While flying yesterday I suddenly lost control of my plane.
This was the second flight of the day and the plane was over the runway.
When I looked at the radio the only thing on the screen was the word "Acro" and the countdown timer.
I turned the transmitter off and then on and everything was fine. I quit flying for the day.
I have just started using the Model Memory function.

Several weeks ago I changed models and my plane did not work.
I checked everything in the plane and then realized the transmitter did not look right.
The screen display was similar to above - can't remember exactly but data was missing.
I turned the transmitter off then on and all worked fine.
I thought maybe I didn't change models correctly.
Had a great day flying with no problems.

Am I starting to have trouble with my beloved Flash 5?
Do I need to send her to ER?

Thanks,
Rick

1. When the countdown timer is activated, only the flight mode type and timer are displayed during flight, i.e. your screen was displaying correctly - refer display picture in manual. Display reverts to normal when TX turned off and on again as you experienced.
2. There are two very different Flash 5, the first of which requires that you cut and save any changes, the second Flash 5SX has auto save. Problems could occur if adjustments had been made before flight and not saved properly or even if TX has been allowed to overheat sitting out in the sun or in a closed up vehicle exposed to hot sun.
3. How old are the batteries, keeping a good charge and RX upto peak current demands? black wire corrosion could be setting into the leads and connectors leading to intermittant and/or zero operation. Note that if TX powered off and on during that flight, you would have lost the flight countdown timer setting and reverted to normal screen.
4. Suggest range test for an extended period. If for no other reason than peace of mind, being due for a tune up anyway, send in for service as below.
Flash 4&5 Manual
Flash 5 SX Manual
Flash 5 SX FAQ
Hitec service information
Regards
Alan T.
Alan's Hobby, Model & RC FAQ Web Links

Alan,
Thanks for your respnses.
1. When the countdown timer is activated, only the flight mode type and timer are displayed during flight, i.e. your screen was displaying correctly - refer display picture in manual. Display reverts to normal when TX turned off and on again as you experienced.
A1 - You are correct. I was not aware of that and thought it indicated a problem. Admittedly, I don't look at the screen much while flying.
2. There are two very different Flash 5, the first of which requires that you cut and save any changes, the second Flash 5SX has auto save. Problems could occur if adjustments had been made before flight and not saved properly or even if TX has been allowed to overheat sitting out in the sun or in a closed up vehicle exposed to hot sun.
A2 - Mine requires the Cut/Save prior to power down. This was done. Unit was in the shade between flights and Saturdy was a cooler day than previous weeks.
3. How old are the batteries, keeping a good charge and RX upto peak current demands? black wire corrosion could be setting into the leads and connectors leading to intermittant and/or zero operation. Note that if TX powered off and on during that flight, you would have lost the flight countdown timer setting and reverted to normal screen.
A3 - Batteries are new - recently upgraded to a 2000 mAh NiMh pack and it was fully charged. Count down timer was still functioning after incident.
4. Suggest range test for an extended period. If for no other reason than peace of mind, being due for a tune up anyway, send in for service as below.
A4 - Happened during second flight about 8 minutes into it. My range had been very far in relation to where the plane was when the incident happened.
I am considering check up time. However, having been an Electronic Technician early in my career, I know the difficulty in finding an intermittent problem.

Again, thanks for sharing your knowledge and experience.
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