Using RF adaptors with Phoenix

[DAVE62278]

I'm having the same problem with the futaba square adaptor cable as everyone else is. I have replacement coming from Phoenix but don't have much faith that it will be any better than the first. That is, unless Phoenix is listening to users asking for a much better quality cable.
I've read that the RF adaptor cable works other than you have to turn on your transmitter manually, so going to get one. I'm wondering, even though you pull the module out, how does this affect the battery voltage drop. I have Reflex that automatically turns on Tx when plugged in and the can fly on sim daily for along time between charges.

Thanks,
Dave

[ptuxbury]

Dave,

I have the RF futaba square adapter cable, and I can tell you that it is a very high quality cable, and works with Phoenix.

I have a Futaba 9C, and plugging in the adapter cable doesn't turn the tx on automatically, so I can't tell you whether or not the RF cable will continue to do that for you.

What I can tell you is that, since synth module is pulled out of the tx, the tx doesn't not require the extra power to transmit, so the battery life is much, much longer.

I hope this answers your questions.

-Tux

[DAVE62278]

Thanks for answering my question. Going to order one tomorrow. Having to manually turn on/off my Tx will certainly be worth the effort. No more "please re-connect your transmitter" message will be so nice.

Thanks again,
Dave

[archiebald]

Dave,

I have the RF futaba square adapter cable, and I can tell you that it is a very high quality cable, and works with Phoenix.

I have a Futaba 9C, and plugging in the adapter cable doesn't turn the tx on automatically, so I can't tell you whether or not the RF cable will continue to do that for you.

What I can tell you is that, since synth module is pulled out of the tx, the tx doesn't not require the extra power to transmit, so the battery life is much, much longer.

I hope this answers your questions.

-Tux

My 9CS turns on as soon as the adaptor is plugged in. Even if I leave the module in, it is not transmitting in this mode. (Same as using a DSC cord)

[billyd]

Dave, you can repair the cable you have if you feel like it. The problem lies in the wire size used, it is awg30. Like human hair. What I did was find the break in the cable, cut it out and resolder the wires. That's one approach. The best way, is to break into the connectors at each and completely replace the wires.

With the phoenix cable, the 9C turns itself on and off automatically when the plug is put in and does not broadcast a signal so you don't have to pull the module so that's a really nice feature and one I was not willing to give up on.

Hopefully, Phoenix Rc will get the message and start using a reasonable sized wire (like an awg 24 or even a step larger) inside their adapter cables.

[DAVE62278]

Billyd,
I'm sure the wires in mine are broke, just as you suggest. I'm going to try using the square end of my defective adaptor and put heavier gauge wire on it. If Having to ask this, your going to wonder why I would even attempt the repair. But here goes, how do you open the square fitting. I'm only attempting this repair because after receiving my replacement and wrapping the cable with tape to stiffen as per WJackson(thanks) have I truly found out how great Phoenix is and I want to keep flying without that annoying "Please re-connect your transmitter" message.

Thanks,
Dave

[HFG]

Am I the only one who thinks that Futaba is partially to blame for using the cheap custom connector ? The 2.5mm connector JR uses can be found anywhere on earth.

[astroflyer]

I'm not so sure this problem has anything to do with thin wires. BOTH the one supplied by phoenix and a realflight adaptor I had already are intermittent when hooked into the phoenix dongle. I think in my case it is in the phono plug where the two connect together.

[DAVE62278]

Hi,
Got the fitting open and as has been stated, the wire gauge is incredible small. There was a post somewhere about changing the wires along with replacing the other end. It even gave the part number of the radio shack item. I'll do a search to find it. If anyone has done this mod to the adapter and can pass on any tips or advice, I would greatly appreciate them before I try this.

Thanks ,
Dave

[George1234]

I tried replacing the wires, and ruined the square plug. Make sure you are adept at soldering very fine wires and pins before trying it.

George

[DAVE62278]

Hi,
Just an up-date at my attempt to modify my 9C adapter with better wires and new 3.5mm connector end. I got the end at The Source(Circuit City) yesterday, had some wire, so with multimeter started checking which tab on the 3.5 connector got the signal wire. Not having very much experience at soldering was still looking for an easier way to get a reliable phoenix 9C adapter cable which turned on/off my transmitter when plugged in or out. I've been using the RF adapter because of it's better quality but know it's just a matter of time before I forget to turn off my TX.
While looking at the wiring diagram provided by WJackson on page 4 of the "Cable Problems" thread I came up with this solution that I'm sure someone else has thought of by now, but I haven't read about, so thought I would post it. Open the square fitting on your RF cable, join the two pins together(as shown in wiring diagram) cover with a piece heat shrink, and replace fitting cover. Its that simple, works great, the cost of the RF cable wasn't much more than the cost of the 3.5mm connector, and best of all, for us soldering challenged, it only involves soldering once.
Sorry if someone else has already posted this solution somewhere.

Dave

[HFG]

You mean 2.5mm ?

[DAVE62278]

HFG,
It's 3.5mm, but that's not an issue you don't need the female connector. Seeing as your also from Canada, order from Great Hobbies, a replacement Realflight 9C adapter cable for I think $4.79. It seems to fit more securely with the Phoenix main cable than the OEM Phoenix adapter plus the wiring is much better than original Phoenix adapter cable. Just open 9C fitting end and join the two pins with solder, as per wiring diagram, heat shrink the two pins just because diagram says two, replace fitting cover and your good to go. With module still in back of radio, the rf light doesn't light up when you plug adapter into back of transmitter.

Dave

[HFG]

sorry my bad. remembered the size wrong. I hardwired an old futaba with a power supply and pheonix connection so i skip the connectors all together.