Background
On October 2004 Tokyo Hobby Fair I'd say the limelight of the whole show is Futaba's long awaited T14MZ, the replacement to their top of the line 9Z radio which have been on the market for years. The 9Z have been through several different versions, each with only minor change to original design. The new T14MZ represents the highest technology that hobby class radio could offer to the market. When displaying the T14MZ on Tokyo Hobby Fair, Futaba did not reveal the transmitter program in detail to the public, so not much is known about this radio.
On end of October 2004, when I visited Hirobo Cup Grand Final in Hiroshima, Japan, Futaba people were also there with a set of pre-production T14MZ. With Futaba peoples' permission, I have a chance to play with it for hours. Although Futaba people told me that the unit they brought is still pre-production model, and that final version that goes to the market might have minor change, but I think the pre-production unit that I played with should be over 90% finished. With this report, I am going to show you this marvelous radio in detail. Due to the high count of picture that I've taken, I am going to divide this report into hardware and software in smaller separate pages to minimize loading time
Highlights of the Futaba T14MZ radio system
Major features of the Futaba T14MZ are as follows:
The Futaba T14MZ radio transmitter - Hardware
Like its predecessor, the T14MZ comes in two packages, one for airplane, and another one for helicopters, each with difference in switch arrangement on the transmitter and type of servo included. The transmitter that I played with is the T14MZAP, which is the transmitter for airplanes. However, Futaba people told me that there is not much difference between the plane and the helicopter transmitter, so its safe to assume that what I see in the plane transmitter would almost be the same as the T14MZHP helicopter transmitter.
The main frame of the T14MZ transmitter is constructed of magnesium alloy, with plastic parts as controls, covers and decors. A "gold-ish" color is used mainly on the transmitter, with accent of black rubber on hand gripping parts for holding comfort. Although the finishing is top notched, the "gold-ish" color makes the transmitter look a little bit too "plastic".... Although I did not know the weight of the transmitter, I held it on hand and it feels quite light, a little lighter than JR PCM10X and much lighter than the Futaba 9Z. The shape of the transmitter is ergonomically designed in that the body fits into the palm on my relatively small hands easily, and all switches are easily accessible.
Unlike the retractable antenna of Futaba 9Z, the T14MZ's antenna could not be fully retracted into the transmitter body, but the antenna mast could be stowed on the left hand side of the transmitter if not used (Similar to the design of JR PCM 10X. The locking of the antenna mast to the base is through two pivot pins that goes into both sides of the base and could be locked just by turning the mast clockwise by a little. This locking mechanism is quite strong, as I once held the locked on antenna to raise the whole transmitter 45 degrees without the slightest slack or loose feeling. The base of the antenna is a pivot ball that enables adjustment of the antenna. A small 3mm hex screw on the side of the pivot ball antenna base is used to adjust the friction of the swival.
Under the antenna base is a Futaba logo, but the T14MZ Futaba logo is something different.....when the transmitter is urned on, the Futaba logo would light up and flash for about one second then continues to be lit until power off! Seven different back lighting color for the logo could be selected by the transmitter program. I wonder if there is any practical use of this function....but little gimmick is always nice!
Aside from the two control sticks and four digital trip ports, the transmitter also includes eight toggle switches that are located around the top side, three rotory dials on the middle, two more digital trim tabs above besides the piezo speaker on the center, and a total of six slides (3 on each side). Once again all sticks, trim tabs, switches and dials are fully programmable. Control stick feeling is exceptionally smooth compared to most radio sticks on the market, Although the tip of the control sticks are the same units on the 9Z, the length of the sticks could be adjusted to become much shorter. The three slide controls on each side of the transmitter (One on the front and two on the back) could be easily identifiable by touch without looking. One special feature of the rotory dials is that one press on each dial could toggle the dial either to stick out or retract (See the above photos).
An extra large color LCD display is used on the T14MZ transmitter for display and control of transmitter program. Navigation of transmitter program could be done by touching on the screen, or through one rotory dial and four small buttons located just below the display screen. I played with the transmitter for over an hour and find that navigation through various pages of the program are made easy through the touch screen and "point and shooting" the rotory dial makes adjustment of data values a breeze. Although Futaba did release technical data of the LCD screen, but the screen color are very vivid and very fine details could be displayed.
On the right side of the transmitter, right under the rubber side grip is a slot to take a Type 1 Compact Flash memory card, and a mini-USB connector. It is good for Futaba to incorporate industry standard Compact Flash memory card as the storage medium for the T14MZ, as the old CAM-PAC could not facilitate easy transfer and backup of transmitter program to computer. Although Futaba did not reveal much about the use of mini-USB port on the transmitter, I think this could enable update of transmitter program easily through downloading files from internet.
On the back of the transmitter are the transmitter module, the DSC/Trainer jack, and the battery housing. The transmitter module of the T14MZ is extremely small, similar to the size of a small 3 channels car receiver. No crystal is used on the module as the WFSS frequency synthesize system does not require any, and change of frequency would be controlled by the transmitter program. The DSC/Trainer jack is hiding underneath a black rubber shield, and is the new type six pin connectors first started to be used on the Futaba 9C. A pack of 2,200mah lithium-ion battery is used, and this contributes to the compact size and light weight of the transmitter. Besides the battery pack houses the ear phone jack and the battery charge jack.
The R5014GPS receiver
The receiver, R5014GPS, is a 14 channels receiver that is just about half the size of a cigarette pack. Although the receiver is quite small in size, on the right side of the receiver are 13 plug outlets that placed inline for battery and channels 1 to 12, and under the 13 plug outlets are two more that are for channels 13 (DG1) and 14 (DG2). Due to the use of WFSS frequency synthesize system, no crystal is needed on the receiver. Each receiver has a unique serial number for the transmitter program to recognize for frequency change. As a result for the T14MZ the transmitter would recognize each receiver by their unique serial number and match the frequency used. This receiver is for PCM G3 that provides 2 times the resolution of PCM 1024 that was being used in the past. Due to the incorporation of the WFSS and PCM G3, this receiver could only be used by the T14MZ only.
The Futaba T14MZ radio transmitter - Software
Futaba T14MZ features a very advanced software, revolutionary in the fact that it is no longer the old type closed system, but is based on Microsoft Windows Pocket edition. This means that the T14MZ should have the capability to communicate with our PC systems, not to mention the possibilities of all the multimedia bells and whistles evident in all MS Windows system. During my time with the T14MZ, I took pictures of all the menu pages (helicopter software only...sorry) so as to give you a preview of the functions of the software.
Top Level Display
Right with you turn on the Futaba T14MZ, the "Futaba" light would flash in multi-color, and depend on the language selected, the speaker of the transmitter would have "applause" sound for English language, or would say "Hello" in Japanese. I wonder if there is any real practical use of this function.... but I think its nice to show your flying friends that your tranny would greet you every time you turn it on....another excuse for spending megabucks for this radio....
Anyway, right after turning the tranny on, a blue screen with big yellow words would ask "Is transmission started?", and two buttons "yes" and "no" are there for the user to select whether to have the transmission function on or off.
After selecting the "transmission" option, there comes the main screen. The use of a "big screen" is evident over here, as you are fed with a lot of information with the main screen. The background of the screen is blue, with words on yellow, main trim displays in black and white, and a small picture on the side for the model chosen. On the big screen, by default, on the left are two timers display, under the timer display is the radio transmission mode and the frequency chosen. On the middle are major stick trim setting display. On the right is a small picture of the model memory selected, customizable by the user, and besides the picture are two buttons to go into other menus. Below are four small rectangle boxes for the three sub menus (System, Model, Linkage) and the condition hold functions. Once again all buttons could be selected and navigate either by the four small buttons and the jog dial under the screen, or simply by touching on the screen.
Suggestion: What does "Is transmission started?" really mean? The use of this phrase sound a little "Jap-ish"....I mean, this phrase sound more like a notion than a command.... A better phrase should say "Should transmission be started?". Also, since the background screen doesn't change whether you turn on or off transmission or not, I would suggest that if transmission is off the background should change color to red or something that catches eyes, so the user could identify the mode of transmission easier....
System Menu
The System Menu is the first sub menu of the T14MZ. Under this menu are 9 button choices to branch into setting up of further functions of the transmitter, being the following:
Servo Monitor
The servo monitor shows 14 bar graphs of the operation of each channel. Servo test could be performed on this menu.
Trainer
This menu is used to setup trainer function, i.e. whether to turn on which channel for trainer transfer when the trainer switch is switched on. (Yes, for such a high end radio a trainer function comes handy for the multi-millionaire beginner pilot...)
Display
This menu is used to setup the scheme of display, i.e. what color should be used for words, background, display contrast, auto power off, backlight time off, and touch screen recalibration.
Player
Whoa! MS Windows Multimedia! This menu is used for replay of windows .wmf music files loaded into the memory card. So you could have your tranny play your favorite rock and roll music while you "rock and roll" your model.....
Date & Time
This sets the time and date. It has a full calendar function.
User Name
One of my favorite menu, this sets the owner's name and a four digit password for screen lock. Of course I want my T14MZ to have my name on it, and if possible, hard wired into every menu, so I could show to my flying buddies that "Hey! This tranny's really mine!".... ;)
Switch
Programming of switches. All switches of the T14MZ are programmable.
H/W Reverse
H/W Reverse....don't mistake this as the regular servo reverse function that are popular amongst other radios..... H/W (I think it means "hardware"...) reverse is used to program the direction throw of each stick, dial, slides and switches.
Information
General description of the software version and the radio condition. Here the user could choose the language for display and control. At the moment only English and Japanese are available. Ich spreche nicht Deutsches...Je ne parle pas Francais...No hablo Espanol...Non parlo Italiano...
Linkage Menu
The Linkage Menu is the second sub menu of the T14MZ. Under this menu are 15 button choices to branch into setting up of further functions of the transmitter, being the following:
Model Select
This is used for model memory selection. The number of model memory available is dependant on the size of the memory card.
Model Type
This is used for selection of the mode of model. For helicopter this menu also selects the swash mix mode used. For the T14MZ 7 different swash mixing modes are available: H-1 Regular mechanical mixing, H-2 2 servos 180 degrees ECCPM, HE3 3 servos 90 degrees ECCPM, H-4 4 servos 90 degrees ECCPM, HR3 3 servos 120 degrees ECCPM, HN3 3 servos 120 degrees offset ECCPM, and H-3 3 servos 140 degrees ECCPM.
Picture
Another MS Windows Multimedia magic! This menu is used for select of picture for each model memory identification. On the prototype unit only .bmp files are used. I wonder if it would display other formats like .jpg also.
Sound
This menu is to select which sound file to associate with modes of switches. e.g. I could have a sound file played when I select "idle up 1", and another for "idle up 2".
Frequency
This menu is to select the radio transmission frequency, and for matching of transmitter to receiver. Each receiver has a unique serial number for the transmitter program to recognize for frequency change. As a result for the T14MZ the transmitter would recognize each receiver by their unique serial number and match the frequency used. When a receiver is matched, the receiver's unique number would be displayed on this menu.
Function
This menu is used for association of various switches, dials, slides, and stick to each function available.
Sub-Trim
Self explanatory...
Reverse
Self explanatory...
Fail Save
Self explanatory...
End Point (ATV)
Self explanatory...but instead of display of each channel's ATV one by one like the 9Z, the T14 use a bar graph and display settings of 6 channels at a time. Another benefit of a big screen display....
Throttle Cut
Self explanatory...but the cut stick position is displayed by a bar graph for easy understanding.
Idle Down
Instead of idle up, this function provides a lower idle throttle setting at a flick of a switch.
Inverted Pitch
Inverted pitch and throttle offset. Also setup for invert switch.
Dial Monitor
Useful function that display position of trim tabs, dials, and slide.
Timer
Setting of two separate timers.
Model Menu
The Model Menu is the third sub menu of the T14MZ. Under this menu are 14 button choices to branch into setting up of further functions of the transmitter, being the following:
Condition Select
Same function as the Futaba 9Z. Here you can associate any condition to any model memory. Once again the limit of condition memory is limited by the size of the memory card.
AFR (D/R)
Setting of AFR, exponential and dual rates for each channel. A big curve display shows the collaboration as the setting changes.
Program Mix
Multi-point program mix. 10 available.
Pitch Curve
Pitch curve, one of the function that we helicopter pilots concern very much. There are a maximum of nine points on the curve for adjustment, and each point could be add, deleted at the user's liberty. In addition, there are six different pre-programmed curve settings that could be loaded as template which speed up the setup of pitch curve.
Throttle Curve
Throttle curve, another one of the function that we helicopter pilots concern very much. Like pitch curve there are a maximum of nine points on the throttle curve for adjustment, and each point could be add, deleted at the user's liberty. In addition, there are six different pre-programmed curve settings that could be loaded as template which speed up the setup of throttle curve.
Acceleration
Throttle Hold
Setting of throttle hold function.
Swash Mix
Setting of swash mix function. Four different mix is available. (Aileron to Elevator, Elevator to Aileron, Pitch to Aileron and Pitch to Elevator)
Throttle Mix
Setting of throttle mix function. Three different mix is available. (Aileron to Throttle, Elevator to Throttle and Rudder to Throttle)
Pitch to Needle Mix
Setting of pitch to mixture mixing function. This is a multi-point mixing function with maximum of 9 points of setting on the curve.
Pitch to Rudder Mix
Revolution mixing function. This is a multi-point mixing function with maximum of 9 points of setting on the curve.
Fuel Mixture
Setting of fuel mixture function. This is a multi-point mixing function with maximum of 9 points of setting on the curve.
Gyro
Gyro gain setting. Three different rate setting is available for each condition.
Governor
Engine speed governor setting. Three different rate setting is available for each condition.
As you can see, the software functions of the T14MZ is vast. However, I would suggest that there should be a short cut menu where users could assemble their mostly used functions in one page and easily assessable by some "quick button". On the wild side, if Futaba could put in a flight simulator into the software it would make a good time killing tool during idle time.
Conclusion
With such advanced functions, the T14MZ doesn't come cheap. One set of T14MZ that comes with 4 servos is set at a list price of a whopping 294,000yen (About US$2,800-)! These radios is set to be released in December 2004 in domestic Japanese market, while overseas markets should have them by mid 2005.
Futaba, being maybe the largest radio control manufacturer in the market, and being used by most pilots of radio controlled aeronautics to achieve their World Championship titles, stakes for them to come up with the very best top of the line radio for the market are very very high. I think with the T14MZ, once again Futaba uped the ante for other radio manufacturers to follow. I could not wait to get my hands on one!
