Hello; Yesterday we were flying my friend Jim's LT40, Jim has an Optic 6 with the spectra module. He noticed that the throttle was not responding as he commanded it. It would be accelerating and hunting when he held the stick still, also some aileron problems he felt he had to constantly correct roll. The engine dies on approach. With the plane sitting on the ground, we could see the rudder and ailerons shuddering. Jim handed me the transmitter to try, immediately the shuddering stops, and everything works as it should. We walk the plane back to refuel, I hand the ex back to Jim and it starts jittering again. I notice that he has his fingers wrapped around the back of the tx when the jittering is happening. I take the Tx and try putting my fingers where Jim has his and the plane starts jittering again. Eventually we find that by touching the spectra module the plane jitters.

Is this a common complaint with this combination?

Jim had the spectra on ch 48, no one else was on ch 48 at the time.

Also the spectra module has black electrical tape holding the two halves together. Consequently Jim doesn't want to compromise his warantee by removing the tape and looking inside.

What would you reccomend?

I'd suggest sending the Optic and Spectra module to Hitec Service for the updated replacement case halve and a thorough check up...

Yes, this is a bad problem with the Optic 6. Back when my Optic 6 used to work, it would move the controls by itself. For example, coming in for a landing with the engine stopped, the engine would start up and stop intermittently.
The Optic 6 is just a poor quality product. Your best bet is to get a different radio.

BMonee