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?

[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.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vdjDMosdB2w

[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.

[Frank v B]

OK, I tried everything:

- checked all the wire connections
- checked all the wire plugs
- sprayed WD40 onto the pots as a last ditch. 

Nothing worked.

Thanks for the advice guys.  Dave, back up your car!..... but after you read the DX6I Transplant post.

Frank