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All Forums >> Radios, Batteries, Clubhouse and more >> RC Radios, Transmitters, Receivers, Servos, gyros >> Radio Manufacturer Direct Support >> Hitec/MultiPlex Radios- Ask Hitec Customer Service >> Optic 6 transmitter
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Optic 6 transmitter - 9/12/2005 4:08:48 AM   
PeterC


 

Posts: 365
Joined: 5/1/2002
From: Edmonton, AB, CANADA
Status: offline 		There seems to have been an unusual number of failures of the Optic radio in this area. The first one I had quit transmitting shortly after I opened the box as I was programming it. I tried another module (spectra) but it made no difference. The local dealer took it back and exchanged it. A number of others in this area have had the radio resist all attempts to program it on one or another of the model memories and they too have been returned. It also seems that my new Optic "lost" its memory (or mind) when I was flying a delta with elevon mix on. It was fine and working at the time of launch but a few seconds into the flight the mix didn't. Scratch one delta. The dealers seem surprised when I relate my experiences but I know of at leat four of these radios that have been returned.
I am a bit uncomfortable after these events and so far have relegated its use to less valuable aircraft.
I would appreciate an honest reply and not one of those everything is great answers. It's not that I am a beginner, I have 2 Prism's and one Eclipse all of which work well as well as having flown RC for nearly 30 years.
When the Optic is working it works well and has a nice feel to it. I especially like the proportional flap leaver and the easy to read screen.
I did notice a couple of errors in the programming instructions but they were easily worked out.
If there are software or other problems with the Optics, I think Hi Tec should be honest about it and rectify the problem.
Peter
       Post #: 1

RE: Optic 6 transmitter - 9/12/2005 6:45:26 PM   
MikeMayberry



Posts: 2846
Joined: 1/15/2002
From: Poway, CA, USA
Status: offline 		The updated software solved most of the problems people were having. As far as the return rate... it is no different than that of our other computer radios.

If there is a problem Hitec will take care of it. The Optic is by far one of the best selling radios on the market with thousands out there working just fine.

Mike.

_____________________________

Hitec RCD Rep
http://www.hitecrcd.com

(in reply to PeterC)
       Post #: 2

RE: Optic 6 transmitter - 9/12/2005 11:49:45 PM   
PeterC


 

Posts: 365
Joined: 5/1/2002
From: Edmonton, AB, CANADA
Status: offline 		Thanks for the reply Mike,
How do I know if I have an updated transmitter and does your support program exist in Canada? Also, does the exchange/ upgrade exist for radios purchased a year or so ago. A couple of my buddies are struggling with theirs with a couple of the model memories dead.
I guess your reply to this will tell us what Hi tec is really about.
Peter

(in reply to MikeMayberry)
       Post #: 3

RE: Optic 6 transmitter - 9/14/2005 3:06:06 PM   
mglavin



Posts: 5200
Joined: 11/29/2001
From: Elverta, CA, USA
Status: offline 		Hitec USA services Canada... Simply return the Optic's regardless of age for a FREE once over and software upgrade. Anything more than a few months old may benefit from the upgrade.

_____________________________

Michael Glavin
RCU Community Moderator
Hitec * Multiplex Field Representative

(in reply to PeterC)
       Post #: 4

RE: Optic 6 transmitter - 9/14/2005 5:43:51 PM   
aeajr



Posts: 5495
Joined: 1/14/2003
From: Long Island, NY, USA
Status: offline 		My friend picked up an Optic 6, new about a month ago. Is there a SW rev number he can check to see if he should send it back for the update? Could the update already be in it?

You don't know how long these sit on the shelf so it cold be 9 month old but he just bought it.

Thanks!

< Message edited by aeajr -- 9/14/2005 5:46:45 PM >

_____________________________

Clear Skies and Safe Flying!
Ed Anderson
Moderator
Park Pilot Program Partner

(in reply to mglavin)
       Post #: 5

RE: Optic 6 transmitter - 9/14/2005 8:44:22 PM   
Time Pilot



Posts: 1464
Joined: 10/25/2003
From: Vancouver, BC, CANADA
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: MikeMayberry

The updated software solved most of the problems people were having.

Mike.


Most problems?

(in reply to MikeMayberry)
       Post #: 6

RE: Optic 6 transmitter - 9/15/2005 12:34:15 AM   
PeterC


 

Posts: 365
Joined: 5/1/2002
From: Edmonton, AB, CANADA
Status: offline 		Good point!
PLC
quote:

ORIGINAL: Time Pilot


quote:

ORIGINAL: MikeMayberry

The updated software solved most of the problems people were having.

Mike.


Most problems?


(in reply to Time Pilot)
       Post #: 7

RE: Optic 6 transmitter - 9/15/2005 1:52:31 AM   
olstoney



Posts: 1193
Joined: 4/6/2004
From: Cape Coral, FL, USA
Status: offline 		I'm interested here as I was thinking about buying an Optic 6 just for the dual channel elevator capability. I own Hitec equipment exclusively and have had no problems with my Eclipse 7 and I own two. Needless to say I am reluctant to fork over the cash for a new transmitter to put a new 28% Edge at risk. I have read about many difficulties here on RCU one way or another about this transmitter. No one at my flying field is using one, so no real user feedback and actually I am only one of three using Hitec transmitters here. One of my questions is who checks out these systems before being sold to us? It is very frustrating to purchase new equipment and either have it DOA or go DOA shortly thereafter.

It is also very true that the equipment that we buy from a dealer can be and in many cases has been sitting on the shelf for some time. As an example I recently purchased five new Hitec digital servos from a high volume dealer. Four of the five had the version 1.04 software, the fifth version 1.03. When I sent the servos in for service I was advised that the older version could not be upgraded. I will no longer do business with that dealer as this old stock servo or perhaps a return was dumped on me. The customer service at Hitec is fantastic, but the cost associated with shipping defective parts to California for repair or replacement falls upon the consumer. If I plant a $2000.00 airplane due to dumb thumbs that is my stupidity, but to lose it to an unreliable product is another.

Honestly we the consumers need to know have all the problems been ironed out with the Optic 6 or not? If not, then why after being on the market this long?

Why did the customer have to discover these problems by themselves when the problems were known?

I agree with aeajr, if I order a new transmitter how can I tell when it comes it if it is a later version with the latest software?

Speaking for myself I do not want to invest in a new piece of equipment that I may not be able to use and have to ship for repair before my credit card bill arrives .


_____________________________

If One Lays Down With Dogs-They Should Not Complain About The Fleas

(in reply to PeterC)
       Post #: 8

RE: Optic 6 transmitter - 9/16/2005 5:06:42 AM   
mglavin



Posts: 5200
Joined: 11/29/2001
From: Elverta, CA, USA
Status: offline 		I'll have to verify this but I believe the updated Optics is REV "O". You can find the revision info the advanced menu.

_____________________________

Michael Glavin
RCU Community Moderator
Hitec * Multiplex Field Representative

(in reply to olstoney)
       Post #: 9

RE: Optic 6 transmitter - 9/16/2005 6:22:07 PM   
MikeMayberry



Posts: 2846
Joined: 1/15/2002
From: Poway, CA, USA
Status: offline 		The latest Optics list no version #; anything V0 or V1.1 have the older software. FYI: My personal Optic, that I have hundreds of hour on, has the older software and I have never had a problem, and only a very small % actually did.

All known bugs are fixed in the latest software.

Who checks these radios? All radios are checked by the factory prior to shipping. This is the same way we have done it for years.

The Optic is probably the best selling computer radio at this time; there are thousands on the market that work perfectly. To indicate that you will put your plane at risk with the Optic is not a reasonable assumption; all brands of radios have a certain % of units that have problems. The Optic return rate is no greater than that of the Eclipse for example.

If a customer does have a problem with a Hitec product that is less than one month old, Hitec will send out a replacement with a call tag to pick up the defective product at no cost to them.

Most problems? Yes, most of the problems people were having were due to the software. No radio manufacturer has zero problems with any radio so I couldn't say all problems were solved now could I?!?!?

Mike.

_____________________________

Hitec RCD Rep
http://www.hitecrcd.com

(in reply to mglavin)
       Post #: 10

RE: Optic 6 transmitter - 9/16/2005 6:25:48 PM   
aeajr



Posts: 5495
Joined: 1/14/2003
From: Long Island, NY, USA
Status: offline 		Well said Mike.

Of course we as consumers want to believe that software has no bugs and all products are perfect. Being in the computer business myself I know neither is true.

Thanks for being so straight with us!

_____________________________

Clear Skies and Safe Flying!
Ed Anderson
Moderator
Park Pilot Program Partner

(in reply to MikeMayberry)
       Post #: 11

RE: Optic 6 transmitter - 9/16/2005 11:05:52 PM   
Time Pilot



Posts: 1464
Joined: 10/25/2003
From: Vancouver, BC, CANADA
Status: offline 		FYI, Mike, unless I win a lottery, the Optic 6 with the spectra module would probably be my next radio anyway.

(in reply to aeajr)
       Post #: 12

RE: Optic 6 transmitter - 9/17/2005 12:35:17 AM   
PeterC


 

Posts: 365
Joined: 5/1/2002
From: Edmonton, AB, CANADA
Status: offline 		Obviously the Optic 6 has had it's problems and it does seem Hitec is willing to stand behind their product. (I do hate to sacrifice a plane to find this out). The Optic has hit a nerve in the industry though; witness the new releases by brand F and J to try and capture a market share.
It will be interesting to follow their teething problems.
Thanks Mike and all others who have pitched into this thread.
Peter

(in reply to Time Pilot)
       Post #: 13

RE: Optic 6 transmitter - 9/17/2005 12:59:05 AM   
Wayne Miller


 

Posts: 969
Joined: 9/10/2003
From: DrumboOntario, CANADA
Status: offline 		Hi,

I have two Optic's, one set up as Mode 1 and the other as Mode 2. When I check the version number for both, they state VER 11. Should these radios be returned for software upgrades?

Thanks,

Wayne Miller

(in reply to PeterC)
       Post #: 14

RE: Optic 6 transmitter - 9/24/2005 11:17:24 PM