Request for Tx maintenance help

BigJBB · 21-05-2006

Hello all, been rather busy of late to add much to the forum other than checking in daily to see what is happening. As is often the case a period of neglect has causes a failure in one of my Transmitters

This one is an original Futaba Attack-R Model Ref FP-T2NBR dating from the mid '80's. A twin stick basic 27Mhz AM radio set which has the added advantage that the cotntrol modules can be roated through 90 degrees. This I have done and use in Tank driving mode for my American Pusher Tug "Red Hamish IV". Sadly I was daft enough to leave in a set of Alkaline batteries over the winter months, and yes you've guessed it, they leaked. The contacts have been cleaned but still the Tx is dead

Has it got to go to heaven? I had problems with it later on in the last sailing season when the Aerial seemed to be loose. Does anyone know of somewhere the Tx could be sent to for refurbishment? As you'll know a faithful friend deserves better attention, I promise to look after it better in furture . Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

cheers

Jim

adzam · 21-05-2006

Hi jim,
i know futaba do repairs on certainly their larger multi channel sets,however the price you can pick up 2 chasnnelsets these days, it probably wouldn`t be cost effective, new you can pick up 2 channel sets in teh shops for between £12-15, cheaper on ebay, if your very keen on keeping it for nostalgia reasons, have a look in teh yellow pages for a local electronics shop, many of these independant electronic shops also do repairs,. worth a try .

**Bunkerbarge** · 21-05-2006

My first course of action would be to have a look inside and see if the damage from the battery fluids has reached any of the PCB’s. Usually splitting the casing is easy enough by simply removing a few self tapping screws, one or two in the battery box.

If the fluids have reached the PCB’s then I wouldn’t go any further but if they haven’t maybe it is worth taking a bit more time with it. The trouble is that repairs to old radios will almost certainly cost more than a new one but the biggest concern would be as to its reliability when repaired.

If there is any doubt as to its continued reliable performance you are putting your models at risk and personally I would have more affection for my models than my radios.

Balanced against the cost of a new unit it almost certainly does not make economical sense to have it repaired. Not very positive suggestions I’m afraid but if you let the sentimentality for the radio cloud your better judgment you may end up loosing more.

BigJBB · 21-05-2006

Thasnks for that advice Chris. The main reason i want to keep this one operational is the new Tx's are cheap enough to throw away BUT you csnnot convert the orientation of the sticks. I'll ask around my customers and asee if anyone is able to assist.

cheers

Jim

BigJBB · 21-05-2006

Hi Richard you are probably right in saying that it is cheaper to ditch it and buy another Rx and use with my other Tx's. In fact this could be a way to justify the expense of converting them all over to FM sets.

cheers

Jim

**wonwinglo** · 21-05-2006

What has happened is the leaking fluid from the batteries has migrated along inside the wireing causing a resistance,before you ditch it remove the cover so that you have access to where the + and - connections are,remove them with a small soldering iron,replace the connection wires with fresh hook up wire.
The fluids accelerate what is called 'black wire corrosion' to clean the terminals mix up some bicarbonate of soda into a paste and apply with a stiff brush,allow to eat into the corrosion and then wash off.
The action that causes the damage is electrolytic.

BigJBB · 21-05-2006

Hello all, where there is a Womnwinglo there is hope. thanks for the advice I'll look in the larder for the bi-carb and try it out !

cheers

Jim

jankers · 22-05-2006

Hi, similar advice to Barrie's, see if you can hook up a supply direct to the board, the contacts on the old sets do corrode in time and loose thier "spring".
If the hook up works you can concentrate on the supply side.

J.