Connecting retract/ PPM sum signal/Output 2

[john2kx]

Equipment:
Jeti DS16 and R9 rx set up for PPM sum signal
BD3X
Kosmik 200

The above equipment and heli were test flown last weekend without incident, and without a retract servo connected. While trying to install retract servo today, I have run into the a minor issue. While using the provided instructions with 3X:

"A further channel is available, Output2, e.g. for speed controller gain, illumination accessories or retractable gear. This channel only supplies the signal pin. The power needs to be supplied via a Y-cable from e.g. one of the servo ports".

I pulled red and black wires from male connector on Y harness and plug into Output 2 of 3X. Plugged servo into one female connector on Y harness, then plugged other female end of Y into channel 8 of my rx (this connection needed a male/male adaptor to work). Channel 8 has been verified to operate retract servo.

I get no retract servo movement with the above connections made. With the system powered up, I can disconnect the servo from the Y harness...plug it back together and the servo works.

Prior to doing any of the above, I plugged the retract servo into channel 8 and servo would not work. While powered up, unplugged servo and plugged back in and it works fine.

I'm sure it is something simple I am missing and look forward to your help in resolving this issue.

John

[john2kx]

Looking at the instructions again, I think I misunderstood where power to retract servo was to come from.

I originally pulled power from channel 8 of my rx. (red/black wires only...signal wire pulled), and plugged signal wire "only" coming from Output 2 into this Y.

I have since pulled power from one of the cyclic servos by installing a Y at 3X (left swash servo output), used the white wire "only" from Output 2 and plugged into Y.

Retract servo still does not work after normal power up. Just like when I was pulling power from rx, I can disconnect retract servo while powered up, wait a few seconds, plug it back in and the servo works.

I have verified Channel assignment on BD program (Output 2) is set to channel 8.

[john2kx]

I found this thread that looks to be the exact problem I am trying to describe. Followed the "fix" recommended but still no joy.

https://www.helifreak.com/showthread.php?t=673462

I saved what I thought would be the easiest thing to connect (retract servo) for last before installing my fuselage. Can't believe this thing has kicked my butt all day long. And, after thinking I had my wiring all nice and clean, I'm going to have to add two more Y harnesses and a male/male adaptor just to operate a micro retract servo.

Tried it one more time after triple checking all connections on Y's and servo still will not work....unless I unplug the Y connector that is supplying power only to servo, wait a few seconds, then plug it back in. Just for kicks, while I had the servo working, I tried to change end points via Tx and that works.

I have a feeling this is another easy fix...but I just have not found it yet.

[john2kx]

Another area I thought that may have caused issues was with servo assignment. Output 2 was originally set to channel zero. I changed it to 8 but seem to remember having the same characteristics of working after unplugging and plugging Y connection prior to making this change. Yes, I updated to "write" after making this change.

[john2kx]

I found a combination that works although none of my search results show anyone doing it this way.

Plugged on/off switch into channel 8 of my rx. Other side of switch is connected to retract servo. I still have to wait until 3X and Kosmik initialize and then turn switch on. Much cleaner setup vs having 2 extra Y connectors to secure near FBL unit.

My concern is using the sum signal to control cyclic/tail servos and FBL unit and my rx for the retract servo. Bench testing shows all systems work.

All comments welcome.