Futaba TM-7 User 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].

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.

Battery F/S function

The TM-7 transmitter module and R607FS receiver also
provides you with a second safety system, the Battery F/S
(failsafe). When the airborne voltage drops below 3.8V, the
battery failsafe function moves the throttle to a pre-determined
position. If this happens, you should land immediately! If
you need to increase the throttle for your landing approach,
you may temporarily reset the failsafe function by moving the
throttle stick to the predetermined position, after which you'll
have about 30 seconds of throttle control before the battery
function reactivates.

* Please note: It is suggested that you utilize a 4-cell NiCD or NiMH

receiver battery pack as it allows the effective use of the battery F/S
function. Additionally, we do not suggest using dry cell batteries for

the receiver pack as they may cause difculties.

Range Check the Radio

It is extremely important to range check your models prior to

each ying session. This enables you to ensure that everything

is functioning as it should and to obtain maximum enjoyment
from your time flying. The TM-7 transmitter module
incorporates a system that reduces its power output and allows
you to perform such a range check.

Turn on the transmitter.

1

After the radio frequency link has been established

2

(a s ind icat ed by either a s olid green L ED or a
blinking green LED), press and hold the "F/S, Range"
switch located on the rear of the TM-7 transmitter module.
As indicated by the blinking red LED, the radio frequency
power has been reduced to allow for the range check.

* Note: Do not press and hold the "F/S, Range" switch prior to turning

on the transmitter. This will alter the status of the F/S settings as
noted previously. In order to avoid this situation, please wait for a

short time after turning on the transmitter to activate the low power
setting on for range checking.

Walk away from the model while simultaneously

3

operating the controls. Have an assistant stand
by the model to confirm that all controls are completely
and correctly operational. You should be able to walk
approximately 30-50 paces from the model without losing
control.

If everything operates correctly, return to the model.

4

Set the transmitter in a safe, yet accessible, location
so it will be within reach after starting the engine or motor.
Be certain the throttle stick is in the low throttle position,
then start the engine or motor. Perform another range
check with your assistant holding the aircraft with the
engine running at various speeds. If the servos jitter or
move inadvertently, there may be a problem. We would
strongly suggest you do not fly until the source of the
difficulty has been determined. Look for loose servo
connections or binding pushrods. Also, be cer tain that
the battery has been fully charged.

WARNING

󾻯

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

󾻫

Range switch when flying as this reduces the power
output of the transmitter and reduces the overall range of your
transmitter.

Other precautions

When utilizing the trainer function of the transmitter as an
instructor, please do not switch to the student's control
unit until the RF is active after turning the transmitter
on. Failure to adhere to this procedure may result in a
malfunction.

FASST Air System

TM-7 RF Module

and

R607FS Receiver

Instruction Manual

Applicable systems:

T7U, T8U, T9C and T9Z

Contents and Technical Specications

1M23N19802

Important: The 2.4GHz band offers different characteristics than
that of the conventional 50MHz and 72MHz. As such, we strongly
encourage you to read this manual carefully prior to utilizing the TM-7
and R607FS FASST system.

Thank you for purchasing the TM-7 2.4GHz FASST transmitter module
and R607FS receiver. This system is designed for use only with the
Futaba transmitters indicated elsewhere in this manual. In order to use the
TM-7 transmitter module, you will need to carefully remove the existing
transmitter module and replace it with the TM-7 transmitter module. The
receiver R607FS, as the model number indicates, is capable of controlling
models up to seven channels. Please note: The installation of the R607FS
differs slightly from that of a typical receiver. Please pay special attention
to the information contained within this manual in order to have a pleasant

ying experience.

Features:

2.4GHz Spread Spectrum radio communication system.

•
Exclusive ID code to avoid interference from other FASST systems.

•
Fail Safe (F/S) function (for throttle channel)-F/S, Battery F/S

•
Dual antenna diversity (R607FS)

•

Usage Precautions:

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
Model Aeronautics as well as any site specific rules and regulations that
might exist. Doing so will greatly increase your enjoyment of the hobby.

2) In order to maintain complete control of your aircraft it is important that
it remains visible at all times. Flying behind large objects such as build­ings, grain bins, etc. is not suggested. Doing so may result in the reduc­tion of the quality of the radio frequency link to the model.

3) Please do not grasp the transmitter module's antenna during flight. Do
ing so may degrade the quality of the radio frequency transmission.

-

FASST transmitter module, system and receiver
compatibility

Transmitter

TM-7 Module — Okay

T6EX 2.4G System Okay Okay

T7C 2.4G System Okay Okay

* Please note: The TM-7 module is NOT compatible with the R606FS receiver!

Receiver

R606FS R607FS

FCC Information

To assure continued FCC compliance:

(1) Any changes or modications not expressly approved by the grantee

of this device could 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 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.

©Copyright 2007. 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. 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 clarications should be made.

FUTABA CORPORATION Phone: [phone] Facsimile: [phone]

Makuhari Techno Garden Bldg., B6F 1-3 Nakase, Mihama-ku, Chiba 261-8555, Japan

- 4 - - 1 -

Repair Service (in U.S.A.)

If any difculties are encountered while setting up or operating

your TM-7 transmitter module and R607FS receiver, please
consult this instruction manual first. For further assistance
you may also refer to your hobby dealer, or contact the Futaba
Service Center at the web site, fax or telephone number below:

www.futaba-rc.com, www.2.4gigahertz.com
Fax [phone], Tel [phone] (option 2)

If you are unable to resolve the issue, pack the system in its
original container with a note enclosed and a thorough, accurate

description of the difculty. Include the following in your note:

Symptoms (Including when the problem occurred)

•
System (transmitter, Receiver, Servos and model

•
numbers)
Model (Model name)

•
Model numbers and quantity

•
Your Name, Address and Telephone number

•

Send the respective items to the authorized Futaba Service
Center address below:

Futaba Service Center

3002 N Apollo Drive Suite 1

Champaign, IL 61822

©FUTABA CORPORATION 2007, 07 (1)

Your 2.4GHz system includes the following components:

R607FS Receiver

Mini screwdriver

TM-7 RF Module

Specications:

TM-7 RF Module-

• Communication system: one-way communication

• Antenna: 1/2 wavelength di-pole

• Current consumption: 150mA maximum

• Setting switch for Fail Safe (F/S) setting and range check

• LED (light emitting diodes) indicate the operational status

R607FS Receiver-

• Dual antenna diversity

• Power requirement: 4.8V or 6.0V battery or regulated out­put from ESC, etc.

• F/S and Battery F/S function for throttle channel (channel
three)

• Size: 1.64 x 1.08 x 0.36 in. (41.6 x 27.5 x 9.2 mm)

• Weight: 0.34 oz. (9.8g)

Antenna

*Must be kept as straight as possible.

Coaxial cable

R607FS Receiver

Antenna Antenna

Installing the TM-7 Module and R607FS Receiver

Attachment of the Module

CAUTION

󾻯

Be sure to turn off the power of the transmitter before

󾻫

you install or replace the module.

Ensure that the transmitter is set to the PPM (pulse

1

positio n mo dulation) mode. Please consu lt t he
respective owner's manual for your particular transmitter
for information on how to do so.

While it is unlikely that the existing transmitter will

2

interfere with the radio frequency transmission of
the TM-7, we suggest removing it from the transmitter if
possible as a precaution.

Next, with the transmitter's power off, remove the

3

existing transmitter module and install the TM-7
mo dule w ith car e so tha t the con necto r pins o f the
transmitter won't be damaged.

Antenna of TM-7

As w i th all rad i o freq uency tra nsmis s ions, the

1

strongest area of signal transmission is from the
sides of the TM-7 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.

Please do not grasp the transmitter's antenna during

2

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

Easy Link

Each TM-7 transmitter module has an individually assigned
unique ID code. In order to start operation, the receiver must
be linked to the respective TM-7'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-7 module.

Additionally, it is important to note that this TM-7 and R607FS
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-7, please adhere to
the following procedure.

After the TM-7 module has been installed into the

1

transmitter, using the aforementioned steps, turn on
the transmitter. The green LED, located on the rear of the
TM-7 transmitter module, should begin to blink. If not,
power down the transmitter and turn it on once again.

If the fuselage is made of conductive materials such

6

as metal and carbon, the antennas part MUST be

With the transmitter on, and the green LED blinking,

2

turn on the receiver.

With the receiver on, press and hold the Easy Link

3

button, located on the receiver between the two
antenna exits, for approximately one second. When the
linking process has been completed, the LED on the
receiver will change to a solid green.

Receiver Installation

You will note that the R607FS differs in appearance from
the standard Futaba receiver. The R607FS 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.

To obtain the best results from the R607FS receiver, please
refer to the following instructions and precautions:

Install the receiver in the aircraft using the same

1

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

Ensure that the two receiver antennas are kept as

2

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

If possible, please make sure that the two antennas

3

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.

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.

WARNING

󾻯

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.

Keep the antennas away from the motor, ESC, and

󾻫

other noise sources as much as possible.

* The main purpose of the photo demonstrates how the antenna

should be placed. For actual installation the receiver must be

wrapped with a sponge or placed with oating material to protect it

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-7 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-7

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) ---

If your model includes metal conductive items which

4

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.

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

5

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.

- 2 - - 3 -

Alternate blink Check RF condition nearby ---

Solid Off RF power on Off

Solid Blink

Blink Off RF power on On

Blink Blink

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

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

Off

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 tur nin g the trans mitter's power on. T he L EDs
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 a ctivate 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

The F/S position is stored, or modied, by the position of the

throttle stick during the linking procedure. As such, although
the TM-7 and R607FS have been linked at the factory, we
suggest re-linking them once again to adjust the throttle
position to your desired location. Prior to doing so, ensure that
the F/S is active. If not, please follow the Re-Arming of the
F/S procedure as noted previously.

With the transmitter's throttle stick in the desired

1

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-7 transmitter
module, should begin to blink. If not, power down the
transmitter and turn it on once again.

With the transmitter on, and the green LED blinking,

2

turn on the receiver. Press and hold the Easy Link
button, located on the receiver between the two antenna
exits, for approximately one second. When the linking
process has been completed, the LED on the receiver will
change to a solid green.

Turn off the transmitter. The throttle servo should

3

move to the pre-determined F/S position.

WARNING

󾻯

When setting the F/S function it is important to make

󾻫

sure that there is no other FASST Air System in the ON

position nearby.

* Failure to adhere to this caution could cause your R607FS receiver

to link to the incorrect transmitter. If this were to happen your
R607FS would be under the control of the other transmitter.

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.)