Radios

Q. The display shows one voltage, but when I measure the battery pack with an expanded scale voltmeter it reads a different voltage.

A. Most ESVs do not place a load on the batteries. This will cause an inaccurate measurement. To get a true reading, place a 100mA load on the battery and measure the voltage at the same time.

Q. How can I change the frequency on my transmitter?

A. To change the frequency in the Eclipse, you have two choices. One is to purchase another fixed channel module on the frequency you desire. The other is to purchase a Spectra module that will allow you to use any frequency in the 72MHz band.

Q. Is the Eclipse system capable of using PCM?

A. As of March 2003, the Eclipse is capable of Q-PCM. Q-PCM is Hitec's proprietary PCM encoding which will give the Eclipse quicker response when compared to other PCM systems available. To use Q-PCM you must use Hitec's Q-PCM receiver #27372.

Hitec is providing two upgrade options to existing Eclipse owners. 

1. Upgrade only: The cost is $24.95 plus $5.95 shipping and handling.
2. Upgrade with new Q-PCM receiver and crystal: The cost is $99.95 plus $5.95 shipping and handling.

To obtain the upgrade, send the transmitter to Hitec Service. Sales tax may apply in some states.

Q. What other receivers will my Eclipse work with?

A. Any narrow band FM (PPM) receiver will work. All that's required is switching the Eclipse to the correct shift via one of the menus. For your reference, Hitec and Futaba are negative shift and Airtronics, JR and Multiplex are positive shift.

Q. Is there another manufacturer that has a radio that my transmitters trainer function is compatible with?

A. Hitec radios are trainer compatible with both Hitec and Futaba systems. Use only the Hitec one-way trainer cord (PN 58310). Be aware you will need a comparable radio to use any mixing functions.

Q. Will my old Spectra module work in my Eclipse?

A. The Spectra module has not changed in the last 10 years so the same module that worked with the Prism system will work with the Eclipse radio.

Q. When I set the end point on my servo, it will only affect one direction.

A. End points allow you to set both ends of stick travel to different percentages. To do this, hold the stick in one extreme and set the percentage that corresponds. Then move the stick in the opposite direction and set that percentage.

For example, if you wish to set the end point on your aileron, go to the EPA menu and make sure the channel selector curser is over channel 1. Then hold the aileron stick to the right. While holding it in this position, adjust the percentage value on the screen with the DATA increase or decrease buttons. Then move and hold the stick in the left position and change the percentage value for that direction.

Q. How do I work the throttle on my electric plane in glider mode?

A. In this mode, the throttle (channel 3) is controlled by the elevator D/R switch. Since the throttle is on a switch, only on/off motor control is available.

Q. How do I use the Eclipse with a plane having two elevator servos?

A. The best way to set up dual elevators is with a Y-harness. You can use a P-mix but be aware that the trim will not link to the saved channel.

Q. How do I get the full trailing edge camber and reflex with ailerons and flaps for advanced 4 wing servo sailplanes on one switch?

A. It is not possible to program that function using "one switch", this can be achieved with the VR-1 knob only.

Q. What are flight condition modes?

A. Flight condition modes allow you to change the percentages of trim, dual rates and exponential rates on the aileron, elevator and rudder channels. It will also allow different trim adjustments of the throttle channel. To activate these modes you must go to the FLT.C menu and uninhibit each one. Page 20 of the manual will give further details.

Q. How can I use CROW in the ACRO mode?

A. CROW is only available in the Glider mode.

Q. Is the Heli version of the Eclipse adifferent transmitter?

A. All versions of the Eclipse are identical.

Q. Can I convert my Eclipse to the 75MHz band?

A. Yes, there are a couple of ways, but be aware that Hitec does not offer the system configured for 75MHz nor will we convert it. The first way is to have an authorized service center like PMC Modeltronics @ 815-233-5646 retune your existing equipment. The other way is to purchase a 75MHz single frequency or Spectra module and the 75MHz Supreme receiver part#23575 and dual conversion crystal #66775XX (XX=CH#).

Q. What is the maximum range of the Eclipse transmitter?

A. Approximately 2 miles, but we refer to it as line of site. If you can see it, you can fly it!

Q. How do I perform a range check?

A. With your transmitters antenna collapsed, walk away from your receiver until the servos start to jitter. You should get a minimum of 75ft. If you get significantly less, we recommend that you do not fly until you isolate the problem.

Q. Does Hitec make Eclipse radios in the Ham Band?

A. Hitec does not offer any equipment in the Ham bands.

Q. Why is my throttle trim not working in ACRO mode?

A. Check that the "LOCK" function is not enabled. If it is enabled, the word LOCK will be displayed on the main screen. To turn it off, press the LOCK button located at the bottom of your transmitter.

Q. Can I use my peak charger to charge my transmitter?

A. The Eclipse is equipped with a diode for reverse polarity protection. This diode will interfere with the voltage detection of peak chargers. To use one of these chargers, the battery must be removed from the transmitter and connected directly to the charger. Hitec offers an adapter (PN 58307) for this purpose.

Q. Is it possible to use the Eclipse with my Ultra Stick?

A. Though some of the mixing required by the Ultra Stick is not standard on the Eclipse, some of our more industrious customers have posted a work-around on Hitec Talk.

Q. After my Eclipse is updated to Q-PCM, will I still be able to fly my PPM receivers?

A. The update only adds features to the Eclipse. No features will be taken away.

Q. When using a heading hold gyro, should I activate the revolution mix?

A. If the revolution mix is turned on, tail drifting will occur. It is best to leave this feature off.

Q. How do I use my transmitter in a buddy situation?

A. To use the transmitter for training purposes, you will need to purchase PN 58310. This is a one way Hitec trainer cord. Each end is designated. The one marked as the master plugs into the teacher transmitter and the one marked student plugs into the student transmitter.

The master transmitter must be on the same frequency as the receiver in the plane. Only the master transmitter requires a battery and to be switched on. The master will supply the student with power automatically, so the student transmitter does not require a battery nor does it have to be turned on. When the master transmitter's trainer switch is held down, the student then will have control of the plane. Once the switch is released, the master will then control the plane.

It is particularly important that the master and student transmitters are capable of the same functions. The reason for this is that the student only uses the RF section of the master. Any mixing, dual rates or other refinements are not carried over from the master to the student.