[NSRCA-discussion] SPEKTRUM modules for JR transmitters

[Randall Bearden]

On 6/6/07 11:32 AM, "Jon Lowe" <jonlowe at aol.com> wrote:

> I have been flying one of the new SPEKTRUM modulels for JR transmitters
> in my 10x for a couple of weeks.  There is an issue reported by my Dad,
> and some others flying them, with the antenna connector on the back of
> the module having the retaining nut come loose, and then loosening the
> connection to the circuit board inside the module.  The antenna
> connector is normally restrained from rotating by the body of the
> connector being captured inside the module.  However, if the external
> nut gets loose enough, the connector can back out and then rotate,
> pulling on the wire connection to the circuit board.  The fix is
> simple, but the results if you don't do it can be disasterous if the
> connection gets pulled from the board.  I found mine loose last nite,
> and made the fix below.
> 
> Remove the module from the transmitter.  On the side of the module that
> fits inside the tranmitter, there are four allen head screws.  Remove
> them.  Carefully remove the front half of the case of the module from
> the back half, being sure not to loose the binding button extension,
> and not pulling on the wire that connects the antenna connector to the
> circuit board.  Be sure the connection is tight between the wire and
> the tiny connector on the circuit board.  You can also stake the wire
> to a spot on the circuit board with a drop of thick CA if you desire.
> Tighten the exterior nut on the antenna connector to the case half.
> Reassemble the front half of the module to the back half with the allen
> screws.  Use a small drop of gap filling CA on exterior of the antenna
> connector between the nut and the threads, to stake the nut into place.
> 
> 
> Make sure every time you take the antenna cable on and off the module
> that the nut hasn't come loose.  As long as it doesn't come loose, you
> won't put any strain on the wire between the connector and the circuit
> board inside the module.
> 
> I flew the system in competition a couple of weeks ago in Knoxville.
> Works great, with no issues.  I'm planning to fly the system at the
> NATS.  What else can you say?!
> 
> 
> Jon Lowe
> 
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Jon,

You must be very careful when dealing with these connectors they cannot be
over tightened without damaging the connector and severely degrading the
transmitters output.  When you are dealing with the Gigahertz range most
connections are N-type OR SMA and you only need to torque then to ABOUT
6inch/oz (FINGER TIGHT).  If you over tighten them you will damage it and
then your output will drop due to reflected energy back into the transmitter
module.  If you treat it like the old stuff it get bad quickly.  Don't
superglue it there is a compound to prevent the connectors from coming loose
that will not ruin it like super glue.

I would call or write Spectrum and get their recommendation on maintaining
the connectors.

Randy