especially the one by Graupner.