AFPD dongle replacement
02-06-2006 | 11:44 AM
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From: Houston,
TX
AFPD dongle replacement
Hi All,
I purchased my AFPD from OhioModelPlanes on 12/04/2004 and have been having a lot of problems with it for the past 6 or so months. This is my first attempt in trying to solicit outside help for a solution as I originally thought the problem was with my computer or radio equipment. I have since tried 3 different JR transmitters, 2 different computers, and two different JR/AFPD plug adapters. Also I upgraded my video card from an ATI 9700 AIW to an ATI 9800 (no AIW)...not much of an upgrade, but it eliminated the video card as a source of my problems. (Latest Catalyst drivers).
Description of problem:
Most mornings when I first try the AFPD it will work fine for a few minutes then start acting on its own. It switches from the original 8 channel transmitter, mode 2 to a 4 channel no mode spastic transmitter. Throttle is now on aileron stick and elevator is now on rudder stick. Original mode 2 Throttle & Elevator stick are non responsive. Meanwhile all of the flight surfaces are wildly jittering on the aircraft.
The one thing which I haven't tried is using a different dongle. I suspect my problems would disappear but it's pure speculation on my part right now. Due to my frustration level at this point I'd be willing to try almost anything. Any suggestions???
I purchased my AFPD from OhioModelPlanes on 12/04/2004 and have been having a lot of problems with it for the past 6 or so months. This is my first attempt in trying to solicit outside help for a solution as I originally thought the problem was with my computer or radio equipment. I have since tried 3 different JR transmitters, 2 different computers, and two different JR/AFPD plug adapters. Also I upgraded my video card from an ATI 9700 AIW to an ATI 9800 (no AIW)...not much of an upgrade, but it eliminated the video card as a source of my problems. (Latest Catalyst drivers).
Description of problem:
Most mornings when I first try the AFPD it will work fine for a few minutes then start acting on its own. It switches from the original 8 channel transmitter, mode 2 to a 4 channel no mode spastic transmitter. Throttle is now on aileron stick and elevator is now on rudder stick. Original mode 2 Throttle & Elevator stick are non responsive. Meanwhile all of the flight surfaces are wildly jittering on the aircraft.
The one thing which I haven't tried is using a different dongle. I suspect my problems would disappear but it's pure speculation on my part right now. Due to my frustration level at this point I'd be willing to try almost anything. Any suggestions???
02-06-2006 | 02:11 PM
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From: Sammamish,
WA
RE: AFPD dongle replacement
I bought my AFPD about the same time that you did and I too experieced similar problems after a couple of months of use. I did get a replacement cable and if you want to do that give Fred at Ikarus a call. However, I had a similar experience with the replacement cable - though it was trouble free for much longer time. I suspected that static electricity might have something to do with and so I tried a ground strap. No problems since. It is a pain to wear it when usinig the sim but it seems to work - at least for me. If you want to give it a try you can get a ground strap at Radio Shack. Just clip it to the PC chassis.
Good Luck
Good Luck
02-06-2006 | 02:42 PM
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From: Manhattan,
NY
RE: AFPD dongle replacement
This is my first attempt in trying to solicit outside help for a solution as I originally thought the problem was with my computer or radio equipment.
Anyhow it sounds like your cable is defective. Just call Ikarus tech support at 239-690-0003 and they will get you a new one. This will be the fastest course of action as they want to handle all defective product direct.
Thanks!
02-06-2006 | 06:27 PM
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From: Draper,
UT
RE: AFPD dongle replacement
I was using AFPD with out a problem when the program would not recognize the TX. signal. Discovered that the little black box on the AFPD cable was very warm. This apparently indicates trouble. Have returned the cable for replacement.
02-07-2006 | 08:07 AM
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From: Houston,
TX
RE: AFPD dongle replacement
Hi All,
For those interested, I contacted Ikarus-USA yesterday and spoke with Fred of Technical Services. After briefly explaining my problem, he suggested that I send the dongle to Ikarus-USA and he would check it out. This I have done. I wish to thank everyone who took the time to read and responded to my post. I will report additional info if this turns out to be something other than a defective dongle.
BTW, Fred reported that a few other people have suggested using a ground strap between them or their transmitter and their computer. He's uncertain as to why this may be a solution for some but not all.
Kindest regards,
Macy
For those interested, I contacted Ikarus-USA yesterday and spoke with Fred of Technical Services. After briefly explaining my problem, he suggested that I send the dongle to Ikarus-USA and he would check it out. This I have done. I wish to thank everyone who took the time to read and responded to my post. I will report additional info if this turns out to be something other than a defective dongle.
BTW, Fred reported that a few other people have suggested using a ground strap between them or their transmitter and their computer. He's uncertain as to why this may be a solution for some but not all.
Kindest regards,
Macy
