Ask Mike at Hitec V(lucky)13

[MikeMayberry]

Step right up... this may be your lucky day!

Just to show my appreciation to all you wonder E-Zoners, I will give away-- at random-- a free Hitec hat each week to one lucky member who posts a question in this thread.

Mike.

[billyboy]

Mike,
Can you mix the spoileron with the elevator on the flash 5. If yes can you direct me to the page number on the instruction or briefly explain. Thanks
bill:)

[riverrat]

mike, would you please post a short tutorial on using the v-tail mixing with focus 3 fm. please note that this is in the form of a question.??????????????????thanks.riverrat

[MikeMayberry]

billyboy- Yes, switch #3 in GLID/ACRO mode page#16.

riverrat- There's not much to it. Flip the switch and set the servo reversing switches to get the proper direction. Are you having problems with it?

The winner of the first hat will be selected on Monday.

Mike.

[Johnny_W]

Can you hire Tony your service manager @ mailto:tonyo@hitecrcd.com an assistant? He still hasn't responded to my email. And yes, you sent back the same model I sent in. I purchased the wrong reciever, hence the title of my post.

[Don Cohn]

Mike,

I have tried every combination of servo reversing on CH1 & Ch2 with the Mix on. Left & right movement of the stick still moves both control surfaces in the same direction. Meanwhile, up & down movement of the stick cause opposite movements in the control surfaces. This is fine if I want to hold my transmitter sideways...:( What am I missing here?

Now my Eclipse on the other hand, mixing works just fine if I want to use two sticks. Is there any way to setup V-tail mixing to use channels 1 & 2 instead of channels 1 &3? I thought that I could get used to it on two sticks...but I keep crashing. Doh!:eek:

Don

[Flying Taco]

Don, you need to flip one of your servo horns. I was having the same problem you described and had to mount the horn on the opposite side of the servo to get things moving the right ways.

[BatteryJockey]

Mike,

I am using a Eclipse 7 on my XL3200 glider. I set it up as a 2 servo wing and use a Y harness for the flaps. The crow function is run thru the throtle stick so I have to run the motor on the VR2
nob. Is there any way of swithing this so the crow can be on the VRs nob and I can get my throtle swith back.

Thanks in advance,
Gilbert

[MikeMayberry]

Johnny_W- Let me know if he hasn't contacted you yet.

Don Cohn- You will need to reposition one of the servos so you can run the horn off the oposite side.

Flying Taco- Congratulations... you win the hat! E-mail me @ mayberry@hitecrcd.com with your mailing address and I'll send it out. I think it was your handle that put you over the top!

BatteryJockey- Unfortunatley no, you can't get the throttle function on the stick on GLID mode.

Mike.

[Red Baron 47]

I did it again. :(

Hi Mike,

I know I asked this on something like "Ask Mike 2.0," but I want to bring it up again.

I'd like to suggest that you have the ability to set the TX so that it beeps after a period of non-use, i.e. not moving the sticks. User selected delay would be nice, but if that would be a problem, maybe a 10 or 15 minute setting.

I forgot to turn mine off again. After a few hours since I was working on my plane, it started beeping for low battery. I never forget when I'm flying, it's only when I'm working on the electronics at the bench. Of course the TX has to be turned off last and several times I've gone on to other things and forgotten about it.

You said you thought it was a good idea. Is it close to production? Has anyone else asked for this?

I'm doing this more for other people since I can't see needing another TX for the rest of my life. My Eclipse 7 does all I'll ever need.

RB

[DNA]

Hi Mike,

I already own a Prism 7 with the Spectra but now I'd like to
purchase an Eclipse transmitter.

Do you sell just the TX without the Specta?

I haven't been able to find anyone that does.

Any suggestions?

(I can't increase the model memory on the Prism can I?)

[Don Cohn]

Thanks Mike and Flying Taco!

PS.... The answer to the second part of my question, regarding the Eclipse, was: Don't use V-tail mix...use Elevon Mix... Doh!:eek:

[Lars]

I have an Eclipse radio and love it. Is there a Hitec approved rubber-duck short antenna available for the radio? Pushing antennas in straight is a skill not yet mastered...:rolleyes:

Thanks

[Red Baron 47]

Hi Lars,

I've been using this one with good results. You need the adaptor, so it's kind of expensive.

http://www.hobby-lobby.com/antennas.htm#Power%20Stick

There's a less expensive one that's been discussed here, but it seemed to me to be difficult to order and I forget what it was. Hopefully someone will chime in.

RB

[kelvin]

Mike,
I just bought 4 HS-55s. I notice several of them chatter in the neutral position. My HS-81s don't. I've flown the plane once since the swap out and everything seemed to be fine. Do I have anything to be concerned about?

Thanks,

Kelvin

[MikeMayberry]

Red Baron 47- Thanks for the input. No, it's not close to production but we may try to add it to any future radios if feasible.

DNA- Hitec does not offer it that way, but you might try Hobby Horse; they may sell it that way.

Lars- Don't push from the top! There are a few rubber duckies available. Here is a good source: http://www.htantennas.com/

kelvin- It should be fine. They may settle down a little after they break in a bit.

Mike.

[MikeMayberry]

I'll be out of town until Tuesday 4/9. If you come to the Toledo show come by and see me!

Mike.

[Mitch G]

Mike,

I have an Eclipse. Can I use EPA on channel 3 to limit the power delivered to the ESC/motor? In other words, effectively limit the maximum throttle input? I wanted to ask before doing anything that might trash my ESC.

Thanks,


Mitch

[jbourke]

Mike,

I received a Flash 5X from someone who was getting out of the hobby. I don't have a manual for it.

I think I figured out how to program it, but I couldn't figure out how to save the programming. Every time I shut down the radio all of my changes are lost. What do I do to save this information?

Also, is it possible to retrieve an online version of the manual for this radio?

Jim

[Mark Wood]

Originally posted by jbourke
Also, is it possible to retrieve an online version of the manual for this radio? Jim: http://www.hitecrcd.com/ServSup/Manuals/systemx.pdf
When changing models, hit cut/save after selecting model and turn off then back on. To save most other settings you press both up/down buttons. The manual will take you through this.

mw

[Duke58]

Mike , I have a CG 320 charger that was hooked up to the car battery backwards one too many times . Now after changing the fuse it does not work properly and the fet is getting quite hot . This unit is only 50 bucks and I hesitate to spend the money shipping it both ways and whatever it takes to fix it when the money would be better spent on a new charger. I'm thinking this must be a common failure mode and maybe you could tell me if these things are worth fixing.(one can never have too many chargers)

Thanks for the help you provide here.

[Paul Penney]

Mike,
Is there a reason I should buy hitec servos instead of FMA or JR servos? are they BETTER?

Paul

[Mark Wood]

Originally posted by Buddly6
Mike,
Is there a reason I should buy hitec servos instead of FMA or JR servos? Two words:

CUSTOMER SERVICE :)

mw

[jbourke]

Originally posted by Mark Wood
Jim: http://www.hitecrcd.com/ServSup/Manuals/systemx.pdf
When changing models, hit cut/save after selecting model and turn off then back on. To save most other settings you press both up/down buttons. The manual will take you through this.

mw

Ok, I'm starting to think that something is wrong with this transmitter.

I read the directions and your comments, Mark. But it isn't helping me.

I notice that this is a Flash 5 radio, not a 5X, by the way.

The problem is that I can program the radio but it does not save the programming. As soon as I turn the radio off everything I programmed is lost.

Jim

[Jay Burkart]

Jim,

Good to see you again up at Toledo.
been a long time since the lotus Boston days.

The "X" is a stylized X shown on the front of the transmitter
just to the left the the crystal which is in the lower right
quadrant of the transmitter on the front.

Also on mine there is a label system X just below the trim levers
for the elevator and throttle sticks, kind of below
the neck strap hook.

If you got an X let me know and I can scan in the
book if you want.

Jay

[Ray Lowinski]

In a pinch, can I use Alkaline's in the Prizm 7X in an 8 cell holder?

Keep 'em hummin'

Ray

[Dave MacAfee]

Hi Mike,
I just got an Eclipse. I noticed a large non-functional bump in the middle.
When I pushed on its sides it popped off revealing a small circuit board with a 512K flash ROM.
Is this just the storage for the model memories or is there other programming in there?
Can I buy another to switch between sets of 7 models?
If a larger flash ROM were substituted (they are available in the same package up to 4M) would it
allow more models?

Thanks,
Dave

[Don Cohn]

Evidently that flash ROM holds the equivalent of the system BIOS and is not used for model memory.

Don

[tenover]

Will the Hitec 330 charge NiMh batteries or not? Someone told me it would, but it doesn't say on the Hitec website, and I don't want to go buy some NiMh's if I can't charge them...

Thanks

[Phill K]

Originally posted by jbourke


Ok, I'm starting to think that something is wrong with this transmitter.

I read the directions and your comments, Mark. But it isn't helping me.

I notice that this is a Flash 5 radio, not a 5X, by the way.

The problem is that I can program the radio but it does not save the programming. As soon as I turn the radio off everything I programmed is lost.

Jim

Hi Jim
I also have one of the earlier Flash 5 units
U need to push both the "up" and middle button together to enter the edit menu and then push either of these buttons until the screen shows "S A" when this appears push the bottom cut/save button and all your inputs will be saved

Cheers
Phill

[Bill]

Hi Mike,
I'm using the Eclipse 7 and the Smile ESC that has a gov. mode for Helicopter rotor RPM constant speed. The ESC manual call for a slider channel to set up the gov mode but alas the Eclipse has none. (it has just about everything else).
Have you run into this problem before or can I program this govenor feature another way.
Thanks,
Bill

[DNA]

Where's my free cap?

[shuohan]

Hi Mike,

I posted this question elsewhere but was asked to ask you :). So here it is, quite simply, does the Eclipse 7 have CCPM mixing support?

[fprintf]

Mike,

Thanks for your advice at the WRAM show. I did buy the Flash 5x setup. It comes with a wallwart charger and the manual states to charge for 16 hours the first time.

How about subsequent times? I have taken my TX down to 9.5V, so now how long do I recharge it for? How about the RX? I flew about the same amount of time - an hour or so flight time (I switch both TX and RX off between flights).

In all of this I am assuming that the wallwart charger is not very intelligent and will keep charging/overcharging if I leave it plugged in too long. True?

Finally, if I leave it plugged in longer than the 16 hours can I damage the batteries? If so, at what point does damage occur (my TX has been plugged in now for 14 hours and I am at work and it will be charged for a total of 20 hours by the time I get home)?

[MikeMayberry]

Mitch- Sure, but you can also do it with your throttle stick! It's always better to have some reserve power if you need it.

jbourke- The older Flash radios did not have AutoSave. You will need to hit the save button before you shut it off.

Duke58- You would only have to pay the shipping costs to get it to us and if there were to be a charge we would let you know. You could make your decision after that. Who knows... we may just fix it for free. However, if you are going to replace it I would recomend the new CG-340.

Buddly6- You first need to remember to compare apples to apples. I'm not in the habit of puting any compeditors products down but the Hitec servos are definately higher quality than the FMA (Grandwing), and go head to head with the JR's with a definate price advantage. Since we have 36 different servos, if you can give me some more information, I would be happy to give you my recommendation.

Ray Lowinski- Yes, there is a battery holder. Part# 58101

Dave MacAfee- That module only contains the programming and cannot be swapped out to gain model memory.

tenover- The 330 is not optimized for NiMh's but many people are using it to charge them. I wouldn't use it on NiMh's smaller than 600mah. The new 340 that sells for under $40 is ideal for 4-16 cell Nicads and NiMh's from 50-3000mah.

Bill- Sorry, the Eclipse just won't handle that.

DNA- Not this time... keep trying!

shuohan- Yes it has 120 & 180 degree CCPM, but will do 90 with a couple of P-mixes for the ECO 8.

fprintf- The charge rate is 50mah, so 10 hours is 500mah. Just plug it in the night before and don't worry about overcharging; you can leave it on for days without hurting anything.

And the winner of the free Hitec hat this week is....... Red Baron 47 ! E-mail me @ mayberry@hitecrcd.com with your mailing address and I'll send it out.

Mike.

[Red Baron 47]

Whee dogie!!!
Thanks!

RB

[bjpaul]

Hi Mike:

I fly a Mikado Logo 10 electric helicopter and I am using (3) HS-225's for the CCPM servos. Fitting the HS-225 is a bit of a pain and what is needed for the Logo 10 is a nice digital servo with the torque/speed of the HS-225 in a case no larger than a HS-85.

Any chance that Hitec is comming out with some mini digitals that meet these specs?

Brad :)

[webguyjv]

Hello Mike :)

Thanks for your great response to all of our questions -- we really appreciate it ;-)

I also have a CG-330 charger and it's always worked well for me. On a new MHLG I built, it has a pack of 4 100 mah NiMH cells. You mentioned in an earlier thread that the CG-330 should not be used for NiMHs smaller than 600mah. Why is this the case? Is is because the charger uses too high a current on the lowest setting?

One more question -- I'm preparing to build a new DAW 1-26 2-meter. My old one loks pretty tired after a year's worth of abuse. With the old one, I decided to start off with the Hitec Flash 5 (instead of my first radio -- the Focus 3). On the new plane, I want to go beyond just flaperons -- I want to be able to do something like the "crow" function, where spoilers are up and flaperons are down.

Dave told me the plane would physically support it, but I'm hoping my Flash 5 will electronically support it.

Can I implement something like the "crow" function with my Flash 5?

I was guessing that maybe I could use a free channel tied to one of the toggles for the spoilers, and then use my same old Flaperon setup for the flaps.

What do you think?

Thanks for all of your great advise, Mike ;-)

webguyjv

[joe blosser]

Mike... can you change freq on a flash 5 trans and approx the cost

[Peter Young]

Mike

2 questions:

Q1: I have a 2 channel Funtec Sky Scooter. My son plowed into a hockey goal on the weekend, and we broke the gearbox (the shaft is bent and broken). No one in Australia stocks spares for the Sky Scooter. The largest distributor, Model Engines, say that they are selling out of these planes and have never had spares.

What should I do? Where do I get a new gearbox?

Q2: Is there a folding prop that will give better performance than the standard Gunter prop? We have been enjoying flying with a 9x7 slow flyer prop, but we keep breaking them. Any other options?

Many thanks

Peter

[knut]

Hello Mike,

when bouncing my cobalt zagi off the slope on saturday (first bounce this year !!), the antenna wire on the 555 receiver broke - may have been the prop cutting it when the motor assembly decided to sit down in the grass.

It's cut about ten inches from the receiver.

Can I simply resolder it, or would that mess with the range or frequency response of the receiver ?

If I have to replace the antenna, what specs should I look for when buying the wire ?

Thanks,
Knut

[More Power!!]

I am looking at buying the CG-340 charger. I was wondering if you can use an AC power supply on it?

[MikeMayberry]

Red Baron 47- Maybe you should go out and buy a lottery ticket too!

bjpaul- The smallest digital servo is the new HS-5125MG wing servo. It is made to mount on its side so it might be tough to get it to work. We do have a digital version of the 225, the 5245MG that should be out in about a month or so. It looks very good!

webguyjv- First off... it does not have a specific NiMh circuit and the lowest charge rate is 0.5A. I would recommend the new CG340. It will charge NiMh's from 0.2A-1.5A and Nicads from 0.2-3.0A. and sells for less than $40.

Sorry, the Flash does not have the CROW feature like the Eclipse. The only thing you might be able to do is set up flapperons and on the switch and put the flaps on the throttle channel.

joe blosser- You would need to send it in and have it retuned. I think we charge about $20.

Peter Y- You might try a different aftermarket gearbox if you can't find the stock one. You might try a graupner 9x7 folding with a 3-1 gearbox.

knut- Yes, you should be able to just resolder it back on. The length can varry about 6" without any problems.

More Power!!- Sure... you would need about 5 amps max.

Mike.

[Red Baron 47]

Originally posted by MikeMayberry
Red Baron 47- Maybe you should go out and buy a lottery ticket too!


A hex on you Mike!!! I just got back from the smoke shop and saw a 15 million (or something) sign and almost bought one, I've never bought one before.

Now you have to say that. I probably missed my chance of a lifetime. ;)

Almost tempted to go back... nah!

RB

[Vinnya42]

I have one transmitter that will hold a charge 3hours (4x) and another on a full charge starts beeping (9.2v) after 45 min. When it is fully charged it only hits 10.8v. should I cycle it to get more life out of it. Can I turn off the low battery beep, it is very distracting while I am flying.

[Brucejay34]

here's my question....Can I have a hat and two of those new wing servo's?

Bruce

[Roger-Roger]

Mike, I have a Projeti and a Flash 5. Is there anyway possible, (even by adding an external mixer) to get the reflex into the plane for take-off and then flip switch 3 or some other to get rid of the reflex. Using the trim button is cumbersome.

Thanks in advance, Roger

[Peter Young]

So....just to confirm - there is no local supplier of spare parts for the Sky Scooter in Australia? For a market of 19 million people you can't find one shop to distribute spares for this plane?

Now that's what I call poor customer service.

Peter

[MikeMayberry]

Vinnya42- You can cycle the pack if it has lost runtime. How old is it. No, you cannot turn off the low battery warning nor would you want to. If the alarm goes off... you should land!

Brucejay34- I'm thinking.... still thinking.....

Roger-Roger- Using flaperons in the Glid/Acro more you should be able to get reflex.

Peter Y- Easy there mate! NO, I didn't say that. What I said was: " You might try a different aftermarket gearbox if you can't find the stock one. You might try a graupner 9x7 folding with a 3-1 gearbox"

Dealer support for a product and customer service are two different issues!

Contact: Model Engines
44 Downing St.
Oakleigh, Melbourne, 3166 Australia
Tele/Fax-61-39569-4440 / 61-39569-0930

They are the Hitec distributor in Australia.

Mike.

[Vinnya42]

Mike, that battery pack is only 8 months old and I only got to fly 6 times all winter so it has had minimal use. I am cycling it now and I have another battery pack to try in the transmitter.

I thought that anything over 9.0 volts was good to run to the Rx?

Thanks for the help.

[DNA]

Hey Mike,

Are the channels set up the same on the Prism and the Eclipse?
I had two models set up for use on the Prism, when I set them up
on the Eclipse, all the controls are now bass-ackwards.
First plane had elevons, second was simple R/E. Up is now down
and left is now right. And no, I didn't have any of the servos reversed
on the Prism. I had to swap where the two servos were plugged into
the receiver to get the elevon plane to work. Is the mixing different?

Shoulda warned me about the digital trims. :) I kept trying to move
the trim levers without much success. :D

[cruzomatic]

Mike, I have the CG 340. As per my previous question, after a Nicad battery has been charged to peak detection, it causes the LED to begin to flash. I gave it the time you asked me to previously, but it still needs to be disconnected, then reconnected to the power source to reset it and begin charging another pack. Is this normal or did I get a bad charger. Thanks,,,

[Sal C]

Mike,

How (can?) do I do throttle - elevator mixing with the Prism or Eclipse (I have both)? Plane noses up on throttle and want to mix some down ele with it.

Thanks,
Sal

[Peter Young]

Mike

I disagree. Customer Service means that, if distributors that you appoint let down your customers, you make alternate arrangements for customers in the short term, and get better distributors in the longer term.

I have already spoken to Model Engines Australia (as I said in my first post). I rang them. I explained that we needed a gearbox and asked them which retailer could provide this. The person I spoke to said:

"We do not supply spares for this plane. We are selling them out at below cost as they are not very popular. No one wants to buy them because they look funny." This person made no effort to suggest alternate arrangements. He did not offer, for example, to order in the part for me.

This is not a one-off problem. I first tried to get my local hobby shop (Southside Hobbies in Brisbane) to order in this part. He spoke to the Model Engines sales rep who said that he could not help with spares.

My apologies if I misunderstood you, but my guess is that I am right - there is no way of buying spares for this plane in Australia.

I think it is reasonable for me to be annoyed - if you sell the plane in Australia you should support it with spares. Maybe the problem is not with Hitec - you might just be very badly represented in Australia by Model Engines Australia.

If there is a retailer or wholesaler in Australia who can provide spares then please tell me.

If there is no local supplier of spares I suggest that you make alternate arrangements for your customers while you sort out a new distributor (I'd certainly be ditching Model Engines if they spoke so badly to the public about my products).

Peter

[MikeMayberry]

Vinnya42- The battery warning always gives you a little time to land. It can drop off fast after it gets below 9 volts.

DNA- Yes, the Eclipse is different.... don't ask me why!

Sal C- Yes, you could use one of the P-mixes on the Eclipse or set up one of the flight condition modes to change trim when activated.

Peter Y- I don't know. It does not make sense that they would sell the airplane without the parts. Sorry!

Mike.

[cruzomatic]

Mike,,,you forgot me??!!:( Please see my post,,,three of them up? Thanks,,,:D

[Roger-Roger]

Mike Originally I asked: "I have a Projeti and a Flash 5. Is there anyway possible, (even by adding an external mixer) to get the reflex into the plane for take-off and then flip switch 3 or some other to get rid of the reflex. Using the trim button is cumbersome. "

You responded: "Roger-Roger- Using flaperons in the Glid/Acro more you should be able to get reflex."

The Projeti is a flying wing and requires Elevon mixing, how can I get the elevon mixing in Glid/Acro mode I did not think it was available in Glid/Acro?

Thanks, Roger

[Peter Young]

Thanks Mike

I guess it's not your problem. Shouldn't affect sales much - not being able to buy parts for this Hitec plane. Makes me want to rush out and buy more Hitec products (now which is the sarcastic smilie...maybe this one :mad: )

[Allan Wright]

Hi Mike,

I have the Eclipse7 and I'm wondering what I have to do to set it up with a preset for discus launching a glider, and can I use the trainer switch to activate the preset, so that when I release I'm in 'normal' mode?

Thanks,
Al

[freq]

Hi Mike. Here's a strange one. Mine usually are. :D

I have a Flash 5X set up for 4 different planes, 3 of which are elevon-based, the other traditional rudder/elevator, all in Acro mode.

The other night I went to fly my Mini IFO. I switched the 5X over to model memory 2, appropriate for the situation. When I powered up the Mini IFO, the right elevon servo extended way past it's typical limit, and the left elevon servo was extremely sensitive to stick movement, as if I had EPA set to 200 and reverse expo.

Upon checking the programming for model memory 2, things were way out of whack. EPAs on all channels were set to 255 (I didn't think this was possible), with +100% expo. I tried programming it back to normal (it accepted my new values), but to no avail... the plane kept responding very oddly.

I borrowed a friend's Flash 5X, set it up appropriately with an unused memory slot, and the problem went away. I then went back to my radio and set up model memory 5 (previously unused) for the Mini IFO and all was well in that memory slot. All other memory slots seem to be fine. Still, model memory 2 is unusable. I haven't yet had the time to copy down all the parameters for all model memories and do a RST AL (reset all), so see if that alleviates the problem.

It doesn't appear that any damage was done to the servos by going way beyond their normal travel limits, but I've only flown the plane once since. Frankly, I was a bit shaken seeing the little guy freak out like it did. :(

What would cause this strange glitch?


-chris

[freq]

Um, does the silence indicate that you're carefully considering how to best package & ship my new hat? :D

-chris

[jmulder]

They're giving away hats???? Maybe scince I had to send a brand new charger back the other day they'll send me one too!!........hehee...................John

[MikeMayberry]

cruzomatic- Sorry! :eek: Just flip the switch to NiMh and back.

Roger-Roger- You won't be able to do that with elevons.

Peter Y- Making our customers happy is my problem, but unfortunately some things are out of my control. I have passed the info on to our headquarters in Korea about this situation. It doesn't make much sense to sell a product and not support it with the parts that are available. :(

pease1- You can't use the trainer switch but you could use one of the flight condition switches to set up the offset trim, and if you were handy with a soldering iron you could replace the normal two position switch with one like the trainer, so when you let go it goes back to the original trim.

freq- That's a strange one! The best thing to do is send it in and let us take a look at it.

Since you had the strangest problem this week... you win the hat! Send your mailing address to mailto:mayberry@hitecrcd.com

jmulder- Brand new?!?!? Are you sure you didn't hook it up wrong? ;) Ok... since I'm in a good mood, I'll send you a hat too for your troubles.

Mike.

[Peter Young]

Thanks Mike - that's all I wanted

[jmulder]

Mike, Its the same charger that Cruzomatic has. It would take a real sap to hook that one up wrong!! I just have to say that I think you are doing a great job! All these questions rolling in and you're just throwing answers as fast as you can. Keep up the good work!! (now can I have two hats?heehee).....John

[freq]

Sweet! :D Thanks, Mike. Watch out... you could start a landslide with that qualification. Let's see what kind of wierdness claims creep up next.

I've gotta hand it to you guys. There are a few manufacturers out there that could take a lesson from Hitec. Keeping in touch with your customers is a great way to keep them happy. Brilliant promotion giving away hats for lucky V13. Be warned folks, I guess I can now be considered a paid endorser, what with the free hat and all. ;)

In regard to the Flash 5X oddity, I suspect that the problem would likely be solved with a Reset All. I still haven't had the time to try it, as I'll have to re-program all the model memories. I'd guess your engineers would probably like to see it in its current state, though.

I'd be happy to send it in without performing a Reset All, but unfortunately, it's my only radio at this time, and I've been making up for lost winter flying time lately. ;) I've also been training a few newbies with it, and I'd hate for them to lose stick-time.

Maybe we could work out a mail-swap for a replacement unit. Frankly, I'm not looking for a replacement, but it's gonna be tough for me to give up the radio at the moment, as I can still use the other four memory slots. Maybe we should continue the discussion via email or phone. Let me know what you think.


-chris

[tenover]

Mike,
I have a CG-330 charger, and as of last week, as soon as I plug it into my car battery, the "1 cell charge" light starts blinking real fast. It doesn't stop, even when I put a battery on to charge. At the same time, my batteries are giving me less and less flight time each time. What does the blinking light mean, and do you think these two issues are related? Also, I'm thinking of getting a newer charger and would like to stick with Hitec because you guys are so close to me, but is there a charger you guys offer that will charge nicad, nimh, AND li-on? Just wondering. Thanks.:)

[Allan Wright]

Mike,

Can I order a momentary switch (replacement for the trainer switch) from Hitec to do the conversion you talked about? Oh, and I'm right handed so I'd want to replace the flight condition switch on the left hand side of the transmitter, but this is a 3-way isn't it? Is that going to cause me more troubles?

Al

[milkman]

Mike,

Couple of rookie questions..........:confused:

I have several 555 receivers and HS55/HS81 servos. I have purchased one GWS Pico Flight Pack, but would like to use my existing HS55 servos regardless of which receiver I use (Hitec or GWS). Are these compatible if I purchase the Futaba version of the GWS receiver? I would like to only use Hitec servos.

Second question. Both the GWS and Hitec Feather receivers seem to get a lot of negative comments on EZone. Is this just a function of their price (value) / range or are the micro receivers just less reliable?

Thanks for your help. BTW, I use a Prism and Eclipse transmitter if that matters.

[Red Baron 47]

Hi Mike,

Thanks for the hat!!!
It's the nicest cap I have. Very high quality just like your products. :cool:

[The Other Dave]

Mike,

I have a 5 month old Eclipse 7 w/ spectra that seems to be getting some glitch problems.

When I am flying along I will get a glitch on all channels.
It seems to be worse when the plane is fairly direct in
front of me. Elevation of the plane and angle of the antenna
doesn't seem to matter. This is happening on both of my planes
zagi,Tiger Moth w/ two different types of rx Feather and
GWS 4P on 2 different frequencies (12 and 47)
at 2 different flying fields.

It doesn't seem to be any worse w/ different battery charge
states or outside temp. Antenna feels tight.

Since I have 2 different frequency planes I change the frequency
of the spectra fairly often (2-3 times a week).

Any Ideas?

Thanks,

T O D

[MikeMayberry]

Peter- :)

jmulder- Now you're pushing it! :D

freq- Contact the service department for your options.

tenover- The one cell light will blink all the time unless you hook up a glow igniter to it. That's normal. The reduction is runtime could be developing memory in the cells. Make sure you discharge them as low as you can before recharging. The new CG-340 is a great charger for Nicads and NiMh's but Lithium is a different story.

pease1- Hmmm... you might want to swap the trainer and flt condition #3 switch because you will run into problems with the three position switch. You can get the switch at Radio Shack.

milkman- Every brand of servo is compatible with every radio provided they have the proper connector. There is no problem using a Hitec plug in a Futaba receiver. Any of the super small single conversion receivers will have considerably less performance and range than our standard dual conversion receivers.

Red Baron 47- :D

The Other Dave- Both the ultra micro single conversion receivers you list will typically be more susceptible to interference than dual conversion. I doubt if the transmitter is the culprit.

Mike.

[ifxmnfly]

Hi Mike. I'm looking for a entry level charger for my 8 cell 720 mah NiMh packs.

The CG-340 looks like a pretty strong candidate for my needs, but ... does it have Timeout protection circuits, and if so, how long will it charge before a timeout will cut it off? I'd like to charge my NiMh packs at 1C, and the nearest competition charger times out in 45 minutes which is long before peak!

:cool: (My hat size is 7 1/4.) :cool:

[webguyjv]

Hi Mike :)

Per our past e-mail dialogue, I am now ready to go out and buy that CG-340 charger you recommended. I'm excited about something that has more features than my old reliable CG-330, but will go down to the low current levels recommended for the tiny packs I'm using in my MHLG (~100 mah).

OK, so my complaint is...
- This Hitec Web site has NOTHING (that I can find) on this charger
- Sheldon's Hobbies (the best LHS in my area) has no clue as to when they'll start getting these chargers from Hitec (it's not even on their radar screen).

I guess the moral of this story is that I'll end up buying it online (and I'm sure I'll save a few bucks too), but today when I was buying the new NiMH cells (to replace the ones I toasted with my CG-330) I fully expected to walk out the door with a new CG-340 in my bag as well.

Why are these CG-340's such un known quantities in the stores and at the Hitec Web site? Are they a secret? ;-)

webguyjv

P.S.: If I buy one direct from you guys, will you send me a hat? (LOL)

[EpowerFan]

Hi Mike, Great thread!

Like my Flash 5x, and I'm ready to try flaperons. :D

With Flash 5x:
1) Can I mix flaperons with elevator? Plane in build wants 2 servos flaperons, servo for elevator, 4th servo rudder (prefer rudder by throttle stick). Want to mix the elevator with the flaperons (for down elevator upon flaps?). If not Flash 5x, can you recommend a next Tx model?

2) Any general rules of thumb for how much flap throw?

3) Can I buddy chord my Flash 5x w/ my older Hitec non-digital Tx? If not, can you recommend a next model Tx for me that uses all control function & settings of the master Tx?

4) The next thing I'll want is the above (flaperon-elevator, rudder, throttle), plus: add retracts that can be gradual.. Tx model?

Thanks, mark

[Rattlehead]

I my great wisdom I didn't put my radio away and my wonderful 12 year old boy was playing around (who know I think he stepped on it) with it and snapped the trainer switch off.

I bought the radio used, and I have worked on DC - AC high power inverters since High school.

Do you know the cost of this switch if I got the correct switch from Hitec?
I know I could go to Radio Crap, but I would rather put the correct switch back in unless it costs me an arm and a leg.

Also

Here is a stupid question? I have been in electronics for 15 some odd years; I technically am still on my RC honeymoon. I have only been flying for a little over a year now. Really about a year and a half, but for the first six months I could hardly get into the air without a rebuild.

I had a Seasoned RC Pilot tell me that the Antenna length of the Receivers made a difference. If this is so, then why is it you can buy a receiver and put any crystal in for any frequency? He couldn’t tell me and it didn’t make any sense to me.

[RonD]

Do you know the cost of this switch if I got the correct switch from Hitec?
I know I could go to Radio Crap, but I would rather put the correct switch back in unless it costs me an arm and a leg.

I too broke a switch. The switch that you can buy a Radio Shed is the same as the one will get from HiTech. Just go get one from RS.



I had a Seasoned RC Pilot tell me that the Antenna length of the Receivers made a difference. If this is so, then why is it you can buy a receiver and put any crystal in for any frequency? He couldn’t tell me and it didn’t make any sense to me.

The antenna is 1/4 of a wave length. The wave length in meters is 300 divided by the frequency. Divide that by 4 to get the antenna length. i.e. 300/75Mhz = 4 meters. 4/4 = 1 meter or 39 inches. The frequencies we use are all grouped together so close that a channel 10 vs a channel 60 would only be a fraction of an inch different. The length isn't that critical. Also many people use antenna's that are 1/8 or 1/16 of the wavelength. This results in some loss of range and different reception patterns. These shorter antenna's use an inductor at there base to tune them for the proper frequency. Also, sometimes people wind the antenna around a bobbin to shorten the antenna but kept it relatively well tuned to the frequency.

[Rattlehead]

Thanks, That makes sense.

[RonJ]

Mike,

My Focus, Ellipse and new Optic asked me when the new Multiplex Easy Electric Glider will hit our shores. Hate to have to move to Europe or Australia to get one. Any idea when ?

RonJ

[MikeMayberry]

Please post all new questions in a new thread. Note this thread had been dead for 3 years and was used back when we did not have our own forum.

The EZ Glider is due out in May.

Mike.