dpbarry

Hi all..

After have 2 successful flights with my TT40 Trainer, I smacked it into a ploughed field a basically wrote it off.

Having salvaged relevant bits and pieces, I noticed that the RX casing (Futaba FP-R138) was cracked just where the two screws hold it together.

Is ther a possibility that the RX could also be damaged internally even though it was rapped in foam padding.

I have another TT40 being built but I don't want to attempt to fly it if there is a possibility that the RX may be duff.

What is the best way to check it out?

Regards

Declan

strato911

The BEST way is to send it to a service department for testing.

I have seen prices mentioned on the subject before, and it didn't seem very expensive ($5-$15 I think). The component most likely to sustain damage is the crystal. They are somewhat delicate.

dpbarry

Thanks for that.

I'll try and fine out a service centre in N. Ireland or England.

Declan

Whirley Bird

My Feedback: (1)

You can just hook the RX up and see how well the range check goes while it's working a servo or 2 that survived the crash.
BTW,
What the heck happened?
That must have been some inpact to crack the RX case

strato911

If you DO go with mearly performing a range check, remember to perform it with the engine running at various RPM's to simulate SOME of the vibration which exists while flying. Some problems don't show up untill subjected to certain harmonic frequency vibrations. Remember, you're not just risking a plane, but everything and everyone in its vicinity if it crashed due to receiver failure.

dpbarry

Basically what happened was, as I'm a novice at it, I was coming in to land but didn't feel comfortable with it so I throttled up and went around for another go.

As I was coming in, I came down a little too fast, pulled it out of the dive too hard and basically stalled it in mid air and as it came down, it started to turn prop down and the wingtip caught on the ploughed field thus pulling the wing out of shape with the fuselage and balsa being balsa, things bent and I think one of the hardwood pieces must have smacked against the RX.

I'll try the range check on it first but if I suspect anything, I won't use it.

I spoke to my model shop and they have basically told me that for the cost of getting it checked, you could buy a new one at £42 Pounds

Declan

strato911

Ouch! I'm sorry to hear it would be that expensive over there. I have seen prices mentioned here around $5 & $15 US, which even included the repairs. Futaba's site, (http://www.futaba-rc.com/futdist.html#u) shows that Ripmax is your nearest service center.

I suggest calling/emailing them to inquire about an estimate, you LHS may just want to sell more radios:
Ripmax
Ripmax Corner, Green St.
Enfield
London EN3 7SJ
Telephone: +44 (20) 8282-7500
Fax: +44 (20) 8282-7501
Email: [email protected]

dpbarry

Thanks for that..

I'm just about to email them to see what they can do and for how much.

Declan

Whirley Bird

My Feedback: (1)

The plane sounds like it can be repaired.
As for the crack can you upload a PIC?
Sometimes when they put the cover on they crank down hard on the first screw.
Then they tighten the other three.
This places stress on that first screw.
If it's a hair line fracture you just may have had that for sometime but never noticed it until after the crash.If the crystal is damaged nothing will work.
If it did fracture inside that can it may oscillate but not on that frequency thats tagged on it.
Thia is very rare though unless the XTAL is suffering from thermal or voltage changes.
The XTAK itself is really is an LC circuit and at times if you remove one from the socket and plug it back 180* it can cause problems.
I ran into that seneral times but not on RC receivers.
Something to keep in mind though

strato911

Years ago computers used a crystal to generate the clock cycles for the processors. I once encountered a system which would only work when the crystal was warmed up to above 25°C (77°F), then everything worked fine. Hairline cracks on circuit boards yield similar results. Some chips will work fine UNTIL they warm up through use.

dpbarry

I'll try and get a PIC uploaded but I superglued it back in again and believe me Whirley Bird, the plane is beyond repair. It virtually bend in a 'U' shape.

Declan

raymcm

Declan

As far as I remember, the Futaba FP-R138 is a dual conversion rx which uses two crytstals, one is plug in for the channel and should always be chucked after a major crash, and the other is soldered onto the board, it should also be replaced but needs more expertise.

Send it off to Ripmax for a quote, it must be worth a couple of quid for postage just to find out and if there is nothing wrong they might not charge you if you write a nice letter.

Where do you fly ?

What is your "local" shop

Whirley Bird

My Feedback: (1)

dpbarry,
Not long ago one of the moderstors sent me a few receivers.
I just need 3 that are for 6 meters.
Last night I tuned one up but I still need to do a range check.
I don't know if it will do you any good.
Heres the info from the FCC site.
Maybe someone else can verfi if this RX is still OK to use.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20554


GRANT OF EQUIPMENT AUTHORIZATION
Notification

Futaba Corporation of America
P. O. Box 19767

Irvine, CA 92623-9767
United States
Date of Grant: 11/07/1989


Application Dated: 09/27/1989




Attention: York Daimon,
NOT TRANSFERABLE
EQUIPMENT AUTHORIZATION is hereby issued to the named GRANTEE, and is VALID ONLY for
the equipment identified hereon for use under the Commission's Rules and Regulations listed below.

FCC IDENTIFIER AZP4VKFP-R127DF72

Name of Grantee Futaba Corporation of America




Equipment Class: Communications Rcvr for use w/ licensed Tx and CBs

Notes:

Grant Notes FCC Rule Parts Frequency
Range (MHZ) Output
Watts Frequency
Tolerance Emission
Designator
15B 72 - 73

ultraflyman

My Feedback: (1)

i fly jr i had a crack in my receiver i sent in in for repair they fixed it and sent it back no charge

dpbarry

Spoke to Ripmax and they service it for £18 + parts

Declan

dpbarry

Hi All..

Sent the RX plus a HAL2100 back to Ripmax to have checked over.

Costing was £47 for service, parts and posting.

The RX was checked, a few joints resoldered, new casing and antenna fitted.

The HAL2100 was serviced but it needed a new sensor as my one wasn't balancing properly - cost £12

All in all, not bad value I thought.

Declan