Ask Mike at Hitec V20

[MikeMayberry]

Wow... version 20!

You know the drill... How can I help?

Mike.

[Stig C]

Hey Mike
Can You tell us how many Eclipse is sold or is it
a secret. Any news about the upgrades and what are the upgrades.
Stig

[MikeMayberry]

Eclipse radios sold: A bunch! :)

The updates will only include the new QPCM capability and some other minor changes like the trims show when pushed without having to be a different screen. The model name also shows up at start up. That's about it.

The new version was delayed slightly but should be out very soon.

Mike.

[Rxb]

I broke a switch (the Flt Mode) can I take it to my LHS or do i need to send it somewhere else.
Will all my settings be preserved
Can the upgrade be added to the old radio?

thank you Rob

[GWebb]

Mike,

Not a good day.....finishing up a plane and went to do a check of the radio/rec and nothing. Fresh batt, checked the connections and the trans batt at 10.0v. Went and checked two other planes with the same results. The trans was just working 2 days ago with no problems. Has not been dropped or handled rough. Opened up the battery compartment and no "burnt smell" could be found. Suggestions?

TIA,

Greg

[GoodTill]

Hello Mike
I don't know if you can help here, but due to things that are going on , I thought I would give it a try.
I have a Multiplex Cockpit MM. It is an older one that I would like the software to be changed to version 2.0.
The problem is that the throttle setting in the radio can be set biased to the lower part of the throw or the center part. As I fly electrics, this sometime dosn't allow you to arm the esc as it does not see the correct signal.
Maybe you could point me in the correct direction with the changes going on.
Mike

[Comatose]

Mike,

I need a servo with 270 or so degree rotation. Does Hitec make such a creature (excluding the 3.5 rotation sail winch), if not do you know anyone who does? Barring that, can I modify a servo to do it, presumably by changing the feedback potentiometer?

I know how to mod servos for continuous rotation, but that's not what i'm after

Thanks
John

[MikeMayberry]

Rxb- You will need to send it to us and we'll fix it up. You should lose any of your settings unless we have to re-calibrate it. Sorry, the upgrade is not yet available.

GWebb- There is no way to tell without looking at it. It sounds like and RF problem... possibly the module :confused: Send it in and we will figure it out.

GoodTill- I'd talk to Karlton at Royal Hobby Dist. about it first. http://www.multiplexrc.com

Comatose- Sorry no. I'm sure there is someone out there that would know how to modify one to work but we can't do it.

Mike.

[mimai]

Is it my imagination or are the servo arms really hard to put on the hs55's?

I have used 81's, 50's, gws servos and not had problems.

is there a trick or secret way of putting the servo arms on?

mike i.

[MikeMayberry]

I think it is you imagination because I don't have any problems, nor have I every heard of any. What is the problem?

Mike.

[mimai]

I was changing the servo arms to change the orientation from the shipped orientation or installing a different arm style. I had to use a large amount of force to push the servo arm back onto the servo. I was using so much force that I was afraid of breaking something. I finished the last of 3 last night but have not tested them to see if they still work.

mike i.

[10Thumbs]

Mimai,
I've never had any trouble with the servo arms. They go on with a gentle amount of force. Sounds like there may be some slight damage to the arm or servo mating piece that is causing it to fit poorly.

[BEC]

Mike,

Sorry I missed you at the NW Model Expo - I did talk to one of your cohorts a bit.

There was a question I was going to ask but forgot Sunday. I just acquired through a trade an older Flash 4. Is there any upgrade path to the 4X (to get the extra model memories) or is it more than a software update?

If it can be done, what's the approximate cost?

Thanks.

[mgerald]

Mike, I have a Prism7 with Spectra and am having a problem I hope you can help me with.

I can transmit on either shift to a Hitec or JR receiver (shift 1 and shift 2 respectively, I think). Note that these receivers are all dual conversion receivers. When I try to transmit to a receiver (GWS 4P or Hitec Feather) that is on the JR/Airtronics shift (2 I think) I can not get any speed control to act as a throttle for my electrics. Note that these receivers are single conversion. I can drive a servo attached to the throttle channel (Channel 3).

Any thoughts, help, or guidance is appreciated.

I also posted this on the Hitec help site.

Thanks.

[DNA]

Mgerald,

JR systems usually use Channel 1 for throttle control.

[mgerald]

DNA

Thanks, I know. In my understanding, the channels are assigned or controlled by the transmitter. The manual for my radio states that channel 3 is the throttle, unless I am mistaken.

I have connected the speed control to channel one, but since that is the aileron channel on Hitec, I get nothing.

Please keep in mind that when I connect servos to these radios (I've tried GWS and Hitec Feather on JR shift) They will respond to all channel control. It is just when I connect the speed controls to the JR shift single conversion radios, I cannot control the throttle channel.

Thanks again.

[steve lewin]

mgerald, I've deleted your other similar thread.

I'm afraid your reporting has confused me. First AFAIK JR only make one DC receiver and that's PCM not PPM. All the others are single conversion.

Second, If I understand you correctly you have some JR-shift receivers which work with your speed controls and others which do not work with speed controls. But a servo plugged into Ch3 on these "bad" receivers is correctly driven by the throttle stick on the Tx. Is that right ?

Can you please confirm what speed control you are using and exactly which JR-shift Rxs work and which do not. Can you plug a servo into Ch3 of one of the working ones and check that it works exactly the same way as when it is in the "bad" ones ? I.e. same positions and movement directions corresponding to the Tx stick movements. It may be you need to reverse the throttle and/or adjust the ATV/EPA for the "bad" receivers in order for the SC to arm itself.

Steve

[MikeMayberry]

BEC- Oh well... next time. :) Sorry no, the Flash cannot be upgraded.

mgerald- If you are able to operate a servo then you should be able to operate an ESC. I don't know why you are having a problem. Try resetting the ESC. Are you in the ACRO mode?

Mike.

[mgerald]

Steve, thanks for the deletion.

I'll get a rundown of the receiver models and shifts posted tomorrow. And thanks for the info on the JR receivers. I made an assumption, you know how that goes...

Your second statement is correct. When I use the Prism7 in shift 2 (JR/Airtronics), it does not seem to want to drive the esc on channel 3 of the receivers in question, a shift 2 Hitec Feather, and shift 2 GWS 4ch pico Rx. It will drive a servo on that channel on those receivers.

I'll investigate more tonight using your 3rd statement and report tomorrow. And I'll check directions and ATV/EPA.

Mike, I am using the inexpensive GWS speed control, ICS-50. I am not sure if it can be reset, and if it can, how to reset it. I have 2 of these and have tried both with the same results. I don't know what you mean about ACRO mode. I don't recall reading anything about that in the manual. Can you explain, what is ACRO mode?

Thanks for all the help.

[BEC]

mgerald,

Check the endpoints of your throttle channel - you may need to move the bottom end down to get the GWS controller to arm.....

Mike,

I kinda figured there was no upgrade, but I had to ask. I sincerely hope that the 4X/5X don't require one to call up the menu and hit "save" to save the trims like this 4 does (just flew it for the first time today). A VERY irritating thing.

One more Flash 4 question: the manual says only the 5 channel is trainer-capable, but this 4 has both the jack in the side and a trainer switch. Will they work, and will they work with my just aquired but not yet in-service Eclipse?

[mgerald]

BEC, when you say down, can you be more descriptive? Will I be looking at percentages or what?

Thanks for the suggestion.

[mgerald]

BEC, I figured it out all on my own, can you believe it. Well not all on my own, I needed you to point me in the right direction. I adjusted the down EPA on the throttle stick to 105% and it did it.

It was funny that it was just that esc (so far) that was being weird as I tried other combinations of Rx and esc to help me figure this one out. NOw I have to put all those Rx and esc back in those planes. Oh well, something to do tonight.

Thanks to all who helped here. I got better direction here than at the LHS where there should be someone to help.

Thanks EZone!

[Tomegun]

Mike, can you tell me the proper way to set up a Zagi with a Flash 5?
When I push up on the right stick the elevons go up and when I push down they go down. When I move the right stick to the right the right elevon goes up and the left elevon goes down and it does the opposite when I push the stick to the left.
I'm in Acro mode and I'm using elevons (it says elevon on the display).
I've been given a couple of solutions and they are very different. I was told you are the man to ask. Thanks.

[MikeMayberry]

mgerald- Sorry I though you had the Eclipse. You're right there is no ACRO mode for the Prism. That's interesting that you would have to use more than 100% EPA; not a great design. Check out http://www.castlecreations.com for speed controls in future. They are as good as they get and still very affordable.

BEC- Yes, they do have autosave.

Tomegun- Swap the servo connections in the reciever and reverse both servos.

Mike.

[BEC]

mgerald,

One of the things that varies WIDELY in ESC designs from one maker to another is how low the throttle channel (how short the pulse duration) has to be to arm the thing..... and how much they will then self-adjust (those that do adjust - the GWS doesn't).

Tomegun,

Had to do the very same thing - swap servo ports and reverse both servos - to get my Wing-E going on elevons with the Flash 4 with everything going the right way. I'm still a little puzzled about which ATVs affect which motions. On my Multiplex the ATV for the elevator channel affects the servo in the elevator socket and the aileron ATV affects the one in the aileron socket - as if that is done before being fed to the mixer. That makes it really easy to get the elevons to match travel at both extremes of throw because you have direct control over that one surface.

It seems on the Flash that the mixing happens first and I didn't have the patience the other night to even try to sort it out. It's also much harder to hold the stick in place and adjust the travel with that trim rocker than it is to literally dial it in with the MPX Digi-adjuster. This is one thing that I hope is cross-pollination FROM Multiplex TO Hitec in the upcoming melding of the companies.

Mike,

Trying again - the Flash 4 I have has the trainer switch and jack even though the manual says it shouldn't. Is it likely enough to work to justify buying a Hitec trainer cord, and if it does work, will it work with my Eclipse?

[Craig Logan]

Hi Mike:

I need to jump my (out of warranty... of course!) Flash 5X diode so my Sirius charger will work with it. Unfortunately, the Peak Electronics website shows an older Flash 5. Any help with the diode location would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Craig

[MikeMayberry]

BEC- If it has it then it should work.

Craig Logan- Sorry I can't help you. I cannot comment on modifying our products in any way.

Mike.

[av8rOC]

Hi mike!

I have recently (about a month ago) bought the flash 5 package that comes with the HS-81's and the 555 rx.

I moved up from GWS tx and rx and man what a difference! I had to go dual conversion because the field we fly here in Orlando gets tons of rf hits. The GWS pico rx was unflyable.

The 555 was a godsent ...not one hit and I have been flying great ever since.....untill today.

While flying my beaver with the 555 I all of a sudden had no control whatsoever. Upon examination and troubleshooting I have narrowed it down to the receiver... (My old rx works fine in the beaver and I tried the 555 in my mustang and same thing...nothing.)

Its wierd when I plug in servos they twitch but after that no response. The motor has no response at all


My question is do you have any idea what went wrong? How and where do I send it to for repair. And are repairs normally expensive on that type of eqipment?

Thanks!

-Sean

[pda4you]

Mike -

I didn't think the Hitec Flash 5x had a diode. I have been peak charging my TX at about 300-500mAh with my Hitec 340 charger through the charger port on the TX. It seems to peak, am I OK to continue this?

Mike

[Sudden Stop]

Mike,

If we want to leave servos and receiver in a plane - How do we go about buying a receiver and servos for a new plane?

Is it as simple as buying a receiver on the same channel?

We have a Focus3 FM tx / 555 rx / HS-81

Thanks

Sudden Stop

[bernie01]

Mike, see my post:
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=91570
Is it safe to short out pins 4& 5 on the trainer socket? Is this what your trainer cables do?
Regards, Bernie.

[BEC]

Originally posted by Sudden Stop
Mike,

If we want to leave servos and receiver in a plane - How do we go about buying a receiver and servos for a new plane?

Is it as simple as buying a receiver on the same channel?

We have a Focus3 FM tx / 555 rx / HS-81

Thanks

Sudden Stop

Almost. When buying third party receivers you also need to be aware of which way the frequency shift goes and get a receiver to match (the 555 is available both ways). You want negative shift - which is what Hitec and Futaba (on 72 MHz) use.

[av8rOC]

Sudden shift dont forget the crystal for it either:)

[GoodTill]

Mike
This might be a dumb question, but here I go.
I have a Flash 5,no the X, is there a way to get it upgraded so that the trims will not reset when you turn the trans off. I have a Zagi that is a veteran of a few conflicts and is sort of warped. I need to retrim it on every flight. The trim settings don't stay with the model when I shut the trans off.

Mike

[DigitalFlyer]

Hi Mike,

I was told this is a good place to post about a topic I opened. I love my focus 4 but recently I have been having a problem with pins commnig out of place. Here is a link to the topic I opened http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=91719

I would appreciate it if you could tell me how to solve this problem. Thanks!

-Amir

[MikeMayberry]

av8rOC- You might try another crystal. If that is not the problem then send it in and we will check it out. Here's the info: http://www.hitecrcd.com/Support/service_and_repair.htm

pda4you- It is best to peak charge connected directly to the battery and not through the charge port due to the diode.

bernie01- Hitec does not recommend that you short the pins as you indicate. It would be best just to remove the crystal when using the transmitter with a flight sim.

Sudden Stop- Yep, or you can get a flight pack http://www.hitecrcd.com/Accesories/packMicro.htm

GoodTill- No, there is no way to upgrade the Flash 5 to the 5X but your trims will be saved if you hit the cut/save button before you turn off the radio.

DigitalFlyer- I have actually never heard of this. I would send the radio in and we will repair or replace the gimbals at no charge.

[av8rOC]

Mike thanks, I did swap the crystal and that wasnt it. I sent the 555 out to you on Friday. :D

[Darryl Miller]

Mike,
Having problems with 2 hs-55's. They constantly jitter, one slightly, the other one HUGE. Looks like a nervous mosquito!. Any suggestions of home remedy or solutions? Or should I send them in?

Darryl:confused:

[Double Dutch]

Mike,

I just purchased an Electron 6 from HP and noticed that there was no instruction sheet inside the box. Is this correct? Just wondering...the manual link on your website is not clickable, so I am left to assum that there is no manual. :confused: All that was in the box besides the receiver was a crystal vibration ring thingy, warranty sheet, velco and a thin foam saver sheet. Anyone else get theirs like this? I know, I know, it really doesn't take that much knowledge to figure it out, but I would think that it would come with a set of instructions.

Please advise.

Thanks,

-FB

[rcav8r2]

Originally posted by flyingbooger
Mike,

I just purchased an Electron 6 from HP and noticed that there was no instruction sheet inside the box. Is this correct? ...<snip>. Anyone else get theirs like this? <snip>Please advise.

Thanks,

-FB

Yep got mine last week; same way. Never gave it any thought though.... Will by flying it in a golf dome this weekend. Usually a very tough enviroment. The feather and GWS are unflyable there. The Electron should perform just fine.

[MikeMayberry]

Darryl Miller- It's probably best to send them in.

flyingbooger. Sorry it looks like we don't have one for the Electron yet. Here is link to the 555 manual: http://www.hitecrcd.com/Support/Manuals/micro555.pdf

Mike.

[Vince inTX.]

Mike

I was told by a good friend of mine that Hitec is looking into and or working on getting the spectra module fcc certified as an after market product that can be used with radios from other mfgrs. And making the module "shift selectable" independant of the xmitter.

Can you comment as to whether there is any truth to this? And if so, what stage of the process is Hitec currently in?

Thanks for any info, positive or negative.

Vince

[MikeMayberry]

Sorry no, that is not true.

Mike.

[Vince inTX.]

My brother owns several Hitec digital sevos. He needs a digital retract servo but none of the servos he has will turn 180# . The question I have is this. Will the Hitec digital servo programer allow a standard servo to be programed for 180# movement? If not , does Hitec offer a digital retract servo in its current line of servos? I was not able to find one on the Hitec site.

Thanks in advance


Vince

[bfraser]

Mike,


Sorry to bother you again about Multiplex but I would really appreciate it if you could provide some information as to if Karlton (Royal Hobbies) will actually be getting his Multiplex transmitters in when March comes around. I've heard so many things at this point that I'm not sure if I should take steps to try and get my money back from Royal Hobbies or just continue the long wait and hope that my order will actually come in in the next few months. If he will not be getting any future orders in from Multiplex I (and lots of other people I'm sure) really need to know. Once I get my money back I can then order the Profi 4000 from somewhere else.

[Steven DiStasio]

Hi there...

I made a post regarding a problem I'm having with a Hitec Flash 5 controller. It can be seen here...

http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=93124

I assume it'll have to go in for service, but I figured I'd see if you have any ideas?

Thanks...
Steve

[BEC]

Mike,

I just tried to do the maiden flight on the first airplane I have set up on my Eclipse - which happens to be a flying wing (an Ace Sim Carbon Falcon). After some adjustments to the airplane I finally got it flying but as I tried to add in some much-needed up trim it planted itself in the ground. After picking it up and looking it over I discovered that BOTH the pitch and roll trims were operating BACKWARDS!!

Now I've already done a search and found your solution to this in the V18 thread so I know what to do with the airplane (reverse the sense of the elevon mixing AND reverse both servos). I presume I'll also have to reverse the one nonzero subtrim value I have set in this plane's setup as well.

BUT - THE MANUAL SAYS NOTHING ABOUT THE FACT THAT USING NEGATIVE MIXING VALUES MEANS THE TRIMS WILL WORK BACKWARD and in fact the example for setting up elevons shows setting them up with negative values (and how to do that easily).:mad: (See Eclipse manual, page 25.) This is one more thing I hope Hitec learns from Multiplex - there's no way to get backwards trims with elevon mixing on my Cockpit.

Sorry for shouting, but only a little.

Thank goodness the Carbon Falcon is very durable or I'd REALLY be upset right now. This is MUCH more annoying than the fact that the trims aren't saved unless you tell the Tx to on the older Flashes.

What other potential plane killing gotchas are hidden in the Eclipse software, I wonder?

[blfinche]

Mike,
Does the Royal Evo work with the Hitec receivers?

Thanks

[MikeMayberry]

Vince- You can get about 160 degrees of travel from our digital servos with the programmer. However, I don't for the life of me know why he would need a digital retract servo. Our HS-75 should work fine.

Bernard Fraser- Royal Hobbies will be the first line to the Multiplex product when it gets here and Karlton will have access to all the products we import. We have ordered radios to cover his back orders so he be able to service you. :)

Steven DiStasio- Send it in and we'll have a look at it.


BEC- Sorry!

blfinche- Yes, but with positive shift only.

Mike.

[BEC]

Mike,

Thanks for the brief apology.

PLEASE revise the Eclipse manual to warn people about this reversed trim situation with elevon mixing and wherever else this can happen. If getting elevons to work the right way round can also be done with reversing servos, I can't understand why this negative elevon mixing capability even exists, never mind featuring it in the manual section on elevon mixing.

An addendum to the current manual with this, a correction to the labeling of the V-tail diagram and any other pending corrections would be a good thing to do, too. This addendum should be posted on the Hitec site right next to the Eclipse manual as soon as it is available.

[kscbob1]

Hi Mike:

I just got into park flyers after a long break from control line. I purchased a GWS Dream Starter kit and a Beaver for my son for Christmas and we've both been learning how to fly with it. I presently have 3 receivers, an R4-P which has been retired due to glitches, an R4-N now in the Beaver, and an Electron 6 in a GWS Mustang. All of these receivers are positive shift for JR.

I would like to upgrade to a better Tx but it looks like I'm restricted to JR or Airtronics. I didn't realize that the powers that be would create such a monster with shifts. So my question is am I limited to those manufacturers or does Hitec or others make TXs that are shift selectable? Price is a limiting factor as I realize that anything is possible provided one throws a large enough quantity of greenbacks in the direction of the problem. So do you have any 5 or 6 channel TXs out there that will work with a positive shift RX and still come in under $150 - $200?

Thank You

Bob

[BEC]

The Eclipse is shift selectable by model memory. I have seen them on sale for as low as $200 for the transmitter only with Spectra module - that's how I came to have one.

Oh - just so you all don't get the idea that my Multiplex Cockpit is perfect and that I don't like the Eclipse, here's one thing that Multiplex could learn from Hitec as they blend the operations and cross-pollinate between product lines: on the Cockpit to use "elevon" mixing you use channels 1 and 5, which means it doesn't work with four channel receivers - at least not directly - at all. Hitec gets this bit right, letting you use the elevator and aileron channels as you'd expect to get elevons. There are at least two workarounds for elevons and four channel Rxs on the Cockpit - one involving using the aileron/rudder mix (called "combi" on the Cockpit) and another involves selecting a different stick mode. I'm using the former, but I have to make sure that the combi switch is in the correct position or I have no roll control. Not an ideal situation.

[echaban]

Mike,

BEC was kind enough to respond to my thread about + shift training rigs. In spite of the problems he mentions w/ the Eclipse, I'm considering buying one if, and only if, I can hook my existing PICO TX up to it as a buddy box. I've snooped around some web sites and have been led to believe that it might be possible with a homebrew cable and some minor mods to the
PICO (maybe).

check this out:

http://users.belgacom.net/TX2TX/tx2tx/english/tx2txgb1.htm


Your assistance on how to hack this would be appreciated. About all I want is throttle, elevator and rudder to work w/ such a beast. Aileron support would be icing on the cake.

I'm less optimistic about getting elevon mixing to work with such a configuration. Seems to me that I'd never be able to train my son on a Zagi w/ a PICO/Eclipse combination.

BEC,

where have you seen the Eclipse w/ Spectra for $200? Best I've seen is ~$220.

[rtucker]

Mike,

I have an Eclipse 7 w/spect mod, about 8 months old. I love it except, I NEED MORE MODEL MEMORY!!!! Is this available, possible, future addition? Also, are there any software updates available for my unit. If this helps, there is a sticker inside the batt compartment, P-0741082 and a couple of small round stickers with 02.03

p.s. The memory question should really be added to the faq's on the hitec site as I'm sure it becomes a question for 80+% of Eclipse owners.

Echaban,

You can get them for $210 Here: http://www.balsapr.com/catalog/transRecvServ/hitecTrans2.asp Use the 'make an offer' box, type in $210 and it will be accepted.

[MarkVZ]

Mike,
Is there any way for current Eclipse owners to get their TX's upgraded with the new software?

Thanks

[echaban]

rtucker,

thanks for the reference!

Mike et al:

I'm becoming a little more optimistic about using the PICO as a buddy box w/ an eclipse. Seems there are two issues:

1) PPM signal inverter - Will I need it or not?:

http://users.belgacom.net/TX2TX/tx2tx/english/tx2txgb2.htm

i.e. does the Eclipse expect a + or - shift signal from a buddy box when flying a plane w a + shift RX?

2) Channel assignments - Multiplex (god bless their little hearts) had the forsight to use plugs for the connections from the joystick pots to their motherboard. This means I an recable the sticks to reverse throttle and rudder and essentially make it Hitec compatable without having to take a soldering iron to it!

Suggestion:

Hitec should start building a buddy box for the Eclipse: 2 stick 4 channel would be fine. I see Airtronics has one based on the VG400. If Hitec had a buddy box for $50 or less that was guaranteed to work with the Eclipse, I'd have placed an order for both of them by now.

[rtucker]

Just saw that Hobby People have a sale on the Eclipse 7 w/ spectra module, $199.99. Feb 21-25.

[echaban]

rtucker,

thanks again for the reference. I'll probably end up going with your first reference because I don't have to send my pound of flesh to the people's republic of Kalifornia.

-Ed

[Chunky902]

Mike,

Would my JR transmitter (XP662) be compatible with the Hitec "Feather" receiver?

Thanks in advance,
David

[echaban]

David ,

Not that I'd speak for Mike, but the Feather comes in two flavors: Positive shift and negative shift.
Positive shift works with multiplex, JR and Airtronics.

which Feather do you have?

[Chunky902]

echaban,

I have yet to purchase the Hitec Feather receiver. I am only considering the purchase of one for use in a new plane.

Will the majority of positive shift receivers work with my transmitter (JR XP662)? If so, do you have any recommendations for a basic, low-cost, but reliable, receiver for my park flyer?

Thanks,
David

[echaban]

Truth be told, I've never used a Feather, I've had some experience with one other four channel single conversion positive shift RX: the Cirrus MRX-4 (about $20) Some love it some hate it. GWS makes a similar unit as well.

In theory, they should all work just fine w/ your TX.

I'll let others w/ more experience comment on how these compare performance wise.

This thread is probably not the right place to have this discussion though...

[xen]

Mike, my Hitec Eclipse Attena is bent at the very tip. I tried to straighten it out, but it still have a small bent curve. Will this affect signal strength much?

[echaban]

Ok, I took the bait. Got a Eclipse w/ a Spectra. $212.98 including
shipping from Tower. Best deal I could find on the net.

I'll let everyone know what happens with my PICO-Buddybox experiments.

[bobbyjack]

Echaban,
I'm also ready to pull the trigger, how did you get that price at Tower? I just looked and their list on the Eclipse w/ spectra is $219.99. I'd like to get the same deal!

Thanks,
Creg

[pda4you]

Craig - check out the coupons for tower from their home page....

SAVE $15.00 Off Your Order!
Place at least a $150 order by February 28, 2003 and we'll take $15.00 off the total! All you have to do to claim your savings is mention ad number 011EW when you place your order (may be entered into the yellow box in your shopping cart). This special offer is not retroactive nor combinable with any other special offer.

Mike

[echaban]

Creg,

Uhh, what he said...

[bobbyjack]

Thanks guys,
I'll be ordering today. I recently bought a RTF Silent Dream 2.5 sailplane with JR gear. I didn't buy the receiver as my current radio is Futaba and not compatable. Would the spectra module allow me to use a JR receiver? ( I can still get it pretty cheap) or just Hitec / futaba. If not I may want to buy a receiver also (so I can have 2).

Creg

[echaban]

Creg,
It's not about the Spectra. The Eclipse transmitter itself can switch from + to - shift.

Bottom line is that even if you use crystals, the Eclipse can drive a JR/Airtronics/Multiplex (+ shift) receiver

Having a spectra is like having a crystal for every channel in the 72Mhz band. The combination of an Eclipse and a Spectra is a big plus in my opinion because I can now buy any reciever/crystal pair I want for a new plane (Ebay anyone?)

[bobbyjack]

Thanks for the info, guess I'll try and pick up that JR receiver after all. It should make setting up the silent dream all that much easier seeings how that's what was in it in the first place. Just have to be sure to be in the right mode before I launch! Can you save that mode (pos / neg shift ) into model memory or is it a manual setting?

[echaban]

Yes, model memories are where the shift settings are stored. It's not a global thing.

By the way, you can download the manual for the Eclipse from the Hitec web site:

http://www.hitecrcd.com/Support/Manuals/eclipse.pdf

I've been reading it so that I can hit the ground running when
UPS delivers it.

[bobbyjack]

Got it! doesn't look to bad. You should watch your choice of words though (hit the ground)
Creg

[bobbyjack]

Mike,
I just received my new Eclipse 7 with a Spectra module. I know you've probably been asked this a million times but I'm trying to set up my glider and have some questions. How do I set up spoilerons in glider mode? I can see how to do it in acro mode (reverse flaperons) but I don't want to lose my other glider functions.(aileron differential ect) BTW my glider is a 2 wing and I want to set up the spoilerons on the throttle with the motor on the gear switch (so I don't lose my trainer switch). It seems kinda funny that the definition of 2WNG (pg 28) is "refers to a model with 2 wing servos for flaperons" and there's no flaperon in the glider functions. Please help. If you have already addressed this please point me to the thread.
Thanks in advance
Creg

[bobbyjack]

I figured it out, went to a 4 wng setup (just no flaps) and reversed the deflection on the ailerons in crow. I think I have it basicly set up, now just tweaking tweaking tweaking.
Thanks anyway,
Creg

[scooternewbie]

I've been learning on a sky scooter pro II with the hs-55 servos. I want to adjust the servo arms but can't find a screwdrive small enough to fit. #0 phillips are too big. What should I use and where can I get it?

Thanks,
Eric

[hweird]

I had an unfortunate accident with a large tree. :( Don't know if the trip in or the trip out of the tree did the most damage. I've broken the rudder off and split the fuselage in two.

You mentioned on your repair page about using toothpicks to reinforce repairs:

"Is there anything I can do to make the repair stronger?
Yes, toothpicks inserted into the foam connecting the two pieces will strengthen the repair substantially. Just cut off the excess after the glue has dried.”

I'm not sure of this technique. Could you explain? I'm practiced on some old foam blocks and found inserting a couple of toothpicks half way into one side of the break and then pressing the pieces together produced an uneven repair joint. What do you mean by cutting off the excess? I would like the toothpicks to act as aligning pins, but don’t know how to do this.

Also, what would you suggest for repairing the rudder? I have the broken piece and it broke cleanly very close to the top of the fuselage. I’m concerned if I just glue it back, it wouldn’t be square. Can I use toothpicks to reinforce the repair? How would you suggest doing this?
Thank you for the help,
Howard:(

[mkirsch1]

hweird: Are you familiar with the term "toe nailing?" It's a technique used in construction where two pieces of wood are placed together, and a nail is driven in at an angle to hold the two pieces together.

Do the same thing with the toothpicks. Glue the two pieces of broken foam together, then drive toothpicks in at an angle so they go through both pieces of foam. Trim off any excess.The jagged edges of the broken foam pieces should be adequate for alignment.

Eric/scooternewbie:You can purchase miniature screwdriver sets at your local Radio Shack or Sears.A #00 (double-aught) Phillips should be the right size.

[sloppymoeley]

I may sound like an idiot, but I am unclear on this subject. I want to buy a Hitec Eclipse 7 to replace my JR642. Since hitec is negative shift, and JR is positive shift I should not be able to (correct?). However on the Hitec website it claims the transmitter is shift selectable. But I got this reply from a Hitec vendor:

Hitec only makes Negative shift versions of its Txs. They make positive shift Rx to work with other manufacturers' Txs, not the other way around.

So, does that mean that I can or cannot use my JR receivers with the new radio?
Thanks for your time,
Joe

[Fly]

The Eclipse transmitter from Hitec will allow you to individually select receiver shift (positive or negative) for each of the model memories.

[rtucker]

I finally received a reply from Hitec service regarding the New Firmware for the Eclipse 7. The cost is $24.95, the bad part, you have to ship it to them for the replacement... In my case, that is another $8.47 to ship and $6.32 just for gas, round trip, to my nearest UPS customer counter. He did'nt mention anything about return shipping so I don't know the cost there. Guess I'll just leave mine the way it is....

Rick

[scooternewbie]

Mike,
I've got an sp1010 esc that i took out of a sky scooter to use on a slow stick. I've got a new flash5 radio as well.

The throttle response of this esc seems weird. I noticed it on the scooter as well. It always hits top speed at 1/2 throttle on the transmitter. It happened with both the focus3 and flash5. Is there a way to fix this?

Thanks - Eric

[hweird]

Originally posted by mkirsch1
hweird: Are you familiar with the term "toe nailing?" It's a technique used in construction where two pieces of wood are placed together, and a nail is driven in at an angle to hold the two pieces together.

Do the same thing with the toothpicks. Glue the two pieces of broken foam together, then drive toothpicks in at an angle so they go through both pieces of foam. Trim off any excess.The jagged edges of the broken foam pieces should be adequate for alignment.

mkirsch1:
Thank you for the help. Someone also suggested pushing the toothpick all the way in on one side of the break leaving just an 1/8" protrusion to use for mating the other surface. After using a needle nose pliers to push the toothpick into the other side he suggested expanding the holes. They don't need to be tight. I will just fill the holes in with a little glue when I join the two pieces.
Howard

[Russell2]

Hello Mike, has Hitec ever considered marketing focus III 27 mHz with micro servos for parkflyers? Seems would be ideal fit to prevent interference with larger planes while serving needs of the parkflyer community.

By the way, I've moved from being 100% futaba to hitec. Your HS-81, 55 servos, 555 rcvr perfect for electric, SMALL.

[soholingo]

Mike,

I left in the car overnight, cold but not freezing temperatures. I lost my throttle channel on my flash 5x. I also lost spoilers with my flash 5x .

Any thoughts on what may have caused this???

Thanks,

Jay

[mkirsch1]

The throttle response of this esc seems weird. I noticed it on the scooter as well. It always hits top speed at 1/2 throttle on the transmitter. It happened with both the focus3 and flash5. Is there a way to fix this?

scooternewbie:

I've noticed the same thing about the one in my Dad's Scooter Pro 1.5 (a Pro I with a standard Scooter gearbox & prop). What bothers me is that it chatters a lot at the lower throttle settigns.

This particular speed control only has about three steps, distinct speed settings, where most others have something like 32 or 64 or something like that. Contrary to popular belief, throttle response on ESCs is not linear. There are very distinct and repeatable power levels, called steps IIRC. Less expensive ESCs have fewer steps, and the fewer the steps, the more noticeable they are. Each step also takes up a larger portion of the throttle stick. In the SP1010's case, with only three steps, you hit full throttle at slightly over half stick.

[echaban]

I'm considering buying a electric foamie acrobat called a Potensky Cobra. My understanding is that it requires seperate servos for each control surface and throttle. (rudder, elevator, right & left aileron).

I'm under the impression that channel assignments for Hitec
units are as follows:

1 - aileron #1
2 - elevator
3 - throttle
4 - rudder
5 - Uh...Umm... I dunno... bomb drop maybe?
6 - aileron #2

Does that mean I cannot use a 5 channel RX like a 555? I have an eclipse TX. Can an eclipse use channel 5 for the other aileron
and have all the "right" mixing capabilities? I'll need 10% both ailerons down on up elevator and such.

Should I just shuddap and buy an electron RX?

Thanks!

[echaban]

By the way, how do I determine the firmware level of my Eclipse?

[GiantScale]

Mike:

Im considering getting the HS-5645MG digital to replace a 1/4 scale rudder servo on a gas 45" boat.

Will your digitals work on my 3D FM radio? And also a older futaba AM system?

Do you need the programmer to use the servos?

Thanks

Mike

[scooternewbie]

Thanks for the info mkirsch. I was already planning to get a new esc for the slow stick, but wanting to get in the air ASAP I'm using the 1010 as a stopgap. I now know I would never buy one.
Love my Flash5x though mike:D

[rtucker]

...Has anyone else noticed, Mike has'nt been here for a while.

MikeMayberry,

You still out there? I hope everything is OK.

[MikeMayberry]

Hi all,

Sorry for my absence. Things have been a little crazy around here lately with the addition of Multiplex to my responsibilites, events and trade shows I got a little behind. :(

Anyway... I'll try to keep up or at least have someone else here step in when I'm gone.

echaban- The Eclipse is a great radio but infortunately I can't help you with creating a cord to be used with another brand of radio just in case something were to go wrong. M.A.P. (Min. Advertised price) is $218.99.

rtucker- Sorry no, the model memory is not upgradable. There is a upgrade to add the new "Q"PCM capability which will be implemented very soon. You will be able to get the new "Q"PCM receiver and the updated TX software for $100 + S/H or just the software update for $25 + S/H. We will have more info in our next Eclipse due to break in the next issues of Model Airplane News and RCM of how and when to do this.

MarkVZ- See the previous post to rtucker.

echaban- You can get a buddy box here: http://www.hobbyhorse.com

Chunky902- I would recommend the new Electron 6 channel for Park Flyers. It's very light and the receiption is as good as it gets. For more info go here: http://www.hitecrcd.com/Receivers/electron6.htm

xen- Not at all.

hweird- Just glue the two pieces back together and push a couple toothpicks at an angle through the glue joint ant cut off the excess toothpick that sticks out flush with the foam. It's hard to say about the rudder without seeing it but you probably won't use the toothpick there.

scooternewbie- That's just the way that inexpensive controller works.

Russell2- We used to offer it that way for the AM version but it didn't sell.

soholingo- Did they come back after it warmed up? I don't know, send it in and we can check it out.

echaban- You can't get the second aileron with a 6 channel receiver in the Eclipse in the ACRO mode. The new version has the ability to switch to PCM.

GiantScale- Digital servos will work with any system but with AM receivers that have BEC you will need to bypass that by using a Y-harness. No, you don't need the programmer.

scooternewbie- Multiplex has a nice line of ESC's with some newer models planned in the near future that are even better. Also check out: http://www.castlecreations.com

Sorry again guys for not being around lately!

Mike.

[echaban]

Mike,

I understand about your not wanting to stick your neck out as far as buddy boxing goes. I'm hoping to post the results of my experiments here. I realize that it's not something Hitec/Multiplex condones, but I think showing some level of compatability between the two product lines would do some good.

I'm kind of confused by your response to my Aileron question.
Are you saying I can't run with 2 aileron servos in Acro mode
if I use a Electron? The way I read the Eclipse docs, I should be able to do this.

Maybe I diddn't make myself clear, but I need E->F mixing (i think)
Seems to me this should work.

BTW, how do I tell what revision my firmware is?


Thanks!

[R Shackleford]

Sorry if this subject has come up recently in these groups but...

I thought I heard a while back (6 months or a year ago) that Hitec would be discontinuing the Flash 5X. Any truth to this or was I hearing things? I really like this radio and would pick up another if I heard they weren't going to be sold anymore.

[Peter Young]

Hi Mike

2 questions:

1. I have a Hitec Flash 5X, 555 receiver, hitec servos. Just finished building a new plane, and when I switch the elevator between low and high rates the elevator changes position slightly when in the neutral position - barely noticeable on the ground, but very noticeable mid-flight.

Any thoughts?

2. Exponential - the instructions seem to say that negative exponential makes the control movements less sensitive close to the middle, and more sensitive at the extremes (i.e. more gentle small movements at landing). Have I read this right? Negative exponential?

Many thanks

Peter
Brisbane
Australia

[MikeMayberry]

echaban- Sorry, that should have read the Eclipse "can" use dual ailerons with a 6 channel recevier. St it up in flapperon mode. If your Eclipse has the ability to select PCM then it is the updated version. You can also tell if the model name pops up when you first turn the radio on.

R Shackleford- The Flash 5X will not be discontinued for at least a year.

Peter Young- A trim change when the dual rates are activated means the gimbals need to be re-calibrated. Negative expo make the center of the stick less sensitive but it all has to catch up at the end.

Mike.

[Peter Young]

Mike

Thanks for clarifying about use of expo.

What does "recalibrate the gimbles" mean? I've tried adjusting the elevator trim with the dual rates on and off, but the trim setting seems to apply to both (eg. a trim setting of 20 on low rates makes the trim setting 20 on high rates - if I change one the other seems to change with it).

Is this some sort of manual adjustment inside the tx?

Thanks

Peter

[mkirsch1]

R Shackleford, I think you might be referring to the fairly recent decision by Great Planes (i.e. NOT Hitec) to discontinue CARRYING the Flash 5X for some reason. Perhaps it was cutting into Futaba sales too much, as they don't offer a computer radio at anywhere near that price. Great Planes and Hitec are two separate entities, and Great Planes is the exclusive distributor for Futaba in the USA. They only carry Hitec because they figure they can sell a few.

[R Shackleford]

Mkirsch1: No, I'm pretty sure it was a rumour that Hitec was going to drop the Flash and only do Laser and Eclipse.

Not to beat this to death, but Mike's response seems to indicate that there MAY be plans to drop it, but not in the next year.

[ScottM]

Mike,

I picked up an Airtronics VG4R transmitter with working batteries, a charger, etc... and all for a _really_ good price.

I'm now starting to learn that my radio might be illegal (wide band), and I can't find any really lightweight receivers that say specifically that they will work with my Radio.

One company said they had a Hitec 555 that would work with it, but it was like 66 bucks, which is unfortunately out of my price range for this school project i'm working on. Does Hitec make any receivers that are:

A) cheap
B) compatible
C) light

-Scott McLeod

[MikeMayberry]

Peter Young- Sorry I should have been more clear. You will need to send the radio in to have the gimbals re-calibrated; you cannot do that yourself.

mkirsch1- Where did you hear the G.P. was not carrying the Flash anymore. That is news to me. It is still available on Towers website http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXNW35**&P=7

R Shackleford- If we decide to discontinue a product it is because we have a replacement for it, or it does not sell well anymore. The Flash line has been very successful and will continue to be sold until its replacement comes sometime in 2004.

ScottM- http://www.hitecrcd.com/Receivers/HFS04MG.htm You will need to use the Hitec crystal with it in order to work with your Air't radio.

Mike.