Hey guys, so I no longer have the 9Z. I sold it to a member (in this discussion) who tinkers with the older systems. He's already replaced the button covers and fixed the gimbal and sent me pics of it "spruced up like new". I'm really glad there are some folks out there who can still put these older systems to good use.
Regarding replacement, I've decided on a Radiomaster TX16 with 4-in-1 module (which is about the most I would spend). Just doesn't make sense to me anymore to spend the kind of money I spent years ago on the Futaba 9Z. Of course when I bought that, I was flying a 1/3 scale cap and a large Ohio models Ultimate bipe. Now I'm flying things made of foam-board.
thanks all,
Dave