I have an E-Clipse 7 from Hitec two years old this month. I have a Diamond Dust that I just replaced due to a nasty crash, however I used the same engine and reciever in the replacement. I was trimming out the maiden voyage and ran out of radio range at about 400 feet. Luckily I was able to shut the throttle off and the unit fell to earth without any damage to the plane. I change to another used chrystal and a Supreme 8 reciever and still had the same problem, my son carried the plane out to the failure piont and sure enough, at 400 feet the unit either locks up the controlls or they jitter frantically. Since that unit had experienced a crash in it's life I decided to install a NEW chrystal and Supreme 8 receiver, still the same problem. Since I have multiple models, In an attempt to eliminate my transmitter as a posible problem, I changed models and carried another model 300 feet past the failure point where it performed perfectly with the same TX. I have not changed the rx battery as of yet but have drained and recharged it. A modeler told me that the bat might be damaged and putting out rf so that will probably be my next step however, I'm curious about the chrome ultracoat I covered the bottom of the plane with. The hobbie shop states, can't be part of the problem, but I'm not convinced. Anybody have any ideas about my problem or the chrome Ultracoat possibly being the culprit?
Thanks for you input.

I've heard of problems with chrome covering, but can't answer from first hand knowledge. I'd try running the receiver antenna outside the plane though. COuld be other things causing the interference, like two metal pushrods sliding against each other.
Dennis-

As you could cut the motor, it's not range.
I'll 2nd the chrome Monokote as a more likely culprit.

Thanks guys,

I got some other suggestions in the speed forum also, I'm going to try all the suggestions upto and including re-covering the plane with something other than the chrome Ultracoat. That was the only difference between my last DD and this one.

the wire in the anttena may have been damaged, or disconnected at the pc board. Try range checking just thr rx or the rx in another plane. THere could also be a fracture that occurs only whern the engine is running(vibration). INsted of recovering if you want to be safe, buy a deans, etc, whip antenna. They're about 10 bucks and when mounted to the. remember depending on the route of the wire, how much surface area the rx may get. ? do you see the end, a samll dot, or 39 in of wire laid out.

I have had entire airplanes covered in crome, gas engine in it to boot. Not one problem.

I have installed 3 different rx's and crystals in this plane. Also, we are carrying the plane to the failure distance by hand with the engine not running. I will try it with the antenna loose outside the plane, if that fixes it, I'll try repositioning cables, antenna, or both. If I still have a problem, I'm re-covering. I have two of these DD's and the other one is set up exactly like this one but no chrome covering. It is on my son's radio which is also an E-Clipse 7 but a different channel. His performs flawlessly. Also, my first DD' "MAY IT REST IN PEACE", performed flawlessly with the same set up except for chrome covering. It's demise was my mistake, not a systems problem. The only electronics not changed at this point is the battery. No control rods are touching and I use nylon control horns. I should mention however, that I used metal clevises on the elevons as on the previous plane.

Again thanks for all the suggestions, I consider everyone, they are much appreciated.

Hi!
Perhaps I should not say: -typically Hitech!..but I have seen to many bad Hitech radios during my 30 years in R/C.
I fly JR myself (JR 388)! Never a problem with these radios since I started using them in 1980.
Your problem seems to be low range...might be receiver that needs trimming.

Regards!
Jan K
Sweden

The first thing you should change is the battery, they take the worst abuse in a crash for where and how they are mounted. They cause most crashes!
Try you sons antena in your TX for a test. Some times the antena looses contact between joints , then when it is colapsed and pulled back out it is OK , They get that way when people try to clean them or lube them maybe natural wear.

Thanks to everybody for your help concerning my radio problem. I moved the antenna away from the Chrome Ultracoat and it began working perfectly. As a result I'm going to strip the plane tonight and recover with something other than chrome.

Again thanks to all for your help. The people monitoring this forum and the extreme speed forum have been a great help. That's the good thing about modelers, they are always willing to help a fellow modeler.

Glad you were able to identify your problem. And thank YOU for letting us know the outcome!
Dennis-