Speed Passion Reventon R

[ianlloyd]

Anyone used one of these before? Have just picked one up to try and while the programming says it is set at STOCK0 to give zero timing it does not blink as I assumed it should. Is that normal or am I just misunderstanding that all blinky speedos actually blink when set to zero timing.

[Dean]

I have got that, it comes setup as stock1 you need to plug it into a pc with the software on the pc (http://www.speedpassion.net/eu/download.asp its called 'Reventon PC Program with USB Driver V1.1.0.22') and you plug your esc in and change it from stock1 to stock0 for blinky(there are other options aswell)

[Dean]

If for any reason your cant do it I can bring my laptop up the track on sunday

[wessex88]

Speed Passion SP000064 Reventon V20 Zero timing mode indicated by blinking Red LED at neutral. Stock software file is STOCH0 Version 20 and is displayed on LCD and via PC software.

[ianlloyd]

It came with the LCD programm box and if you connect the speedo to it you can change the settings to STOCK0 as listed in the instructions but while it says it has accepted it there are still no blinking lights on the speedo.

Not downloaded the PC interface will have a go but only have the PC at work so might be difficult.

Is there a difference between blinky mode and STOCK0 then? Seems a little odd to me.

Thanks Dean will be down on Sunday I hope so if I am unable to sort it before then would appreciate your help.

[Dean]

Yes Ian I thought you could use the box aswell when I bought it but I couldn't get it to go blinky using the box, stock0 is blinky sorry if I caused you to misunderstand. Mines on stock0 and has a led flashing if that helps ?

[ianlloyd]

Well after spending a few hours going through the Speedpassion website and various forums have loaded the correct software on my net book, updated it (twice) and eventually got the correct setting to download onto the speedo. There is a specific blinky setting available when you down load the PC software but it is not available as a standard setting on the speedo. You can set to STOCK0 which gives zero timing but does not blink. Seems a bit of a game to have to do all this but there you go. Just hope it works OK tomorrow now or the Novak is going back in.

The LCD programming box that comes with the speedo cannot be used for blinky mode on it.s own. You need to have the correct software one PC to be able to do it.

[yellowshark]

If the Reventon R is a legal box then you can go to the BRCA site where there is a list of legal boxes and details of how the lights flash in blinkey mode - there to help scrutineers check the ESCs

[ianlloyd]

Just out of interest......

As some of you will know I had a few problems on Sunday which included the car not starting from a stand still until you hit the throttle several times, cutting out during the race and some really severe cogging issues. I have looked at various discussion groups this morning and have asked some people who in theory should know if I have done something wrong or not.

Well it is interesting to say the least. Everyone says turn off the battery voltage cut off system as this can cause issues. Turn off the high temp cut off as this also can cause issues and several sources say NOT to run SAVOX servos as they draw too much current and can cause the speedo to shut down temporarily.

My thought that buying a new BLINKY speedo was going to be simple is obviously incorrect.

When it was running it appeared to be very smooth and was certainly fast enough, only my ability needs some work now!

Not sure now what to do to be honest, do I have to buy a new servo to test that theory? I assume it is not legal to run with the lipo cut off not operational.

Maybe cut my losses and E Bay it then buy something even more expensive? Will be re-fitting the NOVAK this week in readiness for the SICC as I know that works fine.

Any ideas?

[Dave Chamberlain]

All interesting stuff Ian,

as you say, you would have expected to be able to just go out a buy a new blinky compatable ESC without and hassle these days..

I guess a large "glitch" capacitor would fix the servo issue as it probably is only at instant peak draw it kills the BEC..

But you are right it would be illegal and dangerous to run without Lipo cut off..

[Mike V]

The other option would be to take it back as its not fit for purpose?

[ianlloyd]

Yes Mike that was my decision yesterday. Currently negotiating it. Honestly don't think they have a leg to stand on but will see what they say and let everyone know.

Interesting though.

[ianlloyd]

Ok so latest is that I have been asked to send the speedo back for investigation.

I have also had confirmed by the importers that running SAVOX servos can cause problems with some speed controls as they are very power hungry. The inporters suggested I change servos and try again.

Anyone want to buy a SAVOX servo?

Actually have just purchased a TEKIN RS PRO so will try that and see what happens. If the same fault occurs then will certainly have to consider a new line of servos.

[yellowshark]

Sorry Ian, I sold my new surplus Savox to Dean, being a Ko and Futaba man.

On the bright side you could not have chosen a better speedo ;D

For blinkey just press a button on the outside of the casing. I probably have, but am not certain, run the Tekin Pro with a Savox, in which case without problem. That would not have been in blinkey mode but, famous last words, I do not think that makes a difference

[ianlloyd]

Oh I do so hope it works OK Pete. Getting to a point where you wonder is it all worth while. Just don't tell the wife how much it is costing ;D ;D

I have been informed the Tekin is OK and that is why I bought it. Time will tell. Do I need a program box/card for it? Do I have to load yet another piece of software on my net book? We will see.

What ever happened to plug and play?

[Mike V]

I had to go through the same issues with the GM and the stalling fiasco, not to mention the overcomplicated way to set it up on the laptop!

I've been very happy with my hobbywing so far and will probably just upgrade to their newer one when I need to... Hopefully the Tekin will be the same for you

[yellowshark]

Ian, I have been using the Tekin for 2-3 years now. In that time it has had 3 major software releases years getting softer(easier)/cooler/faster so have no fears, actually a 4th was released in April which I have not looked at yet.

You can use the esc out of the box without a PC connection with customising being done by using the buttons. But for full programmability you will need the additonal interface box. It has 5 or 6 standard timing profiles including Blinkey which can be set using the buttons on the ESC

[ianlloyd]

Thanks Pete,

mine arrived this morning complete with Hotwire so will be playing tonight (or tomorrow if racing is on tonight) Not had chance yet to read instructions but have already downloaded Hotwire program on to my Netbook so hopefully this will be OK. It is running 223 version? Not sure what this means yet until I read the instructions.

I am sure it will be fine (he says hopefully!)

[yellowshark]

Ian, 223 is the latest release, I am still on 212. Follow the software install instructions carfully. I have never had a problem but there have been postings form people on the website who have - no doubt fromnot reading the instructions!!

If you need any help just gve me a shout. In Hotwire for blinkey you will be looking to set the timing profile (not to be confused with the throttle profile) to TP0.

If you want to pm me an email address I will post you a setup sheet with our settings

[ianlloyd]

OK have done that. Thanks Pete.

Have packaged up the offending Speedpassion today making sure that I filled out all the correct warranty forms, included receipts and full instructions regarding the faults etc. No excuse for them so will see what they come up with. Will let you know what happens.

Watch this space........but maybe not for a week or so....

[ianlloyd]

Had to download the latest version of the Hotwire software to get the Blinky mode on the Tekin but all fine now. So much easier than the Speed Passion I have to say and so much simpler to set up. Good stuff. All I need to do now is fine the latest copy of that driver software and I will be OK ;D ;D

[ianlloyd]

So a week has passed since Parcelforce delivered my Speedpassion speedo to the importers warranty department and so far no word at all.......

Will give them another week and then start phoning.

[yellowshark]

Thanks Dean. Yup I subsequently found that info (brain told me to check the tournament website!), but I left the question open hoping Dave can answer the other points.

Have you got your digital pack for the Ko?

[ianlloyd]

Well today I received in the post a brand new Reventon Pro speedo. I am told there was nothing wrong with the Reventon R that I had. It was checked and no fault was found, they tell me everything worked perfectly. However they tell me it could have been a problem with the SAVOX servo I am using and so have upgraded me to the PRO version as that has a higher BEC and should not be affected by the power the servo may take.

They also have pre-programmed the speedo to blinky mode for me, very nice of them too.

So I guess that is that. Read into it what you will but I am happily a satisfied customer.

[Dave Chamberlain]

Well what you gonna do Ian? Try da pro?? Must admit it all sounds like a little customer service BS to me.....

[ianlloyd]

Fitted the new system to the TC6 and ran it in a test session against the Tekin last night. The Reventon seemed slightly less aggressive but that could be the way I set it up compared to the Tekin. Speed wise there was no noticeable difference. In fact I spent an hour or so changing set up on the car and trying different things finally got it really quite driveable and was really pleased with the overall performance. There were no heat issues with the motor or speedo each run showing 60-65 degrees on the motor so a bit more to go I think. Off the line it seemed the Reventon had the edge as was a bit more linear in its launch. Would not honestly like to say if overall there was much of a difference though, both were pretty good.

My only complaint with the Reventon is there is no on/off switch. To turn it on and off you have to press the set up button on the speedo. Hold it down for 2 seconds to turn off and a quick "stab" to turn it on. This means you cannot have the shell on the car ready to race before going to the line as you cannot reach the button if you do.

Apart from that it seems OK. We will see on Sunday I guess.