Ask Mike at Hitec V17?

[MikeMayberry]

Hi all,

Sorry I have been MIA. I had a few trips out of town and got way too far behind. If there are post that have gone unanswered I appologize. Please post them again and I will try to keep up this time.

We have a lot of new products coming too. I think you guys will like the new single stick Neon radio that will replace the Focus 3 FM. It is upgradable with a trainer port, ATV's, D/R and 3 position 4th channel.

Mike. :)

[BNA Bob]

Hi, Mike,
Glad to see you back.
My question is:
Does Hitec make a radio that operates in (or can be tuned to) the 6m (50-53MHz) band for us Ham flyers?

Thanks,
--Bob
AG4PV

[Joel K. Scholz]

Mike , This is not a question but just a note to say thank you for the fine service you folks at Hitec provide. You offer a quality product at a fair price and you stand behind what you sell. That can't be said for alot of companys these days. Whenever a newbie ask what equipment to buy I have no hesitation recommending Hitec.

[Alfred]

Hi Mike

I have your Eclipse 7 and a new Twin Star where I am setting up two servos but with out a Y harness as I would like to set up flaps. How do I do this?

The receiver is a 555.

TIA

Alfred

[jandirks]

Mike,

I have a Focus 3 FM SS radio (35 MHz) that came with two hs-55 servo's and a feather receiver. I live in The Netherlands, but bought it in the UK.

As many people already reported, the feather reciever has terrible glitches. If my plane is more then 10-15 meters away from me, the motor stops and the servo's start moving to every side they can turn to. In other words, it's unusable.

I can send it back to the shop where I bought it, but I think they wil send it to you. Can I send it directly to you or what do you suggest?

Best regards,

Jan-Dirk Schuitemaker
The Netherlands

[MikeMayberry]

BNA Bob- Sorry no.

Joel K. Scholz- Thanks for the good words :)

Alfred- You cannot do it with the 555 since you need the 6th channel for flaps/flapperons. We just released the new Electron 6 which is 30% smaller than the 555 and has the 6th channel that will work, or use another receiver with a 6th channel.

jandirks- Sorry to hear about the problem. They would not send it to us since we only deal with 27, 72, and 75mhz here in the US. You would need to contact Amerang, the UK agent #44-1903-765496


Mike.

[Navy Diver]

Hi Mike,
welcome back. My son has a Flash 4X that I purchased used here on ezone (I have a Flash 5X), and I am having problems with settings for model #1. My son is flying only 3 channel planes for now. When I plug everything into a receiver (he has a feather and 2 GWS R4P's) the elevator is on the throttle stick, rudder is where it is supposed to be, and the throttle doesn't work. This only occurs in model position 1, and I have tried the reset command to no avail. Right now he only has three planes, in positions 2,3 and 4, but do you have any suggestions for reseting position 1 to the factory settings?
Thanks,
Eric

[10Thumbs]

Mike,

When will this little gem be available in the local hobby stores? Is it available anywhere online yet? What is the MSRP and street price?

Just found it online at Tower Hobbies for $59!

Will the 555 continue as a product?

10Thumbs

[Mark Wood]

Eric:

Oddly enough, when you reset to default, Mode 1 is what you get. My Flash 5X ran outta juice once too many times and all the models reset to Mode 1. I just went back using the manual guidelines and reprogrammed the Tx to Mode 2 in all the model memories.

Hope that helped. :confused:

mw

[FX1SUB]

Hi Mike,

I would like to know how to get the little plugs for the transmitter batteries. I'd like to build my own packs for my Flash 5. Is it a standard connector that can be purchased somewhere? or can I get them from Hitec?......

Thanks,

Joe

[billdad1]

This is a copy of an old post.

Mike,


One would think it would make sense to see the model name first when you turn on your Eclipse 7.

Is there a fix??

Also you should be able to use proportional throttle control in Glider mode.

Anyone have any info on how to fix these problems?

Other than a few things like this I love the Eclipse 7!!!

Thanks for your input on this forum. I have learned a lot by just reading the questions posted and then your replies.

Bill

PS.....I am sure I can say that ALL OF US are glad you are back!!!

[brucemc]

Could you use the programmable mixes to make channel five mirror channel six? Then you would have flap control on channel five. I suppose I ought to try it, there's probably something wrong with that thinking.

Bruce

[MikeMayberry]

Navy Diver- That model is in Mode 1. It may be that it defaults that so you will have to change it manually.

10Thumbs- The Electron 6 is available now and should be available through all the normal channels. The 555 is not discontinued yet due to it's popularity.

FX1SUB- Contact Maxx Products http://www.maxxprod.com

billdad1- The only programming change to the Eclipse at this time will be available around the first of the year in which it will be PCM capable. The model name will apear at start up and the trims will show automatically when moved. Any other "major" programming changes will come at a later date.

brucemc- Won't work.

Mike.

[thexfiles]

hi mike;
is there a canadian service center for hitec products?

[Flying Taco]

Mike, When will the new Neon transmitter be available, and where is the optional 4th channel 3 position switch located? Also is the new single conversion reciever less glitchy than the feather?

[Zagi miester]

Mike,

I have a cg-335 charger that fried my zagi pack as well as itself. I have had it for about 8 months. I don't have the reciept. Who should I send it to for repair or replacement? I live in Temecula Ca.

Thanks,
Bryan

[MikeMayberry]

thexfiles- Try JN Electronic (604 929-7477

Flying Taco- The Neon is expected around the first of the year. The 4th channel is located on the top right of the TX.

The new 04MG is a full range micro receiver that is much better than the Feather.

The new Electron 6 channel dual conversion receiver is now available too. It is as good as it gets and weighs 13 grams without the case. http://www.hitecrcd.com/Receivers/electron6.htm


Zagi miester- Sorry to hear about the problem. Here's the info: http://www.hitecrcd.com/Support/service_and_repair.htm

Mike.

[10Thumbs]

Mike,

The Eclipse changes that you mentioned in your previous response (model name on startup, trim changes show as they are made), will these be available to retrofit to existing Eclipses, or only on new ones?
If retrofit is made available will this be a field upgrade or "send it in to Hitec"?

10Thumbs

[juantrinidad]

I'm trying to use Vtail mode on a delta wing aircraft but cant get elevator controls to work, only ailerons.

I've used channel 1&2 and 1&4, still no elevator control.

The reason I want to do this is so that I can get the flap switches to work as sort of instant trim adjustment for launch, cruise and WOT.

Thanks in advance for your help.

rgds, JT

[LuckyArmpit]

Mike, have already sent back a Cirrus MX-4 rx back to service.
And, have sent my Flash 5 TX back as well due to glitches, throttle
on full blast with no throttle stick input. Just got a new Eclipse
with the spectra module. Tried it with a 555 rx (chan 36) and got nothing. However, it works fine with a feather rx. So, is there something with the 555 rx's? I'd hate to have to send that back too. Down to one rx (feather). And, how bad is it wrapping your
rx and esc wires in aluminum foil to counteract glitching?

Dave...

[MikeMayberry]

10Thumbs- The older systems will be able to be updated through Hitec but it is not detemained at this time how it will be implemented.

juantrinidad- V-tail mixing uses channels 2 (elevator) and 4 (rudder). With this set up your aileron control would be on the left stick.

LuckyArmpit- Is the 555 negative shift or positive. Do you have the proper shift mode selected. You must use a dual conversion crystal, it is not the same as the one used in the Feather.

Mike.

[Allan Wright]

Mike,

I lost an antenna for my Eclipse transmitter at NEAT. Where can I get a replacement. Also, do you know of anyone that makes a 'rubber ducky' antenna for the Eclipse? I fly indoors a lot and it would definately be a plus to get one.

Thanks,
Al

[MikeMayberry]

http://www.maxxprod.com

http://www.htantennas.com/

[Allan Wright]

Muchos Gracias
Danke
thanks

[juantrinidad]

Glad your back. As was the case before, I am still a big fan of Hitec. Quality, reasonable prices and coupled with this kind of service! I'm hooked.

Rgds, Juan

[LuckyArmpit]

Mike, that 555 rx was negative shift and dual conversion xtal.
It worked fine on the Flash 5x. I set my Eclipse for negative shift
on the same channel and got nuthing. I have gotten a GWS rx with postive shift on chan 34 on it works okay. Oh, what is the correct length of antennae wire for the feather rx? I think mine is
short and actually thicker that what it is supposed to be. I've soldered it back on 3 times from crashes.

Dave...

[10Thumbs]

Dave (LuckyArmpit),

I have an Eclipse with Spectra and a 555 negative shift RX and it works fine for me. I wonder if you have a bad xtal or mislabeled crystal (wrong ch #). You might want to try different channel numbers on your Spectra to see if that is the problem. Or find someone else with a TX on that channel and see if their TX works with it. Just eliminate variables until you find the problem.

[MikeMayberry]

LuckyArmpit- I don't see any reason for the 555 not to work with the Eclipse if it worked with the Flash.

Then antenna length on the Feather is 41.75".

Mike.

[LuckyArmpit]

Thank you Mike!!!! Thumbs, haven't tried another xtal for it.
I will grab one at hobby shop next time I'm there. Also called
Hitec service. Man, they are great people!!!! I just asked some questions. I'm sure the xtal currently in it is dual conversion as the Tech asked me to check it. If new xtal doesn't do it, then it
will go in for service. I wish all vendors were like the people at Hitec! I have 3 of their TX's and my 4th one (whenever that is)
will also be Hitec. Thanks everyone!

Dave...

[stuartaw]

Mike -

I have a very technical question - could you tell me the correct oscillation frequencies for the Tx, S/C Rx and D/C Rx Hitec crystals, on 35Mhz (Uk band - 34.950 to 35.300Mhz and 10khz spacing)?

I'd better explain the background - we had to replace a crystal for a customer during the week who came in saying his new Hitec radio wasn't working. We discovered the radio was OK, but his TX crystal was several Mhz off the correct frequency (it was nearly a Rx crystal). The only way we know what a crystal should oscillate at is by putting one or two from our stock into the crystal checker as a reference. But - several of our stock crystals seemed rather iffy - there were two on different channels oscillating at the same frequency, etc.

For the other manufacturers there seems to be essentially a linear relationship between channel (or output freq) and the crystals oscillation frequency (eg Futaba Tx crystals on consecutive channels oscillate 5khz apart). But I couldn't work out what the Hitec crystals should be.

So could you please let me know a formula, or the oscillation frequencies of a reference channel and what the spacing should be, so that I can check some of our stock crystals?

TIA

Stuart @ Slough RCM

[BNA Bob]

Mike,
Any plans to put the .pdf manuals back on hitecrcd.com? I could really use a copy of the Flash 4/5 manual...:rolleyes:
Thanks,
--Bob

[MikeMayberry]

Lucky- Thanks for the good words!

stuartaw- Sorry I don't know? Try contacting Tony our service manager at mailto:tonyo@hitecrcd.com


BNA Bob- http://www.hitecrcd.com/Support/Manuals/flash4-5.pdf

Mike

[Heather]

Mike,

Will the Electron be coming out in a 40Mhz model? And if so, any ideas when.

Thanks

Heather

[MikeMayberry]

Heather- I would think so but I don't have any info since we don't import that band into the US.

Mike.

[Erik Johansson]

@MikeMayberry

Are there any interest from Hitec to have a look at a Supreme 7 that has been laying outside for 5 years? :D

We recently found a model that disappeared 5 years ago. The receiver doesn´t look bad at all (of course I would NEVER fly it again) except for the two screws which are covered with rust.

If you can have any fun with it (see how your products hold up, haha) just let me know :)

There was a pair of HS101 servos in the plane too.

/Erik

[MikeMayberry]

Send it in and we'll check it out!

Mike.

[JRuggiero]

Mike,

I have a Super-Slim RX that's never been in an airplane, bought more than a year ago.

When I plug a battery pack (4 cells) into the B/8 channel, I get control only on Channel 1, and Channels 2 & 3 go gonzo, no control whatsoever, and the servos slam to their stops. If I plug the pack into either Channels 7, 6, 5, or 4, then Channels 1, 2, and 3 behave just fine. What gives?

[EdSoars]

I have a new Eclipse that looks like being a great radio...good programming options and good stick feel.

I fly combined slope/thermal gliders with flaps or flaperons and use the camber control constantly during flight. I haven't yet been able to mix it to the throttle stick, which would be preferable to the little rotary knob, which gives no tactile feedback of flap position.

I've got it mixed from ch6 to ch3 on all the programmable mixes, and they're all turned on, but still no response from the throttle stick.

What am I doing wrong?

[MikeMayberry]

JRuggiero- I don't know... that doesn't make and sense since the power bus is conected to all channels. It should make no difference what channel you plug the battery into.

EdSoars- You could use the CROW mixing to use the throttle stick for camber change. The throttle stick is not channel #3 in the glider mode and the ST1 and ST2 switches will only affect the flaps, not the ailerons (like they should). Unfortunatley this is one area where the Eclipse didn't quite get the programming perfect.

Mike.

[JRuggiero]

Mike,

as you point out, it doesn't make any sense that plugging in the battery into any other port than B/8 gives me okay operation, but plugging that same battery into B/8 makes the receiver gonzo. I'll send it in with a note and reference this discussion.

[EdSoars]

Mike: thanks for the fast response.

So, is the throttle stick disabled in glider mode? For flaperon, or 2-servo wing planes, should I use ACRO instead of GLID mode to get the flaps on the throttle stick? If the throttle stick controls some channel, what is it? Maybe I could mix flap into that.

I'll probably just drill the rotary knob to stick a small pin into, to give me the feel I need: but this is not much better than the Multiplex Cockpit I'm using now. At least I wouldn't be using two different setups.

[MikeMayberry]

Edsoars- The throttle stick is ch6 and operates the crow feature in GLID mode.

Mike.

[van-S]

Hi Mike,

When I went to fly my Herr Cub for the first time, one of my HS 55 servos didn't respond at all. I pulled the plug out from the receiver and the wires popped out of the little plug. What's the best way to fix this? Should I solder them back into the connector, or crimp them onto the small metal leads that snap into the connector? The parts are so tiny, it starts to hurt my eyes just looking at it all -any suggestions?

Thanks,

Bruce van-S

[akh223]

Hey Mike,

I have a flash 5X, that i love, but the sticks are a bit loose (too easy to move, want more feedback from the spring while moving them) for what I like, i have heard that you can open the back and adjust a set screw to tighten them up a bit. Will this void my warranty, and is this the proper way to tighten up the feel of the sticks?
Thanks

[Dylwad]

Hey Mike,
Is the Eclipse 7 Mode 1 capable, in terms of programming options and such? im one of the few weirdos that flies Mode 1, and i would like very much so to invest in a nice computer radio soon, and for the money the Eclipse seems like the best bet out there, any thoughts?

Dylan

[webguyjv]

Mike, I made my annual pilgrimage down to San Diego to visit relatives. As with last year, I came armed with two planes -- the DAW Dragonette, and my second DAW 1-26 2-meter (almost completely built).

Before making the drive from NorCal, I checked out my Flash 5 and 555 RX along with all of the servos and battery. All worked fine!

When I got to my mom's house in Spring Valley, I spent about a day completing the construction of the plane. Next morning I was connecting up the electronics for a final check before driving to the Poway slope site. AAAAHHHHH! Nothing worked. I was totally stumped!!!

I brought my Tower Hobbies TX that I use as a buddy box, and I tried to get it to talk to the RX. I was able to get some signs of life, so I figured the problem was with the Flash 5.

I called Hitec Customer Service and they told me they couldn't make any promises (unless I could drop the equipment off for a few days), but if I drove up to Poway, they'd at least take a quick look at the TX while I waited in the lobby.

I arrived and explained the situation to the rep., and he told me to wait for a few minutes. He came back out and simply said "all fixed!". He nonchalantly related that the trainer switch had somehow shorted. He fixed it for NO CHARGE!

The next day, I made my one year anniversary visit to the Poway slope site and I flew the new 1-26 on it's maiden flight. I was there from 12:00 to about 6:30 PM and the lift was AWESOME!

I wanted to leave this note here in this thread as I've asked you questions here and on the phone, but I've never experienced anything like this before. I'm really impressed with the quality of your products, the fact that your prices are affordable, and especially that you guys are so good about fixing them when they break. This really means a lot to us in the field.

BTW, Dymond Modelsport just shipped my 2 new 555s and crystals. This time I bought some of those pesky connectors - I'm always breaking them and you can't buy 'em at Fry's.

Thanks again to you and your excellent team for your support. Happy Flying ;-)

Webguyjv

[Zagi miester]

Mike,

Boy am I glad I bought Hitec.

I posted earlier that my CG-335 charger fried. You told me to send it in, which I did. I have owned this charger for probably 9 or so months and I have no receipt.

I sent it in with the form and a week later I get from Hitec a brand new charger in the box. I was shocked (pun intended) by my new charger. Thank you so much for the excellent customer service. Makes me very glad that I bought the Hitec Eclipse radio as well.

Thanks again,
Bryan

[Stig C]

Hey Mike
Can I use a Futaba HF-module in the Eclipse 7 and
a Eclipse 7 in a Futaba? (Only standard modules not spectra)
Stig

[MikeMayberry]

van-S- It would probably be best for you to send it in and let us fix it for you.

akh223- Yes, you can opn the case and adjust the tension without voiding the warranty.

Dylwad- Hey... who are you calling wierdo! We all know that mode 1 is the best way to fly. :) Yes, you can purchase it on mode 1 but it is a special order. You can also have it converted.

webguyjv- Glad to hear it.... We try! :D

Zagi miester- Wow two in a row! Thanks for the good words!

Stig C- The FCC says no.

Mike.

[Stig C]

Mike
What is FCC?
I know that it may not be legal, but will it work.
Have somebody tried?
Stig C

[MikeMayberry]

Sorry, I should have been more clear.... According to the FCC and the AMA it is illegal. I cannot tell you it will work.

[van-S]

Thanks, Mike. It's on its way.

[omega blood]

Hi Mike, is there a way to turn the rudder /aileron mix off/on during flight( i.e. assign to a swtch) on the flash 5X?

[Dylwad]

right on, thanks mike

Dylan

[Bob Reynolds]

Hi Mike,

Are you or any of your group comming to the Tucson Electrifying weekend Oct 12-13? As you know, no fees for vendor space. <www.timpa.org>

[MikeMayberry]

omega blood- Sorry no. You would need the Eclipse for that feature.

Bob- I don't think so. Maybe next time.

Mike.

[MikeMayberry]

Hi all,

I just wanted to let you know that I am taking a much needed vactaion with the family (Hawaii!!!) and I won't be back in town until Monday Oct 21st.

If you have any questions that need to be answered direct them here: mailto:service@hitecrcd.com

Aloha!

Mike.

[billdad1]

Mike,
Welcome back!

Can you tell us when the software upgrade will be available for the Eclipse 7, and how does the customer get the upgrade? Will there be a charge?

Thanks,

Bill

[fumblethumbs]

Got a recent problem with a 555 Rx. Plug in a pack and the servos try to center, but won't, they just "hiccup" a little. ESC won't arm, no Rx channel terminal works a servo or ESC, in effect the Rx is dead. Tried on board AAA pack also, NG. Switched ESC's, motors, etc., all to no avail. Removed the cover and inspected antenna connection, looked for any signs of damage, overheating, etc., but all appears normal. This happened once before, but the crystal was loose so taped it place and solved the glitch, but not this time. Has my crystal gone bye-bye, or is it more serious? Thanks, -thumbs

[Marten]

Hi Mike,
Can you tell me how many cells the BEC circuit can handle?
Thank you,
Marten

[Kosh]

Mike, or anyone that can answer, I just want to be clear about what was said a little earlier in this thread concerning flaperons. I have an eclipse and I thought this would be possible with a 5 channel receiver. (2 ailerons, 1 elevator, 1 rudder, 1 esc = 5) Are you saying you need a 6 channel receiver (electron?)

[MikeMayberry]

billdad1- It looks to be soon after the first of the year for the "Q"PCM upgrade. As for the price and how it will be done is yet to be determined.

fumblethumbs- I would try replacing the crystal first. If that doesn't solve the problem then send it in and we'll check it out.

Marten- Are using it in an aircraft or surface application? The BEC in that receiver is typically only used in R/C Cars with mechanical speed controls. If that is the case then it will handle up to 7 cells. If you are confused I suggest you call us to discuss it.

Kosh- That is correct... you'll need a 6 channel RX like the Electron.

Mike.

[Marten]

Thanks, Mike, I think I got it now. A car application doesn't need a low voltatge cutoff. The reason I asked was that I have a couple of homemade ESC's without BEC's.

Thanks
Marten

[EdSoars]

Mike: I had my Eclipse cease transmission in midflight last weekend. Batteries in Tx and Rx were fine. Tx display stayed on, showed correct voltage, but no transmission. Turned it off, changed batteries, and switched on again: no beep, but display came on with new voltage. Couldn't put it into program mode. No transmitted signal.

Any ideas? The TX is going back to Hitec Customer Service today. I can't afford another crash.

Ed

[fumblethumbs]

Yep, crystal went south on the 555 Rx. Replaced same and back in business. Thanks Mike, take another vacation!:D -thumbs

[MikeMayberry]

Marten- The BEC is only in the battery slot anyway.

EdSoars- I'm sorry to hear that. :( I don't know... send it in so we can fix it up.

fumblethumbs- Thanks... I wish! :)

Mike.

[EdSoars]

Mike: well, even if the Eclipse crashed my plane, it wasn't a BIGDOLLAR power scale deal. It was my homebrew DLG design that has survived a lot of dorks from altitude. We call this process "Stress Management". I've finally gotten the nylon wing bolts to break before everything else shatters. Result of this spiral dive from 80 feet: torn out rudder horn.

ed

[Scratchbuilder]

Can the slim 8 receiver casing/cover be removed for less weight? I'm into electrics and could use all the weight savings I can get shy of buying a 555 or the new 6. I'd love to see hitec come out with more "side loader" receivers.

[EdSoars]

Scratchbuilder: Since you're worried about weight, I assume you're a glider scratchbuilder. I am too, and have been taking cases off all my receivers, but more for space consideration than weight. Since I don't fly flatfield contests, sink rate is less important than range, so higher wing loadings are a benefit.

I'm finishing a 6-servo 68" DLG with a SuperSlim 8 sans the case. The only precaution I advise is to wrap the Rx in tape or shrink wrap to avoid contaminating the connections with fingerprints, etc. I have also experienced the crystal working its way loose, so be sure it's taped down solid.

ed

[Michael Heer]

Hi Mike:
I have some planes that get flown very infrequently. One of them is a slope plane from Europe that is a scale Diamorphadon Flying dino). I have a Hitec 535 receiver in it and the receiver worked fine the last time I worked on the plane in early 2001. When I went to check on it for this weekend the battery charged find but the receiver gives no response. I have had this happen before with 535s and have sent them in and they come back working at no charge with a note that they the receiver was out of tune. Here are my questions:
1) Do the discontinued 535s have a greater then usual problem then your other receiver models in going out of tune?
2) Is there any way to tune them at home using the transmitter and simple tools on the receiver or is expensive lab equipment needed?
Your service is excellent but I don't have this problem with my other Hitec receivers except once with a 555. Thanks, Mike Heer

[MikeMayberry]

Scratchbuilder- Sure, just use the shrink wrap like Ed suggested to protect it.

Ed- ;)

Michael Heer- The 535 is an older unit but it was very reliable. Typically there is no way for a reciever to go out of tune and not work at all. Try changing the crystal before you send it in. If it still does not work we would be happy to check it out.

Here's the info if you send it in: http://www.hitecrcd.com/Support/service_and_repair.htm

Mike.

[MikeMayberry]

Please post all questions in the new V18 thread.

Thanks :D