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-   -   Electron retracts problem (https://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/rc-jets-120/11631330-electron-retracts-problem.html)

bluelevel 09-14-2017 07:48 AM

@VK96

A couple of questions: Are you using the bus input or the normal servo mode? Do you have the nose wheel gyro activated or is "Gyro gain" set to zero in the "Steering setup" screen?

Thomas

VK96 09-14-2017 08:12 AM

Running normal mode..when trying EX Bus the controller was acting erratic. In that case not only was the NWS acting up, but retraction/extension was also erratic. FWIW I have another GS200 in my other Ultra Flash, and that controller also acts erratic in EX Bus mode.
I'm running gyro gain for both steering and braking. Values in the 25-35% range...will have to check specifically.

bluelevel 09-14-2017 08:16 AM

I noticed that you also have a Cortex gyro installed in the plane. Is the steering input a separate channel coming directly from the CB200 or are you using the rudder output as the steering input that goes through the Cortex first? Then you would have two gyros in series that might cause problems! Have you tried deactivating the steering gyro by setting the gain to zero?

Thomas

VK96 09-14-2017 08:56 AM

NWS is a dedicated channel and not run through the cortex. I've not tried reducing the gyro gain back to zero, but can the next time it happens. The issue is random...just begins right after powering up. Could go 20 power cycles with no issues and then all the sudden it'll occur. Just curious, have you been able to run EX Bus to the GS200? Found it odd that both controllers responded the same way in that configuration.

LenAlessi 09-14-2017 11:02 AM

Is it possible that a strong signal from the TX being in close proximity to the controller when it is powered-up is scrambling things? I once had a controller that would lose it's proportional braking if the TX was too close when it was powered up. After I figured it out it never happened again while keeping the TX away or having my body between the TX & controller.
Len

bluelevel 09-14-2017 12:43 PM


Originally Posted by VK96 (Post 12367776)
NWS is a dedicated channel and not run through the cortex. I've not tried reducing the gyro gain back to zero, but can the next time it happens. The issue is random...just begins right after powering up. Could go 20 power cycles with no issues and then all the sudden it'll occur. Just curious, have you been able to run EX Bus to the GS200? Found it odd that both controllers responded the same way in that configuration.

I had several GS-200 controllers and now the newer model with the black casing, but never tried the bus setup. I would try to reduce the gyro gain to zero on the nose wheel to see if it's the gyro function or something else.

Thomas

VK96 09-14-2017 12:49 PM


Originally Posted by LenAlessi (Post 12367807)
Is it possible that a strong signal from the TX being in close proximity to the controller when it is powered-up is scrambling things? I once had a controller that would lose it's proportional braking if the TX was too close when it was powered up. After I figured it out it never happened again while keeping the TX away or having my body between the TX & controller.
Len

Thanks Len...that's an interesting suggestion. In all cases the TX has been close to the jet. I'll try moving the TX away next time.

VK96 09-14-2017 01:04 PM


Originally Posted by bluelevel (Post 12367836)
I had several GS-200 controllers and now the newer model with the black casing, but never tried the bus setup. I would try to reduce the gyro gain to zero on the nose wheel to see if it's the gyro function or something else.

Thomas

I've got the new ones as well...I'll try reducing the gain to zero next time and report back. Thanks for the suggestion.

Ron S 12-24-2018 05:10 PM

Reviving this old thread, only because it seems there are a few Electron Retract experts out there. :cool:

I just picked up a set of ER-50s. The ER-40s I have in my Rebel work great. With the 40s, one can individually operate the retracts by applying a voltage (6-7 v) to the retract unit itself... And just reverse polarity to retract to the opposite direction. CAN THAT BE DONE still with the ER-50s?

Reason I ask, is because there is a little tag on the actuator housing that states "Don't connect direct to battery"...

causeitflies 12-24-2018 05:53 PM

You can but you MUST stop before it reaches the stalled point.

scoeroo 12-24-2018 06:47 PM

Yes ....
Use a 4.8 volt Nicad pack if you have one - works great for setup purposes

Viper1GJ 12-24-2018 06:47 PM

I made a special gear test harness from a Y connector to do just that and easily reverse polarity. The key is to remove battery power just as the gear strut movement stops in either up or down position. The drive screw is still turning and has not hit the stop/stall point yet. Its easy but you must pay attention to remove battery power before the screw drive stops and stalls.

FlorianDo 12-25-2018 02:43 AM

I prefer to use manual controller from electron for installation and field assembly of the wings to the fuselage. Spending 40 bucks or so to avoid burned retracts was worth the price to me..

Dansy 12-25-2018 04:00 AM


Originally Posted by FlorianDo (Post 12488359)
I prefer to use manual controller from electron for installation and field assembly of the wings to the fuselage. Spending 40 bucks or so to avoid burned retracts was worth the price to me..

+1

Bob_B 12-25-2018 04:09 AM


Originally Posted by Viper1GJ (Post 12488319)
I made a special gear test harness from a Y connector to do just that and easily reverse polarity. The key is to remove battery power just as the gear strut movement stops in either up or down position. The drive screw is still turning and has not hit the stop/stall point yet. Its easy but you must pay attention to remove battery power before the screw drive stops and stalls.


https://www.electron-retracts.com/manual-controller/

Ron S 12-25-2018 01:49 PM

Thanks for the input, guys. :) I had also made a test harness for my ER-40s, in which I used an old 5 cell JR NiCd pack. I just tested it on my new gear and they work fine with the ER-50s. I needed to actuate them to ensure one of my sets was indeed a 100 degree rotation setup.

I didn't even think to look up what their manual controller was for... :confused: Now I know! Thanks Florian! On my next order, I may pick one up, just to be on the safe side!

Have a good Christmas, guys!

sc0tt 12-26-2018 11:34 AM

Got my controller within a couple days ordering from JAG RC/Electron Retracts USA
makes install/set-up very easy
https://jag-rc.com/shop?olsPage=prod...ual-controller

https://www.facebook.com/electronretractsusa/

Steve Collins 12-26-2018 02:55 PM

I agree. That manual controller is a really nice tool for operating the retracts in situations where they need to be down in order to remove the wings but then need to be retracted for transport of the wings. The same is true when assembling the plane if the gear needs to be down to plug the wings in.

Zeeb 12-27-2018 01:28 PM


Originally Posted by sc0tt (Post 12488568)
Got my controller within a couple days ordering from JAG RC/Electron Retracts USA
makes install/set-up very easy
https://jag-rc.com/shop?olsPage=prod...ual-controller

https://www.facebook.com/electronretractsusa/

I was looking for a place to buy the controller but these links had not been posted yet, so I got a hold of Scott Marr and he gave me Greg's email address. I did not know he had a business and website.Greg replied with a link to the controller on his website, I got one ordered last night and he shipped it today. Can't beat that for service.

Viper1GJ 12-27-2018 04:11 PM

I did not know the manual controller was available till this thread. I'm ordering one tonight.
Thanks for the info.

jjantti 12-28-2018 03:58 AM


Originally Posted by Spuetz (Post 12366743)
Hi everyone,

does anyone have a good starting value from experience for setting the gyro values to the differential brakes? I'm using it in a C&C Aermacchi M 346. I don't want to mix brakes with steering, just want to keep it straight when braking. My brakes tend to have different braking power, left and right and the jet tended to veer to one side when I applied the brakes. But what do I start with? 20%? 50%? more?

Hi Spuetz

I have same M346 equipped with Xicoy LGC-15 which I believe is about the same as GS-200. I have no veering on brakes. It is actually very stable... just needs to have friction on tyres. I have set up that has low braking force and little gyro correction. I guessed these parameters last spring and haven't made any corrections since:
Pulse ratio 1/5, Steering mix 10%, Gyro mix 10%. Center 0%, Gain 100%, Gyro gain -10%

Hope this helps, Jyri

awanx 12-24-2019 11:07 AM

Friends, I have a set of er40 ( reversible) controlled by a GS200. One motor in one of the retracts went faulty and I ordered a new one. Its installed now, but a I face a strange problem in that retract. It is moving opposite to the other two. I have checked everything I the tr union is installed in the proper way. I did not find anyway option in GS200 to prevent this . Or to reverse one retract. Can anyone help?

Dansy 12-24-2019 11:09 AM


Originally Posted by awanx (Post 12571528)
Friends, I have a set of er40 ( reversible) controlled by a GS200. One motor in one of the retracts went faulty and I ordered a new one. Its installed now, but a I face a strange problem in that retract. It is moving opposite to the other two. I have checked everything I the tr union is installed in the proper way. I did not find anyway option in GS200 to prevent this . Or to reverse one retract. Can anyone help?

You just need to reversed the plug into the slot ie red to black and black to red...it's because you have that one in reverse mode

scoeroo 12-24-2019 11:44 AM

Transpose the retract motor leads -

Pondus 12-24-2019 06:02 PM


Originally Posted by awanx (Post 12571528)
Friends, I have a set of er40 ( reversible) controlled by a GS200. One motor in one of the retracts went faulty and I ordered a new one. Its installed now, but a I face a strange problem in that retract. It is moving opposite to the other two. I have checked everything I the tr union is installed in the proper way. I did not find anyway option in GS200 to prevent this . Or to reverse one retract. Can anyone help?


Unplug the two other units and cycle this one so they all are in the same position. Then plug them all in, and then they should operate together.


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