Hitec Eclipse7 FM upgrade

[9VDXN]

Just upgraded my FM Eclipse 7 to a QPCM version today.
Upgrade board is available at Rotor, probably brought in at my request from HitecRCD Korea.


For those who have old Hitec Eclipse 7 FM-only transmitter, go ask for a MICOM board, firmware version 1.2.

Rotor should have full instructions on how to do it as I've given them a PDF file.



Anyways, here's some brief instructions:

1) backup model memories by writing
2) remove RF module & batts
3) Open up TX

[9VDXN]

Be sure to ground yourself from static b4 handling the PCBs.

4) remove PCB as shown

[9VDXN]

beware of the cables when taking out the main PCB

5) Replace the MICOM board, following the instructions for the 'correct side up'.

[9VDXN]

6) Put back everything, being careful not to crimp any wires/cables.

7) power up TX

8) reset all model memories by changing Acro/Heli/Glider options otherwise some functions will go haywire.

9) Reprogram all your models



Biggest diff that i noticed is in the main menu, there is now an option for PPM/QPCM selection..I dunno if I remembered correctly, but I think the EPA (end points adjustments) increased another 5% from 120% to 125%??? Not too sure..

So far it works all fine for FM/PPM mode....and haven't tried QPCM mode.

[Brandon Chng]

cool dixon..

i noticed that you said to ground myself before touching the electronic boards. being an electronic dummy, what would be the effect of not grounding oneself? and how is this grounding done?

[9VDXN]

Well, like for most computer parts like RAMs, CPUs, chips, etc.....they're bound to be sensitive to static electricity.....a single spike can blow a whole chip and render it useless...so to be on the safe side, just ground yourself b4 touching these electronics silicon chips...

[9VDXN]

whoops.....didn't answer your question.....You can normally ground yourself by touching metal objects....something like transferring the static build up from your body to the metal.....

Sometimes when you're in aircon environment, and when you touch metal door knob, you get a spike.....that's static discharge, and if you didn't ground yourself, that kinda spike can blow a chip...

[csisfun]

Wow. A QPCM upgrade... without buying a whole Tx. Now tell me, what's so good about QPCM? FM seems to work fine.

[9VDXN]

I also dunno...
I'm using FM all the time, and only time I use PCM is with my JR tx.

Just good to know that my Tx have the latest firmware and is now QPCM compatible instead of just FM.....for a mere $23 bucks, why not right?

[Brandon Chng]

um...guess pcm can setup a fail-safe?

[9VDXN]

erm....my manual is the old one... dunno how to program failsafe on that...will explore into the menus...

[9VDXN]

hmmm....failsafe options is just ON or OFF on the Eclipse7....so i guess when failsafe kicks in, throttle will cut and servos at neutral position?

It's time to go download manual!

[kennyc]

QPCM Has fail safe, i'll check my manual and tell you guys how to
set this.

Thanks
Kenny!

[9VDXN]

Hey Thanks Kenny!

So far option is just to turn on or off Failsafe....I've emailed HitecRCD Korea for more info on that too....

Do let me know what is the failsafe programmed to.

[AceViperX]

Haha (VX, think you just went the long way to replace the firmware board. Take a look at the tx's front panel. You see the "Touch Your Dreams" black emblem? Try holding it by the sides, and pulling it out......