FUTABA 9Z WC2 Getting To Know Manual

GETTING TO KNOW THE 9Z:

by:

Futaba Service Center

Service and Support Team

SOME OF THE MOST COMMON QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

ON USING THIS POWERFUL RADIO SYSTEM.

9Z WC2

9-Channel System

This booklet is intended to be a user’s guide to help you get to know some of the many powerful
features of the 9Z. It is a supplement to the very detailed instruction manual, and is not meant to
replace it in any manner. Rather it is intended to provide some in-depth explanations and detailed
examples to answer questions you may have about using your new radio.

Note that each example and glossary item includes keystroke-by-keystroke instructions of how to
set up each feature. Every example assumes you have started from a totally blank model memory, and
every command group includes closing the feature back to the home menu and starting from the home
menu to start the next feature. This is done so that you can quickly and easily access one feature
discussed in an example without using all features discussed in that example. You do not need to
close and reopen every menu every time you use a feature. This is simply done for consistency. Every
step assumes you are starting from the home menu unless it is a continuation of programming a
feature from the step before it.

Similarly, each example will have 3 columns: the first explains what the programming is going to
do; the second explains the process, and the third is the actual keystrokes of how. By reading through
all 3 columns with each example you will become more familiar with the radio’s layout and
programming. It may take some time, so be patient, but the end result is well worth it!

Updates and Additions? Please visit www.futaba-rc.com. As corrections and additions are made,
new pages will be available here.

Additional questions? We hope you find this guide helpful in getting to know your 9Z. Have
suggestions for future additions, or other questions? Please visit our Frequently Asked Questions area
at www.futaba-rc.com/faq to see if your question may have already been answered. If not, then
follow the “contact us” information area to contact our support team directly as listed below.

Need to send your 9Z for service? Please ship your radio (including the module, receiver, servos,
battery, switches, and any other installed electronic equipment, especially following a crash or if asking
us to diagnose an unknown problem) to:

Please be sure to provide us a detailed explanation of your concerns and service required, as
well as at least 2 means of daytime contact: phone, fax, or email are great, as well as your return
mailing address. If this is non-warranty service, please also provide a means of payment (Visa,
Mastercard). Please note that upon request we will contact you with an estimate prior to performing
ANY repairs to a non-warranty item, so be sure to provide an easy way to reach you to avoid delays.

ADDRESS: Questions for Service? Questions for Support?

Futaba Service Center phone: [phone] x4

1610 Interstate Drive fax [phone]

Champaign, IL 61822 email: [e-mail] email: [e-mail]

TABLE OF CONTENTS

I. Equipment Selection. Answering Common Questions

A. Channels/Frequencies and Frequency Bands
B. Modules/Receivers/Accessories and Synthesized Equipment
C. Modulation, FailSafe and Resolution (512 vs 1024)
D. Batteries: Charging and Cycling
E. Training Equipment and Functions

II. Programming Specifics

A. Selecting the Correct Model Type 2-1
B. Understanding Servo Travel vs. Function Travel (Multiple Rates) 2-2
C. Multiple Servos for One Control Type and Other Set-up Options 2-4
D. P-Mix Features 2-8
E. Understanding the Basics of Conditions 2-10
F. Specific Programming Examples 2-12

III. Glossary of Terms, Keystroke Commands, and Primary Manual Page References

1-1
1-3
1-6
1-9
1-10

CHAPTER I. EQUIPMENT SELECTION

A. Channels/Frequencies and Frequency Bands

How do I change the frequency of my transmitter?

Using a single-fr

equency module: To change the frequency when using a TK-FM non-synthesized
module, with the transmitter off, remove the module and replace it with a module on the desired
channel. (Note that you can even change transmitter “bands”, for example from 72mHz to 50mHz.)
All radio frequency circuitry is in the module so there is no need to “retune” after a module change.

Using a synthesized module:

To change the frequency when using a TK-FSS synthesized module, first
follow your flying site’s procedures to have exclusive use of your desired channel, then turn the
transmitter on while holding down the A or R key (so the radio does not transmit on its current
channel.) Notice the “ON AIR” message normally under Futaba is replaced with “Radio Control
Systems”. The 9Z is not transmitting and will not transmit again until you turn the power off and
back on.

How do I change the frequency of my receiver?

Using a single-fr

equency receiver: When using a non-synthesized receiver on 72mHz, the channel can
USUALLY be changed within certain groupings without requiring retuning of the receiver. Any
Futaba receiver purchased on 11-35 (“low band”), can be used on any other channel within that band
by changing crystals and properly range checking the radio system. Any Futaba receiver purchased
on 36-60 (“high band”) can similarly have a crystal change. Always fully range check your radio
equipment after a crystal change, and if identical or improved range is not verified, DO NOT FLY.
Send the transmitter and receiver to the Futaba service center for testing and tuning.

Using a synthesized r

eceiver: To set the frequency on the R309DPS synthesized receiver, unplug the
receiver battery. Open the receiver’s dust cover. Adjust the left switch for the first digit of the desired
channel and the right switch for the last digit of the desired channel. Close the dust cover. Plug in the
receiver battery. For more information see p.36 of the manual.

Can I use my 9Z on a different frequency BAND than it currently uses? Can I go to 75mHz for
ground use for Battlebots

®

, boats or cars? If I have a HAM license, can I use the radio on 50mHz?

The real plus of using a modular radio is that you can purchase a module and receiver on any
frequency for the band legal for your intended use and use it safely and without any loss of
performance. For example, you can purchase the TK modules on 50mHz, and we can convert TK
modules and most receivers to 75mHz. Please contact the Futaba Service Center for further
information.

Desired Result Process Keystrokes

Turn On Without Transmitting Hold A or R during power on
Open Frequency (FRQ) Q C I
Select the Desired Frequency (use R & Q to page through)
Use Set to Confirm and Close O N R
Cycle the Transmitter N R (power off, power on)

Power up without transmitting,
then select the desired
frequency and cycle the
transmitter to transmit on the
new frequency.

1-1

I fly on channel xx. A quarter wave antenna for that frequency would be xx", not the 9Z antenna’s
full length. Would I be better off using that transmitter antenna length instead of it fully extended?

Each Futaba transmitter has been tuned so that it will get the maximum output with the antenna
provided. The FCC certification was made with that antenna. The tuning circuitry in the transmitter
makes allowances for any differences in the actual length of the transmitter antenna, and the
theoretical ideal length. You should fly your models with the transmitter antenna fully extended. If
you shorten it, you will suffer a considerable decrease in range.

1-2

50 MHz 72 MHz Low Band 72 MHz High Band

Ch. Freq. Ch. Freq. Ch. Freq. Ch. Freq. Ch. Freq.

00 50.800
01 50.820
02 50.840
03 50.860
04 50.880
05 50.900
06 50.920
07 50.940
08 50.960
09 50.980

11 72.010
12 72.030
13 72.050
14 72.070
15 72.090
16 72.110
17 72.130
18 72.150
19 72.170
20 72.190
21 72.210
22 72.230

23 72.250
24 72.270
25 72.290
26 72.310
27 72.330
28 72.350
29 72.370
30 72.390
31 72.410
32 72.430
33 72.450
34 72.470
35 72.490

36 72.510
37 72.530
38 72.550
39 72.570
40 72.590
41 72.610
42 72.630
43 72.650
44 72.670
45 72.690
46 72.710
47 72.730
48 72.750

49 72.770
50 72.790
51 72.810
52 72.830
53 72.850
54 72.870
55 72.890
56 72.910
57 72.930
58 72.950
59 72.970
60 72.990

Radio Frequency Chart

Can I use my 9Z module in my 5/7/8U and vice versa?

The TK module, which is designed specifically for the 9V and 9Z models, is an acceptable replacement
for the TP module. The TP module, which is used in the 5U, 7U and 8U radios, should NOT

be used
in the 9 channel radios in place of the TK module. The TK module is specifically designed for the
unique environment of the 9Z. The TK-FSS module can not be used in any other radio because of the
specialized pins and input information required from the 9Z transmitter to set the channel.

Can I use an aftermarket transmitter module? Does this affect my warranty?

There are many aftermarket items that fit specific needs and are terrific products to use. However, the
use of a non-stock transmitter module in Futaba modular radios is not one of these circumstances. Based
upon FCC regulation 95.645(b), a modeler is in violation of the FCC regulations when using a non-Futaba
module in a Futaba transmitter. Therefore we cannot service a radio which is using any after-market
transmitter module, and its use voids the radio's warranty. Please also note that making modifications to
your radio system or using non-certified equipment may void any AMA insurance coverage.

Can I use a receiver with a different number of channels?

Yes. As long as the receiver is compatible with your 9Z (all Futaba FM (PPM) and PCM1024 receivers are),
you can use a receiver with fewer than, the same number of, or more channels than the transmitter. Of
course, you won't be able to use features which use, for example, servo 5, if you use a 4 channel receiver.

Can the 9Z's synthesized module/receiver be used with non-synthesized modules/receivers?

Absolutely! You can use the synthesized module with any receiver compatible with the radio, and you
can use the synthesized receiver with any transmitter module (set to the proper channel of course), or
even with other compatible Futaba radio systems.

How do I keep track of the channel my model is on?

The base condition name can be set as the frequency used with your FSS module to easily keep track
of channel and still have 8 characters to name your model.

Can I copy a model from my 9Z*P radio to my 9Z*W radio using the Campac, or vice versa?

Yes, you can! Simply use the copy model (CPM) function. And the model from the 9Z will work
perfectly in the 9Z World. HOWEVER, please remember that if you copy from a 9Z World back to a
9Z, the model will not retain any of the features of the 9Z World radio such as the gyro set-ups, etc.

Can I use the Campac to copy a model from my 9Z to my 8U or vice versa?

No, the model memories for a 9Z model and an 8U model are not compatible. You CAN use the 64K 9Z
Campac in an 8U, but must re-initialize it to be able to be read in the 8U, and all stored data will be lost.

How do I start a brand new model in my Campac?

ALL memory in the 9Z’s Campac is set up as conditions, not individual model memories, until you
tell it otherwise. Therefore, if you want to start a model in the Campac, do so by copying a model over
from your transmitter's main memory. Now you can edit that model and attach other conditions to
that model using Condition Select (CSL). This approach allows the maximum possible flexibility of the
Campac's memory. (A detailed explanation of conditions and condition use is covered in Chapter 2.)

1-3

B. Modules/Receivers/Accessories and Synthesized Equipment

How do I delete a condition or a whole model out of the Campac?

My Campac shows an unused model. Why won’t it let me copy into that unused model?

The incredible flexibility of the Campac can lead to programming mistakes. In this example, the
modeler used the first conditions, which are intended to be individual models, as conditions in other
models. This flexibility exists in the Campac so that you can use up these extra conditions if needed;
however, the model select (MSL) reading does not realize that these conditions have already been
used. Assuming you have not also used up all other conditions in the Campac, you can simply copy
from condition 3, for example, into a higher numbered blank condition, reassign the condition select
(CSL) in the model that condition 3 is used in to the new condition number, and now condition 3 is
available as model 3.

I have an open model in my Campac, but I can’t copy my helicopter into the Campac. Why not?

First, make sure you haven’t made the error described in the previous paragraph. Assuming you have
not, while you may have a base model open in the Campac, you may not have enough conditions
open in the Campac to hold all the conditions needed for the model you are copying. For example,
you might have model 3 and condition 21 as the only open slots in the Campac; your helicopter has 4
conditions and so you do not have sufficient memory to store the helicopter. To solve the problem you
will need to free up additional storage space in the Campac by deleting complete models or unused
conditions.

Can I copy a baseline set-up into all Campac model memories and then just modify it?

You CAN, but we do not recommend it. You can use up all the conditions in the Campac as models;
then you have no extra conditions left for the models. In general, copying a previous or a “basic set­up” and working from it is not recommended. There may be set-ups you’re copying you’ve forgotten
that could get you into trouble, such as maximum sub-trims (STM), an obscure mix (PMX), etc.

I damaged my 9Z antenna. Can I replace it myself?

Replacing the antenna on this particular model radio requires major disassembly, due primarily to the
radio's complexity and number of boards installed within a standard size case. Therefore, we strongly
recommend sending it to the service center rather than attempting to replace the antenna yourself.

1-4

Open Condition select (CSL) P B F

Select the Desired Condition (choose it – B through H)

Set the Condition to Null H O

Close the Function N R

Delete a Condition from the
Campac, with the Campac in the
transmitter and while you are in the
model to which the condition is tied.

Open Model select (MSL) Q B F
Select the Desired Model P (then choose the model:

A–J or P)
Press Delete and Confirm R L
Close the Function N R

Delete a Model from the Campac,
with the Campac in the transmitter
and the model selected is NOT the
model to be deleted.

I am building a large scale gasoline-powered model and it will require 18"+ extensions. Do I need
voltage suppressors, noise suppressors, chokes or to take any other precautions?

In general, there is no need for noise suppressors in current Futaba equipment.Some other brands’

current equipment do require this; however, Futaba does not.

Twisting servo extensions lightly and gently is a good idea, as it helps minimize the combination of
the 3 leads’ electrical fields. Heavier gauge extensions are highly recommended, both due to the length
of the leads and the high current drain of high torque, high speed, ball bearing or digital servos.

If you see radio interference in your gasoline aircraft, look first to the engine's installation. All ignition
equipment, including electronic kill switch, must be mounted 12+" (preferably 14+") away from all
radio equipment, including throttle servos. The ignition kill switch should always be on the opposite
fuselage side from the receiver’s switch. All pushrods to anything engine-related must be non­conductive (nonmetal clevises are required, but alone are not sufficient).

My expensive, ball bearing servos “buzz,” “hum,” or “chatter,” especially when I first turn on the
receiver. My standard servos never did this. What's wrong? What do I need to do?

Modelers often report "servo chatter" in ball bearing servos. This may or may not indicate a problem.
First make sure the transmitter is a sufficient distance from the aircraft so that “swamping” is not
occurring. Then check your linkages and set-ups for binding, servos fighting each other on the same
working surface, and bad extensions. Be sure that there are no problems in your physical system.
Assuming there is no binding or other issues, buzzing is a common and harmless occurrence, and
indicates that your servo is "checking" itself for true center. There will many times be an audible
"buzz" from the servos, even when there is no noticeable movement. This is also harmless, as when
the plane is airborne, the wind will load the control surfaces, which will correct this small amount of
vibration and noise.

Many times if a modeler is using a 6-Volt receiver battery, or a fully charged battery, they will notice
buzzing, but, when the voltage drops slightly with some amount of load, the movement and noise
subside. This is commonly known as “a hot charge”, and is perfectly normal.

Digital servos: Note that digital servos emit a high-frequency “hum” at all times. This is very normal.

1-5

My transmitter has a PPM and PCM function. Which function should I use and how?

If you have an FM (PPM) receiver, your transmitter must be set on PPM. If you have a PCM receiver,
your transmitter must be set on PCM. To check which type of modulation (also known as pulse mode)
your model memory is currently set for, turn on the transmitter. In the upper right corner, just to the
left of the elapsed timer, you will see either PPM or PCM. If necessary, change, as described below.
Turn the power off and back on to actively transmit in the other Pulse Mode type. Note: Pulse Mode
(PMD) type is selected separately for each model, so, for example, changing from model 1 which is
PCM to model 2 which is FM (PPM) would require you to cycle the transmitter off and back on after
making the model selection so the radio now transmits in the matching pulse mode.

What advantages do I gain by using PCM rather than FM (PPM)? I heard PCM has better range?
And better noise interference rejection? Also, what is FailSafe and how is it related to PCM?

Range and Noise: There is no range increase associated with PCM; however, there is marked

improvement in noise reduction, and in safe performance during noise. Basically, PCM takes your
radio's FM (PPM) signal and codes it. Then the PCM receiver decodes it and utilizes it. Random noise
from other sources are less likely to be mistakenly read as actual servo instructions, which regularly
happens with FM (PPM).

FailSafe: If your PCM receiver detects interference or a loss of signal, it maintains the last task it was
doing until a preset time interval programmed in the radio. If it continuously receives interference
past the preset, the receiver then obeys the commands you set in the transmitter which were
previously transmitted and have been stored, waiting for just such a situation. (For example on giant
scale gas planes we set FailSafe to shut down the kill switch and throttle and leave all other surfaces in
the last commanded position). Battery FailSafe (BFS) is explained in the next question. Please see P. 1-7

for information on combining FailSafe and the PA2 Pilot Assist Tool for even more in-flight protection.

My throttle servo suddenly went to my FailSafe position but all other controls operated normally. I
pulled my throttle stick all the way back and then moved it again, and the throttle worked for a
while, then did it again. Why?

Battery FailSafe (BFS) is an automatic safety function of the 9Z computer radio. When the receiver's
battery voltage drops below a predetermined cut off (approximately 3.8V) and remains there for more
than a set amount of time (several seconds – this allows for occasional hard drains caused by violent
maneuvers such as snaps which immediately returns the voltage back to above 3.8V), the receiver
recognizes that you are in a dangerous condition, and brings your throttle servo to a preset position.
This is a warning that you must safely retrieve the model (meaning land for aircraft/helicopters), as
you are nearing a point where there will not be sufficient voltage to operate the receiver.

An additional aspect of this feature is that you can pull your throttle stick to idle and readvance it,
allowing you to use power to retrieve the model. You will typically have throttle control for
approximately 30 seconds before the feature reactivates, returning the throttle to the preset when this
feature reactivates. IT IS IMPERATIVE THAT YOU LAND OR OTHERWISE RETRIEVE YOUR

MODEL IMMEDIATELY BEFORE LOSING CONTROL OF THE MODEL ALTOGETHER.

1-6

C. Modulation, FailSafe and Resolution (512 vs. 1024)

Open Pulse Mode (PMD) P B I

Select PCM F

Close Function N R

Cycle Transmitter Power power off power on

Change Pulse Mode (PMD)

Type from PPM to PCM, and cycle
power to transmit in the new Pulse
Mode type.

Special note for 6-Volt battery users: By the time a 6V battery pack has dropped to 3.8V, the battery is
discharging VERY rapidly. As a result, by the time the Battery FailSafe (BFS) throttle warning occurs,
it is very likely that you do not have sufficient voltage to support the receiver long enough to
land/return your model to you safely. If you are using a 6V receiver pack you MUST keep an extra­careful eye on your receiver voltage and watch carefully for high drain problems to avoid the loss of
your model, as the Battery FailSafe (BFS) safety feature will not operate properly in these conditions.

Transmitter low voltage: Note: if transmitter

battery voltage drops too low, transmitter beeps and

flashes a warning. Modeler should land immediately upon encountering this behavior.

What does it mean when you list a radio or receiver as PCM 1024?

PCM512 indicates a PCM transmitter/receiver which offers 512 separate possible positions or points of
resolution to a servo’s full travel; PCM1024 indicates a PCM transmitter/receiver which offers 1024
points. These are not interchangable. The 9Z family of radios are PCM1024 and can not be used with
PCM512 receivers.

My airplane is on PCM. Can I use a trainer cord with it?

Yes. The master radio, the one that the instructor is using, can operate in either FM (PPM) or PCM, so
your transmitter would remain set to PCM in the Pulse Mode (PMD) Screen. The student radio,
however, MUST be set to FM (PPM). For more information on training, please see Training
Equipment and Functions. For how to change a student 9Z from PCM to PPM please see P. 1-6.

Can I use the PA2 Pilot Assist Tool in conjunction with FailSafe on my PCM transmitter to help
protect my airplane in the event of interference?

Absolutely! This is an excellent safety idea. The FailSafe (F/S) feature, if set to continue the last
command, will often keep your model in the loop or straight flight it was last doing, but unfortunately,
sometimes it will keep your model in a precarious situation you didn't want, such as a snap or spin.
The PA2 is a unique flight training tool which uses light sensors to correct the aircraft’s orientation. By
using the PA2 in combination with preset positions on the FailSafe (F/S) settings, you can help ensure
your model will go to level flight at slow but safe airspeeds and hopefully safely ride out the
interference.

To set up the FailSafe (F/S) for this combination, we recommend the following:

First, please remember that you must be using a PCM receiver and have the transmitter set to PCM.

Second, fly the aircraft and turn the gain up on the PA2 until you find its maximum setting before the
plane starts to “hunt” or “waggle” because the gain is set too high. Have your spotter notice where the
dial is set at that time.

Now, land the aircraft and set up the FailSafe (F/S) programming so that the PA2 is brought up to that
maximum gain setting, throttle is set at a safe high idle for flight, and all other surfaces go to neutral.

1-7

Open FailSafe (F/S) P B H

Select Throttle and Set it H O

Select Gain (Aux 2) and Set it M O

Close the Function N R

Position the throttle stick and Aux2
(gain) knob at the desired FailSafe
positions and set the FailSafe.

Before you fly, test this combination on the ground. Have a helper hold the (engine off) aircraft
above the ground in a banked attitude. Put in some aileron inputs as if you were going to roll it even
further, not correct it. Now turn the transmitter off. Your receiver will maintain the last inputs given
for a set amount of time, then will go to FailSafe (F/S) settings. The ailerons, elevator and rudder
should go to neutral very briefly, then the PA2 should correct elevator and aileron. Try having the
helper move the plane around, and be sure the PA2 is correcting it properly.

Also, with the helper securely holding the aircraft in case the engine races, start the engine and check
that the throttle is about where you would like it to be in FailSafe .

Note: If your model has retractable gear or other functions needed to land safely, have these deploy in
case of FailSafe so that the model can set down properly if the FailSafe (F/S)and PA-2 should ease it to
the ground.

1-8

How long should I use the charger? Does it turn off when the batteries are charged?

The wall charger included with your radio is a “C/10” charger. It will continue to charge close to its
given rate until unplugged. You should charge the first time approximately 16 hours to ensure a full
charge, then an overnight charge is sufficient, as the charger charges at approximately 1/10th the
capacity of the standard pack for 10 hours. Do not just leave your equipment on the charger
indefinitely as this is bad for the batteries and poses a fire risk. Note that charging higher capacity
batteries on the wall charger will require longer times to reach peak.

The manufacturer of my charger says my transmitter has a “diode” in it and that's why I can't
discharge my battery. What does this mean and how can I get around it?

A diode is a safety device which only allows voltage to go one way. All Futaba transmitters have
diodes built into their circuits to protect the radio against power surges, reversed polarity, defective
chargers, etc. If you accidentally plug an unprotected transmitter into the wrong brand of charger, you
may destroy the transmitter. But if you accidentally plug a Futaba transmitter into a JR charger, for
example, all that will happen is your transmitter does not get charged -- no risk, no damage.

If you wish to cycle your 9Z’s transmitter batteries, you will need to purchase a discharge jumper from
the Futaba Service Center. Then, remove the transmitter pack from the transmitter, temporarily insert
the jumper, discharge/cycle the pack, remove the jumper, and reinstall the battery.

Can I use 6V (5 cell) receiver packs? Will I get increased performance from my equipment? Are
there any drawbacks to using 6 volts?

All Futaba systems are designed to operate on either 4.8 volts (NiCD 4 cells) or 6 volts (Alkaline 4 cells
OR NiCD 5 cells), except certain gyros which are specifically labeled for use at one voltage or the other only. A
6-volt pack does provide more torque and speed, which may be desirable in certain competition
situations, or when the servos available for the model are of marginal speed or torque.

However, while 6 volts provides more torque and speed, it also provides a significantly shorter run
time for the same milliamp hours of capacity and may shorten servo life proportionally. This sounds
confusing -- let’s compare the current in the battery to water in a bucket. If you have four small holes
in the bucket, the water will come out at a certain rate. Add a fifth hole the same size, and you're
supplying more water (increasing the current and therefore making the servos stronger AND faster);
however, the bucket empties 25% sooner than when it only had four holes.

If I remove my transmitter battery, will all my stored data be lost?

No. The 9Z’s memory is protected by a lithium back-up battery. So long as either the lithium battery
or the transmitter battery are providing proper voltage to the memory, your settings will not be lost.

Does my radio have a lithium battery to store all my programming, or how is this data stored?
Do I need to service this memory in any way?

The 9Z uses a lithium battery to provide back up power to protect your programming in case of
primary battery failure or removal from the radio. This battery should be replaced every 5 years to
protect your data. Please send your radio to the service center every 5 years for replacement of this
lithium battery. Please be sure to back-up all data from your radio onto a Campac (or write it all
down) to avoid loss of your programming. Please note that there is no warning that the lithium
battery has failed, so regular maintenance of this battery is important to protect your model data.

1-9

D. Batteries: Charging and Cycling