Senton Senton 3S BLX 4x4 lagging when reversing from stop

[Mr.Vylan]

I've recently upgraded my Senton 3S BLX 4x4 with a Spektrum RC DX5C w/SR6100AT. I needed to replace the stock servo with the digital servo. Obviously it is not the servo causing the motor reverse lag but wanted to mention what was changed from stock parts.

Everything is working great except the reverse.
When in a full stop, it takes more than 5 seconds to reverse. Sometimes it takes over 20 seconds as if it lost connection.
It is intermittent regarding the lag time.

1. Accelerates fine
2. Brakes fine
3. Steers fine

I'm assuming it is the transmitter/receiver communications.
Since I'm a newbie, I do not want to make assumptions. Open to any suggestions as to what is causing this.
I'm guessing the first step is to rebind and recalibrate. Yes/No?

Thanks in advance.

 

[JAM]

For sure start with recalibrate. Does it have reverse throttle EPA adjustability?

 

[Mr.Vylan]

For sure start with recalibrate. Does it have reverse throttle EPA adjustability?

I'm not sure what EPA adjustability is.
I just swapped out the transmitter/receiver to the stock one and it still has the same issue. My guess is that the ESC is malfunctioning. Fortunately, I recently purchased the product so it will still be under warranty.

 

[JAM]

Ya epa or end point adjustment. Allows you to adjust how much input, steering left and right and throttle either forward or reverse. My flysky allowes me to have forward throttle and reverse throttle to be set at different input. For example I do not ever need to reverse as fast as I want to go forward so forward is set to 100% and reverse is set to 65%.

You have it on the stx but it may be more precise with the other set up you have. However I think you narrowed it down to the esc acting up. I’d still try recalibrating the throttle endpoints as the manual shows. Holding down the set button, press set one you get the rapid beeps. One beep. Squeeze throttle press set again. 2 beeps. Push the throttle out to full break. 3 beeps. Turn off and try and run it to see if it runs better.

 

[Senton Monster]

I don't think there is an issue and here is why. Mine does the same thing. When i'm running in forward. I have to stop the truck by putting it in reverse which it actually puts on the break not reverse. after the truck stops, Then to go into reverse I have to go back to center then put it into reverse. This is due to the ecm or esc is programming to do this so it won't strip out the gears. slamming from forward to reverse or the other direction. My 2cents.

 

[Mr.Vylan]

All good comments and advice.
It certainly will not go into reverse, so I'm a bit baffled. And yes, it brakes. I get the concept of braking and coming to a full stop and waiting to reverse the motor.

Also, for whatever reason, I can't get the ESC to reset. I've tried over and over and it will not reset as it was doing prior to this issue.

One last thing.
The transmitter to ESC connection takes a bit to make a connection (solid red). Sometimes initiating a throttle pull on the controller makes the blinking red got to the solid indicating connection.

 

[suchtragedy]

EPA aka End Point Adjustment is listed under Travel in the Spektrum radio. Try turning the travel for the Reverse side to more than 100% to see if that makes any difference maybe. Reverse is the one that will say "L" after it (stands for Low). The one that says H (high) is for forward throttle.

A question too, are you using this on 2s or 3s? Just curious, I found that throttle hesitation in reverse is bad sometimes with 2s but on 3s and up it's fine. My best guess is the ESC programming with defaults the reverse speed down by whatever % in the BLX100 (reverse speed is not adjustable in the BLX100 esc so you're stuck with whatever the default is) and on only 2s it isn't enough juice and causing the motor to stall. So if this is your issue with increased voltage it should go away or not be as bad. If you're using the factory 20T pinion that comes with the senton dropping down to a 15T and trying it again may help as well.

 

[Mr.Vylan]

EPA aka End Point Adjustment is listed under Travel in the Spektrum radio. Try turning the travel for the Reverse side to more than 100% to see if that makes any difference maybe. Reverse is the one that will say "L" after it (stands for Low). The one that says H (high) is for forward throttle.

A question too, are you using this on 2s or 3s? Just curious, I found that throttle hesitation in reverse is bad sometimes with 2s but on 3s and up it's fine. My best guess is the ESC programming with defaults the reverse speed down by whatever % in the BLX100 (reverse speed is not adjustable in the BLX100 esc so you're stuck with whatever the default is) and on only 2s it isn't enough juice and causing the motor to stall. So if this is your issue with increased voltage it should go away or not be as bad. If you're using the factory 20T pinion that comes with the senton dropping down to a 15T and trying it again may help as well.

Just to clarify something regarding my testing. I swapped out the transmitter and receiver to rule out any settings that might be affecting the ESC. After doing that the stock transmitter and receiver also were not able to reverse the motor.

I'm starting to think it is the ESC and that is unfortunate since I've only owned the vehicle for about 2 weeks. I'm also new to the hobby and was hoping for a good experience starting off. I'm going to contact Horizon tomorrow regarding the factory warranty.

EPA aka End Point Adjustment is listed under Travel in the Spektrum radio. Try turning the travel for the Reverse side to more than 100% to see if that makes any difference maybe. Reverse is the one that will say "L" after it (stands for Low). The one that says H (high) is for forward throttle.

A question too, are you using this on 2s or 3s? Just curious, I found that throttle hesitation in reverse is bad sometimes with 2s but on 3s and up it's fine. My best guess is the ESC programming with defaults the reverse speed down by whatever % in the BLX100 (reverse speed is not adjustable in the BLX100 esc so you're stuck with whatever the default is) and on only 2s it isn't enough juice and causing the motor to stall. So if this is your issue with increased voltage it should go away or not be as bad. If you're using the factory 20T pinion that comes with the senton dropping down to a 15T and trying it again may help as well.

I'm using a 3s battery.

 

[Mr.Vylan]

I've officially wasted everyone's time on this subject. I owe everybody a beer and if you are Canadian I'll probably have to buy two.
I was tuning the ESC and not doing a throttle calibration. I feel pretty stupid and I'm contributing it to being a newbie. I went through the process and now the reverse works perfectly. WHEW.
I will now look back and do the EPA set up mentioned, thanks - @suchtragedy!

I guess I'll need to personally deliver the beer once this pandemic gets in control. Stay safe and drive fast!

 

[JAM]

All good man Glad it’s sorted

 

[Mr.Vylan]

I just want to give a shout out to AMain Hobbies. I had thought I needed to replace the ESC and since it was under warranty I sent an email inquiring about the warranty process. I was quite pleased with the reply.

THIS WAS THE RESPONSE ->

If you would like to return the speed controller we can handle the parts. We have a warranty for the ESC. Which is probably what is keeping your car from going in reverse. We would handle getting the replacement part to you.

If you want to return the whole kit replaced it would have to go to Horizon.

Best Regards,
Richard G
Customer Service Specialist

 

[jondilly1974]

Are you sure reverse isn’t disabled in the ESC?

 

[Mr.Vylan]

Are you sure reverse isn’t disabled in the ESC?

View attachment 87002

I was able to remedy the issue by performing the throttle calibration. I actually thought it might be this and had checked it. Thanks for the reply.
I'm back up and running.

 

[Papajohn]

I've recently upgraded my Senton 3S BLX 4x4 with a Spektrum RC DX5C w/SR6100AT. I needed to replace the stock servo with the digital servo. Obviously it is not the servo causing the motor reverse lag but wanted to mention what was changed from stock parts.

Everything is working great except the reverse.
When in a full stop, it takes more than 5 seconds to reverse. Sometimes it takes over 20 seconds as if it lost connection.
It is intermittent regarding the lag time.

1. Accelerates fine
2. Brakes fine
3. Steers fine

I'm assuming it is the transmitter/receiver communications.
Since I'm a newbie, I do not want to make assumptions. Open to any suggestions as to what is causing this.
I'm guessing the first step is to rebind and recalibrate. Yes/No?

Thanks in advance.

Try turning your throttle trim knob to the left just a little and check to see if you get a better response when trying to reverse. Keep turning the knob in small increments and checking to get the desired response.

 

[razorrc]

Try turning your throttle trim knob to the left just a little and check to see if you get a better response when trying to reverse. Keep turning the knob in small increments and checking to get the desired response.

Don't do this.

Also, don't forget to set your steering end points (Spektrum calls it "travel") with the new radio. Whenever you change your radio/receiver, you need to calibrate your throttle (which you found out), set your steering trim, and set your steering travel (EPA). Something like this: