help with R5014 lockouts

[jambo]

I had a couple of lockouts when I took my heli out at the weekend. I have checked the heli out and can not find anything wrong electrically, nor can I find any mechanical issues.

Has anyone had issues then found a solution?

[Phaedrus]

As per the published memo from Hobbico/Futaba, assuming you are on 72 megahertz, trim your RX antenna to 21.6 inches from the bottom of the rubber grommet to the end of the wire. If you still have a lockout issue you can add a choke on the longest wire runs, like if you have a boom mounted TR servo. Unless you have something really wrong in the machine, this has solved everyone else's problems.

This is the official Hobbico/Futaba fix. They ranged checked a radio (antenna out on the TX) out to 4.5 miles of ground range. So don’t worry. Also, you will NOT be voiding your warranty by doing this. It is an official fix.

Hope that helps.

[carey shurley]

Might want to revisit the memo, at least the one posted on October 26. 4.5 miles range would exceed the aproved output of the transmitter. AMA did extensive testing of transmitters operating at the FCC approved output limit for 72mhz and they are typically safe outside of 1.5 miles, hence the AMA 3 mile distance limitation between flying sites.

[Phaedrus]

Might want to revisit the memo, at least the one posted on October 26. 4.5 miles range would exceed the aproved output of the transmitter. AMA did extensive testing of transmitters operating at the FCC approved output limit for 72mhz and they are typically safe outside of 1.5 miles, hence the AMA 3 mile distance limitation between flying sites.

Just reporting what I was told. Regardless, I have not experienced any loss of ground range after trimming the antenna. This is in both helis and large (150cc) gasser planks.

I am also very familiar with the testing done by George Steiner for the AMA and it does seem that the Futaba number is on the high side. Like I said, all I am doing is reporting what I have been told.

Thanks for keeping me honest. :mrgreen:

[jambo]

I am from the UK so I am on 35Mhz. When I spoke to Futaba in the states they suggested the chokes, but also suggested that the problem you guys have on 72Mhz doesn't exist on 35Mhz.

I have been scanning the forums and it would appear that it is not an isolated case here in the UK as many flyers seem to be having trouble. Perhaps there have not been as many 14mz's sold over here so the problem hasn't had a chance to rear its ugly head yet!