KO Universe 3 interference problems

[RobW]

I know it is not easy to solve these things over the web but just thought it might be worth a shot in case someone comes up with something.

Have a KO Universe 3 which is probably about 5/6 years old. Have run it with Spektrum 2.4g from the start and never had any interference issues before about 2 months ago. Have one standard receiver and two micro ones – not sure of model (cars not with me at moment) but all bought at time of transmitter so not the very latest.

Started having a couple of issues at local track (TORCH – large-ish outdoor astro track) where it would glitch going around just one corner – not even the further one away. Did all the normal things like making sure transmitter battery was fully charged, moved receiver aerial and changed receiver. Usually resolved the issue.

Problem then started to get worse with car intermittently glitching and losing throttle for splits of seconds and then coming back. It is not continous – maybe once or twice a lap but enough to make the car dangerous to race. This was with 2 different cars (my 2 and 4 wd so different speedos, motors etc) and three different receivers so I figured it had to be transmitter related. It is not a loose module as I have always used insulation tape around the module to ensure a snug fit.

Borrowed a 40Mhz module half way through a meeting and problem solved. Thing is I want to run 2.4g so I got hold of another 2.4g module but still had the same problems. Borrowed a receiver capacitor and problem seemed to go away until my final when after I crossed the line (in first of course :lol:) when the car carried on at the end of straight at full speed, luckily not hitting anyone.

So it seems transmitter has interference issues just with a 2.4g module fitted – is there any logic to this? Odd thing is the problem generally seems to start half way through races (never in practise) when everyone is stood around with their transmitters switched on ready for the next race – are the latest 2.4g systems stealing all the channels?

Any ideas?:confused:

Rob

[Cardnim]

Hey Rob, sorry to hear about the probs.

First off, I dont have any answers sorry.

However, your last question of is it possible that the 2.4 spectrum is filling up then definately yes.
This is something I was talking over with some other racers recently.

Literally everything and his dog seem to use 2.4 now (controllers, Internet routers, computers, phones, even bloody doorbells!!)
Its becoming a very congested spectrum now.

Absolutely no idea if this is the cause of your problems though. Sorry.

Couple of points of interest (well, interesting if youre a geek like me :blush:)
- 5.8Ghz transmitters/receivers are now coming to market and will (I believe) become the norm over the next lot of years;

- Despite what it says on the packaging, no 2.4 systems that I know of are true "frequency hoppers". That is, that despite being FHSS, they can still be blocked if enough of the used channels are conflicted by other 2.4 systems. True FHSS would make this very unlikely to happen in my opinion.

Sorry I cant be of more use, but it could be as you say, that the 2.4 spectrum is just full up.
(take a laptop and a software oscilliscope program to the next meeting to view the 2.4 spectrum - you'll see if its full or not) - might be worth a try?

[knighthawk]

I'm not a KO man but Spektrum might be the issue here !
Try to find some one with a KO 2.4 system to borrow and try this !

I used to use Spektrum with my Futaba 3VC, had loads of problems, interference, loosing bind, tried everything that other racers suggested but nothing worked !
I took the plunge and bought the Futaba FASST 2.4 system and have never had any problems since !

I race at TORCH to and have no problems there, I just think it may be your Spektrum !!

IMHO though ! lol

[RobW]

Thanks for the thoughts guys. As I said sorting out any interference issues over web was always a long shot. I did have a quick google at software oscilliscope programs but it started to remind me too much of O level physics and soon went over my simple head:lol:

I think my plan will be to run the next 2 meetings with 40Mhz - 2WD at TORCH this week and then 4WD indoors at DMS. If I survive with no interference then at least I can definitely point the problem at the Spektrum stuff and look at replacing with KO 2.4.

Still find it odd that 2 different modules and three receivers should all start having problems at the same time. The 3 receivers have all definitely had a reasonably amount of use in 5/6 years in various 12th, touring cars and buggies so maybe just time to renew.

Cheers

Rob

[Moose]

I had exactly the same issue! But with a M8 Spektrum pro. But it was the receiver here. Took me two races to change everything and as a last thing I changed the receiver. I know it is super hard to check it because you cant look at the LEDs when you drive it :)


You write that the car carried on at full speed. This is very unusual because the fail safe the spektrums have should bring it to neutral. So this is at least strange.

You have a KO and the Ko module is quite big and it is very easy to put a frsky in it. Take some time and the frsky module and you can put it in with servo connector plugs (without the plastic around) so if you dont like it it is very easy to remove. But this should be the easiest, cheapest and best solution if it has something to do with the module or receivers.

[RobW]

You have a KO and the Ko module is quite big and it is very easy to put a frsky in it. Take some time and the frsky module and you can put it in with servo connector plugs (without the plastic around) so if you dont like it it is very easy to remove. But this should be the easiest, cheapest and best solution if it has something to do with the module or receivers.


Thanks - just had a quick look at the DIY thread and looks like I could get the module and a couple of receivers for around a 1/3 of the KO stuff. Might have a go at converting my son's Gemini 2 as well while I'm at it.

I'll have a proper read tonight

Cheers

Rob

[RogerM]

I've had this twice, on both occassions it was that the insulation had broken down on the Spektrum RX antena and was touching a carbon / metal part intermitently changing the effective antena tuned length. Both RXs sorted by replacing the antenas, still in use today.

[john333]

I had odd interference issues on my 3VC with spektrum module, like you say never in practice and with me usually just in the second heat!?

Fitted an frsky system for £25 and been faultless ever since.

Was at the oople race with it when they got virtually all the cars there on the track at the same time (at least 70!) and it was spot on then too.

Can't stress enough how good the frsky system really is

[maky]

I had a similar issue with my ko3 last year . Played up on every car . Didn't matter how far away it was . All I did was fitted a new module antenna and I've never had a problem since .

[RobW]

Thanks for all the replies and particularly the suggestions to try the Frsky set-up.

Ordered one Fri morning from Giant Shark, it arrived Sat morning (did not pay for next day or anything like that). Installed it on Sat. Took about an hour all in and only because I was deliberately taking it slowly so I did not do something stupid with a soldering iron. I reckon if you can install your motor/speedo yourself then you can install one of these especially as the Frsky thread tells you exactly which wires to use!

Ran it Sun in my 2WD at TORCH and zero problems. So impressed I've already ordered a second receiver for my 4WD and a set to convert my son's Gemini 2. :)

Still not sure what the problem with the Spektrum stuff was but it is solved now:thumbsup:

Cheers

Rob

[Cardnim]

...but it is solved now!

Great news Rob - you got to love that FrSky stuff - just shows how much we have been being ripped off for all these expensive 2.4 systems that dont work as well! :lol:
Happy racing chum