Ask Mike at Hitec V18

[MikeMayberry]

Just in time for the weekend!

Please post any and all Hitec related questions here to be answered by the one and only Chef Mike!

Mike.

[mumblety-peg]

Hi Mike-
I have an Eclipse. And I'm using elevon mixing. Somehow I've gotten the trims reversed. Not the sticks mind u. Just the trims on the eleavator. Of course, I only noticed the trims were reversed after the crash. :rolleyes: It's a hand launch plane. And I added a bit of what I thought was up right before the first flight. The plane uses "Tailerons" so I find it ez to confuse up and down.

Anyway, I was wondering if u could explain what's going on here. I could start all over again and set it up right I suppose. But I'd really like to understand this.

[xadmin]

Mike, beside the extra channel and the lighter weight on the Electron 6. How else is it superior to the 555?

[Jimbo]

Can I use the Spectra 75Mhz Module in an Eclipse 7 Radio for surface applications (RC Subs or boats for example) that require more then the 3 Channels one gets with a Lynx 3D or is the Lynx 3D the only radio that accepts the 75Mhz Spectra?

[Martin Hunter]

Mike, I have an older Prism 7 (not the 7x) that works great with the exception of the main display. It has severely faded. Is this a common or at least easily fixed problem?

Also, I am looking at the new electron micro rx. How does it compare to things like the quantum 6?

Martin

[Andy W]

Originally posted by xadmin
Mike, beside the extra channel and the lighter weight on the Electron 6. How else is it superior to the 555?

Not to play Mike, but what else could you ask for? The 555 was a perfect receiver - reliable, compact, lightweight, etc. Now with 6 channels and smaller and lighter..
..a

[Scratchbuilder]

On the 555 you can remove the RX case to loose weight...can that be done on the slim 8? I asked this elswwhere but can't find it.

[MikeMayberry]

mumblety-peg- What has happened is that in the elevon mixing screen where you set up each servo, the travel is associated with a "+" or "-" ; this affects the direction of travel. You will need to change the "+" side to "-" and "-" to "+" then use the servo reversing to get the proper direction of travel.

xadmin- It's blue! :D

Jimbo- People are doing it with no problems but I cannot give you the official OK since it is not FCC type accepted.

Dreamer- Send in the radio and we can repair for $25. Try to keep out of direct sunlight as much as possible to keep it from occuring again. As for the Electron 6... Honestly, it is as good as it gets!

Andy W- Cheers! :D

Scratchbuilder- Yes, you can remove the case on any receiver but it is a good idea to protect it with heatshrink.

Mike

[harvey]

Mike,

I apologize in advance for this long post but I want to give you the background on a problem I've had.

I purchased a FLASH 5 system last Xmas through hobby lobby (with a 555 receiver and a coupleof HS-81's)

The TRANS came on channel 22, so I got a HITEC Xtal on 22 for the Receiver.

Installed the radio in a 40 sized glow plane and had significant glitching during the range check. Switched the receiver XTAL to another channel (chnl 56) I had on hand and used another HITEC TRANS. I had and everything was OK. Flew the plane and figured I got a bad RECEIVER XTAL.

Got a new HITEX Xtal on Channel 22 and installed it and went back to the FLASH 5 on 22. The plane ranged check OK but a few minutes into the first flight a major radio glitch and the plane went in from about 100 ft with no response to TRANS inputs.

Airframe was destroyed so I salvaged the radio etc (no apparent reason for radio failure, receiver was well padded and performed perfecty in other planes on other channels)... The FLASH 5 TRANSMITTER sat in it's box on a shelf since then.

Recently put together a new "Parkflyer" intending to use the FLASH 5 TRANSMITTER. I'm using different receiver on channel 22.

Immediately upon hooking up the battery I get incredible glitching (Servo's twitch, motor rev's) but you can see the servo's moving in response to TRANSMITTER input.

Changed to another crystal and another HITEC TRANSMITTER (SERVO's and motor left alone no re-configure) and everything is OK. No glitching.

I Switched the TRANS XTAL on the FLASH 5 to see if it's bad but the same problem happens on two different HITEC TRANS Xtal's from my other 2 Hitec TRANS.

Again, SORRY FOR THE LONG post, but based on everything I have tried the transmitter seems to be the problem. Do you suggest I send in for a check-up (Would this be warranty work etc... do I need to send a copy of my receipt.) should I just pack in original box etc.....

Thanks

Harvey

[MikeMayberry]

harvey- Sorry to hear about the problem. Yes, it would be covered under warranty. All you need to do is send it in with a copy of the receipt (if you have it) and note explaining the problem and we will take care of it for you.

Here's the info: http://www.hitecrcd.com/Support/service_and_repair.htm

Mike.

[Chuck]

Mike,
How about this? I bought a Laser 6 radio a few months ago and the dual rate switches are reversed. Yup, down is full and up is partial. Now I've gotten used to it, but I'm concerned that if I use another radio, I will get confused with correctly oriented dual rate switches.
My question is: will Hitec fix it under wty if I send it in, and how long will it take? I don't want to be down for a month. If that's the case, I can live with it.


Chuck

[MikeMayberry]

Chuck- That is how it is suppose to work.

On radios such as the Eclipse you can select the rate in both switch positions but with the Laser, the Focus before it and almost every non-computer radio ever made up is always the reduced rate.

However, you could just flip the switch. If you choose to have us do it we would charge $10 for labor.

Mike.

[Chuck]

Mike:
Sorry, the documentation confused me. It says:
"-With the dual rate swicth in the high position, you will have full, or 100% throw.
When adjusting for a lower rate, move the Aileron dual rate switch down to the lower position."

I thought High position meant up, and lower position meant down. Silly me.:rolleyes:
As always your participation in this forum and help is appreciated.

Chuck

[frankenfoamy]

Hi Mike,
Sorry if this has been asked before.
Has Hitec considered using Lithium batteries in the transmitter?
They are lighter, don't self discharge and have greater capacity than the batteries currently used.

http://rcguy.tripod.com/

[MikeMayberry]

Chuck- Now I didn't consider the fact that the manual may have been inproperly written. ;)

frankenfoamy- I think we may see NiMh's replace the Nicads as standard equipment in the future as the price has come way down, but lithiums are probably too expensive and also require a different charger so I doubt if that will be an option for some time.

Mike.

[MikeMayberry]

Out of sight... out of mind.

Still here to help :D

Mike.

[RandyK1]

Mike, I have a Flash 5 radio, the plane i'm setting up now needs to have 15 deg. down and 30 deg. up for the aileron throws. Can I do it with this radio? I dont see anything in the instructions on setting aileron differential. What I need (I guess) is to set up 15 deg. down / 30deg. up and 45 deg. up (the 45 deg. up would be for spoilerons). Hope you can help me, i'm lost on this one! Thanks.............Randy :confused:

[dave morris]

I saw a hitec prism 7 for sale, looks a lot like my old 7uaf from futaba. I like this style and would like to get it, but need to know if it has helo features, like throttle/collective curves and revo. I did not see it on the hitec site, I assume it has been discontinued.
Dave

[JonM]

Mike, I have an old Hitec Focus 4 that I originally bought for an electric sailplane... Ive moved on to speed 400 electrics, but Ive found that the antennae wire is extremely long for this type of plane.

Can I shorten it, or would I just be asking for trouble?

[freq]

Howdy Mike! Haven't been near this thread for a while (all Hitec gear working swimmingly! ;) ), but figured I'd give you an update on an old problem. If you remember a while back, I had several HS-55s fail in a Soarstar. The servos would just fail for no apparant reason, typically swinging a hard right, followed by erratic behavior. The setup was as follows:

Soarstar
S400 1.85:1 (stock)
SFM 16A ESC (stock)
8x4 prop (stock)
various 8-cell packs (typically 1100AAU)
555 RX
HS-55s

Anyway, I've since swapped out the stock ESC for an Aveox A-15 I had lying around and guess what... the problem has completely gone away! I have yet to lose a servo. It seems the original ESC was supplying a "less than clean" voltage that the servos didn't agree with. Oddly, the RX never complained.

I did send the SFM ESC back to Horizon, but I'm a little hesitant to use another, if they choose to replace it with the same model.

At any rate, that solves a rather mysterious problem that, it seems, had nothing to do with Hitec. ;)


- chris

[MikeMayberry]

RandyK1- Sorry, the Flash 5 or 5X does not have aileron differential. You would need to step up to the Eclipse for that.

dave morris- Sorry no, the Eclipse is the only Helicopter radio we have.

JonM- You cannot cut it or you will affect the range. What you can do is make a bobbin to wrap it around. A popsicle stick works well. Just use about a 2" section, drill a hole in each end, thread the antenna through one end then wrap the antenna around it and thread it back through. You should but it as close the RX as you can and leave at least 20". This will effectively shorten the length but not affect the range. You could use a piece of plastic or cardboard too. Just make sure not to overlap the wire and keep the coils flat; do not use a straw.

freq- Glad to hear it! :D

Mike.

[Parkflyer]

Mike,

I have a Flash 5 and was wondering if I can program proportional flaps with the elevator such that an increasing up elevator creates increasing down aerilons.

I found where to program proportional flaps with the throttle stick but then speed control is on the 3 position switch only. I also found 3 position flap setting but not the above.

thanks,
Grant

[MikeMayberry]

Parkflyer- You can get elevator compensation with the flaps/flapperons in a landing mode but there is no elevator flap mix like there is with the Eclipse.

Mike.

[Bernie Wolfard]

Mike, the Electron 6 looks great but . . . I remember you asking for E-Zoner feedback on the design of this. The E-Zone consensus was that the servo plugs should come out the end of the receiver, that the very slight weight penalty was worth it. I am still going to get an Electron, but it would have been better with end plugs.

[MikeMayberry]

I know... :( The design of the Electron is such that it is pretty long anyway and end block connectors would make it even longer; so it was desided to come out with a top block first and then look into making an end block version later.

Mike.

[SheldonYoung]

Mike, just installed an Electron 6 is one of my planes last night. The extra channel is really nice but how about on the next version adding a dedicated battery connector? Surely the weight increase would be insignificant and it would allow access to all six channels without a cumbersome Y cable.

[Doctor Who]

Mike,

I have read on another thread that there is to be a new version of the Eclipse released in December. Is this correct? If so can you tell us what the differences are?

Thanks

[tripster]

Hopefully the new Eclipse will have less chrome. Then I would buy one :D

[marekw]

Hi Mike

Is it possible to buy just a 70mhz block for Flash 5 SX ?
i currently using my 40 mhz that i bring with me from europe, but i have hard times finding any recivers for 40 mhz in US.
If the answer is is it hard to replace the module, and where can i get one?
thanks is advence
labedz
ps ( or maybe i can just get a 40 mhz reciver but where ? )

[putt_13]

Hello,
I am looking into buying a Prism 7. Now, Ric Duely, and I are both stumped on the difference between the 7 and the 7x. What is the difference? Thanx Patrick

PS- This may be a dumb question, but if I buy a used Prism, and get the original receipt with it, can I still get it fixed under the warranty? -Patrick

[Dave MacAfee]

One major difference is the 7 doesn't have a trainer socket.

[MikeMayberry]

SheldonYoung- Thanks for the input. Actually, all our receivers are like this, so I doubt if it will change but I'll keep in in mind when making future suggestions.

Doctor Who- A new "Q"PCM version is due to be released after the first of the year. "Q" stands for "Quick" as the new receiver has the fastest processing speed of any PCM available. There will also be an upgrade available for the older Eclipse radios, but it has not been determained how it will be implimented as of yet.

tripster- Actually the new versions will use brushed aluminum faceplates for a less shiney look.

labedz- Sorry no, only the radios with a module like the Prism and Eclipse can change bands.

putt_13- The 7X has individual dual rates, shift select and a trainer cord. That's about it.

All Hitec products carry a two-year warranty. Since we haven't made the Prism 7 for about 7 years it would not be covered.

Mike.

[Arbo]

Mike,

Do you have an address that I can use to mail a servo to you guys? One of the 4 HS-55's I bought a few weeks ago wasn't right from the start, like the centering pot was hosed up. Of course I'd like a new one, and would hope Hitec replaces it... I just need to know where to send it. (please don't say go to the LHS where I got it, he needs the trouble of all that about as much as I do...)

Thanks
Paul

[erashby]

Mike do all of the Hitec Rx's take the same crystals? I've got three 555s and was thinking about a couple of the newer Rxs, but I didn't want to have to buy new crystals too, since I only have two Txs (both Flash 5x).

[MikeMayberry]

Arbo- Here's the info: http://www.hitecrcd.com/Support/service_and_repair.htm

erashby- Yes, all our dual conversion receivers use the same crystal.

Mike.

[Arbo]

Mike, thanks for the info. That brings up another question though. I have an older flash 5, the one with only 2 model memories, and the lcd display is fading, and requires me to push my finger down on it to read it, it works, just not well, is that a fixable item? And if so, would it just be cheaper to buy a new tx than to have it fixed?

Thanks
Paul

[MikeMayberry]

It is fixable and shouldn't cost more than $25 or so.

Mike.

[AlanCon]

Mike,

I have a Flash 5X, and am having a bit of a problem programming the Aileron/Rudder mixing function.
I have two servos for my ailerons, on channels 1 & 5 (Hitec 555 receiver).
When I program in the A/R mixing, I only get rudder movement in one direction;
e.g. if I move ailerons for a left turn, I get a corresponding rudder movement,
but I get no rudder movement at all if I move the ailerons for a right turn.

I note that the screen shows only channels 1 & 4 - does that mean I cannot do A/R mixing if I have two aileron servos?

- Alancon

[AirBornOne]

Hello Hitec Mike,
Though a pretty heavily invested Futaba owner/user, I sure appreciate
your efforts for info on this forum.
Anyway,here in the S.F.Bay Area, Sheldon's or SanAntonio Hobbies don't even know what an Electron Rx is.My lhs's Hobbies Unlimited or Wold's Hobbies draw a blank also.
Where are they?
Tower or Hobby People don't list em on their sites either.
I had to get a SuperSlim 7ch for my 1.5 E Omega (very skinny) but would
have preferred the latest/greatest (I need ch 6 so no 555).
Thanks again.
Jay.

[MikeMayberry]

AlanCon- All you need to do is move the stick to the side you wish to set.

AirBornOne- Hobby People has them listed here: http://www.hobbypeople.net/prdcls/rxac01.asp
And Tower here: http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/WTI0095P?FVSEARCH=electron&FVPROFIL=++

I'm surprised Ron doesn't know about them at Sheldons since he buys directly from us and we sent him a press release when they first came out.

Mike.

[Capslock]

Do Wingos stink? :D

Capslock

[MikeMayberry]

capslock- I don't know... I have never flown (or smelled) one! ;)

[omega blood]

Mike what is the antenna length for a feather Rx. I need to replace it. Thanks.

[MikeMayberry]

41.75"

[Jeff Meyers]

Hi Mike,

I have a question for ya.....but first some background.

I have a floater type sailplane that I was planning to use HS 55's for the rudder and elevator. I used an online calc program to enter data for a recommended torque oz. / inch servo. Basically, it said the HS 55 fit the bill. The calc program said that I only needed 9 oz / inch of torque. My father did not believe me so he called you guys. The tech person told him that while the torque rating would do it...he thought the gears would strip.

I don't understand it....if the servo can handle the torque rating...why wouldn't the gears?

Regards,

Jeff

[MikeMayberry]

I use the HS-55's in my Wattage Crazy 8 powered by a Hacker B40 9S that pumps out over 200 watts and weights 30oz. So, the answer is yes they will work.

However, are they the best choice? Probably not, since you probably don't need to save the weight with a floater unless it is a hand launch.

Depending on the size of the plane I would use anything from HS-81's up to standards. If you have to add weight to nose to make it balance then there is no sence in using micro servos.

What plane is it?

Mike.

[Yogi]

I don't have a question but have a suggestion. How about servos that have an extra long wire with no connector on the end. This would let me avoid all the nasty shrink wrap where I had to solder and extend the servo wires a few inches. Often the standard servo extensions won't work because the passage in the wing is nowhere near large enough for one of those connections. You could also sell a kit with the crimp pliers, and the ends to go on the wires. This would produce a nice neat servo installation. I don't think removing and soldering new wires at the servo board is a good solution. You could also build a server with solder lugs on the outside. I can't possibly be the first person with this problem.

Thanks,

~~fred francis


while we're at it, how about incorporating all the other programable settings into the flight conditions switches on the Eclipse 7 instead of just the EPA, Dual Rates, and Trims.

:)

[Alfred]

Mike

I am looking for a ch50 single conversion reciever, but can't find one. Please help point me in the right direction.

Alfred

[MikeMayberry]

Yogi- Thank for the input. Those are good suggestion, I will pass them on.

Alfred- Why do you want single conversion? If you are in Singapore then go here: http://www.rotor.com.sg/

Mike.

[Alfred]

Originally posted by MikeMayberry
Yogi- Thank for the input. Those are good suggestion, I will pass them on.

Alfred- Why do you want single conversion? If you are in Singapore then go here: http://www.rotor.com.sg/

Mike.

Hi Mike

The SC crystal is for my feather rx. Rotor does not have them.

Alfred

[MikeMayberry]

You'll probably have to go through a shop in the US. Try http://www.hobbypeople.net

Mike.

[MikeMayberry]

You'll probably have to go through a shop in the US. Try http://www.hobbypeople.net

Mike.

[putt_13]

Hello Mike,
You may have seen my Prism 7x Problem thread in the open forum, but I will ask you directly also. Ok here goes-

My Prism 7x just came in the mail. I set it up for elevon mixing. Heres the problem. When I move the right stick down, which should make both elevons move up, the elevons go opposite(one goes up, the other down). And when I move the right stick to the left/right, instead of having one elevon go up, and the other go down, both move up/down. Please help, because I am dying to learn to fly my flying wing. Thanx Patrick

[Alfred]

Originally posted by MikeMayberry
You'll probably have to go through a shop in the US. Try http://www.hobbypeople.net

Mike.

Thanks Mike

[Feodosia Flyer]

Hey Mike

My next TX I think might be your new Neon model when it comes out. I really like the idea of a throttle stick on the back of the transmitter that is on it's own , not tied to a left- stick rudder control or anything.

I read that you can get a trainer-plug option ? I never used a trainer box but would like to have a trainer plugged into my TX so that my wife could try alittle flying without smashing my planes up too bad ( that's what happened last time I just handed the Tx to her ).... so if I installed that trainer plug, what else would I need to get my Neon rigged as a trainer ? Would I have to buy a second Neon box with the trainer plug option too ? Or can you recommend a one-stick buddy box setup that would work with the Neon :confused:

[billdad1]

Mike,
I'm sure this question has been asked many times but I guess I will ask it again since I can't find the answer.
Can I use a 555 RX for two ailerons without using a "Y" harness?
Left aileron in ch 5? Will it work? How? I am using a Eclipse 7 TX.

Thank's

Bill

[MikeMayberry]

putt_13- You will need to reverse one of the servos in the servo reversing menu. If after that up and down are correct but right and left are backwards then you will need to swap the servo leads in the receiver.

Alfred- ;)

Feodosia Flyer- Once you add the trainer feature you would need another Hitec or Futaba FM transmitter to use as a buddy box. However, the only single stick I know of other than old, old Futaba's would be the Neon.

billdad1- Not in a power plane using ACRO mode. You can get it to work in GLID mode with a glider only. Sorry!

Mike.

[MikeMayberry]

Hi all,

I just wanted to let you know that I am headed off to visit our headquarters in Korea next week, so I won't be around to anwer questions.

If you need help you can e-mail our service dept here: mailto:service@hitecrcd.com

Mike :D

[freq]

Spending Thanksgiving overseas, eh? Since I can wait for an answer, I'll post my question here for you to answer when you return...

HL recommends HS-55s for rudder & elevator in the Wipa Firecat. I'm concerned they might not be up to the task of 3D-style thrashing on this ship. Do you think they'll handle it, or should I use HS-81s instead?

I think I already know the answer to this, but is there any way to mix throttle to elevator in GLIDACRO on the Flash 5X?

TIA. Have a safe trip and a happy Turkey Day, Mike.


- chris

[adrian whatmore]

I am considering buying either a FF9 or thre the eclipse 7 . obviously the eclipse 7 is a lot cheaper here in the UK . However I am worried about using the digital trims . The FF9 has a display of the positions of the trims...can the Eclipse be set to always display the positions ? On an operational point with conventional trims when you take off with"not enough up" you can heave a bucket of up in just a second ..how quickly can this be done on am eclipse . I believe that the "trim steps" are variable on the FF9 ..what about the Eclipse.
thank you
Adrian

[S Anastasio]

Hi Mike,

Would you please tell me the power consumption / current drain of the Eclipse 7.

Thank you,

Sal

[RandyK1]

Mike, Did ya have a good Turkey day overseas? Hope so!! What would be a good upgrade for as Flash 5 tx battery?........R.....:)

[MikeMayberry]

freq- Yep... it was the only time everyone could meet before the end of the year. I was a little bit of a bummer but the trip was excellent. It was my first time to the main factory.

I use the 55's in my Global Crazy 8 powered by a Hacker B409S pumping out over 230 watts weighing 30oz and they have held up just fine. I thing the Firecat is about that same size so they should be OK.

If you already knew the anwer was no then you were right. :)

adrian- The new PCM version due in about a month or so will have the trim setting pop up on the screen when you touch the trims but right now you have to be in the trim screen to see them. However, in flight there is never any reason you will need to see the trim setting. The speed of the trim is pretty fast; I have not had a problem with quick trim changes. But no, the trim rate cannot be changed. It takes about two seconds to go from nuetral to full lock.

S Anastasio- 200mah

RandyK1- Not bad but no turkey :( I would suggest a NiMh pack. Try http://www.batteriesamerica.com

It's time for a new thread so I am going to start V 19 in the Radio section. Please post any new questions there. :D

Mike.

[tqpham]

Mike,
Anything in the work that improves on the Eclipse Mike? Don't think that most eflyers care that much for PCM or QPCM since we prefer light microreceivers anyhow. How about extra memory or memory card slot? Would be nice without boosting cost too much presumely.

[putt_13]

Hello,
I know that the Prism 7x isnt even made anymore, but would it be possible to send the radio to Hitec, and have them give it a Once Over? Just to fix any little things that might be wrong, etc. Just like a check-up. Thanx Patrick

[MikeMayberry]

tqpham- I could tell you but then I would have to kill you! Let's just say we are just sitting around picking our noses ;)

putt_13- No problem!

Please post in the new V19 thread in the radio section in the future. They wanted me to move there since it is more on-topic. Hopefully I won't get overlooked there. :)

Mike.

[putt_13]

COOL!
How much would it cost? What I all need to send, and where do I send it to? Thanx Patrick