Futaba 4PL Setup, Tips, Tricks & Help

[Hemipower23]

I wired mine up what I thought was the right way, then I got my 4pl and the front motor spun the correct way but the rear motor was turning in reverse. I just switched the wires on the rear motor and all was fine, took longer for the soldering iron to heat up then switch the wires around.

[mrdrinksalil]

harley its not just one motor, its both. thats whats wierd. And the FXR wont program the way it says in the instructions. I have to full throtttle reverse when it says forward

[Harley]

Originally Posted by mrdrinksalil

harley its not just one motor, its both. thats whats wierd. And the FXR wont program the way it says in the instructions. I have to full throtttle reverse when it says forward

Just reverse one motor and be done with it. Reverse the channels so that the motors are spinning the appropriate way. Don't need to over complicate it.

[Tomy]

Originally Posted by mrdrinksalil

harley its not just one motor, its both. thats whats wierd. And the FXR wont program the way it says in the instructions. I have to full throtttle reverse when it says forward

I had this issue with my MambaMicroPros. This is what I did:

Adjust the Normal/Reverse on your throttle channels on your radio so that when you are pulling full throttle you've got the ESC lights also indicating full throttle. Don't mind which direction your wheels are spinning yet.

This should now able you to get your ESCs programmed correctly.

After you've programmed your ESCs, and they indicate full throttle/full reverse when you are pulling full throttle/full reverse, just switch your wires or rotate the endbell on the motor that is spinning in the wrong direction.

This should have you all set now, and also have the bars on the radio display go the same way.

[k goodrich]

it only took nine days for my radio to get back to me from the west coast. programed my 2.2 moa in about 5 min. This radio is great super simple to program, i love it. Can't wait to get another rx and finish my super!

[mrdrinksalil]

Originally Posted by Harley

Just reverse one motor and be done with it. Reverse the channels so that the motors are spinning the appropriate way. Don't need to over complicate it.

All I'm sayin is I reversed the polarity on the rear motor like you show in your diagram and programed for dual esc with your youtube vid and both the motors spin backwards. AND when I calibrated the neutral/full throttle forward/then revese (as shown in the instructions) for the FXR's I had to do neutral/reverse/forward for the calibration to take. So either my radio signal is backwards or your diagram is.

[chevellian]

Originally Posted by mrdrinksalil

All I'm sayin is I reversed the polarity on the rear motor like you show in your diagram and programed for dual esc with your youtube vid and both the motors spin backwards. AND when I calibrated the neutral/full throttle forward/then revese (as shown in the instructions) for the FXR's I had to do neutral/reverse/forward for the calibration to take. So either my radio signal is backwards or your diagram is.

Your radio signal is backwards. Just reverse the throttle channel before you do the one touch set-up.

[LEADFOOT82]

Sounds like the forth channel needs to be reversed, had to on mine when I set it up.

[Killer RC]

Does anyone know if the Futaba 4PL radio has a steering dual rate override? So if I'm racing and I get stuck in a corner I can press a button and get 100% steering travel to get out of the corner.

[Harley]

Originally Posted by Killer RC

Does anyone know if the Futaba 4PL radio has a steering dual rate override? So if I'm racing and I get stuck in a corner I can press a button and get 100% steering travel to get out of the corner.

I an check to see if the D/R can be programmed onto SW1. It will be later tonight.

[Hurricane]

Tekin says that with the Futaba you go full reverse first then full forward. I found that if the transmitter throttle was reversed the esc would not set up. So I use normal setting then neutral, reverse forward.

[mrdrinksalil]

Originally Posted by Hurricane

Tekin says that with the Futaba you go full reverse first then full forward. I found that if the transmitter throttle was reversed the esc would not set up. So I use normal setting then neutral, reverse forward.

You sir are the winner. This is exactly what I was talking about. With the dual FXR's you have to run reverse on the throttle channel and channel 4.

[Get A Hobby]

I live in NorCal, it took a full 2 weeks, but well worth the wait. Mailed it out Monday 01-17-11 and got it back today, Monday 01-31-11.
Can't wait to get it all set-up!

[ynmech]

Here's one for ya Harley, with the RX on the PL it states that it is a high voltage unit right. If I set up my CC BEC to 7.4 volts and run a 6v servo off it will the RX step the power down going out to 6v so I don't fry it? Thanks for your help.

[Harley]

Originally Posted by ynmech

Here's one for ya Harley, with the RX on the PL it states that it is a high voltage unit right. If I set up my CC BEC to 7.4 volts and run a 6v servo off it will the RX step the power down going out to 6v so I don't fry it? Thanks for your help.

No, there is nothing in a RX to step down voltage, it is a direct pass through.

[ynmech]

Originally Posted by Harley

No, there is nothing in a RX to step down voltage, it is a direct pass through.

Thanks, now I won't fry a servo

[C*H*U*D]

Originally Posted by Harley

There is a rotary at the front. Mixing is controlled with one of the DT's just like I suggest to everyone with a 4PK, it is a better setup.

First thanks for these great write-ups...This will be my next radio for sure once the funds are available.

Secondly, since you suggest controlling the mixing with a DT switch (which is what I plan to do), what would you suggest the rotary be used for? Or is it a feature that really has no use?

I read through about 90% of this last night, but didn't see it mentioned.

[Harley]

I havent found a good use for it yet.

[NorthwestYJ]

Mine is all set up now and working great. However my reverse only works for the rear axle and ratchets backwards. the motor in reverse sounds like a car hitting the rev limiter. What setting do i need to change to fix this? thanks

[Harley]

Sounds like you maybe toggled the ABS on in the radio.