V
FUTABA 9Z
THE UNOFFICIAL WORKSHOP MANUAL
WARNING:
THE INFORMATION IN THIS MANUAL IS FOR INFORMATION PURPOSES ONLY AND MAY BE INCORRECT, CAUSE DAMAGE
TO YOUR RADIO OR INJURY TO YOURSELF AND OTHERS. IF YOU USE THIS MANUAL YOU DO SO SOLEY AT YOUR OWN RISK.
www.jamesandtracy.co.uk
Copyright 2012 jamesandtracy.co.uk
Page 21 of 84
Figure 9 Corner Switch Replacement - NOTE: 8U SWITCH PART NO. IS SHOWN!
3.4. Front face controls, gimbals, and POTs
Note: I have not replaced the Front Face Controls so this procedure may be incomplete.
1.
Disassemble the 9Z’s case to Stage 2 as described in Section 5 (Disassembling and
Reassembling the 9Z’s Case).
2.
Access for general servicing (e.g. greasing bearings and checking POTs) and for
replacement of the front face controls and aerial requires the partial removal of the
main PCB. Make sure you are earthed and protect your tools so you don’t damage
ribbon cables etc., see Section 2.3.
3.
Remove the 4 ribbon cables, 2 connectors and 3 screws shown in Figure 10 from
the main PCB.
4.
You will now be able to lever up the main PCB as shown in see Figure 11 to gain
access to the front face controls etc.
3.4.1. Removing the Throttle Ratchet for Flying Helicopters
To remove the ratchet action on the Throttle for Helicopter flying, the technique I use is
to make a ‘ratchet smoother’ from a strip of beer can (see Figure 12) or scrap plastic.
This strip is cut to fit under the existing ratchet (see Figure 11) and has a hole in one end
so it can be held in place by the existing ratchet’s screw. This whole assembly of ratchet
and ‘ratchet smoother’ is then screwed back into place (see Figure 13). I find this works
much better than flipping the metal ratchet lever upside down which still results in some
unwanted ‘ratchet’ feel. In all cases I’d advise against sanding down the plastic gear to
remove the ratchet effect as this would likely result in a non-uniform control feel unless
done very, very carefully.
