Spectrum DX8 Use and care manual

1
Replacement Transmitter Antenna Assembly
Manual for the DX8
NOTICE
All instructions, warranties and other collateral documents are subject to change
at the sole discretion of Horizon Hobby, Inc. For up-to-date product literature, visit
http://www.horizonhobby.com and click on the support tab for this product.
WARNING: READ AND FOLLOW ALL INSTRUCTIONS
This manual contains instructions for safely replacing a transmitter antenna. This
replacement antenna is a key component in a sophisticated hobby product. The
instructions require basic technical knowledge and mechanical skill. The replace-
ment should not be attempted by children or beginner hobbyists.
Do not attempt disassembly, use with incompatible components, or augment the
product in any way, outside of these instructions. Failure to follow each instruction
and precaution could result in a break of signal transmission, which will ultimately
lead to damage to the product, property and/or personal injury.
Read ALL instructions. If after reading these instructions you are not condent
in your ability to replace the antenna, send the antenna and transmitter, free of
charge, to the appropriate Horizon Service Center where this procedure can be
performed by an authorized service technician. Or contact a distributor in your
country of service.
To obtain free repair service for your Replacement Transmitter Antenna Assem-
bly please contact Horizon Hobby Product Support.
Note: If it is decided to submit the unit for antenna replacement, Horizon will
pay the costs of return shipping and labor associated with the replacement
of the antenna. However the cost to repair any OTHER damage done to the
product may be the responsibility of the customer, to be determined at the sole
discretion of Horizon Hobby, Inc.
INTRODUCTION
The following instructions are for replacing the antenna in a DX8. Read them com-
pletely before beginning to replace your antenna.
Items Needed:
• New antenna assembly (SPM6831)
• Medium Phillips head screwdriver
CAUTION: Never turn the radio on when the antenna is not attached to the
module.Poweringupthetransmitterwithouttheantennaattachedcandamagethe
transmitter.
STEP 1
With the transmitter power switch in the“O”position, remove the battery from the
battery compartment.
STEP 2
Place the radio face down on a cushioned surface to protect it from being damaged.
Remove the two back rubber grips.
STEP 3
Beginning at a corner, carefully peel the back edge of the 2 side grips away from the
radio back. Once you have exposed the case seam line, leave the remaining portion
of the side grips on the front case half.
STEP 4
Using a Phillips screw driver, remove the 6 screws holding the transmitter case
together. All removed screws should be placed in a designated area where they will
not be lost and should be placed in a manner that will allow for ordered reinsertion.
STEP 5
Carefully remove the back case half and lay it aside. Use care not to pull on the wire
harness plugged into the encoder board in the front case half. If desired, you can
disconnect the back case wire harness connector from the encoder board in the
front case.
Horizon Service Center 4105 Fieldstone Road
Champaign, IL 61822 USA
877-504-0233
Online Repairs visit
www.horizonhobby.com/service/
Horizon Product
Support
4105 Fieldstone Road
Champaign, IL 61822 USA
877-504-0233
[e-mail]
Horizon Hobby Limited Units 1-4 Ployters Rd
Staple Tye
Harlow, Essex
CM18 7NS
United Kingdom
[phone]
[e-mail]
Horizon Technischer
Service
Hamburger Str. 10
25335 Elmshorn
Germany
[phone]
[e-mail]
Horizon Hobby SAS
14 Rue Gustave Eiffel
Zone d’Activité du Réveil Matin
91230 Montgeron
[phone]
[e-mail]
WWW.SPEKTRUMRC.COM

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STEP 6
Carefully grasp the antenna wire near the connection point of the RF deck and pull
up while wiggling slightly. The antenna should disconnect easily.
STEP 7
Remove the two screws holding the RF deck in place with a Phillips head screw-
driver and then remove the RF deck observing the alignment of the pins so it can be
reinserted correctly later.
STEP 8
Remove the screw which connects the slotted metal base plate to the antenna
mount using a Phillips screwdriver.
STEP 9
Slide the slotted antenna base o of the antenna wire.
STEP 10
Gentlypullthe antennawiretightandparallel totheantennamountwhilepulling up
ontheantennahousingallowingtheantennaassemblytoslideoutofthetransmitter.
STEP 11
Install the new antenna assembly in the transmitter. Feed the antenna wire through
the rectangular slot in the metal base plate.
Make sure the key at the base of the antenna mount is in the non-rectangular slot.
Use care not to pinch the antenna wire. Fasten it in place using the Phillips screw.
STEP 12
Reinsert the RF deck paying attention to the proper pin alignment. Fasten the two
screws which secure the RF deck.
STEP 13
Grab the antenna wire near the wires’ coaxial connector with one hand. With the
other hand, place the coaxial connector over the connection point on the RF board
(making sure they are properly aligned) and use your thumb or a at screwdriver to
press the coaxial onto the connection point. (If using a screwdriver be careful not
to damage any board components.) If connected properly, the wire should swivel
slightly without disconnecting.
STEP 14
Conrm the installation was done correctly by checking that all wires, screws
and other components are back to their original position with the new antenna
installed. Check to ensure no wires are kinked or will be pinched when the
transmitter is screwed back together. Reassemble the unit, replace battery and
perform a range check.
Range check procedures:
1. With the model resting on the ground, system powered and model secured,
stand 30 paces (approx. 90 feet) away from the model.
2. Face the model with the transmitter in your normal ying position and place
the radio in range test mode as described in the instruction manual. Press
and hold the Trainer Button to activate Range Test mode.
3. You should have total control of the model at 30 paces (90 feet).
4. If control issues exist, contact the appropriate Horizon Product Support
Department for further assistance.
Note: If any time during or after the installation you do not feel condent-
about the installation, please send the replacement antenna and transmit-
ter to the appropriate Horizon Service Center where this procedure can be
performed by an authorized service technician.
WARNING: ENSURE FUTURE ANTENNA SAFETY - Do not attempt to use the
antenna to bear any weight, pick up the transmitter by the antenna or alter the
antenna in any way. If the transmitter antenna or related components become
damaged the output strength can be severely impeded which will likely lead to a
crash, injury, and property damage.
Antenna
mount
Slottedmetal
base plate
©2010 Horizon Hobby, Inc., 4105 Fieldstone Road, Champaign, IL 61822 USA
Horizon Hobby Limited, Units 1-4 Ployters Rd, Staple Tye, Harlow, Essex, CM18 7NS, United Kingdom
Horizon Hobby GmbH, Hamburger Strasse 10, 25335 Elmshorn, Germany
The Spektrum trademark is used with permission of Bachmann Industries, Inc.
All other marks are trademarks or registered trademarks of Horizon Hobby, Inc.
Printed 3/11 29186.1