How to: Set a Fail-Safe
When the receiver loses signal with the transmitter—either because of interference, a low battery, or the RC model being driven out of range—the failsafe is intended to stop runaways.
When properly configured, the fail-safe, a brilliant built-in feature of the majority of hobby-grade 2.4 gigahertz radios, can truly save lives. I've witnessed a number of pricey models flee at high speed while the driver chases after them on foot. You most likely won't be able to catch your automobile before it crashes unless you can run at speeds of up to 50 km/h.
The fail-safe sets channel 2, your throttle channel, to its default setting.
Because the braking systems of an electric and gasoline-powered remote control car differ, I'll demonstrate how to set up the failsafe on both properly.
Electric automobiles employ a motor braking mechanism, while cars with gasoline or nitro engines use a mechanical brake. First, let's configure an electric remote-control car's failsafe.
My reliable Tamiya TT-02 has graciously offered to be used for demonstration.
We must first simulate signal loss in order to verify where the failsafe is set.
A quick tip: Make sure your electric RC car's wheels are off the ground or at least up off the ground and that your engine is off before testing or inspecting your failsafe.
Turn the transmitter on first, then the car as usual, and finally, turn the transmitter off.
When the signal is lost, the receiver's LED will begin to flash slowly.
The receiver's LED will start to flash gradually when the signal is lost.
Since the ESC is often designed to apply the drag brake, if the throttle servo is adjusted correctly, it should move to the brake position to bring the vehicle to a stop. If you have an electric remote-control car, it should be set to neutral. The wheels shouldn't be moving in any case.
When the transmitter signal is lost, we don't want the ESC to move forward or backward or the throttle servo to reach full throttle.
Turn on the transmitter and receiver, then hold the desired position—neutral for electric automobiles or full brake for gasoline-powered models—if you need to establish your failsafe properly. Next, press and hold the GR3E receiver's set button until it flashes red and then solidifies. This shows that the failsafe has been activated.
Before putting it out for its first run, make sure it is set appropriately; otherwise, you will also be going for a run.
If everything is okay, drive your automobile knowing that a signal loss won't result in an accident—only you can accomplish that.
