FUTABA USA

[Grimracer]

IF I MIGHT...

Futaba as you know really trusts the boat public to provide them the wants and needs of the marine community.

Lets open up a conversation of what you feel is missing from the (lets start with servos) product line, what is needed, what is wanted what would be your blue sky wants.

PLEASE NOTE.. this is ANYTHING.. from power, to speed to size to cost to whatever!

Thank you, Grimracer

COPY The below and paste it to your response and fill in the blanks.



FUTABA SERVO NEEDS:

FUTABA SERVO WANTS:

FUTABA SERVO BLUE SKY:

 

[RaceMechaniX]

I'll start with:

Receiver needs:
-A 3 or 4 channel surface receiver with a pair of 400mm external antenna's like the aircraft versions. Standard package size.
-A 3 channel micro receiver like the R3104SB with twin 400mm antenna's, preferably conformal coated for small riggers or cramped radio boxes.
-A receiver with at minimum conformal coating to be more moisture resistant. Or on the extreme side a potted version with flying leads.
-Stretch: The ability to bind two FHSS receivers at once in master and slave mode for those who want some redundancy (twin guys)
-Stretch: A receiver with integral GPS
-Stretch: a FAAST and FHSS receiver.
-Stretch: onboard datalogging with optional video

Servo needs:
- A 300-400oz metal (steel) gear 2s Lipo capable servo with emphasis on durability over speed. Speed in the 0.200 to 0.250Sec range. O-ringed case, conformal coating on board. target price under $150. Stretch goal: brushless version under $175.
-A mini servo for throttle and mixture similar to the Hitech HS85 or D89MW. Emphasis on durability over weight and speed. 0.20-0.25secs/60deg would be fine.

Radio needs:
-Would be nice if using a radio with telemetry to be able to replay a run on the radio. i.e. you just finished a heat race and were recording speed, GPS position, throttle input, steering input and and receiver voltage. If the radio could replay the race like a strip recorder. Extra bonus points if it could plot the GPS points on a built in Google map. Alternatively if the data file could be loaded onto a phone and replayed.
-For FE boats running a Castle ESC with telemetry I would love to see a configurable screen to show data. i.e. I just made a SAW pass, but cannot look down at my radio during the run, but when I can I would like to replay the last 10seconds to see what the data showed for Speed, RPM, Current, voltage, Temp, etc.
-Recall telltale function in the telemetry screen to show the highest value of a particular parameter during a session. i.e. max current was 550A or max speed logged was 98mph.
-Warning system when using FHSS telemetry receivers and the signal strength gets low. i.e. a pre-warning before the failsafe kicks in.
-A failsafe counter, a telltale system that counts or flags if a receiver went into failsafe at some point since the last power up.

Other:
A solid state water proof switch with better mounting options for a boat like a sealing ring and two piece case to mount to a lid.

 

[Hydro Junkie]

Are you sure this is safe, Mike? I'll throw one out and see what everyone thinks, though I do like Tyler's post.
FUTABA SERVO NEEDS: A standard sized digital, water resistant, non-programmable servo of around 250 inoz (at 4.8 volts)

FUTABA SERVO WANTS: The above at under $125

FUTABA SERVO BLUE SKY:

I figured I'd keep it simple

 

[Rich Jones]

I'll start with:

Receiver needs:
-A 3 or 4 channel surface receiver with a pair of 400mm external antenna's like the aircraft versions. Standard package size.
-A 3 channel micro receiver like the R3104SB with twin 400mm antenna's, preferably conformal coated for small riggers or cramped radio boxes.
-A receiver with at minimum conformal coating to be more moisture resistant. Or on the extreme side a potted version with flying leads.
-Stretch: The ability to bind two FHSS receivers at once in master and slave mode for those who want some redundancy (twin guys)
-Stretch: A receiver with integral GPS
-Stretch: a FAAST and FHSS receiver.
-Stretch: onboard datalogging with optional video

Servo needs:
- A 300-400oz metal (steel) gear 2s Lipo capable servo with emphasis on durability over speed. Speed in the 0.200 to 0.250Sec range. O-ringed case, conformal coating on board. target price under $150. Stretch goal: brushless version under $175.
-A mini servo for throttle and mixture similar to the Hitech HS85 or D89MW. Emphasis on durability over weight and speed. 0.20-0.25secs/60deg would be fine.

Radio needs:
-Would be nice if using a radio with telemetry to be able to replay a run on the radio. i.e. you just finished a heat race and were recording speed, GPS position, throttle input, steering input and and receiver voltage. If the radio could replay the race like a strip recorder. Extra bonus points if it could plot the GPS points on a built in Google map. Alternatively if the data file could be loaded onto a phone and replayed.
-For FE boats running a Castle ESC with telemetry I would love to see a configurable screen to show data. i.e. I just made a SAW pass, but cannot look down at my radio during the run, but when I can I would like to replay the last 10seconds to see what the data showed for Speed, RPM, Current, voltage, Temp, etc.
-Recall telltale function in the telemetry screen to show the highest value of a particular parameter during a session. i.e. max current was 550A or max speed logged was 98mph.
-Warning system when using FHSS telemetry receivers and the signal strength gets low. i.e. a pre-warning before the failsafe kicks in.
-A failsafe counter, a telltale system that counts or flags if a receiver went into failsafe at some point since the last power up.

Other:
A solid state water proof switch with better mounting options for a boat like a sealing ring and two piece case to mount to a lid.

Man this is a great list. I don’t think I could add anything . Affordable waterproof servos capable of handling higher voltage and waterproof receivers as well would be big steps in the right direction. I LOVE some of the other ideas too though.

 

[Bill Gibson]

Just a little note, Im still using 4PLS systems with 324 diversity receivers and its been a great combination for years and i have no intentions of changing! My experience with Futaba surface and air systems goes back 45 years with near 100% satisfaction! I still have my first one and it still works...........i wonder if i could get it converted to 2.4 HMMMM HAHA!

 

[Grimracer]

Thanks everybody.. keep them coming.

From simple things like shorter leads or replacement pins and housings. Maybe pre-programed servos for us boaters...

Maybe we want a marine RX that has the 400mm antenna and conformal coating.. (a true marine RX)

Let me know

 

[Wesleys Custom RC]

I'll start with:

Receiver needs:
-A 3 or 4 channel surface receiver with a pair of 400mm external antenna's like the aircraft versions. Standard package size.
-A 3 channel micro receiver like the R3104SB with twin 400mm antenna's, preferably conformal coated for small riggers or cramped radio boxes.
-A receiver with at minimum conformal coating to be more moisture resistant. Or on the extreme side a potted version with flying leads.
-Stretch: The ability to bind two FHSS receivers at once in master and slave mode for those who want some redundancy (twin guys)
-Stretch: A receiver with integral GPS
-Stretch: a FAAST and FHSS receiver.
-Stretch: onboard datalogging with optional video

Servo needs:
- A 300-400oz metal (steel) gear 2s Lipo capable servo with emphasis on durability over speed. Speed in the 0.200 to 0.250Sec range. O-ringed case, conformal coating on board. target price under $150. Stretch goal: brushless version under $175.
-A mini servo for throttle and mixture similar to the Hitech HS85 or D89MW. Emphasis on durability over weight and speed. 0.20-0.25secs/60deg would be fine.

Radio needs:
-Would be nice if using a radio with telemetry to be able to replay a run on the radio. i.e. you just finished a heat race and were recording speed, GPS position, throttle input, steering input and and receiver voltage. If the radio could replay the race like a strip recorder. Extra bonus points if it could plot the GPS points on a built in Google map. Alternatively if the data file could be loaded onto a phone and replayed.
-For FE boats running a Castle ESC with telemetry I would love to see a configurable screen to show data. i.e. I just made a SAW pass, but cannot look down at my radio during the run, but when I can I would like to replay the last 10seconds to see what the data showed for Speed, RPM, Current, voltage, Temp, etc.
-Recall telltale function in the telemetry screen to show the highest value of a particular parameter during a session. i.e. max current was 550A or max speed logged was 98mph.
-Warning system when using FHSS telemetry receivers and the signal strength gets low. i.e. a pre-warning before the failsafe kicks in.
-A failsafe counter, a telltale system that counts or flags if a receiver went into failsafe at some point since the last power up.

Other:
A solid state water proof switch with better mounting options for a boat like a sealing ring and two piece case to mount to a lid.

WHAT HE SAID!

 

[Roxyflash]

Can they do a software update on the 4 pm to include a gps that would make a budget radio awesom or take the speed and turn it to a gps on the radio

 

[Rich Jones]

Can they do a software update on the 4 pm to include a gps that would make a budget radio awesom or take the speed and turn it to a gps on the radio

Outstanding idea! You shouldn’t have to spend 800.00 on a radio, 100.00 on a receiver, and 165.00 on a sensor to get gps functionality.

 

[Grimracer]

Rich you bring up a good point.

In our boating we just don't have " as many" bells and whistles requirements as some of the other "types". Traction control, altitude reporting.. stuff like that.

Would be cool to have density altitude reported on the radio however!

 

[Grimracer]

Keep em coming.. the goal with this is to gather as many "points" as we can so we can provide Futaba USA with the what the boaters are talking about.

NO IDEA IS A DUMB IDEA
NOBODY IS GOING TO BE OFFENDED BY YOUR SUGESTIONS
NOBODY IS GOING TO TOSS OUT YOUR IDEAS..

I can report your thoughts WORD FOR WORD or summarize if you want me to.

....b itch, praise, suggest.. its all important! Gang, this is about YOUR HOBBY!

Thank you to all that have posted and followed along.. keep it coming!

Grimracer

 

[Hydro Junkie]

Just a little note, Im still using 4PLS systems with 324 diversity receivers and its been a great combination for years and i have no intentions of changing! My experience with Futaba surface and air systems goes back 45 years with near 100% satisfaction! I still have my first one and it still works...........i wonder if i could get it converted to 2.4 HMMMM HAHA!

I have to agree, Bill. I've had no issues with my two 4PLS, other than one that had to be reset for some strange reason. What I've found interesting is that I've never seen any programming upgrades for it. Mike, is the 4PLS that "outdated" that there's no way to improve the programming?
FUTABA SERVO NEEDS:

FUTABA SERVO WANTS: Bring back the S9156 or an updated version of it. It's a very good rudder servo

FUTABA SERVO BLUE SKY:

 

[Roxyflash]

Pricing on futaba is really high I needing a radio for a fun boat so I was thinking on buying another receiver 304sb is what I have been using I like the telemetry of the boats battery but decided against that idea for the same price I bought a fly sky radio which has the telemetry for the same price as the receiver.Couldnt be happier they need some radio system for the low budget person with some bells and whistles without breaking the bank.Like rich said it’s very expensive to run futaba some people can afford it others can’t.

 

[Grimracer]

I have to agree, Bill. I've had no issues with my two 4PLS, other than one that had to be reset for some strange reason. What I've found interesting is that I've never seen any programming upgrades for it. Mike, is the 4PLS that "outdated" that there's no way to improve the programming?
FUTABA SERVO NEEDS:

FUTABA SERVO WANTS: Bring back the S9156 or an updated version of it. It's a very good rudder servo

FUTABA SERVO BLUE SKY:

Mark,

Ya know.. I don't know the story about the PLS line. I suspect it had fallen under a major part discontinuation like some of the other stuff in the past.

In business, the current business model, is to chase new money. (we have a MAJOR PUSH FOR THAT HERE AT THE BABY FACTORY) I personally have a hard time as an Engineer subscribing to that but do understand it. I think there is ZERO percent chance Futaba is going to chase updates for a system that was introduced in 2011. Having said all this it has been YEARS sense I have sat in a meeting with "then Hobbicos" Futaba influence.

Sorry that's not a great answer.


I got my first Futaba 2.4 system in 2007.. WOW.. pushing 20 years... man.. so glad we have 2.4 in our hobby!

Grim

 

[Grimracer]

Pricing on futaba is really high I needing a radio for a fun boat so I was thinking on buying another receiver 304sb is what I have been using I like the telemetry of the boats battery but decided against that idea for the same price I bought a fly sky radio which has the telemetry for the same price as the receiver.Couldnt be happier they need some radio system for the low budget person with some bells and whistles without breaking the bank.Like rich said it’s very expensive to run futaba some people can afford it others can’t.

Bruce,

Thanks.. years ago you know all the cheaper boats, and cars that AquaCraft, Duratrax made.. "most" of those radios were Futaba systems "rebadged". (not the Tactic line however, that was a different company) Futaba was not so keen on the idea of this as things played out. They wanted the VERY BEST systems they could provide to the discriminating user. Not sure they will ever chase down the path of a 50 - 100 dollar radio.. but I could be wrong.

My crawler has a budget radio.. works nice

I have played around with some of the budget units and surprised by there performance overall.. but for me, put one in a race boat.... proly-not..

Thanks again man!

Grim

 

[RaceMechaniX]

The 3PV is a decent little radio and very budget friendly. I picked one up for my Tugster retrieve boat, but also use it for my kids boats now too.

One additional thought for the radio's: Since boaters use 1/10 of the options compared to other RC models, it would be a nice option to select menu features to hide. So we could reduce the menu items to one page. Alternatively allow users to move menu features from page to page like we can move aps on an iphone home screen.

 

[Grimracer]

I like my 3PV.. I don't race it (haven't anyway) and use it for video stuff but its a nice little system.

 

[Mike Hercelinsky]

i would like to see a gps unit built in for speed telemetry. and a exhaust temp probe with enough temp reading for gas boat engines to hook up to telemetry recording , along with ez-er logging features turn on and off recording of logging , to be able to see top speed along actual rpm and exhaust temp - in a chart that can be saved and downloaded later possibly a o2 senser in exhaust for fuel mixture ? all in a fair priced 4 channel system i don't need a 7 or 10 channel transmitter

 

[Grimracer]

thanks for your input Mike!

 

[Paul Traufler]

What Tyler said!

I would like to see a dual band Tx/Rx setup. Many on the higher end aircraft radios have this as a fail over, if 2.4 get blocked they jump to 900MHz and keep the link. Some can go back and forth between the two bands as needed. They report (can be audio also) of the link issue so the driver would know this.

I think someone else said to have the RSSI link status reported (logged, audio warning) also. Kind of a telemetry deal but if you know what the RSSI link is as least you can use that information to look for cures and know it is not some other problem.

Paul