Spektrum Cutting Out, Help?

[adrianderekluna]

Hey all!

I just recently upgraded to the Spektrum DSM transmitter and receiver for the Airtronics M11. I tested it at Revelation Raceway but unfortunately I had issues with the Spektrum cutting out before I even started the kit. I removed the transmitter and receiver immedietly and went back to the traditional reciever for the day to prevent damage to the new equipment.

Has anyone had issues with their Spektrum cutting out? I asked the track pro and he suggested a Spektrum specific voltage transformer that assures the Spektrum receiver is receiving the correct voltage. that item would plug into the 3rd channel port next to the throttle and steering ports.

The receiver and transmitter were binded multiple times and communicating shortly but then the green light on the receiver would stall for 5 seconds at a time, in 20 second intervals it seems. which makes me think it's a power source issue. the radio had fresh double AA batteries as well.

currently using a 1400mah battery but got a 2500mah ballistic battery pack today to test with. http://www.ballisticbatteries.com/Store_Detail.cfm?ID=140055&InfoID=200&ShowLarge=True

Any help would be awesome. Thanks all!

[lazydel]

Hey all!

I just recently upgraded to the Spektrum DSM transmitter and receiver for the Airtronics M11. I tested it at Revelation Raceway but unfortunately I had issues with the Spektrum cutting out before I even started the kit. I removed the transmitter and receiver immedietly and went back to the traditional reciever for the day to prevent damage to the new equipment.

Has anyone had issues with their Spektrum cutting out? I asked the track pro and he suggested a Spektrum specific voltage transformer that assures the Spektrum receiver is receiving the correct voltage. that item would plug into the 3rd auxillary connection next to the throttle and steering ports.

The receiver and transmitter were binded multiple times and communicating shortly but then the green light on the receiver would stall for 5 seconds at a time, in 20 second intervals it seems. which makes me think it's a power source issue. the radio had fresh double AA batteries as well.

currently using a 1400mah battery but got a 2500mah ballistic battery pack today to test with. http://www.ballisticbatteries.com/Store_Detail.cfm?ID=140055&InfoID=200&ShowLarge=True

Any help would be awesome. Thanks all!

I have the kind of the same problem... I also race at Revelation sometimes when I land after the big triple my buggy just takes off and hits the wall. after it flips over it's back to normal. I really should take time to trouble shoot this issue before it really costs me. :mad:

[adrianderekluna]

i just called spektrum in illinois. the tech lead said it sounds like i have a defective receiver. they ended with having me send the module and receiver in the horizon hobby to be tested and replaced immedietly. if you send your module and receiver in, be sure to include a letter explaining the issue and a return address. here is the link:

http://www.spektrumrc.com/Contact/Default.aspx

i suggest you do the same.

the tech assist fella suggested i double check to be sure i was not sent the M8 setup vs. the m11 setup.

so your having the same problem too huh? are you using a battery pack or 4 double AA batteries? this setup is specifically designed to prevent this type of issue.

[Hessian1427]

I have also heard of some issues with the antenna routing inside of the receiver case. Going upside down can cause loss of signal sometimes.

[adrianderekluna]

hmm... i'm wondering if this was a wise purchase, especially for $150.

[rezenclowd3]

Ya, I have been having the same problem lately also at revelation. I drive the little rc18t around the offroad track. Sometimes it acted like it had a mind of its own. Funny how it never did this to me when I first bought it. Also maybe check to make sure the inside of the RX is clean. I got some dirt in mine and it caused it to act strange also.

[adrianderekluna]

wow. maybe i should just get the replacement and stick to the traditional airtronics receiver and module?

[low10s]

i had a simular problem. mine was sending too much voltage to the throttle/brake and it was burning up servos. i went through 2 358's and a Jr 9000s in one day....a rough weekend LOL. i sent them back and they reprogrammed and yadda yadda yadda i have not tried it since i got it back. i may just stay with the synthesized.

[JamminJay]

I run the spektrum in 3 cars, since the middle of summer, and I have had No glitches at all, and the range seems to be incredible. I do run mine in a 3pk, but I thought I would still add my input here. ;)

[nomad1]

I've seen them glitch at close range. Within a few feet. My friends glitchs anytime you have the radio close to the car. When you have it on the track he has not had any problems what so ever.

[adrianderekluna]

thanks for all the input guys. i have 5 buddies that all have had good experiences and 1 that had the same problem i had, and he ended up sending it back to illinois to be replaced, after that it was fine. he was running the 3pk combo as well.

maybe it's just the few first batches that were bad. i hope the replacement that is in the mail will work out. thanks again all.

if anyone else has had issues with the spektrum, please post.

[Ball Racing]

My specktrum would not have much range with my M8,
I tried 3 different receivers, and actually bought a new transmitter module,
the same thing, it would just go into failsafe, and you had to walk to the car to get signal back..

I thought the M8 was bad so I bought a M11 transmitter, and gave away my M8,
Guess what? same results..........

I do have more range on land than on the water (I have boats too).
but some days it's not as bad.
But they tell you it's almost impossible to have interference!!!
Plus they "say" it should have like 3,200ft range.
Not in my area.......
more like 150 ft..........

[adrianderekluna]

yeah i think when i get the new one i'll just sell it on ebay. sounding like it needs a bit more time to work out the bugs.

[rezenclowd3]

One problem you may have is antenna orientation. It is supposed to be as vertical as possible. I believe that the higher the freq. the more sensitive it is to orientation. You read about the sport air system spektrum has? They say something about it having 2 rx wires so that one is always as close to the tx orientation as possible.

[adrianderekluna]

i did read the directions signifying that the module antenna is to be in the upright position. i'll give it another go on tuesday. thanks so much.

[InspGadgt]

I had the voltage problem initially. I made my own voltage capacitor using the specs I pulled off of the pic on Horizon's website and it worked great! Later I figured out the problem was my batteries...they were old enough that they were barely pushing out 6 volts. Replaced the batteries and now I don't neeed the capacitor anymore.