Transmitter problem- Help!!! please Oscar, Richard or Pat.

[Frank v B]

What is wrong with my transmitter???

One of my Spectrum DX6I transmitters is giving me trouble.
I just tested it with a new Orange RX, Castle Creations 9 amp ESC with an E-Flite 250 outrunner and 3 servos attached.

Background
- The receiver binds properly and the servos work properly through the ESC.
- the motor works properly on another set-up.

Symptoms:
- it perpetually goes through the ESC programming sequence of beeps.  No combination of stick up or down or trim up and down solves the problem.
- I tried reversing the throttle through the transmitter but that does not solve the problem.
- The same sequence happens on at least two other models bound to this transmitter.
- it happened yesterday when trying to ready my Rarebear.  When I bound another DX6I to the plane it worked fine and flew fine.
- everything worked fine 4 months ago.

Conclusion:
The problem is the transmitter throttle stick/trim lever.  How can I fix it?

Before David states the obvious, I am a contributing problem.

Frank

[davidk]

Would I say that??  Probably 

Try removing the battery from the transmitter... and leave it out for a few minutes.
Next, can you take the back off the transmitter and see if there is any dirt, dust, etc. that may be causing trouble?

[Richard_RC_Guy]

Hi Frank:

I could not find anything on Google about your problem.

Are you using a Castle Creations “Thunderbird” ESC??

1) Sounds like your “defective” DX6i is always sending out a “throttle high” signal no matter what the stick position is - this is why the ESC goes into programming mode.

2) My DX8 sends out a warning if I try to turn on my TX with the throttle high. Does your “defective” DX6i still give you a warning if you try to turn on the TX with the throttle stick on high??
I’m asking because if your “defective” DX6i throttle signal is on high then how can you turn on your TX and not get a “throttle high” warning.

3) Do any of your working DX6i TX’s give you a warning if you try to turn on the TX with your throttle stick on high??

4) Have you checked the “defective” DX6i’s “monitor” function? Does the monitor show normal throttle stick movement or is it stuck on high?

That’s all I can think of for now.

[Frank v B]

Dear Doctors David and Richard,

- removed the battery for 10 minutes and then re-booted.  Nothing changed.
- removed the back and there was nothing loose or dirty.  The only thing with a screw loose and dirty was my mind. (beat you to it David)
- I did notice a greasy liquid around the exterior of the throttle/rudder gimbal.  Wiped it off and it seems to return.  Have left it face down with a Kleenex around the gimbal.  Will leave it overnight to drain out the liquid.

Richard, you were right.  The monitor function shows all non-throttle functions moving with the sticks.  The throttle is stuck at high and does not move back and forth with the stick.

When I opened the back, the pot was turning with the stick movement as all the others were.

Signed,

Still Puzzled.

[davidk]

This doesn't solve anything, but I found this youtube video showing DX6i stick issues.  I think he concludes the transmitter was shorting out.

[bweaver]

Dear Still Puzzled. 

Broken.

[sihinch]

I agree with Bruce 

[Oscar]

Time to get a new radio. 

[davidk]

Frank,

If you get a new TX... and... if you'd like some help transferring your Model List Tape from your antenna... Richard and I have developed some "software" to assist with that process.

[Palkina]

Frank,

I had a DX6i with similar issue on the yaw channel. It turned out the potentiometer receiving the stick signal had gone bad. (if I remember correctly, it was shorting out the signal)

If someone has a spare DX6i (in not working condition), you could use it for spare part and replace that potentiometer.

[SeeFernando]

Or swap your Rudder and Throttle Pots!  Who needs rudder...  Do you have a multi Meter?  Compare the reading cross the wiper with another DX6i that works to confirm if its the pot.

[Frank v B]

Thanks for the advice guys.

David, please back over this transmitter and tenderize it completely.  You have a unique special ability.

Frank

[pmackenzie]

Most likely cause is a broken wire going to the pot, or the connector to the main circuit board is not properly seated.

[Frank v B]

Pat,

Thank you.  I will open it up tomorrow and have a closer look

Dave, Do not back up the car yet.

Frank

[Frank v B]

Richard,

A photo of the display.  The stick is clearly "down" but the top little triangle (under the "List" heading) on the monitor screen is at full deflection.