Futaba 4PL Setup, Tips, Tricks & Help

[Harley]

Finally, after so many months of development it finally arrived today.

​

I will be using this thread to help you all get the most out of the new addition from Futaba. I will be posting step by step instructions including video guides as well as wiring help to get your crawlers running with the new system.

Differences between the 4PL and 4PK

• The digs are actuated different (with or without an update).
• Response time on the FHSS system is slower than the FASST system.
• 4PL only has one program mix (not including the 4WS or Dual ESC).
• Wheel and buttons are non-adjustable and you can't use a drop down like the 4PK.
• 4PL uses 4AA's as opposed to the 4PK requiring 5 cells.
• RX cost is about half the cost for the 4PL.

Links to Important Posts:
Video Showing Basics of the 4PL
4PL Dual ESC Programming <--Updated 12/09/2010
How to program a 3 position switch
Super Class Crawler
Compatible RX's and Voltages
Picture comparison of RX's
Differences in compatible RX's
How to have your radio updated - For those who do not have the latest dual ESC programming
Range Comparison test by Killer RC





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[73bronco]

Awesome! My XR just showed up today....When will this be shipping?!?!?

 

[run2jeepn]

Can we get a list of RX that work with the 4PL?

 

[SMR 510RR]

Full list of features?

 

[Krakker]

I like that my 3PK's can work with a spectrum module. It would be great if these would too.
Look forward to the write up on this one Josh, I"ve been wanting a new system that'll run the crawlers AND the summit with some more control.

 

[sim]

The 4PL doesn't use modules.

 

[Harley]

 

[Rootar]

if they would make a 4pk or 4pl that took a module i think alot of guys who have say 10+ specktrum rxs like me in all their cars would snatch up a new TX in a heartbeat .


but i gotta say that 4pl looks good!

 

[KBrog]

Show Off :lmao:

 

[strawb]

if they would make a 4pk or 4pl that took a module i think alot of guys who have say 10+ specktrum rxs like me in all their cars would snatch up a new TX in a heartbeat .


but i gotta say that 4pl looks good!

same reason why im still keeping my 3pk .... maybe someday :ror:

 

[Harley]

if they would make a 4pk or 4pl that took a module i think alot of guys who have say 10+ specktrum rxs like me in all their cars would snatch up a new TX in a heartbeat .


but i gotta say that 4pl looks good!

I have never had problems with losing bind on a Futaba RX and had it happen countless times with the spektrum stuff. I know lots of drivers that switched for that reason alone. There is never a single thing I miss about running Spektrum ;-)

 

[Harley]

Show Off :lmao:

How about this one :mrgreen:

 

[dragrcr]

Yes! When will they hit the shelves, my money is literally leaping out of my wallet in anticipation...

 

[boosted4lyf]

How about this one :mrgreen:

Lucky bastard
Those ssz-9's look sick Harley seriously wanting this tx

 

[DeweyCJ5]

guess its time for my boy to get my old radio "thumbsup"

 

[jdawg53]

The receiver that comes with the 4PL is a "high voltage" receiver. It will safely handle up to 8.5V.
J

 

[Aussie Nerd]

Just a few question, if you answer yes to all 3 of these futaba will be getting my business.

1. Please, please futaba fix the dig switch bug"thumbsup"

2. Harley, can you adjust the mix percentage for dual ESC with out going into the menu, like on a rocker switch or dial or something?

3. Can you have dual ESC AND rear steer mixes activated at the same time (super?)?

Thanks"thumbsup"

Kieren

 

[Harley]

Just a few question, if you answer yes to all 3 of these futaba will be getting my business.

1. Please, please futaba fix the dig switch bug"thumbsup"

2. Harley, can you adjust the mix percentage for dual ESC with out going into the menu, like on a rocker switch or dial or something?

3. Can you have dual ESC AND rear steer mixes activated at the same time (super?)?

Thanks"thumbsup"

Kieren

#1 - I hope so too.

#2 - Yes you can assign any DT button to adjust the percentage. You can even set the amount you want it to adjust per click, any where from 2%-20% (or more but any more adjustment at a time then that is way too much).

#3 - You can't use the Futaba 4WS mixing but most people that run a super want independant control of the rear which this is still capable of doing (exactly like a 4PK).

 

[Aussie Nerd]

1. Awesome

2. Even more Awesome

3. Sounds good, just how do you control it though, is it on a rocker switch somewhere? And can you set it in steps?

Thanks"thumbsup"

Kieren

 

[EvilTwin v2]

Yeah, I've been competing in Super for 3 years now, and early on, when I thought I needed steering mix, all it ever did was screw me on the course. Rear steer mix is totally unnecessary.

My question. Does it use seperate dig switches like the 4pk or is it a single switch? I thought I saw something about a single button that toggles through. I'm curious how effective that would be. I can see that it would be simple, but not sure if it would get confusing or be really really easy to use.