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.
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Copyright 2012 jamesandtracy.co.uk
Page 38 of 84
Figure 32 Weak solder joint in RF Module
There is a weakness in the TP and TK models related to their internal metal shielding.
The socket for Pin 4 (ground) is directly soldered onto this metal shielding and this
connection is structurally weak (see Figure 32). When it breaks, the “On Air” message
and alarm will fail to be displayed. The solution is simple:
1.
Undo the 2 retaining screws on the module’s case
2.
Slide the bottom part of the case upwards to release it from its retaining clips and
then lift it off
3.
You’ll now see the metal shielding case around the PCB. Locate the RF Pin-out
socket (Top end on the back of the module).
4.
Locate Pin 4 and see if it is still connected to the metal shielding. Wiggle the
shielding a little to check for a broken connection.
5.
Resolder the connection if necessary
If you are using an aftermarket replacement and you want to have the “On Air” message
and alarm, you can attempt to reproduce this same behavior by directly connecting Pin 3
and Pin 4.
3.12. Hard Resetting the 9Z Back to Factory Settings
Note: I have not tested this procedure myself, but there is a lot of information on the
internet suggesting that the following will hard reset a 9Z. You will need to access the
Futaba Service Menu which requires a Service Menu Enabler (see Section 6)
Whilst removing the back-up battery in a 9Z will hard reset the transmitter, there is an
easier way to return your set to factory defaults without disassembling it. This involves
shorting two contacts beneath the battery compartment for several seconds. After any
hard reset you need to recalibrate your set. The following procedure will hard reset your
9Z: