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[Inkmark]

Hi Guys
Splashed out on a new 2.4GHz set with 4 servos, seems OK in my new build.
But what about all my old servos? I have loads of the old Futaba servos with the three pin plug
which I cannot use with the new receiver. Obviously one solution is to chop off the old plugs and fit the new type.
However, I was wondering if there is anybody out there that does a conversion lead to allow older servos to be used with
the new type of receiver.
Other suggestions would be appreciated as long as it does not entail buying loads of new servos for my existing models.
Cheers
Mark

[malcolmfrary]

I did that conversion with three short lengths of copper tube from the LHS metal bar.  A close fit on the RX pins, a close fit on the plug pins, job done.

[andrewh]

Inkmark

Hi, Now you have me very puzzled
Why can't you use the Futaba plugs with a your 2.4giggle receiver?
Its just another Rx with the same 3-pin sockets and requirements.

praps the problem is the Futaba "Fin" which prevents the plug goin into your new Rx?
Futabe fit this to provide complete freedom form getting the plug in the wrong way round - but even if you do its only an inconvenience and the servo doesn't work (but no damage is done)

There are several options here:
Make the plugs fit the receiver - cut the fins off the Futaba plugs - I use a pair of side cutters and and then trim with a sharp knife
Make thew receiver fit the plugs - take the case off and file a slot to fit the futaba fin.  If your Rx is new you might not wish to do this
Replace the plastic bit of the servo plugs with one which does not have a fin.  Several model shops offer servo plug "kits" (Als hobbies among them) which supply generic plastic plugs without the fin
Withdraw the wires and electrical sockets from your futaba servo sockets - use a scalpel to lift the little plastic tabs which keep the sockets in the servo plug body - pull out the wires
Push the connectors into the new body till they click into place
Voila  - new and suitable servo plug

If your servos are real Futaba the wires are black/red/white.  They always go in this order!  The white is the signal wire and on all receivers I have ever known it lives "closest to the electronics" but not knowing which Rx you have I can't (at a distance) show which way round

Hope some of this helps
andrew

[FullLeatherJacket]

Hi, Now you have me very puzzled
Why can't you use the Futaba plugs with a your 2.4giggle receiver?
Its just another Rx with the same 3-pin sockets and requirements.

Ah.....so young and so innocent........

In 196Frozen-To-Death Futaba introduced their M Series digital proportional sets to replace the old Digimax type. This new type had the first 3-wire servos which didn't require a centre-tap on the battery to provide reverse to the servo motor. I think they were coded as FD16M and had pale brown plastic cases (very thin and flimsy). You could buy either "red" or "black" label types, which had opposite rotations - no servo-reverse switches in those days. The connectors had three exposed pins which plugged into sockets in the receiver, as opposed the old Digimax which had a floating multi-socket connector block.

I suspect that it's this type which Inkmark has. I do know that the neutral pulse width on these sets was 1.3ms, whereas all the modern sets use 1.5ms. Depending on the physical stops inside the servo, they ought to run OK without stalling at one end. I'm pretty sure that Ripmax used to do a conversion lead way back (when they introduced the J Series?), but I doubt if it's listed any more.

The neatest solution is to cut the servo lead about 50mm from the plug and solder in a new type, using heat-shrink tube to insulate and support the joints. You'll need to reset the neutrals on existing installations by rotating the disc and refitting it to correspond with the new position of the output spindle with the Tx stick centred.

Hope this helps.

FLJ

[Inkmark]

FLJ
Thanks a bunch for the advice. Not only the answer to one question but also an answer a question that was lurking in my (old) brain, i.e. pulse width.
Indeed my servos are nearly all the old M type, mostly of the waterproof variety and still quite robust.
They all work with my old 27 MHz gear that is nearly all some 25 years old.
I will do as you suggest and fit a new style plug and do some juggling with the top of the servo off.
Such wisdom in one place its amazing.
When old GB got to No 10 he wanted a Government Of All Talents , G.O.A.T.
He should visit this site where it is the Forum O.A.T.
Thanks again.
Mark