DA 85 cost me a QQ Yak 54 101

[bodywerks]

	Quote:
	I do still have the power pole connectors on the ignition, but the wires seem tight.

So how did you change the connector on the Smart-fly unit? Did you use an adapter or did you solder a new connector to it?
The reason I ask is because I soldered a new connector on one of my units a couple years ago and started to experience problems after only 5 flights - it just got worse and worse from there until the Smart-fly unit just stop working altogether.
I contacted Robert at Smart-fly and the first question he asked me was "did you properly ground the circuit before soldering on a new lead?" Obviously I did not, never have ever before on any electric or electronic component of any of my planes in my 25 years in R/C and never had a problem...
He informed me, at that time(nothing about it in the manual), that there are electrostatic sensitive components in his unit that were probably damaged when I touched the soldering iron to the unit's wiring.
I'm not sure if this is still the case with his stuff, but I have since been replacing the ignition's powerpole connector with a standard servo connector and haven't had a problem since. The ignition only draws about 1 amp, so I don't even know why the come with such a large connector - and yes,there is a long history of powerpole connectors failing.

[swatman260]

Yeah, I pretty much just soldered a standard connector onto the Smart-Fly unit. But in my defense, I'm an idiot. I've actually been using the Smart Fly system with the ignition unit for over a year now, but I guess it still could have failed.

[Sukhoi08]

Let me see if i got this correct Wreck, batteries to switches, switches to smartfly, RCATS from rx to ignition module. Is this how you are recommending to set up the plane? Just want to be sure.

[Flatlandman]

	Quote: Originally Posted by Sukhoi08
	Let me see if i got this correct Wreck, batteries to switches, switches to smartfly, RCATS from rx to ignition module. Is this how you are recommending to set up the plane? Just want to be sure.

This is how im running my 102" QQ yak with da100 on it. 2 batts to a ar9100 rx then power ther rcats style kill switch (mine is same size but from 42% products) from open port in rx to the ign module. I use the gear port to opperate the switch and any open slot to power it. it has worked flawlessly for 15 gallons last plane and 14 gallons and counting on the current plane.

[The_Wreck]

	Quote: Originally Posted by Sukhoi08
	Let me see if i got this correct Wreck, batteries to switches, switches to smartfly, RCATS from rx to ignition module. Is this how you are recommending to set up the plane? Just want to be sure.

I did not use the receiver to power the ignition. I plugged a battery into the RCATS then plugged the RCATS into a regulator and then the regulator into the ignition. The RCATS has a control lead that you plug into the receiver that operates the switch.

If you were using Nimh or A123 obviously you could eliminate the regulator and go directly from the RCATS to the ignition.

Unless I was on 2.4 I would be a little hesitant about running the iginition power through the receiver, however, I have no facts about it ever being a problem.

I know of two people using the FROMECO wolverine switch with 2 outputs to power the receiver and the ignition from the one wolverine switch.

[Sukhoi08]

so... ? did the motor crash it?

[swatman260]

I should be receiving the motor back from DA today. After checking it out, I was told that they could find nothing wrong with the engine or the ignition. I think that this answer could mean different things to different people. It obviously isn't the answer that I was looking for, because I still feel that it quit for a reason. But, I'm going to try it again. I'll run it on a test stand for a while though, before I trust it with another $1000 plane.

[Josh Price]

Well for what its worth they all have their moments. When they just would have been better if they were used for a anchor. No I am not talking about the 85 I am saying all motors. If you have never had a issue with something in this hobby then you are really new to it. Sorry for the loss dude all we can do is open the wallet back up and fork it over

[Shoe]

For what it's worth.......last season we had a few deadsticks with our 37 1/2% Yak, after a few hundred perfect flights. It would just shut off occasionally with no rhyme or reason. After checking everything out.......motor, battery, switch, a trip to DA and back......it turned out to be a faulty RCAT RC100. Not bad mouthing RCAT by any means. Anything is subject to fail......anything. Just my .02.