Spirit System

My GeoLink unit connected to a Spirit GT. Over a series of extensive bench tests today, the unit has proven to be highly unstable, dangerous for flight, and is now constantly crashing the desktop software.


Here are the specific, repeatable failure points documented on the bench:

Initial Test (Warm Unit): The system started dropping data packets around the 4-minute mark. By 10 minutes, the data corrupted completely and froze the desktop software entirely.


Thermal Isolation Test: I allowed the unit to cool down completely and did a stone-cold bench run. On this run, it sustained a connection for 29 minutes with a "good health" message, proving the failure is highly intermittent and likely temperature-dependent.


Total Communication Failure: At this point, the unit has deteriorated further. Every single time I attempt to click into the GeoLink tab in the Spirit software, the desktop application immediately panics and crashes to the desktop. It is completely blocking any configuration changes or data transfer.


I cannot risk flying a machine with an intermittent flight control component that can freeze software or corrupt data packets mid-air. Because the unit is completely unpredictable and currently crashing the interface, it is unsafe for use....any suggestions ?

Hello,

first from all please share your wiring photos or description about your setup and connected cables. Without this we can only guess.

From your description it look like there is serious wiring issue. For example by wiring ESC telemetry wires wrong (feeding BEC voltage to the Spirit unit) it will feed much higher voltage also to the GeoLink.
So for both Spirit and GeoLink modules power supply voltage could be few times higher, overheating all internal electronics. This will cause random instability and sooner or later also permanent damage.

If you bought new GeoLink module it was tested before shipping, so you can be certain it is (was) working properly.
Were your GeoLink and Spirit GT module new or it was bought used?

Hello, thanks for your quick reply, my BEC is plugged into Aux 1 ( BEC/ESC) as shown in the setup wizzard (step 1/10).

My Frsky reciever single line is plugged into RUD (F.Port Rx )

Both the Geilink and Spirit GT was bought new.

Thank you for your photos.

First thing I saw is your setup has probably only one powering ESC/BEC cable. Very likely it is not source of GeoLink connection problem.
This is not enough/recommended for the most helicopters starting from class 500+, especially not with todays servos.

Second important thing is that your rudder servo has damaged wire. This could cause random shorts and failure mid air.
I can't see a telemetry cable, but also not a GeoLink wiring. For example by using custom made GeoLink cable these problems could happen. Connection has to be really good and cable not too long.

Was there any telemetry cable connected previously? If yes, I recommend to measure voltage at a side satellite port to make sure it is giving 3.3V.

Also what PC software/firmware is installed in the computer/unit?

I noted all your observations, I am using PC software windows 11 / firmware is installed in the computer/unit version 4.0.4 ,
no Telemetry wire was ever connected.
I have replaced the rudder servo wire.
I will now test the Geo-link again and get back to you,
thanks

after subsequent bench tests, with Geolink module chec box selected , after about 20 minutes the controls freezes up and the swashplate moves erratically... after re-booting the Geo Link tab stays grayed out, unable to see the module, map or aid tabs.
tried to update to the latest firmware...failed
could not access the Geolink menu options.


Re-booted again and can now get in the menu options.
once I take the altitude limit off, seems to not freeze anymore and no erratic swashplate behaviour. could this altitude limit be the issue?

I observe in the diagnostic page that return to home, position hold, show engaged even though my channels verify that they are not.. is this a normal display?