Software Bug...

[Joe Johnson]

I am sorry to have to inform folks of a software bug that affects some of the controllers.

All the controllers have the same bug, but the bug only manifests itself in a few controllers.

The bug is easily avoided, so we are not going to "recall" all the controllers to fix the bug.

The bug only affects Relays #3 and #4, those controlled by the y-axis of Joysticks #3 and #4.

Here is the problem: if the throttle is on full for Joystick #3 & #4, a math error can occur where the relays do not go FWD even when the associated joystick is in the full forward direction.

The problem is that Innovation First wrote the code and they did not do a good job with their unsign 16 bit math -- in fact, I have looked at the code and it is UGLY -- but it has worked fine so I have not re-written it. Now that I look closer, they have a lot of silly bits in the code (e.g. "MIN 0" is used, which anyone who uses PBasic for any length of time realizes does NOTHING!). I will fix it for next year.

Until then, here is the way to avoid this particular bug:
1) Put the throttle on Joystick #3 to full forward.

2) Adjust the y-axis trim on Joystick #3 such that the LED on Relay #3 is Orange. Use electrical tape to cover the trim and prevent it from moving.

3) Adjust the y-axis trim on Joystick #4 such that the LED on Relay #4 is Orange. Use electrical tape to cover the trim and prevent it from moving.

4) Push both Joystick #3 & Joystick #4 to full forward position.

5) If LED's on Relays #3 & #4 are not showing solid green, reduce the throttle on Joystick #3 until both lights are solid green.

6) Use electrical tape to cover the throttle on Joystick #3 to prevent it from moving.

7) Check Operation of Joysticks #3 & #4 -- verify that Relays #3 and #4 show Green/Orange/Red when the Joysticks #3 & #4 are Full Forward/Untouched/Full Reverse.

Sorry for the bother.

Joe J.