Yup. If they haven't fixed it out of the box they should definitely give out the V2 program card. I already have one, but if you spend $700 on a new RC, it should work right out of the box. Now, if I can just get them to send me a new laptop to plug the V2 card into.😅
Yeah it will be interesting to see how they handle situations where people don't have the card a computer or both. I suspect they'll give people the option to send their ESC in to be updated. We shall see.
Wow, the first video and this one really show the issue on this. 😎👍 Problem is 95% of dudes don't have that programer and most won't go get one and do this. It's sad because how many dudes have this issue and don't even know there is a fix or how to? 😮
Yeah it's definitely not the simplest solution especially for people who aren't computer savvy. I would imagine that Horizon will allow people to send their ESCs in to be fixed if they're not comfortable doing it themselves or don't have the equipment. That is kind of a pain though. And yeah I'm sure there will be a lot of people out there that don't even know that the problem exists. Depending on your driving style it can be pretty subtle.
I updated my Spektrum programmer and checked the programming via my M1 MacBook Pro. There’s a free program called UTM that virtualizes Windows for free and even downloads windows 11 for free as well (as a trial for ARM processors).
They must issue free v2 program cards to everyone who bought one of these or offer completely free esc trade in (no shipping cost) or they’ll be in hot water legally. I’d say just send out program cards as I’m sure it’s cheaper to ship those out than replace escs.
As a factory defect, I hate to say this but that is what warranty programs are for, so they meet their obligations by following the regular process of having people send in their ESCs for service. It would be cool if they offered people the option of being sent a preloaded program card to fix the issue themselves; that would elevate peoples perceptions around Horizons customer service. For the new Kraton 6S EXB, if those haven't shipped out I think they would be better off delaying delivery to fix the issue on all of the units. It would prevent another set RU-vid videos highlighting the issue all over again. Reminds me somewhat of the out drive issues with the initial V2 4S trucks that were in the hands of content creators before final production units went out to regular consumers...if I remember correctly I think they had the new out drives on the trucks that went out to consumers.
I don't think they could do this. The program cards don't have the ability to store firmware themselves. They're essentially just an interface between the computer and the ESC.
@@DoRC thanks I havent had a need for one of these cards yet so didnt know how it worked exactly. Ultimately, glad that they acknowledged the issue and have a fix available.
@@barbedwirerat661 Yeah it's definitely a good step. I will be really happy if they voluntarily take care of everyone who has a problem however is best for that person. We'll see.
Thanks for all that timely info…..And it only took about half of a 4 minute video!!!!! You rock👍 This problem is a lot like the automotive industry where a part supplier ef’s up and causes a recall for the vehicle maker. In this case, it’s Hobbywing via Spektrum. Horizon should do what Redcat did and issue a $50 credit and an apology. That would cover the cost of a V2 programmer (with shipping and tax) for those who need one, and some good will $$ for those who don’t. Or an additional option, similar to the auto industry, they could reimburse hobby dealers for fixing the defective esc’s people bring in.
I received my new Kraton EXB 6S yesterday. I did an unboxing video, and the original seals had been cut and new ones applied. I also checked the firmware version, and it is running b5.07, which is the most current as of this reply.
That's cool the update fixes the issue. I would have to goto a hobby shop in hopes of doing the upgrade as I don't have a computer or access to one really. Stopped using computers a few years ago.
Im glad the update fixed the issue, I was worried it wouldn't. Now I'm extra excited to get the new exb kraton. Hopefully, they will ship them out soon 😅 I doubt they will give out the program card, but thats fine with me since I have one already. Thanks for the follow up vid, keep up the awesome work 🤙🍻
I didn't like having to buy a Bluetooth module to access everything on my Traxxas X-MAXX. But sometimes I would get over the air updates and I prefer that than connecting a program box to my other ESCS!
They changed something all I get is one link takes me to the 2021 version 1.0.9 the 1.0.0 just gives me a rar file I tried 2 computers 2 browsers private mode I cant get this to download. It would have been to easy to just plug in the programmer and have it find updates like every other thing out there. Any way you can post the zip file somewhere to download?
I just checked. If you go to the Horizon website look up the Spectrum Smart programmer then download using the PC download link about halfway down the screen it'll bring up a Spectra firma ESC update instructions PDF. Use the link in that and it is currently still the latest version which should be v 1.1.0.0.zip.
@@L2theWcarscoffeelife shoot me an email. I'll send you a link. My email's in my about info. I really don't like putting links in the videos because they always end up getting outdated and then it's a game of whack-a-mole to keep them up to date.
Would you recommend this esc over the old blx 185? Im currently having issues with my 185 not sure if i want to try and figure out the problem or i can get this esc for 65$ on a open box deal
Well if you're having problems with your 185 then this would definitely be better though I don't know if it's going to be an improvement in performance.
@@DoRC the problem I'm having is it's going by itself after I changed the servo and I think my nephew moved the buttons on the radio and reverse not working
Hello... just curious..Whats the difference between this esc and the regular spectrum esc ..I do have this one...Im going try to upgrade my programming card again... Thanks!
This is very similar to the V1 150 amp ESCs. It is slightly updated with some different programming options and seems to be a bit heavier and potentially cooler running but it's not gently different from the V1 version.
Im trying to follow u with updating the ESC..im trying it now...do i keep the programming card hook up to computer, while hooking card to ESC, when updating ESC? Thanks
Just got my card updated, now I can use it now with the V2 ESC...now can't update the ESC..it won't allow me to click on the options...do I need to?? Thanks
Man they really bodged that Big Rock release. Glad they fixed it. Being required to buy their flavor of USB programmer is pretty lame though, especially since they are production units.
At this time it appears as though they are recommending people by the programming box. A couple people have said that they would not provide a return label
I think we should get a voucher for a programmer. I am having to order one. 😔, I ordered a Kraton and just got an email saying I get 20% off a programmer. 😅 guess that's better than nothing ?
I have the V2 programmer and still can’t get the new firmware version to show up under available versions only the old version PB-1.0.10? I even uninstalled it from my desktop and reinstalled it.
Yes nobody has one yet. I very strongly suspect they will have the same issue though. This is a fix that they just implemented yesterday according to the time stamp on the file. I think it's pretty unlikely that they're going to open up every single box on the new EXB and fix them before they go out. That being said they might. They might find that box on the new EXB and fix them before they go out. That being said they might. They may decide that it's more economical for them to do that then deal with a bunch of support calls.
No idea. I had a V1 programmer and cannot find it now. It is possible that there is a communication limitation or a hardware limitation but those are just guesses.
@@DoRC he got the regular V2 Kraton, and just got a V2.5 Outcast and swapped the modules. Now his regular V2 Kraton has a center diff and he put the slipper into the V2.5 Outcast (were friends on IG I swear I'm not stalking 🤣🤣)
@DoRC Yes sir I did and extacted all to desktop. When I open the file it will not let me click on the update box or anything else for that matter. My anti virus keeps coming on and I run anyway, but it's just not working. Guess it's the anti virus. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
I have the problem on my BR6s but I do not have a program card and I do not want to spend $45 Canadian to buy one . They can send me a free card or send me a shipping label to send my esc in to be fixed the way it should have been out of the box.
I got a reply from Horizon Hobby and they want me to either buy a program box, ask a lhs to fix it or send the esc in at my expense for them to reprogram it. Why would a lhs repair horizon's screw up when the truck was not bought from the lhs? I'll be exchanging a lot of emails with HH until I get what I paid for.
Maybe. It really depends on what's most economical for them. If the choices between sending out a free programmer and having the ESC sent to them, updating the firmware and then sending it back The free programmer might actually be cheaper for them. They would save shipping one way and the labor to update the ESC. I doubt those cards cost them very much to have produced.
Unfortunately yes. They might provide another solution if you ask them but I'm not sure about that. I will say though that the programmer is a really good thing to have as they sometimes incorporate new functionality into firmware updates and it does make changing settings on the ESC a lot easier than dealing with the other methods
