Futaba 3PDF converted to 2.4 Ghz.

[G Doggett]

After switching to a Futaba Fasst 3PM for my main radio system I was left with a perfectly good Futaba 3PDF on 27 FM that was too good to throw away but nobody seemed interested in buying it locally.
So, I decided to convert it to 2.4 Ghz using one of the Assan Hack modules from Hobby King and use it to control my lower powered boats.
The reasoning was that I get to keep all the digital features of the Futaba but lose all the frequency and glitching problems by switching to 2.4Ghz.
Systems like Futaba Fasst and Spectrum are superior but really expensive, and additional Futaba Receivers at $90 each are bordering on a rip off.
The Assan Hack module is $60 and the receivers only $24.50 each.
The other thing I liked about the Assan was the fact that it has a 160mm long receiver antenna that can be extended outside the boat.

The conversion was a piece of cake to do - remove the original PPM circuit board by undoing two screws and replace it with the hack module.
I simply secured it with double sided foam tape and soldered the three wires as per the instructions.
I have positioned the unit so that the LED lines up with original crystal window in the rear of transmitter and I filled the window with clear epoxy.
The folding antenna is simply glued into the original mounting bracket.
It works like a charm.
If you want to switch to 2.4Ghz without spending a fortune this has got to be the way to go.
Graham.

Sorry the pictures are a bit blurry - crappy phone camera.

[SweetAccord]

There is a strong following of people that have used all the other 2.4ghz systems and love this just as well or feel its the same.

See here: http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=723343


I converted all my FM to the Assan's. They work great, no range or glitch issues and the receivers are smaller than anything on the market hands down! The one posted by Doggett are small but there is a smaller one that I use. The 4 channel X8 R4 Size: 36 X 14 X 3mm (1.97 X 1.02 X 0.39 inch) Weight: 3.2g.

The X8D works great on pistol type radios. On a Futaba 3PM 75MHz radio the X8D fits as if was made for it. No modification to the antenna mount was needed. All you need is to find a spot where you want to install the X8D as there is plenty of room in the Futaba's radios.

Radio install of X8D: There are 3 lines grouped together on the break out board that you need to look for:

VDD (Futaba) = Power goes to Assan +
SIG (Futaba) = Signal line to Assan (PPM)
G (Futaba) = Ground to Assan

All the other lines which are HRS/PPM, CR, Data, RF-SW and Ant are to be unsoldered; place a long piece of shrink tubing over them and pack away as they are not used. The board is also removed as it's held by 3 screws.

Pics:

http://cid-ace3bbbe72a55299.skydriv...IMG%7C_0849.JPG
http://cid-ace3bbbe72a55299.skydriv...IMG%7C_0850.JPG
http://cid-ace3bbbe72a55299.skydriv...IMG%7C_0851.JPG
http://cid-ace3bbbe72a55299.skydriv...IMG%7C_0852.JPG

Also it was confirmed by Futaba that the 3PM 9.6v system WILL operate up to 12v and if a 11.1v lipo is used it will not void the warranty and will operate properly even to 12.1 volts. I also learned today that the X8D will work fine with the 11.1v lipo battery.

Hope that helps.

[G Doggett]

Hi SweetAccord

Yes the receiver you mention is smaller but I chose the X8R3-L because of the longer antenna.
I have a fixation about getting the antenna out of the boat and as high above the water as possible.
Like you I have read every page of this topic on rcgroups, and am impressed by the commitment of Assan to develop this product.

These modules are selling like hot cakes , as fast as HobbyKing get them in they are sold out.

Graham.

[Bill-SOCAL]

Just so everyone is clear, it is absolutely illegal to modify your FCC certified transmitter to change the mode or transmission band. A full module swap in a TX designed for modules is OK, but to go into the TX and start soldering and unsoldering and adding parts is not OK.

Now it is very unlikely that the FCC will track you down, but since both NAMBA and IMPBA say you need to comply with the FCC rules using an illegal transmitter may render your insurance coverage useless.

Of course this only applies in the US. I have no idea what the laws are in NZ or anywhere else.

Let me add that I am referring to the "hack" system and NOT using a plug in module. If the radio was built for a module, then you can change it. But you cannot change anything if it was not built to take modules.

[SweetAccord]

ASSAN CONVERSION KIT COMES WITH A FCC, CE & RoHS APPROVED 2.4GHz TX MODULE.

ASSAN X8 2.4Ghz System is designed to operate in compliance with the RF exposure guidelines set by national authorities. FCC ID: VJ9XRF01

So basically the part that is illegal when you are using a module that integrates into the radio system, as in the flow passes through the non compliant module and then out the antennae provided with the system. The the 2.4s get around this because they do not use the on board antennae, but rather their own. So the module never really integrates with the system, just adds on to the end of the process.

What is ILLEGAL is that a company knowingly selling a non compliant FCC product.

Also the AMA insurance:

Using a module other than one manufactured by the transmitter’s manufacturer would not void your AMA insurance coverage. However, we would like to caution that this more than likely would void your manufacturer’s warranty and could potentially create frequency interference problems.

Best regards,
Ilona Maine
Programs Department
Phone (765) 287-1256
Fax (765) 289-4248
www.modelaircraft.org

So in the end using the ASSAN only voids your actual radio warranty.

[SweetAccord]

Hi SweetAccord

Yes the receiver you mention is smaller but I chose the X8R3-L because of the longer antenna.
I have a fixation about getting the antenna out of the boat and as high above the water as possible.
Like you I have read every page of this topic on rcgroups, and am impressed by the commitment of Assan to develop this product.

These modules are selling like hot cakes , as fast as HobbyKing get them in they are sold out.

Graham.

Yeah the sell well and work well. You just have to place and order and let it be a back order to get them.

[G Doggett]

If it is illegal in the US to modify a radio with an FCC, CE and ROHS approved kit then the regulations are ridiculous and smell of protectionism.
These kits are selling like hot cakes in the rest of the world.
Graham.

[Flying Scotsman]

To be very honest. I do not like a supposed upgrade system redardless of the offshore manufacturer being employed in my radio. Buy the original system.

Douggie

[SweetAccord]

To be very honest. I do not like a supposed upgrade system redardless of the offshore manufacturer being employed in my radio. Buy the original system.

Douggie

Sorry but in my case, I'm not willing to buy ANOTHER radio just to get 2.4GHZ and then have 3 radios.

[Flying Scotsman]

Welcome to 75mhz ..It still works that was the question and buy the original 2.4ghz system not conversions but those most suited for boats

Douggie

[EPower]

If it is illegal in the US to modify a radio with an FCC, CE and ROHS approved kit then the regulations are ridiculous and smell of protectionism.
These kits are selling like hot cakes in the rest of the world.
Graham.

Hi Grahem i have one coming for my flying radio JR X-3810 i have also looked at all the forums and all feedbacks are excellent and the price 89 usd with two receivers

Cheers Adrian

[Flying Scotsman]

Try them in a boat, We await your reply

Douggie

[G Doggett]

Douggie

The point of the exercise for me was to recyle a perfectly good digital radio, eliminate issues with frequency clashes at busy meetings, and get access to reasonably priced receivers for my ever growing fleet.
I will use my Futaba 3PM Fasst in my fast /expensive boats.

I must admit it was also an interesting experiment as I enjoy tinkering about with stuff !

Graham.

[EPower]

Try them in a boat, We await your reply

Douggie

you should read my post properly i will be using it for my planes M8 not boats i have my FASST wheel radio for that but i'm sure plenty of people have already tried them in boats with very good results
Cheers
Adrian

[Flying Scotsman]

Great, look forward to the responses, as I am also a tinkerer

Douggie