Highflight

My Feedback: (4)

I was one of the very first people to buy a Royal Evo 12 when they were first available here in the US (I don't recall the date, but that should help to date it pretty close to within a few months).
I haven't been active in RC for better than a year, though, and haven't kept up with what's going on with Multiplex, so I have some quick questions:

1. The Evo Pro upgrade appears to be able to be done with either just the firmware, or with both the firmware and some hardware changes.
What dictates the necessity of the hardware changes, or is that simply a user option?
It appears that the firmware option is at no cost, but how much would it cost for the hardware change?

2. There was a mention in another thread about a Royal Evo recall and that it was "at the top of this section", but I can't find it, and I don't know what the recall is about nor whether my very early Evo 12 is affected. Would like more info on that.

3. If I end up sending my Evo 12 back for update/repair/recall (or all three), is it possible yet at this time to have the 2.4 ghz module installed? And if so, would I still be able to use all 12 channels? (I've read where you lose some channels if some other after-market 2.4 ghz modules are used).

4. Being un-used for quite a while, I would like to send my Evo 12 back anyway for a tune up and checkup. (It worked perfectly when I put it away. This would just be a precautionary service operation). Is that a separate issue, or do you check each radio anyway for operation when you do the upgrades?

Sorry if this is all old stuff for you, but like I said, I've been away for a while and searches here at RCU haven't yielded much.

TIA

tohm

In the US, we are only offering the firmware upgrade. There are no plans in the near future to import the 2.4Ghz system so the hardware update in not required. If you send the radio in for the firmware upgrade, we'll also go over the radio to make sure it is operating properly. Below is the information on the recall. It looks like the link was deleted.
-
Product Recall for ROYALevo systems sold in the USA

It has come to the attention Multiplex USA that a limited number of radios sold in the US fall within the dates of a recall notice posted by Multiplex Germany. To read the notice please go to the following link: http://www.multiplex-rc.de/cms/vorsc...nfo_080612.pdf

The dates affected in the US vary slightly from those found within the notice.

Affected units:
Royal evo 12 purchased from Feb. 2007 to May 2008
Royal evo 9 purchased from Jan. 2008 to May 2008

Due to the reasons stated in the German recall notice, Multiplex USA urges users that have purchased their radios during the dates specified to send the units to our Customer Service Department. These units will be given priority and as a compensation for shipping costs, a Hitec HS-55 will be sent back with the package.

To identify the radios upon arrival, please mark on the package, “Recall ROYALevo” and ship them to following address:

Multiplex USA
Recall ROYALevo
12115 Paine St.
Poway, CA 92064

For enquiries please email [email protected]

Thank you for your understanding in this matter
-

Tony Ohm
Hitec/Multiplex USA

Highflight

My Feedback: (4)

I appreciate the info, Tony.

You've answered my questions, and it appears that all I need to do is to have the firmware update which will also result in it being checked out which I like because it's been sitting unused for about a couple of years or so.
Since this was one of the first Evo 12 Synthesized radios available (2003?), then it looks like the recall doesn't apply to me.

But also because it's been neglected, I think I want to replace the battery as well, and I'd like to include a money order with the radio to pay for a new battery.
So for this Evo12 going back for the firmware update, checkup/tuneup, and to replace the battery pack, if you could be so kind as to let me know exactly how much I need to include to pay for all that and have it shipped back to me in Houston, TX, I'll box this baby up and get it on the road to you.
I don't know if there is or isn't a "high capacity" battery option available, but if there is, that's the way I'd want to go.

Thanks

tohm

Send me an email at [email protected] for the estimate.

Highflight

My Feedback: (4)

PM sent.

dirtybird

My Feedback: (5)

I sent my EVO back marked like the memo required. Apparently the technician that serviced it did not look at the package because he put a note in the package that he could find nothing wrong with it and since there was no note in it to explain what I wanted he was shipping it back.
I never did get my HS-55 servo.

tohm

Was the firmware update performed? Was the radio sent in for the recall?

dirtybird

My Feedback: (5)

I sent in an email asking if I should return it. The answer was that all radios were checked for updates and work was performed if needed. That's a general answer. I don't know if it was performed or not.

tohm

When you turn on the radio, the splash screen will say ROYALpro. If it doesn't say this, then the firmware was not updated. It all depends on when you sent it in also. We have only had the firmware update avaliable for a few months.

dirtybird

My Feedback: (5)

It was not updated.
I understand the pro update has a problem working with XPS.
Mine works OK, now, so I think I will forget it.

HLANG

Highflight-RCU

I live in Brazil, Rio de Janeiro.
I am using a Royal EVO 12 for a long time.
Excelente radio.
Sometime ago I was very disappointed with MPX.
In my country we don´t have many EVOs
We don´t have MPX or Hitec support.
But as I like very much my radio, I did took the hard way:
I imported the M-Link 2.4gHz (from Multiplex) and upgraded my EVO to firmware 3.3

Now I am very happy.
My EVO now has 16ch, dedicated 2.4gHz and a new look.
I am not interested to try any other 2.4 gHz module brand.
It´s a MULTIPLEX radio, so it deserves a Multiplex module.
It´s expensive, yes. But if you like your EVO, it deserves it. It´s simple the best module for it.
You can also import it.
I have telemetry on screen, a ultra fast 11ms mode between tx and rx and a 12bit resolution.
I can connect my Evo to a notebook using a USB cable and use the new datamanager (it´s better than my 12X datamanager)
This was my choice and I am happy.
Binding process IS EASY AND FASTER than my JR 12X.
No binding plugs. Not necessary to plug anything in rx.
Ultra fast binding setup.
I agree with you that Royal EVO programming is not so easy.
It´s different from JR, Futaba.
EVO manual is not the best manual.
BUT, as I also use a 12X, it´s manual is not too, the best one.
For this reason, thanks the Internet.
You can find here what you need in your radio.
Best Regards.
P.S. I am not against JR. Like my EVO I use JR a long time.
But they are very and very different radios.

Henrique

Highflight

My Feedback: (4)

I had thought of going grey-market for the MPX module, but then you lose any Hitec support later on.

I'm not a tech guy, so maybe my frustration at MPX isn't truly warranted because for all I know, maybe it costs a Zillion dollars to get US 2.4ghz certification.

But then I see something like this where:
So why can't MPX just use a reliable source for the modules that has already gotten certification? I still don't get it.

(The above quote comes from: http://www.rfdesignline.com/products/210700132

HarryC

My Feedback: (1)

It is HitecUSA that has refused to get M-link certified for the USA, not Multiplex. It is normal for the local distributor to pay local costs, for example the UK importer of JR has paid a fortune to have JR Tx with DSM2 given CE certification for us to legally use it. JR doesn't pay it. HitecUSA has stated its reasons for not paying.

Your frustration at M-link not being certified for the USA should be directed at HitecUSA for deciding not to do it, not at Multiplex. HitecUSA has decided not to pay to certify a competitor product to their new 9 channel radio, and is showing Evo users how to fit a Hitec 2.4ghz module and use Hitec 2.4ghz rxs with the Evo. Hmm.

HarryC

My Feedback: (1)

It is not Multiplex's decision, it is HitecUSA that has decided not to pay to get M-Link certified for the USA. Local certification costs are taken by the local distributor, not the manufacturer. Your frustration should be directed at HitecUSA.