Futaba 9C w/Spektrum wiring modification
10-11-2007, 08:52 AM
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Futaba 9C w/Spektrum wiring modification
Internal Wiring Modifications For Futaba 9C With Spektrum Module
Does not require any additional items and totally reversible.
Your warranty is probably voided by this modification. Do so at your own risk!
1. Open up the Spektrum DM8 module by removing the four hex head screws from the case. Remove the nut and lock washer from the connector. Carefully remove the circuit board from the case. Make sure you don’t lose the bind button.
2. Using a Dremel with 1/8†diameter cutter or file, cut a notch in the lower half of the case as shown.
3. Re-route the antenna wire to the bottom of the case through the “U†shaped cut-out in the circuit board and out through the case in the notch that you created.
4. Put the bind button and case top back on. Reassemble with the four hex screws.
5. Remove the back of the 9C transmitter by first removing the battery and then unscrewing the four Phillips head screws from the back side.
6. Drill a 3/8†dia hole in the bottom left corner of the recess that the RF module sits in. Using a Dremel with a 1/8†dia cutter or file, elongate the hole so that it goes up the sides of the recess. Be careful not to cut through the case. This hole should line up with the connector/wire that extends out of the Spektrum module.
7. Cut a notch in the top of the case where the antenna normally exits. This is to allow the 2.4GHz antenna coax to enter the case.
8. Cut a notch in the plastic antenna mounting post.
9. Screw in the antenna mounting post and attach the antenna. Route the coax into the case as shown in the pictures.
10. Plug in the Spektrum module into the transmitter case back. Pass the connector through the hole and then snap the module in place.
11. Connect the antenna coax to the connector from the Spektrum module. Careful here! There is not much room to work as the wires are short. Wrap the connection with two layers of electrical tape. Make sure no bare metal is exposed. Secure tape with plastic tie-wraps to ensure it doesn’t come loose and short out something.
12. Carefully reassemble the case back to the transmitter. Take your time and make sure the front and back case align correctly. It’s a bit of a juggle to align the antenna wire, the pins of the RF module and make sure the connector is clear of the circuit board.
13. Once the case back is in place, secure with the four Phillips head screws.
14. Cover the hole in the Spektrum module with a piece of sticky Monokote trim sheet.
15. Re-install battery and cover.
Inconel_601
Does not require any additional items and totally reversible.
Your warranty is probably voided by this modification. Do so at your own risk!
1. Open up the Spektrum DM8 module by removing the four hex head screws from the case. Remove the nut and lock washer from the connector. Carefully remove the circuit board from the case. Make sure you don’t lose the bind button.
2. Using a Dremel with 1/8†diameter cutter or file, cut a notch in the lower half of the case as shown.
3. Re-route the antenna wire to the bottom of the case through the “U†shaped cut-out in the circuit board and out through the case in the notch that you created.
4. Put the bind button and case top back on. Reassemble with the four hex screws.
5. Remove the back of the 9C transmitter by first removing the battery and then unscrewing the four Phillips head screws from the back side.
6. Drill a 3/8†dia hole in the bottom left corner of the recess that the RF module sits in. Using a Dremel with a 1/8†dia cutter or file, elongate the hole so that it goes up the sides of the recess. Be careful not to cut through the case. This hole should line up with the connector/wire that extends out of the Spektrum module.
7. Cut a notch in the top of the case where the antenna normally exits. This is to allow the 2.4GHz antenna coax to enter the case.
8. Cut a notch in the plastic antenna mounting post.
9. Screw in the antenna mounting post and attach the antenna. Route the coax into the case as shown in the pictures.
10. Plug in the Spektrum module into the transmitter case back. Pass the connector through the hole and then snap the module in place.
11. Connect the antenna coax to the connector from the Spektrum module. Careful here! There is not much room to work as the wires are short. Wrap the connection with two layers of electrical tape. Make sure no bare metal is exposed. Secure tape with plastic tie-wraps to ensure it doesn’t come loose and short out something.
12. Carefully reassemble the case back to the transmitter. Take your time and make sure the front and back case align correctly. It’s a bit of a juggle to align the antenna wire, the pins of the RF module and make sure the connector is clear of the circuit board.
13. Once the case back is in place, secure with the four Phillips head screws.
14. Cover the hole in the Spektrum module with a piece of sticky Monokote trim sheet.
15. Re-install battery and cover.
Inconel_601
10-11-2007, 06:37 PM
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RE: Futaba 9C w/Spektrum wiring modification
That is a great mod, if you are only going to fly 2.4. The great thing about the 9C is it's quick frequency change, including between bands. If one were to do your mod, you would be stuck on 2.4 wouldn't you?
Don
Don
10-11-2007, 09:18 PM
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RE: Futaba 9C w/Spektrum wiring modification
ORIGINAL: Campgems
That is a great mod, if you are only going to fly 2.4. The great thing about the 9C is it's quick frequency change, including between bands. If one were to do your mod, you would be stuck on 2.4 wouldn't you?
Don
That is a great mod, if you are only going to fly 2.4. The great thing about the 9C is it's quick frequency change, including between bands. If one were to do your mod, you would be stuck on 2.4 wouldn't you?
Don
Jim
10-11-2007, 09:57 PM
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RE: Futaba 9C w/Spektrum wiring modification
Hopping between the two would make sense for the conversion. I've now got almost a dozen 72mhz receivers, 8 of them mounted in planes and plans for the rest. Replaceing all of them with the 2.4 stuff would make a major dent in the check book. One at a time may be doable though. I currently swap RF modules so just popping another in for 2.4 would be great. If I ever pick up a 2.4 setup that is.
Don
Don
10-12-2007, 08:04 AM
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RE: Futaba 9C w/Spektrum wiring modification
Inconel_601
I probably missed something here. So, please correct me. Spectrum's Futaba 9C 2.4GHz transmitter module + AR9000 2.4GHz receiver set is currently available at Horizon for $300. You can just plug in the 2.4GHz transmitter module in your 9C, replace your 72 MHz receiver with AR9000, then you fly at 2.4GHz. You don't need to modify the wiring on your 9C at all.
If one wants to switch to 72MHz, he can just plug his 72MHz transmitter module back and use his 72MHz PCM receiver.
What is the benefit of this modification?
Please let me know what I missed.
Thanks.
Onewing
I probably missed something here. So, please correct me. Spectrum's Futaba 9C 2.4GHz transmitter module + AR9000 2.4GHz receiver set is currently available at Horizon for $300. You can just plug in the 2.4GHz transmitter module in your 9C, replace your 72 MHz receiver with AR9000, then you fly at 2.4GHz. You don't need to modify the wiring on your 9C at all.
If one wants to switch to 72MHz, he can just plug his 72MHz transmitter module back and use his 72MHz PCM receiver.
What is the benefit of this modification?
Please let me know what I missed.
Thanks.
Onewing
10-12-2007, 09:00 AM
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RE: Futaba 9C w/Spektrum wiring modification
The normal Spektrum module setup has the antenna coax connected externally to the module.
This just moves the wiring inside the Tx.
This just moves the wiring inside the Tx.
10-12-2007, 01:05 PM
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RE: Futaba 9C w/Spektrum wiring modification
Great modification. I just did it on my 9C. It really cleans up the back of the radio. I understand why someone would not want to do it if they're switching between 2.4ghz and 72mhz. It would be very time consuming to switch between modules. I run all Spektrum receivers so it made sense for me.
10-14-2007, 07:49 PM
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RE: Futaba 9C w/Spektrum wiring modification
ORIGINAL: Inconel_601
Internal Wiring Modifications For Futaba 9C With Spektrum Module
Does not require any additional items and totally reversible.
Your warranty is probably voided by this modification. Do so at your own risk!
1. Open up the Spektrum DM8 module by removing the four hex head screws from the case. Remove the nut and lock washer from the connector. Carefully remove the circuit board from the case. Make sure you don’t lose the bind button.
2. Using a Dremel with 1/8†diameter cutter or file, cut a notch in the lower half of the case as shown.
3. Re-route the antenna wire to the bottom of the case through the “U†shaped cut-out in the circuit board and out through the case in the notch that you created.
4. Put the bind button and case top back on. Reassemble with the four hex screws.
5. Remove the back of the 9C transmitter by first removing the battery and then unscrewing the four Phillips head screws from the back side.
6. Drill a 3/8†dia hole in the bottom left corner of the recess that the RF module sits in. Using a Dremel with a 1/8†dia cutter or file, elongate the hole so that it goes up the sides of the recess. Be careful not to cut through the case. This hole should line up with the connector/wire that extends out of the Spektrum module.
7. Cut a notch in the top of the case where the antenna normally exits. This is to allow the 2.4GHz antenna coax to enter the case.
8. Cut a notch in the plastic antenna mounting post.
9. Screw in the antenna mounting post and attach the antenna. Route the coax into the case as shown in the pictures.
10. Plug in the Spektrum module into the transmitter case back. Pass the connector through the hole and then snap the module in place.
11. Connect the antenna coax to the connector from the Spektrum module. Careful here! There is not much room to work as the wires are short. Wrap the connection with two layers of electrical tape. Make sure no bare metal is exposed. Secure tape with plastic tie-wraps to ensure it doesn’t come loose and short out something.
12. Carefully reassemble the case back to the transmitter. Take your time and make sure the front and back case align correctly. It’s a bit of a juggle to align the antenna wire, the pins of the RF module and make sure the connector is clear of the circuit board.
13. Once the case back is in place, secure with the four Phillips head screws.
14. Cover the hole in the Spektrum module with a piece of sticky Monokote trim sheet.
15. Re-install battery and cover.
Inconel_601
Internal Wiring Modifications For Futaba 9C With Spektrum Module
Does not require any additional items and totally reversible.
Your warranty is probably voided by this modification. Do so at your own risk!
1. Open up the Spektrum DM8 module by removing the four hex head screws from the case. Remove the nut and lock washer from the connector. Carefully remove the circuit board from the case. Make sure you don’t lose the bind button.
2. Using a Dremel with 1/8†diameter cutter or file, cut a notch in the lower half of the case as shown.
3. Re-route the antenna wire to the bottom of the case through the “U†shaped cut-out in the circuit board and out through the case in the notch that you created.
4. Put the bind button and case top back on. Reassemble with the four hex screws.
5. Remove the back of the 9C transmitter by first removing the battery and then unscrewing the four Phillips head screws from the back side.
6. Drill a 3/8†dia hole in the bottom left corner of the recess that the RF module sits in. Using a Dremel with a 1/8†dia cutter or file, elongate the hole so that it goes up the sides of the recess. Be careful not to cut through the case. This hole should line up with the connector/wire that extends out of the Spektrum module.
7. Cut a notch in the top of the case where the antenna normally exits. This is to allow the 2.4GHz antenna coax to enter the case.
8. Cut a notch in the plastic antenna mounting post.
9. Screw in the antenna mounting post and attach the antenna. Route the coax into the case as shown in the pictures.
10. Plug in the Spektrum module into the transmitter case back. Pass the connector through the hole and then snap the module in place.
11. Connect the antenna coax to the connector from the Spektrum module. Careful here! There is not much room to work as the wires are short. Wrap the connection with two layers of electrical tape. Make sure no bare metal is exposed. Secure tape with plastic tie-wraps to ensure it doesn’t come loose and short out something.
12. Carefully reassemble the case back to the transmitter. Take your time and make sure the front and back case align correctly. It’s a bit of a juggle to align the antenna wire, the pins of the RF module and make sure the connector is clear of the circuit board.
13. Once the case back is in place, secure with the four Phillips head screws.
14. Cover the hole in the Spektrum module with a piece of sticky Monokote trim sheet.
15. Re-install battery and cover.
Inconel_601
The really cool thing about the Spektrum upgrade for either brand of radio is that it brings the radios into the technical forefront again and also means that it does not matter if you fly JR or Futaba Spektrum TX's because Spektrum RX's work with both of them. Not only that the channels on the RX's are allocated the same with either TX.
Regards,
Eric.
02-21-2008, 10:27 AM
#15
RE: Futaba 9C w/Spektrum wiring modification
Did a similar thing to my Futaba Zap except I mounted the aerial on the gimble with a brass bracket inside the ball at the top of the case and ran the wire internally, looks like it was made for the job.
Mike
Mike
03-08-2008, 01:24 PM
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RE: Futaba 9C w/Spektrum wiring modification
Hi, Bald Eagle
I like your modification. The aerial on your 9 ZAP does not look like the one from Spectrum module.
What module did you use? And can you post a pic of the back of your Tx.
Thanks
Pavel
I like your modification. The aerial on your 9 ZAP does not look like the one from Spectrum module.
What module did you use? And can you post a pic of the back of your Tx.
Thanks
Pavel
03-08-2008, 01:43 PM
#17
RE: Futaba 9C w/Spektrum wiring modification
The aerial and cable from the unit are from XtremeLink they are the same spec as the Spektrum, the back is just like any other, but I suspect what you wish to see is the wire route, the top of my Zap has been cut to allow the aerial section to come off without the side pieces, only two Allen bolts too undoo, the co-axial is routed under the original aerial connection if you look closly you will see the de-soldered joint.
Mike
Will try to download some better pic after the week-end.
EDIT: did not answer you question, it is a Spektrum module.
Mike
Will try to download some better pic after the week-end.
EDIT: did not answer you question, it is a Spektrum module.
03-11-2008, 03:27 PM
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RE: Futaba 9C w/Spektrum wiring modification
Hi Baldeagle,
Any clearer pics of the 9z conversion please? I just bought the Spektrum module set for my radio today and it is an awesome bit of kit! I would like to carry out your mod as it looks so neat and almost looks factory fitted!
Nice one,
Nigel
Any clearer pics of the 9z conversion please? I just bought the Spektrum module set for my radio today and it is an awesome bit of kit! I would like to carry out your mod as it looks so neat and almost looks factory fitted!
Nice one,
Nigel
03-17-2008, 03:50 PM
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RE: Futaba 9C w/Spektrum wiring modification
Does anybody switching back and force from 72mz to 2.4 ghz fly at a frequency controlled field? How do control the channel usage. My club has recommended anybody switching modules has to put a pin on their 72 mhz channel even if they are flying 2.4 ghz so that they don't just change the module and go fly on the 72 mz channel without remembering to put a pin their channel.
03-18-2008, 10:08 AM
#21
RE: Futaba 9C w/Spektrum wiring modification
I put up my channel disc on the board for my 35Mhz (UK) and another black peg on the top of the board for 2.4Ghz with my initials on it, this is the way I have decided to do it as my club has no policy at the moment, made the black peg out of a trouser hanger end clamp, just cut the rest of the hanger off, also handy as a clamp when building.
Mike
Mike
03-18-2008, 10:39 AM
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RE: Futaba 9C w/Spektrum wiring modification
Hi Bob,
This has been discussed recently at our meetings (a lotta discussin and not much flying this time of year[&o]) We already have one guy with a Spektrum module in his 9303 and I plan on an 8 channel FASST module for my 9C. In our case there is very little duplication of channels between the members, in my case I have no competition for ch 42, which all my planes are on. Our approach, for now, will be to take the pin for your 72Mhz channel and a SS pin also, of course you will have to relinquish the 72Mhz pin if others want it, this could be a problem if your regular channel is also used regularly by others at the field. I have never turned on, on anyone and I don't want to start now[:-]
Pete
This has been discussed recently at our meetings (a lotta discussin and not much flying this time of year[&o]) We already have one guy with a Spektrum module in his 9303 and I plan on an 8 channel FASST module for my 9C. In our case there is very little duplication of channels between the members, in my case I have no competition for ch 42, which all my planes are on. Our approach, for now, will be to take the pin for your 72Mhz channel and a SS pin also, of course you will have to relinquish the 72Mhz pin if others want it, this could be a problem if your regular channel is also used regularly by others at the field. I have never turned on, on anyone and I don't want to start now[:-]
Pete
07-20-2011, 05:15 AM
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RE: Futaba 9C w/Spektrum wiring modification
Question? Does anyone know if the bracket on the antenna end of the coax connection can be removed to lesson the bulk when you tape up the connection? I think this bracket is for protection purposes only?
07-20-2011, 02:06 PM
#24
RE: Futaba 9C w/Spektrum wiring modification
Sold all of my Spektrum gear, now exclusively use FASST and all the problems I experienced before have gone, no more lock outs, no battery sensitive issues, no having to be so careful where I put all the aerials or the multitude of extra Rx's, just install a FASST Rx make sure the antenna are at 90 deg's to each other and it works to perfection in all of my jets and every other airframe as well, 100cc petrol too 10S 5000Mah electric, why did I not do this before instead of trying Spektrum? and I don't need an answer thanks it was a rhetorical question.
Mike
Mike
03-08-2017, 11:24 PM
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Its my variant upgrade Futaba9Z to Spektrum 2.4 Ghz module. They more difficult but seems so good. 
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/rc-r...m-upgrade.html
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/rc-r...m-upgrade.html
