FUTABA T7CAP RADIO

Model Airplane News, Aug 2004 by Bell, Rick

It's loaded, and it's affordable!

Futaba really struct a chord modelers everywhere when it intro-duced the very popular 9C radio system a couple of years ago. It's a low-cost, powerful computer radio that's easy to program, and with Futaba's reputation for reliability, how could it not be a winner?

Futaba realized that some modelers don't need all the features of the 9C, so it developed the new T7CAP/7CHP 7-channel computerized radio system. This radio follows the same basic formula as the 9C; it offers many of the same distinctive elements as its older brother but at a lower cost. I have used most of the radios in the Futaba line and found the 7C verstile and easy to use. Let's take a tour to see what this radio will do.

THE BASICS

The T7CAP (7C) is Futaba's newest-generation multifunction, 7-charinel sys- tern, and it's a big step up from the 6XS 6-channel radio. The 7C has selectable programming for airplanes and heli- copters, but it doesn't support gliderspecific programming. Futaba notes that most glider functions are overlapped in the airplane programming, and a mix can be set up to establish the desired function.

Two transmitter types are available: one designed for airplanes, the other for helicopters. Both transmitters have the same software, but Futaba strategically placed the switches for each model type. One unique feature of the 7C is the ability to change to one of four modes (Mode 1, 2, 3, or 4). By holding down the Mode and End buttons as you turn on the transmitter, a screen that reads "STK-MD" appears; then, rotate the "Dial 'n Key" until the desired mode shows. Turn off the transmitter, and the new mode is active. Note that this does not change the throttle ratchet, which is a mechanical change; you must send the transmitter to a service center to accomplish this.

The 7C has a 10-model memory, and unlike the 9C, there is no CAMPac capability to expand the memory. Frankly, having memory for 10 models is more than enough for most modelers. The transmitter case is made of molded plastic, and the back of the case has raised grips for your fingers to wrap around. There is also a molded-in carrying handle. On the face of the transmitter, there are three switches and a rotary knob; the top of the transmitter has three more switches. They're arranged much like those on other Futaba radios, and all are within easy reach and labeled A, B, C, etc. The control sticks have adjustable lengths and sharp serrated tops, so your thumbs stay firmly seated. The sticks' tension can also be altered to suit the feel you prefer; the manual shows you how to remove the back of the transmitter to make those adjustments.

When you turn on the radio, the homescreen display shows a lot of information. Across the top is the model number, a picture of an airplane or a helicopter (to indicate the program selected) and the model's name. The second line shows a timer that can be set to count up or down. The final line of information contains transmitter voltage and the total time the transmitter has been active. Modulation (PPM/PCM) lies directly below, and the screen is outlined with the positions of the digital trims. I think that Futaba has put just the right amount of information in an easy-to-read format.

INPUT FUNCTIONS

The logic behind the data input is well thought out, and it's easy to find your way around. As is typical for most computer radios, there are two programming menus: basic and advanced. To enter the basic menu after the radio has been turned on, press the Mode/Page button, and the first of three screens will appear. From here, rotate the program dial to quickly scroll to the function you want, or use the Cursor Select button to change screens. When you find the function you want to work with, rotate the dial to place the cursor next to it, and press the dial to enter that function. It's very much like using a mouse on a PC. The advanced menu is accessed through the basic menu by pressing the Mode/Page button; the advanced menu also contains three screens. Scrolling through its screens and accessing the functions works the same way as the basic menu. Pressing the End button at any time will return you to the previous screen and back to the home-screen.

Here's a rundown of the 7C's programming:

BASIC MENU FUNCTIONS

* Model select (MODEL). This includes the sub menu for selecting the model (1 through 10), copying programs and naming the model. For the model name, you can use up to six characters: upperand lower-case letters and symbols.

* Dual rates and exponential (D/R, EXP). Allows you to set the rates on channels 1 through 4 and select which switch you want to use.

* Endpoint (E.POINT). This is where each channel's travel can be adjusted and each direction can be set independently.

* Subtrim (SUB-TRIM). Available for all channels.

* Servo-reverse (REVERSE). Available for all channels.

* Trim rate (TRIM). Because the 7C uses digital trims, you can set the rate at which the trim lever reacts (small or large steps). In HELI mode, offset is available in the idle ups. If offset is inhibited, the trim levers will adjust the trims for all flight conditions (idle ups). If offset is active, then the trim lever will affect only the flight condition that's active.