Model Forum / Radio Controlled / Air Models / February 2009

Good transmitters and I never had an ounce of trouble from any of mine.

I remember that these were in production and Futaba's main line product at
the time the narrow band standards came out. Gold Cases sold after the
standard went in place were delivered with the gold sticker applied. Those
of us that had them before the standard came into place, had to return the
to Futaba for "tuning" and the application of the gold sticker. Of course,
it may be that the transmitters needed no tuning, and it was simply a drill
to have the gold sticker applied. I do remember that there was no charge for
this "upgrade", and a minimal charge for the change to the narrow band
receiver (can't remember the first narrow band receiver model number). Of
course, back in those days Futaba hardly ever charged for any repair; quite
unlike today. I would think the 127 and 168 would work just fine, but I have
never tried it. Finding those receivers on 50 or 53 MHz may be a real
challenge.

I also recall those transmitters came in two basic flavors. One had expo for
primary flight controls, and the other had dual rates for the primary flight
controls. There were none which had both features.

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No modifications are necessary for the 53 MHz unit, as standards in the six
meter band have not changed. Fifty Megahertz was added to the six meter band
as an additional bit of spectrum to use, without affecting those using the
53 MHz frequencies.

The narrow band 72 MHz changes are nearly twenty years old (1991). It will
be less expensive to buy a new transmitter than it will be to pay a
technician to update your old gold Futaba transmitter. You will also need a
new receiver in order to operate successfully in the narrow band environment
(72 MHz/USA).

Ed Cregger

Phill. they will no longer update the gold boxes but there is good new
if you want to change the modules to 2.4.  Hobbyking sell a module and
recievers for aroung 90.00 usd.I but one for my Futaba 8 u and found ou
the the pin spacing are the same. The module is smaller in physical siz
so you can tape it in the slot or get creative.  I just kept mine i
place with tape. the meter works and you don't have to screw on th
original ant.
http://www.hobbycity.com/hobbycity/store/uh_viewItem.asp?idProduct=8286&Product_
Name=X8_2.4GHz_Combo_pack_for_Futaba__W/_Module_&_R

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flyingcubb