Futaba T4PM Software Update Method Instructions

4PM Software Update Method
Whenever improvements and new functions are available, the software of your T4PM radio transmitter can be updated easily online free of charge. The updated software file will be shown on our website. You can download it and make a copy on your microSD card. Below is the procedure for the software update.

Procedure for the Software Update

Caution: Before you update the software, the battery that is connected to the T4PM should be fully charged.

Note: During the software update, the model data that is stored in the T4PM should be kept without any change. (NOT erased and NOT changed.) However, for your safety, making a backup of your model data before the software update is highly recommended.

Download the zip file of the update data from our website.
Extract the zip file on your computer.
The “FUTABA” folder will be created on your computer.
Copy the “FUTABA” folder onto your microSD card.
Insert the microSD card with “FUTABA” folder that contained the update software into the SD card slot on your T4PM radio transmitter.

Turn on the transmitter power while pressing down the “END” button. The update screen appears on the LCD display of your T4PM and the software update is started.
When the software update is completed, “Completed” message is shown on the LCD display of your T4PM.

Turn off the power switch of your T4PM and remove the microSD card from the card slot.
microSD card (sold separately)
(Commercial product) SD standard and SDHC standard microSD cards SD/SDHC format. Maximum size 32MB. SDXC format is not supported.

Software Version Updates

Fixed Gyro Link Function (V5.61)
Gyro link function: Changes to LMT A/B settings and NT-OFFSET setting methods. The operation method when using T-FHSS SR mode has been adjusted to match that of other models such as the T10PX. If you have changed the LMT A/B settings or NT-OFFSET settings, move the cursor to [WRITE] and press the (JOG) button to perform the write operation.

Compatible with HPS-CD701 / S-CD400 (V5.60)
Added support to change the SR mode of HPS-CD701 and S-CD400. * UR mode is not supported. If the servo is set to UR mode, change it to normal mode or SR mode before using it.

Compatible with S-C401 (V5.50)
Added support to change the SR mode of S-C401. * UR mode is not supported. If the servo is set to UR mode, change it to normal mode or SR mode before using it.

Compatible with BLS-CM600 / S-C400 / S-C300 (V5.40)
Added support to change the SR mode of BLS-CM600/S-C400/S-C300. * UR mode is not supported. If the servo is set to UR mode, change it to normal mode or SR mode before using it.

Compatible with HPS-CT501 (V5.30)
Added support to change the SR mode of HPS-CT501. * UR mode is not supported. If the servo is set to UR mode, change it to normal mode or SR mode before using it.

Compatible with HPS-CT702 / HPS-CD700 (V5.20)
Added support to change the SR mode of HPS-CT702 and HPS-CD700. * UR mode is not supported. If the servo is set to UR mode, change it to normal mode or SR mode before using it.

Compatible with HPS-CB701 (V5.10)
Added support to change SR mode of HPS-CB701. * UR mode is not supported. If the servo is set to UR mode, change it to normal mode or SR mode before using it.

Compatible with HPS-CT701 (V5.04)
Added support to change SR mode of HPS-CT701. * UR mode is not supported. If the servo is set to UR mode, change it to normal mode or SR mode before using it.

Radio Communication (V5.03)
Improvements have been made to enable more stable communication even in an environment where many transmitters are emitting radio waves in the same area.

Gyro Link
Changed the setting range of the Gyro Link limit value from 10 to 130.

Software Fix (V5.01)
Fixed the timer function.

Update Function / Roll Out Chart and Gear Ratio Chart (V5.0)
The selection range of each setting has been expanded to support the Kyosho Mini-Z.

Setting range after update: Pinion gear: 5-75 / Spar gear: 25-130 / Tire diameter: 20.0-65.0

Other
Added support to change SR mode of HPS-CB500 / HPS-CT500.

Additional Function / Gyro Link (V4.0)

The Gyro Link is a function that allows you to set the parameters of the car gyro wirelessly from the transmitter.

A gyro compatible with the wireless setting: GYD550 (As of April 2020)

Up to five presets can be switched while driving. (Gyro data switching function)
The S.BUS servo data can be set wirelessly from the transmitter via the gyro.

* A receiver compatible with the wireless setting function is required. (As of April 2020, R334SBS / R334SBS-E is compatible with wireless setting. Please update the previous receiver to version 4.0 or later)

* While using Gyro Link wireless (SBUS connection) SBUS servo adjustment will not function.

To be able to control gyro gain, etc. from the transmitter, it is necessary to enable the gyro mixing function of the transmitter.

Using the Gyro Link Function

Preparation
Connect the receiver and gyro according to the connection diagram below.

* The connection diagram is a reference diagram for selecting the gyro link connection method. Please read the gyro instructions for details or cautions.

Turn on the power switch of the transmitter to display the Gyro Link screen. Turn on the receiver power switch.

(Gyro read) Execute this function to read the data currently set at the gyro. Select the setting item “LINK” by moving the (JOG) button up or down. Select the connection type by (+) or (-) button, and press the (JOG) button. A beep sounds and the gyro data is read.
(Writing to gyro) Execute this function to write the setting data to the gyro. Select the setting item “WRITE” by moving the (JOG) button up or down, and press the (JOG) button. A beep sounds and the gyro data is written.
- If “COM-ERROR” blinks on the screen, communication with the gyro is not being performed normally. Check the connection between the receiver, gyro, and battery, turn on the power of the transmitter and receiver, and repeat WRITE.
(Initialization) This function writes the gyro setting data set at the factory to the connected gyro. Select the setting item “RESET” by moving the (JOG) button up or down, and press the (JOG) button. A beep sounds and the gyro data is initialization.
- If “COM-ERROR” blinks on the screen, communication with the gyro is not being performed normally. Check the connection between the receiver, gyro, and battery, turn on the power of the transmitter and receiver, and repeat RE- SET.

Data Settings

Select the setting item by moving the (JOG) button up or down. Set the value by (+) and (-) button.

Example: (BASIC SET screen)

Setup Item Selection: Select by the (JOG) button. The item indicated by the reverse displayed cursor is selected.

Set Button: Use the (+) and (-) buttons to make adjustments. Return to the initial value by pressing the (+) and (-) buttons simultaneously (approx. 1 sec).

Set button

Use the (+) and (-) buttons to make adjustments.
Return to the initial value by pressing the (+) and (-) buttons simultaneously (approx. 1 sec).

Basic Set

* In the T-FHSS SR mode, the servo position will not adjust until “WRITE”, even if the “LMT” and “NT-OFFSET” functions are adjusted with (+) and (-) buttons.

GYRO DATA
The data can be set independently in each gyro operation mode (AVCS / NORMAL).

Additional / Acuvance Xarvis / XarvisXX Compatible (MC (ESC) Link)

The MC (ESC) Link function is now compatible with Acuvance ESC Xarvis and XarvisXX.

* Please contact Acuvance for details of Xarvis / XarvisXX functions.

When using the MC970CR or Acuvance Xarvis, select “MC970CR”, and when using Acuvance XarvisXX, select “Xar- visXX”
For Futaba ESC MC960CR, MC950CR, MC851C, MC602C, MC402CR, etc., please choose Other. * MC970CR is available only in the Japanese market. (As of April 2020)

Additional Function / Start (V3.0)
If the track is slippery and you begin to accelerate by pushing the trigger to full throttle, the car wheels will spin and the car will not accelerate smoothly. When the Start function is activated, merely operating the throttle trigger slowly causes the throttle servo to automatically switch from the set throttle position to a preset point so that the tires do not lose their grip and the car accelerates smoothly.

Operation

When the throttle trigger is moved to the preset position (TRIGGER POINT), the throttle servo moves to the preset position.

When the throttle trigger is operated slowly so that the wheels will not spin, the car automatically accelerates to the set speed.
This function is effective only for the first throttle trigger operation at starting. This function has to be activated before every start.
When the throttle trigger is returned slightly, the Start function is automatically deactivated and the set returns to normal throttle trigger operation.

Traction control function adjustment

Changed Function / Model Copy

The new model copy function allows you to copy the model data of the transmitter to a microSD card. The models copied in the microSD card cannot be used by directly calling from the card. Please copy it to the T4PM main unit when using it.
If the model data of another transmitter is saved to the microSD card, the model data is not displayed in this list.
There is no limit to the number of model data on the microSD card, but it differs depending on the capacity by size of the card. However, the model data displayed in the list is a maximum of 100 models. In addition, there is no rule in the display order.

When displaying the copy menu or while executing the copy operation, the buzzer with the same pitch as the key operation may sound continuously, but this is not a malfunction.

Using the Model Copy Function

(Select a Mode) In “MODE”, select the copy source and copy destination devices. Select the setting item “MODE” by moving the (JOG) button up or down. Use the (+) or (-) button and set the copy source and copy destination devices.
(Copy Source Model Selection) Select the setting item “FROM” by moving the (JOG) button up or down, and press the (JOG) button to display a list of model numbers.Select the copy destination model with the (JOG) button up / down or left / right operation, and press the (JOG) button. Return to the copy screen.

(Copy destination model selection) Select the setting item “TO” by moving the (JOG) button up or down, and press the (JOG) button to display a list of model numbers. -When the destination is “TX”, a list of 1 to 40 models is displayed. -When the copy destination is “SD”, the list is not displayed even if the (JOG) button is pressed for additional copying to the SD card. Select the copy destination model with the (JOG) button up / down or left / right operation, and press the (JOG) button. Return to the copy screen.
(Model copy execution) Select the setting item “EXEC” by moving the (JOG) button up or down, and press the (JOG) button. A beeping sound is generated and the copying is complete. -Copying is complete when “COMPLETE!” is displayed on the screen.
When finished, return to the MENU screen by pressing the (END) button.

Additional function / Model delete (Saved on SD card)

This function deletes model data saved on the SD card.

How to delete model data in the SD card

(Select model to delete) Select the model to delete by moving the (JOG) button up or down. -When the number of models that do not fit on one page is saved, arrows are displayed on the left and right of the page number on the screen. Operate the (JOG) button left or right to move the page.Select button – Select with the (JOG) button.
(Perform delete) After selecting the model to delete, press the (JOG) button.The mes- sage “DELETE ARE YOU SURE?” is displayed. When you press the (JOG) button, a beep sounds and the model data is deleted.
Execution button – Pressing the (JOG) button.

When finished with the setting, return to the MENU screen by pressing the (END) button.

Other Added support to change SR mode of HPS-CT700.

Additional function / Throttle Speed Return Setting
In the speed function, a setting has been added for the “return” side when returning from the throttle high side to the neutral direction. The setting method is the same as the lower side of the screen. “return” side of steering speed. Also, a servo operation monitor has been added to the lower side of the screen.

Warning
Setting the speed function in the return direction slows the de- celeration of the car body, so please be careful to set it carefully.

Additional function / The 3/4 Brake Channel Acceleration
If the “Brake mixing” function is being set, the 3rd and 4th channel brake side acceleration will become adjustable.

Additional function / Tank Mixing
This function is intended for vehicles such as tanks and can be used for the pivotal turn, or the ultra-pivot- al brake turn, by steering and throttle operation.

Tank mixing adjustment

When steering and trigger are operated at the same time. If you manipulate the trigger to the high side and operate the steering wheel to the right, the tank will turn right at the rate of “FWRD”, “RIGHT”. If you manipulate the trigger to the high side and operate the steering wheel to the left, the tank turns to the left at the rate of “FWRD”, “LEFT”. Operating the steering wheel while operating the trigger to the brake side will operate the same as the forward side in the reverse direction.

Additional function / Traction

Trigger operation with cornering on a slippery road surface is hard to get traction and smooth cornering cannot be done. By intermittently pulsing the throttle, you can smoothly navigate and travel on topological lines. Also, with a drift car, by intermittently operating the motor in the high point direction, a pseudo re- verberator engine sound can be reproduced.

Operation

During throttle operation, the throttle servo is intermittently operated in the forward direction.
You can set the amount of return to the slow side, the amount of delay, the speed of pumping, the operating point, and the duty ratio of pumping.

You can choose the action on the slow side near the neutral and the action on the high point side.

Switch setting
Use SW1 or SW2 to switch the traction control function ON/OFF.

Dial / Trim Setting
The throttle return amount, delay amount and cycle speed can be controlled with digital trim DT to DT5 or digital dial DL1 etc. with the dial select function.

About Fail Safe Unit
The use of the Futaba fail safe unit (FSU) is similar to the page description of the TH A.B.S function.

MODE: Function ON/OFF
Traction control functions ON/OFF setting. When us- ing the Traction control function, set to “ON”.
RETN: Throttle return
Set the ratio at which the servo returns to the slow side with respect to the trigger operation. If set to 0%, the traction control function will not work. At 50%, it returns to the neutral position at 50% (half), 100% of the trigger operation amount.

DELY: Delay
Set the delay from when the throttle is operated until when the traction control operation starts. When set to 0%, the traction control function works without delay. At 50%, the traction control function works approximately 0.5 second later, and the traction control function works about 1.0 second later at 100%.
CYCL: Cycle speed Sets the pulse speed (cycle speed). The smaller the set value, the faster the pulse cycle.
DUTY: Duty ratio Set the ratio of the time to operate to the high side and the time to operate to the slow side in the pumping operation. The ratio can be set to HIGH, MID or LOW.

TG.P: Trigger point / TYPE: Operating range In the throttle operation, set the position of the trigger at which traction control starts to work. Normal / Reverse, reverse the throttle operation range where the traction control operates, with the trigger point as the boundary.

Traction control function adjustment

7 When finished with the setting, return to the MENU screen by pressing the (END) button.

Additional function / Resets the sensor slot number
This function is to reset the sensor slot number when using a sensor whose slot number has been changed by another transmitter. Connect the sensor as shown and register according to the following procedure.

Sensor connect

How to reset sensor slot number

(Execute reset) Press the (JOG) button for about 1 second. -“COMPLETE!” blinks on the screen and reset sensor slot number. – If “COM-ERROR” blinks on the screen, communication with the sensor is not being performed normally. Check the T4PM and sensor connection and the battery connection to sensor and repeat RESET.
When finished with the setting, return to the MENU screen by pressing the (END) button.

Additional function / Roll Out Chart
This function is designed for pan cars. The roll out chart can be calculated from input values for the num- ber of teeth of the spur gear and pinion gear, and the tire diameter, and displayed as a table.

Use of Roll out chart function

(Setting of step of the tire diameter input) Select the setting item “STEP” by moving the (JOG) button up or down. Use the (+) and (-) buttons to set the step of input numerical value of tire diameter amount. -The step amount can be set in the range of 0.1 mm to 1.0 mm.
Setting of number of teeth of spur gear) Select the setting item “SPUR” by moving the (JOG) button up or down. Use the (+) and (-) buttons to set the spur gear. The roll out is then calculated, and the list is updated.
(Setting of number of teeth of pinion gear) Select the setting item “PINION” by moving the (JOG) button up or down. Use the (+) and (-) buttons to set the pinon gear. The roll out is then calculated, and the list is updated.

(Setting of tire diameter) Select the setting item “DIAMT” by moving the (JOG) button up or down. Use the (+) and (-) buttons to set the tire diameter. The roll out is then calculated, and the list is updated.
When finished with the setting, return to the MENU screen by pressing the (END) button.

Additional function / Gear Ratio Chart
The Gear Ratio Chart can be calculated from input values for the number of teeth of the spur gear and inion gear, and secondary gear ratio, and displayed as a table.

Use of Gear ratio chart function

Setting of number of teeth of pinion gear) Select the setting item “PINION” by moving the (JOG) button up or down. Use the (+) and (- buttons to set the pinon gear. The roll out is then calculated, and the list is updated.
(Setting of number of teeth of spur gear) Select the setting item “SPUR” by moving the (JOG) button up or down. Use the (+) and (-) buttons to set the spur gear. The roll out is then calculated, and the list is updated.
(Setting of number of secondary gear ratio) Select the setting item “2nd RATIO” by moving the (JOG) button up or down. Use the (+) and (-) buttons to set the 2nd gear ratio. The roll out is then calculated, and the list is updated.

When finished with the setting, return to the MENU screen by pressing the (END) button.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I update the software on my T4PM device?

It is recommended to check for software updates regularly and update your device whenever a new version is available to ensure optimal performance and security.

Documents / Resources

Futaba T4PM Software Update Method [pdf] Instructions
T4PM Software Update Method, T4PM, Software Update Method, Update Method, Method

References

User Manual

Futaba T4PM Software Update Method

Product Information