View Full Version : Castle Link Problems
MLaBoyteaux
10-10-2006, 06:11 PM
I got my Castle Link from Gary today. I downloaded the software from CC. It installed and I then connected the USB and it recognized it and updated the driver for it.
I connected a 6S pack to the ESC, then I connected the Castle Link to the ESC, then plugged it into the USB port while the CastleLink program is already running.
The CastleLink program recognizes the USB (the USB connection status goes green) but the Device connection status stays red.
I tried powering the ESC up with an 11S power supply, but it makes no difference.
When I connect the castlelink to the usb port, the red led on the castlelink comes on and glows continuously, regardless of whether or not it's connected to the ESC.
I suspect I'm doing something wrong, but I've read over the instructions and searched the forum. What am I overlooking?
WayneBrown
10-10-2006, 07:18 PM
DO NOT HOOK UP A BATTERY while the link is connected.
try it again minus the battery.
Are you positive about that, Wayne?
Mine wouldn't work without the lipos connected and that topic has come up before and the posts have all said you must have it hooked up.
I suspect Mark needs to reboot his PC - I did after installing mine.
WayneBrown
10-10-2006, 07:47 PM
setup two CC35's this past weekend, and no lipos were involved.
Interesting. It sure would be nice (read: safer) without lipos attached.
Will James says it here: http://www.helifreak.com/viewtopic.php?t=20042&start=0&postdays=0&postorder=asc&highlight=castle+link
It's also mentioned here: http://www.helifreak.com/viewtopic.php?t=16700&start=0&postdays=0&postorder=asc&highlight=castle+link
AZ ChopperCam
10-10-2006, 07:52 PM
on mine I needed to hook up a lipo or else it wouldn't "see" it.
WayneBrown
10-10-2006, 07:57 PM
I don't have an ESC larger than the 35, maybe it's something specific to larger ones?
Must be differences in some models. Just tested mine.
Turned on receiver, started castle link had everything plugged together, got the same screen Mark had.
Plugged in the lipos, castle link software picked up and started talking.
Unplugged lipos, goodbye castle link.
Trooper Sam
10-10-2006, 08:09 PM
Specifically, the CC ESCs that don't have BECs must have a battery connected. The 85HV is one of those, and without a BEC, the ESC can't take power from the USB port.
MLaBoyteaux
10-10-2006, 08:27 PM
I've tried every configuration I can think of. Rebooted the computer. Scott called and I hooked mine up in the same exact sequence as his. His works, mine doesn't.
The CastleLink software will recognize the adapter, but the adapter won't talk to the ESC.
Soooo, I don't know if the problem is in the ESC or the USB adapter. :arggg:
LoopBaCK
10-10-2006, 10:07 PM
I assume the your Castle hardware was working before the software update - correct?
On the USB - have you tried different ports on the computer?
Ya know - the computer is the screwiest part of this equation --- :bomb:. Do you have another computer you can install the software to and try the entire process from? If so it could be beneficial in troubleshooting the issue and ruling out the computer as the cause.
WillJames
10-10-2006, 10:13 PM
That is similar to what happened after I flashed to 1.51 and flew 2 flights. It was repaired for free.
Sorry to hear you are having trouble. :DOH
Trooper Sam
10-10-2006, 11:18 PM
One last thing to check...see if you have .NET framework 2.0 installed. If you do, download .NET framework 1.1, install that, and THEN uninstall 2.0.
No guarantees, but maybe.
AeroMattics
10-10-2006, 11:30 PM
Just a thought...
Did you update the Castle Link for use with the upgraded opto isolater circuit for the HV esc?
http://www.castlecreations.com/downloads/castle_link_alphatest.html
MLaBoyteaux
10-10-2006, 11:31 PM
It installed .NET 1.1 when I installed the CastleLink program. I went into the component services and made sure the .NET service was started. Didn't make any difference.
Guess I'll be talking to Castle tech service tomorrow.
lakespinner2
10-10-2006, 11:49 PM
Not sure if it helps, but I was just updating a CC45HV a couple of days ago with the version 1.54, and switching between governor mode and fixed endpoints.
The inputs are opto-isolated so the battery was required. It was also very picky about the order I plugged everything up. To get the green connection lights ( URL green lights (http://www.flyupyours.com/logo10/cc45hvthrhelifixedendptsstd.gif) ) I had to have the link software running and the link connected to the ESC, then plug in the main 6S battery. Only then would it see the ESC. It did take the update ok.
Tonystott
10-10-2006, 11:56 PM
Have you used a USB port on a hub or directly into the computer?
MLaBoyteaux
10-11-2006, 05:43 PM
Called Castle today and they think it's probably the ESC. What's great is they're shipping me another one, and once it arrives I'll just send this one back.
AWESOME! I was bummed thinking I was going to have to ground the heli while waiting for a turn-around on the ESC.
I hope the retracts show up friday afternoon....
WillJames
10-11-2006, 05:49 PM
That is GREAT service!!
GGoodrum
10-12-2006, 03:08 AM
I've seen this on a couple of HV-85 controllers. As you found out, though, the good news is that Castle has unquestionably the best service/support of any company in the industry. :)
-- Gary
Symon
10-14-2006, 06:04 PM
This exact issue was happening today fro me when it first arrived. I then read this post and used the LiPo. But still no luck :(
But with one last try I linked it all up differently. I connected everything up and LASTLY connected the power and it booted up the ESC info straight away :D.
And WOW!!! This is cool. A fantastic looking piece of kit and great software interface. Setting up was fun and the info on the screen is very valuable.
You USA guys sure make a good ESC ;)
Test flight in the morning...I've got high hopes.
Cheers guys.
Symon
10-14-2006, 08:38 PM
Well...After having trouble getting the Castle Link to even recognise the ESC I now have no throttle when engaged. The red light just flashes. I have set it up correctly, the servos all work and I’ve given it the 4 seconds needed.
Gutted and being in the UK I doubt I'll get the same great service.
:(
MLaBoyteaux
10-14-2006, 08:57 PM
The new ESC showed up yesterday. I got it installed and the CastleLink works.
I updated the ESC to the latest firmware and followed Gary's settings.
I noticed it chirps differently when it arms than the first one. I set the spool-up to high. Wow, the spool up is much smoother and linear than before. I set the governor gain to 50 and took it out for a test flight.
The governor seems a little sluggish, so I'm going to tweak it up a little. I set my tail rotor drive belt tension a little looser than usual to reduce the load on the system. Well, in a good vertical climb I noticed a sudden change in the sound of the heli. Hmmm.
The belt had jumped off the roller on the left side. I put it back on and spooled it up, but I could see the belt seemed to be slipping a tooth now and then. So I've put a little more tension on the belt.
Castle even included a pre-paid envelope to send the other ESC back in.
AWESOME service.
dreslism
10-14-2006, 09:35 PM
Well...After having trouble getting the Castle Link to even recognise the ESC I now have no throttle when engaged. The red light just flashes. I have set it up correctly, the servos all work and I’ve given it the 4 seconds needed.
Gutted and being in the UK I doubt I'll get the same great service.
:(
Are you saying that after upgrading the firmware that the ESC will not arm now?
If so, this is common with the new firmware. It is not seeing "Zero" throttle, just extend your low ATV for your throttle until it arms.
Symon
10-15-2006, 04:41 AM
If so, this is common with the new firmware. It is not seeing "Zero" throttle, just extend your low ATV for your throttle until it arms.
So just increase the endpoint but only the low? How will this effect overall throttle characteristics if it works? Would it not screw things up? :)
Cheers dude...