Arghhhh... let out the smoke

[elib100]

So I installed a 9xtreme in my 3dr iris branded 9x. Everything was fine, but I was having trouble getting the frsky module working, which is a seperate issue. I was opening the radio so many times I left the screws out, one thing leads to another and I shorted something and tons of smoke came out. Looks like it's the top of the three power regulators in the middle of the board? Is it a FET of some kind? It still boots but now it's like I'm holding down the left button all the time.

So a few questions:

1) Is the board toast? Can I replace the burnt part? Do I need to? Can I fix the scrolling issue some other way?

2) If I can't fix it, how do I remove the software and get opentx back on here? I suppose I shouldn't have bothered with the upgrade as this radio already had a working frsky module and opentx installed.

Thanks!

[jhsa]

So a few questions:

1) Is the board toast? Can I replace the burnt part? Do I need to? Can I fix the scrolling issue some other way?

Which one of the boards did burn? The 9xtreme or the 9x mainboard?

2) If I can't fix it, how do I remove the software and get opentx back on here? I suppose I shouldn't have bothered with the upgrade as this radio already had a working frsky module and opentx installed.

OpenTX does not support the 9xtreme board as far as I know.. The only firmware available for the 9xtreme board is Ersky9x..

About the frsky module, did you insert or remove the module while the radio was ON?

João

[elib100]

The 9xtreme board burnt.

It wasn't anything with the module, don't think it was even plugged in at the time. I think the gimbal power shorted against a ground somewhere perhaps?

Opentx was running on the 9x before I started with the 9xtreme board.

[elib100]

Wow, I turned it back on and the scrolling problem is gone. I wonder if it just got hot and burnt insulation but didn't fry the FET? There are three identical components next to the plug with all the red wires. The top one burnt pretty good.

So I want to see if I can get it to talk to frsky module now but I realize there is a rs232<-> ttl converter already inline? I probably want to take that out right? The 9xtreme should talk straight to the djt module?

[jhsa]

Yes they are MOSFETS and normal transistors.. I don't have the schematics so I don't know which one does what, but there should be a protection fet, a soft power fet and it's transistor, and one or two fets and transistors for the internal and external RF modules's power..

The DJT should work straight away with the 9xtreme board. What doesn't work? Can't you control a servo? Is it the telemetry that doesn't work? You will have to give us a bit more info.
If I could guess stuff, I would be rich by now

João

EDIT: No level converters needed for telemetry if that is what you are asking..
Was your DJT modded for telemetry before? if so, what mod?

[jhsa]

Can you please post a good picture of your 9xtreme board?

João

[elib100]

Ok, I'm just realizing that my left gimbal isn't working at all Hopefully I can fix this as I'd love an alternative to my tray style taranis that I could throw in a backpack.

I have a few replacement FETs around for a "Beefs Brushed Board" flight controller. Wonder if they could be the same thing...

Thanks for the help!

Yes this radio was modded for telemetry before. I'm realizing it probably wasn't worth upgrading since I already had telemetry working but I wanted voice low battery alerts!

[jhsa]

Your radio was modded for telemetry, I understood that because you were using a level converter but was the DJT modded for telemetry? Or did you pass the telemetry wire through a hole on the back of your radio and connected it to the back of the DJT?
If you touched your gimbal on the back board and put battery voltage on it, you could have caused great damage
If that fet is the one that switches the power to the RF module, I'm afraid might be what happened, but I'm not sure what fet that one is. will have a look at my board tomorrow.. Too late here now
Can't even write properly

João

[elib100]

Thank you.

The djt seems to work fine, binds with d4r-ii no problem..

[s_mack]

That one that got nice and toasty is a p-channel mosfet that you can buy here if you need to.

The posted pic isn't high enough res to see if anything else appears damaged.

[jhsa]

I'm a bit more worried about his gimbal not working..

João

[MikeB]

The FET that looks burnt controls the power to the module in the module bay. It may have blown short circuit.
To test if it is still working, plug the module in and power on. Now go to the protocol menu, and set the "External module" to OFF. This should turn the power to the DJT off. Do the LEDs on the DJT go off?

For the gimbal, go to the "DiagAna" menu. Do the numbers for the top two values A1 and A2 (or LV and LH) change when you move the left stick?

Mike.

[elib100]

Ok, doesn't look good.

1) External module doesn't turn off when I switch it on/off in protocol menu.

2) Gimbal doesn't do anything in the DiagAna menu.

What should I do?

I would be happy if I could get this radio going again without the 9xtreme board. Or if I could use it that would be great as well. What's the easiest/cheapest route?

Thanks!

[elib100]

Do you all think it's more likely the gimbal or just the 9xtreme?

Can I just remove the 9xtreme, install a new gimbal and reprogram with opentx? I got a tray taranis now as my main radio but I would love this as a backup and something easier to throw in a backpack.


I attached full res pic didn't realize last one was scaled.

[MikeB]

At the top of the 9Xtreme there are two, 9-way connectors. These are the connections to the gimbals and trims.
Check that the supply voltage and ground are connected. With the power OFF, check that pin 1 of both connectors (left most pin) are connected together, then check pin 4 and then pin 8.

Mike.

[elib100]

yee haw! something finally went right with this thing. I didn't have that gimbal plugged in well. It looks like the mosfet failed open so I've got it working all the way to the radio! The short seems to have melted the solder on the right gimbal which caused a periodic short.I took it apart and the wires fell out. Now I just need to see if I have telemetry working or not and I'm there!

I have to say I'm impressed with the 9xremem that it took this short and keeps working. Lots of smoke!

[jhsa]

You were lucky Others weren't
Be careful next time

João

[elib100]

Ok, just wanted to provide an update. The controller works well, haven't tried a range test yet but my models see everything correctly. Now I just need to get telemetry working and I will have a more portable alternative to my Taranis x9e (tray style).