Hitec 5245MGs

[Skiddz]

Just got off the phone with Mike over at Hitec (Went to high-school with him) to see what the deal was with the redesign of the 5245 cases. He told me they received 1600 units earlier in the month - double what they normally receive since they didn't get any in March - and that all 1600 should be of the new design.

He also said Hobbico bought a ton of 'em so any retailer that's getting servos from them should have the new designs.

[Finless]

So is there a way to tell the difference between new and old?

Bob

[Finless]

Oh and can you get the new design as a replacement case?

Bob

[Skiddz]

So is there a way to tell the difference between new and old?

Bob

Not according to Mike... He said the only way he'd be able to tell is to pull one out of stock and check it out. They don't have any in stock tho. :)

Oh and can you get the new design as a replacement case?

Bob

He said they have no spares in stock either and it probably due to the redesign.

[mk1spitfire]

why cant they mark it v2?

[Skiddz]

Dunno. I'm picking up 3 of the new batch tomorrow. Finless, I'll bring 'em with me when we hook up to fly tomorrow. Maybe there's some way to tell the difference visually without any disassembly.

[jonestrex450]

Dunno. I'm picking up 3 of the new batch tomorrow. Finless, I'll bring 'em with me when we hook up to fly tomorrow. Maybe there's some way to tell the difference visually without any disassembly.


Keep us posted please!

[Skiddz]

Welp, we (well fireup, since he had his tools out already) pulled the top off one of the servos I picked up this morning. Definitely a redesigned top case. These servos definitely came from the last batch Hitec received so I think it's safe to say the 1600 Hitec received are the redesigned version.

Mike told me most of this batch went to Hobbico so if you're gonna buy, find out where the retailer got 'em and how long ago.

[cbflys]

So I've been reading this thread with some curiosity. I ordered three of these servos from Tower last week. Got one and two are on backorder. I guess I'll have one older one and two newer ones.

I eMailed Hitec and they couldn't even tell me what the difference was. Just that the servo case top has been redesigned. Can anyone shed a little more light on exactly what the difference is. Will mixing old and new on the cyclic pose a problem (performance wise) or is it just something like better crash durability?

[Skiddz]

The top case originally had a small molded "ring" to capture the top of a gear shaft. In a crash, the "ring" would break and allow the top of this shaft to flop around. Very hard to maintain gear mesh like that. :)

The new design retains the "ring", but also allows the shaft to penetrate up into the case, providing extra strength - in theory. :)

[cbflys]

Ah, thanks ...

[psindrup]

Who will (be the first to) crash test the new servo case design? :)

Unfortunately we can't count on Kevin (Fireup) to test for us anymore, because he has upgraded his 500 to full size servos. :smokin:

Peter

[hookmaker]

Curious to this is going to work, the T500 i saw that crashed heavily cracked open all three bottom casings, top part intact. I thought Hitec was giving us a "near" metal case!

/Henrik

[poisike]

Who will (be the first to) crash test the new servo case design? :)
Me! :) Ordered from Fast Lad this monday, hope they have the new design...

[sgrim80]

Just got 3 from Great planes off of backorder. They are marked "08.03" which I'm guessing means they were manufactured in March 2008. I'd imagine they are the new style.

[Skiddz]

Mine are also marked 08.03 and they're definitely the new design...

[sgrim80]

Mine are also marked 08.03 and they're definitely the new design...

:) Did you use the aluminum arms or not? I'm debating...

[Skiddz]

I did use the aluminum arms, but may pull them before the 1st flight...

[Astennu]

and what about all the people that bought the faulty ones ? They can throw them away after there first crash and buy new ones ?

I bought these MG's in case i crashed there was a good chance the servo's would be fine.

And are there any records for cases breaking in flight? because if thats the case i will swap them immediately.

[gww528]

The top case originally had a small molded "ring" to capture the top of a gear shaft. In a crash, the "ring" would break and allow the top of this shaft to flop around. Very hard to maintain gear mesh like that. :)

The new design retains the "ring", but also allows the shaft to penetrate up into the case, providing extra strength - in theory. :)

Are you saying that the shaft has been made longer also?

Thank you

[spaceman]

Not sure if this page has been linked to before, but this thread should be of interest to those of you still using the old-style cases:

http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=589365

I did this mod on my 5245MGs. A useful tip is not to use a drill to drill the holes but instead use a piece of the piano wire which has been sharpened at the tip. This gives a nice tight fit. Then use a small blob of epoxy over the end of the wire on the outside of the case.

I haven't managed to crash the 500 yet (!) so I don't know how they'll hold up in a crash. However it certainly gives the gear shaft a lot more support in the case.

Spaceman

[zen97713@zen.co.uk]

Good info spaceman, thanks.

[Astennu]

Thanks for the info. I will take a good look at it.