Spectrum AR7000 Receiver Antenna Modification

[skripo]

I got sick of worrying about those floppy antenna stubs so I took care of it.

1) Cut 2 lengths of clear antenna tubing just a bit longer than each antenna. Try to use tubing that CA can bond to.

2) Carefully take apart the receiver case with a small flat blade screwdriver by inserting it into each locking pin. Take your time.

3) Remove the electronics and re-assemble the case.

4) Pick a drill slightly smaller than your tubing and drill each side where the antenna comes out.

5) Test fit your tubing and make sure it is snug, but not so tight it forces the case open.

6) Re-open the case, re-insert the electronics and close the case.

7) Take the previously cut antenna tube, pass the antenna through it and insert the tube into the case. Repeat on the other side.

8) Align the tubes and run a bead of CA around each joint.

9) Once dry, trim off any excess tubing that extends beyond the antenna (this is why I recommend clear tubing). This step is important because it will be hard to fit in the frame of the Trex 450 otherwise.

Now your antenna will be in the orientation you intended and will not break at the solder joint. Looks cleaner too.

You can do it to the small receiver as well but that one is glued together so it is a little more touch.

[PsychoPilot145]

I got sick of worrying about those floppy antenna stubs so I took care of it.

WOW! That looks like a factory retrofit. Good job!

I opted for shoe repair, rubber cement. It's more stout than RTV silicone, and still has a little flexibility. Not nearly as good looking or as strong as your set up, but I think it will work. I applied the cement thicker at the base, then tapered off as it went outward. The wires still have flexibility, but there is no "pivot point" now for which for the metal to fatigue.

[manu2604]

Yeah! tose little antennas look like they are going to brake anytime. I will try using some small fuel tubing and glue it to the case without drilling. Do you think this will void the warranty? :dontknow

[MicroMan]

Very nice mod skripo. :noteworthy

[skripo]

I had another idea to give it a little flex. Cut out a section where it joins at the case and make a coupler out of fuel tubing. Then it will have a nice little flex flex joint and still look nice and straight.

[skripo]

Yeah! tose little antennas look like they are going to brake anytime. I will try using some small fuel tubing and glue it to the case without drilling. Do you think this will void the warranty? :dontknow

If it flexes you are no further ahead but the tubing should eliminate the hard bends that lead to breakage.

Horizon is pretty good about the warranty but you should consider it void.

[skripo]

Version 2.0

Same deal except you don't drill or modify the case. Cut the tubes about 1/8" Shorter than the antenna. Slide over antenna flush with the end and run a bead of silicone, goop or whatever to stick the other end to the case. Makes for a nice flex joint and no receiver mods are needed.

[skripo]

Version 3.0

Solder a custom spring loaded steel piece in place of the wire. I will try this and report back.

[JakeDaSnake]

Nice mod... but I would be scared to use CA around my receiver... the fumes corrode circuit boards badly...

Just a heads up...

Later,
Jake

[Nyther]

I used my hot glue gun to put a small bead around the antenna wires. Seems to be holding very well. :mrgreen:

[Ah Clem]

The newer recievers seem to have heat shrink tubing around the antennae from the factory.