Dual Processor Win CE Powered Radio Controller Released

[Jonathon Watkins]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://www.14mz.com/features.html' target='_blank'>http://www.14mz.com/features.html</a><br /><br /></div>We've joked about dual processor Pocket PCs before and now someone has gone and done it. Well, kind of. Actually not really. ;-) The 14MZ is actually a radio controller for remote controlled airplanes etc. which runs on Window CE. It does have two processors though: <br /><br /><i>"The 14MZ takes advantage of two separate internal processors for maximum efficiency and reliability. A custom Futaba processor expertly directs all functions dedicated to flight control. Input for general operating tasks — such as set-up and programming — is processed by Windows CE. Double the resolution of PCM 1024, the 14MZ's breakthrough PCM G3 2048 enables servos to pick up even the slightest stick movements. It's enhanced by a frame rate that's 40% faster than Futaba's 9Z — much more data transmits in a much shorter time. The result? Real-Time Response…response so good, it feels like it's happening in real time! HVGA screen features crystal-clear 640x240 pixel resolution."</i><br /><br /> <img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/futaba_14MZ.jpg" /> <br /><br />Real-Time responses that feel like they are happening in real time? Impressive. ;-) You want features? The 14MZ supports 14 channels, 7 different wing types, 4 tail types, 3 motor types and 7 heli swash types, can handle up to 32 selectable functions and 9 flight conditions, can play music and voice commands can be assigned to switches, e.g., "flaps up". There's a brief review in <a href="http://www.flyrc.com/articles/SNEAKPEEK_futaba_14MZ.shtml">Fly RC</a> magazine and they reckon it's more than just a tool to connects a pilot to an airplane; it is a multi-media system that facilitates the flying experience. So there you go. Do any of you guys do any Remote Controlled flying and is this the kind of kit you can conceive yourself coveting?

[Phoenix]

Oh my garsh! You would have to show this to me!

I love RC and have considered investing in a Futaba controller in the past. But this thing is unreal! Very nice.

A pretty good review of it can be seen here. (http://www.jason.net/heli/helimain.htm) You'll see the link for the review at the bottom left hand side of the page.

Better be prepared to drop some paper for this thing: $2800!!!

Apparently, it won't be available in the States and other markets until mid '05. Japan gets it first. (Not that again...).

[Jonathon Watkins]

A pretty good review of it can be seen here. (http://www.jason.net/heli/helimain.htm) You'll see the link for the review at the bottom left hand side of the page.

Thanks Phoenix - good info! :D

I suspecit it was expensive, but even so, that's a LOT of cash to pay.

[lasnubes]

Jonathon:

I am a fanatical R/C Heli pilot (as well as a fixed wing pilot with rotor time in real life). I currently fly Futaba's 9Z WCII radio, which the 14MZ will replace as the top end radio. The 9Z's street price is around $800. The 14MZ is scheduled to be released at about $2,500........... I don't think I'll be upgrading for a while :(

It is quite a feat of technology and (don't take this next bit the wrong way, I'm a Microsoft fan) to protect itself from the "blue screen" all configuration is done in WinCE (on the ground). As soon as you enable flight mode (transmitting) all processing is taken over by the second Futaba chip working in machine code. :)

Check it out at www.14mz.com

THANK-YOU ALL for an INCREDIBLE forum. I put PPCT in the same league as Pocket Informant- indespensible!

Enjoy!

[TheWhiteRabbit]

I read the article in Fly R/C about a week ago. This truly is a next gen radio for us R/C pilots. The radio that this replaces, the 9Z, is about 10 years old in it's original design and pilots have been asking for an updated version that uses today's technologies. This has gone beyond their requests and given today's R/C pilots AND ROBOTICS NUTS a totally new tool. The price will be high, but this model was never about sales quantity. It was about TOTAL FLEXIBILITY.

The implementation of a CF card for upgrades, sound input and configuration storage has begun close the gap between the transmitters and our computers. Hopefully, we'll see configuration mgmt tools on our PCs that are able to frame up the models and then migrate the config files to the transmitter.

One other note... This system is backwards compatible with existing receivers. That is a big plus. Without it, this radio would die a slow and tourturous death because of lack of willingness to buy their costly receivers.

I, for one, am glad to see a CE face on a true friend. I have a 9Z and would very much like one of these new radios. I better start saving my pennies again.....

[gorkon280]

Anyone know if there's any other wireless tech in this? Like say WiFi or even just 2.4 GHz video camera? I think, for the RC guys , it would be TOTALLY cool,if the model can include a small webcam and pipe it's images directly to the LCD display. Then it would be like flying. You could even add a servo to turn the cam like you can your head.

[Jason Dunn]

This is really cool seeing a specific niche of this community speak up about their hobby - I had no clue any of you were into RC! Very neat. :-)

[Fishie]

Does it sync with outlook?
:mrgreen:

[logo20heli]

I fly R/C helis as well and use the Futaba 9Z, which is now about 14-year old technology. I'm glad to see the 14MZ come out. But being an fan of Pocket PC devices, I have gotten used to the soft reset button on these devices. I wonder where the soft reset button is on that radio? And thank goodness they only let the WinCE processor run the GUI and not the flight controls. I'd really hate to have my $2K chopper crash due to WinCE goofing up and requiring a soft reset.

That being said, I think the price on this thing is outrageous. $2500+ for a radio is obscene. Especially when you consider that modern gyros and engine governors have pretty much made the need to have more than an 8-channel radio with 5-point pitch and throttle curves unnecessary.

[snayar]

I fly R/C helis as well and use the Futaba 9Z, which is now about 14-year old technology. I'm glad to see the 14MZ come out. But being an fan of Pocket PC devices, I have gotten used to the soft reset button on these devices. I wonder where the soft reset button is on that radio? And thank goodness they only let the WinCE processor run the GUI and not the flight controls. I'd really hate to have my $2K chopper crash due to WinCE goofing up and requiring a soft reset.

That being said, I think the price on this thing is outrageous. $2500+ for a radio is obscene. Especially when you consider that modern gyros and engine governors have pretty much made the need to have more than an 8-channel radio with 5-point pitch and throttle curves unnecessary.

I also fly helis and airplanes and you are 100% CORRECT!!!!

[that_kid]

it would be TOTALLY cool,if the model can include a small webcam and pipe it's images directly to the LCD display. Then it would be like flying. You could even add a servo to turn the cam like you can your head.

I've been toying with this idea for about 6 months now. My wifi network covers a very big area outside and I was thinking of a way to add a web cam or some other small camera and use my pocket pc as a viewer. With this controller I probably wouldn't have to, then again with this contrller I'd have no more money left for another rc truck.

[mmidgley]

I'll wait for the bluetooth version (you know, so I can activate my bluetooth fuel pump in my flight box --ha). :D Actually it'd be super-way-over-kill for my RC needs. But it'd still be cool! 8O

m.

[Tierran]

Well, I only need 2 channels to race my RC10CE (and for anyone who is into RC racing...yes, I really race that car still. And yes, I've had it since it came out :lol: )

[wangsanegara]

8O 8O 8O

RC-10 CE, you kidding right?

A.W