Futaba 4PL Setup, Tips, Tricks & Help

[Harley]

Originally Posted by messiah1

Can anyone explain why you'd want to do what this guy did with his mix? Don't need a 4pk!!! - YouTube

Some people have done that on their 4PK's (although it is much simpler), however I still have not seen it used a single time in a major competition. It's still a reverse penalty and is a complicated situation.

Overall I don't see the point of programming it. But that's why it's his video and not mine.

[Wicked Monkey]

Originally Posted by Harley

Some people have done that on their 4PK's (although it is much simpler), however I still have not seen it used a single time in a major competition. It's still a reverse penalty and is a complicated situation.

Overall I don't see the point of programming it. But that's why it's his video and not mine.

But what would be the need to have your truck do that? Is it for downhilling?

[Harley]

Originally Posted by messiah1

But what would be the need to have your truck do that? Is it for downhilling?

Ahhh, sorry I misunderstood the questions.

In the right application you can almost pivot your truck where it sits.

[Wicked Monkey]

Originally Posted by Harley

Ahhh, sorry I misunderstood the questions.

In the right application you can almost pivot your truck where it sits.

I see. Probably need some pretty smooth rock or concrete to do that. Thanks for the answers Harley!

[YJ_Driver]

Originally Posted by 808DA6

Has anybody done the momentary toggle yet? I'm looking to do this for my winch. The static 3-way makes it difficult to be real precise.

-Brian

I had a somewhat quick look at using SW2 for this, but it wouldn't be simple. I found the SW2 switch datasheet (I don't have the info on hand though) and when in the center position it applies the common signal to a third pin. I haven't verified that the 4PL uses this center signal but it would make sense that they do. If someone finds a momentary toggle that can do this then it would work.

Another option is to replace the dial pot with a SPDT toggle with resistors.

I also looked at using one of the thumb operated DTs to replace SW2 or the dial which would be my preference, but because the DTs are two buttons on PCBs it just complicates things.

Maybe e-mails to Futaba from several owners could convince them to add this feature to a f/w upgrade?

[5p3ktrum]

Sorry if this has been brought up but is anyone running LiPo in a 4pl? If so is a 2s 1550mah suitable?

[Charlie-III]

Originally Posted by 5p3ktrum

Sorry if this has been brought up but is anyone running LiPo in a 4pl? If so is a 2s 1550mah suitable?

Doing a "search this thread" and typing in "LiPO" states..... "Don't use LiPO in the TX......" ....."Search for 4PK LiFE pack when shopping".

[Wicked Monkey]

Originally Posted by 5p3ktrum

Sorry if this has been brought up but is anyone running LiPo in a 4pl? If so is a 2s 1550mah suitable?

*edit: Already answered. The 1900 mAh LiFE pack is around $35 at Tower Hobbies. http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXZTJ6&P=M

[Stregone]

I skipped the overpriced packs and went with this. So cheap I bought a couple of 'em.

[ohh EPiC FAiL]

Originally Posted by Stregone

I skipped the overpriced packs and went with this. So cheap I bought a couple of 'em.

can you post a pic of the fitment of these packs if/when you have them? i've been thinking about getting a life pack for my 4pl but haven't decided what one to go with, and the price of these is appealing.

[Stregone]

Originally Posted by ohh EPiC FAiL

can you post a pic of the fitment of these packs if/when you have them? i've been thinking about getting a life pack for my 4pl but haven't decided what one to go with, and the price of these is appealing.

There's a ton of room. It might almost be possible to fit two.

[Wicked Monkey]

Originally Posted by Stregone

There's a ton of room. It might almost be possible to fit two.

I'm pretty sure it won't fit two. If nobody has done it by the time I get home, I'll take a picture of mine.

[Spidubic]

Finally decided to splurge and get myself a 4PL. So far I love it! So many options and ways to tweak settings. Been following this thread for ideas.

[RickM]

Ok folks. I am now stumped, and could use a little help. I have a 4pl and am running a moa setup with dual mamba micro's. I have only my info lead going into my rx and my servo is running off my bec. Only one of my dual esc's is powering my RX. Tonight While trying to dial in my better laid out smash setup, I plugged everything in and my servo started freaking out. I pulled the non powered esc and started working with just my power source and my servo info lead. When I power up with ecs in channel 2 and my servo lead in power 1, I get this glitch. When I then power only the servo and plug the esc into the B channel it is smooth as butter. What am I doing wrong? Below is a pic of my smash.

[Harley]

Originally Posted by RickM

Ok folks. I am now stumped, and could use a little help. I have a 4pl and am running a moa setup with dual mamba micro's. I have only my info lead going into my rx and my servo is running off my bec. Only one of my dual esc's is powering my RX. Tonight While trying to dial in my better laid out smash setup, I plugged everything in and my servo started freaking out. I pulled the non powered esc and started working with just my power source and my servo info lead. When I power up with ecs in channel 2 and my servo lead in power 1, I get this glitch. When I then power only the servo and plug the esc into the B channel it is smooth as butter. What am I doing wrong? Below is a pic of my smash.

The problem does not sound like a radio issue, sounds like your wiring. I would hook up a ground to everything as well. It gets more clustered but doesn't sound like you have great conections right now.

Powering everything through the RX is cleaner and easier and really keeps these issues from happening most the time.

[RickM]

I actually have 2 recievers and tried it on both and the same things happened so your right. By wiring, I checked all the power wiring to and from my bec and it all looks good. I guess the power wiring could be weak around the esc thus causing a rough connection. Anyway I will get on it tomorrow. Thanks for the feadback.

[Harley]

I would look at the ground more than anything else.

[RickM]

Will do. I am not entirely sure I know what that means but what I do know is I will look at every black wire between the battery to esc to RX.

[Charlie-III]

Originally Posted by Harley

I would look at the ground more than anything else.

Originally Posted by RickM

Will do. I am not entirely sure I know what that means but what I do know is I will look at every black wire between the battery to esc to RX.

Some set-ups want a ground from the servo to the RX as well as the signal wire (you call it the "info wire".) So, BEC output red & black to the servo, servo black & signal to the RX (you will need to add another servo ground wire).

[CREEPERBOB]

Agree with Charlie, I just finished wiring up my rig and I always run the black wire with the signal wire (something I got used to using Spektrum equipment.
I just use a servo "Y" and take the red wire out of the RX end plug, that way you don't have to cut or damage the servo plug, ESC plug or BEC plug and are still able to make programing adjustments etc. much easier.