There has been quite a few posts about VX3 failures and multiple topics created about this issue. The VX3 is used extensively in many builds so if we can identify the model that has the majority of issues it would be useful to guide any future purchases and/or encourage Flipsky to change things in production.
As far as I know the only physical difference between Original and Pro models is the size of the screen.
If you are willing please create a post here with following info and I will endeavour to correlate the data.
Model of VX3 - Original or Pro
Type of environment - Fresh or Salt water
Frequency of immersion Rare - Every session
Maintenance - Rinse always - Never
Brief description of problem
VX3 original for me 2 failures in fresh water. First one worked 2 or 3 times and failed it wonât turn on water got inside the battery. I am trying to fix it. Second one worked for a year and now the screen goes blank intermittently.
vx3 fresh water
worked for a year
wont turn on but on charger shows display 100%
was working until I fuly charged.
I will take apart maybe a battery too
VX3 - pro
fresh water only
Frequency of immersion: - Every session maximum 20 sessions in total
Maintenance - Rinse always -
Brief description of problem
water in screen. dried it and flushed it with epoxy. after a few weeks screen has black spots
2x VX3 - Original
Salt water
Frequency of immersion Rare - Every session
Maintenance - Rinse occasionally, maybe 1 out of 3
Screen on 1 remote has some water blot , remote is still useable.
VX3 Pro
Fresh water
Immersed every session
Maintenance: I just shake the water out of the remote
No issues so far, 2 remotes 2 boards, eveyrthing is 1 season old and used fairly much also by beginners.
2 VX3s. One is swimming with the fishes of the beach in Dunedin NZ the other one functioned ok for 6 months until the range went to almost zero due to a corroded antenna.
For owners with the VX3, the remote needs to get the gps signal without moving, ie on land before getting in the water, otherwise it will never pick it up.
Model of VX3 - Original 1.6inch
Type of environment - Salt water
Frequency of immersion Rinse every session
Maintenance - Rinse always
Brief description: When learning the remote gets pushed into water spray and causes higher than normal forces pushing water into the epoxy âsealedâ screen
Model of VX3 - Original
Type of environment - mostly Salt water
Frequency of immersion - Every session; especially as beginner
Maintenance - Rinse always with fresh water
Working fine for 4 months now. Only issue is that screen came with some scratches. Overall for $99 I have been impressed. DIY unit from RC car Tx in 3D printed case was a nightmare in comparison. I have had to re-pair VX3 a few times to the VESC dongle. I have gotten the dongle damp once or twice but it has always come back. Dongle Sprayed with CorrosionX and heat shrink squeezed shut around wires at each end to keep water out.
Thanks everyone for participating. Up to 13 now some with multiple so will start loading data into spreadsheet. I wonât be able to share actual spreadsheet here but will do some photos of it once I get it put together. Hopefully more people will add to the list
I will likely go through the three topics I listed above to see if I can find some more items.
A few of the responses to this topic donât state some of the items that might be relevant such as model etc. so if you could review your post and edit if necessary.
If the data doesnât reveal any big light bulb things I still intend to send it to Flipsky with no identifying info as a prod for them to up their game if possible. The price point of the VX3 might not have margin so they might not be able to change much.
As of today there are 5164 users registered ALL TIME. Not sure how many use Flipsky VX3 and for sure the survey hasnât captured everyone who has owned one and have or have not had a problem.
For me there is no big lightbulb revelations but others may see something that I missed An N count of 26 wonât yield much but I want to thank everyone who posted for supporting the community at large.
Please continue to add posts if you are inclined - at the very least it might prove useful to a user who is considering a purchase of one.
I intend to strip out usernames and the topic headings and send it to Flipsky.
Model: VX3
Environment - saltwater
Immersion yes max 1â-2â depth
Maintenance - fresh water rinse
Problems - water in screen big black spot (only used 3 times)
max water exposure 5 minutes, this was clearly defective from the go.
I took my dead vx3 apart and it is a dead battery. Temporary 18650 and it works and charges. Deciding to hack the unit to accept it or buy a flat lipo that fits.
An N count of 26 wonât yield much but I want to thank everyone who posted for supporting the community at large.