"CLONEPAC" memory module for Futaba 8UAF/8UAP
The Futaba 8UAF or 8UAP radio control transmitter has an optional memory
module, the DP-16K CAMPac module, that doubles the model storage capacity
(to 16 models from 8) and allows you to save programs or transfer programs
to another transmitter. The module can be purchased for about $90-$100
from hobby suppliers.
Recently, a number of individuals have developed a clone of the CAMPac
module through the usenet group on the internet "rec.models.rc.air" that
can be built for considerably less money. Credit goes to Jim White
for blazing the trail, Dave Rigotti for discovering the receptacle part
number, and Dave Tatosian for developing the Adobe Acrobat drawings.
There are several versions of the design, but the following seems to be
the latest (May 31, 1998).
Get your Adobe
Acrobat Free Reader here.
"CLONEPac" Acrobat file for download (36K).
Regular GIF image of the CLONEPac Acrobat file
(57K) for challenged printers like mine, print as 4.1" width by 4.64"
height for actual size plans.
I've taken the Acrobat perf board plans and drawn out these printed
circuit board plans below.
Construction notes:
Futaba offers a 64K version of the CAMPac module for their 9Z line of transmitters
that will work in the 8U line, giving something like 43 model memory.
The 64K version uses about 14 components including what seem to be 3-4
custom chips. Rest assured that this CLONEPac module is not designed
to use and will not work with a 64K chip--only the 16K chip will work.
People have tried to substitute in a 64K chip without success. Keep
in mind that you can expand your model memory capacity further by swapping
modules and you can build something like 30-40 CLONEPac modules for the
price of a CAMPac module. If nothing less than a 64K module will do, you can have a look at an amazing design using programmable chips here www.rcdesign.ru/eng/electronics/mempac64k/.
The length of the board is a maximum if you want the plastic dust cap
to fit back over the memory module socket, so a little short is better
than long. Too short and you will have trouble grabbing the board
to pull it out.
Note that the memory chip is static sensitive, so ground yourself
before handling the chip.
The 8UAF pins end up passing all the way though the receptacle and protrude
several mm beyond the receptacle, so make sure the receptacle pins end
up on the circuit board side and will not block the 8UAF pins. Bend
the receptacle pins so they contact the solder pads with the receptacle
flat on the circuit board. To do this, hold the receptacle
on a flat surface and press down on the midsection of each pin with a blunt
flat tool--I used the blunt end of a needle nose pliers held vertically.
Glue the receptacle to the foil side of the board. Use the
adhesive of your choice . . . but do not use cyanoacrylate (CA), if you
can avoid it, as it is conductive . . . I used a tiny spot of 15 minute
epoxy. Finally solder the pins to the pads.
Triple check everything! This is your prized radio you are about
to slide this creation into.
Application notes:
If you look into the CAMPac socket on your radio, you will see a 7-pin
connector with a small white triangle above the right- hand pin.
The triangle corresponds to pin one of your new memory module. Slide
the module in with receptacle up and chip down. When you turn on
your transmitter, you will see "INIT? EXT-MEM" with a series of beeps.
Press the Plus (+) DATA INPUT key, and away it will go. After initializing,
you'll see "Pac" next to the word "Model" at the upper right of the display,
and you will have 16 model memory instead of 8.
Parts:
These part numbers are from DigiKey electronics corp. Order 1-800-344-4539
or order online at Digi-Key Corporation
Home Page. Get the PC Board to etch your own, or get the Vector
Board to wire it by hand (no need to get both).
| PN |
Description |
Price |
| V1043-ND |
Vector (perf) Board |
5.43 each |
| PC5-ND |
1/16" Copper PC board, 3x4.5" |
2.78 each |
| 24LC16B/P-ND |
Serial EEPROM |
1.31 each |
| 2063S-07-ND |
2mm Receptacle |
2.02 each |
| 3.3KEBK-ND |
3.3K Resistor 1/8 watt |
0.28 per five |
|
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Circuit Board:
Ok, so you want to build this little item, but making the circuit board is still a little much for you. You can pay a company to make the printed circuit boards for you, but generally, they can only afford to make hundreds at a time. A few folks have had them made anyway, and now they have hundreds of extra boards. Brian Schick for example (www.campac.us) will sell you individual boards, a kit, or the finished product.
Written by Rob Crockett, 6/98. Last updated 8/05.
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