Futaba R7306SB 6-Channel (PWM) Air Receiver (26-Channel S.BUS) FASSTest - High Gain Aerials FUT05102740-3

Overview

The Futaba R7306SB is a compact, high-performance 6-channel air receiver specifically designed for RC aircraft enthusiasts who demand reliability, advanced connectivity, and flexible configuration options. This FASSTest-2.4GHz compatible receiver represents the pinnacle of modern RC radio technology, offering both traditional PWM outputs and cutting-edge S.BUS/S.BUS2 digital protocols in a single compact package. Whether you're flying fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters, or multi-rotor platforms, the R7306SB delivers the redundancy, telemetry capability, and safety features that serious RC pilots expect from a Futaba receiver.

As an authorised Futaba retailer in the UK, we recognise that selecting the right receiver is crucial for safe and enjoyable RC flight. The R7306SB stands out in the crowded RC receiver market because it combines six conventional PWM channels with an impressive 26-channel S.BUS capability, meaning you get maximum flexibility without compromise. The dual antenna diversity system with high-gain aerials ensures consistent signal strength even in challenging flying environments, whilst the bi-directional communication system opens up a world of telemetry possibilities through the S.BUS2 port.

For RC enthusiasts in the UK seeking a receiver that bridges the gap between traditional and modern aircraft setups, the R7306SB is an intelligent choice. Its compact dimensions of just 38.3 x 22.5 x 12.2 mm and lightweight 9.8 g design make it ideal for space-conscious airframes, whilst its broad operating voltage range from 3.5 to 8.4 V means it will work seamlessly with virtually any battery configuration you choose to use. The included Dual RX Link system capability adds an extra layer of safety by allowing two FASSTest receivers to be mounted in the same aircraft for redundancy.

Key Features

• FASSTest-2.4GHz System with Dual Modes — This receiver operates on the globally recognised 2.4GHz frequency and supports both 18-channel and 12-channel FASSTest modes, giving you maximum flexibility in how you configure your aircraft and ensuring compatibility with a wide range of Futaba transmitters currently in use across the UK RC community.
• 6-Channel PWM Outputs (CH1-6) — Six dedicated conventional PWM output channels allow you to control traditional servo-based systems and components with complete compatibility with legacy RC equipment, ensuring you're not locked into one particular setup method or forced to upgrade existing components.
• 26-Channel S.BUS and S.BUS2 Capability — The receiver supports both S.BUS and S.BUS2 digital protocols, allowing you to access up to 26 channels through a single serial connection, dramatically reducing wiring complexity compared to traditional PWM-only receivers and enabling advanced configurations on complex aircraft.
• Bi-Directional Communication System — Unlike conventional receivers that only receive signals from the transmitter, the R7306SB communicates in both directions, enabling your transmitter to receive telemetry data from sensors in your aircraft and display real-time flight information on your radio's screen.
• Dual Antenna Diversity with High-Gain Aerials — Two high-gain antennas with diversity reception mean the receiver is constantly selecting the strongest signal path, dramatically improving range and signal reliability even in areas with RF interference or challenging terrain, a critical safety feature for RC pilots.
• Dual RX Link System Option — This unique Futaba safety feature allows you to install two FASSTest receivers in the same aircraft, with either receiver able to control the aircraft if the other fails, providing redundancy that serious RC pilots value for expensive or irreplaceable aircraft.
• S.BUS2 Telemetry Port — The dedicated S.BUS2 port supports an impressive array of telemetry sensors, allowing you to monitor battery voltage, current draw, temperature, altitude, GPS position, and many other aircraft parameters in real time on your transmitter's display.
• Compact and Lightweight Design — At just 9.8 grams and measuring 38.3 x 22.5 x 12.2 mm, the R7306SB is exceptionally small and light, making it perfect for scale models, foamies, and any aircraft where weight and space are critical considerations.
• Broad Voltage Compatibility — With an operating voltage range of 3.5 to 8.4 V, the R7306SB works with single-cell LiPo batteries, traditional nickel-cadmium packs, and multi-cell configurations, giving you complete flexibility in power system selection without receiver limitations.
• Transmitter-Configurable Failsafe — Battery failsafe voltage is configured at the transmitter rather than the receiver, meaning you can adjust safety parameters without opening the aircraft or needing specialist programming equipment, making maintenance and configuration straightforward for UK RC pilots.

Technical Performance

The Futaba R7306SB represents a significant engineering achievement in miniaturised receiver design, packing an extraordinary amount of functionality into a package smaller than many conventional 6-channel receivers. The dual antenna diversity system utilises high-gain aerials that actively select the strongest signal path, a technology that professional RC pilots and competition fliers depend upon for reliable long-distance flying and consistent performance in areas with RF noise or interference. The receiver's support for both traditional PWM protocols and modern S.BUS/S.BUS2 digital standards means it bridges the gap between legacy RC equipment and contemporary aircraft avionics, eliminating the need to choose between old and new technologies. The FASSTest protocol itself is built on Futaba's decades of radio control expertise, employing frequency hopping and advanced error correction to provide a secure, reliable connection even in crowded frequency environments common at busy RC flying sites across the UK. The bi-directional communication capability fundamentally changes how you interact with your aircraft, transforming the receiver from a passive signal decoder into an active data link that sends critical flight information back to your transmitter. With a power requirement of 3.7 to 7.4 volts nominal operation and tolerance up to 8.4 volts under battery float, the R7306SB accommodates virtually any power source from single-cell LiPo through to traditional multi-cell packs, whilst its 9.8 gram weight makes it suitable for everything from delicate indoor scale models to larger aerobatic aircraft.

What's in the Box

• 1x Futaba R7306SB 6-Channel Receiver with integrated high-gain antennas

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is the Futaba R7306SB suitable for beginners to RC aircraft? — The R7306SB is designed for pilots who already have some RC experience and are comfortable with receiver installation and aircraft setup. Whilst it's not overly complex, the availability of advanced features like S.BUS2 telemetry means it's perhaps better suited to intermediate and advanced fliers who will appreciate these capabilities. Beginners would likely be better served by a simpler 4 or 6-channel PWM-only receiver, though upgrading to the R7306SB later is straightforward as your skills develop.
• What battery voltage does the Futaba R7306SB need? — The receiver requires a nominal operating voltage of 3.7 to 7.4 volts, but will tolerate battery voltages anywhere from 3.5 to 8.4 volts. This means it works perfectly with single-cell LiPo batteries (around 3.7V nominal), two-cell LiPo packs (around 7.4V nominal), traditional 4.8V four-cell nickel-cadmium receiver packs, or even 8.4V six-cell NiMH packs, giving you tremendous flexibility in power system design.
• Can I use the R7306SB with my existing Futaba transmitter? — Yes, provided your transmitter is FASSTest-compatible. The R7306SB works with all Futaba FASSTest transmitters that support 2.4GHz operation. If your transmitter is older and uses the original 75MHz AM/FM frequency, it will not be compatible with this receiver as the R7306SB is exclusively 2.4GHz FASSTest.
• What does the Dual RX Link system do and why would I want it? — The Dual RX Link system allows you to install two R7306SB receivers in the same aircraft, with the system automatically selecting whichever receiver has the stronger signal from your transmitter. If one receiver loses signal or fails, the other immediately takes over control, providing critical safety redundancy for expensive, irreplaceable, or particularly challenging-to-fly aircraft. This is a unique Futaba safety feature that serious RC competitors and professional pilots value highly.
• How many channels can I actually control with the R7306SB? — The receiver provides six dedicated PWM channels (CH1-6) for conventional servo control. However, through the S.BUS and S.BUS2 ports, it can decode and distribute up to 26 channels worth of control data from a compatible FASSTest transmitter, allowing you to control far more functions than the six PWM outputs alone would suggest. This makes it ideal for complex aircraft with retractable landing gear, flap control, lighting systems, and other auxiliary functions.
• Does the R7306SB provide telemetry, and what can it monitor? — Yes, telemetry is provided through the S.BUS2 port, which allows connection of a wide array of Futaba and third-party sensors. Typical telemetry functions include battery voltage and cell balancing information, current draw monitoring, temperature sensors, altitude data from barometric sensors, GPS position and speed, variometer (vertical speed) data, and airspeed information. Your transmitter must support S.BUS2 telemetry reception to display this data, but compatible Futaba transmitters will show all this information on their screens during flight.
• What is the difference between S.BUS and S.BUS2? — S.BUS is a one-way digital protocol that allows channel data to be transmitted from transmitter to receiver over a single wire. S.BUS2 is an enhanced version that adds bi-directional communication, allowing the receiver to send telemetry data back to the transmitter. The R7306SB supports both standards, so you can use either depending on your aircraft's capabilities and your transmitter's features.
• How small is the R7306SB and will it fit in my aircraft? — At 38.3 x 22.5 x 12.2 mm and weighing just 9.8 grams, the R7306SB is extremely compact and lightweight. These dimensions make it suitable for everything from indoor foam models to competition aerobatic aircraft. Compared to traditional 6-channel receivers, it's significantly smaller, allowing installation in aircraft where space is at a premium. The compact size is one of the R7306SB's major advantages for modern aircraft design.
• What does the high-gain antenna system do and why is it important? — The R7306SB includes two high-gain antennas rather than standard antennas. These antennas have improved radiation patterns that extend signal range and improve reception quality, particularly useful for long-distance flying or in areas with RF interference. The diversity system continuously switches between the two antennas to maintain the strongest possible signal path, a feature that professional RC pilots depend upon for reliability.
• Can I mix PWM and S.BUS outputs on the same receiver? — Yes, this is one of the R7306SB's key advantages. You can use the six PWM outputs for traditional servo control on core aircraft functions like throttle, elevator, aileron, and rudder, whilst simultaneously using the S.BUS2 output for digital control of auxiliary systems like landing gear servos, flap controllers, or telemetry sensor hubs. This flexibility makes the R7306SB ideal for transitioning aircraft from older PWM-only setups to modern digital avionics.

Why Buy from RC Model Shop?

RC Model Shop is a trusted UK RC retailer and authorised dealer for all the brands we stock, including Traxxas, ARRMA, Losi, FTX, Hobbywing, Spektrum and more. Based in Walsall, we have a physical store where customers are welcome to come in, view products and purchase in store. Whether you are a seasoned competitor, a weekend basher, or just discovering the world of RC for the first time, our team of experienced RC enthusiasts is here to help you find the perfect setup and provide ongoing support. Order the Futaba R7306SB 6-Channel (PWM) Air Receiver (26-Channel S.BUS) FASSTest - High Gain Aerials today with confidence, knowing you are buying from an authorised retailer with genuine products, expert knowledge and a commitment to customer satisfaction. Shop online or visit us in Walsall — we look forward to helping you get the most out of your RC experience.