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 50 of 84
4.6.3. Upgrading to 2.4GHz using the Spektrum DM8 module
This is a popular upgrade to make use of the DSM plug-and-play models currently
available on the market. However, I personally think there are serious design flaws in
this module, it is overpriced and there are DSM compatible Chinese modules out there
at a fraction of the cost. That said, I’m probably prejudiced as there are 1000s of happy
Spektrum customers and I have never owned or operated a Spektrum setup.
The module is relatively simple to set up (see Figure 45), but not as simple as those
2.4Ghz conversions that place the antenna at the back of the transmitter on the module.
A lot of people choose this setup because it locates the antenna “where an aerial should
be” straight up on the top of the set. Whilst this is aesthetically pleasing, it is not a great
position for achieving maximum range when flying if the antenna cannot be positioned
horizontally (see Figure 42 and Section 4.6.1). This was certainly the case with early
Spektrum modules and it is something to check on in the later versions. My advice: if
you can’t rotate the antenna to the horizontal then play it safe and go for another setup.
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Figure 45 Fitting a Spektrum DSM module antenna
Another reason why I do not like this setup is the design of the antenna wire connection
to the module. This connection is exposed and sticks out from the back of the
transmitter. As a result the connection can be very easily damaged, especially if the set
is knocked over as it extends far enough to hold the set off the ground when the 9Z is
laid on its back (see Figure 46). This is dangerous as a model could well be lost as a
result of a loose connection caused by such damage.
