I need help...
 

Here's my setup. 3.3 chassis Revo with a 1515 1Y motor. I'm using a MGM 16018 controller with a 5S 6000mah battery.

I installed a JR DS8711 steering servo.

I didn't think this was going to be difficult but apparently it's beyond my comprehension level because I'm at a dead end trying to understand what I did wrong.

The controller has 5 wires. Obviously a positive and negative that goes to the battery. I soldered VXL Traxxas ends on the end. (correctly)

The other 3 ends received bullet connectors. I couldn't find anything that said which three wires off the controller went to which 3 wires on the motor.

I was told that it doesn't make a difference which one goes where and the worse thing that would happen is I may have to switch wires to change directions.

Is that correct?

I ask because when I hook everything up and try to enter programming mode (I don't have the laptop connection setup)

Next thing you know, it's smoking.

What the heck am I missing? Like I said, it shouldn't take a rocket scientist but I'm lost.

Did I screw something up already?

Thanks,

Mark

Smoke = bad. It's likely dead.
Don't power up any more until the issue is solved, and again it may be too late.
Post pictures that show your connections.

A few things.... first, here's some pics. I honestly don't see how it could be hooked up wrong but...

Second, I tried the programming again and at least this time, I can get a constant beeping. It beeps once and then goes into a equal constant beep. I thought I read in another thread that the voltage may be set wrong but obviously without cables, usb, etc, there is no way for me to change that.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1.../IMAGE_283.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1.../IMAGE_282.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1.../IMAGE_281.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1.../IMAGE_280.jpg

Are those 6mm bullet connectors on the motor? If so why doesnt it look like its fully insulated with shrink tubing covering the whole bullet? Is it possible those shorted out against each other when you first turned it on, otherwise looks like everthing is correct.

I don't have tubing covering the whole thing. There's a 3/8" gap between the two. Though nothing is guaranteed, I did make sure it was apart from the other wires... anotherwards, no I don't think they touched.

Right now, I'm getting an error message (rapid beeping sound) . That's further than I got before.

Mark

I think I found the problem. On page 6 of the controller instructions, there is a programming table.

Parameter F is showing the default battery type is Ni-Cd, NiMH.

I'm using 5S lipo. I read in another post that fellow member JPP was having issues and ordered a set of cables.

I guess my final question is this.

Can you adjust the parameter setting for voltage using the transmitter?


Thanks,

Mark

You can change the battery type and cell count with the transmitter. There is no way to change the actual voltage per cell cut off (factory set at 3.1v).

Great... when you go to the next parameter, how do you know which "mode" you are in once you get into that parameter section?

Thanks,

Mark

I have not had much experience setting mine with the radio as I have the USB-Com, others may be more helpful with that.

I guess it doesn't matter. Since the factory setting is for Ni-Cd, I tried one instead of the lipo but it still wouldn't read it.

I just hope like hell I didn't burn out the ESC. I'm gonna send Mike an email. I'm not real happy since it seems that would have been something he would have mentioned.... cause God knows, the instructions that come with it are ridiculously written.

Mark

I had that problem onec. I just reprogreamed the ESC to my controler endpoints and then it all worked again. Just rerun the basic radio setup and see what happens.

As far as knowing what mode your in everything will be set to factory defaults as shown in the manual unless you have changed that setting. You do not need to know what any given setting is to make changes.

To program a feature just set to whatever # option you want. If you want the first push once then pull to set. This works no matter what that option may be set to when you start.

Hope that helps.

I would if I could.... The problem is I can't even get into programming mode because I using Lipos and the factory setting is apparently set for Ni-Cd.

I tried to use a Ni-Cd but that didn't work either.

I simply need to get a USB connection for my PC.


Mark

So I should be able to get into program mode regardless of what settings are already set?

I'd love to but it gives me the rapid beeping after 10secs.

Suggestions?

Mark

PS. My radio is a Spektrum 3.0 and I had it replaced from the factory. Point is, it's BRAND NEW and I haven't changed any settings on it EXCEPT to bind the radio to the receiver.

I believe there is something that has to be done when using the spectrum radios. If I recall it has to do with the amount of time it takes for the RX to sync with the TX. My best guess would be to try connecting a RX pack to your receiver so that it will be powered up and ready when you connect the power to the MGM.

You can try searching the forums as I think this was a problem for some others also.

Set the brake to 100% i think it defaults at 50% on the spektrum. And using a receiver pack to do the initial set-up makes it go first try.

Insulate the bullet connectors befor going any farther. My best guess is that they touched and got some mosfets good 'n hot.

The paperwork covers programming through your transmitter. It works fine through my 3 series Spektrum.

To enter programming mode:
Turn transmitter on.
Set throttle & reverse (brake) throw to 100% if they aren't already. Brake % is switch E on your transmitter.
Connect car batteries.
Pull trigger full throttle forward and hold.
Switch MGM on.
Wait 10 seconds for 3 beeps.
Hold full reverse.
Wait for single beep.
Release throtthe.
Wait for two beeps.

You have calibrated your throttle throw and are now in programming mode.
If it were my choice I would switch the MGM off now to leave program mode and try again.

Program instructions are in your MGM paperwork but generally once in program mode:

Pull full throttle forward to bypass any parameter you do not wish to program.

Pull full reverse to progress through values within a parameter.
Full throttle then saves the selected value and moves to the next parameter.

Turn power switch off to exit program mode once your changes are saved.

As a bare minimum read the chart on page 6 of your MGM documentation.

CLB,BdeBde,


Thanks for the help. Like I said, I've tried to get into programming mode. I'll try again with the stock receiver and see if it let's me in first.

Thanks,

Mark

Still??
 

Back to thoses motor/controller bullet connections. With the bullet connectors hooked up do you still have bare metal exposed? If so you need to do something about that, or you are asking for another issue. If you had smoke comming out of the controller, then you need to stop, and get that controller checked out before going any further. You could cause even more problems with yoru motors and batteries. At least with the photos from what we can tell it is hooked up correctly, and the manufacturer should cover the problem and replace it. If you go any further you may end up losing out all together. Good luck with that.:lol:

An update.... I installed the stock receiver and it gave me the same response....

That was until I tried what happened to member GYN77. He had the same problem until he pushed lever forward instead of backwards. It now allows me to enter programming mode.

Jerry, I will cover those up as soon as I know it works. The wires are definitely separated for now and I would never run it that way, I just want to make sure I don't have to disconnect the unit to send it back in.

I will check up on how to enter each mode using the transmitter.

Mark

Later update....FRIED.
 

I got through the programming stage. It took me several attempts but I finally got through it.

After the programming, I shut everything off and went back into the programming mode so I could change the first parameter to automatic tuning as per Mike but when I tried to use it later, it shuddered and stopped.

No more beeps, no more nothing.

I overnighted it back to Mike to let him look at it. So far, it's not looking good.

Mark