Servo periodically does not work

[Shafto]

My front servo has twice failed to respond to an input while doing random other checks on the heli. All I do is apply a slight pressure to the servo arm and it kicks back to life and works as new. I am really good at grounding the machine when it needs to be done (and should be on this one) but I continue to fly it as it has never been an issue. It is probably a coincidence that it has only happened while doing check on the table but it sure does make me nervous.

Has anyone had a servo do this then decide to stop working all together? I think on my next maintenance I will take it apart and have a look see.

[Harley-Air-Wolf]

I had one strip while hovering. Luckily not far off the ground. So I took it apart and could not figure how to rebuild it. So talked to my LHS and they said I should replace it, so I replaced 3 of the 4 with Hitec HS-65.

[Shafto]

happy with them?

[Harley-Air-Wolf]

So far...I've used Hitec's in all my rc cars and planes. Never had a problem with them.

[buddha2490]

Might be a short, or a solder connection inside the box come just a little bit off, and when you press it it squeezes it back together. Its either that or a stripped gear. Either way, don't fly it.

[FuntanaS]

DO NOT FLY IT!!!

Either there is something inside the servo preventing the gears from turning, most likely a broken tooth, or the servo is just on its way out. I have had two of the stock servos stop working on me. The first time one failed I just happened to notice right before taking off that the elevator servo wasn't moving. The second time it happened a few seconds after take off and went side ways right into the ground. It was the left servo that must have stopped and as I added collective to ascend it caused it to roll.

I would not fly with a servo that is working intermediately. That is just playing with fire. Either upgrade the servos or just send it in to Horizon Hobby and they will replace it free of charge.

[Shafto]

well thanks guys for the input. since posting this topic, the servo failed in flight causing some serious damage. ok just kidding. however, since posting the topic it has started to do this every time I put a battery in. It is grounded. It is very odd though, it is every time I put power on it will do it, then I give the servo arm or even the vertical push pull tube on the swashplate a little bit of pressure and it starts back up again. needless to say it is grounded.

Thanks guys for the inputs!

[Thalios]

My new favourite servo for the 450 class is the Spektrum H3000. I LOVE my HS65-MG Hitec, but since digital is the new way to go, I prefer the spektrum to the H5065MG.

Don't fly a servo that has issues.

[Shafto]

Originally Posted by Thalios

My new favourite servo for the 450 class is the Spektrum H3000. I LOVE my HS65-MG Hitec, but since digital is the new way to go, I prefer the spektrum to the H5065MG.

Don't fly a servo that has issues.

yeah I dont want to get too costly with this machine. It is a budget machine but at the same time I will not buy crap. I will check them out.

[Rickedstyles]

My front on my 450x did the exact same thing the other day....touched the arm and it started working!

[InFocus]

shafto. do not fly them. My elevator servo did the same thing once on the bench. I replaced the gears.. But after that I did notice the torque on the servo was still weak.. I thought it would be ok..

During flight, doing backflips, it stuck.. I pushed forward on the cyclic and it was still doing full speed back flips.. My only recourse was hit the TH.. I got lucky and it didn't damage the heli too much, but that was my queue to get new servos..

I just installed Spektrum H3000's. The fit nicely, and have horns that are just the right length. I'll see how they fly this weekend.. Note I had to reverse the 3 servos in my FBL unit for this particular brand..

[shreddedpaper]

I agree, upgrade and treat yourself and the heli to a nice set of digital servos, Those spectrum servos look pretty nice.

[FuntanaS]

So where is the cheapest place to get the H3000's?

[shreddedpaper]

http://www.experiencerc.com/store/pr...oducts_id=5480

Seems the cheapest that i could find. Anybody have speed specs on these? how about for tail use?

Oops, found it. .09 at 6volts. Must be for cyclic only. Is there a part number for the tail?

[Rickedstyles]

Wow infocus that sounds scary! Called hh after posting earlier and they are sending a new servo...but leary of these now

[Shafto]

Originally Posted by Rickedstyles

Wow infocus that sounds scary! Called hh after posting earlier and they are sending a new servo...but leary of these now

ah I called hh and no dice on getting a new one, doesn't bother me though, it has been half a year or so. I call that fair game.

EDIT: I have since taken it apart to inspect it, it all looked good. I flicked the motor a couple times and out of 3 batteries it has yet to do it again. I will definitely look into servos though, I do think that servos time is limited. I do take your guys advice though, I know I am walking a thin line!! If it does it again I will for sure ground it for good. I need servos fast I guess.

also hh said it sounds like a bad potentiometer.