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Service Notice Helicopter Pilots Using JR DS8411/DS8411SA Digital Servos JR DS8411/8411SA servo issues in Helicopter use JR and Horizon have invested countless hours into testing and research of our DS8411/DS8411SA servos and the reports of failure from you, our helicopter customers. Although there are thousands of 8411 servos being used successfully without incident, we have learned through extensive testing and research on this issue that our DS8411 and DS8411SA servos are prone to experiencing a higher than average failure rate when in a Helicopter application. JR and Horizon have studied this situation, and our findings have shown that these failures are primarily attributed to an increase in the availability and use of .80-.90 size heli engines and the extreme 3D maneuvers becoming more prevalent in today's typical Heli environment. These recent changes have in turn added new loads to the model and control system, and most importantly, the servos. This increase in load has been determined as the primary cause of the increase in 8411 servo failures you have reported and read about as of late. Although some reported failures have occurred outside of the above-mentioned conditions, most failures have indeed happened during or after prolonged exposure to these conditions. Based on this research and testing, JR has determined that a new Heli specific servo is needed, with a motor that is specifically designed to handle the strains of this environment. This new servo, the DS8311 will have the following performance specifications: DS8311 High-Torque Digital: Heli Torque: 125oz Open Stock Availability: November 2002 All other specifications of the new DS8311 will remain the same as the current series of DS8411 and DS8411SA servos. Based on the above information and research, JR now recommends that the current DS8411 and DS8411SA servo be used only for Airplane applications. For our Heli customers that are currently using the DS8411 or DS8411SA servos in their models, JR and Horizon will be offering a free servo update. The Horizon Service Center will convert existing DS8411 and DS8411SA servos for our Heli customers to the new DS8311 specifications by performing a motor and servo label change to your existing equipment. The Horizon Service Center will begin 8311 updates in early October as soon as the materials are received from JR. JR is rushing to prepare these items at this time. Our goal at Horizon is to give these servo upgrades our top priority to reduce the down time for our customers to an absolute minimum. JR and Horizon would like to express our sincere apologies and regrets for the problems that some of our customers have experienced. We do, however, want to assure you that your satisfaction and trust in JR equipment and Horizon remains our number 1 goal. Customers with additional questions on this issue can contact a Horizon Technical Representative at the phone number listed below. JR and Horizon strongly suggest that all helicopter pilots using DS8411 and DS8411SA servos take advantage of this free update offer by contacting the Horizon Service Center at (877) 504-0233. JR and Horizon would once again like to thank our many loyal JR customers for their support and patience. If you have any further questions feel free to call us here at Horizon at 1-877-504-0233. Thank you, Horizon Product Support
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