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FUTABA R204GF-E - User Manual

FUTABA R204GF-E
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Compliance Information Statement
(for U.S.A.)
This device, trade name Futaba Corporation of America, model number R204GF-E, complies with part15 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 undesiredoperation.
The responsible party of this device compliance is:
Futaba Service Center
3002 N Apollo Drive Suite 1, Champaign, IL 61822 U.S.A.
TEL (217)398-8970 or E-mail: support@futaba-rc.com (Support)
FUTABA CORPORATION
1080 Yabutsuka, Chosei-mura, Chosei-gun, Chiba-ken, 299-4395, Japan
Phone: +81 475 32 6982, Facsimile: +81 475 32 6983
©FUTABA CORPORATION 2011, 11 (1)
R204GF-E Specifications:
(
S-FHSS/FHSS
system, 4-channel receiver)
s2ECEIVINGON'(ZBAND
s3YSTEM
S-FHSS/FHSS
SYSTEMAUTODETECTION
At
S-FHSS
.ORMAL(IGHSPEEDMODEAUTODETECTION
s

2ECEIVING2ANGEMFTATTHEBESTCONDITIONS
s
/PERATINGVOLTAGE4YP66
SHAREDWITHSERVO
s &3AND"ATTERY&3FUNCTION4HEOPERATIONCHANNELSDIFFERACCORDINGTOTHETRANSMITTERUSED(OWEVER"ATTERY
&3DOESNgTFUNCTIONWHENITISUSEDWITH&(33AND&3BECOMESONLY#(
s "ATTERY&3VOLTAGE6
s#URRENTDRAINM!ATNOSIGNAL
s3IZEXXvXXMM
s7EIGHTOZG
*
The Battery F/S voltage is set for 4-cell NiCd/NiMH battery. Battery F/S function doesn't work
properly when other type battery is used.
󾾝
WARNING
NEVERUSEDRYBATTERIESFORTHE
POWERSUPPLYOFTHER204GF-E as
THEYMAYCAUSEDIFlCULTIES
NEVER use the R204GF-EIN'0
CARS
Link Procedure
Each transmitter has an individually assigned,
unique ID code. In order to start operation, the
receiver must be linked with the ID code of the
transmitter with which it is being paired. Once the
link is made, the ID code is stored in the receiver
and no further linking is necessary unless the
receiver is to be used with another transmitter.
1
0LACETHETRANSMITTERANDTHERECEIVERCLOSE
TOEACHOTHERWITHINHALFMETER
2
4URNONTHETRANSMITTERANDTHERECEIVER
3
0USHANDHOLDTHE,INKSWITCHONTHE
RECEIVER
4
7HENTHELINKISCOMPLETETHE,%$ONTHE
RECEIVERCHANGESTOSOLIDGREEN
0LEASEREFER TO THE TABLE BELOW FOR,%$ STATUS
ANDRECEIVERCONDITION
.OSIGNALRECEPTION ,%$/FF
2ECEIVINGSIGNALS ,%$/N
2ECEIVINGSIGNALSBUT)$
ISUNMATCHED
,%$"LINK
0OWER/NWHEN&3
SETSIT
,%$%ARLY
"LINKTHElRST
ONESECOND
)FTHERE ARE MANY
S-FHSS/FHSS
SYSTEMS TURNED
ONAROUNDYOURRECEIVERITMIGHTNOTLINKTOYOUR
TRANSMITTER )NTHISCASE EVEN IFTHERECEIVERS
,%$STAYSSOLIDGREENUNFORTUNATELYTHE
RECEIVERMIGHTHAVEESTABLISHEDALINKTOONEOF
THE OTHER TRANSMITTERS 4HIS IS VERY DANGEROUS
IFYOU DONOT NOTICE THIS SITUATION )N ORDER TO
AVOIDTHEPROBLEMWESTRONGLYRECOMMEND
YOU TODOUBLECHECKWHETHERYOUR RECEIVER IS
CONTROLLED BY YOUR TRANSMITTER BYGIVING THROTTLE
INPUTETCANDTHENCHECKINGSERVORESPONSE
󾾝
WARNING
!FTERTHELINKINGISDONEPLEASECYCLE
RECEIVERPOWERANDCHECKIFTHERECEIVER
TOBELINKEDISREALLYUNDERTHECONTROLBYTHE
TRANSMITTERTOBELINKED
$ONOTPERFORMTHELINKINGPROCEDURE
WITHMOTORgSMAINWIRECONNECTEDOR
WITHTHEENGINEOPERATINGASITMAYRESULTIN
SERIOUSINJURY
Link switchLED
Ch4 output/Battery terminal (B)
Ch output (1 to 3)
Operating Precautions:
Once the
R204GF-E
DETECTSTHE
S-FHSS
NORMALMODE
S-FHSS
HIGH
SPEEDMODEOR
FHSS
MODETHE
DETECTEDMODEISLOCKEDASLONG
ASTHEPOWERIS/.7HENNEED
TOCHANGETHEMODEPLEASE CYCLE
POWER
Note:
The R204GF-E is compatible with the S-FHSS or FHSS
system transmitters .
*Futaba S-FHSS/FHSS system does not work with current Futaba FASST system.
Usage condition on "High Speed mode"
󾾝
CAUTION
7HENUSINGTHEHIGHSPEEDMODEUSEA&UTABA
DIGITALSERVOINCLUDINGBRUSHLESSSERVO!NALOG
SERVOSCANNOTBEUSED
s4HEUSEOFANALOGSERVOSMAYCAUSESERVOTROUBLE
1M23N17446
S-FHSS/FHSS-2.4GHz
system
(Auto Detection),
For EP Car models
Built-in antenna
4-channel receiver
Thank you for purchasing the
R204GF-E
receiver.
The
R204GF-E
is designed for use with the Futaba
S-FHSS
or
FHSS
system transmitter. The
S-FHSS
system has two(2) operation mode as shown below.
s.ORMALMODE(IGH3PEEDMODE
The "Normal mode" accepts any type of servos or the
peripherals as the frame rate of the output is 13.6ms.
The "High Speed mode" only accepts the digital
servos, including BLS series, and most peripheral
equipments such as the brushless ESCs. The frame
rate of the outputs is 6.8ms. However, there is a
transmitter that cannot correspond, too.
Please pay special attention to the information
contained within this manual and transmitter's manual
LQRUGHUWRKDYHDSOHDVDQWUXQQLQJÀ\LQJH[SHULHQFH
s"UILTINANTENNA
The
R204GF-E
receiver is designed to be used only
for EP Car models. Due to the special design of the
R204GF-E
, we cannot recommend its use in other
types of models (gas poweredmodels.)
s4HE2'&%ISCOMPATIBLEWITHTHE
S-FHSS or FHSS system transmitters.
R204GF-E
Question and Answer IconNeed help?

Do you have a question about the FUTABA R204GF-E and is the answer not in the manual?

Overview

The Futaba R204GF-E is a 4-channel receiver designed for use with Futaba S-FHSS or FHSS 2.4GHz system transmitters, specifically for EP (Electric Powered) Car models. It features auto-detection for the S-FHSS/FHSS system and includes a built-in antenna.

Function Description

The R204GF-E receiver operates on the 2.4GHz band and is designed to establish a secure link with a compatible Futaba transmitter. Each transmitter has a unique ID code, and during the linking process, this ID code is stored in the receiver. Once linked, the receiver will only respond to that specific transmitter, ensuring reliable control. This linking process involves placing the transmitter and receiver close to each other (within 0.5 meters), turning both on, and then pushing and holding the Link switch on the receiver until the LED on the receiver changes to solid green, indicating a successful link.

The receiver supports two operational modes: "Normal mode" and "High Speed mode." In "Normal mode," the receiver is compatible with any type of servos or peripheral equipment, with a frame rate output of 13.6ms. This offers broad compatibility for various setups. The "High Speed mode," on the other hand, is designed for digital servos, including the BLS series, and most brushless ESCs (Electronic Speed Controllers). In this mode, the frame rate output is significantly faster at 6.8ms, providing quicker response times for high-performance applications. It's important to note that some transmitters may not be compatible with the "High Speed mode."

A key feature of the R204GF-E is its auto-detection capability for the S-FHSS/FHSS system. Once the receiver detects either S-FHSS normal mode, S-FHSS high speed mode, or FHSS mode, the detected mode is locked as long as the power is ON. If there is a need to change the operating mode, the receiver's power must be cycled.

The receiver includes a Battery F/S (Fail Safe) function, which is designed to provide a safety measure in case of low battery voltage. The operation channels for the F/S function may differ depending on the transmitter used. When operating with FHSS, the Battery F/S function becomes active only on CH2.

Usage Features

The R204GF-E is specifically designed for EP Car models. Due to its specialized design, its use in other types of models, such as gas-powered models, is not recommended.

When operating in "High Speed mode," it is crucial to use Futaba digital servos, including brushless servos. Analog servos are not compatible with this mode, and their use may lead to servo trouble.

The receiver provides visual feedback through an LED indicator to communicate its status. An "Off" LED signifies no signal reception, while a solid "On" LED indicates that signals are being received. If the LED blinks, it means that signals are being received, but the ID is unmatched, suggesting a potential linking issue or interference. When the Power On/Fail Safe (F/S) function sets, the LED will blink early for the first second.

For optimal performance and safety, it is recommended to place the transmitter and receiver close to each other during the linking procedure. After linking, it is essential to cycle the receiver power and verify that the receiver is indeed under the control of the intended transmitter by checking servo response to throttle input and other controls. This step is critical to prevent accidental linking to another S-FHSS/FHSS system, which could lead to dangerous situations.

Maintenance Features

While the manual does not explicitly detail maintenance features, it provides important warnings and precautions that contribute to the longevity and safe operation of the device.

Warnings:

  • Power Supply: It is explicitly stated that dry batteries should never be used for the power supply of the R204GF-E, as this may cause difficulties. This implies that a stable and appropriate power source, such as a dedicated receiver battery pack (e.g., NiCd/NiMH), or an ESC with a BEC (Battery Eliminator Circuit) providing the correct voltage, should be used.
  • Vehicle Type: The R204GF-E should never be used in GP (Gas Powered) cars. This restriction is likely due to the receiver's design being optimized for the electrical noise and vibration characteristics of EP cars, and using it in a gas-powered environment could lead to malfunctions or damage.
  • Linking Procedure Safety: A critical warning advises against performing the linking procedure with the motor's main wire connected or with the engine operating. This is a significant safety measure, as unintended motor or engine activation during linking could result in serious injury.
  • Battery F/S Function: The Battery F/S voltage is specifically set for 4-cell NiCd/NiMH batteries. If other types of batteries are used, the Battery F/S function may not work properly. This highlights the importance of using compatible battery types to ensure the safety features function as intended.

Operating Precautions:

  • Mode Change: To change the operating mode (Normal or High Speed) after it has been locked, the receiver's power must be cycled. This indicates that the mode is persistent during a single power cycle but can be reset by turning the receiver off and on again.
  • Interference Check: In environments with multiple S-FHSS/FHSS systems, there is a risk of linking to an unintended transmitter. Even if the receiver's LED shows a solid green (indicating a link), it is crucial to double-check control by providing throttle input and observing servo response. This proactive check helps prevent dangerous situations arising from incorrect linking.

By adhering to these usage guidelines and warnings, users can ensure the safe and reliable operation of their R204GF-E receiver and maintain its performance over time.

FUTABA R204GF-E Specifications

General IconGeneral
Battery voltage3.8 V
Quantity per pack1 pc(s)
Voltage4 - 7.4 V
TypeRadio-Controlled (RC) Model Parts
Product typeReceiver
Product colorBlack
Number of output channels4
Maximum operating distance70 m
Weight and Dimensions IconWeight and Dimensions
Depth23.2 mm
Width35.1 mm
Height9 mm
Weight6 g

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