I have an eclipse 7 spectra that I have just purchased used and when I set my frequency to channel 52 and then turn it on and then turn on my receiver I get nothing. The controls on the tx don't do anything. It seems as if it will not connect to the receiver. I have tried this on a Hitec o5s and a tower hobbies system 3k receiver, in both cases it did not work. I also get significant twitching, especially with my tower hobbies receiver. I tried both negative and positive shift with no luck. Am I doing something wrong or is my tx shot. Thanks in advance.

Try to determine if QPCM or PPM/FM is set. That will probably be the problem.
OK I was wrong on turn on order, I guess

its on ppm. I tried turning receiver on first and tx on first.

Golden Rule with all RC systems "TX On first - Off Last" this is stated in the TX manuals of most brands of RC systems, especially under range testing, and in the instruction sheet for that RX. HFS-05MS "Micro 05MS" instructions.
TX on first is more important now than ever before as the modern RX with PLL, IPD, AGC and other similar features search for and lock onto a nearby signal and if TX is turned on later, the receiver may not then be able to lock onto the then correct signal. (Also beware that if the RX is ever turned on first, the rx whilst searching for a signal may drive the servos beyond their physical stops or pull control surfaces beyond their limits.) Further information available under "Glitches & Jitter in RX & Servo - causes and cures" on my web page.
Regards
Alan T.
Alan's Hobby, Model & RC FAQ Web Links

I don't think that's the problem though. I have tower hobbies sk3000 receiver and I tried it on that too which does not have auto shift and as soon as a tx is turned on it should see it. Either way I know that rule and started with the tx on then turned the receiver on and it never responded. I took my other tx and turned that on and immediately it responded. I can't seem to lock on at all. It's almost like its not transmitting a signal.

update, I tried it again and when I bring the receiver close to the antenna it twitches like crazy. As I get further away or turn the tx off the twitching slows down or completely stops.

I was wrong on order turning on. It does appear like you have a problem with the TX, if you are sure of PPM vs QPCM. QPCM on a PPM RX acted like that....but I do believe you.

Are the two dials in the correct position, not reversed? refer
Hitec 72 MHz Spectra module set up
See also:
Eclipse Manual
Eclipse Addendum
and then in need::
Hitec Servic Information
Regards
Alan T.
Alan's Hobby, Model & RC FAQ Web Links

i tried both 52 and 25, both with no luck. I also tried 51 and 53 the channels around my channel. Any other ideas on what I can do?

Thanks