FUTABA R608FS User Manual

How to Get the Best Performance from Your Futaba ® 2.4GHz
FASST™ Aircraft Receivers
Every R/C pilot learns by experience what methods work well for installing and
maintaining radio equipment. At the same time, we also want our aircraft to have the
advantage of up-to-the-minute technology...which means that every now and then, we
must master some new techniques.
Spread spectrum radio technology offers the perfect example. When Futaba
introduced 2.4GHz FASST radio equipment, R/C hobbyists quickly jumped to the front
of electronic technology’s cutting edge. Not surprisingly, those new, state-of-the-art
2.4GHz receivers have significant differences compared to old 72MHz units. So it’s time
to change a few old habits.
Below are some recommendations for updating the way you install and maintain radio
gear. Make them a part of your routine, and you’ll enjoy the best performance from your
2.4GHz FASST radio gear.
1. Don’t wrap your FASST receiver in foam.
Protecting your receiver from vibration by wrapping it in foam used to be a “must”.
Not so with 2.4GHz FASST receivers. Unlike 72MHz equipment, they’re not as
vulnerable to vibration. Using less foam lets them operate cooler — which is a plus for
all electronics.
Tip: To keep the receiver cooler use small foam blocks (like standoffs) so that there is
an air channel around the receiver.
2. Shade your model from sunlight when not flying.
Clear canopies expose the radio compartment to direct sunlight which results in
additional heat in the model interior. This causes no problems during flight, but makes
shading your model on the ground very important. Cover the canopy with a white towel;
or better yet, park your airplanes in the shade. This will help keep the electronic
components cool.
Tip: It is important to note that lighter covering colors will absorb less heat whereas
darker colors will absorb more heat.
3. Mount your FASST receiver away from heat sources.
We had to avoid mounting 72MHz receivers near anything that might produce RF
noise. That’s not as much of a concern with 2.4GHz FASST receivers — you should
instead make sure that you’re mounting the unit in the coolest part of the radio
compartment.
Stay away from the muffler exhaust, battery packs, regulators or any other heat
source. We also recommend that you use the receiver’s long, narrow side as its base

FUTABA R608FS Specifications

General

Channels	8
Modulation	FASST
Frequency	2.4 GHz
Voltage Range	4.8V-6.0V
Compatibility	FASST transmitters
Type	2.4GHz FASST
Weight	9 g

Summary

Receiver Performance and Installation Tips

Avoid Wrapping Receiver in Foam

2.4GHz FASST receivers are less vulnerable to vibration; avoid foam to aid cooling.

Shading Models from Sunlight

Protect models from direct sunlight on the ground to keep electronic components cool.

Mounting Receiver Away from Heat

Install FASST receivers in the coolest part of the radio compartment, away from heat sources.

System Features and Operational Procedures

Battery Failsafe (F/S) Function

The system includes a failsafe function that moves the throttle to a pre-determined position when airborne voltage drops.

Performing a Radio Range Check

Essential procedure to ensure radio link functionality by reducing transmitter power and testing control response.

System Compatibility Overview

Details the compatibility between different FASST transmitter modules and receivers.

Key System Features

Highlights 2.4GHz spread spectrum, exclusive ID codes, failsafe, and dual antenna diversity.

Installing the TM-8 Module and R608FS Receiver

Attaching the Transmitter Module

Step-by-step guide for removing the old module and installing the new TM-8 module.

Receiver Antenna Placement

Ensure receiver antennas are positioned apart at maximum angles for optimal reception.

De-activating the F/S (Failsafe)

Procedure for de-activating the failsafe function by setting the transmitter to a low throttle position.

Re-Arming the F/S (Failsafe)

F/S Setting Procedure

Instructions on how to set the failsafe function using the transmitter's F/S, Range switch.

Area Select Switch

Details the function of the Area Select switch for system operation.

Operation of the TM-8

Guidance on operating the TM-8 transmitter module, including LED indicators.