Glitching Ko Esprit 3 Spektrum
 

Hi,

Does anyone know any obvious things to check on an esprit 3 with spektrum module? It randomly glitches when sitting still, sometimes throttle, sometimes steering. I had issues driving it indoors, but i didn't get this problem outdoors.
I have tried a couple of receivers and completely different electrics, but it seems to be the actual transmitter.
Before i shell out for a new setup can anyone suggest any checks?


Thanks

Have you tried running a power cap on the receiver like this?
http://m.ebay.co.uk/itm/Genuine-Spek...-/360506119803

Yes, i've always run one.

Could be the pots

I was thinking that too, can't find any though!

Mine would do that the best cure I found after trying cap moving receiver all the normal stuff is get rid and purchase a Sanwa x problem solved.

Thats my last resort. I don't race often so am not looking at buying kit without needing to.

As Bry stated could be the pots. But I had this on my Esprit 3 when I ran the cheaper ko 407 receiver. But was perfect when I ran the ko 408 and ko 409 recievers. Have you tried a different receiver on its own.

few years ago we started to tape around the outside of the spectrum module when removed from transmitter then re fit, it makes the module a far tighter fit with no play and thus no play on the connecting pins inside, I think this was to solve a problem like yours, I have to admit I did the mod before I had any problems, I have had my ko since they were first on the market and its still going strong even if in the last year it has become my second transmitter….to a sanwa:wub

we had the same problem with ours changed to sanwa problem go

Yeah ive tried three now, all Spektrum though.
I think ill bend the pins in the module to try and get better contact, but if that doesn't do anything ill have to bite the bullet as there doesn't seem to be any spares out there at all!

sameo
 

I have had the same problem... after many years and many many hours mine started doing the same... I changed everything in the car.. it seemed to sort it for a round then the glitching came back. Even added a new antenna to the module added tape to keep it tight etc. Powercaps etc... in the end I gave up got a sanwa gemmini x ... spot on :thumbsup:

Thats what i was just looking at. Is the Gemini 50/50 on the throttle stick? I would hate 60/40 like the Exzes. Is it good for big hands as i haven't ever held one. £150 is a bit of a no brainer for me.

If you still have old 40mhz module and rx to try and problem disappears then you know issue is spekky related ifvits still there its got to be tx problems, obviously its not much help if you haven't got old Gear to retrofit
regards dave

Had similar problem with Futaba 3vcs on Spectrum , did all the above suggestions and the only thing that solved it was ........ Sanwa!!
Not much help I know , but in my opinion , cut your losses and make the move .

I was looking for some 40mhz stuff to try but it just isn't out there.
When i got this i was racing for Horizon so got the transmitter and spektrum only, no 40mhz stuff.

Ive got loads still :D
modules and rxs I still lean towards the rest of the guys though . I have 3 ko helios wheel radios with spekky modules and about 20 rxs I rarely run capacitors and have very little issue I do remember ko suffering a bit from worn pots (not an issue on wheel radios)
Other option is to ask a fellow user to bench test your module and rx to see if problems transfer to his car ( I suggest putting car on a stand initially)
Regards dave

When we talk about "pots" they are internal in the tx and attached to the sticks unless you dismantle your tx you wont find them (only tring to inform not belittle anyone's innocence)
Regards dave

Ive tried replacing everything except the module and transmitter. I think either way the parts are going to cost a bit to replace and may not fix the issue. I think it's probably the pots as it has been sat in a cupboard for over three years :woot:

I bought my 3 as the 2.4 ko version that was crap and didn't bind when asked to I then switched it to 40mhz I had a ko Mars r steer wheel set and receiver I used the module from that it was fault less for years I then purchased a spectrum mod and receivers and had nothing but trouble

I recon it has to do with the response of the set and the spectrum it seem to be better once slowed down in the menu ultra, super and whatever the others were I can't remover now

You could try a handset recalibrate function 18 in the menu basically go into that menu press the recalibrate and go fill throttle full break full left and full right you will see a number if I rember correctly once done press ok.

It's gotta be worth a try before spending out

Stu

Thanks Stu, ill have a look at that. I've half convinced myself to just replace it now though. For the sake of £150 it's probably easier than trying to figure this out, especially if it's terminal!

Stu has a point I had an issue with a mars r wheel radio on 40 mhz until it was pointed out that they only like hi response rxs also had isdues with early ko 2.4 system like stu it was shy snd didnt like binding in a room full of people:D I hadvto takevit outside where it wad quiet, once bound no more problems but as your system was fine before it still looks like a sanwa gemini is the simple solution
dave

yer you can get issues if using the hss setting I think its called I have always run in the slower setting

No, the Gemini is more like 95/5% on the throttle, drove me mad in 2013 after changing from an Esprit 2, just couldn't brake the way I wanted to.

Got the Exzes Z now, not having any problems getting used to it & the quality is way above the new KO Esprit 4.

What do you mean 95/5? I was meaning even back and forward on the sticks (in the middle, not biased downwards)

I have exactly the same issue with my KO/Spektrum. Sometimes when I switch the car on the steering is massively out but when I get it on the track its fine. Also I have steering and throttle glitches when Im stood waiting to go on track but again when Im actually on the track it doesnt seem to do it. I think its something about being stood close to the car with the transmitter.

It does bug me though and I think the only way to get rid of it is buying a new transmitter.

I found the Gemini X to have very little in the way of rearward stick travel, so instead of the 50/50 of the KO, it's more like 95% forward, 5% brake, so biased very much downwards.

The Exzes by comparison has a lot more brake travel then the Gemini.

Ah, rubbish! I can't drive like that, been far too long with a KO. I assume you can't do the same 50/50 mod like on the Exzes x?

It doesnt take long to get used to mate.. i went from having a KO for 10 years to the sanwa x and absolutely love it. it just 'feels' right.

Ive gone for the Exzes X, found a new one on special, thanks for your help guys.

That's what happened to me - it was fine, it started to give problems, some were solved but in the end it wouldn't go away. Planet Futaba fixed it for me...

This is one thing I tried that did help for a while. The problem seemed to be that dust and crap got into the receiver and caused almost a short circuit by bridging tracks and components on the biscuit board.

I took it out of the case, cleaned it carefully with a brush and no solvents and then taped the case up to hold it back together. For a while that worked fine, but after a couple more cleans the problem wouldn't go away.

I agree with both the above - move on! Cost it up, but a good used 3VCS and the Futaba 2.4 module could come in less than a new Sanwa or Futaba. You can then use the FRSky TFR4 receiver which is a steal at £23 each. I have three and they are excellent and very reliable.

Since moving to Futaba I have never had a problem, and I run indoors all the time using 12th cars which are very demanding on installation and RC reliability. HTH :)

Here's just what you need for a great price - get in there!!

http://www.oople.com/forums/showthread.php?t=161807

I run 3vcs with futaba 2.4 module and frsky receivers no problems even with the two aerial's
coiled up and taped two sides of receiver

I posted just before you, bought a Sanwa now! :thumbsup:

Derek baily can replace the pots, I have a similar thing on my euros, but its one car, and I have swapped everything out, and still does it in that one car, non of my others.

on the helios/eurus you can do a pot reset/learn its in the menu under vr rest, not sure if yours is the same may be worth a try

I think it is just the pots, but i really don't race often at the moment and don't want stupid problems ruining the day (even though there are always those days!)
Ill sell my KO and receivers as a repair job and claw back some of my cost.

id try the recalibrate on the pots 1st, you never know, it helped mine from feeling odd

I don't think you can, ive never found a menu item for it, i think only the wheels got it.

You can do the re-cal on the esprit 3. However, I'm not convinced by the description of initial fault that it will help.