The potential offered by an 18-channel Futaba system is probably more than enough to make long-time fliers want to buy one. However, the 18MZ also offers the latest and best chapter in Futaba's 2.4GHz developments: new FASSTest technology.

While some information on the 18MZ and FASSTest is provided below, please be advised: it doesn't tell the full story on either topic. Quite the contrary: what you see are highlights; what we feel are the most meaningful, interesting (and solid!) facts available. There's much more to come on both in the future. However, what we can tell you is this:

About FASSTest Technology

• It’s simultaneously the most advanced technology available and fully backwards-compatible with Futaba FASST™, FHSS & S-FHSS systems.
• It’s bi-directional. In plain language, it’s capable of supporting telemetry functions. More on this as it becomes available.

About the 18MZ System

• It’s the first true 18-channel Futaba radio system ever. It comes with an R7000SB receiver, as well as transmitter and receiver batteries.
• The R7008SB is a high-voltage design that lets you use as many — or as few — channels as you want.
  • You can operate on up to 8 channels using the 8 standard PWM inputs. Servo options are wide open, ranging from simple analog to S.Bus and new S.Bus2 servos.
  • You have access to up to 18 channels (16 proportional + 2 digital) through the 18MZ’s two S.Bus2 ports. That means simpler, more foolproof setup and full support for S.Bus and S.Bus2 servos.
• It features a SD Card slot. Slide a card in the slot, and you have ample (and adjustable) capacity for updates, model memory and more.
• It includes versatile “internal memory”. It’s not just for model/setup data; it can also be used for sound and picture files. That’s especially nice, since the 18MZ has…
• A built-in 0.3M megapixel camera. No need for a digital camera or even a flip phone. Just point the 18MZ, click and you have a foolproof picture ID of your model in seconds.
• It includes a 6” touch screen with 640x240 resolution. Big, brilliant and backlit for easy viewing anywhere, it provides sparkling clarity on remarkably little power. Gentle finger pressure is all that’s needed for fast, easy navigation and programming.
• You can download software updates online. This is a standard feature for Futaba computer systems, and easily one of the most popular customer “perks.” It’s a fast and easy way to keep your system “current”.
• A 7.4V, 3500mAh LiPo transmitter battery is standard equipment.
• It features a built-in U.S.B. Port. You can use it to connect a memory stick or connect it to a keyboard or mouse or use it to download telemetry data to your PC or laptop for storage and reference.
• It includes a Serial Interface, too. Futaba already offers a stand-alone serial interface (the CIU-2) for programming the travel, endpoint and other functions of S.Bus and S.Bus2 servos. This built-in (and the free download) lets you do the same with the 18MZ.
• Stick angle adjusts quickly and easily. First introduced on the 14MZ, the adjustable gimble angles feature has proven so popular that it was included on the 18MZ, as well. It’s more than a comfort/convenience feature; it allows you to customize your control setup for greater ease and precision.

As great as this all may seem right now, you need to remember something: the best is yet to come. Even with all we've told you, it's just the tip of the iceberg where the 18MZ is concerned. Once the show is over, we'll have time to sit down and explore all of the 18MZ's full potential. And when we do, you can expect to see updates on Facebook and the full list of features (and the full story) on futaba-rc.com.