I am still very new to RC, but am seriously contemplating opening my Flash5 transmitter to see if I can fix a problem with the throttle stick. The issue is that when I throttle all the way down to idle, all is well, but with just a little more thumb pressure in the down direction, it forces the server to even further. This dang near kills the engine and results in stalling out sometimes. The problem with this is that when I make turns on the ground, pushing down just a little is just natural and almost unavoidable.

It's still under warrenty so I thought about sending it in to Hitec, but I will be out of a transmitter and that means no flying for who knows how long!

Does anyone think I am about to make a big mistake? Are they made for simple adjustments like what I want to do?

Sounds like you need to make a mechanical adjustment with your servo throw so that it doesn't kill the engine. I very seriously doubt that there is something wrong with the radio. Opening up the radio and trying to "fix" it yourself will more than likely void the warrenty, and could possibly cause more problems than it fixes. Just adjust the throw on your throttle servo so it doesn't die and you'll be just fine. I am curious of one thing. Where is your throttle trim at when this is happening. Most pilots use the throttle trim to make adjustments such as this. Is your trim set all the way in one direction??

Ken

First, make sure the exponential is disabled. Be aware that, if you open the case, you void all warranties. That being said, you can open the case and check for loose components that can be easily tightened. Unless you have electronic experience, and a Technician's repair license, the next step is to send it back to Hitec.

Dr.1

RCKen,

I have spent lots of time adjusting the server, throws, trims and such. There is no doubt that there is a PHYSICAL problem with the throttle stick. It actually moves PAST idle when I apply just a little bit of pressure in the down direction. Then it snaps back to idle when I release it. It should just stop dead at the bottme, but does'nt. I hope I'm being clear.

It's a SERVO, Cisco, not a "server".

If you know what isn't wrong with it, you should be able to figure out what IS wrong with it.

Dr.1

Reminds me of 'Spinal Tap' ....'This one goes to eleven'.

I wish my radio had that problem. It sounds like a very good kill switch that doesn't require a button. Anyone know a good patent attorney? You shouldn't be banging the throttle down real hard unless you are killing the engine anyway.

If there is a problem with the stick, adjustment should be fairly simple, it is on JR and Airtronics anyway.

You can ask the Hitec customer support people directly in this forum:

http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/forumid_53/tt.htm

Might get your best answer.

Took your advice Bruce. I am emailing back and forth with them about this and even they think it is strange! I like what agexpert said about it being a built-in kill switch, that was funny. And frankly, it would be cool if it wasn't so dang easy to trip it!

I'll report back with how Hitec treats me. This is my first time dealing with thier service department.

We'll be waiting to hear.

I was also wondering if you know if the stick/transmitter has ever been dropped, jammed or struck in a manner that might have broken a "stop" mechanism in the stick gimbal?

Cisco-Kid,
Hitec's support is out of this world. It makes them my preferred electronics.
If you have to send it in I doubt you'll be down more than one weekend.
Also, the Flash 5 has a kill switch and it ain't the throttle stick.
Good Luck,
KW_Counter

Thanks, KW_Counter.

Bruce,

I try to make sure to take care of all my stuff. I suppose that is a possiblility, but I've never seen anything that might have caused such a thing. I see where you are going with that and I'll give it some real thought!

Just wondering about a possibility. I've had my transmitter just fall on it's face and snap a switch lever off. Now I always lay it down flat. Shame we always learn the hard way. Fortunately I'm able to fix my own Tx when it breaks. (minor stuff)