Radio Review/Futaba 12K
The ideal 12-channel sport radio system
The newest addition to the Futaba line of radios, the 12K is a 2.4GHz T-FHSS radio, and it is available in systems perfectly matched for airplanes, helis, and gliders and is also compatible with multirotors, so it is functional over the entire range of RC aircraft. Equipped with both Futaba S-FHSS and T-FHSS protocols, the 12K is compatible with almost a dozen different Futaba receivers. It can transmit and receive telemetry data via the T-FHSS protocol using optional telemetry sensors (sold separately) to monitor flight data and receive alerts while in flight. And priced at only $449.99, it falls well within the budget of most intermediate to advanced sport pilots, and offers an excellent array of functions and programming choices.
UNIQUE FEATURES
The 12K is outfitted with a relatively large, easy-to-read, backlit LCD screen that covers all the basic info you need to see at a glance, including digital trim-position graphics, two flight timers, and an aircraft-type logo. The features of the radio include 30-model memory, expandable with a micro SD card (card not included); a 6.0V 1800mAh NiMH transmitter battery and charger; a standard RC switch harness; a screwdriver; and an R3008SB telemetry receiver. Servos are not included.
Providing 14 channels of control (12 proportional and two digital switched), the 12K has six three-position switches, two two-position switches, two slider levers, two rotary-dial knobs, four digital trims, and two push buttons for quick program menu access. On the back of the case, there are the headphone jack, a trainer port, and the S.Bus plug-in port. The slot for the micro SD card is located in the battery compartment. There is a handy vibration feature that can be used to alert pilots to various alarms and timers, and the main display allows 10-character model naming for easy identification.
MENU FEATURES
The Home screen is easy to read and navigate with the help of the Push Dial/RTN button, located just to the right of the screen. Simply rotate the outer ring of the Push Dial and several of the items on the display screen with be highlighted. Press the center RTN button and that particular menu page is called up. At either top corner of the main display screen are two switches for the Home/Exit button (left) and the User Menu/Servo Monitor button (right). Pressing the User Menu/Servo Monitor button quickly brings up the servo monitor screen, and if you press and hold it, it will bring up the customizable user-menu screen where you can personalize your user menu to add all your favorite menus. Pressing the Home/Exit button (to the left) returns you to the previous screen. By pressing and holding the Home/Exit button, you can lock the main screen, preventing accidental changes from being made. If you try to use the User Menu/ Servo Monitor button and nothing happens, it is because the screen is locked and you’ll have to press and hold the Home/Exit button to unlock it. There is a small “key” icon on the main display that indicates whether the screen is locked.
There is also a second simpler, less crowded Home screen available, and by selecting the small clock icon on the screen and then pressing the RTN button, you can switch between the two Home screens. The second screen has less information on it, and it displays larger selections for the timers, battery voltage, and digital trim positions. The Flight Condition function (if assigned) is also displayed.
LINKAGE MENU
To enter the Linkage Menu, start with the Home screen and then press and hold the RTN button. Here, you have access to the submenus for Servo, Model Select, Model Type, System Function, Subtrim, Reverse, Fail-Safe, Endpoint, and Servo Speed. On a second submenu page are Throttle Cut, Idle Down, T1–T4 Setting, Stick Alarm, Warning, Telemetry Setting, Telemetry, Sensor, and Data Reset.
MODEL MENU
To get to the menu for the more commonly used functions, you need to bring up the Model Menu. You do this by pressing and holding the MDL button (the right side of the Push Dial ring). The submenus include the pages for Servo Monitor, Dual Rate, Program Mix, Pitch Curve, Throttle Curve, Throttle Delay, Aileron Differential, Aileron-to-Rudder Mix, Camber Mix, and Elevator-to-Camber mix. The second page includes Rudder-to-Aileron, Rudderto-Elevator, Snap Roll, Airbrake, Fuel Mix, Gyro, and Motor functions.
When it comes to model setup, you have the submenus for the model-type selections (airplane, helicopter, glider, and multicopter) as well as the wing-type and tail-type selections. You have a choice of six types of main wing configurations, with three tail types for airplanes and six swash types for helis and multirotor functions. There are five flight conditions (Helicopter and Glider model selections) and five customizable programmable mixes. Other functions include Camber Flap-to-Elevator, Butterfly Function, Trim Mix, V-Tail, Ailevator (dual elevator), and Winglet and Multiengine Functionality.
BOTTOM LINE
For any current Futaba pilot, the 12K is easy to set up, program, and use. If this is your first Futaba radio, you will find that the menu flow and programming tasks are intuitive and the instruction manual is well detailed to help with any programming and function setups. From basic model setup to programming mixes and switch selection, the 12K is right in line with higher-priced radio systems but at a price point aimed at the sport pilot wanting just enough bells and whistles without going overboard. Give the 12K a try; we’re sure you will like it.