Here, we will take an introductory look at the way the 14MZ enables you to program a model. Futaba has made programming much more intuitive than in any previous radio I’ve used. With so many new features on the 14MZ, this is not an expansion of a previous system; it is a totally new package.
In this article, we will concentrate on common systems and functions in two of the three primary menus, the System and Linkage Menus. These are functions that any of us would utilize, whether setting up a heli, plane or glider. In a future installment, we will look at the details of setting up specific aircraft and flight conditions.
I must offer my compliments to the Futaba engineers who designed this revolutionary radio. I am already comfortable with the 14MZ and I have not yet laid eyes on a final manual. Throughout testing, I have not had the need to refer to a manual for every little step. This is a giant leap forward for our hobby. After you learn the simple structure of the programming menus, you will be making creative programming modifications without feeling the need to have the manual accompany the transmitter everywhere you go! Beyond the simplicity of access, the speed of the touch screen is wonderful.
As I noted in the last issue, the 14MZ has three primary sub-screens that isolate different programming input categories: the System Menu, Linkage Menu, and Model Menu. Let’s examine the logic of the menu structure below the System and Linkage menu screens. I will touch on a subset of options to illustrate how programming proceeds.
The SYSTEM screen is dedicated to items that will be the same for all of the models in the memory. The LINKAGE MENU is dedicated to items that would stay constant within any given model, even with changes in condition. The MODEL MENU contains all items that can fluctuate within any composition of a condition. Consider a landing condition for a model: With one switch, functions that you would need in this condition but not in others would become active, and you tailor those functions to your own unique needs, as well as those of your plane. The 14MZ has the power to offer up to eight different conditions per model. Let your imagination fly!
THE SYSTEM MENU
The System Menu includes these functions, among others.
Servo Monitor: A testing and exercise system for your servos.
Trainer: The ability to let the radio play the roll of teacher or student, and in the teacher mode, to stipulate which of the channels are given to the student.
Player: This is the built-in WMA (Windows Media Audio) player, and the controls are like those of a CD player.
Date and Time: This is new in a radio; beyond helping log your flights, it can remind us when to go home and cut the grass!
Switch: Assignment of switches to different functions and controls for establishing the “ON” and “OFF” positions.
Hardware Reverse: This feature can be used to reverse the direction of any of the hardware inputs. Since I fly a lot of electric models, I will reverse the direction of the throttle here, as most of the speed controls that I use work opposite to Futaba’s default position. This should be the only time that I’ll ever need to make this change!
Information: Here is where you find out which program version or update is the latest in your radio.
The Linkage Menu includes these functions, among others:
Model Select: This is where you select the model you will fly next. Once selected, it appears on the main screen, by name, and, if you have saved a digital image, a photo of your model appears on the main screen as well.
Model Type: Four options here: Airplane, Heli, Glider and E-Glider. Once selected with the touch screen, another page comes up to allow you to select the best layout for your model. There are nine different wing type options for the planes, three different tail group configurations, and six different swash plate options if you are setting up a heli. Each field is laid out in graphic form and is very intuitive. Once you make your choice, the appropriate image appears in the box to establish your selection.
The Model Type page is critical to set the stage for follow-on programming. You do need to have a clear vision in mind as to wing and tail layout, or swash plate configuration. With virtually unlimited model memories, you could even consider experimenting with multiple options, and establish which configuration best fits your model, as well as your own personal flying style.
As with any new radio, experiment and explore. Before long, you will fully utilize all of the potential available to you!
Frequency: Selecting a frequency is really easy. With the transmitter and receiver both on, you depress the touch screen Frequency button, and three pages of frequencies pop up, channels 11-60. Choose, confirm, and the change is complete. The receiver needs no attention, as it automatically changes frequency when you change the channel at the Transmitter.
Note that the modulation button on the Frequency screen allows you to choose the super high 2048 resolution of PCM G-3, normal PCM 1024 resolution, or FM. Your receiver will come with an ID that will be unique to your system. It must be entered in the receiver ID box if you want to change frequencies. If you choose to change your frequency at the flying field, your transmitter will only communicate with your receiver.
Function: Notice that in the setup shown above, rudder is on channel one, elevator on channel two, etc. This is not a critical sequence, as it is on any other radio you may have ever used. You can assign any channel to any one of the receiver ports. If you want the traditional Futaba system of Aileron on one, Elevator on two, Throttle on three, it is easily assigned with simple touch screen inputs.
If you are ganging servos to one channel, this is the place to do it. For instance, if you had three aileron servos working the same aileron on the left wing, you might slave channels one, two, and three to Aileron one, and channels four, five and six to Aileron two. Once this is completed, you have the ability to individually match the centers, transit speeds, throws and trims to perfect symmetry. No match boxes, Y-harnesses, or other peripheral devices! This is simple and smart.
Sub Trim: No surprises here. This is where you will fine-tune the centers of 12 of the channels, all on one screen. If you have “ganged” servos, this is where you would set the centers so that they will not conflict with one another.
Servo Reversing: I hope that this needs no explanation! Select your channel with the touch screen, and establish your desired servo direction.
Failsafe: To protect against the unlikely situation in which a model loses its signal from the transmitter, you can set the controls to any preset failsafe configuration that you desire. Low throttle and a gentle turn are the most common in planes. In helis, you commonly set to hold the last input from the transmitter.
End Point Adjustment (ATV): Another common feature that should need no introduction. With ganged servos, you will want to carefully set the limits of motion and delay so that they are in perfect symmetry with each other.
Throttle Cut: I would like to see this utilized on every plane. Always establish a simple and sure way to shut down your engine! As you can see by the three option buttons, setup is as simple as selecting active or inhibit, and entering the cut position (which is simultaneously shown in the graph on the screen). Lastly, you assign a switch and the direction of that switch to cut power.
Idle Down: This function is for using a switch to achieve a low idle for descents instead of manipulating your throttle trim.
Timer: You can count up, count down, implement a stopwatch and use split times.
Dial Monitor: This handy screen is a great visual display; it lets you know where your knobs and trims are set at a glance.
THE MODEL MENU
Manufacturers of modern radios are embracing the concept of creating and using unique “flight conditions” for different flying situations. Futaba has organized the 14MZ’s programming to facilitate use of these conditions.
The Model Menu contains the items that are specific to your model and the conditions that you will utilize. We will explore this menu in our next report, when we present the final chapter of our review of the 14MZ, and install the radio in each model type—airplane, glider and heli. See you next time!
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