E-Flite Speed Controller Mishaps

[tkrahlin]

There have been discussions on here about the possibility of radio problems. However, I’m now convinced that the Eflite ESCs are what lead to the demise of my first TWO Gunfighters and my first PT-19.

Back in September I sent three RXs to Horizon – two were from my first two wrecked Mustangs. The third was from a third Mustang before I even flew it. They tested them and said they were all good, but sent back three brand spanking new radios ‘for my peace of mind.”

I built an Eflite PT-19 ARF and used one of the new radios. After about 25-minutes, while on the second battery, she went dead and spun in looking a lot like the two Mustangs. The PT-19 was totaled.

Before I flew the third Mustang, I put in one of the new AR500 radios that Horizon sent me. However, I used a Castle Creations 36-amp Thunderbird ESC. I also outfitted her with a Park-480 motor spinning an APC 11x7e prop. The only problem I’ve ever had with her is keeping her in the same zip code.

I built another Eflite PT-19 ARF and used the same radio from the original wrecked PT-19. However, I used another Castle Creations 36-amp Thunderbird ESC. I have about 2-hours of flight time on her so far without a hint of problems.

Of all the planes I built, I currently have four survivors…
and I fly them like they’re stolen:

Eflite Apprentice
Power-25 motor
Castle Creations Phoenix-45 ESC

Parkzone Mustang Gunfighter
Park-480 w/ eBay motor mount
Castle Creations 36-amp Thunderbird ESC

Eflite Sea Fury
Park-450 motor
Eflite 30-amp ESC, but with a 10-amp Castle Creations BEC.

Eflite PT-19 ARF
Park-450 motor
Castle Creations 36-amp Thunderbird ESC


Draw your own conclusions.

[ATIS]

Tim,

never had an issue and I am flying almost all my planes (all 50 of them) on EFLite ESC's. Did you ensure that the power wires are not touching the RX aerials?? That is a big no-no. Also, on your TX set the aerial at the first "Click" so its bent back 45* from fully straight up. The tip is a blind spot and pointed straight at the plane will result in a lost signal and that means a 5-10 second reboot... also if you hit LVC and the RX see's less then 4volts the RX will reboot again resulting in a 5-10 second lose of control.

[WJCJR1]

The 'Donut' radio theory is a valid, real concern. I must remind my son flying his Super Cub of this blind spot as he has hit this a few times. He uses 72MHZ which is a different ball of wax altogether but the same theory applies.

I have read in this center dead zone up to 90% reduction of signal is common. I have always turned my antenna to the left a couple clicks now I just go 90* left and NEVER an issue.

In your statement Tim you do not mention adjusting your TX from plane to plane so I assume you did not but wanted to mention following ATIS's thoughts about how important the TX donut really is.

I am happy you are not having any more trouble as I do remember the series of losses you had. Fortunately you did not give up and now found a combination that works well for you and didn't give the hobby up after a few mishaps.

Wayne

[tkrahlin]

Fortunately you did not give up and now found a combination that works well for you and didn't give the hobby up after a few mishaps.

Wayne

Pfftt! I’m sure I'd be more of a wreck than the planes if I didn’t 'get right back on the horse.'

But than, you already knew that – probably describes 99.9% of the personalities on here.

Tim

[ATIS]

I have killed 3 EFlite AT-6's and still plan to build a 4th....if your in this hobby you have to be a little "off center"!! :)

[WJCJR1]

I have killed 3 EFlite AT-6's and still plan to build a 4th....if your in this hobby you have to be a little "off center"!! :)

No wonder I fit in forthe most part, but not only am I off center most days I am inverted as well. :rolleyes:

Wayne

[Radioflyer]

Bryan,
I still have my original T-6 hanging from the ceiling of my shop. I put only two flights on it and everytime I felt like a long tailed cat on a room full of rocking chairs!

On the ESC thing. There's a post over at the E-F Stearman thread with ESC issues.~
Post #711
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1070110&page=48

Blessings,

Jay

[ATIS]

Jay, mine flew great, just had to remember to set the time and land when I still had lipo left.

[WJCJR1]

I went and read the post you linked, this is a 60A ESC with a Power25. A different size altogether than the ones Tim was having issues with.

Sounds like a timing issue to me. He is pulling WAY too little juice on that Power25, 30A Wide Open? Unless he is running a butter knife flat prop.

Wayne

[ATIS]

I have to agree...sounds like a timing issue or he threw a magnet...