Wraith Chatter

[SpaceWheels]

I live in Fort Worth and just got into crawling three weeks ago when I purchased an Axial Wraith. It was running fine until I took it to a local HS to help set the drag to 100%. The guy at the HS re-calibrated the ESC and set the drag for me. I headed to the park and after about an hour the reverse started working intermittently, chattering and rocking but not moving. Soon after it started doing the same thing going forward.

I noticed that the problem started after it warmed up and I also discovered that when I turned up the throttle trim on the radio it would take off, though slower than usual.

I am running the stock AE-2 ESC, in fact everything is stock.

Should I re-calibrate? What should I be looking for?

Any help is greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
SpaceWheels

[slowmethinks]

Not to ask a dumb question, but is the battery dead? Did you try charging and letting it cool off?

[SpaceWheels]

The battery was charged. It worked fine before it was re-calibrated.

[TacoCrawler]

Originally Posted by SpaceWheels

after about an hour the reverse started working intermittently, chattering and rocking but not moving. Soon after it started doing the same thing going forward.

RTR - Kit ? New ? Stock original ?

wiring or connection fault ?

the spur/pinion gearing is... ? ( tooth count )

motor turns ? ( 27T - other ? )

condition of the motor ? ( run hours used ? )

conditions operated in ? ( dry - wet )

motor temps when operating ? ( temp gun or hand feel ? )

^ ESC could be having thermal shutdown possibly if geared too tall.

possibly worn motor brushes ? (assuming brushed)

^ intermittent operations - total shutdown.

what battery type and voltage ? ( 2C LiPo 7.4v, nimh - other ? )

Maybe take it back to your LHS and ask them to investigate ?

Unless they're incompetent ( possible )
it shouldn't have had anything to do with their adjustments to the ESC.

But they should be given an opportunity to determine fault
to see if in fact they may have overlooked something.

You shouldn't have to pay for their diagnosis
as long as they're a reputable hobby store.

But if it's something unrelated to their work...
then you may be required to pony up if faults are found
and your operation is responsible for that issue.

If something is found to be wrong with the e components
and is cover under warranty... they should fix it for free.
But it must be physically and visually inspected to know.

Very difficult to diagnosis via the internet.
Without physically inspecting it. ( hands on )

It's basically just anybody's generalized guess.

[allanon1965]

Originally Posted by SpaceWheels

I live in Fort Worth and just got into crawling three weeks ago when I purchased an Axial Wraith. It was running fine until I took it to a local HS to help set the drag to 100%. The guy at the HS re-calibrated the ESC and set the drag for me. I headed to the park and after about an hour the reverse started working intermittently, chattering and rocking but not moving. Soon after it started doing the same thing going forward.

I noticed that the problem started after it warmed up and I also discovered that when I turned up the throttle trim on the radio it would take off, though slower than usual.

I am running the stock AE-2 ESC, in fact everything is stock.

Should I re-calibrate? What should I be looking for?

Any help is greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
SpaceWheels

sounds like the idler gear in the trans let go...it could be grabbing under light load and slipping over partially stripped teeth under a load...had that happen to me once..

[TacoCrawler]

Originally Posted by allanon1965

sounds like the idler gear in the trans let go...it could be grabbing under light load and slipping over partially stripped teeth under a load...had that happen to me once..

Yer probably right, as it is a common failure for most of us.

But he kinda threw me off with this comment...

Originally Posted by SpaceWheels

I headed to the park and after about an hour the reverse started working intermittently, chattering and rocking but not moving. Soon after it started doing the same thing going forward.

I noticed that the problem started after it warmed up and I also discovered that when I turned up the throttle trim on the radio it would take off, though slower than usual.

there's the possibility multiple issues are occurring.

and so your suggestion is worth a look see.

[SpaceWheels]

I suppose it could be a gear but the fact that turning up the throttle trim makes it go seems to indicate an electronic problem.

[slowmethinks]

Is it still happening?

[SpaceWheels]

TacoCrawler, You have given me a lot to investigate. I can tell you that it is an RTR and I'm running a 7.2v NIMH. The Axial website says the stock motor is 20T. I have encountered water in my travels but only the front servo got wet as far as I could tell. I intend to learn enough to do my own work but I think your idea to take it back to the LHS is a good one.

Ha! As I'm typing this my wife offered to help me take the car apart to figure out what is wrong. I love that woman.

Anyhow, I will look into the things you suggested and let you know what I discover. Thanks for your help

SpaceWheels (Andrew)

[SpaceWheels]

I am sure it is but I haven't run it yet this morning.

[TacoCrawler]

this may be of some assistance to you if you haven't seen it.

Axial Racing - Axial AE-2 ESC Set-up and Programming

[SpaceWheels]

Thanks. I did see that video. I think I may try calibrating again.

[TacoCrawler]

Originally Posted by SpaceWheels

Thanks. I did see that video. I think I may try calibrating again.

I wasn't really pointing out the video(s)...
but the literature that is typed.


I've read that others had issue with the LiPo cut off voltage setting if that is set to on while running nimh- nicad batteries.

So you might want to be sure the LVC setting is set to off or none.

The LVC setting is only used for LiPo batteries.

[SpaceWheels]

Good information. I will check it. Thanks.

[TacoCrawler]

...Good

according to what is typed...

The LVC is set to on by default out of the factory.
So it needs be turned off if running nimh - nicads.

[frontedge]

I would also check the esc to motor connections. If you can solder it is best to just do away with them.

[SpaceWheels]

I can solder. Thanks

[frontedge]

Did you ever get it worked out?

[SpaceWheels]

I am going to order a new ESC and if that doesn't fix the problem the radio is next.

[supra_89t]

Originally Posted by SpaceWheels

I am going to order a new ESC and if that doesn't fix the problem the radio is next.

I know this is armchair-over the internet-diagnostics, but you describe a mechanical chatter, which would indicate a mechanical problem. Changing the electronics will not fix anything mechanical. Also, I have a Bomber with the factory radio and if I turn the throttle trim up, the car inches forward. If I turn it down, it will actually creep backwards. To my knowledge, this is how it should work. It doesn't sound like anything is wrong with your electronics. The drag brake being set to 100% can cause high stress on the gears. With the 48p plastic spur, if the mesh isn't set correctly, there is a good chance the teeth are beginning to strip and you just need a new spur with proper mesh.