Training Systems FAQ

• How does a trainer system work?
  
  
• What is a "buddy box" or "trainer box"?
  
  
• Do I have to use a buddy box?
  
  
• What about the frequency or channel of the student radio?
  
  
• Does the student radio have to be the same modulation as the master?
  
  
• Can my buddy box be used with my computer radio and let the student fly my helicopter, or use my mixes, etc?
  
  
• When I switch my computer radio from a model setup for training to one not setup for training, the trainer gets inhibited. Why?
  
  
• IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTE ABOUT TRAINING WITH 9Z
  
  
• What limitations do the 6X/7U have for training?
  
  
• What happens if the trainer cord is pulled out while in use?
  
  
• Why do you list different trainer cords?
  
  
• Can I use a different brand radio as the student with my Futaba?
  
  
• Does the student radio need to be on or off?
  
  
• What's the proper sequence to setting up to train?
  
  
• I am trying to use my older 4 channel Futaba radio as the student with my new 7C and it's not working, what's wrong?
  
  

I did not find the answer to my question here. How do I get further assistance?

A trainer system is a special cord which connects 2 compatible radios together, with the experienced pilot having the ability to hold a switch or button which then lets the student take control. When the student gets in trouble or has had enough, the instructor lets go of the switch and has immediate control of the aircraft. Using this training approach, thousands of pilots have learned to fly with minimal or no crash damage to their trainer models.

A trainer box is the basics of an r/c radio but without any of the transmission components (crystal, antenna, etc). It is used JUST for training purposes. It is a less expensive way for a beginner to get a "radio" to use for his student training.

No, you can use any other radio which is compatible. For example, a Futaba 9Z can be a master OR a student in learning to fly. A 4VF could be the master with another 4VF, or a 6X, 8U, 9C, or even a 9Z as the student radio.

The student radio's switch is never physically turned on, so it is never transmitting, so its frequency does not matter.

For ALL Futaba models of radio sold through 2002 EXCEPT the 7U and 6X, the student radio must be PPM (FM) or set to PPM if it is programmable to be used as the student, even if the master is PPM. For the 6X and 7U, these entry level computer radios had a more limited trainer system which required the student radio to also be PCM if the receiver being used was PCM.

Be very careful of this, as it can disrupt the ability of the master radio to send signals to the receiver. Always be watchful about the trainer cord.

In 1991 Futaba changed their trainer cord to one specific for the FM radio models. This is the black cord most Futaba radio pilots will have and be using.

In 2001, Futaba changed the trainer jack used on radios 9C and all later models to a square plug which snaps in place on a lighter, longer cord. This helps minimize accidental unplugs, makes it easier to work with, and is lighter and move mobile for training.

If you have a radio which uses a round plug with 6 pins, this is the 1991-2001 trainer plug; FUTM4410, M-TC-FM, is the trainer cord which connects 2 of this plug.

If you have a 9C or later radio with the square plug, FUTM4415, MMTC, is the cord which connects 2 radios with this plug.

If you have one of the FM plugs and one of the 9C plugs, then you need FUTM4420, MDTC, to connect these two radios.

If your radio is AM, or pre-1991, it MAY be able to use the FUTM4400, M-TC-AM gray trainer cord which plugs into a 5-pin jack. Unfortunately, we do not have a chart of all the 10+ year old radios' jack types and cannot tell you which cord your radio may need. Please try looking in the old manuals available at: http://www.futaba-rc.com/manuals/index.html

We do not recommend or support using other brands of radios as a trainer with your Futaba equipment. If another brand lists Futaba as compatible, be sure to follow all of their instructions and recommendations.

The student radio's power switch must ALWAYS be off. Computer radios will be powered up through the trainer cord, and use the student radio's power to operate its programming, but do not transmit.

1. Trim the model with the master radio.
2. With the master radio on, plug the cord into the master.
3. With the student radio off, plug the cord into the student radio.
4. Flipping back and forth with the trainer switch, be sure the student radio moves the servos the proper direction and amount of travel. Test all desired functions thoroughly prior to flight.
5. Confirming the student radio is OFF, and all functions work properly, you are ready to fly!

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