RPM drop

[ChopperFreak]

I'm using RealFlight 7.5 with Transmitter interface and the DX6 V2 (black.)

At seemingly random times, the RPMs on any of the electric models I'm using, the RPMs will suddenly drop significantly. After a second or two, the RPMs will go back up. I'm using the same settings I've always used on my Tx and the stock models from the simulator.

Is this a glitch? I'm using Windows 8.1.

[ChopperFreak]

Has anyone else experienced this?

[jhamel]

I get consistent RPM with RealFlight, Phoenix, and neXt. The only simulators I've tried that cannot seem to hold RPM are AeroFly 5 and RC7.

I am interested in learning why you are having this RPM issue with RealFlight.

[pctomlin]

Can't help on this sorry. I use a DX8 wirelessly for the sim.

[ChopperFreak]

Originally Posted by curmudgeon

i am interested in learning why you are having this RPM issue with RealFlight.

Do you know any troubleshooting steps I can take? I just use the default heli model in my Spektrum. I've tried to set up a model so that the controls work correctly, but I've never gotten any real answer when I post. If I use my Blade 230s model, the heli flies up at max throttle/pitch and won't come down (when I flip on Agility/3D mode.)

[Heli.Maniac]

Check your cable and plug where it goes to the Tx. Sometimes when the cable wiggles and loses contact it glitches a bit and activates Hold. Happens rarely on my DX7 and it is always that the plug is loose or has popped out a bit.

[ChopperFreak]

I'll try that. I've tried to keep the cable from being damaged, but there's NO WAY to set the transmitter down and keep it stable while that cable is plugged perpendicular in the bottom!

[ChopperFreak]

Training class for my new job has really interrupted my sim practice, but I managed to sneak some time in today. There doesn't seem to be any problem with the cable. I noticed that the RPMs dropped when I did a sudden cyclic change (aileron.) It didn't happen today as often as it's done in the past, but I'm sure that's only because I'm trying to troubleshoot.

I'm using the KDE 700 model.

[bredler]

I came to this forum looking for an answer to exactly this problem. I was having odd problems with losing rotor rpm as well. I have also experienced random control inputs. I was hovering close to the ground (maybe a blade diameter or so) and out of nowhere I just crashed into the ground and exploded. Showing the radio gadget confirmed that somehow the sim was receiving/interpreting/generating random, glitchy stick inputs...like movements that are too fast to be physically possible.

Had to quite the session because I couldn't make any progress with my skills. Very frustrating.

(P.S. another post of mine has been in moderator limbo for a day or so...so I have no idea when this one will have gotten through)

[Heli.Maniac]

Originally Posted by bredler

I came to this forum looking for an answer to exactly this problem. I was having odd problems with losing rotor rpm as well. I have also experienced random control inputs. I was hovering close to the ground (maybe a blade diameter or so) and out of nowhere I just crashed into the ground and exploded. Showing the radio gadget confirmed that somehow the sim was receiving/interpreting/generating random, glitchy stick inputs...like movements that are too fast to be physically possible.

Had to quite the session because I couldn't make any progress with my skills. Very frustrating.

(P.S. another post of mine has been in moderator limbo for a day or so...so I have no idea when this one will have gotten through)

Random inputs and glitching sounds a lot like a connection issue. I have always had this issue when the plug was loose from the Tx and reseating it always fixed it for me. A good test to do is to start wiggling the cable and see if it starts glitching.
Other than that, you should do the usual troubleshooting steps like trying another usb port or restarting RF and if issue persists, try contacting Realflight Tech Support.

[ChopperFreak]

I've tried all of those. If it's the wire, then the wire is wearing out.

[ChopperFreak]

Today I had an RPM drop that didn't recover. I attempted to adjust the cable to no avail. Previously I had made adjustments to the cable but the RPMs would only drop for a second or two and I could never quite be sure it recovered on its own or if my adjustment had affected it.

Today, my adjustment to the cable had no affect at all. The RPMs didn't come back up and the heli crashed.

The problem seems to be getting worse.

[ChopperFreak]

I contacted RealFlight support about the problem. This is the essence of the reply:

"...the problem you are seeing is not typical of a damaged or faulty cable. If/When RealFlight loses connection with an R/C radio mid-flight, the RPMs would not normally drop. Rather, the RPMs would remain consistent with the last throttle stick input."

I believe this information is incorrect. Upon removing my cable from the Tx during mid-flight, two things happen:

1) The Tx shuts off
2) The Throttle Hold is activated on the heli

So it would appear that RealFlight is unable to help me. Oh, and In addition to the above, this was also stated:

"We have not received any other reports of a random RPM drop like you are describing (with any version of RealFlight)."

Perhaps bredler should also send an email to them.

[bredler]

Figured it out. As was recommended, it was definitely a bad connection problem. When I jiggled the cord, the problem was replicated. When I was careful not to lean the plug on anything I didn't experience the problem.

This leads me to two conclusions:

1. I'm glad I never used the trainer port...real models are much more expensive than virtual ones.
2. I will likely invest in one of the wireless dongle options for the future.

[ChopperFreak]

What is the wireless dongle option? Can someone give me specific information for a Spektrum DX6 G2 (black?)