NTC3 Radio Conflict

[CarFreak]

Hey there. I'm having difficulties with a radio-related problem. Here it goes:

I'm having a problem with my NTC3 radio. When I turn the wheels to either side all the way and hold it for a few seconds, either while applying throttle or not, it "locks up". Meaning that the light starts flashing on the (duratrax) failsafe and all I can do is turn the wheels, but the throttle servo doesn't respond, unless I turn off the radio and start it up again. Additionally, the steering servo is emitting a noise, kind of like a loud hum.


Things I have tried so far:
fresh set of batteries (receiver and remote)
moving the two servos farther away and trying (interference? )


P.S. So far, this is only happening with the failsafe connected. I don't want to run the car without one, however, for obvious reasons. Could this be a bad failsafe? Or should I replace the servo? The car was working fine last year and I just recently dug it out of the closet to take it for a spin to find out about this...


Thanks all in advance.

 

[SkyMaxx]

Was it working fine last year with the failsafe you are currently running it with? If not, I'd suggest that perhaps your failsafe (if it is a new addition to the RC) might not be compatible with your radio gear. If so, perhaps you simply need to "reprogram" the failsafe.

Failsafes can fail. You might need a new one.

The humming with the servo...what brand? Does the humming happen all the time or only when there is an input to the serov (ie when you have it turned to full throw in one direction or the other)? Sometimes a servo humming is just the servo acknowledging that it is under a load (ie it has an input).

Note, if you have not driven this rc in a while and it is a nitro...you might need to simply tighten up all of the screws on any metal-to-metal connection. If there is a loose metal-to-metal contact on the ride and it is a nitro RC, the vibrations caused by the engine vibrate the metal against the other metal and you get an electric field which can interfere with your electronics.

 

[Candyman]

Quick way to test. Disconnect the failsafe. If the radio function returns to normal, then your failsafe is either defective or incompatible. I have had that happen in the past. I have 1 XTM failsafe that was nothing short of a PITA in my old T-Maxx. Replaced it with an Ofna micro-failsafe and it worked fine. On the other hand, the XTM worked (and is still working) fine in my Nitro RS4.

 

[CarFreak]

Thanks for your responses.

Everything works fine w/o the failsafe connected.

I guess I need a new failsafe then. I heard OFNA is good, should I go with that?

Also, I posted about this same problem on another forum. Someone suggested that I get a NIMH pack (currently using alkalines).
Can anyone recommend a good NIMH pack for an NTC3?

Thank you.

 

[Candyman]

I use the Ofna micro in 2 of my rides and they have always worked well. No problems at all. They are wired into JR/Hitec equipment and no glitches. And I believe they're pretty affordable right now.

As for a NiMH pack, you'll need a 5-cell (6.0V) pack. I'm not sure which configuration will fit the tc3. I know there are guys here who can tell you in you need a hump or flat pack. Also, check with FastEddy. He distributes some good, affordable packs that can get you going.