Futaba 4PL Setup, Tips, Tricks & Help

[Harley]

Originally Posted by Jacksprogis

Ok , I bet this has been covered but heres my problem :
I have a Xr10 with a punk dig , I hate sw2 for dig tho , Really easy to miss the middle of the switch .
I would like either dt2 or dt4 to be dig .
The main thing is they aren't switches , They're proportional and take for ever to activate dig . How can i make them front dig , Middle and back with 3 clicks ?
Help please

Hope it was clear enough , Jack .

The first post has instructions on how to program a 3 position switch. Check it

[Jacksprogis]

Originally Posted by Harley

The first post has instructions on how to program a 3 position switch. Check it

Cheers Dude
Thats Made my Night
Jack.

[Harley]

Originally Posted by Jacksprogis

Cheers Dude
Thats Made my Night
Jack.

Let me know if you need more help

[shwng1973]

How would one set up for a 2 speed like my Twin Hammers?
So new to the 4PL since i got sick of the Spektrum.

Thanks in advance

[Harley]

Originally Posted by shwng1973

How would one set up for a 2 speed like my Twin Hammers?
So new to the 4PL since i got sick of the Spektrum.

Thanks in advance

I will get a couple videos done.

I suggest programming it to the Ps1 button. Just go to the switch menu and Program it to channel 3 or 4.

[shwng1973]

Originally Posted by Harley

I will get a couple videos done.

I suggest programming it to the Ps1 button. Just go to the switch menu and Program it to channel 3 or 4.

Seriously appreciate it.
Thanks for all you do. Will check back for more videos.
Just got it in and have to learn a whole new program.

[Arctic Fire]

This radio never stops amazing me.. I recently programmed the most useful function i have yet to come across. I am sure this has been done lots, but it's worth a bump because it is so useful.

I changed the SW2.SLD switch to TH-OFF -> this means that when i move the solid switch to the far right it locks out the throttle channel, immobilizing my truck.

Now, when climbing gnarly hills and fearing for my own life, I can lock the throttle out with the flip of a switch. It is super useful for the terrain an slopes we find ourselves on. I have seen more than one truck be shot off a cliff or into a creek while the operator tried to climb a hill with either a dangling TX around their neck or with a clenched TX hand squeezing the throttle. I have actually driven mine into a tree while trying to take a picture of someone elses truck.

It doensn't sound like much, but once you try it, you won't be able to imagine life without throttle lock.

[rawalker666]

i have a pre update 4pl and cant find the instructions for setting up duel esc and anyone help please want the dig on one of the 2 switches next to the trigger

[Harley]

Originally Posted by rawalker666

i have a pre update 4pl and cant find the instructions for setting up duel esc and anyone help please want the dig on one of the 2 switches next to the trigger

You need to send it in for the update. That was the point of the update.

[rawalker666]

Originally Posted by Harley

You need to send it in for the update. That was the point of the update.

ok will try find out where i send it in the uk

[MoFoHo]

Hi all wise ones! I'm very new here, a long time lurker, but don't post often.
I use RC just for fun, I don't compete in any competitions, I just enjoy the hobby at my own level and pace....

That's the pleasantries out of the way...!
Wow what an exhaustive thread! My latest crawling project is an RC4WD 1/5th scale Killer Krawler. Got a decent deal on an ex-demo model with some electronics already installed. I'm currently running it with my Futaba 3PK with Spektrum module. And of course, to get the best out of this beast I really need a 4ch radio. And since me and my son have 3 nitro trucks all with Spektrum recievers, the obvious money would be on a Spektrum DX4s right? Well, I'm actually tempted by the 4PL more to be honest. The built in 4WS mixing (as demonstrated by Harley) really looks the business for me.

Now for some (probably really dumb) questions...

I'm running twin Saxov SA1283sg servos running at 6v. Would the supplied Futaba 4ch reciever be ok feeding these 2 servos? The Spektrum reciever I'm using at the moment doesn't seem too bothered...

Can I perform both dual ESC and 4ws mixing at the same time? (that's probably REALLY dumb)

If, in the long term, I decided to convert to more Futaba recievers in our other models, what are my options for keeping my aging 3PK and installing a modern Futaba module in that too? Or are the old module based transmitters pretty much not supported now?

[Harley]

Originally Posted by MoFoHo

Hi all wise ones! I'm very new here, a long time lurker, but don't post often.
I use RC just for fun, I don't compete in any competitions, I just enjoy the hobby at my own level and pace....

That's the pleasantries out of the way...!
Wow what an exhaustive thread! My latest crawling project is an RC4WD 1/5th scale Killer Krawler. Got a decent deal on an ex-demo model with some electronics already installed. I'm currently running it with my Futaba 3PK with Spektrum module. And of course, to get the best out of this beast I really need a 4ch radio. And since me and my son have 3 nitro trucks all with Spektrum recievers, the obvious money would be on a Spektrum DX4s right? Well, I'm actually tempted by the 4PL more to be honest. The built in 4WS mixing (as demonstrated by Harley) really looks the business for me.

Now for some (probably really dumb) questions...

I'm running twin Saxov SA1283sg servos running at 6v. Would the supplied Futaba 4ch reciever be ok feeding these 2 servos? The Spektrum reciever I'm using at the moment doesn't seem too bothered...

Can I perform both dual ESC and 4ws mixing at the same time? (that's probably REALLY dumb)

If, in the long term, I decided to convert to more Futaba recievers in our other models, what are my options for keeping my aging 3PK and installing a modern Futaba module in that too? Or are the old module based transmitters pretty much not supported now?

Hopefully I don't miss anything here.

The 4PL RX's will handle your servos just fine.

Additionally RX's are also much cheaper than the Spec RX's.

Yes both dual ESC and 4WS can be ran at same time.

As for the 3PK, it uses a different technology called FASST like the 4PK instead of the FHSS that the 4PL runs. So you couldn't match them up.

[Norton]

Harley,

1st, I take it the 4pl's are all updated by now? Buying from Tower.

2nd, can I use the three position switch (SW2) for a VP Hurtz dig on a AX10?

3rd, Would you suggest this over a Airtronics MT-4?

I have always used Futaba for my planes and have never had a problem. Been very happy with them.

Thanks,

[Harley]

Originally Posted by Norton

Harley,

1st, I take it the 4pl's are all updated by now? Buying from Tower.

2nd, can I use the three position switch (SW2) for a VP Hurtz dig on a AX10?

3rd, Would you suggest this over a Airtronics MT-4?

I have always used Futaba for my planes and have never had a problem. Been very happy with them.

Thanks,

Yes, there was a very limited number released that needed updated. We caught it very early.

The DT buttons on the 4PL can be easily programmed to a 3 position switch and they are what I recommend using. The slider can also be used but it not nearly as easy to use while driving.

I am very Futaba biased but if you look at the number of 4PL's in use compared to the MT4 I think you would have an easy choice on your hands.

Any other questions, just let me know.

[Norton]

Thanks, just ordered the 4PL!

[Lincoln]

The dt 4 switch stopped working for me. i moved up to dt 3 and it works.(thanks for the good videos harley).the dt 4 will work when i push it back but not forward.anyone have any ideas how to get it to work

[hotwheels000]

Mine is/was doing the same thing. Futaba sold me the parts to repair it,they were only a couple bucks plus shipping.

[Lincoln]

So the button is bad its not just a setting adjustment. Thanks man

[Norton]

Harley,

I've had the 4PL on my truck all week and love it. My VP dig unit showed up today and I have it installed. I have it plugged in to the 4th channel and it works with SW2.SLD slide switch. It's hitting all three positions perfectly.

I believe you said most guy's are setting up the dig on DT3 or DT4 which is what I'd like to do also. You were right about the slide switch being a pain to use while driving.

I just can't seem to figure out how to do that? Also, being that I'm plugged in to the 4th channel isn't the slide button channel 3 by default?

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks.

[Harley]

The first post has instructions on how to program a 3 position switch. All you have to do is follow those instructions.

Originally Posted by Norton

Harley,

I've had the 4PL on my truck all week and love it. My VP dig unit showed up today and I have it installed. I have it plugged in to the 4th channel and it works with SW2.SLD slide switch. It's hitting all three positions perfectly.

I believe you said most guy's are setting up the dig on DT3 or DT4 which is what I'd like to do also. You were right about the slide switch being a pain to use while driving.

I just can't seem to figure out how to do that? Also, being that I'm plugged in to the 4th channel isn't the slide button channel 3 by default?

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks.