Futaba 4PL Setup, Tips, Tricks & Help

[Harley]

Hello,

I'm a proud 4PL owner from Belgium
I've read through the whole thread before I bought this radio, I wanted to know what I was going to buy. But I have still one question. The update, what does it change to the transmitter besides offering more options for the dual ESC programming? I have bought a B010 version, so I don't have the update. But I don't know if I really need it...

The dual ESC changes are the only differences.

 

[Zjeraar]

Ok, thanks for the quick reply

 

[nagrom]

Just got pl in from tower with serial numbers starting with B012 suppose to have the new updates.Got duel mamba micros waiting on holmes 45t to get here. If there are any big do's or donts on this setup from the normal setup would really appreciate it.

 

[snail78]

just got my 4-pl. great radio and if you follow what the vids you shouldnt have any problems. it took me about 5 minutes to set mine up for duel FXR esc's.

 

[Slowbro]

Got mine today...$209 shipped to my door from nitrorchobbies. And it is updated version to boot. Awesome thread!

 

[Ado]

I got a 4PL from RCMart... The instructions includes an extra sheet to show what the changes with the new update but the controller itself doesnt have the update! :???:

Whats the go with that?

 

[Konish]

I got a 4PL from RCMart... The instructions includes an extra sheet to show what the changes with the new update but the controller itself doesnt have the update! :???:

Whats the go with that?

Mine wasn't updated either...try this:
http://www.rccrawler.com/forum/showthread.php?t=305161
I *hated* the scrolling dig through the push button on the grip. This works pretty well for now, but I will be getting my radio updated as soon as it's available in Japan. IN fact in some ways I think I'll like it better because you simply cannot screw it up...the front and rear dig are controlled by different switches and they are either on or off.

R/
Dustin

 

[Harley]

I got a 4PL from RCMart... The instructions includes an extra sheet to show what the changes with the new update but the controller itself doesnt have the update! :???:

Whats the go with that?

Take a picture of the dual esc screen when you get a chance.

 

[sabohead]

I got mine in the other day. Low and behold the serial # is B01001
Looks like I might have to send this NEW radio for an update!!?? BASTERDS!!!!!!!!!! Got mine from the $209 site.

 

[Ado]

picture attached.

serial starts with B101*****

Even though I got it to work with the push button... it sets the drive in either the front, back or both, I cant get it to lock the wheels. Not sure if I should be looking at the controller or ESC for the settings.

Regards,

Ado

 

[mikesfiero]

Harley,
I sent in my radio to hobby services on tuesday of last week. I have not received a phone call or an email saying that they received it or anything. Do you know what is the normal procedure for them? I might give them a call today just to see if they got it alright and if they have any questions about the note I left. I shipped it Fedex Air which is 2 day. Someone did sign for it, but I haven't heard anything else.

Thanks,
Mike

 

[mikesfiero]

Harley,
Never mind my last post. They responded to my email today and said it's already on its way back. AWESOME service.

Mike

 

[Harley]

picture attached.

serial starts with B101*****

Even though I got it to work with the push button... it sets the drive in either the front, back or both, I cant get it to lock the wheels. Not sure if I should be looking at the controller or ESC for the settings.

Regards,

Ado

Never seen anything about one not being updated. Sorry I don't have any info or help there.

Wheels not locking is an ESC or motor issue.

 

[Harley]

Harley,
Never mind my last post. They responded to my email today and said it's already on its way back. AWESOME service.

Mike

Great, glad you're taken care of.

 

[Menchifus]

My hobbyshop's 4PLs are now all B012. Can I assume that these are all updated? These stocks are from Hong Kong. I'd hate to end up buying one and have to mail it internationally to get it updated.

Also, can anyone tell me if the FHSS system is good enough for offroad racing? I know that the FASST system is more responsive. Is it really that big of a difference that a novice racer would notice?

 

[punkfan]

Just wanted to say thanks for all the great info in this thread. I got my 4PL yesterday, and I was able to set it up without any problems. This radio is light years ahead of my dx3e. You did a great job getting the dual esc programing so user friendly.
Thanks again

 

[Harley]

My hobbyshop's 4PLs are now all B012. Can I assume that these are all updated? These stocks are from Hong Kong. I'd hate to end up buying one and have to mail it internationally to get it updated.

Also, can anyone tell me if the FHSS system is good enough for offroad racing? I know that the FASST system is more responsive. Is it really that big of a difference that a novice racer would notice?

B012's should be updated. The FHSS system should do just fine for racing too, this radio is still aimed mostly at racers. Futaba was just interested in crawling enough to allow us to jump on the project and make it work for us as well.

 

[Harley]

Just wanted to say thanks for all the great info in this thread. I got my 4PL yesterday, and I was able to set it up without any problems. This radio is light years ahead of my dx3e. You did a great job getting the dual esc programing so user friendly.
Thanks again

Happy to help! Glad to see another Spektrum user converted ;-)

 

[skritikos]

A nice 4PL that is coming to me from HK has a serial starting with B1010. Anyone with the same batch? Do we have to update or not?

 

[Ado]

Mine had that serial and it didnt have the updated firmware.