FUTABA 8FG User manual

8FG SUPER
14-CHANNEL RADIO CONTROL SYSTEM
FASST-2.4GHz Multi-ch/7-ch mode selectable
1M23N22218
INSTRUCTION MANUAL

2<Table of Contents>
INTRODUCTION............................................... 4
●Support and Service ......................................... 4
●Application, Export, and Modication........... 5
●Denitions of Symbols...................................... 6
●Safety Precautions (do not operate without
reading) ............................................................. 6
BEFORE USE ................................................... 10
●Features of 8FG SUPER ................................ 10
●Contents and technical specications ........... 11
●Accessories....................................................... 12
●Transmitter controls....................................... 13
Cautions on handling antenna ...................... 14
LED monitor................................................... 14
Switch (SA-SH)............................................... 14
Volume (LD, RD)............................................ 15
Slide Lever (LS, RS)....................................... 15
Digital trim (T1-T4) ....................................... 15
Touch sensor ................................................... 16
Stick adjustment............................................. 17
SD card............................................................ 18
Connector/Plug............................................... 19
Installation and removal of the battery........ 20
●Receiver nomenclature................................... 21
BASIC OPERATION ....................................... 22
●Battery Charging ............................................ 22
How to charge the Ni-MH Battery ............... 22
●How to turn ON/OFF the transmitter .......... 23
When turning on ............................................ 23
When turning off............................................ 23
Low battery alarm and auto shut-down ...... 23
Warning display at power on ........................ 23
●Registration of the user's name ..................... 23
●Home screen .................................................... 24
User Menu....................................................... 25
●Operation mode select (R6208SB) ................ 26
●S.BUS servo channel setting (R6208SB)....... 27
●Link procedure (T8FGS/R6208SB) .............. 28
●Range testing your R/C system...................... 29
RACEIVER AND SERVO INSTALLATION 30
●Receiver and servos connection..................... 30
●Servo connection by model type.................... 31
●Safety precautions when installing receiver and
servos ............................................................... 35
●Receiver's antenna installation...................... 36
MODEL BASIC SETTING PROCEDURE ... 37
●Airplane/glider basic setting procedure........ 37
●Helicopter basic setting procedure................ 39
FUNCTIONS OF SYSTEM MENU................ 43
Trainer............................................................. 44
Display............................................................. 47
User Name....................................................... 48
Sound............................................................... 49
H/W Setting..................................................... 50
Start SEL. ....................................................... 50
Auto Lock ....................................................... 55
Information .................................................... 56
FUNCTIONS OF LINKAGE MENU ............. 57
(Common Functions)
Linkage Menu functions table ...................... 57
Servo Monitor................................................. 58
Model Select.................................................... 59
Model Type...................................................... 61
Frequency........................................................ 63
Function .......................................................... 64
Sub-Trim ......................................................... 66
Servo Reverse ................................................. 67
Fail Safe........................................................... 68
End Point ........................................................ 69
Throttle Cut (Air/Heli only) .......................... 70
Idle Down (Air only) ...................................... 71
Swash Ring (Heli only) .................................. 72
Swash (Heli only, except H-1)........................ 73
T1-T4 Setting .................................................. 76
TABLE OF CONTENTS

3
<Table of Contents>
Warning........................................................... 77
Data Reset ....................................................... 78
FUNCTIONS OF MODEL MENU ................. 79
●Common Functions ........................................ 79
Servo Monitor (Linkage Menu)
Condition Select (Glid/Heli only).................. 80
Dual Rate ........................................................ 82
Program Mix................................................... 84
Fuel Mix (Air/Heli only) ................................ 86
●Airplane/Glider Functions............................. 88
Model Menu functions list............................. 88
Pitch Curve (Air only) ................................... 90
Throttle Curve (Air only) .............................. 91
Throttle Delay (Air only) ............................... 92
AIL Differential (Except 1-AIL) ................... 93
Flap Setting (2-FLP and up).......................... 94
AIL to Camber FLP (2-AIL+2-FLP and up)95
AIL to Brake FLP (Glid only, 4-FLP) .......... 96
AIL to RUD..................................................... 97
RUD to AIL..................................................... 98
Camber Mix (Except 1-AIL)....................... 100
ELE to Camber (Except 1-AIL).................. 102
Camber FLP to ELE (2-AIL+1-FLP and up) 103
Buttery (Glid only, normal wing 2-AIL and
up, ying wing 2-AIL+1FLP and up) ...... 104
Trim Mix (Glid only, 2-AIL and up)........... 106
Airbrake (Air only, 2-AIL and up) ............. 108
Gyro (Air only, for GYA type gyro) ............ 110
V-tail .............................................................. 112
Ailevator........................................................ 113
Winglet (Flying wing only) .......................... 114
Motor............................................................. 115
RUD to ELE (Air only)................................ 117
Snap Roll (Air only) ..................................... 118
●Helicopter Functions .................................... 120
Model Menu functions list........................... 120
PIT Curve/Pit trim....................................... 121
THR Curve/Throttle hover trim/Throttle
limiter ......................................................... 124
Throttle Hold ................................................ 127
Swash Mix..................................................... 128
Throttle Mix.................................................. 129
PIT to RUD (Revolution mix) ..................... 130
Gyro (for GY type gyro) .............................. 131
Governor ....................................................... 133
APPENDIX...................................................... 135
Timer ST1/ST2 ............................................. 136
Switch Setting Method................................. 137

4<Introduction>
INTRODUCTION
Thank you for purchasing a Futaba®FASST-2.4GHz* 8FG SUPER 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 difculties 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.
*FASST: Futaba Advanced Spread Spectrum Technology
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 8FG Frequently Asked Questions web site at www.futaba-rc.com/faq/. This page
includes extensive programming, use, set up and safety information on the 8FG SUPER 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: [phone]
www.futaba-rc.com/service.html
Email: [email protected]
FOR SUPPORT :
(PROGRAMMING AND USER QUESTIONS)
Please start here for answers to most questions:
www.futaba-rc.com/faq/
Fax: [phone]
Phone: [phone] 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.

5
<Introduction>
Application, Export, and Modication
1. This product may be used for model airplane or surface (boat, car, robot) use. It is not intended for use in
any application other than the control of models for hobby and recreational purposes. 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 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. Modication, adjustment, and replacement of parts: Futaba is not responsible for unauthorized modication,
adjustment, and replacement of parts on this product. Any such changes may void the warranty.
Compliance Information Statement (for U.S.A.)
This device, trade name Futaba Corporation of America, model number R6208SB, 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.
The responsible party of this device compliance is:
Futaba Service Center
3002 N Apollo Drive Suite 1, Champaign, IL 61822 U.S.A.
TEL [phone] or E-mail: [email protected] (Support)
TEL [phone] or E-mail: [email protected] (Service)
The RBRC. SEAL on the nickel-cadmium battery contained in Futaba products indicates that
Futaba Corporation of America 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 Ni-Cd battery recycling in your area. Futaba Corporation of
America's 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.

6<Introduction>
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 protection against harmful interference in
a residential installation.
This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in
accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. 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.
CAUTION:
To assure continued FCC compliance:
Any changes or modifications not expressly approved by the grantee of this device could void the user's
authority to operate the equipment.
Exposure to Radio Frequency Radiation
To comply with FCC RF exposure compliance requirements, a separation distance of at least 20cm must be
maintained between the antenna of this device and all persons.
This device must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter.
Meaning of Special Markings
Pay special attention to safety where indicated by the following marks:
󾾝DANGER - Procedures which may lead to dangerous conditions and cause death/serious injury if not
carried out properly.
󾾝WARNING - 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 supercial injury or physical
damage is high.
󾾝CAUTION - 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 󾾙= Mandatory
Warning: Always keep electrical components away from small children.
FLYING SAFETY
󾾝WARNING
To ensure the safety of yourself and others, please observe the following precautions:
󾾙Have regular maintenance performed. Although your 8FG SUPER protects the model memories with
non-volatile EEPROM memory (which does not require periodic replacement) and not a battery, the
transmitter still should have regular checkups for wear and tear. We recommend sending your system to
the Futaba Service Center annually during your non-ying-season for a complete checkup and service.

7
<Introduction>
Ni-MH/Ni-Cd Battery
󾾙Charge the batteries! (See Charging the Ni-Cd batteries, for details.) Always recharge the transmitter and
receiver batteries before each ying session. A low battery will soon die potentially, causing loss of control
and a crash. When you begin your ying session, reset your T8FGS’s built-in timer, and during the session
pay attention to the duration of usage.
󾾙Stop ying long before your batteries become low on charge. Do not rely on your radio’s low battery
warning systems, intended only as a precaution, to tell you when to recharge. Always check your
transmitter and receiver batteries prior to each ight.
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.
You can also contact the national Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA), which 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. [phone]
Fax [phone]
or via the Internet at http:\\www.modelaircraft.org
󾾙Always pay particular attention to the flying field’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.

8<Introduction>
Ni-MH/Ni-Cd Battery Safety and Handling instructions
IMPORTANT!
Use only the Futaba special charger included with this set or other chargers approved by Futaba to
charge the Ni-MH batteries in the T8FGS transmitter included with this set.
It is important to understand the operating characteristics of Ni-MH/Ni-Cd batteries.Always read the
specications printed on the label of your Ni-MH/Ni-Cd battery and charger prior to use. Failure to follow the
proceeding precautions can quickly result in severe, permanent damage to the batteries and its surroundings and
possibly result in a FIRE!
IMPORTANT PRECAUTIONS
󾾛Do not attempt to disassemble Ni-MH/Ni-Cd packs or cells.
󾾛Do not allow Ni-MH/Ni-Cd cells to come in contact with moisture or water at any time.
󾾙Always provide adequate ventilation around Ni-MH/Ni-Cd batteries during charge, discharge, while in
use, and during storage.
󾾛Do not leave a Ni-MH/Ni-Cd battery unattended at any time while being charged or discharged.
󾾛Do not attempt to charge Ni-MH/Ni-Cd batteries with a charger that is NOT designed for Ni-MH/Ni-Cd
batteries, as permanent damage to the battery and charger could result.
󾾙Always charge Ni-MH/Ni-Cd batteries in a reproof location. Do not charge or discharge Ni-MH/Ni-Cd
batteries on carpet, a cluttered workbench, near paper, plastic, vinyl, leather or wood, or inside an R/C
model or full-sized automobile! Monitor the charge area with a smoke or re alarm.
󾾛Do not charge Ni-MH/Ni-Cd batteries at currents greater than the “1C” rating of the battery (“C” equals
the rated capacity of the battery).
󾾛Do not allow Ni-MH/Ni-Cd cells to overheat at any time! Cells which reach greater than 140 degrees
Fahrenheit (60°C) should be placed in a reproof location.
󾾙Ni-MH/Ni-Cd cells will not charge fully when too cold or show full charge.
󾾙It is normal for the batteries to become warm during charging, but if the charger or battery becomes
excessively hot disconnect the battery from the charger immediately!! Always inspect a battery which has
previously overheated for potential damage, and do not re-use if you suspect it has been damaged in any
way.
󾾛Do not use a Ni-MH/Ni-Cd battery if you suspect physical damage has occurred to the pack. Carefully
inspect the battery for even the smallest of dents, cracks, splits, punctures or damage to the wiring and
connectors. DO NOT allow the battery’s internal electrolyte to get into eyes or on skin—wash affected
areas immediately if they come in contact with the electrolyte. If in doubt, place the battery in a re-proof
location for at least 30 minutes.
󾾛Do not store batteries near an open ame or heater.
󾾛Do not discharge Ni-MH/Ni-Cd batteries at currents which exceed the discharge current rating of the
battery.
󾾙Always store Ni-MH/Ni-Cd cells/packs in a secure location away from children.
󾾛Never remove the SD card or turn off power while
entering data.
󾾛Never store the SD card where it may be subject
to strong static electricity or magnetic elds.
󾾛Do not expose the SD card to direct sunlight,
excessive humidity or corrosive environments.
󾾛Do not expose the SD card to dirt, moisture, water
or uids of any kind.
󾾙Always hold the SD card by the edges during
installation and removal.
󾾙Be certain to insert the SD card in the correct
direction.
Secure Digital (SD) Memory Card Handling Instructions
(SD card is not included with this set)

9
<Introduction>
At the ying eld
To prevent possible damage to your radio gear, turn the power switches on and off in the proper sequence:
1. Pull throttle stick to idle position, or otherwise disarm your motor/engine.
2. Turn on the transmitter power and allow your transmitter to reach its home screen.
3. Conrm the proper model memory has been selected.
4. Turn on your receiver power.
5. Test all controls. If a servo operates abnormally, don’t attempt to y until you determine the cause of the
problem.
Test to ensure that the FailSafe settings are correct after adjusting them. Turn the transmitter off and
conrm the proper surface/throttle movements. Turn the transmitter back on.
6. Start your engine.
7. Complete a full range check.
8. After ying, bring your throttle stick to idle position, engage any kill switches or otherwise disarm your
motor/engine.
9. Turn off receiver power.
10. Turn off transmitter power.
If you do not turn on your system in this order, you may damage your servos or control surfaces, ood your
engine, or in the case of electric-powered or gasoline-powered models, the engine may unexpectedly turn on
and cause a severe injury.
󾾙While you are getting ready to y, if you place your transmitter on the ground, be sure that the wind
won't tip it over. If it is knocked over, the throttle stick may be accidentally moved, causing the engine to
speed up. Also, damage to your transmitter may occur.
󾾙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.
󾾛Do not grasp the transmitter's antenna during ight. Doing so may degrade the quality of the radio
frequency transmission.
󾾙As with all radio frequency transmissions, the strongest area of signal transmission is from the sides of the
transmitter's antenna. As such, the antenna should not be pointed directly at the model. If your ying style
creates this situation, easily move the antenna to correct this situation.
󾾛Don’t y in the rain! Water or moisture may enter the transmitter through the antenna or stick openings
and cause erratic operation or loss of control. If you must y in wet weather during a contest, be sure to
cover your transmitter with a plastic bag or waterproof barrier. Never y if lightning is expected.

10 <Before Use>
BEFORE USE
Features
FASST-2.4GHz system
The T8FGS transmitter is capable of transmitting in both FASST-2.4G 7-ch and Multi-ch modes. Select
the desired modulation mode in the Frequency Menu. For complete details on how to do so, please refer to
the Frequency Selection section located elsewhere in this manual. The compatibility is dependent upon the
receiver selected. The R6208SB receiver is capable of controlling models up to 8(eight) channels by using
the outputs for conventional system and up to 14(fourteen) channels including the 2(two) digital channels
by using the output for S.BUS system. R6208SB has two (2) operation mode as shown below.
Receiver: Normal mode/High Speed mode
The "Normal mode" accepts any type of servos or the peripherals as the frame rate of the output is 14ms.
The "High Speed mode" only accepts the digital servos for outputs from 1ch to 6ch. This includes the BLS
series, and most peripheral equipment such as gyros and brushless ESCs. The frame rate of the outputs is
7ms. The outputs for other channels indicated allow the use of any type of servos as the frame rate of these
outputs are still 14ms on the High Speed mode.
FASST-2.4GHz system 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 at 7-ch mode)-F/S, Battery F/S
• Dual antenna diversity (R6208SB)
• Normal mode or High Speed mode is selectable (R6208SB)
T8FGS-2.4GHz system and receiver compatibility
Transmitter
Receiver
R606FS
R6004FF, R616FFM,
R6106HF/HFC
R607FS, R617FS
R608FS, R6208SB,
R6108SB
R6014FS/HS
R6203SB,R6203SBE,R6303SB,R6303SBE(*)
T8FGS 2.4G System
Multi-ch mode (MLT2/MULT) — — Okay
7-ch mode Okay Okay —
Model types
Six swash types are available for helicopters. Six types of main wings and three 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.
Data input
Large graphic LCD and new type Touch Sensor substantially improve ease of setup.
Stick
New stick design with improved feel, adjustable length and tension.
Ni-MH battery
T8FGS is operated by a 7.2 V/1,700 mAh Nickel-Metal Hydride battery.
SD card (Secure Digital memory card) (Not included)
Model data can be saved to an SD card (32MB-2GB). When T8FGS transmitter software files are
released, the software can be updated by using an SD card update.
(*)Since these receivers have few ports, S.BUS is used for them when using many channels.