Castle Hydra Firmware

[Raydee]

Ok something is funny with Castle's Hydra firmware and so far I am not the only one to notice it. I am hoping some of you guys can try a little experiment and see if its a software problem.
Here is the deal, I set my boat up with the older version 1.3 firmware and ran my hull. With a 637 prop the boat ran pretty good. I decided to update my firmware to the latest 1.4 version and with the same setup the boat was very slow. Not only was the boat slow but everything was cold after a 2 min run. I ended up working my way all the way up to a 445 prop before the boat was as fast as it originally was with the old firmware and the 637 prop. Last night I decided to revert back to the older 1.3 firmware and run my boat again. I knew that it ran good on a small prop before so I threw on a 642 prop and ran it for about a min. It ran great but when I pulled it out of the water everything was much hotter than it ever ran in the past. The motor was about 138* the ESC was 150* and the cells were 135*. My lipo's have never been over 125* ever after longer runs. Now the big question is do I just run a smaller prop with the older firmware or run the new firmware with a larger diameter prop? Why is there such a difference between the two firmwares?
If one of you guys would like to give it a try, run your boat on the normal prop that you like and then update to the new Firmware and see if the speed changes or not. Maybe it is just a problem with my Hydra or maybe there is a problem with the firmware. If you decide to try this let me know what you find so I can post this to Castle and see what they think. One thing to remember is Castle relies on the boaters for feedback and if there is a problem we need to let them know.

[Doug Smock]

Thanks for the info Raydee. Please let us know what CC has to say.

Doug

[Mich. Maniac]

The only thing that catches my eye is that it says initial HV hydra firmware. Is that what you have or just low voltage hydra?

The 1.4 that is.

[Raydee]

Yeah it is the Standard Hydra 120LV

[Eyekandyboats]

i agree Ray. i have done this with my boat.
i ran 48mph on a 642 with 1.3.... i changed to 1.4 and i ran not even 43 mph.
i proped up to a M445!!! and got 49.5 mph and then a 646 at about 54 mph.
every thing is cool with 1.4 but the 445 and the 646 were about the same tep as the 1.3 on the 642... but why is the props so damn large
1.3 is a much better system . don't know why but it is kinda annoying.. i would revert back to the 1.3 software. if only the CC240 hydra has not of fried...... due to no reason at all. cool temps all round the board.

[Raydee]

I plan on bringing my Laptop to the pond tomorrow if the weather holds up and do some more testing.

[Flying Scotsman]

Raydee, this is very interesting, it seems CC are limiting amp or voltage draw with there new firmware update.

Douggie

[Raydee]

Douggie, I thought that also but I would like to see if others notice the same thing. It is very possible that I just have a faulty controller.

[Flying Scotsman]

PS, I still have not updated and run 1.3 no problems

[Flying Scotsman]

I hate to say this, is CC bumping up their cell and li-po ratings to placate many pis...d off boaters with an esc that does not meet advertised demands and then change the software.

Douggie

[SweetAccord]

Sorry, you all are confusing me? The Castle Hydra 120 has no connections for any firmware upgrading? Am I missing something???

[Jeepers]

Sorry, you all are confusing me? The Castle Hydra 120 has no connections for any firmware upgrading? Am I missing something???

yep the Castle Link!

I have been wanting to try this but I dont have a lap top.................................... yes I do my dad has one, just remebered.

[Doug Smock]

PS, I still have not updated and run 1.3 no problems

Me too.

[Lakefrontlivin]

Hi,
Just started programming my Hydra 120.
Should I use the 1.03v or the 1.04v. ?
Also what should I have for settings.?
I'm running this in a Viper Hydro with a 12L motor and 2S1P in series...
What should the low voltage shutoff be set at?
Thanx in advance...
Tom H.

[Raydee]

Tom I send you a Email but I would stick with the 1.3 for now.
Set timing to normal, Cutoff at 3.3v per cell or 13.2 volts.

[andym]

I am wondering why we have not heard from Castle on this matter, they would have read this thread I am sure. CC where are you????????????????

[SweetAccord]

I see, you are all using the Castle Link USB Programming Kit, aright.

http://www.castlecreations.com/produ...stle_link.html

[Joe Ford]

I am wondering why we have not heard from Castle on this matter, they would have read this thread I am sure. CC where are you????????????????

Right here. :) Have you gents re-calibrated the ESC to the radio after updating the software? This is a must. Also, have you checked the throttle curve, and are you seeing anything weird there? Let me know please.

[Raydee]

Joe thanks for replying to the thread. To answer the question yes I most def re-calibrated after each firmware update and when I reverted back to the older version and I checked the throttle curve to make sure it was linear also. We haven't had the best weather here lately for more testing but I am hoping to update back to the newer firmware version next time out since I have been using the older firmware for a while now. I should be able to make a really good comparison soon.

[Mich. Maniac]

so we should be upgrading then? since these arent in air use what should throttle curve be? 0-25-50-75-100 right? Or do you mean just to make sure nothing crazy is goin on?

[Raydee]

Mike Normally they are set linear 0, 25, 50, 75, 100 but there was a issue where they were set to 0 all the way across the throttle curve. This only happened to me once though, just make sure yours is linear and it will be fine.

[Mich. Maniac]

cool, my link should be here soon, me thinks i will upgrade right away since im fighting heat issues

[Jeepers]

I see, you are all using the Castle Link USB Programming Kit, aright.

http://www.castlecreations.com/produ...stle_link.html

thats correct!!

[Joe Ford]

Anyone else with the Castle Link found anything weird on the throttle curve when they plug into the Link?

[Joe Ford]

Bueller?

[Ub Hauled]

I think that's it for now "Ferris",
I haven't heard anything from the guys at the pond.

[rcflyer55]

I'm waiting on my CC Link I have a brand spankin new Hydra 120 so I'll see what happens.

[rcflyer55]

I think I figured it out. It is only a 2 place screen for voltage cutoff so I needed to use the right arrow. what a Pain in the A**

I set
cut-off voltage= custome 13.2
reverse type =no reverse
reverse throttle amount =12.5
Motor timing = normal
start power = normal
current limiter=enabled
Throttle curve = linear
break = linear
softwear V 1.3

I'm running a 10xl
hydra 120
4s 2P 4500mah Lipos
M445
on a Mean Machine

Do my setting look good???

[Mich. Maniac]

I have been too busy with house work, painting, building decks and such. had my link for a week now. should have time this evening to load it. Im sure there will be a million questions to follow.

[Raydee]

I am in the same boat, fixing up the outside of my house, doing some siding and painting. My poor boats haven't been in the water in ages

Anyway the only time I noticed the problem with the T-Curve is when I first updated the the 1.4v firmware. When I went back to 1.3v it is fine. I haven't tried 1.4v firmware since but I do plan to soon.