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Question:
Hey Doctor-
I have an issue with my relatively new Spektrum DX3C radio system’s reception range. I will drive maybe between 75 and 100 feet away and lose all reception. It sometimes cuts in and out at a shorter range than that. I have full batteries in the transmitter, a full LiPo in the vehicle, and absolutely no obstructions between me and the vehicle. Please help me!
Jeffrey
Answer:
Hey Jeffrey,
Radio reception problems are always a headache to figure out. There could be a number of issues that can cause signal loss, but thankfully most are a simple fix.
First, I’ll assume the DX3C is in good, operational order. If, however, it’s ever been dropped, dipped in water or left out in the freezing cold or scorching heat, there may be some issues with the radio itself. Again, I’ll assume it hasn’t been.
The next thing we want to check is the receiver. Depending on what car you have, you should be able to do all the inspection while it is still mounted. Check to make sure the receiver antenna doesn’t have any tears in the outer coating, isn’t crimped or laying flat against the chassis. You want to have it mounted in a suitable antenna mount and sticking straight up. If there is excess wire, wrap it around the receiver a few times prior to mounting it. Basically, make sure it is in good shape.
The next thing to check is how the antenna wire is routed. If you have it intertwined between the servo leads, the ESC motor wires or battery wires, this could also cause a signal loss. All of these wires have a high-electrical current running through them that can sometimes cause radio interference, especially if your antenna is tangled up in them. Re-route your wires so that they are all nice and tidy and try to keep the receiver antenna wire as far away from them as possible.
Finally, check the solder joints on the motor. If you have a cold solder joint (a joint that wiggles around or is not a firm connection), this could cause arcing that can interfere with the signal.
If that doesn’t seem to help, you might try borrowing a receiver from a friend (or local hobby shop) and see if the problem continues. If it does, it might just be the radio.
Good luck.
The Doc
