ADF problems with Sombra sl-8

[greenman407]

My Albacore runs a Polk 8 ch. rx and a Subtek mixer on ch. 1 and 2. The Caswell ADF handles the pitch control and ballast failsafe well. That was until I changed out the Polk reciever and replaced it with the Sombra labs unit. Now the ADF flashes rapidly red and the ballast servos movements are restricted but the pitch control and mix still seem to function. I pulled the Sombra unit back out and reinstalled the Polk and everything is fine again. Whats wrong?

[KevinMc]

Hi Mark,

From your description it sounds like you've got Rev A software - Have a look on the back side of the ADF in the upper right hand corner - does it say ADF1a or ADF1b? If you've got ADF1a that's your problem. I'll happily upgrade the software for you, but you'll have to send it to me. Have a look and let me know.

KMc

[greenman407]

Ok Kevin I will have a look at it tonight. Thanks

[greenman407]

I checked the ADF and the #s on the bottom read: KSE001 and ADF1a. I think thats what you are expecting.

[KevinMc]

Hi Mark,

Yup, that's exactly what I was expecting. It is a compatability thing that you're seeing, and the fix for it is wrapped up in the ADF1b software. Let me know if/when you have some down-time on the ADF and I'll upgade it for you.

[greenman407]

Thanks Kevin

[greenman407]

Kevin, The Sombra has a built in failsafe that im going to use after I get my shadow programmer. Can I still use the ADF, and just not hook up the failsafe wires?

[KevinMc]

Hi Mark,

Absolutely you can! The ADF was designed to support operation in any combination of wires connected or disconnected you can throw at it. The only downside to using the failsafe that's built into a receiver is you can't make use of a LiPo Guard with it.

[greenman407]

What if your BEC has one built into it?

[KevinMc]

Sure you can do that, but I've never liked the idea of a low-voltage-cutoff that was built into the ESC for a sub. From my own experience, I spend so much time at mid to low throttle settings that having the throttle knock down to nil for a second just wasn't a positive enough signal for my liking. (It's also easily mistaken for a radio glitch.) That's why the LiPo Guard is designed to work with your ballast channel, providing you with an unmistakable signal that it's time to come home. Your mileage may vary...

[greenman407]

Im not talking about the BEC thats built into the electronic speed control , Im talking about a seperate BEC, like Dimmension Engineerings Smart BEC. It has Lipo cutout that slowly reduces your power so that you know that its time. So far it has worked well.

[greenman407]

Kevin, I sent you an email but I guess you didnt get it. Can you give me your address so I can send you this older ADF so you can upgrade it to run with the Sombra?

[KevinMc]

Hi Mark,

PM sent

KMc