RE: Optic/Spectra Glitching  
View related threads: (in this forum | in all forums)

Tower Hobbies
Enter up to 4 keywords or Tower stock numbers
Logged in as Guest



Users viewing this topic: none
  Printable Version
       

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
Page: <<   < prev  1 2 3 4 5 6 7 [8]

Login
Message << Older Topic   Newer Topic >>
RE: Optic/Spectra Glitching - 11/8/2006 8:29:59 PM   
XJet


 

Posts: 3174
Joined: 3/31/2003
From: Tokoroa, NEW ZEALAND
Status: offline 		Chester, like yourself I've bought more than a few lemons in my time but I've learned one thing: *all* manufacturers make mistakes and they all (occasionally) have products that need to be recalled.

It's how they subsiquently handle the recalls that sort the "good" companies from the "not so good".

To its credit, Hitec has a great support reputation and often fix stuff for free that other manufacturers would charge an arm and a leg for.

On the filp-side, Hitec also has a policy of "deny or downplay" many of the problems they've had with their products.

Digital-servo lockups, Optic 6 AAA fault, Optic 6 handle weaknesses, Electron 6 thermal issues, 5955GT/programmer issues, Fusion 9 problems, Optic/Spectra glitches. These are all examples where there *have* been problems but Hitec has significantly downplayed or (in some cases) denied them.

Perhaps it's US product liability laws and their insurers that prevent them from being alittle more up-front about the existance or scale of these problems when they occur -- or maybe they're just aware that the vast majority of customers don't visit RCU so won't be aware what's going on.

However, I still buy Hitec gear (albeit I wait for the inevitable bugs to be sorted in new releases) because it's still pretty good value.

I've got: an Eclipse 7 and use it every day. An Optic 6 (that sits under my bench with AAA on the display -- it's not worth sending all the way back to the USA from where it was purchased so Hitec's free upgrade is worthless to me), a Supreme 7-channel receiver, a 555 5-channel receiver, 2 x QPCM receivers (also worthless to me now because only my faulty Optic 6 does QPCM, my Eclipse doesn't), a Feather receiver (best not talk about that), 4 x 5955TG servos, 30+ HS425BB, 12 x HS475, 2 x HS5475, 4 x HS5925, 4 x HS700, 4 x HS81, 4 x HS645, and a snot-load more stuff.

Once the Fusion 9 problems (which don't exist) are sorted I'll probably buy a couple of those and when the new Hitec 9-channel transmitter comes out I'll toss up whether to go for that (after the bugs are worked out) or a Futaba 9C.

What people forget is that Hitec gear is generally quite a bit cheaper than most other name-brands so don't expect to get the same quality or performance as a top-of-the-line JR set.

Of course that doesn't mean you shouldn't get something that actually *works* for your money.

Like yourself, I wish that Hitec would pay the ticket to have stuff with obvious manufacturing defects returned to them (and back to you) for repairs (then I could use *all* that stuff that's currently worthless to me because of Hitec's manufacturing/design faults). But hey, we're talking Nissan-type RC, not Rolls Royce.

_____________________________

When I'm not here, I'm at RCModelReviews

(in reply to chestercopperpot)
       Post #: 176

RE: Optic/Spectra Glitching - 11/9/2006 4:27:52 PM   
chestercopperpot


 

Posts: 125
Joined: 9/7/2006
From: Huntington Beach, CA, CHRISTMAS ISLANDS
Status: offline 		Well Jet I don't know, with the very large aircraft and helis that someone could fly using the optic 6 I think the the pros and cons of downplaying this potentially lethal problem is a roll of the dice on Hitecs part. The cost to me in parts, shipping and time on account of downplayed Hitec problems is not worth a 20% or so savings on electronics. Could someone please post a link to where I can find out how to mod my optic 6 to make it a Spektrum(what I should have initially bought).

(in reply to XJet)
       Post #: 177

RE: Optic/Spectra Glitching - 11/9/2006 5:02:48 PM   
still4given



Posts: 387
Joined: 1/27/2006
From: Victorville, CA, USA
Status: offline 		http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=489403

I would read the whole thread, even thought it is a bit long, since there are different methods tried throughout the thread.

Blessings, Terry

_____________________________

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

(in reply to chestercopperpot)
       Post #: 178

RE: Optic/Spectra Glitching - 11/9/2006 5:33:06 PM   
chestercopperpot


 

Posts: 125
Joined: 9/7/2006
From: Huntington Beach, CA, CHRISTMAS ISLANDS
Status: offline 		Thanks a lot Terry!!!!!!!!!!!
This looks like exactly what I have been looking for. I am planing on getting a Trex SE within the next month or so and notwithstanding the possibility of my Optic taking a giant dump on me and my time I also hear that there are inevitable FM problems with the heli. Hunting down either problem will probably make me smash my hard earned toy into tiny bits. I do like the Hitec rx very much on an interface standpoint and the Spektrum 2.4 looks bulletproof. I think merging the two together will be perfect. Thanks for the help and I will continue to watch the post and update you when I gets the money to do the mod. I would like to apologize in advance to Mike if this is the only thing I post on.

(in reply to still4given)
       Post #: 179

RE: Optic/Spectra Glitching - 11/28/2006 4:42:25 AM   
Duane-RCU



Posts: 403
Joined: 5/5/2002
From: Arlington, TX, USA
Status: offline 		Boy, I read all 8 pages last night and just wanted to puke! Bought one last year, and most of the planes on it are above 100mph, and one is in the 140's !!! Think about a glitch on that! You would NOT have time to move out of the way! For some reason I bought the Spectra, even though everthings on 38. I was thinking about buying a new single channel module for it, I'm not real happy with the idea of my NEW radio having a rebuilt module in it! My old Flash 5 is so old, the battery is losing life, and NEVER had any complaints about it, so I was just going to replace the battery, and keep using it. Then, I finally went to the garage, checked it.... 505 ...I guess mine's ok... I do feel better now, but I went ahead and wrapped a little tape around it, and stuck it back in.
Now the other scary part, another club has reported problems using Electron 6 Rx, which I have been replacing all of my Supremes with. No glitches or problems from my stuff, but this field is also known to have some interference problems, and some channels are NOT safe to fly on. I don't see any postings on these having problems, so maybe I'm ok there.

(in reply to chestercopperpot)
       Post #: 180

RE: Optic/Spectra Glitching - 11/28/2006 6:45:07 PM   
aramsdell


 

Posts: 22
Joined: 9/25/2006
From: Sanford, ME, USA
Status: offline 		Xjet, Which qpcm receivers do you have? Are they much older? I have a new Eclipse 7and it does QPCM. My Optic 6 and E& both operate this receiver. If yours is older it may not work but your Xmtr should Xmit in QPCM for any of the newer receivers. Al

(in reply to Duane-RCU)
       Post #: 181

RE: Optic/Spectra Glitching - 11/28/2006 9:19:31 PM   
Wayne Miller


 

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

Has anyone found a way to test the Optic 6/Spectra to see if you have the glitching problem while on the ground. Example, wiggling the module in the case, shaking the Tx mildly, vibrator etc.

I would feel much more comfortable if there was a reliable way to test the Tx on the ground to see if it may fail/glitch in the air.

Has anyone found a way to test for the problem?

Thanks for your help.

Fly4Fun,

Wayne Miller



(in reply to aramsdell)
       Post #: 182

RE: Optic/Spectra Glitching - 11/29/2006 3:51:26 PM   
MikeRuth



Posts: 287
Joined: 3/6/2006
From: Tarzana, CA, USA
Status: offline 		IMHO you should read all of this thread, but my testing and results were on post #69 and after, http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_4415021/mpage_3/key_/tm.htm



quote:

ORIGINAL: Wayne Miller

Hi,

Has anyone found a way to test the Optic 6/Spectra to see if you have the glitching problem while on the ground. Example, wiggling the module in the case, shaking the Tx mildly, vibrator etc.

I would feel much more comfortable if there was a reliable way to test the Tx on the ground to see if it may fail/glitch in the air.

Has anyone found a way to test for the problem?

Thanks for your help.

Fly4Fun,

Wayne Miller





(in reply to Wayne Miller)
       Post #: 183

RE: Optic/Spectra Glitching - 11/30/2006 12:18:12 AM   
Wayne Miller


 

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

Thanks for the reply. I have read all the thread and seen such things that may cause the problem as poor contacts, heat, or poorly fitting spectra module.

However, I have never seen a proper testing sequence to positively identify whether your radio has this problem or not.

What I would like to see is a step by step sequence for testing, and if the radio glitches during this test, then you can positively identify whether the radio has the problem or not.

Does anyone have such a test sequence?

I suspect the manufacturer does, I'm hoping they will share it with us.

Fly4Fun,

Wayne Miller

< Message edited by Wayne Miller -- 12/3/2006 2:09:43 AM >

(in reply to MikeRuth)
       Post #: 184

RE: Optic/Spectra Glitching - 12/3/2006 2:30:32 AM   
Wayne Miller


 

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

Since know one has replied to the request for a positive test to see if your Optic 6 and the Spectra module has this problem, I'm guessing there is no such test.

Since it has been verified here by the factory reps/technicians that there is an intermittent failure, and we have not received a test to identify if your system has the problem, except for flying and see if it fails, I'm very concerned.

Without a method to positively identify if "your" Optic 6 has the problem, it would appear to me that modelers may be flying a system that could fail at anytime, and never even know it. The question again comes up of who is liable. That is, if the system fails while flying, and someone, or something, is hurt or damaged, who is liable? Is it the flyer, or the company who made the system and has identified the problem, but has never issued a public warning or recall.

I'm wondering if the national organization should identify the system as being potentially dangerous? or should there be a public announcement? or should the system be recalled? or should a warning issued to stop flying the system until a fix is found?

I'm really surprised that the problem has been recognized for such a very long period of time (take a look at when this thread was started), and a general warning or notification has not been issued to all medelers by national and international organizations.

What are your thoughts on this? Are you concerned?

Fly4Fun,

Wayne Miller

< Message edited by Wayne Miller -- 12/3/2006 2:34:33 AM >

(in reply to Wayne Miller)
       Post #: 185

RE: Optic/Spectra Glitching - 12/4/2006 7:10:10 PM   
MikeMayberry



Posts: 2807
Joined: 1/15/2002
From: Poway, CA, USA
Status: offline 		Hitec will offer a new case back for the Optic shortly that will allow the module to seat properly thus eliminating the problems some have experienced. We will know more soon about when it will be available and will post the information here and on our website.

Mike.

_____________________________

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

(in reply to Crash9)
       Post #: 186

RE: Optic/Spectra Glitching - 12/10/2006 4:43:56 AM   
martinarcher


 

Posts: 248
Joined: 9/30/2005
From: Slippery Rock, PA, USA
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: MikeMayberry

X-Jet- I'm not sure why you felt the need to call Michael out here but he is correct as well. The first batch of Fusions were not quietly recalled but the second batch in which only a few shipped were as they were not all QC'd and it turned out there was a wrong component installed which caused a problem. We expect the Fusions to ship within a couple of weeks.

Okay?!?!?

Mike.


I don't know but I just received a Fusion 9 a few days ago and here's what happened to me...

I received a new Hitec Fusion 9 three days ago and installed it in my 30% Ultimate.

I read a review on RCU while waiting for it to arrive saying the users unit would "lock up" or "cut out" when the throttle on his plane was advanced. He said it was OK at idle, but with any serious amount of vibration the receiver would cut out. He also stated he even wrapped it in the supplied rubber vibration suppressing blanket material.

I decided to test mine in a harsher than normal environment to see if it showed any symptoms. I never believe anything I read online as gospel, only a suggestion that I take and test on my own equipment before drawing conclusions about a product.

I mounted the receiver with no foam or vibration reducing wrap onto the wing mount of the bottom wing of my bipe by tightly wrapping velcro strips around the case and the mounting brace. I figured if it was vibration prone this would tranfer a good amount of vibration to the unit.

I configured the unit to channel 27 per the instructions. To answer the questions asked by others, the unit does not lose this setting after powering down. I tested all surfaces - no problem working as expected. I started the Walker 4.2 with a 24X8 PT models carbon fiber prop that is perfectly balanced. At idle I checked all surfaces - working fine. I wiggled the rudder as I advanced the throttle - sure enough before I reaced 1/2 throttle it locked. No response to any channel, everything was frozen! I hit my kill switch and as soon as the motor slowed down I turned it back on. The controls all came back after the motor came back to idle. I performed the same test three times and got ther same result.

I am glad I read up online and performed this test while the plane was staked down in the yard. It would have been a disaster and a loss of over $3000 and a lot of time in the air and could also have been bad if I started it and just decided to taxi around the yard.

I talked to Hitec support and they admitted to the problem and said the early batch did have vibration related problems - not just one or two. They said to send it back to be updated. They said they have a 4-5 day turn around right now. I don't have a problem with that, but where's the recall? If I didn't test the unit it would have cost my big time! I think Hitec needs to test their electronics in "real" usage environments. I'm not flying on a desktop. I'm sure it works fine when not operating under vibration, but a giant scale gasser is far form vibration free - even when mounted in multiple layer of foam.

Have there been more units that have needed to be updated? Am I safe to fly my plane after I get the RX back from Hitec? I have had great luck with Hitec gear in the past and have over a dozen planes outfitted with nothing but Hitec stuff. I use the Electron 6 RX's on anything under 6 channels - they have been rock solid. I have several of the seven channel models that are great. The HS-55's are my go-to servo for my foamies. I use the HS425BBin all my .46 size planes with great luck.

I just am scared to use this RX in my new giant scale bipe. I have a lot of cash wrapped up in it and hate to gamble with the only component that allows me to control it in the air!

(in reply to MikeMayberry)
       Post #: 187

RE: Optic/Spectra Glitching - 12/20/2006 1:14:18 AM   
mglavin



Posts: 5200
Joined: 11/29/2001
From: Elverta, CA, USA
Status: offline 		Several posts have been deleted; posts that are not specifically on topic will be deleted... General chit-chat, banter and the like are inappropriate for this thread and Forum. Remember this is NOT an open "Discussion Forum" this is the Hitec-MPX Manufacturer's support Forum. This Forum is specifically for Hitec users to seek Factory Support directly from Hitec Representatives nothing more or less. Each thread is "inquiry and or problem specific", that said if your post is on track, does not include derogatory remarks, foul language, bashing and or belittle, condemn or simply bad mouth another member it will NOT be deleted.

We allowed this thread to wonder off track somewhat with inquires and responses about Fusion RX’s and more. In the future we’ll suggest that a NEW thread is appropriate when the thread specific topic is not discussed.

I’m locking this thread; no additional member input is permissible at this time.

As of (12-19-06) the Optic 6 TX case halves are not yet available for warranty replacement as previously anticipated. I’ll update this thread once the cases arrive for those interested.

< Message edited by mglavin -- 12/20/2006 1:18:18 AM >

_____________________________

Michael Glavin
RCU Community Moderator
Hitec * Multiplex Field Representative

(in reply to martinarcher)
       Post #: 188

Page:   <<   < prev  1 2 3 4 5 6 7 [8]
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
Page: <<   < prev  1 2 3 4 5 6 7 [8]





Jump to: