Franken-Futaba FP-T6NFK

Question:
Hey Doc-
I have an old Futaba FP-T6NFK Transmitter which is barely used (crashed on maiden flight), but I don’t have the charger and I am pretty sure the batteries are dead after 20 years. Should I replace the batteries with the idea of installing a switched DIY 2.4GHz module (to use both 72MHz and 2.4GHz)? Or should I just plan to buy a new Tx/Rx. Thinking of building a quadcopter and eventually a plane. Thank you for the input.
John-Paul

Answer:
Hi JP,
Funny you should bring up a question regarding a DIY project to restore an old transmitter to current specs. I have a first-gen Futaba FP-T 2F Transmitter in perfect condition that I was thinking about doing this to, but the the time and money involved (plus the fact I was destroying a piece of history) sort of set me off to the project.

The Futaba FP-T6NFK is a cool, dual-stick radio and one of the more popular models of it’s time. I’m not sure how often you’ll be using it in 72MHz mode once you’ve converted, but if it was me I’d keep it as is and just pick up a new 2.4GHz for current aircraft. New, digital entry-level radios (like the Futaba 6J or Spektrum DX6i) go for around $150 which might even be a more cost-effective way to go. Those radios also offer model-memory…I personally use the DX6i and have 2 helis, 3 quads and a plane on it and love it.

If you decide to keep the FP-T6NFK stock, might as well go all nostalgic and build a period-piece plane!

Good luck!
The Doc