Has my Castle Link corrupted my Phoenix 35??

[ForDLaz]

I received my Castle Link yesterday and was quite excited to be able to upgrade the firmware on my Phoenix 35. I installed the software onto my Windows XP machine, connected the USB cable, installed the USB drivers, and connected the ESC - all lights green indicating good connection. It notified me that there was a software upgrade available, and I clicked on the software update tab. It cycled through steps 1 and 2 and then almost at the end of step three a dialogue box popped up indicating "error communicating with device:unable to write packet to controller". I tried disconnecting and reconnecting the USB cable, uninstalling and reinstalling castle link and USB drivers, and every time I connected I got the same error and "update failed".

I eventually gave up - plugged in my battery pack to find that the ESC didn't give off any beeps at all, although the red light was on (kindof rapidly flickering). I tried to enter manual programming mode and again got no response - no beeping or change in light flickering sequence.

I am really irritated as everything was working perfectly (ESC had the v1.55 software installed) before the Castle Link mess. Now it seems as though the ESC is dead/corrupt. Is there any way I can get it working again or reset it manually?? What could have happened? There was no interruption of the update from my end.

My other problem is that I live in South africa (purchased both the ESC and Castle Link online from LightFlightRC.com in the US). It isnt going to be easy or quick to do any RMA's and that means my bird is down until then if I cannot find a solution. This isn't what I expect when paying nearly $100 for the ESC and Castle Link. I chose a CC product thinking I was buying the best there was.

[dieter12]

I have the same problem with my Phoenix 35. No problem with the Phoenix 45 and HV 85.

regards

Dieter

[ForDLaz]

So what have you done ??- I think its crazy to bin an $80 part - There must be some solution

[ForDLaz]

Ok - made some progress. Thought I'd try to "update" the ESC to its original firmware version v1.55. It worked!! No communication problems.

Tried to upgrade to v1.56b and v2.0b and still got the errors. Went back to v1.55 and so called "upgrade" worked again.

Anyway, plugged in my pack - for some reason it wouldn't detect 0 throttle from my DX7 even though I did reset my throttle curve to linear from 0-100. Dropped the trim to bottom, and hey presto! it worked. Went into manual programming mode - reprogrammed ESC using Tx - everything went well.

Haven't test flown her yet cos it's 1am here now - but looks like everything is back to normal now - I pray!!

Guess I'm going to have to live with v1.55 then. Clearly Castle Link isn't happy with upgarding my ESC software any higher than that.

Perhaps some of the Castle Creations staff have any suggestions to go further?

[dieter12]

Hi,

"downgrade" to 1.55 does not work. I have the 1.56 Beta. I have reported this bug to Castle Creations.

regards

Dieter

[ForDLaz]

Do you remember/can you see what the original firmware was on your ESC? Mine was 1.55 but if yours was different then maybe you should try going back to that - that's what I did and it worked. Maybe I was just lucky though

[RC Man]

You definitely need to contact CC Tech Support.

[ForDLaz]

Great News!!! :D

Just got off the line with Thomas at CC Tech support.

He was familiar with my problem as he has already read this post. After checking that my ESC was in fact a new version he has offered to send out a new replacement ESC on the condition that I send back my old one when I receive the new one.

Now that is awesome customer service. I will definitely be a CC supporter in the future.

Thanks Thomas and Castle Creations - it has been a pleasure dealing with you. You set a precedent for others to follow

[dieter12]

Great News!!! :D

Just got off the line with Thomas at CC Tech support.

He was familiar with my problem as he has already read this post. After checking that my ESC was in fact a new version he has offered to send out a new replacement ESC on the condition that I send back my old one when I receive the new one.

Now that is awesome customer service. I will definitely be a CC supporter in the future.

Thanks Thomas and Castle Creations - it has been a pleasure dealing with you. You set a precedent for others to follow

Hi,

what is the problem with the ESC ? Any comments from CC ?

regards

Dieter

[ForDLaz]

Hi,

what is the problem with the ESC ? Any comments from CC ?

regards

Dieter


They say the ESC is faulty but this is the first time they have had this specific problem. They need to examine the ESC to see what the cause is.

Why don't you give them a call and see if they can do something for your ESC? Apparently the older ESC's cannot be upgraded so if yours is older maybe thats why its not working. Their tech support is really good though. I would advise you call them - nothing to lose!!

[dieter12]

They say the ESC is faulty but this is the first time they have had this specific problem. They need to examine the ESC to see what the cause is.

Why don't you give them a call and see if they can do something for your ESC? Apparently the older ESC's cannot be upgraded so if yours is older maybe thats why its not working. Their tech support is really good though. I would advise you call them - nothing to lose!!

I have send them on sunday a mail. So lets see what they say.


thanks

Dieter

[ForDLaz]

I suggest you call them - seems as though their response to emails may take quite long according to forum posts. They do try to encourage calling their Tech Support for immediate resolution of problems.

[swatson144]

Did you try to set a very low end point on the low throttle side? Anything beyond 1.55 usually requires it.

Steve