Futaba.uk is operated by J Perkins, the official UK and Ireland Futaba distributor.

J. Perkins, established 1975, is based in Kent, UK

FASST - FHSS - S-FHSS - T-FHSS - FASSTest - F-4G

Transmission Protocols

Futaba has been the leading innovator in radio control technology for decades, with a strong focus on the development of advanced transmission protocols to meet the evolving needs of the RC enthusiast. Futaba’s roots in industrial business laid the foundation for its expertise in 2.4GHz technology, which is found at the forefront of its radio control systems.

As technology has advanced, Futaba has continuously refined and introduced new transmission protocols to enhance the performance, reliability and functionality of its RC systems. These protocols have been specifically tailored for differing RC applications, including Air (such as aeroplane and helicopter) and Surface (such as car and boat) products.

The evolution of Futaba protocols has seen the development of various systems, from the original FASST (Futaba Advanced Spread Spectrum Technology) protocol, which provided reliable and interference-resistant radio communication, to more advanced protocols such as FASSTest (Futaba Advanced Spread Spectrum Technology Extended System), T-FHSS (Futaba T-FHSS Protocol), and S-FHSS (Futaba S-FHSS Protocol). Each offers unique features and capabilities optimised to exceed user requirements.

  • Surface Protocols

  • Air Protocols

  • FASST

    • "Futaba Advanced Spread Spectrum Technology"
    • Original 2.4GHz surface protocol
  • FASST

    • "Futaba Advanced Spread Spectrum Technology"
    • Original 2.4GHz air protocol
    • Two mode selections: FASST-7 or FASST-MULTI

    FASST-7 - 7 PWM channels

    FASST-MULTI - 18 PWM channels (16+2)

  • FHSS

    • 1st generation frequency hopping spread spectrum surface protocol
    • up to 4 PWM channels
    • No telemetry
  • S-FHSS [Surface]

    • Second generation surface protocol
    • up to 8 PWM channels
    • No telemetry
    • High speed mode for digital servos
    • Normal mode for analogue servos
  • S-FHSS [Air]

    • Second generation
    • up to 8 PWM channels
    • up to 8 S.BUS channels
    • No telemetry
  • T-FHSS [Surface]

    • Third generation surface protocol
    • up to 4 PWM channels
    • Telemetry
    • Model ID
    • High speed mode for digital servos
    • Normal mode for analogue servos
  • T-FHSS [Air]

    • Third generation air protocol
    • up to 14 PWM channels (12 proportional + 2 toggle)
    • up to 18 S.BUS channels (16 proportional + 2 toggle)
    • Telemetry
    • Model ID
    • Range similar to FASSTest
  • T-FHSS SR

    • SR = Super Response
    • Surface protocol
    • up to 4 PWM channels
    • 2.5x faster than T-FHSS
    • No Telemetry
    • Model ID
  • T-FHSS Mono

    • Third generation air protocol
    • Like T-FHSS [Air] but no telemetry
    • up to 6 PWM channels
    • Range similar to FASSTest
  • F-4G

    • Fourth generation surface protocol
    • up to 4 PWM channels
    • up to 10 S.BUS channels
    • Telemetry
    • Model ID
    • 2x faster than T-FHSS SR
    • 5x faster than T-FHSS
    • Optimised for Ultra Response (UR) servos
  • FASSTest

    • "Futaba Advanced Spread Spectrum Technology Extended System Telemetry"
    • Next generation FASST air protocol
    • Combines Direct Sequence (DSSS) and Frequency Hopping (FHSS)
    • Telemetry
    • Transmitter ID
    • Model ID
    • up to 40 PWM channels (Using 2 x MPDX-1 decoders)
    • 3 mode selections: FASSTest26 or FASSTest18 or FASSTest12

    FASSTest26 - up to 26 channels (24 proportional + 2 toggle)

    FASSTest18 - up to 18 channel (16 proportional + 2 toggle)

    FASSTest12 - up to 12 channels (10 proportional + 2 toggle) + faster response - only receiver voltage telemetry

Glossary

FASST

FASST is Futaba's inaugural 2.4GHz system, uniquely designed for RC systems. It incorporates industrial-class spread spectrum processing ICs and establishes a secure 2.4GHz link in crowded radio environments using a Hybrid Spread Spectrum system. This sets it apart from competitors who struggle to maintain stable RF links.

S-FHSS [Air]

Second Generation Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum

S-FHSS is a simplified version of the FHSS protocol developed by Futaba for use in entry-level and mid-range RC models. This allows for up to 8 channels, S-FHSS offers reliable radio communication with fast response times and good range. S-FHSS receivers are compatible with select Futaba transmitters equipped with S-FHSS technology.

S-FHSS [Surface]

Second Generation Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum

S-FHSS is a simplified version of the FHSS protocol developed by Futaba for use in entry-level and mid-range RC models. This allows for up to 8 channels, S-FHSS offers reliable radio communication with fast response times and good range. S-FHSS receivers are compatible with select Futaba transmitters equipped with S-FHSS technology.

T-FHSS [Air]

T is for "Third"

T-FHSS is next generation system of S-FHSS that employed the telemetry communication.

Practical performance such as effective radio range is comparable to FASSTest, and you can enjoy flights using telemetry sensors with peace of mind.

However, it does not have the 12-channel mode that FASSTest is equipped with, so it is a reasonably priced system for those who do not need that much functionality.

T-FHSS SR [Surface]

T is for "Third"

This mode is a car system with faster response than normal (T-FHSS) mode and controls of up to 4 channels. To minimise the latency this mode does not have telemetry. You can select ON/OFF of SR mode for each CH port of the receiver. Also, when SR mode is ON, please use a servo that supports SR mode. When SR mode is OFF, it is digital servo-only mode.

F-4G

Futaba's F-4G mode is recognized as the fastest response setting in their car system.

The critical factor in enhancing response speed involves accelerating the cycle at which information about steering, throttle, and other radio control actions is sent to the receiver. To address this, Futaba's 2.4GHz system for cars has progressed from the FASST series C1 and C2 to variations of the FHSS series, culminating in the T-FHSS SR mode. However, Futaba aimed to further improve response times by reevaluating the signal processing method from the ground up, successfully developing a new system named "F-4G."

F-4G delivers approximately twice the response speed of the T-FHSS SR mode. This improvement sharpens the sensation of "on the rail" driving, where, in high-speed races, the travel distance while maneuvering is halved compared to the previous system, greatly enhancing the precision of following the desired path.

Moreover, the F-4G compatible receiver utilizes a diversity system with two antenna setups to significantly reduce the chance of reception interference. The selection algorithm for these antennas has been optimized specifically for automotive environments to ensure optimal signal reception under the dynamic conditions encountered while driving. This maximizes the performance of the F-4G system. The full potential of F-4G is also unleashed when used with servos that support "UR (Ultra Response) mode."

Futaba has effectively halved the time required for signal transmission, further refining the sense of precise control.

By shortening the transmission cycle and employing the diversity system, a faster and more reliable response is guaranteed. Unlike the previous fastest mode, T-FHSS SR, which did not support telemetry, F-4G includes this feature.

The receiver's 1-4 channel ports are individually configurable for analog, digital, SR mode, or UR mode settings. Additionally, it supports control of up to 10 channels, the maximum for a car controller.

Model ID

The Model ID function serves as a safety feature that prevents the receiver from responding if model data with settings that do not match the aircraft is mistakenly selected.

Tx ID

Each transmitter, also referred to as a radio, is assigned a unique ID code at the manufacturing stage, and the receiver can memorize this ID code through a "link operation." As a result, the receiver accepts signals only from the linked transmitter, effectively preventing interference issues between RC models at the same flying field. This setup eliminates the need for traditional frequency management methods like "frequency pins," enhancing operational reliability. This technology is equipped in all Futaba 2.4GHz transmitters, ensuring that there are no glitches or signal overlaps when multiple RC models are operated in the same area.

Diversity Antenna

Dual receiving antennas contribute to keeping the best-receiving capability under various situations like wiring shading, the reflection of radio waves, etc.

Selected Air Radios

A table comparing the facets of 5 products
Facet
6K 8-Channel Air Radio with R3008SB Rx, Mode 2
View details
10J 10-Channel Air Radio with R3008SB Rx, Mode 1
View details
12K 14-Channel Air Radio with R3008SB Rx, Mode 1
View details
T16IZ Super 18-Channel Air Radio with R7208SB Rx, Multi-mode
View details
32MZ-WC 26-Channel Air Radio with R7214SB Rx, Multi-mode
View details
Price
Price
£20999
£32499
£45999
£68999
£2,69999
Channels
Channels
8
10
14
18
26
Protocols
Protocols
T-FHSS [Air], S-FHSS [Air]
T-FHSS [Air], S-FHSS [Air]
T-FHSS [Air], S-FHSS [Air]
FASSTest, T-FHSS [Air], S-FHSS [Air]
FASST, FASSTest, T-FHSS [Air], S-FHSS [Air]
At a Glance
At a Glance
This advanced 8 channel radio is perfect for flying, boating or use with scale vehicles, and includes features never before offered in this level of radio, including 30 model memory, telemetry, servo programming, etc, etc (Mode 2 - throttle left). Includes R3008SB 8/18-channel T-FHSS receiver.
10-channel radio includes everything needed in a mid range system and utilises S-FHSS & T-FHSS transmission modes, offering telemetry, pre-programmed and free mixing, 30 model memoryand more. (Mode 1 - throttle right). Includes R3008SB 8/18-channel T-FHSS receiver.
Offering an amazing 14 channels, the 12K transmits on S-FHSS and T-FHSS modes, has a large, backlit LCD screen, 30 model memories (expandable), S.BUS and servo programming etc. (Mode 1 - throttle right). Includes R3008SB 8/18-channel T-FHSS receiver.
Mid range 18-channel air radio offers everything that intermediate and advanced pilots are ever likely to need, including flight conditions, S-FHSS, T-FHSS and FASSTest transmission modes, with easy programming via a large, full colour touchscreen display. (Multi-mode). Includes R7208SB 8/26-channel FASSTest receiver plus 2000mAh LiFe Tx battery.
Celebrating Futaba's 2023 FAI F3A & F3C World Championship wins, this new commemorative high-end air radio has been treated to a premium, gun metal case, new FASSTest 26ch transmission protocol and new software with additional features, as well as S-FHSS, T-FHSS, FASST and FASSTest 18-channel modes. (Multi-mode). Includes R7214SB 14/26ch FASSTest receiver plus 6600mAh LiPo Tx battery.