| BVM is unaware of any
E.S.C. problems thus far in our EVF units in-the-field.
The hazardous problems that caused the E.S.C. recall
have occurred primarily in helicopters, R/C cars, and
boats utilizing the HV 120 units. The high inertia
forces of pitch changing large rotor blades and rapid
acceleration of heavy R/C cars with big tires compared
to a free wheeling fan rotor may explain why the problem
has not occurred for BVM EVF with the HV 160.
Defective Part Isolated
The problem seems to be
with one component on the control board
that the vendor changed without notifying Castle
Creations. From a
manufacture's point of view, a defective component from
a previously reliable vendor can be our worst nightmare,
but it is a reality that we must all be able to deal
with.
With the exception of the early
EVF 4010 and 5012 units that used an HV 110, all
subsequent EVF's utilize the HV 140 (some 5612's) and HV 160 E.S.C.
All EVF ~2~ 10S, 12S, and EVF ~3~ 12S units utilize the HV 160. Rapid throttle movement in the lower power
range, such as throttle jockeying during taxi, puts the
highest demand on the E.S.C. and that is part of the BVM
test run on all of our units prior to shipment.
This may also explain why there has been no in-the-field
problems with Electric VioFans.
However, that doesn't
necessarily mean it can't happen, so, based on our
record of no problems, but taking seriously Castle's
recommendation to return all HV 160 controllers, and
realizing that the replacements will take time, BVM is
going to take a balanced approach to operating our
current 10 plane fleet of demonstration EVF jets.
We will continue to fly these models with the added
safety precaution of wearing Nomex gloves and Safety
goggles.
(see below)
Keep in mind that our 10
EVF jets collectively have over 200 flights on them in
the past 12 months without a
single issue.
As of 22 August 2011, BVM
began returning new in-the-box HV 160 units to Castle
such that all new EVF units from this day forward will
ship with the ICE 2 HV 160 E.S.C. and be clearly labeled
as such.
Return
Policy
As time allows, all of your
EVF units that utilize the HV 160 controllers will be
updated at no cost to you except one way shipping to
BVM. Business time to process, disassemble, change
out the component, reassemble, test run, repackage, and
ship out again, represents 2 hours of labor per unit.
Please understand that hundreds of units will take time
to process.
So, with the above
information and the service advisory 2011-03 from Castle,
it is your option to continue to use your EVF
using the safety precautions mentioned above, or return
it for the ICE 2 HV upgrade.
 |
Castle Creations
E.S.C. Recall
and replacement program
info as of 28 Sept 2011 |
 |
The
replacement HV 160 Lite - 2 E.S.C.'s have now
started to arrive at BVM. Know that we
attended E-Jets International a few weeks ago and
that hundreds of flights on BVM EVF units were
accomplished without a single power system problem.
So, the upgrade program can be conducted in an
orderly fashion without panic.
Do Not send your
EVF to BVM without following the below procedures.
The
orderly process must be as follows to allow Castle
and BVM to properly serve all of our customers.
Some customers have sent units in prior to this
notice. We can begin to accept more EVF's for
this upgrade starting 17 October 2011. BVM can
handle 6 units per week. You can call BVM
(407) 327-6333 to confirm the date that we can
accept your unit. Allow about 2 weeks for the
upgrade, test run, and return shipment to you.
There are hundreds of customers to be serviced so, your patience will be
appreciated.
Bob Violett
Nomex Glove Source:
http://www.botachtactical.com/hatnomfliggl.html
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