Next up (literally) Futaba Digimax 4

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Wavemeter
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Next up (literally) Futaba Digimax 4

Post by Wavemeter »

I was very lucky to win this outfit on eBay . It’s a beautiful set and another on as new condition. I’ve had to give it s light service and replace the old deac with new nicad cells. No black wire as it had deliberately been disconnected to avoid that. Final stages of fitting out a Pietenpol Aircamper with Futaba M series outfit airside. Will be flown 27mhz am as original
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RON
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Re: Next up (literally) Futaba Digimax 4

Post by RON »

Another very nice set.
Always longed for one of those in the early days.

Ron.
G0MBV Class A Radio Amateur, North Yorkshire
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PaulJ
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Location: Ipswich, UK

Re: Next up (literally) Futaba Digimax 4

Post by PaulJ »

Yes, back in the day I always thought it was in a class of it's own but of course, could never have afforded one. It's a great subject for conversion, mine was a bit battered and I got it for (I think) £20 on ebay.. I did a "standard Phil Pro-mini" job on it but I wanted all the mod cons inside so it still looks like the original externally.
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It was a bit of a squeeze but I put most of it on the old battery tray with the OrangeTx module mounted on a bridge between the two stick units. I left the original transformer in place to help with the balance when the pretend antenna is up!

Paul
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Wavemeter
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Re: Next up (literally) Futaba Digimax 4

Post by Wavemeter »

Hello Paul that’s a great job and I like the pennants you attach. Pleased to see you retain the original aerials too. :P
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Wavemeter
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Re: Next up (literally) Futaba Digimax 4

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And she is up! A quiet moment between jobs and with not too much wind she took to the air for the first time. That massive wing got her off the ground within two feet and the engine is massively overpowered frankly. Definitely needs a lump of lead up front as if was a little precarious but I can see the underlying characteristics are stable and passive. Going to be a great stooger! The Digimax worked really well. Range tested initially then up in the air. One glitch when plane end on to the tx aerial. Apart from that perfect and a good very slow landing too . Still 27mhz AM on green
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RON
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Re: Next up (literally) Futaba Digimax 4

Post by RON »

Nice job there
Isn’t it funny that we have all this new technology regarding radio gear yet we still prefer the older stuff. It’s definitely got something about it that seems to make it fly better :D
Oh plus it looks so much nicer than the plastic tat from today.

Ron.
G0MBV Class A Radio Amateur, North Yorkshire
Charles T
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Re: Next up (literally) Futaba Digimax 4

Post by Charles T »

A rock solid set...mine lasted thirty years and even then was only trashed when loaned out.
Here's that saucy aerial angled perfectly at Carlton Bank in 1979
who needs wimmin.jpg
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Wavemeter
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Re: Next up (literally) Futaba Digimax 4

Post by Wavemeter »

What a fabulous photo! Jaunty Aerial Jaunty Hat!
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