Martin, you're just amazing!
I know Spektrum are always developing something new, but I had no idea how big the range is.
Now if only there was a shop which could stock all that and give the best advice I'd be there ASAP.
By the way my reported problems are not a criticism of the manufacturer, rather I'd like to know what I've been diong wrong. Some of the damage is self inflicted - such as running a leaky boat, sailing on wet days, and breaking my antenna. it would perhaps be fairer to say that all radios are vulnerable especially in a lakeside environment, rather than to say they are fragile.
For Spam can man, I've just developed an idea based on several IOM boats I've watched.
One observation is that water gets into the radio pot when you open it and through antenna and cable holes in the side. If the wires enter through the bottom wthout sealing, the water should be able to drain freely. For the antennae I will try taping the two wires at 90° to a disc of foam which should keep them as high as possible without piercing the side of the pot for a tube. This arrangement enables the pot to be pulled out between races, for airing, or for maintenance.
Research on many forums into possible reasons for poor reception seem to suggest :
- Installation and operation. Poor siting of boat antennae, or pointing the transmitter aeriel at the boat (should be bent through 90° - doesn't matter whether it's vertical or horizontal), passing behind people or trees, operating near metal structures or in rain. These situations don't seem to occur with aircraft except when flying by video where the aircraft might be behind the pilot.
- Early Spektrum DSM systems were nothing like the DSM2/DSMX systems for reception over or in water. That is now history.
- A drop in battery voltage (spikes) can cause the link to fail, the time to relink varying according to the receiver model and protocol. Poor batteries/wiring or heavy servo loads. Difficult to measure. Certainly not limited to Spektrum but it is suggested by the manufacturer that they need 4.5 volts rather than the 3.5 - 9 volts specified. Some other makes keep the link intact down to 3.5 volts or less, though the servos would generally stop working before then it is still better to keep the link intact.
- Faulty (or more likely damaged) transmitter aeriels.
There have been faulty transmitter stick potentiometers. A recall of some Spektrum transmitters manufactured during a brief period, but perhaps other instances for many makes due to rain penetrating or wear and tear (e.g. advice not to use an expensive transmitter for a flight simulator).
Thanks both for your help.
Jerry
