RE: Optic/Spectra Glitching  
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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 >> RE: Optic/Spectra Glitching
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RE: Optic/Spectra Glitching - 10/12/2006 10:33:59 PM   
altacom



Posts: 465
Joined: 1/9/2005
From: Enumclaw, WA, USA
Status: online 		Wow! Looks like I'm not the only one with the problem. Mine actully just quits sending a signal.

I've lost 2 planes, and both the same way. Flying great, and just quit flying and go in. I was fortunate enough that my New QQ Yak flew the first flight flawlessly, after an hour of charging (It's Electric) I taxied out to the runway, and throttled back while getting into the cage. I advanced the throttle for takeoff, and the plane went into failsafe. (FMA Receiver) took it back to the pits and still no joy. Turned on another plane, and same thing immediatelly went into failsafe. Shut everything down, removed the module, tweaked the pots, fired everything back up, and all was well.

No way was I going to put another $1500 plane up with this kind of a problem. Bought a Futaba 9C and no longer have problems.

After the first major crash I sent the transmitter in, and it was returned as no problem found. Didn't see much sense sending it in again. The Hitec has been sitting on the shelf for 6 months now.

At a recent contest I was told that a Futaba 9C single Frequencey module (as came with my 9C) can be used in place of the synthesized module, and the transmitter becomes useful again. Has anybody done this, and if so was it a successful change. I hate to have equipment just sitting round that I or someone else might be able to use. But I sure won't use it or sell it if it can't be depended upon. And I don't recommend the Optc 6 to my students.

(in reply to MikeRuth)
       Post #: 76

RE: Optic/Spectra Glitching - 10/13/2006 1:39:17 AM   
MikeRuth



Posts: 287
Joined: 3/6/2006
From: Tarzana, CA, USA
Status: offline 		I can tell you that I had a guy plug my Hitech synth module into his 9C and was able to use it on different channels, so I woudl guess there is no reason a fix freq module form hitec would not work in the 9C, Do a range check, check functions.

(in reply to altacom)
       Post #: 77

RE: Optic/Spectra Glitching - 10/13/2006 3:31:46 AM   
mglavin



Posts: 5200
Joined: 11/29/2001
From: Elverta, CA, USA
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: MikeRuth

Time being aginst me here, I didn't get the pins changed out, but I did a quick experiment by going over the pins with a wire brush on my dremel.
removing the gold plating.

Put the module back in and it is now rock solid, no matter what forces I apply to the module.

I figure at this point for me, my issue is definetly the contacts. I let the radio sit for 32 minuets last night allowing the module to fully heat up and still had a solid signal.

Next I am going to try removing the plating on my optic 6 contact pins and see what effect it has.


While stripping the plating may affect immediate pleasure, long term the pins will oxidize at an accelerated rate without a sealant/conductor so to speak. Utilizing an electrical contact cleaner is likely a much better approach IMO.

_____________________________

Michael Glavin
RCU Community Moderator
Hitec * Multiplex Field Representative

(in reply to MikeRuth)
       Post #: 78

RE: Optic/Spectra Glitching - 10/13/2006 3:37:13 AM   
mglavin



Posts: 5200
Joined: 11/29/2001
From: Elverta, CA, USA
Status: offline 		While many will attest to the culpability and proven performance thereof interchanging the TX modules as noted above (Futaba <> Hitec) Hitec does NOT condone or recommend same, nor does Futaba. OEM specific TX modules are type accepted and certified with the FCC blessing in specific OEM proprietary TX equipment ONLY!

_____________________________

Michael Glavin
RCU Community Moderator
Hitec * Multiplex Field Representative

(in reply to mglavin)
       Post #: 79

RE: Optic/Spectra Glitching - 10/13/2006 5:02:56 AM   
Flying-Preacher


 

Posts: 27
Joined: 11/1/2005
From: Albuquerque, NM, USA
Status: offline 		Agreed!! No mixing of makers and modules.

Michael, I sense you've been monitoring these discussions with great diligence and I believe you to be perceptive enough to see that the folks on this thread DO have a legitimate set of reasons for concern. The greatest concern that I personally have is the big UNKNOWN - that is when or at what time will my own transmitter begin to evidence the glitch phenomena? I think that any one of us can recall events or moments in our modeling careers when things just went wrong ... a battery tab came loose; a servo strips a gear and hangs up in a bad configuration; we had visual perception issues and lost a bird ... these and a host of others are all understandable explanations for losing a valued bird. But how, or using what logic can we be comfortable flying these dangerous craft knowing there's an unresolved problem with our transmitters, and that problem could surface at any unforeseen moment? How do I say to an injured peer, "Oh, I knew this glitching phenomena would reappear one day, but I didn't know it would show up today and cause you harm?"

How do I explain that? At the end of the day ... I can't!! Quite frankly, if I were the injured party, I would not be kindly disposed towards the fellow who knowingly flew unreliable equipment around me. THAT is what we're all up against! Not one of us who has experienced this problem can ever go to the flying field with what I would term a "reasonable degree of confidence" in his equipment anymore.

I do understand that every hobby or recreational interest carries some inherent component of risk - risk is part of the landscape; and it could be argued that people get hurt in all kinds of ways; but this situation with the Hitec Optic 6 and Eclipse 7 transmitters is so well documented that I personally find my prayer life activated to significantly higher degree every time I fire up. [Is the preacher complaining about praying??]

What I and a lot of other folks would like to know is "Why?" Why can't some more permanent and reliable solution be provided? Replacing modules is not always the answer; sending transmitters in for evaluation is not the answer, and we all know that placing electrical tape around the module is not the answer. Admittedly, it appears that my problems have gone away by the replacement of the Spectra module, but ... can I be absolutely certain those all too familiar symptoms won't appear in the middle of a flight?

Can you speak to these concerns at all?

Grace and peace,

Pastor Mike

(in reply to mglavin)
       Post #: 80

RE: Optic/Spectra Glitching - 10/13/2006 2:44:18 PM   
glenclif



Posts: 24
Joined: 10/30/2002
From: New Smyrna Beach, FL, USA
Status: offline 		If you get a fixed frequency module from Hitec or Servo City you probably won't have any more problems. I know it defeats the purpose of the Spectra, but at least it makes the TX useable instead of shelving it. My radio has now performed flawlessly with the fixed module. I still have not tried the new Spectra they sent me.

(in reply to Toker41)
       Post #: 81

RE: Optic/Spectra Glitching - 10/13/2006 3:07:48 PM   
still4given



Posts: 385
Joined: 1/27/2006
From: Victorville, CA, USA
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: glenclif

If you get a fixed frequency module from Hitec or Servo City you probably won't have any more problems. I know it defeats the purpose of the Spectra, but at least it makes the TX useable instead of shelving it. My radio has now performed flawlessly with the fixed module. I still have not tried the new Spectra they sent me.


That may be, but I believe someone here reported that they still had problems, even after replacing with a fixed module. Also, that means going out and buying new crystals for all receivers and then hoping that the frequency you have chosen isn't going to be shared by a bunch of folks at your flying field.

I really bothers me that Mglavin pops in with a response to someone combining Futaba and Hitec consonants but says nothing to the real problem here, that being the reliability of these Hitec transmitters. I have two Optic 6 transmitters that I can't use for fear of crashing into someone or something. I am getting use out of one of them as a control for my simulator. That saved me $20.

It is very scary that these LHS ore having sales on these radios when this issue has not been resolved. I must say, I am seeing less and less Hitec transmitter at the field. Seems JR is becoming the transmitter of choice. Shame.


Blessings, Terry

_____________________________

Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply.
Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God

(in reply to glenclif)
       Post #: 82

RE: Optic/Spectra Glitching - 10/13/2006 3:22:18 PM   
Wayne Miller


 

Posts: 965
Joined: 9/10/2003
From: DrumboOntario, CANADA
Status: offline 		Hi,

Does anyone know if flying a Hitec with a Spectra module will create any liability issues with the insurance people who supply us with insurance?

That is, would flying a Hitec system, that may have a known potential defect, create a liability for you, or would Hitec be the one responsible for any damage created because of the problem?

Any thoughts?

Fly4Fun,

Wayne Miller

< Message edited by Wayne Miller -- 10/13/2006 3:54:50 PM >

(in reply to still4given)
       Post #: 83

RE: Optic/Spectra Glitching - 10/13/2006 4:35:04 PM   
mglavin



Posts: 5200
Joined: 11/29/2001
From: Elverta, CA, USA
Status: offline 		Pastor Mike,

As you may or may not be aware the Optic/Eclipse glitching problem and or intermittent operation problems stem from the ill fit of the Spectra module and its interaction with the pins/socket within the TX module cavity... I am very confident this is the root cause of said problems, and more specifically as to my assertion on same; we have two Optics with Spectra modules; these are the original TX’s provided when the Optics were first released. No service or updates to date and they have literally hundreds-hundreds of flights logged and they have been used at every ETOC to date. We also have an Eclipse but admittedly it sees little flight time comparatively. We even used one of our Optics for about fifteen flights with Josh’s 102” QQ Aircraft YAK prior to this years XFC contest and contemplated using it at the contest too, anywho NO problems! Our experience suggests to me the TX’s are sound and the intermittent issues lies with the Spectra module case size that was released at a later date and its loose fit into the module cavity together with the mechanical connection to the pins/socket. These TX’s are well proven by thousands and thousands of modelers with umpteen hours logged cumulatively world-wide for many years to date.

All that said for those that are NOT in the know: It’s imperative that you’re Hitec TX with standard or Spectra modules should be used for minimal time intervals with the antenna down for model set-ups and range checks. Minimal intervals are defined as less than one minute IMO. Anything longer allows the module to heat up, heat causes problems which leads to problematic behavior.

As far as a permanent FIX, I’m not sure where were headed at this time, I did inquire recently and will have an answer ASAP. I suspect as was originally proposed the tooling for the module case will be again retooled…

< Message edited by mglavin -- 10/13/2006 5:03:24 PM >

_____________________________

Michael Glavin
RCU Community Moderator
Hitec * Multiplex Field Representative

(in reply to Wayne Miller)
       Post #: 84

RE: Optic/Spectra Glitching - 10/13/2006 4:37:32 PM   
mglavin



Posts: 5200
Joined: 11/29/2001
From: Elverta, CA, USA
Status: offline 		Terry,

As you’re well aware the problem has been noted, publicly acknowledged and discussed, specifically at the beginning of this thread by a Hitec Factory Representative... Nothing has changed in this regard.

As for a permanent fix see my post above.

_____________________________

Michael Glavin
RCU Community Moderator
Hitec * Multiplex Field Representative

(in reply to mglavin)
       Post #: 85

RE: Optic/Spectra Glitching - 10/13/2006 4:58:14 PM   
mglavin



Posts: 5200
Joined: 11/29/2001
From: Elverta, CA, USA
Status: offline 		Sales on Hitec product are just that, SALES...

The Optic is offered with standard and or the Spectra modules. Yes, the problems realized with the Spectra module of late are an issue and well known by Hitec dealers.

Any Hitec module will interface with all Hitec TX's with module hierarchy. A SOUND solution for the intermittent behavior experienced with the Optic/Spectra module until such time a permanent fix is garnered is simply utilizing a standard module.

_____________________________

Michael Glavin
RCU Community Moderator
Hitec * Multiplex Field Representative

(in reply to mglavin)
       Post #: 86

RE: Optic/Spectra Glitching - 10/13/2006 5:05:14 PM   
Volante24


 

Posts: 31
Joined: 10/12/2006
From: Notre Dame, IN, USA
Status: offline 		I didn't get how you related burned battery wires to the contacts in the RF module. Possibly it was explained in the erased part of the posting...

If there is short on a board or in pins, there may be a trace left -- did you locate one?

Nick

(in reply to MikeRuth)
       Post #: 87

RE: Optic/Spectra Glitching - 10/13/2006 5:37:42 PM   
Volante24


 

Posts: 31
Joined: 10/12/2006
From: Notre Dame, IN, USA
Status: offline 		Mike,

As an owner of two Optic 6 and the user who has only Hitec gear and nothing else so far, I am really concerned by all this. Now, can you clarify your recent posting:

quote:

ORIGINAL: mglavin


All that said for those that are NOT in the know: It’s imperative that you’re Hitec TX with standard or Spectra modules should be used for minimal time intervals with the antenna down for model set-ups and range checks. Minimal intervals are defined as less than one minute IMO. Anything longer allows the module to heat up, heat causes problems which leads to problematic behavior.



Does this apply only to Optic 6 or to other Hitec TXs? We have a bunch of Laser 4 which have been the only used TXs until a month ago (although we had one Optic for more than a year now). Can I have Laser 4 on (with the crystal in) without antenna at all? (I used to do this for tuning the receivers).

Nick

(in reply to mglavin)
       Post #: 88

RE: Optic/Spectra Glitching - 10/13/2006 8:13:27 PM   
still4given



Posts: 385
Joined: 1/27/2006
From: Victorville, CA, USA
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: mglavin

Sales on Hitec product are just that, SALES...

The Optic is offered with standard and or the Spectra modules. Yes, the problems realized with the Spectra module of late are an issue and well known by Hitec dealers.

Any Hitec module will interface with all Hitec TX's with module hierarchy. A SOUND solution for the intermittent behavior experienced with the Optic/Spectra module until such time a permanent fix is garnered is simply utilizing a standard module.



Well, I asked at the two hobby shops in my area, specifically, Hobby People and HobbyTown USA and neither admitted to having been told by Hitec that there was any problem with the spectra modules. Your statement that it is an issue well know by Hitec dealers suggests to me that you mean ALL Hitec dealers. Is this not what you mean? Do you mean only some Hitec dealers? How could they possibly, in good conscience, sell something to the public, knowing that this problem exists? That makes no sense to me.

Blessings, Terry

_____________________________

Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply.
Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God

(in reply to mglavin)
       Post #: 89