Yesterday I went to do a pre-check before I took the Tower trainer up for a flight and the tx box would not power up.
This is not the first time this has happened. This is the radio equipment from Alpha One (RIP). The first time it happened it went out after the first charge. The tx box from Alpha Two did the same thing after the initial charge. They claim it is because of bad fuses but they don't know why it is still doing it.
I tried to get them to send me fuses so I can make the repair myself and not lose 2 weeks of flying time but they refused. I told them I am getting sick of paying for shipping on this matter and they said they would send a pre-paid label. (there's another week.).

I would like to know what you guy's think I should do to rectify this. I have concerns of this thing going to hell while I am in the air so I don't want to void any warranty by going ahead and trying to fix the thing on my own. But if it always goes out the way it has been(when I turn on the box) I would think it would be OK to risk voiding the warranty.( Confused)
Also I have alway's used only the original charging equipment when charging these things and I also sent back the charger last time and it checked fine. So I don't think that is the problem.

Suggestions?

if it happens a third time, i would request a refund and go to another brand of radio. thats just bad buisness to make you put up with it twice

I agree, I guess I was expecting a little better from Horizon Hobby. I probably should have asked for a supervisor when he told me that.

Yeah, you really shouldn't have to do it repeatedly...

Weird. I have that radio (I now use it for a buddy box) and I haven't ever had that problem with it. Your charger isn't messed up, is it? You say you have two of them? Do you always use the same charger? Is it the charger that comes with the radio? Maybe you could use the other charger. Just weird! I'm a BIG JR fan, but I could see where you would get frustrated and go another route!

I had the same results using both chargers.
The tech seemed to think this was weird also. Asked if I was using a different charger. The planes were purchased within 2 months of each otherso can't help but wonder if they had some sort of defect. But they check OK by Horizon.

Skynyrd Man,

Sorry to hear about your difficulties! I have been operating two of the Quatro radios, for 3 years and two years respectively, without any difficulties. My experience doesn't disprove your problem. I'm only offering it to indicate that it isn't inherent in the design of the radio. Further, I have instructed six students with the Alpha/JR Quatro combination since the first of the year and none of them have experienced this difficulty. I wish I could offer a solution, but your multiple occurances have me stumped!

Hmmm, we have always joked that we had a ghost that hated electronics as we have had some bad luck with some electronics. I'm beginning to wonder now.

Hi, One word .......... FUTABA!

Well now your alot of help

GAG........

I had this problem with a JR421 radio. Fuse kept blowing. Found out the wall charger was the culprit. Maybe you have two bad chargers??? Anything's possible...

The only thing you haven't checked is the outlet you are plugging into. Does it provide voltage at 110 or is the voltage low or higher then what it should be? I have no other ideas except maybe there is a loose ball of solder somewhere that only makes contact when things are shifted in a certain way making an intermittent short.

As per the instruction booklet, are you holding your right foot up and placing your left hand in your pocket when plugging in the charger?

Double post. OOps.

Seriously. I've worked with several student Alpha's and never had problems.

A correction to lifting the right leg and putting your left hand in your pocket. you must put your hand on your wallet not in your pocket and you lift the opposite leg to the hand you use to put on your wallet

My wallet IS in the left pocket, whenever it isn't on the LHS counter with the credit cards laid out looking for one that isn't full.

Bruce, I knew you had a sense of humor! I knew it!