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[BreezyB]

I'm trying to modernise my RC kit and models to 2.4. But I'm not having a lot of luck so far!!! The latest situation is:
I want to connect together a Spektrum DX5e Tx , a  Spektrum AR500 Rx and a Mtronics Storm14 (I know it's designed for cars really ). With the Tx and Rx bound together the ESC is easily set up.
With the system on but nothing activated there is a static Red and Green LED showing that the system is in stand by mode. However in my setup about every 10 secs the Green LED goes out and the Red LED flashes for about 10 secs then the lights return to normal. The flashing Red indicates Failsafe mode which causes the ESC to shut down, therefore if the throttle is activated during the flashing nothing will happen until the unit resets its self. This leads to uncontrol.
Mtronics have been brilliant but cannot offer a solution , they say that my Spektrum takes a while to initiate
whenever it switches on. But as the Storm demands instructions immediately on switch on this delay causes the ESC to behave badly. Their technical guy blames the frame rate of the DX5e. Is there a 2.4 expert who can advise. Perhaps if I arrange it so that the ESC is activated after the RC system is fully initiated??
I would be pleased for any ideas,
Barrie

[barriew]

Barrie


I use a DX5e with an AR500 and Mtroniks Viper ESC - no problems.  In fact all my boats have DSM2 receivers - mostly Orange, but a couple of AR500s. I also generally use Mtroniks Viper ESCs.
I know this doesn't really help you, except perhaps to point a finger at the Storm ESC.


Barrie

[BreezyB]

Thanks Barrie,
The odd thing is that using the same ESC with 40mg Futaba Sky4 Tx and a Hi Tec micro Rx it behaves faultlessly and I'm tempted to leave it with this setup. However I suspect that there's a solution out there , thanks to the knowledge base of MB Mayhemers.
Thanks again
Barrie

[slowcoach]

Hi
Maybe of little help but it sounds like the ESC isn't being calibrated proply I've had this problem ensure the TX is at full throw 100% throttle.
Best of luck

[inertia]

I think MTroniks have hit the nail on the head. Some Spektrum sets take a very long time to "handshake" i.e. the time between powering up and the set being ready for operation. I seem to remember that Boatmadman's Dx6 was over 20 seconds. This handshake period doesn't happen with VHF sets. While some ESCs (e.g. the ACTion ones) are programmed to wait until they've received a sequence of valid signals before they set themselves up to a neutral it seems that the MTroniks car version here doesn't do that. This is strange as I would have thought that most car racers are moving to 2G4 as well. I don't think that the frame rate has anything to do with it.
DM

[Captain Flack]

This isn't going to help your problem but................I have had a Spektrum 5, 6i & a 7se and am now using the new DX6, as is my son, and I use a combination of Spektrum and Orange RXs, and we have not had a problem.  I'm guessing here but as previously , is the ESC calibrated properly?
Hope you work it out.

[Netleyned]

I find the Orange RX's handshake almost instantaneous,
but the Spektrum Rx's take a little bit longer.


Ned

[chipmonk]

Hi Barrie, are you using the ESC's Bec to power everything. Try it with a separate supply for the radio. Then turn on the radio and wait until the rudder servo operates properly then turn the power on to the ESC. I had this type of trouble with early 2.4 sets and now only use separate receiver batteries. No problems so far.
Cheers Chris M

[BreezyB]

Very many thanks for the helpful information everyone posted in response to my call for help. I've taken note of each comment and advice and I begin to think that the Spektrum Rx Handshake delay may well be the problem . I'm now aware that my own Spektrum system is really quite slow to become operational whereas using the 40m. Futaba  setup the switch on is instant and everything works OK.   I'm tempted to try Chris Ms idea of an independent supply just to see what happens but I will probably swap the Rx  for an Orange one as Ned suggested as first choice .
Thanks again for your response but if you have anything further to add, I would be grateful
Regards
Barrie

[barriew]

Barrie


If you go for an Orange Receiver, buy from HobbyKing's European warehouse. The price is the same as the UK warehouse (give or take a penny or two), but the postage is considerably less. The UK use only ParcelForce 24 or 48 hours giving a cost over £5. From Europe its just over one Euro.
I just bought an Orange 615x - it came in a week, total cost £8.86. Use Paypal to pay - their exchange rates are better than HK's.


Barrie