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[rmaddock]

Hi all!  I'm Robert and I'm new to this forum so be gentle  

I have been building (for the last ten years) an RC yacht and it is very close to hitting the water now.



I've a Hitec Ranger 3 40Mhz rc system which I bought many years ago now but which has never seen any proper use.  I've got a standard servo to the rudder and a Hitec sail winch servo.  I've just connected it all up again and stuck in new batteries and it's not happy: the two channels seem to be mixing (and that is turned off); the judder horribly or run to their stops; touching the Tx aerial seems to affect the servos; turning the Tx round or upside down seems to affect the servos.

I've checked all the connections - I've made sure I'm not too close.  From reading posts here I wonder if, in the past, I've had it on with the aerial down and burned it out.

Should I just buy a new Tx?

Good forum, by the way  

[snowwolflair]

I dont know the set, but this is something I used to see with transistorised sets  - before the modern single chip type.  I would start by finding another reciever and see if that makes a difference.  then another transmitter, and in this way find which part is not working, then replae it.  A local clud should be able to help.

[rmaddock]

I'm not attached to a club yet.
If it comes to swapping things out and trying new stuff then I'm tempted to just chuck it and buy a cheapo 2.4 system such as this: http://hurricanemodels.co.uk/engine/shop/product/7710200/PLANET+5+2.4GHz+COMBO.

The only question is, would this be compatible with my current servos?  I've got a 2.4ghz chopper and I rather like to ease of use that comes with it.

[Shipmate60]

Robert,
If the transmitter is turned off while the receiver is switched on you will get the servos chattering.

Bob

[rmaddock]

Thanks Bob, but I know that one.  I'm an RC pilot normally so familiar with the technology in general just not with this set.  It's been on the shelf so long it's probably got moths in it 

[tony52]

Robert,

Had a similar problem with a hitec optic set, i.e. servo twitch (and poor range). Found the rx to be faulty. New one received from Howes and all OK. Can't say for sure it will be the same fault, but as snowwolflair says it would be worthwhile finding a 40mhz rx first. I received help from the local model boat club, in trying an rx before I bought.

Tony.

[malcolmfrary]

First make sure the battery connections and leads and all points between are OK.  I have had these symptoms due to a battery terminal needing a polish, a dirty plug contact, a switch needing TLC and a bit of black wire.  Dont forget that power goes not only from battery to RX, it also goes to the servos as well, so these connections can be just as liable to trouble.  Anything that causes the battery voltage to fluctuate under load will do this.

[omra85]

40 MHz Hitec receivers are notorious for jittering, especially the 3 channel red ones.
A new Rx may well cure the problem, but be prepared fro more of the same ...!
Danny
Futaba 2.4GHz and loving every minute. Does only what I want it to!

[DickyD]

40 MHz Hitec receivers are notorious for jittering, especially the 3 channel red ones.
A new Rx may well cure the problem, but be prepared fro more of the same ...!
Danny
Futaba 2.4GHz and loving every minute. Does only what I want it to!

Doesn't help to win races though 

[Mi Amigo]

If the transmitter has individual batterys instead of a welded pack I am willing to bet it is a dodgy or tarnished battery terminal as malcolmfrary says.

Spin and wiggle each battery in turn while switched on, it will help you to determine the bad contact.

Also check the aerial is screwed in properly as that can cause jitters too if it is loose.

All the best
 Neil