GWS RX's have to be the worst.....

[Steve]

Ok, I've gone ahead and tried another GWS....stupid me. Right out of the box (the nicest thing about GWS receivers) the thing is totally useless.

I got the 6CH thinking that it would at least have a somewhat longer range than the 4. But noooooooo. About 150' is all I get no matter what I do.

This one's going back.

Anyone know where to send it for "repair"?

[Matt Kirsch]

GWS now has a distribution site in the USA, which is certainly a lot better than having to either junk the stuff or send it back to Taiwan for warranty service/replacement.

Is that 150' with the antenna up or down? If down, that's darned good. BTW, the 6-channel is the same low-budget single-conversion design as the 4-channel, so it really doesn't offer any advantage other than more channels.

Personally, I haven't had much trouble with my GWS receivers, but it may just be that I'm lucky enough to be living in a rather quiet environment, RF-wise.

[debhicks]

We have been running them for over a year and a half 4 ch on a shock flyer and we put a 6 channel in an estarter. No problems. However, you can send it directly back to GWS on the West Coast. You can go on thier site and email them direct.

They are cheap receivers. Hitec just came out with thier replacement to the feather. It is on the website if you want to look at the specs. Hope that helps. Off the top of my head I can't remember the price. But it may be your answer.

I replaced my feather with an expert brand for my soarstar because I could shoot my feather out with my own antenna. That is a thought too. Don't point your antenna at the airplane. Hard habit to break but if you point the antenna down you may get rid of your glitches. The RF feed from the transmitter can get these little receivers in a bind so pointing the antenna away from the plane does help and usually fixes the problems.

Hope the hints help. Just my 3 cents worth because 2 cents get's you no where:)

[rcers]

Yep I have used scads of the GWS RX's. My 6ch was a tiny bit better than the 4ch but far, far more than 150ft. Mine perform fine with the standard periodic glitch. I fly alone or with 1-2 others with GWS. I dont' use them at fly-in's (at all).

If you are only getting 150ft in the air, it is broken.

Mike

[qban_flyer]

We have been running them for over a year and a half 4 ch on a shock flyer and we put a 6 channel in an estarter. No problems. However, you can send it directly back to GWS on the West Coast. You can go on thier site and email them direct.

They are cheap receivers. Hitec just came out with thier replacement to the feather. It is on the website if you want to look at the specs. Hope that helps. Off the top of my head I can't remember the price. But it may be your answer.

I replaced my feather with an expert brand for my soarstar because I could shoot my feather out with my own antenna. That is a thought too. Don't point your antenna at the airplane. Hard habit to break but if you point the antenna down you may get rid of your glitches. The RF feed from the transmitter can get these little receivers in a bind so pointing the antenna away from the plane does help and usually fixes the problems.

Hope the hints help. Just my 3 cents worth because 2 cents get's you no where:)

I have a total of six GWS RXs and five Hitec Feathers. Not a single problem with anyone of them. All of mine are well over two years old and a few are over three.

BTW, the newer GWS 4 channel RXs are rated @ 500' range (their antenna is 20") with TX's antenna extended. The older 4 channel ones were rated @ 1000' and their antenna was 39". Not familiar with the 6 channel version to be able to comment on them.

Here's my question to GWS. Is there any connection between the RX's antenna length and range reduction on the new ones?

It's nice not to have the aerial of one's RX hanging out of the back of the plane, though I'd rather have the antenna trailing my plane than having a neat looking model being controlled by a receiver with a vastly reduced range.

Are you listening GWS? :mad: :mad: :mad:

[Steve]

When antenna is fully extended, range is about 100'. With antenna down, range is about 10'.

Well, when I purchased the RX, I noticed in the specs that the 6ch had a longer range than the 4, which is why I decided to try it. I thought that maybe GWS put a little more "oomph" into the 6ch. Should've know better....

The shorter antenna definitely doesn't seem to be an improvement...on the contrary, it seems to have shortened the range. Of course in this case, it's not the antenna that's the problem.

I'll check out the new Feather. I had an older version on a Slow Stick that I flew for a couple of years until I lost control of it in a cloud bank a couple of weeks ago :o and haven't seen it since. Despite all the negative press in this ng, I never had a spec of trouble with it except for some isolated glitching if flying in more populated areas.

Fortunately, cows don't fly RC so I don't have to worry much about RF interference unless you're talking about Recurrent Flatulance....then I have a real problem !
:D

[qban_flyer]

When antenna is fully extended, range is about 100'. With antenna down, range is about 10'.

Well, when I purchased the RX, I noticed in the specs that the 6ch had a longer range than the 4, which is why I decided to try it. I thought that maybe GWS put a little more "oomph" into the 6ch. Should've know better....

The shorter antenna definitely doesn't seem to be an improvement...on the contrary, it seems to have shortened the range. Of course in this case, it's not the antenna that's the problem.

I'll check out the new Feather. I had an older version on a Slow Stick that I flew for a couple of years until I lost control of it in a cloud bank a couple of weeks ago :o and haven't seen it since. Despite all the negative press in this ng, I never had a spec of trouble with it except for some isolated glitching if flying in more populated areas.

Fortunately, cows don't fly RC so I don't have to worry much about RF interference unless you're talking about Recurrent Flatulance....then I have a real problem !
:D

There is definitely something screwed up with that RX, and me thinks it is not the "flatulent cows" :D making it behave that way.

I have no experience with the new GWS receiver either though I have read their instruction manual and specs at one of the LHSs and found it intriguing, though a bit on the pricey side for my taste.

If I am going that far price wise, I might as well get me an Electron 6 dual conversion one. It's a bit heavier, but it also is a full range RX.

[Rugar]

I have no experience with the new GWS receiver either though I have read their instruction manual and specs at one of the LHSs and found it intriguing, though a bit on the pricey side for my taste.

If I am going that far price wise, I might as well get me an Electron 6 dual conversion one. It's a bit heavier, but it also is a full range RX.

Im not sure why you would think that $24.50 is pricey for a GWS 6 ch RX :confused:.

I spec out my Slow Stick with a GWS 6 ch without any problems. Only glithes I get are when I fly low down the flight line in front of other TX's. I also have a 4 ch on a shockie without any problems.

I have heard people say that sometimes you get a good one and sometimes you dont. I guess I just got lucky with mine, but I dont put them in any expensive planes. All my other planes have Bergs.

Gerald

[Steve]

I agree and also use Bergs or the electron 6 in my balsa planes. They are incredibly reliable.

I keep getting seduced by the low price of the GWS RX's when I go to build a new foamie or whatever, and seem to always regret it later.

You would think I would learn something from that...:rolleyes:

Like I've said I have had GWS rx's that were fine, but more often than not, they suck.

[qban_flyer]

Im not sure why you would think that $24.50 is pricey for a GWS 6 ch RX :confused:.

I spec out my Slow Stick with a GWS 6 ch without any problems. Only glithes I get are when I fly low down the flight line in front of other TX's. I also have a 4 ch on a shockie without any problems.

I have heard people say that sometimes you get a good one and sometimes you dont. I guess I just got lucky with mine, but I dont put them in any expensive planes. All my other planes have Bergs.

Gerald

My mistake. I was referring to the Hitec HFS-O4MG that replaces the Feather ($39.99 + crystal). I can't speak for GWS six channel units since I have never seen one, much less use them.

If they are as good as their four channel ones, I know they have got to be good, especially when we consider the $24.50 admission price and getting two extra channels. The ones I have have proven to be very reliable, except for a minor glitch here and there. No RX caused crashes with my GWS RXs.

Sorry for the confusion I may have caused. :eek: :eek: :eek:

[Rugar]

My mistake. I was referring to the Hitec HFS-O4MG that replaces the Feather ($39.99 + crystal). I can't speak for GWS six channel units since I have never seen one, much less use them.

If they are as good as their four channel ones, I know they have got to be good, especially when we consider the $24.50 admission price and getting two extra channels.

Sorry for the confusion I may have caused. :eek: :eek: :eek:

You are forgiven my son. :D

[qban_flyer]

You are forgiven my son. :D

Thanks, DAD!!! :D :D :D

[Doppelganger]

I think the GWS receivers are crap. I used them for two months with no problems. Then they just started going haywire. I lost 2 planes due to these receivers. They claim the shorter antennaes don't hurt the range of the receiver. WRONG! I now use Electron 6's exclusively. I'm still flying in the same area, and I havent had any problems since. On the other hand, the GWS planes are a blast!!!:D

[qban_flyer]

I think the GWS receivers are crap. I used them for two months with no problems. Then they just started going haywire. I lost 2 planes due to these receivers. They claim the shorter antennaes don't hurt the range of the receiver. WRONG! I now use Electron 6's exclusively. I'm still flying in the same area, and I havent had any problems since. On the other hand, the GWS planes are a blast!!!:D

All of mine are the "older" version with 39" antennas. I have had no problems in three years. Then, on the other hand, you are correct, that claim about the short antenna not affecting RX performance is nothing more than pure unadulterated baloney!

Their specs on the older ones clearly specified 1000 feet of range. Pretty far away if anyone asks me, nice. The new ones have a range (as per their specs) of 500 feet, not good.

That's exactly one half the range of the older ones, so why is it they can get away by making a claim that is being contradicted by their own spec sheets is way beyond comprehension.

If anyone is interested, I can scan the "owners manual" of an old one and post it here for comparison against the specs given for the "new and impreved" ones.

[buzzbomber]

My mistake. I was referring to the Hitec HFS-O4MG that replaces the Feather ($39.99 + crystal)......Sorry for the confusion I may have caused. :eek: :eek: :eek:

Just a note on that. If you're getting a price of $39.99 less crystal on the 04MG, look somewhere else. I've bought three of them, and paid that much WITH the crystal. So far, the 04MG and 05MG receivers I fly have been absolutely rock-solid, even in 1/2a planes. The 05MS is an even better value, since it's lighter and auto shift select. All these new Hitecs are single conversion, but perform just as reliably as my JR and Berg units(also single conversion).

Back on the original topic, I had three good years with GWS pico receivers, but recently, the two I still use have been suffering severe glitching on nearly every flight. I've tried all the usual interference reduction methods to no avail. None of my other receivers are suffering under the same conditions however, so I hesitate to say that it's a change in the environment. Anyhow, I ramble on...

[flypaper 2]

I have an older one with the 39 in. ant. Started out good then went slowly downhill. Don't dare fly with someone else up. Now I only use it for benchwork.

[Nitro Blast]

Some of you guys must have it better than we do here...(read environmental noise and traffic)

I'd steer clear of any single conversion RX as you will get glitched down in a hurry here in Southern California, and that is growing nationwide.

I have seen GWS RX's new out of the box get less range than what is discussed, and as of late, I'm sticking with Hi-Tec RX's exclusively.

I'm not gonna sweat a few bucks on an RX when I'm pumping $300~$500 into a plane.

[timocharis]

Steve,

The 6-channel still comes with the 39" antenna, doesn't it? If so, it should do better than the new R4PIIs.

Eight of ten planes I currently have running are flying on GWS R4PIIs, but I have added baseloaded (azarr) antennas to all those I expect to go beyond 200 feet or so.

In the SF Bay Area we get some RF noise; I don't know how it compares to SoCal. But I haven't seen anything worse than a microsecond glitch in a year or so. Go figure!

The worst glitching I had was using a very good Berg 5 -- had nothing to do with the receiver. I had installed it as shown in the instruction manual, which placed it right in a noise node from the motor/esc. Moving it a few inches solved the problem completely.

Might be something to check.


Dave North


Dave North

[qban_flyer]

Just a note on that. If you're getting a price of $39.99 less crystal on the 04MG, look somewhere else. I've bought three of them, and paid that much WITH the crystal. So far, the 04MG and 05MG receivers I fly have been absolutely rock-solid, even in 1/2a planes. The 05MS is an even better value, since it's lighter and auto shift select. All these new Hitecs are single conversion, but perform just as reliably as my JR and Berg units(also single conversion).

Back on the original topic, I had three good years with GWS pico receivers, but recently, the two I still use have been suffering severe glitching on nearly every flight. I've tried all the usual interference reduction methods to no avail. None of my other receivers are suffering under the same conditions however, so I hesitate to say that it's a change in the environment. Anyhow, I ramble on...

Regarding your Picos, are they all on the same channel, or are they on different ones? The problem could be channel dependent, you know.

LHS is where they are available locally. I haven't bought any yet. I have seen them at both Tower and Hobby Lobby sites for $31.99 plus $7 for the crystal, and $7 additional for shipping. In the end, even if I bought three of them from either outfit I would pay almost as much as my LHS, one that I'd rather support even if it costs me a few dollars more.

One advantage of getting them from my LHS is that if there is something wrong with the merchandise, or if I am not satisfied with it, I can take it back immediatelly for an exhange or a refund "on the spot". To me that is worth the extra money spent there.

[buzzbomber]

qban,

Yeah, I had the channel thought too. I've tried 42(my usual channel) and 28, seems to glitch on both. The spectra module could be a contributing factor I suppose, but it's only these two receivers giving me grief. On the subject of buying locally, I try to support my LHS as much as possible. He's pretty accomodating, and can usually order what I want and/or offer a discount because I shop there a lot. Occasionally, I return the favor and buy items from him I know I can get cheaper elsewhere. But, sometimes he either can't get what I want, or wants to charge me full MSRP for it. On those occasions, I put together a list of what I need, and wait to mail-order until I've collected enough merch. to either reach the "free shipping" threshold, or the cost of shipping is less than what sales tax would cost buying locally. Works for me so far.

[Doppelganger]

I'm not gonna sweat a few bucks on an RX when I'm pumping $300~$500 into a plane.

Basically, thats it in a nutshell.;)

[qban_flyer]

qban,

Yeah, I had the channel thought too. I've tried 42(my usual channel) and 28, seems to glitch on both. The spectra module could be a contributing factor I suppose, but it's only these two receivers giving me grief.

I have two (2) Spectra modules. I don't use them anymore. What a waste of money. I always wound taking [lanes to the field on the same channel! So in reality the benefit of being able to switch frequencies at the field was used five or six times.

I just may sell them both since I have no use for them anyomre. I don't like Sythesized receivers either. Too confusing and convoluted for me.

I fly on 13, 14, 15, 29 and 36 exclusively so I have no need for fancy pants modules or RXs that switch channels by coming in contact with the TX's antenna.

[qban_flyer]

Some of you guys must have it better than we do here...(read environmental noise and traffic)

I'd steer clear of any single conversion RX as you will get glitched down in a hurry here in Southern California, and that is growing nationwide.

I have seen GWS RX's new out of the box get less range than what is discussed, and as of late, I'm sticking with Hi-Tec RX's exclusively.

I'm not gonna sweat a few bucks on an RX when I'm pumping $300~$500 into a plane.

I have been using both GWS Pico and Hitec Feather RXs in my lowly, cheap and disposable planes with no problems (under $175). Many in the three clubs I belong to, do the same without any problems. Most Shockies I have seen are flown with Hitec Feather or the older GWS Pico RXs, while some go as far as using the old FMA Fortress receivers (cumbersome and heavy).

I agree with you in that I would not put one of the "cheapos" in one of my $300 and over models, just as I won't dream of putting an expensive receiver in a plane that costs quite a bit less than the RX itself.

In the end, it's a matter of choice and or taste. Everybody has his/her own opinion about everything. We all don't have to use the same equipment oand or spend the same amount of money in this hobby.

[debhicks]

We use the GWS receivers in the planes we don't fly more than 50' away. Close in park flying or combat because they are cheap. I used a feather receiver and kept glitching in my soarstar. It has a tendancy sometimes to catch thermals so I need a receiver in that plane I can talk to when it gets a little out there. Shock Flyer, GWS 4ch. Doesn't get too far away to worry about exceeding the range. Looking for range then I would recommend the Expert f650 or something like it. JR has a new line of micro stuff in the sports line. The electron6 receivers seem to be very popular as well.

IMHO putting a GWS receiver in a $300 to $500 plane may not be a wise choice but anything could happen. Everytime you throw one in the air you take a chance it will come down in a not so glamorous way. In those occasions its nice to blame equipment failure. Looks better that way:) At least is works for me. Makes me feel better:)

Buy the receiver that fits your flying habits. Get a bad one send it back to the factory. Had one out of say 75 sold 6 channel GWS receiver that failed. It failed out of the box. We replaced it for our customer and GWS took care of it straight away. GWS will take care of it. I can say that saturation RF will glitch the GWS receivers. Proved it over and over. I just point my antenna down or away from the plane. I hate crashing my lipo's. :(

[proptop]

I have 3 pico 4 ch. rx's and haven't had any problems with those...
I have tried 2 of the naro 6 ch. rx's and have had problems with both ?!
The 1st naro 6ch. I tried did nothing but glitch and make the servos spaz out bigtime...
I figured "maybe I just got a bad one" and sent it back...
The 2nd one wasn't much better, and still not airworthy...

I have read in several other threads (on RCU) that the naro 6 ch. is (to put it mildly) not very good...

[qban_flyer]

I have 3 pico 4 ch. rx's and haven't had any problems with those...
I have tried 2 of the naro 6 ch. rx's and have had problems with both ?!
The 1st naro 6ch. I tried did nothing but glitch and make the servos spaz out bigtime...
I figured "maybe I just got a bad one" and sent it back...
The 2nd one wasn't much better, and still not airworthy...

I have read in several other threads (on RCU) that the naro 6 ch. is (to put it mildly) not very good...

Well, I guess the post I am quoting has convinced me. I am sticking with my old GWS Picos and Hitec Feathers to use them in my P/F and Flatso 3D foamies. They are as reliable as can be, have extended range, furthermore, they are inexpensive and lightweight.

[Matt Kirsch]

Qban flyer,

You've mentioned in another thread that problems with these little single-conversion receivers are due to "sloppy" installation techniques. What do you do differently that make your installations so reliable?

Personally, I haven't had any trouble with any of my GWS receivers either. Maybe I'm just lucky, or maybe I'm doing something right? Some of the things I tend to do include putting the receiver as far away from the ESC as possible, and frankly, that's the most effective thing you can do in my book. Plant that receiver right over the top of the ESC, and you may as well just kiss the plane goodbye.

[qban_flyer]

Qban flyer,

What do you do differently that make your installations so reliable?

Some of the things I tend to do include "putting the receiver as far away from the ESC as possible", and frankly, that's the most effective thing you can do in my book. Plant that receiver right over the top of the ESC, and you may as well just kiss the plane goodbye.

You have just answered your own question Matt. I have placed bold "quotations" marks to demarcate the answer within the quote above.

In addition, I park my single conversion RXs as far away from the motor and servos as I possibly can, motors are another source of 'electrical hash', one that plays havoc with these inexpensive single conversion RXs. I also make sure the antenna is extended and hanging out of the model's tail.

I have also seen many who ignoring the manufacturer's instructions, turn the antenna 180 degrees several times on itself and or coil it "neatly" inside the model to make for a "neat" looking plane with no visible antenna. One "MAY" get away doing so on some "installations" when using dual conversion RXs, though their range will be greatly reduced also.

I have never had any problems with my old GWS Picos and Hitec Feathers. Since I have never used one of the newer ones, I can't or won't comment on them.

:cool:

[Steve]

All good advice for installing RX's guys. In my case the GWS RX was flat out defective. It was well away from motor, ESC and servos and with the antenna dangling in the air for my initial tests, it was just not working right. The Electron 6 I put in its place is working perfectly.

[proptop]

The first naro 6 ch. that I mentioned never got installed in an airplane...
Just bench testing, with different ESC's and even a seperate rx. batt. all resulted in the same thing...a doo doo rx.

The 2nd one made it into my Tribute, briefly, and was installed in the same place the pico 4 came out of...same set-up, everything. I didn't like all the "hits" I kept getting, so I put the old pico back in.
I gave that rx. to a buddy who said he'd check it out...told him he could keep it.


I also have 2 older feathers (one is from '99-'00 I believe) and they're quite solid, but then again, I always fly my single conv. rx's solo.

[SigMan]

just tried my first GWS 4ch reciever and it will be my last, new out of the box and the 4th channel(rudder) did not work..man i was ready to test the yak today! rats !

[stroland]

Ive got a 4 ch. in my slow stick,havent had a problem yet-nock on wood.