still having TX range problems

[kfxguy]

When I went run my shocker yesterday and I'm still having range problems. It won reach 300 ft away before it loses connection. Here's what I've done per recommendations on here:

-replace the TX batts with new ones
-Ran the secondary antenna along the rail where canopy sets
-adjusted bec to 6s
-longer primary antenna tube

Boat: carbon fiber shocker
TX: spektrum dx4s
Rx: mr200

Sidenotes: I've tried different receivers. Does the same thing with a castle hydra 240 and a fightercat esc. This is not a full throttle only issue. I can cruise away from me slowly and the boat will stop. Raise the TX above my head and it'll work again. I'm running 4s, 5000mah 50c spc batts
The fightercat esc uses an external bec. Does not seem to glitch. Just stops till I get closet or raise radio higher. Would it work better if I put the secondary antenna out the hull too like the primary in a tube? What about together in the same tube ( if they fit) or should I get rid of all my spektrum stuff and start over? It does the same thing in every boat I have (they are all carbon)

[Jlov]

Kfx I am having same problems with my Dx3 and MR200. And I have both antennas coming thru hull. Have always had this problem on occasion with the Spektrum. I've about had it and and I'm going to switch to Futaba. Just hate to spend $70 per receiver. I'm tired of losing signal tho when boat gets to far away. I've tried running one wire thru hull and laying other wire in hull still same issue on occasion. Jeff

[Shooter]

Where is your RX located? I had similar issues earlier this year with RX too close to motor. Wasn't sure if it was interference or just the fact that the signal had to go 'thru' something. Try moving RX location. Might be a cheap fix.

[ron1950]

id say its something to do with either a bad reciver orrrrr it would seem it doesent like carbon fiber boats....I have 9 mr3000 rx and never had a problem but all boats are wood or f/g.....my antennas only stick up maybe 2 inches outside the hull.....hate electrical problems have u tried a different reciver?

[Jlov]

Mine is inside a traxxas waterproof receiver box. Maybe I will try taking it out of there. But it was outside on a tray and in back of boat with my other Popeye and had issue then too. I will try removing it first as Shooter suggested before spending money on Futaba stuff. Thx Jeff

[JimClark]

curious are using BEC? have you tried adding a receiver battery into the mix?

[kfxguy]

curious are using BEC? have you tried adding a receiver battery into the mix?

With the castle esc, used internal bec. With fightercat esc, use a turnigy ubec. I've tried three different mr200's. Same thing. Have not tried a battery. Same thing in all my boats. Here's a pic of where the receiver is...






Maybe try a mr3000? Are they better?

[JimClark]

It is easy to try a battery and eliminate the BEC. What about moving it to another area. One time a few years ago I kept having problems in a wood hydro couldn't figure it out finally put new servo extensions in it and it fixed it. The bad extension looked great but seemed to have a little corrosion. That is when I started using CorrosionX

[Darin Jordan]

Maybe try a mr3000? Are they better?

The basic workings of the MR200 and the MR3000 are essentially the same. I wouldn't expect a range difference between the two.

[olwarbirds]

Spek rcvrs ...always run one ant vertical one horizontal...do not bunch ant's with other wires...Travis what is that under your rcvr ? I would call horizon hobby and talk to the spek guys (they are the best) I have been using spek products since i got one of the first prototype radios for aircraft. Numerous CF boats, planes, helis and vehicles with no signal issues. Travis if you have tried numerous rcvrs I would personally be questioning my xmttr. Maybe there is a prob with its ant. Doesnt the dx4 have a low pwr range test feature ? maybe its faulty....dont give up on spek just yet.... DJ

[kfxguy]

Spek rcvrs ...always run one ant vertical one horizontal...do not bunch ant's with other wires...Travis what is that under your rcvr ? I would call horizon hobby and talk to the spek guys (they are the best) I have been using spek products since i got one of the first prototype radios for aircraft. Numerous CF boats, planes, helis and vehicles with no signal issues. Travis if you have tried numerous rcvrs I would personally be questioning my xmttr. Maybe there is a prob with its ant. Doesnt the dx4 have a low pwr range test feature ? maybe its faulty....dont give up on spek just yet.... DJ

All that is is a cf mount that the Rx and Bex are mounted to. I'm not sure on a low power mode...I'll have to check. my son's dx3s does the same thing as mine btw.

[tlandauer]

Hmm...
Just a thought, assuming the antenna (both) are well attached to the Rx, (I had one time that one of them came loose), move your receiver slightly rear ward so the two posts are not on top of the CF mount.
I had a land vehical that had an aluminum chasis and the radio was mounted directly on that with a double sided tape, it glitched quite a bit until I separated it with a 1/4" plywood, although it was a AM radio by Futaba. I could be full of it, but if all else failed, why not give it a try.

[NativePaul]

Would it work better if I put the secondary antenna out the hull too like the primary in a tube? What about together in the same tube ( if they fit) or should I get rid of all my spektrum stuff and start over?

It Can't hurt the second aerial wont be getting much if any signal inside the hull. Not up the same tube though, its pointless having a second antenna if it is the same place and in the same orientation. If all else fails maybe fry Futaba FASST I do believe it is better, but spektrum is enough for most people so I suspect that your problem can either be solved with setup or is a dodgy unit and can be fixed for free or a lot less money than switching brands depending the warranty.