Thank you for purchasing a Futaba® FASSTest-2.4GHz* T16SZ series digital proportional R/C
system. This system is extremely versatile and may be used by beginners and pros alike. In order
for you to make the best use of your system and to y safely, please read this manual carefully.
If you have any difficulties while using your system, please consult the manual, our online
Frequently Asked Questions (on the web pages referenced below), your hobby dealer, or the
Futaba Service Center.
*FASSTest: Futaba Advanced Spread Spectrum Technology extend system telemetry
Due to unforeseen changes in production procedures, the information contained in this manual is
subject to change without notice.
Support and Service: It is recommended to have your Futaba equipment serviced annually during
your hobby’s “off season” to ensure safe operation.
In North America
Please feel free to contact the Futaba Service Center for assistance in operation, use and
programming. Please be sure to regularly visit the T16SZ Frequently Asked Questions web site
at www.futaba-rc.com/faq/. This page includes extensive programming, use, set up and safety
information on the T16SZ radio system and is updated regularly. Any technical updates and US
manual corrections will be available on this web page. If you do not nd the answers to your
questions there, please see the end of our F.A.Q. area for information on contacting us via email
for the most rapid and convenient response.
Don’t have Internet access? Internet access is available at no charge at most public libraries,
schools, and other public resources. We nd internet support to be a fabulous reference for many
modelers as items can be printed and saved for future reference, and can be accessed at any hour
of the day, night, weekend or holiday. If you do not wish to access the internet for information,
however, don’t worry. Our support teams are available Monday through Friday 8-5 Central time
to assist you.
For Service Only:
Futaba Service Center
3002 N. Apollo Drive, Suite 1
Champaign, IL 61822
Phone: 217-398-0007
www.futaba-rc.com/service.html
Email: futabaservice@hobbico.com
Please start here for answers to most questions:
For Support :
(Programming and user questions)
www.futaba-rc.com/faq/
Fax: 217-398-7721
Phone: 217-398-8970 option 2
Outside North America
Please contact your Futaba importer in your region of the world to assist you with any questions,
problems or service needs.
Please recognize that all information in this manual, and all support availability, is based upon
the systems sold in North America only. Products purchased elsewhere may vary. Always contact
your region’s support center for assistance.
< Introduction >
4
Application, Export, and Modication
1. This product may be used for unmanned aerial vehicle use. It is not intended for use in any application other than
unmanned aerial vehicle control. The product is subject to regulations of the Ministry of Radio/Telecommunications
and is restricted under Japanese law to such purposes.
2. Exportation precautions:
(a) When this product is exported from the country of manufacture, its use is to be approved by the laws governing
the country of destination which govern devices that emit radio frequencies. If this product is then re-exported to other
countries, it may be subject to restrictions on such export. Prior approval of the appropriate government authorities may
be required. If you have purchased this product from an exporter outside your country, and not the authorized Futaba
distributor in your country, please contact the seller immediately to determine if such export regulations have been met.
(b) Use of this product with anything other than models may be restricted by Export and Trade Control Regulations,
and an application for export approval must be submitted. This equipment must not be utilized to operate equipment
other than radio controlled models.
3. Modification, adjustment, and replacement of parts: Futaba is not responsible for unauthorized modification,
adjustment, and replacement of parts on this product. Any such changes may void the warranty.
Compliance Information Statement
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two 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.
RF Radiation Exposure Statement
This equipment complies with FCC radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled environment.
This transmitter must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter.
The responsible party for the compliance of this device is:
Futaba Service Center
3002 N Apollo Drive Suite 1, Champaign, IL 61822 U.S.A.
TEL (217)398-8970 or E-mail: support@hobbico.com (Support)
TEL (217)398-0007 or E-mail: futabaservice@hobbico.com (Service)
The RBRC. SEAL on the nickel-cadmium battery contained in Futaba products indicates that Futaba
Corporation is voluntarily participating in an industry-wide program to collect and recycle these
batteries at the end of their useful lives, when taken out of service within the United States. The
RBRC. program provides a convenient alternative to placing used nickel-cadmium batteries into the
trash or municipal waste system, which is illegal in some areas.
(for USA)
You may contact your local recycling center for information on where to return the spent battery. Please call
1-800-8BATTERY for information on NiCd battery recycling in your area. Futaba Corporation involvement in this
program is part of its commitment to protecting our environment and conserving natural resources.
*RBRC is a trademark of the Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation.
NOTE:
This device complies with Industry Canada license-exempt RSS standard(s). Operation is subject to the following
two conditions: (1) this device may not cause interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference, including
interference that may cause undesired operation of the device.
This equipment complies with IC radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled environment. This transmitter
must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter.
French: Cet appareil radio est conforme au CNR-210 d’Industrie Canada. L’utilisation de ce dispositif est autorisée
seulement aux deux conditions suivantes : (1) il ne doit pas produire de brouillage, et (2) l’utilisateur du dispositif
doit être prêt à accepter tout brouillage radioélectrique reçu, même si ce brouillage est susceptible de compromettre le
fonctionnement du dispositif. Cet équipement est conforme aux limites d’exposition aux rayonnements IC établies pour
un environnement non contrôlé. Cet émetteur ne doit pas être co-situé ou fonctionner conjointement avec une autre
antenne ou émetteur.
< Introduction >
5
This radio transmitter (IC: 2914D-T16SZ) has been approved by Industry Canada to operate with the antenna types
listed below with the maximum permissible gain indicated. Antenna types not included in this list, having a gain
greater than the maximum gain indicated for that type, are strictly prohibited for use with this device.
No.NameGain(Peak)Remark
1
ANTB18-186A0
2.14dBi1/2λsleeve antenna
CAUTION:
To assure continued FCC compliance:
Any changes or modications not expressly approved by the grantee of this device could void the user's authority to
operate the equipment.
Federal Communications Commission Interference Statement (for U.S.A.)
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device,
pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable
interference in a residential installation.
not installed
However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause
harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the
user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
--Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
--Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
--Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
--Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications.
This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if
CAUTION:
To assure continued FCC compliance:
Any changes or modications not expressly approved by the grantee of this device could void the user’s authority to
operate the equipment.
protection against harmful
Flying Safety
Where to Fly
We recommend that you y at a recognized model airplane ying eld. You can nd model
clubs and elds by asking your nearest hobby dealer, or, in the US, by contacting the Academy
of Model Aeronautics.
The national Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA) has more than 2,500 chartered clubs
across the country. Through any one of them, instructor training programs and insured
newcomer training are available. Contact the AMA at the address or toll-free phone number
below.
Academy of Model Aeronautics
5161 East Memorial Drive
Muncie, IN 47302
Tele. (800) 435-9262
Fax (765) 289-4248
or via the Internet at http:\\www.
modelaircraft.org
Always pay particular attention to the ying eld’s rules, as well as the presence and location
of spectators, the wind direction, and any obstacles on the eld. Be very careful ying in areas near
power lines, tall buildings, or communication facilities as there may be radio interference in their
vicinity.
< Introduction >
6
Precautions
Application, Export, and Modification Precautions.
1. This product is only designed for use with radio control models. Use of the product described in this instruction
manual is limited to radio control models.
2. Export precautions:
a) When this product is exported, it cannot be used where prohibited by the laws governing radio waves of the
destination country.
b) Use of this product with other than models may be restricted by Export and Trade Control Regulations.
3. Modification, adjustment, and parts replacement:
Futaba is not responsible for unauthorized modification, adjustment, or replacement of parts on this product.
■ 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 notice.
■ The contents of this manual should be complete, but if there are any unclear or missing parts please contact a
Futaba Service Center.
■ Futaba is not responsible for the use of this product by the customer.
■ Company and product names in this manual are trademarks or registered trademarks of the respective company.
For safe use
Please observe the following precautions to ensure safe use of this product at all times.
Meaning of Special Markings:
The parts of this manual indicated by the following marks require special attention from the standpoint of safety.
DANGER
WARNING
CAUTION
- Procedures which may lead to dangerous conditions and cause death/serious injury 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 supercial 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.
= Prohibited
WARNING: Always keep electrical components away from small children.
= Mandatory
Flying Precautions
WARNING
Never grasp the transmitter antenna while
ying.
■ The transmitter output may drop drastically.
Always make sure that all transmitter stick
movements operate all servos properly in the
model prior to flight. Also, make sure that all
switches, etc. function properly as well. If there
are any diculties, do not use the system until all
inputs are functioning properly.
Never y in range check mode.
■ In the dedicated range test range check mode, the
transmitter output range is reduced and may cause a
crash.
While operating, never touch the transmitter
with, or bring the transmitter near, another transmitter, a cellphone, or other wireless devices.
■ Doing so may cause erroneous operation.
Do not point the antenna directly toward the
aircraft during ight.
■ The antenna is directional and the transmitter output
is weakest. (The strength of the radio waves is greatest
from the sides of the antenna.)
Never fly on a rainy day, when the wind is
strong, or at night.
■ Water could lead to failure or improper functionality
and poor control of the aircraft which could lead to a
crash.
Never turn the power switch off during flight
or while the engine or motor is running.
■ Operation will become impossible and the aircraft will
crash. Even if the power switch is turned on, operation
will not begin until transmitter and receiver internal
processing is complete.
Do not start the engine or motor while wearing
the neck strap.
■ The neck strap may become entangled with the rotating propeller, rotor, etc. and cause a serious injury.
Do not y when you are physically impaired as
it could pose a safety hazard to yourself or others.
< Introduction >
7
Do not y at the following places:
■ Near another radio control ying eld.
■ Near or above people.
■ Near homes, schools, hospitals or other places where
people congregate.
■ Near high voltage lines, high structures, or communication facilities.
When setting the transmitter on the ground
during ight preparations, do not stand it upright.
■ The transmitter may tip over, the sticks may move and
the propeller or rotor may rotate unexpectedly and
cause injury.
Do not touch the engine, motor, or ESC during
and immediately after use.
■ These items may become hot during use.
For safety, y so that the aircraft is visible at all
times.
■ Flying behind buildings or other large structures will
not only cause you to lose sight of the aircraft, but also degrade the RF link performance and cause loss of
control.
From the standpoint of safety, always set the
fail safe function.
■ In particular, normally set the throttle channel to idle.
For a helicopter, set the throttle channel to maintain a
hover.
When ying, always return the transmitter set-
up screen to the Home screen.
■ Erroneous input during ight is extremely dangerous.
Always check the remaining capacity of the
transmitter and receiver batteries before each ying session prior to ight.
■ Low battery capacity will cause loss of control and a
crash.
Always check operation of each control surface
and perform a range test before each ying session. Also, when using the trainer function, check
the operation of both the teacher and student
transmitter.
■ Even one incorrect transmitter setting or aircraft abnor-
mality can cause a crash.
Before turning on the transmitter:
1. Always move the transmitter throttle stick position to
the minimum (idle) position.
2. Turn on the transmitter rst and then the receiver.
When turning off the transmitter's power
switch after the engine or motor has stopped
(state in which it will not rotate again):
1. Turn o the receiver power switch.
2. Then turn o the transmitter power switch.
■ If the power switch is turned on/off in the opposite or-
der, the propeller may rotate unexpectedly and cause
a serious injury.
■ Also always observe the above order when setting the
fail safe function.
■ Maximum low throttle: Direction in which the engine
or motor runs at the slowest speed or stops.
When adjusting the transmitter, stop the
engine except when necessary. In the case of a
motor, disconnect the wiring that allows it to continue operation. When doing so, please exercise
extreme caution. Ensure that the aircraft is secured and that it will not come into contact with
anything or anyone. Ensure that the motor will
not rotate prior to making any adjustments.
■ Unexpected high speed rotation of the engine may
cause a serious injury.
Battery and Charger Handling Precautions
DANGER
Do not recharge a battery that is damaged, de-
teriorated, leaking electrolyte, or wet.
Do not use the charger in applications other
than as intended.
Do not allow the charger or battery to become
wet.
■ Do not use the charger when it or your hands are wet.
Do not use the charger in humid places.
Do not short circuit the battery.
Do not solder, repair, deform, modify, or disas-
semble the battery and/or battery charger.
Do not drop the battery into a fire or bring it
near a re.
< Introduction >
8
Do not charge and store the battery in direct
sunlight or other hot places.
Do not charge the battery if it is covered with
any object as it may become very hot.
Do not use the battery in a combustible envi-
ronment.
■ The combustibles may could ignite ignite and cause an
explosion or re.
Always charge the battery before each flying
session.
■ If the battery goes dead during ight, the aircraft will
crash.
Charge the battery with the dedicated charger
supplied with the set.
■ Charging the battery past the specified value may
cause a fire, combustion, rupture, or liquid leakage.
When quick charging, do not charge the battery above
1C.
■ Do not charge the battery while riding in a vehicle. Vibration will prevent normal charging.
Insert the power cord plug firmly into the
receptacle up to its base.
Always use the charger with the specified
power supply voltage.
■ Use the special charger by connecting it to a proper
power outlet.
WARNING
If the battery liquid should get in your eyes, do
not rub your eyes, but immediately wash them
with tap water or other clean water and get treated by a doctor.
■ The liquid can cause blindness.
Do not touch the charger and battery for any
length of time during charging.
■ Doing so may result in burns.
Do not use a charger or battery that has been
damaged.
Do not touch any of the internal components
of the charger.
■ Doing so may cause electric shock or a burn.
If any abnormalities such as smoke or discoloration are noted with either the charger or the battery, remove the battery from the transmitter or
charger and disconnect the power cord plug and
do not use the charger.
■ Continued use may cause re, combustion, generation
of heat, or rupture.
Do not subject the batteries to impact.
■ Doing so may cause fire, combustion, generation of
heat, rupture, or liquid leakage.
CAUTION
Do not use the battery with devices other than
the corresponding transmitter.
Do not place heavy objects on top of the battery or charger. Also, do not place the battery or
charger in any location where it may fall.
■ Doing so may cause damage or injury.
Do not store or use the battery and charger
where it is dusty or humid.
■ Insert the power cord plug into the receptacle only af-
ter eliminating the dust.
After the transmitter has been used for a long
time, the battery may become hot. Immediately
remove it from the transmitter.
Use and store the battery and battery charger
in a secure location away from children.
■ Not doing so may cause electric shock or injury.
If the battery leaks liquid or generates an abnormal odor, immediately move it to a safe place
for disposal.
■ Not doing so may cause combustion.
If the battery liquid gets on your skin or clothing, immediately ush the area with tap water or
other clean water.
■ Consult a doctor. The liquid can cause skin damage.
After the specied charging time has elapsed,
end charging and disconnect the charger from the
receptacle.
When recycling or disposing of the battery, isolate the terminals by covering them with tape.
■ Short circuit of the terminals may cause combustion,
generation of heat or rupture.
■ Not doing so may cause a burn.
Do not charge the battery in extreme temperatures.
■ Doing so will degrade the battery performance. An am-
bient temperature of 10℃ to 30℃ (50F to 86F) is ideal
for charging.
Unplug the charger when not in use.
Do not bend or pull the cord unreasonably and
do not place heavy objects on the cord.
■ The power cord may be damaged and cause combus-
tion, generation of heat, or electric shock.
< Introduction >
9
SD Card (Commercial Product) Handling Precautions
*Read the instruction manual supplied with the SD card for details.
WARNING
Never disassemble or modify the SD card.
Do not unreasonably bend, drop, scratch or
place heavy objects on the SD card.
If smoke or an abnormal odor emanates from the
card, immediately turn o the transmitter power.
CAUTION
Since the SD card is an electronic device, be
careful of static electricity.
■ Static electricity may cause erroneous operation or
trouble.
Do not use the SD card near radio and television sets, audio equipment, motors and other
equipment that generate noise.
■ Doing so may cause erroneous operation.
Do not store the SD card in the following places:
・ Where the humidity is high
・ Where the temperature dierence is severe
・ Where it is very dusty
・ Where the card will be exposed to shock and vibration
・ Near speakers and other magnetic devices
Do not use the SD card where it may be ex-
posed to water, chemicals, oil, or other uids.
■ Doing so may cause a re or electric shock by short circuiting.
Do not insert foreign matter into the transmit-
ter card slot.
■ Doing so may cause erroneous operation.
Do not expose the card to shock and vibration
and do not remove the card from the card slot
while data is being written or read.
■ The data may be damaged or lost.
● Recorded data
The data recorded on the SD card cannot
be compensated regardless of the contents
or cause of the trouble or obstruction.
Futaba does not perform data restoration or
recovery work.
Storage and Disposal Precautions
WARNING
Keep wireless equipment, batteries, aircraft,
etc. away from children.
CAUTION
Do not store wireless devices in the following
places:
・ Where it is extremely hot (40℃ [104F] or higher) or
cold (-10℃ [14F] or lower)
・ Where the equipment will be exposed to direct sun-
light
・ Where the humidity is high
・ Where vibration is prevalent
・ Where it is very dusty
・ Where the device may be exposed to steam and heat
Other Precautions
CAUTION
Do not directly expose plastic parts to fuel, oil,
exhaust gas, etc.
■ If left in such an environment, the plastic may be damaged.
■ Since the metal parts of the case may corrode, always
keep them clean.
Join the Academy of Model Aeronautics.
■ The Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA) provides
guidelines and liability protection should the need arise.
< Introduction >
10
When the device will not be used for a long
time, remove the battery from the transmitter and
aircraft and store them in a dry place where the
temperature is between 0 and 30℃ [32F and 86F].
■ Leaving batteries inside your model and radio when
they are not being used for long periods will result in
battery deterioration, liquid leakage and other damage.
Always use genuine Futaba products such as
transmitter, receiver, servo, ESC, battery, etc.
■ Futaba is not responsible for damage sustained by
combination with parts other than Futaba Genuine
Parts. Use the parts specied in the instruction manual
and catalog.
BEFORE USE
Features
FASSTest system
The T16SZ transmitter has adopted the bidirectional communication system "FASSTest". Data from
the receiver can be checked in your transmitter. FASSTest is a maximum 18 channels 2.4GHz dedicated
system.
Color touch screen LCD
T16SZ has a HVGA 4.3inch full color Backlight LCD touch screen. The screen is manufactured of a
transective construction which enables both indoor and outdoor visibility.
S.BUS2 system
By using the S.BUS2 system multiple servos, gyros and telemetry sensors are easily installed with a
minimum amount of cables.
Model types
Multicopter. 8 swash types are available for helicopters. 7 types of main wings and 3 types of tail wings
are available for airplanes and gliders. Functions and mixing functions necessary for each model type are
set in advance at the factory.
NiMH battery
T16SZ is operated by a 6.0 V/1,800 mAh NiMH battery.
SD card (Secure Digital memory card) (Not included)
Model data can be saved to an SD card (SD:32MB-2GB SDHC:4GB-32GB). When T16SZ transmitter
software les are released, the software can be updated by using an SD card update.
Edit button
Two edit buttons are provided, and the operating screen can be immediately “Returned” to the HOME
screen during operation. Setting operation can be performed easily by combining this button with a touch
sensor.
Vibration function
Selects a function that alerts the operator to various alarms by vibrating the transmitter in addition to
sounding a buzzer.
Speech function
A function is equipped which allows the system to provide telemetry data audibly. This function can
also be utilized with commercially available earphones.
< Before Use >
11
Contents and Technical Specications
Your T16SZ includes the following components:
• T16SZ transmitter
• R7008SB Receiver
• HT5F1800B NiMH battery & charger
• Switch harness
• Mini driver
*The set contents depend on the type of set.
Transmitter T16SZ
(2-stick, 18-channel, FASSTest-2.4G system)
Transmitting frequency: 2.4GHz band
System: FASSTest18CH, FASSTest12CH, FASST MULT, FASST 7CH, T-FHSS, S-FHSS, switchable
Power supply: 6.0V HT5F1800B NiMH battery
Frequency band: 2.4GHz
RF power output : 100mW EIRP
Power requirement: 3.7V-7.4V battery or regulated output from ESC, etc. (*1)
Size: 0.98 x 1.86 x 0.56 in. (24.9 x 47.3 x 14.3 mm)
Weight: 0.38 oz. (10.9g)
Frequency band: 2.4GHz
RF power output: 25mW EIRP
(*1) When using ESCs make sure that the regulated output capacity meets your usage application.
(Specications and ratings are subject to change without notice.)
Note: The battery in the T16SZ transmitter does not arrive already attached
to the battery connector. Please connect the battery connector before use.
Multicopter/Robot specications
Throttle stick warning
Ratchet type
(General transmitter)
The throttle stick doesn't
return neutrally.
(Multicopter/Robot specication)
The throttle stick
returns neutrally by a
spring.
Self neutral type
WARNING
You cannot use the self-neutral throttle stick for R/C airplanes, helicopters, and certain multi-copters.
Allowing the engine/motor to reach middle speed via automatic throttle stick return is very dangerous.
If using the T16SZ for R/C airplanes and helicopters, you must change the throttle stick to the ratchet type.
< Before Use >
12
Accessories
The following additional accessories are available from your dealer.
Optional Parts
• HT5F1800B transmitter battery pack - the (1,800mAh) transmitter NiMH battery pack may be easily
exchanged with a fresh one to provide enough capacity for extended ying sessions.
• Trainer cord - the optional training cord may be used to help a beginning pilot learn to fly easily by
placing the instructor on a separate transmitter. Note that the T16SZ transmitter may be connected to
another T16SZ system, as well as to any other models of Futaba transmitters. The T16SZ transmitter uses
one of the three cord plug types according to the transmitter connected. (Refer to the description at the
TRAINER function instructions). The part number of this cord is: FUTM4405.
• Servos - there are various kinds of servos. Please choose the Futaba servos that best suit your model and
purpose. If you utilize an S.BUS system, you should choose a S.BUS servo. An analog servo cannot be
used if "FASSTest12CH mode" is used.
• Telemetry sensor - please purchase an optional sensor, in order to utilize bidirectional communication
system and to acquire the information from a model high up in the sky.
Temperature sensor : SBS-01T/TE] [Altitude sensor : SBS-01/02A] [RPM sensor