Remote problem, need advise

[Nico]

Hi All,

I'm new to r/c cars, i got the Caster buggy ZX-1 RTR, so i need some advise about a problem i got from the remote vs the cars.

I made the break in for the motor as mention by the local reseller. 2 full tanks running on idle. I made approximately 3 because i was tuning at the same time. So for the 3-4 tank i ran smoothly the buggy around, but i ran into a problem. After 30sec i lost the control of the car. So the car ran away very fast. I lost all the control, unable to turn, put the brake or the gas. When i try again after samething happen. Can it be the remote control ? by the way it the one coming with the starting kit (AM-T02).

Thanks for your opinion

Nicholas

[Jonathan Bell]

first I would check the batteries for the reciever then make sure you have no loose connections. Try plugging the battery straight into he receiver and bypass the on/off switch to make sure that isn't the problem. Hope this helps.

[Nico]

The battery are brand new Energizer. less than hour of use. I will check for the connection

Can it also be interference ?

Is it a real cheap radio ?

Thanks

Nicholas

[dskredbarron]

And most definitely invest in a failsafe !!

[Nico]

a failsafe like an auto cut off or something ? Is it expensive ?

Sorry for dumb question but want to learn the most as possible.

Thanks

Nick

[vnmsgt]

I have found the crystal in the transmitter (controller) to be loose in other brands before and cause that problem.

[dskredbarron]

a failsafe will automaticaly apply your brakes and return your engine back to idle if your receiver loses the signal from your transmitter. granted you have a good battery in your receiver. very cheap considering that it can save your engine from running away on you. 10-15$ is just a guess.

[Nico]

For sure i will get one. After tonight im not sure i will be able to trust that. I will need to check up the remote correctly and maybe go to local reseller to exchange it. I have it only for 2 days now.

[dskredbarron]

well i hope that all works out for you and that you engine is ok. If you have any other questions please feel free to ask.
does your remote control anything at all with everything turned on ?

[Nico]

It does work perfectly when i turning on. But after i start driving approximately 30 sec to 1 minutes i lost the control and the buggy ran away by itself with like the gas jam at high speed.

I reduce the idle speed but that didn't do anything.

A symptom that i forgot to mention sometime before putting the gas i saw the wheel turning by themselve without touching the radio and it stop than i got control back and forth like this for a short period of time.

Weird probleme hein ?

[dskredbarron]

most definitly make sure that your antenna is not coming in contact with anything. if it is it may be causing interference. make sure all of your connections at your receiver box are all good and plugged in all the way.

[Nico]

for sure the antenna doesnt touch anything.

second do i need to open the remote to see inside if all connection are ok ?

I will also check for the battery to make sure everything is ok.

But my remote doesnt shut off when i loose the control. Its just a matthers that i have control or not.

[dskredbarron]

the connection that i am talking about is on your car itself. opposite your engine there is a box that your battery for your cars receiver and servos is in. open that box and make sure that the wires going to your servos are good and that your battery is plugged in good as well as charged up. if your battery is weak that could also cause your problems.

[Nico]

Thanks will check that too.

[dskredbarron]

your welcome. hope all turns out ok for you. glad to see you are running a caster!!!!

[cold_reboot]

Reminds me of a weak receiver battery (not that I'VE ever had that happen *sarcasm button off*). I'd do what was already mentioned and plug the receiver battery straight into the receiver. A fouled or bad switch can also cause that to happen. Try new batteries anyway if you haven't already. My truggy is good for about two hours with the Hitec 5955 before it go's flat (yeah...I know razzor...Lipo's) and a reciever pack. Dunno how much juice the stock Casters drain. Could also be an interference problem. Set off an EMP to shut everything else down in the area and try again. I'm kidding. Does the strange behavior occur while the engine isnt running? If it only happens when the truck is running, interference is a good bet. Moving metal parts (engine) can often create interference. I'd start by checking the batteries by plugging it straight into the reciever, if it doesn't happen, start the engine, if it still doesn't do it, it very well might be a fowled switch. If it does it when you start the engine good chance it may be interference.

[Nico]

To answer your question.

Yes it doing it without the engine started.

Plugging the battery directly in the remote. Not sure to understand that one. I have 8 X AA energizer batteries plug at the bottom of the remote (that was for testing purpose, i will get a battery pack soon with a failsafe for sure).

Do you mean the battery in the remote box on the buggy or on the control ?

Thanks again for all your help guys

Nick

[cold_reboot]

in the radio box on the buggy itself. Unplug the slot that the on/off switch is plugged into and plug the battery directly into the receiver.

[lowlife88]

Another way to check the connections is to turn everything on, leave it on the stater box NOT RUNNING and slowly step away turning the wheels back and fourth as well as hitting the brakes and gas. This will give you an idea of the range you are getting out of the remote to the car. Contiune this past the 30 seconds you had mentioned before and continue untill you have an idea how many feet away you can control the buggy till it doesn't respond anymore. Then start doing some of the things that have been mentioned to you so far repeating the steps of walking away from it testing it everytime you try something different. In all honesty, purchase a DSM radio and that should resolve any interference issuses you may have.

[cold_reboot]

+1 on DSM. Just didn't want to tell him to start spending more money right away. Everything I have is DSM after buying the DX7 for my planes. I was sold.

[lowlife88]

I agree on that, cold. But if you figure the cost of a decent radio system compared to a new motor (do to the fact of his possible being ruined because of this issue) I would go with the new radio.

[lowlife88]

I have also heard of people having problems like that beacause of large power lines near by. It's a possibility

[razzor]

Most times on RTR kits its either receiver battery issues, the crystal in the receiver is loose or even the antenae on the radio is loose.
Could be something else too but i dont like using alkaline batteries as they cant give the servo's enough current to work properly and under strain when is use they get voltage drop that cuases glitching.
Note also alkalines will not last very long in a buggy especially when new as steering can still be a bit tight so drain the batteries faster.
Id suggest going to teh local hobby shop you purchased at and asking advice or help to solve the problem.
Good alternative is going to a local track or if you know anyone experianced in RC.

[rpg711]

Emps wouldnt work, since there is no electrical component in the engine to disturb... so you would stop ALL electronics(in this case, full throttle servo) AND not have the chance to get it back.. lol

[bc24fl]

Same thing happened to me at my track but it was a frequency conflict. The very next day I purchased the Dx2 transmitter (remote) / receiver. Worked well and has built in fail safe. I paid around $160.

[3pointX]

I had this problem with mine as well. I put in fresh batteries when I first started everything up but the radio would cut in and out constantly. I was actually wise and installed a failsafe prior to even starting the engine and it's a good thing. I don't know what the deal was with the transmitter, but the failsafe tripped like every time I gave the transmitter any input. I ended up just using the transmitter from my Firestorm (another Futaba AM) and have not had any problems. Actually, the one for the ZX-1 won't even turn on now. I think something was defective with the internals but I don't care enough to find out, I didn't like the way the trim knobs were recessed into the side of the controller anyway (I got some big fingers).

[Mr Fusion]

Aside from the actual problem/issue here........

What you also need is a "throttle return spring" in the form of either a spring or a rubber band, that will physically pull the throttle closed if there is a radio failure.

This, in combination with a failsafe device (which only works if the system still has power) should prevent any such runaway events.

[razzor]

check the battery terminals in teh radio maybe stretch them a bit.
Noticed this morning when i was getting one ready to demo to a customer that teh batteries lose contact when you shake the transmitter.

[skeller]

Aside from the actual problem/issue here........

What you also need is a "throttle return spring" in the form of either a spring or a rubber band, that will physically pull the throttle closed if there is a radio failure.

This, in combination with a failsafe device (which only works if the system still has power) should prevent any such runaway events.


Unless you fry a throttle servo in the open position.....then your screwed anyway. I've had it happen.:eek:

[hakmazter]

me too, and it was a hitec......

[Nico]

Hey guy's finally i got a failsafe and i test my remote.

Is this normal that after 20 feets i loose signal. I found it really small coverage.

If i put a battery pack (nimH) do you think that will put that number higher or not ?

I'm starting to think that the remote is really cheap.

Nico

[rpg711]

(the remote is really cheap)
well, broke it to you, lol.
It's possible to use it for fun driving, but any higher than that you will need a solid AM radio(and if you shell out that money, might as well just buy a Spektrum DX3.0 DSM... 250$ is all you will ever need, for all of your RC's you ever buy(mabee more recievers, but yeah.)
That's the beauty of 2.4ghz binding :)

[hakmazter]

I am getting ready to test the FM ones. I will be curious to see if they have issues. I do not like issues.......

[Mr Fusion]

I will be curious to see if they have issues. I do not like issues.......

hak v issues
:&

sounds like a line from the godfather... next he will be talking about the akerman plates and fishes

:&!@

[hakmazter]

Or the lack of input for the shocks and my team members from around here. Water is really high lately......

[hakmazter]

No one will notice if Cam is missing and I can claim you got hired by Losi......

ha ha ha ha......

[Mr Fusion]

No one will notice if Cam is missing and I can claim you got hired by Losi......

ha ha ha ha......

:eek::eek::eek::eek::eek:

:bsflag:
<*&<*&<*&

[Nico]

Its not given at 250$ for a new remote.

That suck the car is brand new and you need to update the remote to get more than 20 feet distance from the remote and the car.

How about this one ?
http://2.4gigahertz.com/systems/futk2020.html


Nicholas

[hakmazter]

We are getting some replacement AM ones from Caster as we are having problems over here. I fugure in about 3-4 months, Caster stuff will literally be bulletproof....but I get to see things that others don't.....Each complaint gets resolved. Each time it gets resolved, it gets better, etc..... I think that Mikey is going after xray now.... You guys must have pissed him off somehow.....lol.

Check the new pics on the cart for electric buggy in the image exploder.....nice.
Wait til you get the shocks in your hands....Nice.
Wait til you see the new air filters for the price....Nice.
Wait til you see the new brakes....Nice....

[3pointX]

Its not given at 250$ for a new remote.

That suck the car is brand new and you need to update the remote to get more than 20 feet distance from the remote and the car.

How about this one ?
http://2.4gigahertz.com/systems/futk2020.html


Nicholas

I get about 60 yards give or take before the failsafe trips due to signal loss, even with the stock controller, so I'd check everything to make sure it's working properly. Simple things like coiling the antenna wire around itself can cause enough interference to shorten range. If the antenna mast isn't tight on the controller, shortened range. Things like that. My only issue was that the stock controller only worked when it felt like it, or if I beat the crap out of it. But yeah, it's a good idea to upgrade the radio gear. Face it, RTR radio gear, be it from Caster, AE, Traxxas, HPI, whatever, is typically very basic, no frills, but they work fine for bashers and novice drivers that take competitive racing with a grain of salt. It's not crap, I mean, it's Futaba-made, and I've never heard any complaints about Futaba. But for more serious use, whether you're a hardcore basher, or just want to get into racing, a radio upgrade is a wise investment. You'll notice so much better control. All that throttle and steering glitch you see with the stock radio? Consider it gone. Range? How far can you see? Battery life? Much better.

Get my point?

[Nico]

I understand your point correctly. I don't want to fight with this everytime so it's plan to change the remote controller. But i just want to know some good brand outside to see which one i can choose. I know it is personal but it's only to have some tough on this.

Nicholas

[razzor]

a wise investment i sto go to a radio with 2.4ghz. benefit of no frequency clashes.

[Nico]

I got the Futaba 3PM 2.4ghz

I install the receiver in the car plug everything. If i turn the switch on both it is working when pressing the gas and turning the wheel the wheel on the car are turning.

My question is when i try to set the trim (to have the tire fully center) it's doesn't do anything. Sometime the cervo seems to have hard time because it making a loud sound.

Do you think that 4 X AA battery is not enough for that ?

Thanks

[bc24fl]

I got the Futaba 3PM 2.4ghz

I install the receiver in the car plug everything. If i turn the switch on both it is working when pressing the gas and turning the wheel the wheel on the car are turning.

My question is when i try to set the trim (to have the tire fully center) it's doesn't do anything. Sometime the cervo seems to have hard time because it making a loud sound.

Do you think that 4 X AA battery is not enough for that ?

Thanks

I'm not familiar with that model as I own the dx2 spek but if the trim doesn't work it's probably because it's locked. I would set the trim through the setup software builtin to the transmitter (remote). And the 4xbattery is fine just slower but should work.

The noise is normal and mine does the same.

[Nico]

I would set the trim through the setup software builtin to the transmitter (remote).

You mean on the remote cotroller ? if that what you mean this is not working.

It seem to correct a very little bit but not enough and stop working.

I don't know if that can be a problem between the digital remote vs the cervo. It should be compatible right ?

Thanks

[razzor]

it is compatible.
Set your steering trim on the radio to the centre and check that teh sub trim is also in the centre position.
Then with teh radio and car switched on see how far out teh steering is and if a lot you need to physically loosen the steering horn that attaches to the servo to adjust it to its straight position.
I am going to take pics but i hope the above explaination is understandable.

[Mr Fusion]

You mean on the remote cotroller ? if that what you mean this is not working.

It seem to correct a very little bit but not enough and stop working.

I don't know if that can be a problem between the digital remote vs the cervo. It should be compatible right ?

Thanks

That's normal. The trim setting is only meant to fine tune the servo. If the steering was too far off, then you need to set the trim on the radio back to 0, and physically take off the servo horn and reset it so the wheels are closer to where they are supposed to be.

Then use the trim to fine tune the wheels to center. Some radios also have another "sub trim" feature that allows more adjustment "throw"... you might look for something like that... an additional trim button, etc.

[YourDogg]

We are getting some replacement AM ones from Caster as we are having problems over here. I fugure in about 3-4 months, Caster stuff will literally be bulletproof....but I get to see things that others don't.....Each complaint gets resolved. Each time it gets resolved, it gets better, etc..... I think that Mikey is going after xray now.... You guys must have pissed him off somehow.....lol.

Check the new pics on the cart for electric buggy in the image exploder.....nice.
Wait til you get the shocks in your hands....Nice.
Wait til you see the new air filters for the price....Nice.
Wait til you see the new brakes....Nice.... so do people who have already bought a caster veichle get these new upgrades?? like the new radio and stuff??

[hakmazter]

New radio, yes... warranty. Just waiting for him to get new ones finished up and sent over. It will probably take a while as I am sure it will come by boat to lower expenses. The wait sucks, but that is one thing about Mikey is that he stands behind the product. That is why we have been busy making new products. We feel that we can do it now that the problems have been fixed. Even at that point, the problems are about the same or less than other manufacturers...

[YourDogg]

so once the new radios are in would i get one??:p (since warranty is it free or just cost less?)

[hakmazter]

It would be free, you just pay shipping...

[YourDogg]

shipping from where. if its near vnmsgt its $50. whats the difference between these new ones?? any other things like that??

[vnmsgt]

I just say Razzor's new avatar and WWOOOWW!!! I think he might just have Oasis beat! I am a chest person myself but again WWOOOWW!!!

[YourDogg]

I just say Razzor's new avatar and WWOOOWW!!! I think he might just have Oasis beat! I am a chest person myself but again WWOOOWW!!! lol i have seen a better chest one like Oasis but i dont feel like getting in crap from hak!!

[hakmazter]

Yes, I am wondering how far to go before I start deleting stuff....

[razzor]

nooooooooooooooooooooo hak
thats not my avatar !!!!!!!!!!!!


I WANT MY AVATAR PLEASE !!!!

[vnmsgt]

I want that Avatar!!

[hakmazter]

OK, the sig pic is what he wanted as an avatar, but it was too big....best I can do with my limited computer knowledge... I put your pic back as the avatar.

Do you really want that avatar, Chris?

[vnmsgt]

Put it on the bottom of my posts for now, just like it is on Razzor's. We will see how long I can go with it until my wife sees me posting LOL! I will tell her I did it for her so I can think of here with every post!

[YourDogg]

Put it on the bottom of my posts for now, just like it is on Razzor's. We will see how long I can go with it until my wife sees me posting LOL! I will tell her I did it for her so I can think of here with every post! hahahahahaha:&!@ :bsflag: