Killer Bee Kill Switch, Traxxas compatabilty

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Chief409

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I watched the two Killer Bee video's about the kill switch early this morning, and started wondering why the Traxxas 2.4 GHz radios are not compatible, so I asked and here's the reply.


"The way the built-in failsafe is designed on Traxxas radios prevents the kill switch from knowing when there is a radio glitch. It will kill via an Aux button but not during a glitch."


Thanks,


Kent


OK, turn down the glitch sense to avoid a possible false cut off, run manual off the Tx on CH 3, that'll work for me. Think I'll order one. And talk to Traxxas to see if there is a possible upgrade for the TQi Tx in the works taking this info into consideration. So far every new TQi Rx (not the Link Rx) I have has received a firmware upgrade once bound to the Tx with the iPod running the Link app. Wanna bet Tx firmware can be updated the same way?
 
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I just posted this on the Traxxas Radio Forum. Now, lets see if Traxxas responds.

I have the TQi system, running the Traxxas Link app on a iPod. It's great, I've decided to make it my RC system of choice. Setting up and running Traxxas models is easy, creating a Custom Profile is easy. Response, range, etc. is good enough I'm using the TQi system on a HEAVELY MODIFIED Slash 4X4 for racing, and a 1/5 buggy.

And with the 1/5 buggy is where the problem arises. Big, powerful, gas buggies require a ignition "Kill Switch", the same as AMA has required for gas powered Large Scale aircraft for years. Currently the only ignition "Kill Switch" suitable for 1/5 gas vehicles is made by "Killer Bee". And all Traxxas 2.4 GHz radio systems are listed as "Incompatible".

Here is the text of a post I made on a 1/5th Scale Forum:

I watched the two Killer Bee video's about the kill switch early this morning, and started wondering why the Traxxas 2.4 GHz radios are not compatible, so I asked and here's the reply.

"The way the built-in failsafe is designed on Traxxas radios prevents the kill switch from knowing when there is a radio glitch. It will kill via an Aux button but not during a glitch."

Thanks,

Kent

OK, turn down the glitch sense to avoid a possible false cut off, run manual off the Tx on CH 3, that work for me. Think I'll order one. And talk to Traxxas to see if there is a possible upgrade for the TQi Tx in the works taking this info into consideration. So far every new TQi Rx (not the Link Rx) I have has received a firmware upgrade once bound to the Tx with the iPod running the Link app. Wanna bet Tx firmware can be updated the same way?

Well, Traxxas?
 
Interesting. So it'll work, it just won't be fully functional. I wonder if it'll work if you don't set the failsafe. I don't like running a failsafe, anyway. Puts too much stress on the servos.

Also, I doubt Traxxas will release a firmware update. They didn't design the system for 5th scale gassers. Why would they? They haven't had a proper 5th scale on the market in years.
 
Traxxas is ALWAYS about expanding market share in ANYTHING RC. Usually they do a good job, check out the new low center of gravity car based on the Slash 4X4 they released today. And they CREATED Short Course Trucks. And Monster Trucks with the T-Maxx. The TQi/iPod, iPhone combo is a direct shot at the RC transmitter market. TQi receivers are 5 channel. With 2 direct telemetry ports, plus an expansion port for a buss adapter, not released yet. They'll get into 1/5 too if they can make money at it. But easy firmware updates for leading aftermarket accessories to make the TQi radio system attractive, yeah, they'll do it.

I'd have to research, but I think failsafe is something you can't disable. I have the Killer Bee on order with DDM, hopefully that and the new servo will show up by midweek, I specified Priority Mail for both. Then I'll seriously dig into killing failsafe. This weekend is Honey Do's on Saturday, race on Sunday. Goof off tonite.

Edit: Failsafe

Your Traxxas radio system is equipped with a built-in failsafe function

that returns the throttle to its last saved neutral position in the event of

signal loss. The LED on the transmitter and the receiver will rapidly flash red

to indicate the failsafe has been activated.

So it will take a firmware change to make the Traxxas and Killer Bee 100% compatible. I cannot find any way to disable failsafe.

Yea, I'm "GOOFING OFF" right now, over the last couple of days I've had HQ Brass visiting. Mission Complete, they're home. And I still have a job!
 
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