Q. Can I use my EX-1 Mars(R) module in my in my EX-10 Helios?
A. No, we recommend using the correct module for your Tx.
Q. Will my new EX-10 Helios work with my older receivers?
A. Yes, but you will have to set the radio to the correct speed setting for the receiver being used.
Q. Will my EX-1 Mars (R) module work with the EX-10 Helios?
A. No, it will not work. You may lose control of your car.
Q. Will my new EX-1 Mars R work with the older KR-297FZ receiver?
A. No, it will not work due to the new frame rate that the Mars R sends out.
The KR-297FZ receiver will not recognize the new signal.
Q. Will my EX-1 Mars work with the new KR-301F receiver?
A. Yes, the new KR-301F receiver will recognize the older Mars signal.
Q. Can I order a new parts (i.e. throttle and brake trigger) for my radio?
A. Yes you can order these and any other accessories that you may need for you radio. These items are available on shopatron and can be purchased on-line.
Q. I need an instruction manual for my older KO radio. Do you have them in stock?
A. Yes we do carry older and newer instruction manuals for KO radios. Please look at shopatron for prices.
Q. I have just placed the wheel extension unit on my Mars radio, but the steering balance doesn't seem to work. What should I do?
A. Go to page 66 of your manual and reset the range on the POT. This will recalibrate the radio for the new wheel extension.
Transmitter/Receiver/Servo
Q. KO has two different type of connector, please give me more details.
A. We have old and new type connector and the polarity is different.
New Connector Housing
Since new connector is different from our connector in polarity. It is essential to connect with new connector housing when using following KO receivers. FM KR294F, KR296FZ, KR297FZ, or any newer receivers. AM KR293A, KR493A, KR200A or any newer receivers. By changing to new connector, KO servos which have old connector housing can be used for above mentioned receivers.
Old Connector Housing
Since new connector is different from our connector in polarity, it is essential to connect with old connector housing when using following KO receivers. FM KR291F, or any older receiver AM KR288, or any older receiver (The lower item number represents older receiver) By changing to new connector, KO servos which have new connector housing can be used for above mentioned receivers.
How to change Connector Housing
Step 1
Push the locking tab from the connector pin with a flat narrow thin (-) screw driver to release the wire from connector housing.
Step 2
Pull up the locking tab with (-) driver.
Step 3
Make sure of right pin number and polarity and insert each connector pin. Warning! Wrong connection causes fatal damage to the servo and receiver.
Q. Can I use an Esprit module with Vantage Esprit II?
A. No. If you use Esprit module, the RF output becomes low and it could lead to a problem.
Q. How long does battery last using EX-1 Mars continuously?
A. For EX-1 Mars, it depends on what type of battery you use. In dry cells, alkaline batteries last longer with better conditions. Normal dry cell batteries can be obtained cheaper but you should be careful with longer usage. Nicad battery is economical and reasonably long lasting. However, with either type of battery, it should last 1 to 2 hours. (nicad batteries can vary depending on the method of charging.) Things to avoid are installing pen cell type nicad batteries into dry cell battery holder. Nicad battery produces gas while charging and discharging ant it could rust and as a result create a bad connection between terminals and cause sudden malfunction (cut off). Therefore use genuine KO nicad pack which has spot type welding for each cell connection.
Q. When my car is far away from me on the racing circuit, I feel the signal from transmitter
seems out of range. Any suggestions?
A. You must use genuine KO radio, receiver and crystals. We cannot comment on the problems using the combination of other maker’s products. First, is the aerial extended fully? Is the transmitter battery fully charged? It may be caused by the noise generated by the car. Is the receiver or it’s aerial installed near to the motor or nicad? In case of electric powered car, is
noise suppressor installed on your motor? Or it will improve if you replace the motor brush because the motor with old brush generates the noise. In case of engine-powered car, the engine itself or damaged ball races could generate the noise. If the problem happens suddenly, it may be a good idea to check above things. Once the unit has had water inside, the performance could decrease over a period of time. It happens to servos too. We recommend contacting the nearest KO service centre if you cannot resolve the problems after checking all above points.
Q. When my car passes just under the rostrum, it seems to be getting interference.
Any suggestions?
A. This is caused by less power of RF output. We recommend sending the unit (module and receiver) to nearest KO service centre. The position of transmitter aerial should be approx. 45° and this seems to be the best position for signal emissions. Maybe you can try to change the position that you hold the transmitter.
Q. Can I set up my car without emitting a signal from transmitter?
A. Yes. It is possible if you use our option part (DSC Unit) for Mars and Vantage however it must be used with genuine KR297FZ receiver. #15811 DSC for EX-1 Series #15812 DSC for Esprit II
Q. Is EX-1 Mars for left handed use available from KO?
A. No. We don’t have left handed EX-1 Mars.
Q. Is there any difference in performance between black antenna and chrome antenna?
A. Yes. Just a little but black antenna is better than chrome antenna in performance.
Q. How do I change the tension of the stick in Vantage Esprit II?
A. It is not possible to change the tension of the stick.
Q. Which is better, stick type radio or steer wheel type radio?
A. Comparing the EX-1 Mars and Esprit II Vantage, both radios have the same CPU and therefore there is no difference in performance. However there are some differences i.e. digital trims for Mars and analogue trims for Vantage. Each model has unique features in operation methods. Which type will suit you, is your personal choice
Q. Can I change Mode in Vantage?
A. No. You cannot change Mode in Vantage.
Q. Can I use other manufacturers crystals?
A. Please do not use other manufacturers crystals. Even if they appear to work, it may result in output power decrease or aberration of frequencies. Please use genuine KO crystals.
Q. I am using AM crystals. Is there any problem if other people use same frequency but on FM ?
A. The method of signal emitting is different in FM and AM. However, you cannot use same frequencies. And also in PCM, you can not use same frequencies.
Q. What is the best charging rate for transmitter nicad battery?
A. When you charge the nicad battery for transmitter, the best way to do it is to discharge the nicad first then charge rather than just topping up the charge. If you have a charger that has variable charging rate, set the value for less than 1A. This type of charger i.e. BX-212 will be able to detect the peak and perform auto cut off. The charge time would be between 30min
to 50min. Do not charge higher than 1A because it could damage the battery or result in exploding cells.