FUTABA R608FS, TM-8 RF Instruction Manual

How to Get the Best Performance from Your Futaba® 2.4GHz

FASST™ Aircraft Receivers

Every R/C pilot learns by experience what methods work well for installing and
maintaining radio equipment. At the same time, we also want our aircraft to have the
advantage of up-to-the-minute technology...which means that every now and then, we
must master some new techniques.

Spread spectrum radio technology offers the perfect example. When Futaba
introduced 2.4GHz FASST radio equipment, R/C hobbyists quickly jumped to the front
of electronic technology’s cutting edge. Not surprisingly, those new, state-of-the-art

2.4GHz receivers have significant differences compared to old 72MHz units. So it’s time
to change a few old habits.

Below are some recommendations for updating the way you install and maintain radio
gear. Make them a part of your routine, and you’ll enjoy the best performance from your

2.4GHz FASST radio gear.

1. Don’t wrap your FASST receiver in foam.

Protecting your receiver from vibration by wrapping it in foam used to be a “must”.
Not so with 2.4GHz FASST receivers. Unlike 72MHz equipment, they’re not as
vulnerable to vibration. Using less foam lets them operate cooler — which is a plus for
all electronics.
Tip: To keep the receiver cooler use small foam blocks (like standoffs) so that there is
an air channel around the receiver.

2. Shade your model from sunlight when not flying.

Clear canopies expose the radio compartment to direct sunlight which results in
additional heat in the model interior. This causes no problems during flight, but makes
shading your model on the ground very important. Cover the canopy with a white towel;
or better yet, park your airplanes in the shade. This will help keep the electronic
components cool.
Tip: It is important to note that lighter covering colors will absorb less heat whereas
darker colors will absorb more heat.

3. Mount your FASST receiver away from heat sources.

We had to avoid mounting 72MHz receivers near anything that might produce RF
noise. That’s not as much of a concern with 2.4GHz FASST receivers — you should
instead make sure that you’re mounting the unit in the coolest part of the radio
compartment.
Stay away from the muffler exhaust, battery packs, regulators or any other heat
source. We also recommend that you use the receiver’s long, narrow side as its base

(rather than mounting it with the bottom flat against the radio compartment floor). Secure
the receiver using a Velcro® strap or gel tape.

We hope that these tips help you with your 2.4GHz FASST receiver installation and
maintenance. If you have any questions, please let us know. Just contact us at the Futaba
Service Center, by e-mail at: [e-mail].

Important: The 2.4GHz band offers different characteristics than

t

hat of the conventional 50MHz and 72MHz. As such, we strongly

e

ncourage you to read this manual carefully prior to utilizing the TM-8

a

nd R608FS FASST system

.

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TM-8 RF Module

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•

Communicationsystem

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• A

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•

Currentconsumption

:

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•

Settin

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Fail

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(

F/S) settingandrangechec

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iodes)indicate theoperationa

l

s

tatus

R

608FS Receiver-

• Dual

antenna

di

versit

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• P

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rement:4.8V or 6.0Vbatteryo

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egulatedou

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etc.

(*1)

•

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atter

y

F

/S function forthrottlechannel(channel

three)

• Size

:

0

.981.860.56

(24.9

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• Weight:0.4

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TM-8

RF Module

FASST Air Syste

m

TM-8 RF Module

and

R608FS Receiver

Thank you for purchasing the TM-8 2.4GHz FASST transmitter module
and R608FS receiver. This s

y

stem is designed for use only with the

F

utab

a transmitters indicated el

sewhere

in this manual. In order to

use

th

e

TM-8 transmitter module, you will need to carefully remove the existin

g

transmitter module and replace it with the TM-8 transmitter module. The
receiver R608FS, as the model number indicates, is capable of controllin

g

models up to e

igh

t channels. Please note: The installation of the R608FS

di

ffers slightly from that of a typical receiver. Please pay special attention

n

formation contained within this manual in order to have a pleasant

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epair Service (in U.S.A.)

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your TM-8 transmitter module and R608FS receiver, please
consu

l

t this instruction manual first. For further assistance

y

ou may also refer to your ho

bby deal

er, or contact the Futaba

Serv

i

ce Center at the web site, fax or telephone number below

:

w

ww.futaba-rc.com, www.2.4gigahertz.co

m

F

ax [phone], Tel [phone] (option 2)

I

f you are unable to resolve the issue, pack the system in its

original container with a note enclosed and a thorough, accurate

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S

ymptoms (Including when the problem occurred)

Sy

stem (transmitter, Receiver, Servos and model

n

umbers

)

M

odel (Model name

)

M

odel numbers and quantity

Y

our Name, Address and Telephone number

Send the res

p

ective items to the authorized Futaba Service

C

enter address below:

F

utaba Service Center

3

002 N Apollo Drive Suite 1

Champai

g

n, IL 6182

2

Special Markings;

Pay special attention to the safety at
the parts of this manual that are
indicated by the following marks.

[Symbol] ; Prohibited ; Mandatory

Mark Meaning

Procedures which may lead to a dangerous condition and cause
death or serious injury to the user if not carried out properly.

Procedures which may lead to a dangerous condition or cause death
or serious injury to the user if not carried out properly, or procedures
where the probability of superficial injury or physical damage is high.

Procedures where the possibility of serious injury to the user is
small, but there is a danger of injury, or physical damage, if not
carried out properly.

B

attery F/S function

The TM-8 transmitter module and R608FS receiver also
provides

y

ou with a second safety system, the Battery F/S

(failsafe). When the airborne volta

g

e drops below 3.8V, the

b

attery failsafe function moves the throttle to a pre-determined

pos

iti

on. If this happens, you should land immediately! If

you nee

d

to increase the throttle for your landing approach,

you may temporar

il

y reset the failsafe function by moving the

throttle stick to the predetermined position, after which

y

ou'll

have about 30 seconds of throttle control before the batter

y

function reactivat

es.

*

Pleas

e

not

e: I

t

is

sugg

estedtha

t

yo

u utilizea4-cel

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r

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atterypac

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asita

llowsthe effectiveuseo

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hebatter

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unction.Additionally,w

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sin

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Range Check the Radio

It is extremely important to range check your models prior to

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i

s functioning as it should and to obtain maximum enjoyment
from your time flying. The TM-8 transmitter module
incorporates a s

y

stem that reduces its power output and allows

y

ou to perform such a range check

.

T

urn on the transmitter.

A

fter the radio frequency link has been established

(

as indicated by either a solid green LED or a

blinkin

g g

reen LED), press and hold the "F/S, Range"

switch located on the rear of the TM-

8

transmitter module.

As indicated by the blinkin

g

red LED, the radio frequency

power has been reduced to allow

f

or the range check.

* Note:

Dono

t

press

and

hold

the

"F

/S,

Range"

switch

pri

or toturnin

g

onthetransmitter.

This

w

ill

alterthe

statusofthe

F/Ssettin

gs

as

noted

previous

ly.

In

orderto

avoid

this

situation

,

pl

ease

wait

fora

sho

rt tim

e

afte

rturningonthetransmittert

o

activatethe

low

p

owe

r

settin

g

on

fo

r rangechecking

.

3

Walk away from the model while simultaneously
operatin

g

the controls. Have an assistant stand

by

the model to confirm that all controls are completely

a

nd correctly operational. You should be able to walk

a

pproximately 30-50 paces from the model without losing

c

ontrol.

4

If everything operates correctly, return to the model.

S

et the transmitter in a safe, yet accessible, location

s

o it will be within reach after starting the engine or motor.

B

e certain the throttle stick is in the low throttle position,

t

hen start the engine or motor. Perform another range

c

heck with your assistant holding the aircraft with the

eng

ine running at various speeds. If the servos jitter or

m

ove inadvertently, there may be a problem. We would

s

trongly suggest you do not fly until the source of the

d

ifficulty has been determined. Look for loose servo

c

onnections or binding pushrods. Also, be certain that

t

he battery has been fully charged.

ｎ

WARNIN

G

ｊ

Please make sure that you do not push and hold the F/S,

Rang

e switch when flying as this reduces the power

o

utput of the transmitter and reduces the overall range of your

transmitter

.

O

ther precautions

W

hen utilizing the trainer function of the transmitter as an

i

nstructor, please do not switch to the student's control

u

nit until the RF is active after turning the transmitter

o

n. Failure to adhere to this procedure may result in a

malf

unction.

1)

Prior to utilizing any radio control system, it is strongly recommended

that you read and abide by the Safety Code created by the Academy of

M

odel Aeronautics as well as any site specific rules and regulations that

mig

ht exist. Doing so will greatly increase your enjoyment of the hobby.

2

)

I

n order to maintain complete control of your aircraft it is important that

i

t remains vis

ibl

e at all times. Flying behind large objects such as bu

ild

ing

s, grain bins, etc. is not suggested. Doing so may result in the reduc

tion of the quality of the radio frequency link to the model

.

3)Please do not grasp the transmitter module's antenna during flight. D

o

ing

so may degrade the quality of the radio frequency transmission

.

- 4

-- 1 -

©Copyright 2008. No part of this manual may be reproduced in any form without prior permission. The contents of this manual are subject to change without prior

n

otice. While this manual has been carefully written, there may be inadvertent errors or omissions. Please contact our service center if you feel that any corrections or

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a 261-8555, Japa

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©FUTABA CORPORATION 2008, 01 (1

)

FCC Informati

on

To assure continued FCC compliance:



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void the user's authority to operate the equipment.

FCC Label Compliance Statement

:

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the followin

g

t

wo conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must

accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation

.

A

rea Selec

t

(

G

ENERAL

/

RANC

E

)

C

hannel Mode

(

7

CH

/

8

C

H

)

F

ASST transmitter module, system and receiver

c

ompatibilit

y

Transmitte

r

Receive

r

R

606FS

R

607F

S

R6

17F

S

R608F

S

R60

14F

S

TM

-14

Module

Multi-ch m

ode

—

Okay

7ch

mo

de

Okay

O

kay

TM-8 Modul

e

8ch mo

de

Okay

7

ch mod

e

Okay

TM-7 Modul

e

Okay

T7C 2.4G System

Okay

O

kay

T6EX 2.4G System

Okay

O

kay

*F

actory use only.

(

Do not connect anything.

)

Attachment of the Module

ｎ

CAUTION

ｊ

Be sure to turn off the power of the transmitter before
you install or replace the module.

1

Ensure that the transmitter is set to the PPM (pulse

position modulation) mode. Please consult the
respective owner's manual for your particular transmitter
for information on how to do so.

2

While it is unlikely that the existing transmitter

antenna will interfere with the radio frequency
transmission of the TM-8, we suggest removing it from
the transmitter if possible as a precaution.

3

Next, with the

transmitter's power
off, remove the existing
transmitter module and
install the TM-8 module with
care so that the connector
pins of the transmitter won't
be damaged.

Antenna of TM-8

1

As with all radio frequency transmissions, the

strongest area of signal transmission is from the
sides of the TM-8 transmitter module's antenna. As such,
the antenna should not be pointed directly at the model.
If your flying style creates this situation, easily move the
antenna to correct this situation.

2

Please do not grasp the transmitter's antenna during

flight. Doing so may degrade the quality of the RF
transmission to the model

Easy Link

Each TM-8 transmitter module has an individually assigned
unique ID code. In order to start operation, the receiver must
be linked to the respective TM-8's ID code. Once the linking is
done, the ID code is stored in the receiver and the re-linking is
not necessary unless the receiver is to be used with a different
TM-8 module.

Additionally, it is important to note that this TM-8 and R608FS
receiver set has already been linked by the factory. Should
you wish to re-link them, or if you have purchased a separate
receiver and would like to link it to this TM-8, please adhere to
the following procedure.

ｎ

WARNING

ｊ

After the linking is done, please cycle receiver power
and check if the receiver to be linked is really under the

control by the transmitter to be linked.

ｌ

Do not perform the linking procedure with motor's main
wire is connected or the engine is operating as it may

result in serious injury.

1

Ensure that the ch-mode select is set to the position

of the receiver's operation protocol. Please refer the
compatibility table in P4 for ch-mode select versus the
receiver to be paired.

2

After the TM-8 module has been installed into the

transmitter, using the aforementioned steps, turn on
the transmitter. The green LED, located on the rear of the
TM-8 transmitter module, should begin to blink. If not,
power down the transmitter and turn it on once again.

3

With the transmitter on, and the green LED blinking,

turn on the receiver.

4

With the receiver on, press and hold the Easy Link

button, located on the receiver, for approximately
two seconds and release it. Then the receiver starts
linking procedure. When the linking process has been
completed, the LED on the receiver will change to a solid
green and the linking is established.

Receiver Installation

You will note that the R608FS differs in appearance from
the standard Futaba receiver. The R608FS incorporates two
separate antennas into its design which enables it to receive
the radio frequency transmission at two different locations.
Futaba's dual antenna diversity, or DAD, then seamlessly
selects the best signal reception between these antennas to
ensure that there is no loss of signal.

Antenna

*Must be kept as straight as possible.

Coaxial cable

To obtain the best results from the R608FS receiver, please
refer to the following instructions and precautions:

1

Install the receiver in the aircraft using the same

methodology as you would handle a standard
receiver. That is, make sure that you wrap the receiver
in foam rubber or other such material to make it less
susceptible to vibration, etc.

2

Ensure that the two receiver antennas are kept as

straight as possible. This will allow you to obtain the
maximum effective range from your model.

3

If possible, please make sure that the two antennas

are placed at 90 degrees to each other. Please note:
This is not a critical figure, however, the most important
thing is to keep the antennas away from each other as
much as possible.

4

If your model includes metal conductive items which

may impact the receiver's ability to clearly receive
the radio frequency signal, we suggest mounting the
receiver so that the receiver antennas exit both sides of
the model. This will allow the best radio frequency signal
condition at any flying attitude.

5

Ensure that the antennas are at least 1/2" away from

any conductive materials such as metal and carbon.
Please note: this is not applicable to the coaxial portion
of the antenna. It is important, however, to not bend the
coax, or antenna in a tight radius.

6

If the fuselage is made of conductive materials such

as metal and carbon, the antennas part MUST be
positioned so that they exit the fuselage. Additionally, do
not attach the antenna itself to this fuselage.

* For example, there are many types of gliders which use carbon fu-

selage. When install the receiver into such models, it is imperative
that the antenna precautions are adhered to strictly.

ｎ

WARNING

ｊ

Be very careful when handling the receiver antennas.

Repeated bending and flexing of the antennas or ex­cessive force could weaken or compromise the internal an­tenna connections.

ｊ

Keep the antennas away from the motor, ESC, and

other noise sources as much as possible.

Antenna Antenna

* The main purpose of the photo demonstrates how the antenna

should be placed. For actual installation the receiver must be

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from vibration.

* The receiver contains delicate electronic parts and should be pro

-

tected from vibration, shock and temperature extremes.

* The receiver is not impervious to damage from moisture. If moisture

should enter the receiver, intermittent operation or failure may result.
To prevent this from occurring, we suggest wrapping the receiver in
a plastic bag or similar protective covering. This will also protect the
receiver from any fuel or exhaust residue which can work its way
into the fuselage.

Area select

The TM-8 transmitter module has been designed to function
in many countries. If you will be utilizing this module in a
country other than France, please make sure that the switch is
set to the "General" position. If, however, this module will be
utilized in France, the switch must be set to "France".

Operation of the TM-8

When the transmitter is powered up, the LEDs on the rear of
the module will begin to glow or blink accordingly. The chart
below provides you with an easy reference as to the meaning of
the LEDs.

LED indication

Green Red Status Fail safe (F/S)

Solid Solid Initializing (When Power Up) ---

Alternate blink Check RF condition nearby ---

Solid Off RF power on Off

Solid Blink

RF power on (Power reduced to perform the
range check function)

Off

Blink Off RF power on On

Blink Blink

RF power on (Power reduced to perform the
range check function)

On

F/S (Fail Safe) mode setting

The F/S is suggested for use as it offers a safety factor when
controlling your models. It is also possible to cancel the F/S
operation if you do not wish to use it.

De-activating the F/S (Failsafe)

As noted above, it is also possible to de-activate the failsafe
setting of the receiver.

Depress the F/S button on the rear of the transmitter
while turning the transmitter's power on. The LEDs
should begin to glow. Continue holding the button until
the green LED begins to glow solidly and the red LED
blinks.

Re-Arming the F/S (Failsafe)

To activate the failsafe once again, depress the F/S
button on the rear of the transmitter while turning the
transmitter's power on. The LEDs should begin to glow.
Continue holding the button until the green and Red
LED's begin blinking.

* Please note: re-arming the F/S does not alter the pre-determined

throttle servo position. To modify this setting, please follow the F/S
position setting procedure.

F/S position setting procedure

As mentioned at "Easy Link", the R608FS starts linking
process by press the Easy Link button more than two seconds.
Meanwhile, when linking is done, the R608FS stores
3ch(Throttle) position as the F/S position automatically. If you
need to change the F/S position but not need to re-link, set the
3ch(throttle) stick as desired position and press and hold the
Easy Link button just one second. By this way, the receiver
renew the F/S data for current 3ch position. Prior to doing
so, ensure that the F/S is active. If not, please follow the Re­Arming of the F/S procedure as noted previously.

1

With the transmitter's throttle stick in the desired

F/S position, and the receiver located within one
(1) meter of the transmitter, turn on the transmitter. The
green LED, located on the rear of the TM-8 transmitter
module, should begin to blink. If not, power down the
transmitter and turn it on once again.

2

With the transmitter on, and the green LED blinking,

turn on the receiver. Press and hold the Easy Link
button, located on the receiver, for approximately one
second.

3

Turn off the transmitter. The throttle servo should
move to the pre-determined F/S position.

R608FS “F/S set” and “Easy-link” Operation

0 to 1 sec. 1 to 2 sec. More than 2 sec.

0 sec. 1 sec. 2 sec.

Press and Hold time

No functionWith TM-8

To set the F/S

position(No re-link)

Re-link(ID set) and to

set the F/S position

No function

With TM-14

(not included in this set)

Re-link(ID set)

Please refer to the table below for the LED status of the
receiver's condition.

Green Red Status

Off Solid No signal reception

Solid Off Receiving signals

Blink Off Receiving signals but ID is unmatched

Alternate blink Unrecoverable failure (EEPROM, etc.)

Installing the TM-8 Module and R608FS Receiver

- 2 - - 3 -