Search for Replacement 9x Potentiometers!

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ShowMaster
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Search for Replacement 9x Potentiometers!

Post by ShowMaster »

The pots of 50 years ago were usually a mil spec one, even sealed. Servos used cermet elements and gold wiper contacts. As Futaba and sanwa, got into the hobby in the USA, parts and pots got cheaper IMO.
Later the conductive plastic elements did come along with pretty good reliability and smaller diameter.

The fix for the 9X pot is usually required because the silver conductive paint used to bond the carbon element ends to the end solder tabs/wires seemed to be eliminated. I'm sure it was a silver cost cutting move.
So then the connection was just the tiny compression hollow rivet that bonded the element snd contacts together. One failure condition most common was/is, when the case was opened for any reason, many would put pressure on the stick pots PC board assembly. This leverage breaks the not so good pressure contact between the pot element and the solder tab. This usually shows up as limited or only one stick direction working correctly.
Conductive epoxy or a expensive silver paint pen is a fix. I find that just disassembling the pot element from its housing and carefully with needle nose pliers, I could squeeze the rivet and restore a solid connection again. Those I've done over the years never have had a failure of that pot again.

The conductive fixes are popular as you have done.
I did use a pot lube in the past, but haven't tried anything recently. I'll keep yours in mind.
Thanks for your suggestion.

The spare sicks I bought are still standing by in case they're needed by me for my many 9x conversions, or those I did conversions for. Fortunately the cost for the spares hasn't been an issue.
I originally was going to use Hitec replacement sticks and save my 9X pullouts for spares. Hitec kept putting me on back order and after months, I just stayed with my stick ones. I'm sport flying, no more critical contesting flying that demands I have super sticks.
My servos are the best $5 will buy. I stepped up from the $3 ones and had too many $12 ha 55's burn up or strip gears.
I do have JR and Futaba digital servos.

I also am a pinch flyer, so super centering isn't as critical. I and my brain, just move the sicks to keep the plane in the attitude I want, and only need centering to scratch something usually. I'm a fast scratcher. I don't even care about spring tension as long as there's some back pressure and centering going on.
A lot of first and second place aerobatic first place pinch flying trophies from the past. Can't change now.

I see Jeti and now the Horus, is getting away from using any stick pots. I know jhsa's been trying his own version for some time.
Sport flying pretty much every Friday for 2 years, I haven't had a Taranis pot issue I know about. Some repeated trim switch failures however. I think we have a fix for that now.

I fly with many 9x owners, many I did er9x conversions for also, and haven't had any requests for pot fixes or issue last year. Pretty good record for a $54 system.
I've had only one trim SW failure fix request.
Pretty good still.

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jhsa
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Re: Search for Replacement 9x Potentiometers!

Post by jhsa »

ShowMaster wrote:
I see Jeti and now the Horus, is getting away from using any stick pots. I know jhsa's been trying his own version for some time.
Yes, I have a 9x radio working with hall sensor gimbals. The info can be found somewhere on this thread, starting on page 5 or 6 I believe.. Someone did put together a nice pdf file with some very good instructions.

João
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Re: Search for Replacement 9x Potentiometers!

Post by NicoSausB »

jhsa wrote:Someone did put together a nice pdf file with some very good instructions.
I'm this guy.
The PDF docs can be found here: viewtopic.php?f=95&t=2974&p=96418#p96418
Irish Steve
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Re: Search for Replacement 9x Potentiometers!

Post by Irish Steve »

Slightly away from the direct issues of pots for sticks, but I was browsing Hobbyking last night, and the International warehouse has 3 axis sticks for the 9XR family that are using Hall Effect sensing for the position of the sticks.

http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/stor ... _39_s.html

I've not seen these before, has anyone any experience of using them, are they supported in any of "our" software updates, and are they any good?
Irish Steve

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Search for Replacement 9x Potentiometers!

Post by Daedalus66 »

I have one installed in a 9XR Pro. It fit without adjustment (can also be fitted into a 9x apparently but needs some work). Quality is very good.

It took a bit of messing around to get the wires routed properly so they don't obstruct stick movements, then some time to adjust the magnets to get the outputs into the correct range and correct direction. But not too difficult. No special firmware requirements as the Hall sensors produce a voltage range just like a pot.

It works quite nicely on the bench but I haven't flown it yet because I still need to remove the left stick and relocate throttle to the right side so it can be operated by left index finger. Will probably mount the pot where the trainer switch is now.

The stick length is variable, though some people have complained that even maximum length is rather short for single stick flying. Also it probably needs a bigger knob for rudder control.

It certainly fixes the pot issue!


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Re: Search for Replacement 9x Potentiometers!

Post by bob195558 »

Also see here for more info: (viewtopic.php?f=122&t=8269).

And check out this video upgrading to Taranis Gimbals: (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ixeQ7FYjSPM).
To see how here too: 9XR-PRO Hacks and Fixes: (viewtopic.php?f=122&t=5657&p=99382#p99332).

More suggestions: (viewtopic.php?f=95&t=2974).

Bob B.
Last edited by bob195558 on Mon Jan 25, 2016 10:40 pm, edited 4 times in total.
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Re: Search for Replacement 9x Potentiometers!

Post by Irish Steve »

Thanks, I've since discovered the HK Daily video about them, and that they can be "teased" into a 9X, which is even more useful. as I have a couple of 9X sets that have to be sorted, sticks bad, and some Sky boards to go into them, so this looks like a useful way to go, as it gets rid of the pot issue once and for all,

wonder how long it will be before we don't see pots on sticks at all. The sooner the better as far as I'm concerned. Even better if servos go the same route.
Irish Steve

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Re: Search for Replacement 9x Potentiometers!

Post by mnementh »

jhsa wrote:
ShowMaster wrote:
I see Jeti and now the Horus, is getting away from using any stick pots. I know jhsa's been trying his own version for some time.
Yes, I have a 9x radio working with hall sensor gimbals. The info can be found somewhere on this thread, starting on page 5 or 6 I believe.. Someone did put together a nice pdf file with some very good instructions.

João
João-

I long ago converted my Taranis to similar ratiometric HE sensors using reference from this thread and Nico's diagrams. Not the pretty well-finished job Nico did; mine was more "wired dead-bug & hot-snotted in place". Accuracy seemed tighter, but still didn't cure the intermittent variations in centering, as those are mechanical failings inherent in the gimbal's design. Also didn't cure the rough, mushy feel of the joysticks themselves. This was the main reason I so rapidly lost my raging nerd-boner for the X9E Tray radio when I found out the HE gimbals STILL weren't available; I had just completed this mod and was pretty much certain it was better than any "improved analog gimbals" the 9E might come with. I'm STILL certain this is the case.

ImageImage

Well, I just got my Quanum 3-Axis Hall-Effect gimbal in Friday's mail. This thing... even with the rubber boot... is slinky. Like Ernie Ball super slinky thin electric strings slinky. The only thing on it that isn't metal is the ratchet cam for throttle use. It feels like the ones I machined myself as a youth for my robotics projects. Seriously.

*Caresses new gimbal*

"Ooooh... my one... my preciousssss."

Now I just can't decide whether to put it in my 9XR Pro or my Taranis...


mnem
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Last edited by mnementh on Fri Mar 18, 2016 7:52 am, edited 1 time in total.
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jhsa
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Re: Search for Replacement 9x Potentiometers!

Post by jhsa »

I could never use the Quanum 3 axis stick. I fly with thumbs.
I get pretty decent centering on my 9x radio with hall effect sensors. Even if the gimbal's mechanics are bad.
I wish Quanum also produced normal gimbals with the hall sensors.. :(

I use D'addario strings by the way.. Never liked Ernie ball :) :D

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Re: Search for Replacement 9x Potentiometers!

Post by mnementh »

jhsa wrote:I could never use the Quanum 3 axis stick. I fly with thumbs.
I get pretty decent centering on my 9x radio with hall effect sensors. Even if the gimbal's mechanics are bad.
I wish Quanum also produced normal gimbals with the hall sensors.. :(

I use D'addario strings by the way.. Never liked Ernie ball :) :D

João
João-

The gimbal comes with hardware to lock out the Z axis; and if you take the big knurled knob off, you have a nice, center-ground 4mm shaft to work with. I thought of going that route myself. :mrgreen: At $39 ea, they really do hit a sweet spot. A quantum leap above even Auroras (which I always thought were an over priced POS even at $32 ea the last time I looked) for only a few dollars more.

I like D'Addario on my acoustic... my electrics were always Ernie Ball Super Slinkys. :D

Cheers!


mnem
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Re: Search for Replacement 9x Potentiometers!

Post by jhsa »

I'm still not convinced.. maybe I get one just to check and try to adapt... But they are expensive.. one of them costs nearly as much as a 9x radio, right?

João
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Re: Search for Replacement 9x Potentiometers!

Post by mnementh »

jhsa wrote:I'm still not convinced.. maybe I get one just to check and try to adapt... But they are expensive.. one of them costs nearly as much as a 9x radio, right?

João
See above... $39 everyday price, and designed as a drop-in replacement for the 9XR/9XR Pro. This is my dilemma... just drop it in my 9XR Pro, or adapt it to fit in my Taranis for which I recently built a proper tray...

You know I'm a cheap bastahd, J... I'm telling you it's worth every cent. SERIOUSLY.

Image

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mnem
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Re: Search for Replacement 9x Potentiometers!

Post by scottyp »

After fighting with pots in 2 different dx6i's and having a pot in my 9x (er9x-frsky) getting a bit flaky I ordered up 2 of the HK Quanum three axis sticks. Pretty easy installation with a little creativity. I locked the left stick from rotating and connected P3 to the X axis of the left stick that I may use for camera pan. Excellent quality, they feel and operate very smooth once it is calibrated. They are "thumbable". I thumb with my left and pinch with my right, that works out well for the rudder on the z -axis on the right stick. I may machine a new "knob" for the left stick. I have flown a few flights with this setup and love it so far. I am also a frugal bugger, nothing like putting 80 bucks worth of gimbals into a 40 dollar transmitter, but they are indeed sweet and well worth it to me in reliability and feel.
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Re: Search for Replacement 9x Potentiometers!

Post by mnementh »

I understand that you already have the 9XR; but really, with the features of the 9XR Pro, and it now selling for ~$50, I'm starting to think one might be a better deal than a Taranis with a pair of these on there. Figure $130 plus module is $160, and if I'm not forgetting anything, the main difference between the two now is 16CH max vs 32CH and Taranis' implementation of ModelMatch.

Oh, and I already have a heavily modified 9XR and 9XR Pro myself; I sent my 9X down the road while I felt it still had some life in it. :D


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mnementh
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Re: Search for Replacement 9x Potentiometers!

Post by mnementh »

Image

Mods include:

Quanum 3-Axis Hall Effect Joystick configured for Pitch/Roll/Yaw
Old Yaw connected to S3
SH Rotated to 3 O-clock Position
Inverted Sliders for use with Tray
40mm Speaker
Dual JST-SH 3-Pin / JST-SH 4-Pin Power
Crunky old Mini-USB replaced with Micro-USB Connector
5050-RGB Backlight w/Remote
All Aluminum Radio Tray w/Shoulder Harness

With this gimbal I'm falling in love with my Taranis all over again; as far as I'm concerned, Horus can SUCK IT unless they come with HE gimbals out of the box. :p

Adapters are pretty easy to make out of 6mm / 14" square aluminum rod... I'll try and get around to putting up a "How-To" here sometime soon.


Cheers!


mnem
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Ozzy
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Re: Search for Replacement 9x Potentiometers!

Post by Ozzy »

In my first Taranis they have a op-amp circuit to shift the levels of a standard range pot. The Taranis uses 3.3V, 9x uses 5V. New version do not have this circuit because they have the custom ~60 degree rotation resistive range pots (they are 5K).
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Re: Search for Replacement 9x Potentiometers!

Post by Ozzy »

Taranis Gimbal Hall Effect Mod:
EDIT: http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showpost ... count=6068
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jhsa
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Re: Search for Replacement 9x Potentiometers!

Post by jhsa »

Ozzy wrote:Taranis Gimbal Hall Effect Mod:
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showp...postcount=6068
The link seems not to be working as it takes me to the RCG index..

Thanks

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Re: Search for Replacement 9x Potentiometers!

Post by KAL »

I think he meant this.

Klaus
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Re: Search for Replacement 9x Potentiometers!

Post by jhsa »

Yeah I found it, thanks.. :)

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Re: Search for Replacement 9x Potentiometers!

Post by ReSt »

If you require replacement pots for the 9x, have a look at banggood
http://www.banggood.com/Flysky-FS-TH9X- ... mds=search

Reinhard
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jhsa
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Re: Search for Replacement 9x Potentiometers!

Post by jhsa »

woow!! After 10 years they finally make replacement gimbals for the 9x.. :) Better late than never.. But now I get the taranis gimbals ;) :D

Thanks for sharing Reinhard

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Re: Search for Replacement 9x Potentiometers!

Post by MikeB »

The also have spare displays as well.

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Re: Search for Replacement 9x Potentiometers!

Post by bob195558 »

The best replacement/upgrade Gimbal option for the Taranis, Sky9x, Ar9X, 9Xtreme (and maybe 9XR-Pro) radios,
is the New FrSky M9 Hall Effect Gimbals
.
FrSky M9 gimbals in a 9x - photos (traffic!): (viewtopic.php?p=126398#p125297).
M9 Hall effect Gimbals: (viewtopic.php?f=122&t=9683).
Some more info: (viewtopic.php?f=95&t=9943&p=124857&hili ... or+Gimbals).
New FrSky Hall Effect Gimbals: (viewtopic.php?f=126&t=9674&p=123960&hil ... or+Gimbals).
Turnigy 9x + 9 Extreme board + M9 Hall sensor Gimbals: (viewtopic.php?f=122&t=9683&p=123446#p123446).
Magnetic Gimbals for x9d & x9dp: (viewtopic.php?f=97&t=9609&hilit=M9+Hall+Sensor+Gimbals).
Hall sensor gimbals for the 9xr pro?: (viewtopic.php?f=122&t=9964).

Back to first post: (viewtopic.php?f=95&t=2974&hilit=Search+ ... Pot#p42713).

Bob B.
Er9x on 9x radio, with Smartieparts Programmer and TelemetrEZ Board.
ErSky9x on Taranis, Sky9x, 9Xtreme radios.
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Re: Search for Replacement 9x Potentiometers!

Post by jhsa »

Still too expensive. At least for me.. I have normal Taranis gimbals in all my radios except one that I did my own hall sensor upgrade :)

João
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Re: Search for Replacement 9x Potentiometers!

Post by efly »

I have problems with the temperatur stabibility.
Only 10 degree Celcius causes 30% offset-
What can I improve to get a stabiliezed Hall effect signal ?
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Re: Search for Replacement 9x Potentiometers!

Post by bob195558 »

Hummmmm, ..... Can you provide more information ?

What Radio is this and is it a stock Potentiometer ?
Er9x on 9x radio, with Smartieparts Programmer and TelemetrEZ Board.
ErSky9x on Taranis, Sky9x, 9Xtreme radios.
3D-Printing: (https://openrcforums.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=129).

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