well we have always used 883
these might help you...
for jaguar:
http://tom-tech.com/first/wiki/image...ingStarted.pdf
for victor 884:
http://www.ifirobotics.com/docs/ifi-...nual-dec04.pdf
looking at them the most likely problem may have been wiring since that seems to be one of the best ways when it comes to wrecking a victor so id suggest looking at the wiring guidelines section for the victors since it does list at the end several things you shouldn't do. For jaguar there isn't much on the manual about faults however on the first page there are 3 warnings of things you shouldn't do.