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Spektrum Service Announcement - 11/02/05

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MyJeep

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Simple Fix for Module "Shut Down" Issue

A few of our customers are experiencing a “shut down” condition with their Spektrum module systems. A “shut down” can occur in a hard crash, or while running in a specific area of the track. It is characterized by a loss of power to the servos. To reactivate the system, it is necessary to turn the receiver off, and then back on again to resume normal operation. Shut downs are most prevalent when racing on carpet due to static electricity, however they can also occur on any surface during a hard crash.
This issue is not a related to DSM technology, but is a result of an improperly routed antenna inside the module, which causes a compromised link quality. If you’ve experienced a “shut down”, please return your module to Spektrum’s service center for quick repair, which involves installing a new, longer internal antenna wire with the correct routing. While this issue affects relatively few modules, you can easily check your module to determine if your system has the proper routing - refer to the instructions below.

We apologize for this inconvenience. We are committed to achieving perfect reliability and your total satisfaction with Spektrum products.

HOW TO CHECK YOUR MODULE

Using a Phillips screwdriver carefully remove the case from your module and examine the antenna connection to the board:

Correct

Note the antenna coax is routed under the main radio board.
IMG_1008.JPG


Incorrect

The antenna coax is routed over the board in close proximity to power capacitors and IC’s compromising signal integrity. Please return to Spektrum for service. In the case of Futaba Hitec modules, a longer antenna wire will be needed.

IMG_1009.JPG


You can repair it by yourself or simply send it back if you still have the receipt.
 
Good find MYJeep.
Thanks for the heads up.
I will have to check my receiver modules.
Thanks a lot.
 
RatzoRC said:
Good find MYJeep.
Thanks for the heads up.
I will have to check my receiver modules.
Thanks a lot.
Ratzo, it's the TX module not the receiver. sl0eg1n just checked his and it was routed incorrectly as well.
 
I KNEW IT!!! DAMN SPEKTRUM!

I've been telling people about this problem for the past month on rctech. I've experienced where I lost "frequency" if the car was even more than 50 ft away. I looked inside the module and sure enough, the damn antennae somehow came off the assembly.

One thing I experienced...the antennae would pop off the board if I were to mess with the module's antennae protective outside cover. Ever since I put back the antennae on the board, I use electrical tape to keep the antennae cover in an upright position at all times.

What sucks about sending back the TX module back to DSM...what if you lost your receipt. That means you're S.O.L. They should fix the damn modules regardless if you have your receipt or not.
 
olds97_lss said:
Why would a hard crash mess up the transmitter? I think they are talking about the receiver.

I was thinking the same thing.... Are they talking about re-routing the antenna in the Tx or Rx? The letter from Spektrum would lead most people to believe that it was an Rx issue..
 
I just opened up my module guys. Those pics are definately of the Tx module, not the Rx.

*edit* also, I have the Futaba Tx module and I was able to re-route the wire w/o making it longer.
 
MyJeep said:
A “shut down” can occur in a hard crash, or while running in a specific area of the track. It is characterized by a loss of power to the servos. To reactivate the system, it is necessary to turn the receiver off, and then back on again to resume normal operation. Shut downs are most prevalent when racing on carpet due to static electricity, however they can also occur on any surface during a hard crash.

Then I wonder if they also have a problem in the transmitter. It's pretty obvious by this statement that it's in the receiver.
 
i noticed on a new specktrum rx it says on the box ....Module.....not receiver...

so i figure this prob is in the rx
 
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