Hello everyone,

We recently informed customers about a potential failure mode on the JetCat
P-160. We requested that certain customers cease operation of their P-160s
until we could address this potential failure mode. Today we are contacting
the affected customers with a plan to get them back in the air as soon as
possible.

The plan itself is two fold:

First, during troubleshooting of these specific P-160s, we have determined
that it is prudent for all P-160 owners of serial numbers 193 and earlier to
check a particular clearance on their motor. This is the clearance between
the front of the turbine wheel and the rear face of the EGV. We will publish
a technique to do this within the next day or so. We will also have a new
version of software for P-160s that helps prevent even the potential of
premature rear bearing failure. We are testing this software right now. When
ready, all P-160s need to be upgraded to this new firmware.

The second part of the plan involves the retrofit of certain P-160s with a
component that will insure proper clearance between the front of the turbine
wheel and the rear face of the EGV. These turbines will also have the new
firmware installed as well. Affected owners will be contacted directly by
JetCat USA. This retrofit will be done in stages.

Stage 1 is designed to support customers planning to attend Superman. We
plan to get their turbines in, retrofit, tested and back to them in time to
attend Superman.

Stage 2 is to retrofit people currently flying that are not planning to
attend Superman.

Stage 3 is to retrofit those who are not yet flying.

Obviously, this plan requires the cooperation and understanding of fellow
jet modelers. It has been our experience that if we are open and honest
about a situation, that modelers always respond in kind. As some of you help
make room in line for your fellow modelers going to Superman, rest assured
that if needed, those modelers would be willing to help you one day. In
California, we call it "Good Karma" :-)


We sincerely apologize for this inconvenience. We will do everything in our
power to remedy this situation and get you back in the air as soon as
possible.


If you have any questions about the details of this program do not hesitate
to contact me here on RCU or call the shop at (818) 874 9309


Regards,

Sorry for the delay.

As mentioned before, all users should test P-160 serial number #193 and OLDER for proper clearance between the turbine and the EGV (exhaust guide vanes)

1.) Procure a short length of .040" music wire.

2.) Put a 90 degree bend in one end, resulting in a little tail of about .250" in length (see picture 1)

3.) Slide the wire in between the back of the turbine wheel and the EGV. It should fit between them. (pictures 2 and 3 show how to do this. Note that picture 3 shows the nozzle removed for clarity, it is not necessary to remove the nozzle to make the measurement)

This measurements ensures minimal clearance.

If you cannot get the wire into the space call JetCat USA (818) 874 9303 before operating the turbine further.

Thanks very much and we appreciate your business.

I forgot to mention that ALL P-160s need a firmware upgrade as well. Our shop motors are the only ones that have this now so everyone needs it.

We only need the ECU, and you can ship it to the shop or we can do it at Superman for you as well.

Thanks again,

Sorry for the confusion. I did not tell Matt clearly the procedure.

All P160s that are serial#193 and newer MUST be updated at the factory. We put in a spacer behind the EGV to help keep clearance at the proper distance to the turbine wheel. This is easy and quick procedure and works very well.

For engines before #193, check the clearance. They all should be OK. Just a safety check. If it doesn't fit, send it back for the spacer.

ALLLLLLLL P160 ECUs must be updated!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Regards,

Bob:

Will you be able to do upgrades of P-120 software from 4.0 to 4.9 at Superman?

Tom

Hi Tom,

We will be able to do a few due to the time involved. And we cannot do them at the field, we can do them in the hotel overnight.

Not sure how many we can do but you are number 1.

Any other firmware updates can be done at the tent.

Also, Carlos of RTI has been factory trained to perform JetCAT repairs and he will be in operation at Superman!

Thanks for the info Matt.....See you guys in a couple of days...

Tom