LRP Flow - erratic running & intermittent problem on power up

[jason-l]

Just installed an LRP Flow Works in my B44.2, and have encountered an issue I've not experienced before. Hoping it's maybe something obvious...

When I switch on the motor sometimes spins-up (at low speed) for approx 1 sec before stopping. This seems to happen every time after battery reconection, but sometimes doesn't do it with the power switch just being toggled.

Also, if I hold a constant throttle, the motor speed frequently makes speed step changes (eg. slow, faster, slower, stop, slow, etc).

Re-calibrating, re-setting and trying another sensor wire hasn't worked... anyone else experienced this characteristic with any ESC?

For info: Rx is Futaba 603FS, servo is Savox 1258 and motor HPI Flux Pro 5.5. Motor is not meshed to the spur at the moment.

Cheers
Jason

[discothesnake]

Jason, I've had that issue with the motor turning over for a couple of seconds when it's first switched on. Usually I re-bind the receiver/transmitter and it resolves the problem. I know you use futaba radio gear but it might be worth trying.

Dave

[jason-l]

Hi Dave

Thanks for your reply.

I've tried rebinding Tx/Rx, and the issue remains.

Plus, the other issue is also present - the motor speed not being constant on constant throttle - very obvious step changes in motor speed, with it sometimes stopping then restarting too.

Will try my 2WD's receiver.

[discothesnake]

Sounds like a bum speedo.

[jason-l]

Originally Posted by discothesnake

Sounds like a bum speedo.

Yep, swapped out sensor cable, Rx, re-calibrated, and so on. Still the same... think I have to agree.

[Col]

Does it still do it under load - ie whilst driving?

[jason-l]

Originally Posted by Col

Does it still do it under load - ie whilst driving?

Yes, it does.

[paulc]

Try a differant make of motor or just a differant motor ?

[jason-l]

Originally Posted by paulc

Try a differant make of motor or just a differant motor ?

Since my last post, I've tried that too thanks. Same symptoms. It's now in the post being returned

[KennyClark]

Theres a pattern forming here Jason!

[joker]

couldn't agree more!

[tisher]

Have you tried a different set of lipos i had a similar problem with my sons 44.1 on Friday it was almost as if the esc had a mind of its own swapped the lipos,,, issue went check all your wires plugs and lipos might help

[jason-l]

UPDATE:

Testing by the shop reportedly showed none of my issues. So I then sent the ESC and one of my HPI Flux Pros direct to SMD Ltd, in the hope of getting to the bottom of this. ...SMD returned it to me a couple days later with a note saying:

Tested and no fault found. Speed controller performance is as per manufacturer's specification throughout throttle range. Occasional sensor positioning/monitoring can cause a motor to spin on initial start up allowing for the self-calibration of the esc and does not affect performance.

No specific mention about the motor speed step changes and stop/start on constant throttle I had described (and video'd).

So at my local club last Sunday we all had a look at it running on a different radio system, and we all witnessed the same erratic (non-commanded) behaviour as described earlier in this thread. (As an aside, the ESC would not run at all when connected to a colleague's Intellect saddles - it reported low voltage, ie. <6.4V, when they metered at ~7.5V).

The spinning-up at power-on as previously described appears to (possibly) be related to enabling throttle failsafe in my Futaba system. But, as expected, this never causes such an issue in my LRP SXX v2 Competition or Orion Vortex R10 ESCs.

This video demonstrates the erratic running, ie. step-changes in speed and the sudden burst of high speed (@ 37s). Note: I have used the throttle sub trim in this video to prove constant throttle, but behaviour is identical in normal use and when running in a buggy.

Click the picture to see the video on Photobucket


Presently waiting/hoping for a reply from LRP.

Obviously this unit is simply unusable for me. So the question is, if there's nothing wrong with this LRP Flow, then what is wrong with it....??

Cheers
Jason




Note: It does this with HPI Flux Pro motors, a Speed Passion motor (seen in this video, connected by 4mm plugs - hence the temp electrical insulation), multiple sensor wires, and different radio systems. All of which are proven/verified components.

[sosidge]

Then disable the failsafe.

[jason-l]

Originally Posted by sosidge

Then disable the failsafe.

Please read again. The failsafe only affects the issue at power on, not the erratic running. There is no failsafe enabled in this video.

[Cosworth]

Thanks for posting this up. I was considering selling my speed passion for an lrp. Guess I'll wait and see if this problem becomes more frequent across the forums!

[jason-l]

Update:

Originally Posted by jason-l

Presently waiting/hoping for a reply from LRP

I got a reply from LRP, after they had viewed my videos and read my report on the issues I was experiencing.

Their response was that they'd not seen, or heard of, such an issue before with a suggestion I was in error when calibrating the speedo (no, I'm not)... All they offered was to look at it if I sent my Flow, motor *AND* radio kit (!) to them in Germany. Which I refuse to do for many, hopefully obvious, reasons.

Has anyone else out there had Flow problems??

[discothesnake]

Jasonithink this is scandalous the way you've been treated here. If I were you I'd go back to place of purchase, send them it back and tell them to deal with or you are taking it further. Only in this hobby would you be treated like this.

You've spent £100+ on a unit that doesn't work. You're well within your rights for a full refund.

[paulc]

Could you try you try plugging it into someone elses radio gear who is not using the same as you just to try or find someone with a flow to try your gear on i carn't see it being that but worth a try then you'll know for definate I've not had a problem with mine i am using Sanwa radio gear with Thunder Power motors . It doe's sound like you've been dealt with unreasonably but if they carn't find a fault at SMD why should they replace it and sending it to germany with your radio gear aswell is just ridiculous

[jason-l]

My Flow has been tested with other radio gear and motors by members at my club. Same symptoms. This fact was communicated to LRP. I think I mentioned that earlier in this thread too?

My kit all works perfectly with other ESCs, eg LRP SXX v2 Comp and Orion R10.