RC noob...Having issues with my T4.1

[Chrisb]

Hey guys, I am very new to the RC World. I picked up a T4.1, about a week ago..Played with it a few times and now I am having issues with it. Everything is fully charged, clean and tight. I have full steering response etc, but absolutely no response from the motor. I am hoping that there is something I am overlooking, and that I didn't fry the motor already (brushless btw).

Any suggestions for me?

Thanks

[limestang]

Im assuming the truck was purchased used, and you may not have the manual. Some things to try are below:

1) Check motor connections
2) With battery disconnected remove gear cover and see if motor siezed
3) Make sure ESC is plugged into to receiver

If you dont see anything wrong, visit RC10.com website, look up manual and read debug section.

Hope this at least gets you started.

- Limestang

[Chrisb]

Yes, I bought it used..No manual etc included.

Ran great when I got it. I feel confident that it's something I am overlooking, or uneducated enough not to be recognizing.

I will start with your list, and go from there, thank you.

I was told I could try re-programming the ESC as well. I imagine the instructions for that would be in the manual.

Thanks again.

[limestang]

Here is where the link for the manuals.

http://www.teamassociated.com/manuals/

You will need to search thru them to find one with a debug section.

I would double check all connections, and reseat them. I would also inspect for damaged wires. I had an issue with my T4 one time where the motor shifted, and made the gear mesh too tight. I readjusted, and all was well. Can you describe how the truck was performing before the problem, and then describe the failure?

Did the electronics get wet? Did the motor or ESC get hot? Etc...

Good luck, hopefully its something simple. The T4 is a well made truck.

- Limestang

[Chrisb]

The truck was performing great prior to this. I don't believe the ESC overheated, it's possible something got wet, as I do live in the northwest, but it was never submerged or anything catastrophic..Just spray from wet pavement more or less.

I have been super busy with work, and haven't had a chance to try anything yet. I will download the manual, and check the things you mentioned...If all fails, is it a fair guess that the motor is fried?

[limestang]

Its possible, but hopefully not. You will be able to tell through the process of elimination.

1) make sure battery fully charged. Just thought of this. If low, the ESC will allow steering but not operate the motor. This is a safeguard feature. Sometimes chargers false peak and your battery is not charged.
2) Check and reseat all connections
3) Check transmission by turning rear wheels both forward and then opposite ways. In forward direction you should feel motor spinning. Listen for odd grinding noises. If grinding, check motor and trans seperately.
4) remove gear cover and check gear mesh.
5) Remove motor and see if it spins ok

Let me know how it goes.

- Limestang

[Chrisb]

Had a few minutes, so I discharged and re-charged the battery, just to rule it out.

Nothing changed.

Any connection's that I can dis-connect, inspect and reconnect, I did. Still not working.

No odd grinding noises and the motor is spinning when I spin the wheels.

That's as far as I've got so far.

Thanks again for the tips, I will continue to go down the list as time permits.

When powered on, I have green lights on everything btw.

[Chrisb]

Ok, I just paid a bit closer attention..

I first turn the controller on, then power on the truck. The ESC lights green, makes it's beeping noise, then flashes red twice and then goes to solid green.

Does this tell you anything?

[Charlie don't surf]

If it's an RTR with the SC500/700 esc it means it's ready to rock and roll-

It will make a chime noise three times, then a beep-beep, beep-beep.

[Chrisb]

It's RTR brushless, the ESC is SC450-BL

[Charlie don't surf]

Same thing. Same tones.

1) is anything loose? esc wires to the battery, to the motor (bullet connectors)
2) is the lead from the esc to the receiver connected including checking the actual pins into the receiver?
3) is the heatsink on the esc getting warm without anything happening?
4) have you reset the radio to the esc?

[limestang]

The July issue of RC Car Action has an article on how to diagnose a Brushless motor (pg 30-31). You will need a multimeter, but looks like an easy way to check the motor.

-Limestang

[knixdad]

What do the lights do when you pull the trigger?

[Chrisb]

Thanks again everyone for the suggestions. I stopped in the local Hobby shop in Tacoma, and was able to determine that it appears the esc reverted to the default lipo mode, and I have nimh battery.

This being said, can anyone lay it out in simpleton terms as to how to program the esc for nimh? I tried figuring it out but was unsuccessful..

[limestang]

That's good news!!! It took some searching, but I found a video on the Team Associated Website that shows how to program the ESC for NiMH Batteries. Hope this helps.

Tech Videos on various subjects:
http://www.teamassociated.com/cars_and_trucks/RC10T4.1/RTR/pictures_videos/

Setting the ESC for Nimh Batteries:
http://www.teamassociated.com/multimedia/videos/tech_tips/163-Tech_Tips_-_How_to_Disable_LiPo_Cutoff/

- Limestang