Hey guys,

I have recently upgraded my electronics in all of my boats but I went about it in the wrong way. A lot of the guys in my boat club swear by the 3PK system so I went out and got one. I have always run a simple Hitec set up with FM crysals in conjunction with a failsafe. One thing that drove me crazy was that my failsafes were constanly kicking no matter how hard I tried to elminate noise. Well I bought the Futaba 3pk/s system. It is 75 mhz and has receivers that you choose the channel you want. BIG MISTAKE. I still had the same problem not realizing what I really wanted was the 2.4 version. Well, I spent practically the same amount of money upgrading the dated 3pk with a 2.4 module and receivers (603 FS). Here I set with all my boats upgraded, man the antennas are small. I am hoping for better reception and range. But the thing that is really bothering me is that I thought that the FASST system would allow me to have an incorporated failsafe and I could eliminate the standalone Duratrax. For some reason my system will not allow me to use the HRS or PPM setting needed to set the failsafe. Did I go wrong again?

The HRS setting is for special the "High Response" receiver which is for DIGITAL ONLY servos.

The PPM setting for FM modulation with standard FM receiver, PCM mode for encoded receivers such as the 113ip. Standard receiver with a 3pks on fm was the 113ip which is Fm/PCM and is failsafe selectable.
I do know for fact that you MUST use the correct crystals with the 113ip fm/pcm receivers for failsafe operation. ( Think they are dual conversion )

That is all I can offer, I still use FM on both my T3PK radios and have zero 2.4 gig experience

Next ....

Thanks Scott.

Anyone hve any exerience with the 603 FS 2.4 ghz conversion mod to the 3PK. I really think there is a way to use the failsafe with it....on the Futaba page it says there is with the Rx.

Worst case scenerio, I guess I can call them Monday for some help. The manual doesn't address the 2.4 (Not that it should because it is now upgraded from OEM).

I am no expert but have a 3PK 2.4. I am using digital servos,6 volt battery,in HRS mode for fail safe. I think you can use standard servos in PPM mode for fail safe. Please reply after you talk to Futaba.

Nope, I crapped out again. Can't uee the failsafe without the digital servos in the HRS mode. Analogs running in PCM = no failsafe recognition. Good news is, I ran without failsafes today and no more glitching and insane range with this bad boy. It is more responsive than I am used to and in time I will strap on the digital servos to get more out of it. I have to say, after all the aggravation, I see what all the hype is about. I am using all the cool switches to make things easier on me too. Including the timer set to vibrate after 8 minutes to bring her in. LOVE IT. I had a really bad experience with a Spektrum 2.4 radio way back when, but I am a believer now that I have better equipment.

Thanks for the information.It is good to know what works together and what does not.