Today, I had a 3rd R149DP Receiver failure. I don't know why there seems to be so many R149DP problems, but I know I have been very, very lucky so far.
So far all 3 failures have been in 40% aircraft - 1 Aeroworks 40% Edge and 1 Composite.ARF 40% YAK 55SP.
The first failure (Edge) was on receiver turn-on. I noticed that at 5 feet away from aircraft, the airborne system went to lock-out (no range).
Sent receiver back to Futaba and receiver was replaced. (thank you).
2nd failure (YAK) was in flight when aircraft was in & out of lock-out. Fortunately got YAK back on the ground with no damage. (20 feet ground range with antenna collapsed!!) Threw receiver in the trash!!
Today, on take-off, YAK was in & out of lock-out on take-off. Somehow got aircraft around and landed with no damage. (20-30 feet ground range with antenna collapsed!!)
All 3 failures were with different receivers. Both aircraft are running single receiver systems. Both aircraft are running power isolators with a separate 4.8 volt, 500 Mah receiver battery. All receivers are mounted on 1/2 inch foam and Velcro'd in place.
When I returned home, I checked the ground range on the present failed receiver - 25-30 feet ground range, antenna collapsed. Installed a new R149DP receiver - 80-100 feet ground range (normal), antenna collapsed.
The problem is definitely in the receiver, and not in the aircraft other systems. (servos, batteries, switches, wiring, etc.)
This is no longer a coincidence & I am a very luck guy to not loose one or both of these aircraft.
I have never had receiver problems with any of my Futaba systems for over 20 years.
Is Futaba ignoring this possible batch of faulty receivers or components?? Is it time to move to the other-side?? Will the 4th time finally destroy one of these very expensive aircraft or worse yet, injure someone??
Please Futaba, don't tell me it's just a coincidence.