Setting up the Futaba T8FGS (or 14SG) with the P2

[ianwood]

Thinksnow, there are calibration instructions in the first post for X1. Be sure to follow those.

 

[Thinksnow]

Thinksnow, there are calibration instructions in the first post for X1. Be sure to follow those.

Thanks for the reply. Yes, I did calibrate X1, and it moves accordingly with the slider and the switch. It just won't tilt all the way down. It ends it's tilt about 3/4 of the way down.

 

[Frendel]

I've read the whole bloody thread very carefully and just placed an order of a Futaba T14SG. All thanks to this thread.

It's a bit funny, this is basically the way my thoughts went from before I found the thread until early this morning when I finished reading it all:

- I'm fine with the stock controller. Totally fine, I probably don't need anything else in a long time...
- dum di dum, reading a bit on the forum *sees the topic*
- Oh, a thread about some controller, I might just take a look at it, or not, since I'm fine with the stock controller.
- Ah well, I haven't got anything better to do right now... *opens thread*
- *sees video in first post by Ianwood* Whoaaa, that's sweet!
- Ok, I think I want a Futaba T8FGS in the future.
- *reads more*
- Ok, awesome, I probably need a T8FGS soon.
- *sees yet some more videos*
- Ok, I'm ordering one as soon as I've finished reading the thread.
- Now, that T14SG sure looks hot, too bad it doesn't work with the profile. It's too expensive anyway...
- *almost pushing the button to order a monitor mount for the T8FGS, to save shipping time*
- Wait what, the T14SG DOES work!?
- Nah, it's too expensive...
- But it sure looks pretty...

Now I have one coming my way.

Thanks to this thread.

I'm sure I'm not the only one.

So, Futaba, when will Ianwood be having one coming his way?

Cheers,

Mike the Swede

 

[MStacey]

I know it's been a long while since the original posting by Ianwood, but I just applied the settings he supplied to my 8FGS. They work great. The only issue I have is that my camera/gimbal doesn't tilt all the way to straight down. This is important for me. Can anyone guide me thru making the right adjustments on the Futaba to achieve this?

Thanks

MS

If as Ian has suggested you have done all the X1 calibrations and (if available on the 8 [it is on the 14SG] the stick calibration on the TX itself then ...
Is you P2 a recent purchase running 3.04 software ?
If it is then the default settings in Phantom assistant appear to be set to stop the gimbal tilting straight down and you will need to hook your P2 unto the computer and change the vertical slider to 0 under the Gimbal settings

 

[havasuphoto]

I've read the whole bloody thread very carefully and just placed an order of a Futaba T14SG. All thanks to this thread.

It's a bit funny, this is basically the way my thoughts went from before I found the thread until early this morning when I finished reading it all:

- I'm fine with the stock controller. Totally fine, I probably don't need anything else in a long time...
- dum di dum, reading a bit on the forum *sees the topic*
- Oh, a thread about some controller, I might just take a look at it, or not, since I'm fine with the stock controller.
- Ah well, I haven't got anything better to do right now... *opens thread*
- *sees video in first post by Ianwood* Whoaaa, that's sweet!
- Ok, I think I want a Futaba T8FGS in the future.
- *reads more*
- Ok, awesome, I probably need a T8FGS soon.
- *sees yet some more videos*
- Ok, I'm ordering one as soon as I've finished reading the thread.
- Now, that T14SG sure looks hot, too bad it doesn't work with the profile. It's too expensive anyway...
- *almost pushing the button to order a monitor mount for the T8FGS, to save shipping time*
- Wait what, the T14SG DOES work!?
- Nah, it's too expensive...
- But it sure looks pretty...

Now I have one coming my way.

Thanks to this thread.

I'm sure I'm not the only one.

So, Futaba, when will Ianwood be having one coming his way?

Cheers,

Mike the Swede

You forgot 1 thing....it Vibrates!!! You can set up different warnings...like low voltage on the remote will vibrate a certain way. then, you can set up your count-down timer-it will vibrate differently.
I hate beeping-pisses me off. But I'm cool with the vibrating-that way I know when a certain amount of time has passed and it's time to RTB.
Yea-it's expensive; but, it's the last remote you'll ever buy

OH-and do far, range wise, I've found no difference between the stock remote and the 14....I've since stopped using the stock remote(obviously-it's garbage), but I still use the stock receiver in the P2-it works great. And, the distance I'm getting with that-w/o losing R/C contact has exceeded the P1 with the Futaba receiver.....

 

[TheEngineer]

I've read the whole bloody thread very carefully and just placed an order of a Futaba T14SG. All thanks to this thread.

It's a bit funny, this is basically the way my thoughts went from before I found the thread until early this morning when I finished reading it all:

- I'm fine with the stock controller. Totally fine, I probably don't need anything else in a long time...
- dum di dum, reading a bit on the forum *sees the topic*
- Oh, a thread about some controller, I might just take a look at it, or not, since I'm fine with the stock controller.
- Ah well, I haven't got anything better to do right now... *opens thread*
- *sees video in first post by Ianwood* Whoaaa, that's sweet!
- Ok, I think I want a Futaba T8FGS in the future.
- *reads more*
- Ok, awesome, I probably need a T8FGS soon.
- *sees yet some more videos*
- Ok, I'm ordering one as soon as I've finished reading the thread.
- Now, that T14SG sure looks hot, too bad it doesn't work with the profile. It's too expensive anyway...
- *almost pushing the button to order a monitor mount for the T8FGS, to save shipping time*
- Wait what, the T14SG DOES work!?
- Nah, it's too expensive...
- But it sure looks pretty...

Now I have one coming my way.

Thanks to this thread.

I'm sure I'm not the only one.

So, Futaba, when will Ianwood be having one coming his way?

Cheers,

Mike the Swede

You forgot 1 thing....it Vibrates!!! You can set up different warnings...like low voltage on the remote will vibrate a certain way. then, you can set up your count-down timer-it will vibrate differently.
I hate beeping-pisses me off. But I'm cool with the vibrating-that way I know when a certain amount of time has passed and it's time to RTB.
Yea-it's expensive; but, it's the last remote you'll ever buy

OH-and do far, range wise, I've found no difference between the stock remote and the 14....I've since stopped using the stock remote(obviously-it's garbage), but I still use the stock receiver in the P2-it works great. And, the distance I'm getting with that-w/o losing R/C contact has exceeded the P1 with the Futaba receiver.....

So you can definitely run either of these Futaba remotes with the OEM P2 receiver? Is there any reason then to purchase the Futaba receiver? Also, other than the 14 vibrating, is there any benefit to owning it over the T8FGS (If you plan on only using it for Phantoms).

 

[Thinksnow]

If as Ian has suggested you have done all the X1 calibrations and (if available on the 8 [it is on the 14SG] the stick calibration on the TX itself then ...
Is you P2 a recent purchase running 3.04 software ?
If it is then the default settings in Phantom assistant appear to be set to stop the gimbal tilting straight down and you will need to hook your P2 unto the computer and change the vertical slider to 0 under the Gimbal settings

That was it !... works great now. Many thanks.

 

[havasuphoto]

I've read the whole bloody thread very carefully and just placed an order of a Futaba T14SG. All thanks to this thread.

It's a bit funny, this is basically the way my thoughts went from before I found the thread until early this morning when I finished reading it all:

- I'm fine with the stock controller. Totally fine, I probably don't need anything else in a long time...
- dum di dum, reading a bit on the forum *sees the topic*
- Oh, a thread about some controller, I might just take a look at it, or not, since I'm fine with the stock controller.
- Ah well, I haven't got anything better to do right now... *opens thread*
- *sees video in first post by Ianwood* Whoaaa, that's sweet!
- Ok, I think I want a Futaba T8FGS in the future.
- *reads more*
- Ok, awesome, I probably need a T8FGS soon.
- *sees yet some more videos*
- Ok, I'm ordering one as soon as I've finished reading the thread.
- Now, that T14SG sure looks hot, too bad it doesn't work with the profile. It's too expensive anyway...
- *almost pushing the button to order a monitor mount for the T8FGS, to save shipping time*
- Wait what, the T14SG DOES work!?
- Nah, it's too expensive...
- But it sure looks pretty...

Now I have one coming my way.

Thanks to this thread.

I'm sure I'm not the only one.

So, Futaba, when will Ianwood be having one coming his way?

Cheers,

Mike the Swede

You forgot 1 thing....it Vibrates!!! You can set up different warnings...like low voltage on the remote will vibrate a certain way. then, you can set up your count-down timer-it will vibrate differently.
I hate beeping-pisses me off. But I'm cool with the vibrating-that way I know when a certain amount of time has passed and it's time to RTB.
Yea-it's expensive; but, it's the last remote you'll ever buy

OH-and do far, range wise, I've found no difference between the stock remote and the 14....I've since stopped using the stock remote(obviously-it's garbage), but I still use the stock receiver in the P2-it works great. And, the distance I'm getting with that-w/o losing R/C contact has exceeded the P1 with the Futaba receiver.....

So you can definitely run either of these Futaba remotes with the OEM P2 receiver? Is there any reason then to purchase the Futaba receiver? Also, other than the 14 vibrating, is there any benefit to owning it over the T8FGS (If you plan on only using it for Phantoms).

Yes...and dunno. They both look pretty much identical to me. but, the 14 has 2 extra channels?
I got mine with the Futbaba receiver....I can use it someday in another build-and, it has telemetry built in-I don't think the 8FGS does the telemetry. But-you won't get any of that data if you use the stock p2 receiver.

I was going to go with the 8FGS but bought a used one that wasn't quite right and had to return it. Needed something quick for a job-so I spent the extra money on the 14.

 

[Frendel]

Oh yeah, I forgot about that, the vibration-thing is definitely a very cool feature! I too think beeping warnings can be a bit annoying

 

[Frendel]

Fellow left stick center spring owning Futabians, I have a question for you!

I tried e-mailing the Futaba support on [email protected] to get the center spring, but to my big suprise I got another result than most of you. A person with the e-mail adress "[email protected]" answered and basically said I have to pay for the parts and the shipping. So I replied that I knew others didn't have to pay for this. Then he said if I were in the US it would be sent out for free.

So what I'm wondering is, do all of you who have succeeded in obtaining the center spring live in the US?

I live in Sweden. :geek:

The method this support personnel proposed to me buying the center spring seemed pretty unconventional to me, he stated they didn't accept paypal and instead wanted me to supply my credit card number over e-mail (like all those viagra spam mails also request you to do, haha) or phone... I don't really feel comfortable doing so.

havasuphoto, I believe I read that you too had some problems getting the center spring at first, or am I mistaken?

 

[TheEngineer]

Maybe a stupid question...But where are you guys ordering this transmitter from?

 

[Frendel]

Maybe a stupid question...But where are you guys ordering this transmitter from?

They're pretty much available everywhere. I ordered mine from a local rc/hobby-store's website.

 

[havasuphoto]

Yea-mine came w/o center spring and according to Futaba USA, all of them are shipped that way. So, they wanted a couple bucks for the spring-told them to pound sand.
In the end, got a "rebate" from the dealer and elected to go w/o the center spring. Just use the throttle curve posed on the first page here, and you'll be fine.
I've always flow w/o the spring anyways-so it was no big deal.

Contact you Dealer-and let them handle it.

 

[Frendel]

Yea-mine came w/o center spring and according to Futaba USA, all of them are shipped that way. So, they wanted a couple bucks for the spring-told them to pound sand.
In the end, got a "rebate" from the dealer and elected to go w/o the center spring. Just use the throttle curve posed on the first page here, and you'll be fine.
I've always flow w/o the spring anyways-so it was no big deal.

Contact you Dealer-and let them handle it.

Thanks for your answer havasuphoto! I think that's a bit cheap of Futaba and it's strange they don't treat all customers equally. Anyhow, I actually learned something interesting while researching this subject a bit further...

According to some 14sg users around various rc-forums 14sg's sold outside of the US (at least in Europe?) apparently are built so that you just have to open up the controller, undo two screws and remove a piece of plastic covering the left gimbal stick to make it auto-centering (there was a youtube-video of this procedure posted here before). Supposedly the US versions don't have this feature because Futaba determined the US users typically wouldn't want to use a centering throttle-stick and therefore haven't added this choice (maybe also to reduce production costs?).

But don't quote me on this info just yet. I've sent a message to the Futaba support person and asked him to verify if it indeed is like this, and also if there's some way of identifying which version is which. I'll update y'all on any info I get.

If this is true though I think it's a shame the US users aren't given the possibillity to choose for themselves how they want their controller to work. HOWEVER, I'm glad you're happy with your setup havasuphoto!

 

[wkf94025]

A few other obsesrvations on the 14SG:
1) The SBS-01G is a Cadillac of telemetry data. http://www.futaba-rc.com/accessories/futm0850.html Pricey, but a lot of good info available brought back to the radio in real time.
2) I picked up a Fatshark Pan & Tilt camera for all of $80, whose two servos can be plugged into the R7008SB receiver. I assigned the left side slider and right volume knob to tilt and pan of that cheap camera. Put it on instead of my GoPro + H3-3D so I could practice Manual Mode flying with a lot less $$ at risk. And with much less weight on board, the P2 is quite fun to fly hard.
3) The R7008SB receiver came with my 14SG. Initially I bound the 14SG to the stock P2 receiver, and that worked fine. A month ago I installed the R7008SB, driven by the pan & tilt camera, and am happy with that receiver.
4) Next on the list: a buddy box for letting my kids fly (briefly!) next to me, and program mixes for coordinated turns, etc. Also, might try plugging Fatshark Attitude SD's into the trainer port on the 14SG to allow head-tracker control in the googles drive the pan & tilt on the camera. Though I really don't have the time for the exploration.

Not sure how much of the above the 8 radios can also do.

Kelly

 

[Frendel]

A few other obsesrvations on the 14SG:
1) The SBS-01G is a Cadillac of telemetry data. http://www.futaba-rc.com/accessories/futm0850.html Pricey, but a lot of good info available brought back to the radio in real time.
2) I picked up a Fatshark Pan & Tilt camera for all of $80, whose two servos can be plugged into the R7008SB receiver. I assigned the left side slider and right volume knob to tilt and pan of that cheap camera. Put it on instead of my GoPro + H3-3D so I could practice Manual Mode flying with a lot less $$ at risk. And with much less weight on board, the P2 is quite fun to fly hard.
3) The R7008SB receiver came with my 14SG. Initially I bound the 14SG to the stock P2 receiver, and that worked fine. A month ago I installed the R7008SB, driven by the pan & tilt camera, and am happy with that receiver.
4) Next on the list: a buddy box for letting my kids fly (briefly!) next to me, and program mixes for coordinated turns, etc. Also, might try plugging Fatshark Attitude SD's into the trainer port on the 14SG to allow head-tracker control in the googles drive the pan & tilt on the camera. Though I really don't have the time for the exploration.

Not sure how much of the above the 8 radios can also do.

Kelly

Cool! Looking forward to hearing more about what you think about the telemetry input

And great idea changing camera when flying in manual mode

I'm still really interested in the previously mentioned idea about putting rudder-controls on the right dial, I think it's a bloody awesome idea. If it hasn't been tested by then I'm gonna try to learn to program that myself when I receive my 14SG.

I wish this thread could come alive again with all the exciting ideas on how to modify the controls different ways. I had such a great time reading this thread tbh :geek:

 

[havasuphoto]

How much, and what type of telemetry data is shown on the screen? I imagine you have to chose what to display......that's definitely an advantage to the 14G.
What data does the standard TX that comes with the remote, transfer back?

 

[SJBrit]

I wish this thread could come alive again with all the exciting ideas on how to modify the controls different ways. I had such a great time reading this thread tbh :geek:

I have some ideas that I'll share once I have one last piece dialed in. For now here's what I have working:

1) Gimbal: Coarse tilt on the right slider (0 to 90 deg) and fine tilt on the left slider (+/- 10 deg). I have a three way switch as a mode control. With the the switch up the right slider is disabled, the camera moves to -10 deg from level (so, almost straight) and the left slider still gives +/- 10 deg fine tilt. So, that's my "straight ahead with fine adjustment" mode. With the switch down it goes to -90 deg, right slider disabled, left on +/- 10 deg fine tilt. In the middle switch position I have full coarse control on the right slider plus the usual fine tilt on the left. Works like a charm!

2) "Cinematography" modes: I use a three way switch and the left volume knob for some yaw controls. Switch up is off - normal flight (no danger of forgetting to center the knob!). Switch in the middle is panorama - volume knob sets the speed and direction. Switch down is POV - volume knob sets the radius and direction of a POV circle. I still have a little dialing in to do on that one. I also use the right knob to dial in some forward motion - that way I can get the Phantom flying "hands free" and focus on the camera work. That is enabled and disabled by a switch too.

Will post my program when I have the POV calibrated properly. Many thanks to Ian for the inspiration and enabling me to largely avoid reading the manual!!

 

[ianwood]

I wish this thread could come alive again with all the exciting ideas on how to modify the controls different ways. I had such a great time reading this thread tbh :geek:

I have some ideas that I'll share once I have one last piece dialed in. For now here's what I have working:

1) Gimbal: Coarse tilt on the right slider (0 to 90 deg) and fine tilt on the left slider (+/- 10 deg). I have a three way switch as a mode control. With the the switch up the right slider is disabled, the camera moves to -10 deg from level (so, almost straight) and the left slider still gives +/- 10 deg fine tilt. So, that's my "straight ahead with fine adjustment" mode. With the switch down it goes to -90 deg, right slider disabled, left on +/- 10 deg fine tilt. In the middle switch position I have full coarse control on the right slider plus the usual fine tilt on the left. Works like a charm!

2) "Cinematography" modes: I use a three way switch and the left volume knob for some yaw controls. Switch up is off - normal flight (no danger of forgetting to center the knob!). Switch in the middle is panorama - volume knob sets the speed and direction. Switch down is POV - volume knob sets the radius and direction of a POV circle. I still have a little dialing in to do on that one. I also use the right knob to dial in some forward motion - that way I can get the Phantom flying "hands free" and focus on the camera work. That is enabled and disabled by a switch too.

Will post my program when I have the POV calibrated properly. Many thanks to Ian for the inspiration and enabling me to largely avoid reading the manual!!

Send me some hints as to how you're doing this. I've been meaning to add similar capability using program mixes but haven't gotten around to it yet (blame the compass). I'd like to add it to the default profile.

 

[SJBrit]

Sure thing. I just need to figure out how to speed up the large radius circles so you don't have to wait all day. Should get that done this weekend and then I'll post the results.