I crashed a plane recently with everything the same as always except I had the new Hitec Eclipse Spectrum transmitter.
Everthing was set up correctly (Positive Shift for Airtronics receiver, etc.) After about 5 minutes, the plane started glitching and simply could not be controlled. I thought it might be due to a disconnected glow driver wire, but now I'm not so sure...

Today I programmed the transmitter to a different airplane and different receiver (same brand and style receiver). I did a range check with the antenna down...at about 70 yards it was fine...but I stood there talking to a friend and the plane started to "Picasso" (jitter uncontrollably). I extended the antenna and it didn't help...I walked closer and it was still out of control. I turned of the radio off then back on and still had the jitters.

After about 5 minutes, I tried it again...all was calm. I walked away about 70 yards again, this time the antenna was extended. After about 5 minutes, I got the jitters again.

The Spectrum module seemd really warm, almost hot. I'm wondering if it's overheating or something?

Anyone have any thoughts?

There is so much that has to be taken for granted when you say "all things where the same". Was this the first flight with the radio> Did you do a range check? Did you make sure you had dialed in your RX channel? Did you check your battery voltage? These and many other Q/ have to be checked off before we go after the TX itself was at fault.

By "the same" I mean the two airplanes had the same brand receiver, same channel. Both were flown a couple dozen times each. The only change was the new transimitter.

I made sure the transmitter was on the proper shift, the correct channel, etc. The TX and RX batteries were charged appropriately. I range checked before I flew...it went well also.

The plane flew flawlessly as always...I was very happy with my new tranmitter...then after about 10 minutes, all heck broke loose.

Today, I rechecked the TX with the second airplane. It also range checked well. But here's the catch...if I leave the TX and RX on, after about ten minutes, the plane starts glitching badly. If I turn off the system, then turn it right back on, it contimues to glitch. If I turn off the system for a while then it seems to work fine again for about ten minutes, then all heck breaks loose again.

It would be different if this happend with one plane and not the other, but it's happening with both. I've never even had a single hiccup aout of either of my RXs. Something isn't right with the TX...I'll contact Hitec Monday.

Gordon

I recieved constant glitches with mine on the ground, and I didn't even try to fly anything like it was. I called Hitec and sent it in. They basically asked me if the shift and mode was correct, and they said they need to check it out to see what's going on. I should be getting my eclipse back any day now.

Ok, sounds like you have done everythung I would have up to this point to try and eliminate all other possiblities. Here is what I would do next. Use a different RX (one with a crystal of either positive of neg. shift and set the Tx to correspond. If you have no more clitches then we have narrowed it down to the RX. If you still get glitches, then you need to send the TX&RX in for re-claibration. It is not uncommon for Rx with multi channel capacity to need service.
There have been several companies that have used 50 channel Tx & Rx (ie: Polk Hobbies). If there is a lot of vibration in your fleet of aricraft, then your chances increase to having radio problems.
There is one more thing that you can check. Pull the Tx case off the back and check the antenna connection.
Maybe thises are helpful suggestions to you. Minie has worked flawlessly.

RCFlyertim

Thanks for your help. I've checked the system on two different receivers, then I went to my friends and checked it on his...same problem with all three...however, all three RX are the same brand, shift...they are, however, different channels.

ParticleMan

Thanks for your input too. My range check went great. So I went flying and was very happy, then about ten minutes into it, it went berzerk. I later discovered the problems start about ten minutes after the radio is on.

This is starting to sound a lot like the problem that Polk Hobbies had with their 50 channel Radio. The tracker and Aristro-Craft version. I wounder if the problem is related ??

I just spoke with Hitec.
They believe the problem may be related to compatibility between Hitec and some Airtronics receivers.

It seems some Airtronics receivers are tuned to the "low" end of a spectrum. The Hitec as well as Futaba,etc are tuned more to the "high" end.

All three of my problems were with Airtronics RXs.

He sugessted I send the TX in with one RX...they will check it out and retune the Hitec TX if needed.

I'll let you know the results in a couple weeks.

I guess anything's possible... but I'm not buying that answer so quickly.

It sounds like you're telling us the module is getting almost HOT to the touch, and
everything works fine until it gets hot, but then it starts flaking out, until the
module cools off for a few minutes... and then everything is fine again.
Then, after a bit, once the module is hot again, it starts flaking out again.

If that's an accurate assessment, I wouldn't put too much stock in their answer, just yet.

Definitely find another brand receiver to verify against...
but it seems that if there were any incompatibility issues, they'd show up
whether the module itself was cold, hot, or anywhere in between.


Better yet... if you know a HAM operator, with a spectrum analyzer, let him
take a look at this thing, to see what's going on with it, when it heats up.


Clarification: If Hitec is saying not to use this system with specific receivers, then you
should certainly choose a different receiver. I'm just saying, "if it acts differently,
according to how "hot" or "cool" the module is, then it sounds like you have other issues.

I agree with C_Watkins, the high temperature is a big indicator of problems. Either there is a bad connection between the output transistor and the antenna (causing a high standing wave ratio) or a failed component. Yes, the module will get warm but should not get hot to the touch. I have two of the Hitec units with the Spectra module, an Eclipse and an older Prism, and both have performed flawlessly. I would suggest you send yours back to Hitec for troubleshooting, fortunately Hitec has one of the best warrentees in the business. Your failure does not sound typical.

Yes, I guess "warm" is a relative term, but my Spectra modules don't even get "warm" in my opinion.

My module gets beyond warm...hot is a better descriptor...can still touch and hold it but is hot. I metioned this on the phone and the tech said "warm" would be normal.

I'll send it in to have them look it over...could be the connection between the output transistor and the antenna.

If this radio is not compatible with some receivers, then Hitec should say so in the manual, prior to a beloved ARF crash.

The jury is out...will keep all posted.

Anyone running the Hitec Eclipse Spectrum with Airtronincs receviers?

Anyone running the Hitec Eclipse Spectrum with Airtronincs receviers? [/B][/QUOTE]

I've been doing just that with no problems so far.

Which Airtronics receiver?
Mine all are the 92777Z seven channel receiver.

gtalbot, here's the story: I dug out the plane I thought I put an Airtronics rx in, and it turned out to be a Futaba. To make amends, I dug out another plane with a 92875Z Airtronics rx. I set up the Eclipse for this shift and freq. The controls responded fine, but for some reason, the elevator and ailerons were reversed. I left it on over ten minutes, and the module wasn't hot at all. Barely even warm. It was still working fine after 10 min. Hope this helps. Tim

Tim

Thanks for your help...it's much appreciated.
I tried it with my neighbors Airtronics on channel 24.
Seemed to work fine thought the module was very warm.

Went back to mine, channel 54, same old problem.
Same problem with my third receiver, also channel 54.

However, Hoot Gibson just made a post with the same problem
I'm having...he was on channel 57.

Maybe it's the higher channels.

What channel are you on?

gtalbot, I fly three planes on 56. Two have HiTec rx's and one has a Futaba. The Airtronics I tried today is on 48.
Do you know anyone who would let you try your module in their radio? This would at least isolate the problem to your radio or module.

Go with what Tim C. said. I think we have not ruled out that it is the Airtronics RX. If you use another brand (ie:hitec , JR or Futaba) then we can isolate the problem more clearly. Which ones do I use? MOstly Channel 36 but I also have Channel 42 and 17. I think you are having a elec. current prolbem and that means it need to be serviced.

Can't be the receiver...when I use my Airtronics RD6000, it works fine on both my receivers.

When I use the Hitec, there is a problem with both.

Took the set up inside an air conditioned room.
45 minutes into it, no problems...
I'm thinking it has something to do with overheating.
i'll send it in to Hitec for review...I'm afraid to fly as is.

I have an Eclips 7 with the Spectra modual and after 1 year of flying (alot) have never had any pary of my transmitter get warm to the touch. I cant comment on the different type of receivers due to I only fly with Hitec receivers. Like most other replies the modual getting hot is not normal and I would ground that transmitter until Hitec checks it out and repaires it. There service is top notch.

I agree, Spectra will get warm,, If I had to guess 100 degrees F. +/- 10. However I don't think this is the issue. I have experienced a similar issue with a different brand of radio. I found the rec. to be going out of tune and then 1 tx would work and the other would not. But both tx would work on a new rec. This doesn't have to be the spectra module but it could be the encoder c/b in the tx alone in addition to the tx. Confirm the tx works on another rec after it is returned. If so,, verify the ? rec. to see if it works. If not replace the rec. and or repair.
I am still waiting for my HT 555 to be returned for a problem of this type also. The TX is not hitec but the 555 responded as you mentioned. My tx is flying other models and multiple brands of rec. satisfactory. Jim

I have yet to hear of any compatibilty problems with the new Tracker II from Polk's Hobbies, except when someone forgot to change the shift. Are you referring to the version they had MANY years ago? I have used my new Tracker II with Futaba, Hitec, and DAD (+ve shift) receivers without a hicup. I haven't had a chance to try it with Airtronics yet.

I have had two transmitters that had the same problem. One an airtronics RD6000 that also caused a crash. And one a Polk Hobbies tracker II that I cought before I flew with. I sent both radios back and both had a bad solder joint. Both radios worked fine after repairs. Also, I have had no problems using the Tracker II with Airtronics recievers.

Sorry to hear your Tracker II was defective, but I'm glad you caught it before it caused a crash.

Cold solder joints are a common cause for intermittant faults in any electronics. As the temperature rises in the circuit, the connection fails, and when it's cooled off, the technician doesn't see any problem.

Just FYI I fly with the 92765? early Airtronics receiver(none-z) and eclipse/spectra and with a float plane, long distance away, channel 41, no problem whatsoever.