Ask Mike at Hitec V10

[MikeMayberry]

Wow... version 10!

I sure have enjoyed all the interaction with all of you on this forum. You guys are much more active than the guys on the RC-online board; I'm only on version 7 over there!

Anyway... how can I help?

Mike.

[Dave Thrams]

Mike,
I find myself sitting on a cushion, recovering from some surgery with not a hell of a lot else to do, but lurk the internet (Yeah, I know, I should be building something). Would you please look at the linked thread and reply as appropriate.
Thanks
DT
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&postid=143831#post143831

[Van]

Mike, is there a cord, or is it posible to use an Airtronics transmiter as a trainer slave with the new Eclipse radio (that should show up any day now)?

This will be my first Hitec product, and based on what I've heard, I'm looking forward to using it and more products of yours.

Have a good holiday.

[T_Hartigan]

Mike,

I have a Kraft radio that I really like. It has been updated to gold sticker, but the Kraft recievers that I have are too large for small planes. Does Hitec make a small dual conversion AM receiver that will work with this?

Thanks.

Tim

[T_Hartigan]

Better yet, did Hitec/rcd ever make one? That way I know what I'm looking for.

Thanks.

Tim

[mumblety-peg]

Mike-

First, my thanks to Hitec for great service and products. Now the questions.

Why do most companies sell complete flight sets but not transmiters alone? Last time I bought a new xmiter I went with Multiplex. And one of the main reasons was that I didn't have to buy 4 more servoes and an RX that I'd probably just have to sell.

I see that Hitec has a TX alone with the Spectrum. But I'd be happier with a fixed freq.

And question number two... Will a s/w upgrade ever be offered to for the Eclipse? I'd like to buy one. But I really would like to see the trim positions on the screen full time.

[MikeMayberry]

Dave Thrams- Yes the 340 can charge 50mah batteries. By the way... 0.2amps is 200mah.

Van- No, Hitec is only trainer compatible with Futaba.

virus280- We use to have the Platinum dual conversion AM but they have been discontinued for 5 years now. Try looking in the For Sale forums or Ebay.

mumblety-peg- Basically it costs 80% the cost of the entire system to just bring in the transmitter alone. Don't ask me why!

However, you can typically get the transmitters alone from Hobby Horse (800)604-6229 for a good price.

As for the software upgrade... that is the plane but it looks like it is a little further down the road than we first thought.

Mike.

[Monty]

Mike,

My CG-320 charger gets my battery pack quite hot
before it automatically shuts off. Is this normal? The battery pack is 7 cell 600AE.

[fgroza]

Mike,
I have been looking at the Laser 6 system and noticed that I can ONLY get one choice of flight packs with it. With the Laser 4 ,I have a choice of three. Why? Also ,I fly with the 555 receiver and 55 servos but have to buy these parts seperate not in a FLIGHT PACK. I try to deal with my local dealer but he cannot do the trade for servos . I realize that some dealers advertise that they will exchange parts but what about the local guy trying to make us happy and trying to keep his shop open for business! Does it have to do with too many SKU's? Just asking!
Thanks
Frank:D

[jkolp]

Mike
thanks for being here to help

I have a Flash 4 and the #1 servo I have more throw 1 way than the other I have 2 models on the radio and they are both the same
one plane has the hs55's an the other has cs10's
is something wrong or can I adjust something to correct it

Thanks Joe

[falcon]

Mike -

Your company has great customer service. I recently sent in a Focus IISS in which the LEDs no longer correctly indicated the battery condition. The transmitter was fixed and returned within 3 weeks and at no charge to me. This is a great radio series for the price.
Thanks and I wish a safe and happy holiday season to you and everyone associated with Hitec.

- Falcon

[Vector]

Can my CG335 charge NiMh batteries?

Thanks

[Mark Wood]

Hi, Mike!

Time to buddy cord. Is that a buddy cord connection on the back of a Focus 3 FM and if so, is there a cord I can use between my Flash5X and my Focus 3 FM? I looked on Hitec's site but couldn't find any info.

Thanks!

mw

[ETKing]

Mike;

Speaking of buddy cords:

I was flying with a friend Sunday. We Hooked his Eclipse (master) to a Flash 5 (slave). It worked ok on two models with Hitec RX, but when we tried it on a JR RX it would just hold the last positions from the master, when the button was depressed. What do you think?

Thanks for all your help here!

[The Other Dave]

I am planning on building an interface cord
for my new hitec eclipse 7 and FMS.

I have a few questions.

1. When just using the cord as an interface to
FMS do the "trainer" side pins need to be shorted out.
These are pins 4 and 5 on the din connector (hitec).

2. Can the unit be run without the spectra module
without damage to save power. Or will the tx just shut
off and not even put the PPM signal on the output.

3. If running w/ the spectra module in the unit does
the antenna need to be up for heat reasons.

[Quacker]

Hi Mike! I've been hunting for a good, solid technical explanation for how digital servos work in contrast to analog, and why they are better.

We're all ears!

[xadmin]

Mike,

1. Once the Eclipse software upgrade comes out, will there be a charge to upgrade and do we have to send in our radio??

2. My Hitec Eclipse said it has a 1 year warranty. Why do everybody else say Hitec Eclipse have a 2 year warranty?

3. Can we drop off defective Hitec stuff at your company instead of mailing it?

[wayne]

Hi Mike

Just a question on your Eclipse radio. I know it does CCPM 120 and 180. Will there be a software(firmware) change so it will do 90 CCPM ? The new CP Hornet coming out looks like 90 CCPM swashplate and other micro ones. Might be a good option.

Thks
Wayne

[MikeMayberry]

Monty- Try a lower charge rate. 1.6A should be the max for that charger with those cells.

fgroza- That's it... too many SKU's. Most of the 6 channels sold are also for power planes typically.

jkolp- Try resetting the model memory.

falcon- Glad to hear it... Thanks!

Vector- While is it not optimized for them it will charge them with no ill effects that I have noticed. I wouldn't charge the real small stuff under 500mah though since the minimum charge rate is .5 amps. You might want to look at the new CG-340 for under $50 for all sizes of NiMh and Nicad packs up to 16 cells.

Mark Wood - The Focus 3 does not have a trainer port and cannot be added. Sorry!

ETKing- That's because the Flash is not compatible with the positive shift receiver.

The Other Dave- I don't know about the pins. Yes, you can run without the module, in fact you should. If you run with the module you do need to extend the antenna.

Quacker- The digital servos refresh the motor 300 times per second compared to 30 of an analog. This gives the digital servos their tremendous holding power. They also have a much tighter dead band, 1us compared to 8us of the analog thus providing much better centering. These are the main advantages of digital over analog.

xadmin- I can't comment on a procedure that has yet to be implemented. All Hitec products have a two year warranty if purchased in the US or Canada. Yes, you can drop repairs off but typically we can't work on them while you wait unless previously arranged.

wayne- I don't know? Sorry!

Mike.

[wayne]

Hi Mike

About the 90 CCPM I did find a link. So I guess that it will work. Past it on to Hitec software eng if you could.

http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=18186&highlight=eclipse+radio


Regards
Wayne

[Quacker]

Hi Mike! I have two more questions:

I want to run my receiver/servos on one li-ion cell. What is the lowest voltage that an HS-50 will run on. No, really...what is the lowest voltage? I won't hold you to it. Also, what is the lowest voltage for the 555?

Thanks,
Q

[The Other Dave]

Yesterday I was trimming out my new TM in the basement of
my house. I was getting glitches and receiver lock ups every few
minutes. This is my first RC plane so I have never tried this before. But my RC cars don't have any problems.

Got really frustrated and went outside did a range check with the antenna down now it works perfectly even flew
it around the front of my house (antenna up).

Take it back down in the basement and whammo lockups with the antenna up or down.

If I use the radio and a FMS interface cable it works fine in the software.

I am using gws 4p receiver and flight pack with hitec eclipse 7
tx on channel 47.

One thing to mention. In my basement I am running.

TV, 1 large computer server, 1 fast gaming machine, overhead florescent lights....other assorted printers scanners and such.

Mike have you seen this type of thing before.

[Foxtrot]

Hey Mike,
Quick question. I have a lot of Hitec 555's that I use. I just
recently found the need for Flaperons. On my curent Futaba
6xa I can't use the 555 because of no 6th channel. So I'm
looking at upgrading to another radio. The Hitec Eclipse looks
like the one I want. Is it capable of using Flaperons with another
channel other than 6 and still have all the functions that go with
flaperons(Flaps, Airbrake, and the sort)? I found this most
anoying on my Futaba. Any help on this would be great.

Foxtrot

[photographer2b]

Mike,

Thanks for helping out re: Hitec!

I'm just starting in R/C, & trying to choose my first transmitter. *Every* store in my area advises me to go with Futaba or JR; I've ruled out Futaba, which left me with JR... until I found out about Hitec. Frankly, the Flash 5X and Eclipse 7 both look better than the JR equivalents, and the Hitec gear gets rave reviews on this site.

There are no local dealers that can answer questions about Hitec, since non of them carry Hitecs (except the 2 & 3 channel models), and the E Zone archives don't seem to address my questions. If you can answer my questions, it will determine whether I can go with Hitec. Thanks in advance!

1) I see that the Flash 5X can use a trainer cord, but is it only able to "slave", or does the it have a trainer switch as well, so that it can be used as a master?

2) Most of the instructors in my local club use Futaba gear. Can the Flash 5X or Eclipse slave to a Futaba master with the appropriate buddy cord? What cord woud that be?

3) I gather that 4 of the 5 channels on the Flash 5X are proportional, and the last channel is "on/off". Is this correct?

4) How many of the channels on the Eclipse are proportional, and how many are "on/off"? (I just downloaded the Eclipse manual, so I'll try to figure it out, but as a newbie I may have trouble... :-)

5) By the way, putting a downloadable copy of the Eclipse manual on the Hitec web site was a *great*, *super*, *tremendous* idea. Any chance of doing the same with the Flash 5X and other transmitters? It might save you the trouble of getting questions from folks like me!

6) Even for a *total* beginner, it might be worthwhile to spend the extra $ for the Eclipse, just given the *obvious* additional features of the Eclipse (2 more channels, 2 more model memories, and the optional Spectra module). But: as a newbie, I have trouble interpreting the advertised features for the the transmitters. So: what *non-obvious* features would you say make the Eclipse worth the extra investment?

I can't thank you enough for your assistance. Support of the kind you provide is what is encourages me to break with local tradition and go with Hitec.

Best regards, Mike, and many thanks!

[MaxFx]

Hi Mike,
What's the best way of splicing servo wires? I've tried soldering with poor results. Thinking of trying telephone butt connectors from radio shack. Would appreciate hearing what works for the soldering-challenged.
Thanks!

[Mitch G]

I received my Eclipse with Spectra the other day and today I was programming it for about 30-45 minutes when I suddenly realized I had been doing it with the antenna down/retracted.

So, did I screw up?


Mitch

[Jeff Meyers]

Mike,

I noticed that Multiplex has a servo calculator to use when determining what servo you will need for your plane.

Does Hitec have any alternatives to this so that their program can be cross checked?

http://www.multiplexrc.com/calcservo.htm

Regards,

Jeff

[MikeMayberry]

wayne- Interesting!

Quacker- I would not go any lower than 4.2V.

The Other Dave- Florescent lights can cause problems.

Foxtrot- You'll run into the same problem. You need channel 6 for flapperons with the Eclipse too.

photographer2b-
<SNIP>
1) I see that the Flash 5X can use a trainer cord, but is it only able to "slave", or does the it have a trainer switch as well, so that it can be used as a master?

All radios with trainer capability can be used as the master too.

2) Most of the instructors in my local club use Futaba gear. Can the Flash 5X or Eclipse slave to a Futaba master with the appropriate buddy cord? What cord woud that be?

Yes, use the Hitec cord. Be aware to use the mixing you will need a similar radio.

3) I gather that 4 of the 5 channels on the Flash 5X are proportional, and the last channel is "on/off". Is this correct?

Yes and no. In ACRO mode it is the gear channel but in GLID and GLID/ACRO it can be used in other ways.

4) How many of the channels on the Eclipse are proportional, and how many are "on/off"? (I just downloaded the Eclipse manual, so I'll try to figure it out, but as a newbie I may have trouble... :-)

Only channel 5 is non-proportional.

5) By the way, putting a downloadable copy of the Eclipse manual on the Hitec web site was a *great*, *super*, *tremendous* idea. Any chance of doing the same with the Flash 5X and other transmitters? It might save you the trouble of getting questions from folks like me!

They are all there! http://www.hitecrcd.com/ServSup/Manuals/systemx.pdf

6) Even for a *total* beginner, it might be worthwhile to spend the extra $ for the Eclipse, just given the *obvious* additional features of the Eclipse (2 more channels, 2 more model memories, and the optional Spectra module). But: as a newbie, I have trouble interpreting the advertised features for the the transmitters. So: what *non-obvious* features would you say make the Eclipse worth the extra investment?

It has far more mixing capabilities and features than the 5X. Remember the 5X is an upgrade of the Flash 5 that is over 5 years old. The Eclipse is less than a year old. While the Flash 5X is a great radio for the money... the Eclipse is far superior!

MaxFx- That's a tough one... It's hard to tell you, I'd have to show you.

Mitch- If you are just programming without the plane on then remove the module. If you need to have the module in then raise the antenna, at least half way to prevent overloading the output transistor.

JMEYERS- The same rules should apply.

Mike

[photographer2b]

Mike,

I'll keep this short, but: your help was *terrific*. Thanks for taking the time help a newbie get clued in.

I haven't quite decided between the Flash 5 and the Eclipse... but thanks to you and the excellence of your products, it looks like I'll be flying Hitec shortly.

Warmest regards!

[ETKing]

Mike;

Thanks for the reply!

[9LIVES1968]

Mike,

Which charger is better, the 35 or the 340. I plan on both NiMH and Nicad charging. I dont knowif the 335 does NiMH or not.I can get a used 335 for the same price as the new 340. I have only seen the 340 advertised on NESail and not at Tower, Hobby Lobby, or Hobby People. Have they not shipped to retailers yet? What features separate the 340from the 335?Any helpwould be greatly appreciated.:)

[MikeMayberry]

9LIVES1968- It really depends on what type and size cells you plan to charge. The 340 is more suited for park flyers using smaller Nicad and NiMh packs. The 335 is not optimized for NiMh but it will charge them.

What packs do you plan to use it for primarily?

Mike.

[9LIVES1968]

Mike, I plan on using it for speed 400 and larger motor packs.I amgoing to be ordering soon an e3d adn other higher performance packs. I currently have a sky scooter, but I amnot happy with the supplied charger:mad: I hope this helps.I'm not into the indoor orslower flying airplanes.Might also get a zagi:D Thanks foryour help

[MikeMayberry]

The 335 would be a better choice if you are going to charge larger packs but the 340 is a great unit too.

Mike.

[casioppc]

Hi Mike,

I have just bought a Hitec 555 DC receiver to use on my Sanwa transmitter. Unfortunately, the Hitec shop that sells the Hitec receiver only has this frequency 40.815 which is different from my Sanwa transmitter. And my Sanwa vendor only have the below frequency transmitter crystals:

40.665
40.675
40.685
40.790
40.810
40.830
40.850
40.925


Does your company carries any of the above Hitec DC receiver crystal frequency as my Hitec shop seems reluctant to check for me:(

Thanks in advance.

Regards,
Arnold

[Dauntae]

Mike I too planned on getting the CG-340 Field Charger for my X250 because my current charger can only charge up to 8-cell packs so your last post on this concerns me a little because the E3D and X250 both use 10-cell packs and the CG-340 advertises 4-16 cell ability, Will this charger be good for 10-cells???

Dauntae

[MikeMayberry]

casioppc- I don't know since we don't deal with that frequency band here in the US. Where do you live?

Dauntae- Sorry, I should have said larger "capacity" packs. Yes, it will charge up to 16 cells.

Mike.

[Jeff@PSF]

Hi Mike,

Hope all is well and thanks for keeping this thread alive.

Question: I have an older Futaba 512 PCM transmitter, does Hitec make a compatible receiver?

Thanks,

Jeff

[casioppc]

Hi Mike,

I am currently in Singapore. The shop in Singapre only sells 40.815 Mhz DC Hitec receiver crystals. Is your company in USA the main HQ for Hitec? Can I use other brands DC receiver crystals or does Hitec have other branches around the world that manufactures 40.XXX Mhz DC receiver crystals?

Thanks again Mike for your prompt reply:)

Regards,
Arnold

[vancouverflyer]

Mike,
I just bought a CG340 and tried it out (moving on up to using 8 cell nicad packs from my 7 cell packs and NiMh in the future) for my speed 400's. I previously used (and still use) a multiplex 7 cell charger.

I am quite happy w/ the CG340 except I have one question. After it peaks and goes into trickle charge, and I put in another pack and hit 'start' it remains on trickle charge until I do one of two things: a. I disconnect the charger b. I switch the charger momentarily to NiMH then switch it back to nicads.

-am I doing the right thing (option b above)? or is there another way of resetting the charger?
-my multiplex just assumes it's a new cycle when I hit 'start'.
-would be nice if the one pager instruction sheet mentioned what to do for the next charge!

Thanks.

[vancouverflyer]

PS
By option B above, I mean when I switch the slide switch indicator to NiMh then back to Nicad (not actually switch a battery).
Thanks.

[Kodaflyer]

Mike,
I currently have a hitec 5125MG Digital "flat"
servo on order and was told that they aren't
out yet. Do you have an idea as to when they
will be shipping?

Thanks!

[MikeMayberry]

Jeff@PSF- You can only use a Hitec FM receiver if the transmitter is switchable to PPM (FM) operation.

casioppc- In the US we are only able to import 72mhz for aircraft use. Our headquarters in Korea distributes all the different bands to the appropriate countries.

vancouverflyer- You just need to make sure you disconnect the battery for about 5 seconds to reset the charge.

Kodaflyer- We do not expect them until sometime is March.

Mike.

[casioppc]

Hi Mike,

Thanks. Do you have any contacts with Korea HQ so that I can purchase from them.

Thanks again for your valuable help:)

Regards,
Arnold

[MikeMayberry]

casioppc- You can only purchase directly from them if you are a distributor. What country are you in?

Mike.

[casioppc]

Hi Mike,

I am in Singapore.
The sole agent in Singapore doesn't seem willingly to check for me:(
They are the ones who in the beginning keep insisting to me that Hitec 555 DC receiver can only be used in Hitec Transmitter and not other brand of transmitters.

Thanks.

Regards,
Arnold

[MikeMayberry]

Are these the people you are dealing with? http://web.singnet.com.sg/~rotor/

[casioppc]

Hi Mike,

Yes, this is the company that I dealt with.
Thanks.

Regards,
Arnold