Hitec trainer cord adventures

[2motheus]

I'm looking for some advice.

I have a Hitec Eclipse that I've used as the instructor radio with a non-computerized Futaba transmitter. No problems.

I recently acquired a Hitec Flash 4 to use with the Eclipse, with the Eclipse as instructor and the Flash as student.

Using the same cable, as soon as I connected the radios something overheated in the Flash radio. The crystal and battery were both in the Flash but power was not on.

I took the Flash apart and there are no visibly ruined parts, but there is still a strong smell after a full day. The radio still works as a transmitter.

1. If I figure out the cabling issue is there a chance that the setup will still work, or am I wasting my time.

2. Since the Flash radio still works, if there is damage to the trainer circuit only, does anyone know how I might go about assessing and/or repairing it?

Thanks,
Tim

[GlowFly]

Typically a small inductor or a piece of pcb track burns out. Again often the only symptom is an inoperable trainer circuit.
You need to find what device has burned out and repair/replace it. It may just be easier to send it in for repair.

To avoid possible problems in the future between Hitec & Futaba when using them for training refer to http://users.belgacom.net/TX2TX/tx2tx/english/tx2txgb7.htm for home made cables. Alternatively you can alter a commercial cable or use the Hitec trainer cable rather than the Futaba version.
--
Steve

[Rodney]

Were you using a Hitec trainer cord or a Futaba trainer cord? there is a difference and you can use the Hitec cord between the master and slave, either way, just make sure the end marked "Master" is on the master transmitter.

[A.T.]

I'm looking for some advice. I have a Hitec Eclipse that I've used as the instructor radio with a non-computerized Futaba transmitter. No problems. I recently acquired a Hitec Flash 4 to use with the Eclipse, with the Eclipse as instructor and the Flash as student. Using the same cable, as soon as I connected the radios something overheated in the Flash radio. The crystal and battery were both in the Flash but power was not on. I took the Flash apart and there are no visibly ruined parts, but there is still a strong smell after a full day. The radio still works as a transmitter. 1. If I figure out the cabling issue is there a chance that the setup will still work, or am I wasting my time. 2. Since the Flash radio still works, if there is damage to the trainer circuit only, does anyone know how I might go about assessing and/or repairing it? Thanks, Tim
Smell may only be overheated wire insulation but other components could have been compromised and fail sooner rather than later. Recommend TX be serviced.
Hitec Buddy (Trainer) multiple connections, does and do nots, detailed at Eclipse Buddy (http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showpost.php?p=7807117&postcount=3) and Hitec Trainer (Buddy) System Update - New "Stereo Plug" system and how to use. (http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=711661)
Regards
Alan T.
Alan's Hobby, Model & RC FAQ Web Links (http://homepages.ihug.co.nz/~atong)

[2motheus]

Thanks for the help, guys.

I did some testing last night and confirmed that all I really need on a one-way cord is a ground line and a signal line. I just have to turn on both radios. There must be a little smoke left in the Flash 4, because it still works as the student radio!

Thankfully I was alert enough to immediately unplug things as soon as I smelled smoke, but I shouldn't have assumed that since most things Hitec/Futaba are compatible that this particular trainer cord would work with these two radios.

Reminds me of the saying,
"A superior pilot uses his superior judgment to avoid situations that require him to use his superior skill."

Still learning,
Tim

[AndyKunz]

If you go that route, make sure you get the frequency pins for both student and instructor frequencies, as both RF decks will be alive.

Andy

[A.T.]

If you go that route, make sure you get the frequency pins for both student and instructor frequencies, as both RF decks will be alive. Andy
No need for to take both frequency pins. Simply remove the crystal (or module) from student (buddy tx). This not only prevents spurious RF from the student's box but also markedly extends student (flight sim) battery life as no power consuming RF is generated from that box.
Alternatively, short pins 4 & 5 on the student end as shown Buddy Box Connections (http://www.welwyn.demon.co.uk/buddy.htm)
Regards
Alan T.
Alan's Hobby, Model & RC FAQ Web Links (http://homepages.ihug.co.nz/~atong)

[2motheus]

Got it. Thanks for the help.

I was going to build my own cable since the 6-pin DIN connectors are not that expnsive. However, when I added the handling fee, plus the hassle, I decided to just order the official Hitec cable. I'll be sure to check if pins 4 and 5 on the slave are connected. Does this just turn on the slave, or also prevent sending a signal out the antenna? I.e. should I still remove the crystal to save battery?

Thanks,
Tim

[A.T.]

Got it. Thanks for the help. I was going to build my own cable since the 6-pin DIN connectors are not that expnsive. However, when I added the handling fee, plus the hassle, I decided to just order the official Hitec cable. I'll be sure to check if pins 4 and 5 on the slave are connected. Does this just turn on the slave, or also prevent sending a signal out the antenna? I.e. should I still remove the crystal to save battery? Thanks,
Tim No need to remove crystals or modules when using Hitec #58310 as detailed One Way Trainer (Buddy) Cord for Hitec & Futaba FM Transmitters with 6 pin DIN sockets (http://www.acehobby.co.nz/ossb2/root/OSSBEC1/showitem.asp?PID=132). It is "one way" because pins 4 & 5 are shorted in the student end plug. This shunt bypasses the RF output of the student TX and provides for longer battery life, where required, in the student's transmitter.Hitec TX which require own battery when used as a buddy box (http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showpost.php?p=7104769&postcount=3). Never turn on a buddy box which has a battery installed - simply plugging in the trainer cable powers up the circuit excluding the RF output.
Regards
Alan T.
Alan's Hobby, Model & RC FAQ Web Links (http://homepages.ihug.co.nz/~atong)

[2motheus]

Thanks, everyone, for all the help. I feel like an undeserving beneficiary of some of the best advice available worldwide.

I received the proper cable yesterday and tested it last night. All is well. I plan on some flying lessons this weekend with my 6-year-old son.

Tim :D