Overview
The Futaba SBS-01ML MAVLink Telemetry Adapter is a specialist accessory designed for RC enthusiasts who require reliable telemetry integration within their projects. This compact adapter brings professional-grade telemetry capabilities to your RC setup, whether you're flying drones, operating autonomous vehicles, or managing complex RC installations that rely on the MAVLink protocol. For serious RC hobbyists in the UK who demand precision telemetry data and seamless communication between their flight controllers and ground stations, the SBS-01ML represents an excellent investment in system reliability and performance monitoring.
Whether you're an experienced RC pilot looking to enhance your autonomous capabilities or an enthusiast exploring advanced telemetry solutions for your RC car or aircraft, this Futaba adapter delivers the connectivity and reliability you need. The SBS-01ML integrates seamlessly with Futaba's S.BUS2 protocol ecosystem, which is the industry standard for modern RC systems. This means you can trust your telemetry data to be accurate, responsive, and fully compatible with your existing Futaba radio control equipment. If you're searching for a dedicated MAVLink telemetry interface for your RC setup in the UK, the SBS-01ML stands out as a purpose-built solution from a manufacturer with decades of expertise in radio control technology.
Futaba has been leading the way in radio control since 1962, and their commitment to quality extends to every accessory they produce. The SBS-01ML exemplifies this dedication, offering a straightforward yet powerful telemetry interface that transforms how you monitor and interact with your RC systems. With its compact, lightweight design and professional-grade construction, this adapter is the choice of RC enthusiasts who refuse to compromise on data reliability or system integration.
Key Features
- S.BUS2 Protocol Compatibility — The adapter operates on the S.BUS2 command protocol, which is Futaba's advanced digital communication standard that provides enhanced data transmission speed and reliability compared to older analogue systems, ensuring your telemetry information reaches your receiver without delay or interference.
- MAVLink Protocol Support — Purpose-built to work with the MAVLink protocol used by flight controllers and autopilot systems across the RC industry, this adapter enables bidirectional communication between your vehicle's intelligence systems and your ground control station or receiver, unlocking autonomous and semi-autonomous flight capabilities.
- Compact Lightweight Design — Weighing just 0.02 kg (0.04 lbs), the SBS-01ML adds minimal mass to your RC installation, which is crucial when every gram matters in maintaining optimal flight characteristics, weight distribution, and battery flight time on your RC aircraft or vehicle.
- Professional Black Finish — The adapter features a clean black colour that integrates discreetly into any RC installation, maintaining a professional appearance whilst protecting the internal electronics from dust and minor handling damage during use and storage.
- Authorised Futaba Product — As an official Futaba accessory, you can rely on genuine components, proper quality control, and authentic technical support, ensuring your telemetry system functions reliably when you need it most during critical RC operations.
Technical Performance
The Futaba SBS-01ML MAVLink Telemetry Adapter represents the pinnacle of compact telemetry integration for serious RC enthusiasts. Built with Futaba's meticulous engineering standards, this adapter provides a transparent interface between your MAVLink-compatible flight controller or autopilot system and your Futaba S.BUS2 radio control receiver. The S.BUS2 protocol itself is a digital communication standard that operates at significantly faster speeds than traditional PWM or analogue servo signals, enabling real-time transmission of complex telemetry data including GPS coordinates, altitude information, attitude data, battery voltage, current draw, and system health parameters. The compact form factor — measuring just 0.02 kg in shipping weight — ensures minimal impact on your RC vehicle's overall weight budget, which is essential whether you're balancing a multirotor aircraft, optimising a long-range RC plane, or managing weight distribution in an autonomous ground vehicle. The adapter's construction is finished in professional black, providing both aesthetic appeal and practical protection for the internal electronic circuitry. The MAVLink protocol, widely adopted across the RC industry for autopilot systems including ArduPilot and similar platforms, ensures broad compatibility with modern RC automation systems. Whether you're integrating advanced flight modes, autonomous waypoint navigation, failsafe systems, or telemetry logging, the SBS-01ML provides the critical communication bridge your system requires.
What's in the Box
- Futaba SBS-01ML MAVLink Telemetry Adapter (1x unit)
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the MAVLink protocol and why do I need this adapter? — MAVLink is the Micro Aerial Vehicle Link protocol, an open standard communication framework used by autopilot systems and flight controllers to transmit telemetry data to ground stations and receivers. If you're running an ArduPilot or similar autopilot system and want to receive real-time telemetry through your Futaba radio system, this adapter bridges that communication gap, translating between the MAVLink protocol and Futaba's S.BUS2 standard.
- Is the Futaba SBS-01ML compatible with my existing RC equipment? — The adapter is specifically designed for systems using the S.BUS2 protocol, which is Futaba's digital communication standard. As long as your Futaba receiver supports S.BUS2 telemetry input, the SBS-01ML will integrate seamlessly into your RC system. We recommend checking your receiver's specifications to confirm S.BUS2 compatibility before purchase.
- How much weight does this adapter add to my RC vehicle? — At just 0.02 kg (0.04 lbs), the SBS-01ML adds negligible weight to your RC installation, making it suitable for weight-sensitive applications including long-range RC aircraft, racing drones, or vehicles where every gram impacts performance.
- What telemetry data can I receive through this adapter? — The specific telemetry parameters available depend on your autopilot system and Futaba receiver capabilities, but MAVLink typically enables transmission of GPS position, altitude, attitude, battery status, airspeed, and system health diagnostics to your ground station or radio display.
- Is this suitable for beginners or only advanced users? — Whilst this is a professional-grade telemetry adapter, it's straightforward to install once you understand your vehicle's autopilot system and Futaba S.BUS2 wiring. Beginners new to telemetry integration should have their local RC specialist or experienced RC mentor assist with the initial setup to ensure proper configuration and safety.
- Where should I position the adapter on my RC vehicle? — The compact design allows flexible mounting options. Most users mount it near their flight controller or receiver where MAVLink and S.BUS2 connections are easily accessible, ensuring clean cable routing and reliable signal transmission without interference.
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 SBS-01ML MAVLink Telemetry Adapter FUT05102717-3 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.
- Brand: Futaba
- Model Number: FUT05102717-3
- Product Name: SBS-01ML MAVLink Telemetry Adapter
- Command Protocol: S.BUS2
- Protocol Support: MAVLink
- Colour: Black
- Weight: 0.02 kg (0.04 lbs)
- Barcode: 4513886036897
- Age Recommendation: 14+
- Stock Status: Usually ships next day (subject to availability)
Futaba SBS-01ML MAVLink Telemetry Adapter FUT05102717-3 enables real-time MAVLink data—battery stats, GPS, airspeed—to be displayed on Futaba transmitters via S.BUS2.
Featuring a slim 180 mm cable and weighing just 3.6 g, this adapter delivers seamless integration between Pixhawk-style flight controllers and Futaba’s telemetry ecosystem. It operates on DC 3.7–7.4 V, supports firmware updates, and handles vital flight data including voltage, current, altitude, ground/air speed, GPS satellite count, and HDOP.
FAQs
- What does the SBS-01ML do? It converts MAVLink telemetry into S.BUS2 format for Futaba transmitters.
- Which flight controllers is it compatible with? Designed for Pixhawk and similar MAVLink-based controllers.
- What type of data does it transmit? Battery voltage/current, altitude, airspeed, ground speed, GPS satellites count, HDOP.
- What’s the power requirement? Operates on DC 3.7 V to 7.4 V.
- Can the firmware be updated? Yes—supports future updates via official tools.
- Part Number: FUT05102717-3
- Product Name: SBS-01ML MAVLink Telemetry Adapter
- Supported Telemetry: Battery voltage & current, altitude, airspeed, ground speed, GPS satellites, HDOP
- Interface: S.BUS2 telemetry to Futaba transmitters
- Input Voltage: DC 3.7 V – 7.4 V
- Cable Length: 180 mm
- Weight: Approximately 3.6 g
- Applications: Drone telemetry integration (e.g., Pixhawk) with Futaba systems
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