Ask Mike at Hitec/Multiplex V21

[MikeMayberry]

Hi all,

This is where you can get your questions answered about any Hitec or Multiplex product.

Don't be shy... step right up!!!

Mike Mayberry
Promotions Director
Hitec/Multiplex USA

[Scott Johnson]

Hi Mike,

From the previous thread. Thanks for your reply re: using channels 1&6 aileron mix with an Eclipse and a 555 = sorry no.

Its really a shame that your competitors have a 5 channel rx better suited to the Eclipse than Hitec does:confused:

I have used 555's for years, bullet proof & great value, I am now buying Berg 5's to get Ch 1&6 and pins out...note to your product development department....either fix the Eclipse default aileron mixes to match your own rx's or update the 555 to match your competitors and make the 5th channel channel 6...or lose Hitec customers.

I still really like Hitec, but this channel 1&6 show stopper baffles me....

Scott

[MikeMayberry]

The 555 has now been basically replaced by the Electron 6 that is about 30% smaller and lighter. http://www.hitecrcd.com/Receivers/electron6.htm

Mike

[Graham_Prince]

Hi Mike,

I have an Elevon model (S&B Komet) that is flying well and want to try some aileron differential with it. I've read that I need to use EPA and then setup a Programmable Mix to acheive this but can't work out the exact steps. ie what is the master and slave relationship?

I've been searching for the answer to this question and have found hints but can't work out the entire solution. If you could help that would be fanastic.

Thanks in advance.

Graham
Melbourne Australia

[MikeMayberry]

You don't need a p-mix; in the elevon mode just set the EPA on channels 1 & 6 so that the down travel is about 30-50% less than the up travel.

[Rip-N-Burn]

Hi Mike, I've read here that you can buy a radioshack battery adapter and nimh batteries for use with the eclipse7 along with using the stock charger. Is this a non recomended idea?
Your thoughts..


Kenny..

[Andy W]

Mike,
I sent this in email but I'm happy to share my satisfaction here!

Just wanted to say how much I love the Electron 6 I got last year. It's performed flawlessly, just as all my other Hitec gear. I just bought 3 more of them from Hobby Lobby, in fact..

Any word on a replacement for the super slim, or a side-plug version of the 6? We'd talked about this at the time, wonder if you have any update. A side-mount version of the 6, or a smaller, lighter 8, would be soooo convenient.
..a

[pjawien]

Hi Mike,

Can you tell me if the flash 5x can be programmed with the following setup for an hlg:
Flaperons on channels 1 and 5, with differential. Single Flap servo on Channel 3 controlled by throttle. Rudder on channel 4. Elevator launch mode adjustment controlled by a switch.

Would this work? Sorry that I'm being lazy, I could sit with the radio, rx and a bunch of servos and try to make it work. But all my radio gear is inside planes and perhaps you know the answer off the top of your head.

thanks,

Piotr

[Graham_Prince]

Originally posted by MikeMayberry
You don't need a p-mix; in the elevon mode just set the EPA on channels 1 & 6 so that the down travel is about 30-50% less than the up travel.

Do you have a solution for when using a 5 channel RX (555) and will this affect the downward elevator travel of the elevons?

Thanks again.
Graham

[Peter Khor]

Mike, any timetable as to when the Multiplex line will be fully available in the US (okay, at least the Royal EVO)? AND please tell me they will be available thru the regular channels (Horizon/Tower) for LHS to order from! ;)

[apex]

Oops. I got a little excited doing some thrust measurements at the workbench tonight and knocked my eclipse onto the floor. It landed on the Flight Mode and Trainer switches. They were bashed in and not functioning. I took it apart and of course half a dozen pieces fell out :/ I don't use the Trainer switch so I used parts from it to replace the broken parts in the other switch. The Flight Mode switch works now so I can do all my flying.

I'd still like to replace both switches with new ones, especially to have the trainer option available later. Can I get some replacement switches from you guys? If not they have brand, part number, and specs stamped on them so I could track some down I suppose...

Flight Mode switch is listed here: http://techno.kyohritsu.com/products/plist03.html as MS-550C (not that I could order it heh)

So... I'd really like to buy a little bag with some switches in it :D

[MikeMayberry]

ripnburn- Yes, you can you the typical dry cell battery holder with NiMh's in it with the Eclipse but a soldered pack with the proper connector would be more desirable.

Andy W- Thanks for the good words. No, nothing I can talk about yet.

pjawien- You should be able to get everything you mentioned but the launch mode.

Graham_Prince- Sorry I made a mistake... it's the flapperon mode not elevon. In elevon mode the elevator is affected. No, you can't use a 555 since it needs channels 1&6 for the mix.

Peter Khor- 60 days for the majority of the product but the Royal Evo's are not expected until July. Yes it will be available through most of the same channels as Hitec.

apex- Bummer! Contact: tonyo@hitecrcd.com

Mike

[jonlowe]

Mike,
What is the difference between your Supreme 8 receivers for Hitec and Futaba, models 23572 and 23272? The transmitters both have the same shift, correct? Is it the servo connectors? I have a bunch of JR connector servos, so I should use the Hitec version of the Supreme I think.

Any light you can shed would be appreciated.

Jon Lowe

[omega blood]

Two questions about the charger that came with my flash 5x

1. can I use this charger to charge a 4 cell 600 mah nicad?

2. Can I use both battery and TX charging leads to charge at the same time?

[omega blood]

Got another one. What's up with the am and fm focus radios? I can see the neon replacing the fm focus but what about the realy inexpesive am foucus radios? Will they be compleatly phased out or replaced?

[blfinche]

Mike,
Where can I get a channel 25 single conversion crystal for an IPD 7 channel reciever? I checked Multiplex.

Thanks,
Bobby

[NightSwan]

Hey mike!

I need a new TX :D, and since the Graupner X-3810 is waaay to expensive for a poor student (don's ask what a poor student does flying RC-aircraft :rolleyes: ),
I was looking into the eclipse7

I've downloaded and read the manual, but can't figure out one thing :

At our local club, we fly with inverted throttle : closed is push stick forward, open is pull stick towards me. I'm a mode-2 flier (throttle left)
Is this possible with the eclipse, or do I lose some functionality? (idle-up, throttle-cutoff etc.)?

I'm an electric-only flier, so idle-up isn't that important to me (no helicopter), but maybe in the future...

Thanks for the info,

Hans

[MikeMayberry]

jonlowe- The only difference is the case although the Hitec version will also accept the Futaba J plug so they can be interchanged with no problems.

omega blood- Yes to your first two questions. The Neon will basically replace the Focus 3 FM but the Focus 3 AM will still be available and will typically be sold installed in RTF airplanes.

blfinche- Call us. (858)748-6948 and we can sell you one.

NightSwan- Why would anyone do that? :) Yes, actually you will loose some functionality but they might not be a factor in electric.

Mike.

[apex]

apex- Bummer! Contact: tonyo@hitecrcd.com


Mike,

Thanks, Tony took care of me. The switches were $5 each and he said they were going to start selling them directly on a site, or to retailers (or something) as it's a common problem (dropping the TX, hehe). :)

[NightSwan]

Mike,

dunnow, that's the way they fly at that field. I learnt it that way, and am now used to it :s - actually, the all fly mode 1, but I feel more comfortable flying primary controls with my right hand.
The reversed-throttle isn't that weird if you think of it : when you get too close too the ground for comfort, just pull both sticks hard :D

I guess when I (did you notice the when, not an if ;) ) buy the eclipse, I'll have to re-solder the left stick pot and (if possible) trimswitch. That'll solve the problems I think..

I'm wondering, is there a spectra-module for 35MHz available?

Hans

[blfinche]

Mike,
Thanks for setting me up with the crystal.

Bobby

[mkirsch1]

NightSwan,

You shouldn't have to resolder anything. This is a computer radio. Just use the servo reverse function. 99.9% of the time, all you need to do on the throttle is go from stop to full. Electronic Speed Controls (ESCs) generally automatically sense the range of the throttle stick during the arming phase, and adjust themselves to go from off to full throttle in that range. Using any of the "special features" won't have any effect as soon as you unplug the flight pack.

[Hovertime]

I bought 3 HS-85 MG gearsets from servocity, and one bag was packed wrong;
It has 2 output shaft/gears, and one of smaller gears is missing.
Servocity told me to call Hitec support, but i hate phone calls:o
Can i just mail it and get right package back, or i need some kind of autorization #?

[flailing]

Mike I have a Cockpit MM and it's great very comfortable and light. Is there a 3 position switch I can replace the rotating knob with, I would like to set up my flaps with a switch to 0, 15, and 30 degrees. Thanks.

[peterv]

Hi Mike! Have a question. Recently purchased a Berg5 DSP rcvr and want to use it with dual aileron servos. Channel 1 and 5 are used on the Cockpit for dual ailerons/flaperons. Talked to Peter Berg and he suggested to use the programmable function on the radio. The only channel prog I can see is the electronic y-adaptor which slaves ch 7 with any other, not ch 6. Is there any way to slave ch 5 and 6???:confused:

Pete

[MikeMayberry]

NightSwan- You'll probably be ok with just the servo reversing if you are flying electrics only. No the Spectra module is only available on 72mhz for aircraft. I'm sorry, but who ever started that at your field did not do anyone any favors! I just don't get it
:confused:

Hovertime- Sure, that will work. Just put a note in explaining the situation.

flailing- I think so, but I am not yet familiar with all the aspects of the Multiplex radios yet. Contact Karlton Spindle who is our MPX technical advisor @ (858)-748-1045 and he will be able to help you.

peterv- I don't think so, but am not totally sure. Contact Karlton at the number above and he can help you further.

Mike.

[MikeMayberry]

NightSwan- You'll probably be ok with just the servo reversing if you are flying electrics only. No the Spectra module is only available on 72mhz for aircraft. I'm sorry, but who ever started that at your field did not do anyone any favors! I just don't get it:confused:

Hovertime- Sure, that will work. Just put a note in explaining the situation.

flailing- I think so, but I am not yet familiar with all the aspects of the Multiplex radios yet. Contact Karlton Spindle who is our MPX technical advisor @ (858)-748-1045 and he will be able to help you.

peterv- I don't think so, but am not totally sure. Contact Karlton at the number above and he can help you further.

Mike.

[MikeDPP]

Mike:

I have a Hitec 3 SS FM that I sent in for repairs because it was glitching so bad on two different airplanes that I couldn't keep them in the air. I flew the same planes with my friend's Hitec radio and my crytsal and they worked fine.

I just got it back from your service department today after they replaced the main board (I think). I took it out this evening and flew with a few other guys on different frequencies. It does the same thing! No one else had a problem but me. Is it possible that your service deparment missed something? Is the Focus 3 SS prone to this problem? Do you have any suggestions for me?

I am really frustrated and not very impressed with this Hitec product or the service department at this point. Do you have any suggestions besides buying a radio from another manuafcturer?

Sorry for the attitude,

MikeDPP

[babblefish]

If you're using the Feather RX, I'd try a different RX before condeming the transmitter. Try a Berg, FMA M5 or Hitec Electron.

[MikeDPP]

Babblefish:

I felt the same way until I tried my friend's radio and the problems didn't exist. That would rule out the RX, don't you think? His was a more expensive Hitec radio, but I thought that transmitters had the same signal output strength regardless of price range.

MikeDPP

[MikeMayberry]

MikeDPP- Sorry for the problems. The Focus 3SS should work just as well as any other Hitec FM transmitter. Since you are still having problems, contact tonyo@hitecrcd.com and he will figure out the best way to take care of you.

Mike.

[Goge]

Mike-
I'm sure this has been asked before, but I'm tired of doing searches.

What is the max input voltage for, say, an Electron 6? The basis of the question is I'm wondering if two Li-Polys would work in a sailplane application. One seems a bit iffy, if it would work at all.

Thanks! I'm a Hitech believer,
-Todd

[Hovertime]

Originally posted by Hovertime
I bought 3 HS-85 MG gearsets from servocity, and one bag was packed wrong;
It has 2 output shaft/gears, and one of smaller gears is missing.
Servocity told me to call Hitec support, but i hate phone calls:o
Can i just mail it and get right package back, or i need some kind of autorization #?

Just wanted to share my experience:

Well-i did make that phone, call, and
I CAN'T BELIEVE WHAT A GREAT CUSTOMER SERVICE !!!:D

[MikeMayberry]

Goge- An unregulated 5 cell Nicad or NiMh pack will put out about 6.7v when it is fully charged which is just about the maximum voltage the servos can handle. A 2 cell LiPo pack is 7.4V, so you would need to run a regulator.

Hovertime- :D :D :D

Mike.

[babock]

Mike,

I asked this question in the Hitec forum on the Hitec website and also called Hitec and I received 2 different answers. One said it would work and other said it wouldn't.

I am building a zagi type motorized wing for a friend and bought him a Hitec Neon FM with a trainer option. My radio is a Hitec Prism 7x. Can I use the Hitec Prism 7x as the buddy box to train him?

Thanx in advance.
Bruce

[MikeMayberry]

The problem is that the Prism 7X elevon mode is backwards to that of any of our other radios (Don't ask me why!) so it won't work. Sorry!

Mike

[elau]

I am not clear in how to set up the Aileron/Rudder mixing function on my Flash trasmitter.......

When programming it, should the aileron and rudder mixing "point" to the same direction? For Example, if I make the plane turn to the left using the aileron, whould the rudder be program to turn to the left or right?

Thanks.

[tqpham]

Mike,
After a recent crash i opened up my hited 555 receiver to make sure everything was intact. It tested fine on the bench and everything seemed fine. But when i shook it i could hear something loose inside. I think the loose noise is from a black rectangular block mounted on the small vertical board. Is this normal? And what's in this black rectangular block? thanks

[xadmin]

Mike, does the Heli version of the Eclipse 7 throttle channel has a smooth movement or ratchet movement?

[mkirsch1]

Elau,

Your question is more a generic aerodynamics question than a radio question. The answer is: It depends.

First off, IMHO, mixing aileron and rudder for turning is a crutch. You should learn to fly with both thumbs, as these skills are more "portable." You'll be able to fly other planes with other radios, and you'll be able to handle adverse situations better. With a mix, you're stuck with a fixed amount of rudder mixed in with aileron...

Now, if you're mixing in rudder to remedy an adverse yaw situation, that's a different story. Most airplanes will yaw in the opposite direction of your turn. That is, as you roll right, the plane will tend to want to turn left. One remedy is aileron differential. The other (less preferred) is mixing in rudder. In this case, you'd mix in right rudder to go with right aileron.

There are weird cases where the plane will turn excessively in the SAME direction as you roll. I believe this is called "proverse" yaw, but don't quote me on that. In this case, you would mix in opposite rudder.

[MAKODS]

I have been using a Flash 5 Tx for 3 months now without problem. Now the plane that I use on program 1 has limited servo travel in one direction only. I have tried resetting my settings back to default but it did not help. I tested this same plane under program 2 and it was fine. I then tried another plane with program 1 and got the same results. The original plane on program 1 has 555rx and 3 H55 servos. The other plane has GWS 6 channel Naro and 3 H55 servos. Any idea what might be going on? Thanks.

[pc_pilot]

Mike

I had a GWS radio on the jr shift, but the receiver is shift selectable. I am thinking of getting a hitec computer radio (on the same channel as my rx) and I will change the selection switch in the receiver to the hitec shift. Will I have to get a different receiver crystal or can I use the gws crystal that came with my rx?

pc_pilot

[MikeMayberry]

elau- Yes, the rudder should move with the ailerons in the same direction. Make sure you set both sides of the travel. You do this by moving the stick to the direction you want to set. If you leave the stick in the center, it will only set one side.

tqpham- That is the ceramic filter. No it shouldn't rattle. Send it in and we will fix it for you.

xadmin- Either.

MAKODS- The only thing I can think of is that you need to move the stick to the side you want to set when adjusting the EPA. I don't know why only one model would be affected if there is a problem.

pc_pilot- You will use the GWS crystal in their receiver.

Mike.

[pc_pilot]

thanks mike.:cool:

[MikeMayberry]

pc_pilot- Anytime :)

[Hovertime]

Mike-what do you think of popular thinking that bad bearing(lets say main shaft one) can couse interference and glitching in a helicopters?

[MikeMayberry]

I think that it could be possible. Metal to metal contact can definately cause interferance.

[SaltyOne]

Mike - When is the RE 9 coming to the states? Originally Hitec said May now they are saying July. What gives? I hope July doesn't turn into September. Thanks.

George

[CrashDude]

Mike

I started flying a Wingo over a year ago. I transitioned to a Partenavia and on the second flight, the transmitter "went crazy" the servo's oscillated widely causing a not so controlled crash landing.

I sent the unit in and was pleased with the fairly quick turn around.

I finally got around to repairing the Partenavia. I put a new electron in and found the left aileron (ch 6) didn't move with the gimbal. The flapperon knob does move the control down. I tried the original 8 channel receiver, same problem. I reset the transmitter to make sure it wasn't in a "funky" mode.

Still no go.

Should I just resign myself to owing an expensive 3 channel radio? Kinda bummed that it apparently wasn't "right" in the first place and apparently wasn't fully checked before it was returned from the repair. I could have easily believed pilot induced problem on the receiver, it has been treated harshly, but the xmitter is in great shape and never come close to being abused.

I have pretty much resigned myself to purchasing another radio, even if I can get this fixed (it's out of warranty by now). I'd like to at least use this radio as a trainer, I know that some other makers of radio systems should work with the HiTec unit, can you tell me which ones and what the pitfalls might be? I have always wondered what happens with trim or programming differences between the units.

In addition to the Eclipse and two receivers, I also own a 335 charger. Until now, I have been a hitec supporter but inexpensive equipment turns into cheap equipment if it doesn't work.

Robert

[FlyingPig]

Mike -- I'm thinking about getting the Eclipse for my new radio. Just want to check whether I can switch from 72Mhz to 75Mhz without retune the Tx ? I read the FAQ on Hitec website about the Spectra 75Mhz but I just want to confirm with you. Also do we have any 75Mhz fix-freq module for Eclipse ?

Regards.....FlyingPig

[mkirsch1]

Crashdude, I read your other post.

Did you activate flaperon mixing on your Eclipse? I believe that's something you have to manually activate.

[wardnih]

Hi Mike,

I must have left my Hitec Laser 4 on after checking the plane receiver one evening last week. I realized it a few days later on the field. Now I'm not able to recharge the radio battery at all. Did I kill the battery? I bought the radio from Hobby Lobby last fall.

Ward

[CrashDude]

mkirsch1

I checked it and it was inhibited, so you are right, the knob should NOT lower the aileron/flapperon but it does. I guess more indication that its "not right". About the first thing I did was "clear" the model so nothing like flapperons were enabled. I then tried each switch and knob just to see what would happen, that's when the flapperon dropped. I swapped the left & right aleron plugs to ensure the servo was ok, and it was.

I left out that for the better part of the last year, I have been using the eclipse for my Wingo. It's fine for 3 channels, but not what I expected from a computer radio.

I have already ordered a Futaba 9C transmitter. At this point, All I want the Eclipse for is as a trainer. I hope it can do that in its current condition. I still need to order a trainer cable.

Thanks for the reply and sharp observation!

Robert

[mkirsch1]

CrashDude,

I'm not quite sure where you think your problem is. With flaperon mixing turned OFF (inhibited), I would expect the channel 6 knob to operate the servo that is connected to channel 6. When you turn ON flaperon mixing, the channel 6 knob should operate both aileron servos. That's how it works on my Futaba 8U, and presumably on the Futaba 9C. From my observation of the Eclipse, Hitec took a lot of cues from the Futaba 8U for their design.

I personally think your Eclipse is in perfect health, but you're confused about what's "normal." Programming these computer radios can sometimes get complicated and confusing. If you want proof, just check out the programming sequence for a Hangar 9 Ultra Stick with the quad-flap option. :)

[NightSwan]

Hey Mike,

I just got my Eclipse7 today - Whohooi!!!
(Oh yeah, I'm going to change from reversed throttle to normal throttle to please the TX :D Should be a new challenge ;) )

One question/remark : In the manual, Under V-tail, I believe the pics/directions of movement are wrong.

Correct me i I'm wrong, but, viewed from behind :

left ele up, right ele down, moves right, doesn't it? (Last time I flew my libelle, I could swear it did ;) )
I think the arrows are wrong. Or am I missing something??

Hans

[NightSwan]

Me again,

weird problem this time.

When programming the Eclipse for my models, one of my RX-es doesn't respond to the TX at all...
My Hitec555 doesn't do zip with the Eclipse! All my other RX-es work (Graupner / Protech / GWS)
The 555 works with my old TX (Graupner MC14)
I took the crystal out of that one and put in in the eclipse, as the TX came without crystal.
Could this be the problem? Graupner crystal in Hitec TX? Why do all the other RX-es respond?

Also, the HF module gets pretty warm - is this normal? I never noticed this much heat generated by my Graupner.

Thanks for any info..

Hans

/edit:
I hooked up my scope to the 555 - nothing on it's outputs,
only briefly when switching on/off the TX.
/

/edit #2:
Non of my RXes range-check okay. The Eclipse with the graupner crystal generates more noise in adjecent channels than the graupner. (tested on channel 70) So I'm guessing it needs an original Hitec crystal.
I found out kyosho.de is importer for Hitec in the Netherlands/ger many.
I ordered an original Hitec crystal from them. Not in stock (ofcourse), so backordered. Will let you know what happens when I get it.
For now, back to Graupner..
/

[CrashDude]

You're probably right, the manual does say to enable flapperon. I went thru all 70 steps, a few times, of the "simple acrobatic setup". To be fair, some of the steps didn't apply. After that is when I cleared the model to "standard" and had the inhibit. It doesn't matter how flapperon is set, channel 6 does the same thing, no movement with stick only knob!

I did have this radio working on this model before, so I figured it out at least once! But that was before the repair! I had one flight of about 10 minutes with one touch & go.

In order to fly while I wait for the new xmitter, I was thinking of using another channel with a custom mix. I have no idea if that will work, but it's a thought. The flap function of the flapperon obviously won't work. The plane did slow down nicely for landing with the flaps down. I seemed to remember that it was also harder to control. Probably because I didn't have much stick time in that configuration.

Thanks for the response, I did go back and check, a few times. The darn thing simply doesn't work!

Robert

[Heli Slime]

Question for Mike.

I recently bought a Hitec HS-225MG servo. On the box it states Mini Precision Servo. I would not even fly with this servo. I set it up on the elevator of my pattern plane with a pull-pull configuration so there would be no linkage slop. When I would pull for elevator up and let it back down, then do the same for down the elevator would be about 1/8"-3/16" lower than from the other way. Then if I just bumped the stick it would move 1 way, but not back. Maybe I got a bad servo, but I am not happy with it.

David

[Thunder]

Hi Mike,
Like NightSwan, I just received my new Eclipse 7 QPCM a couple days ago. I am really loving it! I also have the same question about the Spectra Module..."is it supposed to get so warm?"

Thanks,

Rick

[Philipp]

Mike - I just bought my first Electron 6 receiver to use in a little park flyer (Baby Bee). I'm impressed with the looks of it and hope that it will perform as well as my 555s and super slim. One question. There is a small plastic "bobbin" included for wrapping the antenna around so that it does not stick out of the plane so far. Does this affect the receiver's range? If so, how much? Like Andy W, I am looking for a "Super Slim" version. GREAT products. Thanks!

[1000MPH]

Hi Mike,
My Flash 4X Trans appears to have gone South. I tried 3 different receivers (555, Berg, Cirrus) The radio goes from wild glitching, to not working at all, to working ok for a few seconds (tried w/ ant extended and collapsed).
I guess my question is, can I send it to service without the receiver or TX battery? (need the batts for my focus 3 AM, which is bulletproof!)
Thanks,
Stu

[BD6]

I can set up speed mode and launch mode for the flaps. How do I make the ailerons move with the flaps for these settings on the "flight mode switch" They move together with the knob control "VR1".

Rick

[Russell2]

Hello Mike - What are my hitec options for channel 04 ( 50 mhz ) ham band? I'm told 555 not available for that freq. I like the focus 5x.

[KyoshoEP]

I saw on the MultiPlex site, that you make 2 models of IPD air reciever. What does the DS model get you for $US10 more?

[wardnih]

Mike's last entry is April 29th........

[ricoalonso]

Mike,
I have a Focus 3 FM SS transmitter. My question is- Will this work with the GWS PICO R4P HP 4 channel receiver?

Thanks,

[rakm]

Mike,

Can a Hitec Super Slim 8 be powered by two lion batteries as the pack? I believe the fully charged voltage of this pack is 8.4 volts. Would this work with a 2 servo or 3 servo configuration? Using it for a sailplane receiver so no speed control will be inline to step down voltage.

Ron
www.AcesHighRC.com

[MikeMayberry]

Hi all,

Sorry I have been out of town at a couple trade shows and am finally getting caught back up. Next time I'll try to let you know if I will be unavalable for a while. :)

SaltyOne- The Multiplex Royal Evo radios are still due in July.

FlyingPig- Yes, you can get the Spectra or fixed frequency module for the Eclipse on 75mhz and just plug and play.

wardnih- It sure sounds like it. That is typically not covered under warranty but you might just send it in anyway and we'll see what we can do for you.

NightSwan- You are correct; the illustration is wrong :( You can't use any other manufactures crystals with the Hitec radio.


CrashDude- Check and make sure that you don't have a 0% in the flapperon programming. That's what it sounds like to me.

Black96Z- How long is the horn you are using. The longer the horn, the more a centering issue will show up. Perhaps your pull pull is a little too tight too. The 225 uses a 3 pole motor so the centering is not as precise as a 5-pole, coreless or digital servo. We do make a digital version, the HS5245MG which has a much tighter deadband. I would have recomended it over the 225 in that application. However, it could be that there is a problem with the servo, in which case, we would repair or replace it at no charge under warranty.

Thunder- Yes it normal for it to get warm and even somewhat hot in some cases.

Philipp- The bobin will not affect the range as long as you don't overlap the wire.

1000MPH- That will be OK; just put a note in with it explaining the situation.

BD6- Unfortunatley, only the flaps link to the ST-1 and ST-2 switches. :(

Russell2- Zero... Hitec does not offer any products on 50mhz.

KyoshoEP- Dual conversion.

ricoalonso- Yes, as long as it says it is compatible with Hitec or Futaba.

rakm- Not without a regulator. You should not have more than 6.5V going to the RX and servos.

Mike.

[Drivie]

Hi Mike,

I just purchased an Eclipse (gently used) and have a couple of quetsions.

1)
a) How can I tell which software version it is currently running?
b)Have some of the Eclipses started shipping with Q-PCM software or is it an upgrade only?

2) Are there bug fixes with the Q-PCM upgrade that are worth having? I don't plan to use a PCM receiver in the distant future that I can predict. Is the upgrade worth it?

Thanks for your time!

Drivie

[FlyingPig]

Thanks Mike and welcome back !!

:-)

FlyingPig

[retiredVTT]

..just received this new catalog in the mail and it's a super wishbook..!

This merger with HiTec appears to be an excellent thing for R/C'ers

... congratulations on the publication of this catalog ....it's a must have for the enthusiast ....

Wow ....the Sonic Liner with twin mega's on the back cover ....far out..!

Bill

[Mose]

Mike,
I purchased a Hitech Eclipse 7 with a Spectra module late last year. It hasn't been used so I'm still calling it new. I read about a $40.00 upgrade for this unit. Can you shed a little light on this subject as to whether I should purchase this or not. Thank you very much.... Mose

[nhorianopoulos]

Mike:

I've bought two GWS R4P receivers and used them successfully with my Airtronics RD6000 radio. Me likee. No glitches or other troubles.

I don't normally change equipment when something's working well, but since the GWS product was unavailable, I bought a Hitec Feather. Did I do a Good Thing? I have a GWS micro crystal laying about; I'm assuming that I can use it, no?

[putt_13]

Hey Mike,
I just have a quick question. I am looking to get my dad a radio to teach him to fly on. I was looking at either the Focus 4 or Focus 6. Do these radios have mixing capabilities? I looked on the HITEC site, but they must be discontinued, because I couldnt find any info on the Focus 4 or 6. Thanx -Patrick

[LawrenceHare]

Hi Mike, I asked the question below over on the Hitec forum and was told that what I wanted to do would not work, so I bought a Quantum which has channel 6, actually I got the 8 channel Quantum which is the same weight and price as the 6 which they were out of. What I am wondering however is why what I wanted to do will not work? If I slave channel 5 to 100% of channel 6 surely anything that goes out on 6 will also go out on 5, then I can have flaperons and ailerons and all will work as advertised. I am using a single conversion GWS 6 channel receiver with flapperons and it works fine, however I am moving to dual conversion as I get terrible glitching at some of the fields I fly in and the dual conversions are better, but my dual conversion receiver is five channel with 1 through 5, no 6, and I wanted to use it.

What is it I do not understand, how do programmable mixes work if I cannot slave 5 to 6?

My question was:
--
I have a nice 5 channel receiver which I am about to mount in a Crazy Max, I have one server for each aileron and I want to use flaperons as I have on my Tipsy Nipper. The Tipsy has a 6 channel receiver however. If I install my 5 channel receiver, can I use PMX1, for example, and slave channel 5 to channel 6 at 100% rates; then if I enable Flaperon Mixing, will channel 5 work the same as channel 6 does on a 6 channel receiver?

Is there a better way to accomplish the same objective?
--
Thanks - Lawrence

[LawrenceHare]

Hi Mike, hardly ever do I write to this forum and now 2 in one day! How long does the Q-PCM upgrade take? I have the Eclipse 7 and would like the upgrade but I use - or hope to use - the transmitter whenever I can and it is the only one I have, I am reluctant to be without it, all flying time is precious! I am going on a vacation for a week later in the year however, is it possible that the upgrade could be done in this time, if I sent it over-night to you for example?

Thanks - Lawrence

[opualuan]

is the picojet discontinued or not? I got a conflicting response at mwe... it's a cool plane, it would be even nicer with a thinner airfoil. and no, the microjet is not a replacement, it's a mini twinjet, not the same look at all...

[NightSwan]

Pico-jet..

Don't know if it's discontinued, but there still are plenty in the shops around here. Just got two (one for me, one for a friend) of the combat-version last week. Fun to fly!
Microjet is still waiting for the mega16/15/3

Hans

[MikeMayberry]

Drivie- If the model name pops up first when you turn the radio on then it is the latest software. Yes, they have been shipping for several months now. It's up to you... there are no major changes but the minor ones are nice to have.

Mose- As I mentioned in the message above there are no major changes but the minor changes include having the model name pop up at start up, the trims pop up when touched and the model name is only one screen away from the model select. I personally really like those small changes but it is up to you if you want to spend the money on just the update. It is much more cost effective to get it with the PCM receiver.

nhorianopoulos- No, you must use the Hitec single conversion crystal with the Feather.

putt_13- No they don't have mixing and have been discontinued. The good news is that their replacements the Lasr 4 & 6 do have mixing for elevon or v-tail. The Laser 6 also have dual rates which are very nice to have. Here's the info: http://www.hitecrcd.com/Radios/laser6.htm

LawrenceHare- Channel 5 is a two position switch so it has no center position; if you used it as the master the servo would be at full travel one side or the other. The only way it could work would be if the 5th channel had a three position switch so the servo could be centered.

The turn around time for the update would be 5 working days from the time we receive it until we ship it back out.

opualuan- Yes, the Pico jet has been discontinued by the Microjet. Just because it doesn't look the same does not mean it is not in the same class as the Picojet. It is about the same size and uses the same power system.

Mike.

[Hovertime]

Mike-I'm pretty sure i can not use new Hitec PCM receiver with my futaba 9chp, but thought i'll ask just in case:) Whats the major differences?

[cobalt]

Hi Mike,

Would you mind addressing the questions and concerns related in this thread:

http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&postid=981126

Thanks,
Jason

[opualuan]

respectfully, mike, I disagree. I can list well over a hundred planes in the same 'class' as the picojet that use the same power system, but that doesn't make a zagi a picojet. looks are a large part of it for me. I'm way dissapointed. there's still demand out there.

[Rog-E]

Mike,

since the beginning of this year, I've been trying to buy a Cockpit Tx on 72 MHz, -ve shift. I first tried the US source, got the old runaround, then asked the distributors over in Europe.
I've now heard that Multiplex are not presently producing the Cockpit on 72 MHz.
Could you please confirm this and advise if and when any more of these transmitters will be available to us.

Many thanks,

Roger

[Russell2]

What si difference between a Flash 5X and Flash 5SX ?

[duganderson]

I posted this on the foamie site but was still a little confused on a few points so I thought I'd try the radio board but did not get a response. Maybe you can help......I have a Hitec Flash 5 radio (9 months old) for a used Zagi 400 I just bought. I fly a Tigermoth and have some experience (2 hours flight time) on aileron planes. I will use it for eflight and sloping.

1. How should I set the expo? Some people say 30%, some say 60%.....can you help me to understand what the numbers actually mean. I know that expo makes the controls less sensitive in the middle. On the flash 5, I actually want to use negative numbers for expo, right?

2. It seems that the expo only works on either the high rates or low rates if I'm using the dual rates? Is this true? If not, what am I doing wrong?

Thanks, Doug

[FlyingPig]

Future of Eclipes...

Does Hitec have any plan to eliminate the Eclipes from the product line/support due to the Multiplex acquisition ?

Just try to confirm for the last time before I put an order.

Thank you.....FlyingPig

[MikeMayberry]

Hovertime- That is correct. PCM receivers cannot be intermixed between brands. The new QPCM technology from Hitec has a much faster frame rate so the responce time is similar to standard FM where most other PCM's are much slower.

cobalt- I've always said that it is important to use the right tools for the job. The HS-81's are not designed to be used in high demand application. yes, the HS-85's are a better servo.

opualuan- :( Sorry! I think you will like the Microjet, and in my opinion it looks much better too! :)

Rog-E- We are expecting them to be delivered in Mid-June, but untill they come in and are on the shelves I can't say for sure. The Cockpit is a nice radio however, if you feel you can't wait you might want to look at the Eclipse 7; I think it has more bang for the buck than the Cockpit.

Russell2- There is only one model. It is called the Flash 5 System X. So 5X and 5SX are the same thing.

duganderson- The way I set them up is to set the D/R to 125% so that when the switch is on you have an icrease of 25% travel. Then I set the Expo to -30% so that it softens the feel around center and makes the plane less twichty with the higher rates.

FlyingPig- No. The Multiplex acquisition will have no affect on the Hitec product line. The Eclipse still has several good years left before it would be replaced.

Mike.

[FlyingPig]

Mike -- Thank you. I'll go get one this week.

FlyingPig

[duganderson]

Mike,

One quick follow up question regarding dual rates and expo on my Flash 5.....

Does the expo work on both the low and high rates if you are using dual rates and expo at the same time?

From your answer, I inferred that maybe they don't, but I wanted to confirm.

Thanks, Doug

[MikeMayberry]

No, the expo only works with the with the dual rate switch on. This was not the best desing unfortunately as you need the expo on high rates and with the switch up, it was really designed to have the D/R reduced. I don't know what they were thinking on this but the set up I suggested is the best way that I have found to set it up. Typically a 25% increase for high rates is sufficient.

Mike.

[shaneyee]

Mike,

I realise that I didnt buy my radio from you and you have no obligation to help me. But I hope you will... My dealer is helpful but I want to understand the technical part of this problem.

I used a Focus 3 and a Feather receiver with 3 HS55 servos on a 3D parkflyer and it worked fine. I just bought an Eclipse 7 and added another HS55 to the plane to work the rudder. Now, when I do a range check with the antenna down I have bad glitching from just 40ft out whereas with the Focus I had no problems for a long distance. When I flew the plane it seemed that it would glitch about 1000ft away and it never gave me any problems with the Focus. Do you think the problem is with the radio or with the extra servo? Is 4 HS55 servos ( 1 rudder, 2 aileron with Y harness and 1 elevator ) too much for the Feather?

Thanks

Shane

[MikeMayberry]

Shaneyee- I don't care who you bought the equipment from; I'm here to help everyone.

The radio should have no affect on the range check unless it was badly out of tune, and my guess that if it was new that is not the case. Since the Feather is single conversion it can be more suceptible to interference than our dual conversion receivers. The addition of the fourth servo if it is in an electric aircraft could be taxing the BEC. If the BEC is rated at less than 1A then that could be the culprit.

Mike.

[mkirsch1]

In other words, you need a bigger ESC that can handle more servos.

[msp1957]

Mike

I purchased a Flash 5x. I would like to program it to use ail-rud mixing. I would like to negate adverse yaw with my flat bottom wing planes. I have tried to program this in but when I do i only get one side coupling with the ailerons and the other side does nothing (when I pull the aileron stick to the left, my rudder moves appropriately, aileron stick right, no rudder movement) How do i set it up so it will move for right and left turns? Thanks.

Michael

[msp1957]

Mike

Saw the answer in another of your postings! Works great. Can not wait to try it toworrow:D:D:D:D

Michael

[talonxracer]

Mike; I have a eclipse7, I started flying again after 20 years, the eclipse7 is a real nice unit but now that Ihave been flying again I actually need more. Is there anyway to have proportional spoilerons and a proportional throttle? can hitec do any software changes?

[retiredVTT]

Hi Mike,
I recently bought a Multiplex brushed controller from a fellow ezoner with no documentation ......can I get info on this controller online?

thanks,
Bill

[talonxracer]

Mike; I have a very unusual problem that just surfaced- The eclipse7 will ocassionally lose model programing when switching models, this doesnt happen all the time or on any specific model, its a eratic intermittant problem.....and the increase button has started to work intermittant as well....have you heard of these problems?

[Rog-E]

Mike,
you are hoping for Mid-June availability of Cockpit radios - I'll be waiting!

The Multiplex Cockpit has something that no-one else has in it's price range, and that's a slider switch/channel, very useful if you are flying an electric glider and wanting fully proportional motor control (not just a 3-position switch) plus the glider mixing ability via the normal throttle stick.

Will there be any -ve shift Tx's available? Up till now, so I am led to believe, there has only been +ve shift available with the famous Ernie converting them to -ve, for individual customers.

Thanks again,

Roger

[WingShot]

Hey Mike,

Question about the Hitec Flash 5 System X radio. If you have a servo for each aileron, and a Y harness tying them to the same channel on the receiver (channel 1), how do you get the Flash 5 to mix the ailerons (so that one moves up, the othe down)?

Thanks!
Josh