Note: All pictures that follow are
"clickable". Clicking on them will show you an enlargement!
A lil' history ...
After I had acquired a Futaba 9CAP radio a few years
ago, I was curious about this "Campac" module that Futaba sells. This
plug-in module is an upgrade, increasing your radio's capability of storing more
model information. The 9CAP out of the box can store 8 models. With
the 16K Campac module, you can store 14 models total (module adds 6 models).
The Futaba 8C transmitter can also use this module. In fact, if used on an
8C, you get 8 additional models instead of 6. These can usually be
purchased for
around $15-25, or can be built by yourself for around $5-6. They also sell
64K
versions of the Campac and cost between $50-70. If you check on the
internet, you can also find "cloned" versions of these higher capacity Campac
modules (i.e. "Ultra-Pacs").
After digging around on the internet, I found
Wallace
Louie's webpage which contains some interesting software that allows you to
download and upload Campac information to your PC. I also followed some
links to a few interesting DIY Campac module, appropriately named "Clone-Pacs".
The Campac modules use serial EEPROM chips that are easily (and cheaply)
obtained over the internet or through surplus electronic outfits. The only
other electrical components required are two resistors. The only unique
item you may have to get is the mating connector needed that will accept the
pins located inside the transmitter's Campac interface slot. Without this
proper header receptor, you will be sure to bend or damage the Campac's
interface, possibly rendering your transmitter useless.
1) 24LC16B Serial EEPROM
2) Two (2) 10K-ohm resistors (any size, I used 1/4 watt)
3) Perfboard or build your own PCB
4) Futaba Transmitter Campac module mating connector
5) ...
09/06/2008
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