rrTV-PHOTO   New HD TV
HOME   rrTV-PHOTO   GALLERIES   MY GALLERY   HELP-FAQ
myHOME PM pmRR MEMBERS 381 ONLINE 25 EVENTS SEARCH REGISTER  START HERE
 
2 pages [ <<    <     1     ( 2 )    >    >> ]2114 viewsPOST REPLY
Thunder Power RC . Mikado Modellhubschrauber . GrandRC

.
.
Radio - Servo - Gyro - Gov - Batt > 9ZWCII Owners - What would you change or add to your 9Z's?
 
 
Darkstar
Senior Heliman
Location: USA

I think you misunderstood him. I think that he meant to say that with the 9C complicated programming is easy compared to the 9Z.

Tim.
05-08-2002 Over year old.
 
 
Gbouten
Senior Heliman
Location: Alamogordo, New Mexico

I must have. I found the 9C to be very easy to setup.
05-08-2002 Over year old.
HOMEPAGE  
 
 
melinau
Heliman
Location: Pembrokeshire, UK

I'd like a better screen: Why not colour, and the contrast ratio is poor.

I'd like to be able to plug it into my PC and to program it from there, with on (PC) Screen display, and controls via Keyboard/Mouse. This would be absolutely brilliant for the initial set-up.

Better Programming system and/or a better manual. Current nemonics are NOT intuitive

I work in IT, and I know that you can have a better GUI than that offered by Futaba.

Having said all that the system flies Great.
05-08-2002 Over year old.
 
 
Dyehard
Veteran
Location: Cedar Bluff, Va.

dbackus, unfortunetly the 9Z isn't new enough to have programing specifically for HH gyros. The 9Z was first brought out in 1993, long before HH gyros were produced. The newer versions of the 9Z still use the basic programming of the original, they all use the same manual. When you consider that the 9Z was designed ten years or more ago, the fact that it is still the most versatile radio made makes if a sheer wonder. Makes you wonder what Futaba will come up with when and if they decide to replace the 9Z, what with all the advancements in computor technowledgy that have come about since the 9Z was designed. I don't think that you could ever make the 9Zs programming as simple as that of the 9c, to have completely independent conditions and to have the radio do several times more than the 9C means that there will always be a lot to program, especially if you make a lot of things different in each condition. I wouldn't have that part any other way, after owning a 9Z for almost six years, everyother radio seems, well, lacking. The one thing I would change on the current version is the manual. I'm quite comfortable with mine now, a better manual would have brought that comfort quicker.
05-09-2002 Over year old.
 
 
Secret Squirrel
Key Veteran
Location: New Zealander living in Melbourne, Australia

No doubt there, it will be interesting to see what Futaba come up with when/if they replace it!

Si

-------------
Simon Lockington
05-09-2002 Over year old.
HOMEPAGE  
 
 
giaffa
Senior Heliman
Location: Sao Paulo - BRAZIL

New radio?

The Shizuoka Hobby Fair will be next week in Japan...
It was in this show last year that Futaba introduced the 9C, maybe this year it will be the new futaba high end radio time?

Affonso
05-09-2002 Over year old.
HOMEPAGE  
 
 
EChapkis
Veteran
Location: Tampa, FL

9Z

After reading all the posts, the bottom line is that the 9Z is over 10 years old in design and is still king of the hill.

As a Team Futaba member myself, I make suggestions to Futaba for enhancements to be considered for a future replacement. In all honesty, the enhancements that have been recommended here have been minor, no major ones. Why should Futaba redesign the 9Z if all the changes I am reading about are minor? When i spoke at length with Futaba at Toledo, my suggestions were minor in relation to how the 9Z as a system is used by a wide variety of modelers.

For example, I am finishing up a 40% Extra 330. It would be nice to be able to assign a trim to channels 5-8. Why? I have 3 aileron servo's per aileron. By being able to assign T2 to Aux1 as well as T2 to J2, the trim would also trim the servo in Aux 2. Normally a Pmix would be used or the 3rd servo would be plugged into the opposite rx (dual rx's) channel 6 or 7 (flapperon / differencial). My suggestion would elliminate the cross setup.

While believed to be a great suggestion, how many people would use such a feature. Very few is the answer.

What I think the new Z should there be one would have technology abilities for equipment that we just do not know about.

Evan Chapkis Tampa, Florida
05-09-2002 Over year old.
 
 
Heli-Driver
Elite Veteran
Location: Arlington, TX

Evan,

I have to disagree with you on this one. You state that the changes mentioned are minor and not worth doing. Really?

I understand the internal difference in the 9Z and 9ZWCII is so much that it would be almost as cheap to buy a new radio than attempt to upgrade an older 9Z.

The truth is, there isn't a huge difference (performance wise) between the 9Z and WC and WCII compared to the stuff being discussed here and there is a tremendous internal difference in the original 9Z and the WCII. So I don't buy into the notion that there isn't enough goodies worthy to change the design. Futaba has surely recovered its R&D cost on the 9Z project over 10 years and it is time for something else.

The fact that there is now a 9C reinforces my point. The performance gap has been substantially reduced between the 9Z and the 9C compared to the 8U and look at the price point. Futaba certainly needs to update it's flagship radio so it remains the best around.

I too feel that a completely redesigned colorized backlight display would be a very welcome feature. I'd also like to see additional channels being offered, I think 12 is in order as turbines are a reality in helis and airplanes now. A USB connection as well as newer, friendlier programming is long overdue.

If you don't think the forementioned things merit a redesign I think you're missing the technology boat.

10 years is a long time in computer years and this is a computer. I say they get on with a 12Z and soon.

I love my 9Z, I have the WC Synth and wouldn't trade it for any other radio today. I do know Futaba can make a better one worthy of being the 9Z's replacement.



Raymond

Predator Gasser SE/231 X 2
Century Helicopters
05-11-2002 Over year old.
HOMEPAGE  
 
 
dbackus
Heliman
Location: Glendora, CA

Sorry guys, I haven't read this post for a while. Yes, I found the 9C VERY simple to setup. After re-reading my post, I make it sound like it's difficult.

Derek
05-11-2002 Over year old.
HOMEPAGE  
 
 
Secret Squirrel
Key Veteran
Location: New Zealander living in Melbourne, Australia

Well all I can say is I hope they don't do it anytime soon! I'm about to dump down a lot of $$$ to get one of these bad boys!

Si

-------------
Simon Lockington
05-11-2002 Over year old.
HOMEPAGE  
 
 
melinau
Heliman
Location: Pembrokeshire, UK

EChapkis

The fact that the system is "10 years old" is all the more reason for it to be updated. As is pointed-out elsewhere, computer technology moves on and moves fast.

Sticking with the computer stuff I still maintain that even if the underlying technology can't be improved (which I doubt) then the User Interface (i.e. Screen, programming, and manual) still need attention.

IBM thought that DOS (green screen programming) was great until Microsoft zapped then with Windows (graphics, icons easy to use etc.).

As I said before it *works* great and so I'm happy, but I could be happier.....
05-12-2002 Over year old.
 
 
driftrider
Veteran
Location: Cedar Rapids, IA. (In my own little world)

melinau,

But at least with DOS you didn't have, or need, that darn blue screen of death!

Oh, those where the days...

Mike
05-13-2002 Over year old.
 
 
EChapkis
Veteran
Location: Tampa, FL

9Z

The mentioned 9Z wc to 9Z wc II feature of increased frame rate around center for the new digital servo's is the only major enhancement of the WCII, the rest are minor, very worthwhile, but minor.

All the stuff mentioned above are minor and cosmetic. Bigger screens, larger layouts, ect....

You guys are missing the big picture. The big picture is the new radio when it comes should have new technology as the foundation for the design. Not just modified bells and whistles.

Futaba or any company will not spend 100,000's of dollars on development and new tooling for a system with minor changes and try to "repackage" the same old thing and sell it off as new and better. JR did that with the 10, 10SX, 10 SX II, and then the 10X. The changes between these tx's while from the 10 to the SX was substancial in technology, the rest were not. Just as the 9Z, to WC, to WCII are just minor software changes. Even the frame rate was just a software upgrade. Could a 9Z be upgraded to the 9ZWCII? Yes it could, but the cost of the software is something Futaba doesn't want to do and Hobbico won't do.

My background is 15 years in computer hardware and software and beleive me when I say I know what the manufacturer is trying to accomplish. You guys are looking at it from a end user point of view which is fine. I see it from the manufacturer side.

The 9C is an awesome radio. Is it a 9Z, not how no way. Is it more flexible than the 8U Super it replaced? Absolutely! Keep in mind where the 9C marketed to. It has the features that YOU guys wanted. It has the ease of use and programming that YOU guys wanted.

The 9Z is designed for the top competition pilot. Only a handfull of pilots in the world have any influence with Futaba in Japan. Most of them are Japanese.

I personally fly a 8u Super, 9ZHP (original), and a 9ZAP WC (not WC II).
Matter of fact, after flying my 32.5% Extra on my 9ZH tx yesterday, I am going to have the ratchet removed from the 9ZAP WC for airplane use.

Here is what I do expect. When Futaba does come out with a new "Z" class radio, it will be technology advanced as the 9Z was when it was released over the 9V (owned one too). I also expect it to have additional features. Do not confuse features with technology. I expect it to be technology wise superior, not only to the current "Z" series, but everything else out there.

Evan Chapkis Tampa, Florida
05-13-2002 Over year old.
 
 
melinau
Heliman
Location: Pembrokeshire, UK

I take all your points about tooling costs etc, though these do NOT apply to enhanced software functionality, which is relatively cheaper to upgrade.

I don't think we are really disagreeing. I am saying that *functionally* the current 9Z series can probably do most of what anyone could possibly want but like a DOS PC the functionality is masked behind a hard to use system.

I think there is a requirement from some people for more channels, and this is not necessarily "trivial" (if not technically challenging). I think nearly *everyone* wants a better user interface. I DONT think that a better (colour?) screen and a decent GUI programming system, a proper PC Link are trivial either, and they require relatively little "tooling". Think of it as a 1.0 - 2.0 upgrade rather than a complete re-think.

To move the whole gane on: Why not use a touch-screen (a la Compaq IPAQ) to provide both a GUI for screen output and user input. So, for example, instead of entering curves using the laborious method at present simply draw it on the screen?.

How about context-sensitive menus, which show the most likely or widely used options?
What about context-sensitive help in help-bubbles? Hover tags (that explain functions as the cursor is moved over them).

There are numerous options
05-13-2002 Over year old.
 
 
Dyehard
Veteran
Location: Cedar Bluff, Va.

The last thing I want to see on any update to the 9Z is a touch screen. I've got quite a bit of time programming JR 10s, I don't like the touch screen they use and I dought I would like one on a Futaba. It gets dirty too easy ( I wouldn't want a touch screen on my computor either, I have enough trouble keeping my monitor clean), and it is much easier to miss getting a responce with the a touch screen on the first touch, sometimes it takes a couple of times before you hit the exact spot the that will get a responce. The bottons used on the current 9Z work first time, every time, and I've never heard on anyone having trouble with them. I don't think you would get enough precision just drawing your throttle and pitch curves, certainly not the ability to change things one or two percent at a given point, and now where near the repeatability that we now have. Some things seem like good ideas at first, they don't always work that well in the real world. One of the reasons the 9Z has stayed on top so long is that what is does now works very well in the real world.
05-14-2002 Over year old.
 
 
AMCross
Senior Heliman
Location: champaign IL

Hughes 500 --

dual motor control -- just use elevon programming.

Charging with accucycle -- you don't need to jump the diode at all...or with almost every other charger on the market. Only for discharging.

Diode fast charge/discharge:
Your transmitters are protected by a diode by your manufacturer to avoid the possibility of damage to the system by improper plug in to, for example, a JR charger, or from a power surge.

We can not provide you instruction to 'jump' this diode and thus allow discharge within the transmitter and strongly recommend against it.

Effective immediately, however, the Futaba service center can install a POLISWITCH around the diode which still protects against polarity, is a resettable fuse, and allows charging and discharge with the battery in the transmitter. The cost to do so is $20 plus $7.99 return shipping. Please see the following site for a worksheet which will simplify sending your item for service:
http://www.hobbyservices.com/techsu...form-futaba.pdf

If you would like to install a poliswitch in your out of warranty radio yourself you can have your favorite dealer special order HSP78368, poliswitch diode bypass, retail of $2.41 for you.

Please note that discharge of transmitter batteries is not nearly so critical as RX battery packs, and could easily be done on a standard maintenance basis, with removal from the transmitter being a simple solution, for example, for a bimonthly or quarterly discharge.

HSP78050 9Z DISCHARGE CONNECTOR 1 5.00 retail

You can ask your favorite hobby shop to special order these parts for you, which may provide you some savings from full retail pricing. Alternatively, you can purchase replacement parts directly from us, by simply providing us your mailing address and the stock # of the item you require, as well as a method of payment. You can fax or mail us with a credit card # or mail a check, or we can send COD for an additional $5.00 fee on top of the standard $3.00 shipping within US or $13.00 shipping outside US.

fax: 217-398-7721
Hobby Services Parts Support
1610 Interstate Drive
Champaign IL 61822

Sincerely,
Mrs. AnnMarie Cross
Senior Manager, Proprietary Services and Support
Great Planes Model Distributors
productsupport@greatplanes.com
www.greatplanes.com
www.bestrc.com
NO AUTORESPONDER
05-14-2002 Over year old.
 
 
AMCross
Senior Heliman
Location: champaign IL

Manual

On the topic of the manual....

please know that we hear you. Hope you've all seen the Getting to Know the 9Z Guide. If you haven't, you can download it for free at www.futabarc.com/manuals, go to 9Z, go to the page for 9Z, download it there. It does a lot to help get to understand the radio's layout and logic.

Admittedly, since I wrote it, it is NOT heli focused....however, it still offers a lot to help heli pilots, particularly with an extensive glossary, explanation of abbreviations, how to create/copy/name a new condition, etc.
05-14-2002 Over year old.
 
 
Secret Squirrel
Key Veteran
Location: New Zealander living in Melbourne, Australia

Hi AnnMarie!
Do you have an idea when Don Edberg will have his 9Z book ready for release? Word around the campfire was that it was 3 or so months away?

My 9Z is on it's way!

Si

-------------
Simon Lockington
05-14-2002 Over year old.
HOMEPAGE  
 
 
AMCross
Senior Heliman
Location: champaign IL

9Z book

Sorry, no. Not a clue.

Hope you find the Getting to Know the 9Z Guide helpful!
05-15-2002 Over year old.
 
 
2 pages [ <<    <     1     ( 2 )    >    >> ]2114 viewsPOST REPLY
CanoMod . Futaba-RC . A Main Hobbies

.
.
Radio - Servo - Gyro - Gov - Batt > 9ZWCII Owners - What would you change or add to your 9Z's?
 PRINT TOPIC Advertisers 

Subscribe to This Topic

Friday, January 9 - 11:46 am - Copyright © 2000 - 2009 runryder.com | email | link to rr | runryder needs cookie