From the last flight (good numbers) I considered the plane programming on my Tx (it was moved a couple times). Re-wrote a program after a couple re-sets in that slot of the menu. Did the usual things that you always have to do with a new plane...bound the Tx to the Rx and set fail-safes.

Flew another flight, now I am totally confused. AR8000 (GSS) 09:20/6.5V/A87/B---/L110/R---/F000/H001 Am pretty sure that when the hold happened, the engine did a quick RPM change. After landing (kinda stressful when you can't trust the elevator) I encountered another problem, the opti-kill switch wouldn't work.

Don't know what to do next. It is always a elevator issue. Maybe its time to swap out the Rx, or at least reposition it. But why would I have had 17 previously trouble-free flights? RRRRRR!

[cravenjw]

What was failsafe throttle position did you use at binding. When you a hold, throttle will go to the position, when in failsafe mode. If you don't set failsafes, throttle goes the idle, while other channels hold last.
So unless you were flying at the same throttle as your failsafe, you will hear a change in rpm at the hold.
I don't understand the elevator part. Are you saying you had control of everything but the elevator? If so, test the elevator servo or replace it? Do you have a servo tester/programmer? If not, take the linkages off and rotate it by hand. Is it stiff? Any gear teeth gone? Either with a tester or tx, cycle elevator a lot. Is the servo hotter than the others?

[rcgeorge]

Hey Brent, lets do some elementary trouble shooting ....
Swap out the Yak's AR9000 into the Super Sportster...leave the satellite rx where they are.
It might be a bit of a white knuckler until you realize what's what. If the problem replicates, change out the sat rx. That should be the problem.
Same as what I would do on full scale machines...start cheap and work your way to expensive!
Cheers

[rcgeorge]

and I'll clarify the previous post...that would rule out one way or another if its the rx...then you start chasing servos and especially leads and extensions! One of those el-cheapo HK servo testers is a worthwhile $6 investment!

On the last flight I was ~4 minutes into the flight, wings straight and level then all by itself it pitches down with full throw. (this is the issue every time) I have always had time to catch and correct the flight path.

I have already pulled both elevator servos, checking for broken wires, stiffness, and cycled them both by hand and TX, no issues were found. Will look up the HK tester.

I bought a new AR8000 the other day, I'll put that in.

New Rx and satellite in another hold and a dead stick landing. Walked over and flipped the prop and she fired up. Engine kill switch???? Hmmmm!

[davidmc36]

Originally Posted by Good Grief

New Rx and satellite in another hold and a dead stick landing. Walked over and flipped the prop and she fired up. Engine kill switch???? Hmmmm!

That is interesting. I see you put up Flight Log data that shows a Hold without any Frame Losses.

So is it engine kill switch malfunctioning, pulling the voltage down to the point the Rx loses connection without it acutally registering Frame Losses?

You should pop over to one of the Spektrum threads on RCG and give Andy Kunz a buzz and see if he has any ideas.

Even if you started a thread with the subjuect, a short description, and link to this thread, he would likely reply.

The plane I wrote off was a low wing plane with a glow engine. I had started it (on a plane table) and was walking to the back (from putting the plane on the ground) to pick up my radio. I was just leaning down and it went full throttle, got about 6 inches off the ground and kissed a bank of ice/snow I had pushed back with the tractor blade.

So my track record of issues with low wing planes sucks!

[rcgeorge]

pull the opto kill out...is it one of the HK ones, or the 42% products one? I think previously you posted that the LED wasn't working anymore? could mean somethings acting up inside of it and fried the LED..

Found my Opti-kill issue, I had inhibited the switch I usually use when I re-programmed the plane on the Tx. I did install a new opti-kill switch, and re-checked the voltage through the regulator (5.0V).

I took the evening off and watched TV. Who said this RC plane game was "Fun"? I have a long extension for the satellite, I think I will try to get sat way back in the fuse. Once I try that, I guess I'm at the changin' the servo thing (I've already changed one but it didn't make any difference).