reinforcing ar6100e

[trickybit]

So, I took a hard landing into the dirt the other day, I really don't know why. Could have been the stiff breeze, my dumb thumbs, momentary blackout from years of neuron abuse, not enough sleep...

So, during the rebuild, I noticed that one of my antennas sticking out of the ar6100e has broken insulation, and all but the smallest thread of wiring severed.

Hmm, that could do it, eh?

So, shopping for a replacement, and this time I'm going to reinforce the sucker first.

(I'm assuming there's no 'repair' option, at least not at home. Any idea if Horizon/Spektrum would do the job?)

I just recently found my hot melt glue gun, is a drop of hmg on the base of the wires the best way to strengthen them? I assume it's got to get into the case there pretty good, or it's just more mass yanking them around. Any down side to using hmg?

As a side note, does the 6200 have stouter antenna segments? I think I read somebody talking about reinforcing some spektrum rx by putting on some heat shrink, but that wouldn't help at all on a 6100.

Thanks in advance. I promise not to sell this one on ebay or rcgroups.

Jim

[Aussie_G]

I cant verify 100% on the air recievers, but I have repaired several Spektrum surface recievers, and never had an issue.
It seems that Spektrum have a serious issue with the antenna wires on almost all of their recievers.
I have read here many people have issues with them.
And in the R/C car world, there are bunches of issues too.

You wont be able to find any spektrum replacement wire, but you can find JR antenna wire.

[mkoutnik]

I just had to same problem with my AR6100 - One antenna was extremely loose. I sent it in to Horizon Hobby to have it repaired (since it was still under warranty). At the same time I'm also having them update teh firmware... :D

[trickybit]

happen to know offhand what the warranty interval is, and whether it's valid if I bought it from my LHS (I assume Horizon is the distributor).

thx

[mkoutnik]

Warranty is 1 year from the date of purchase. You just have to include a copy of the purchase receipt when you send the receiver in to Horizon.

Here's their contact info...
Horizon Hobby, Inc.
ATTN: Spektrum
4105 Fieldstone Road
Champaign, IL 61822

Main Phone: (800) 338-4639
Support Phone: (877) 504-0233

[trickybit]

Yep, thanks much; I found the info finally, should have hit their site before I posted.

I wonder if they'll void me because I belatedly put on hot melt glue... I'll probably buy a replacement now so I don't have to wait for shipping and action, maybe sell the freshie if I get it back.

Thanks to all.

I'm still debating whether I should drop some hot-melt on the stress points when I get a new one. Anybody have thoughts or experience with that?

[Pinecone]

Actually Horizon has been very good about just repairing Spektrum Rxes.

[diverjack]

I used clear silicon on my 6100 antennae.

[Pinecone]

There are a couple of "mods" that people ahve done.

Simple: Use a dab of hot melt glue or Goop on the antenna where it exists the case for train relief.

Harder: Use some small heat shrink first and get it into the case, then use Goop or hot melt.

High end" Do the above, then use a slight larger heat shrink (short piece) to tie the Goop to the antenna and add a big or thickenss near the case to prevent flexing.

[jstiltner]

If you know your way around a soldering iron, and its not under warranty / you don't want to send it in for this, then you can make your own antenna for it. The antennas are just a piece of normal wire. Simply cut a piece of wire of similar diameter ( so it will fit in the hole in the PCB) and cut it to the exact same length as the old antenna was, this includes the part that went through the board. Then solder it onto your board and reinforce with goop or hot glue, epoxy if you want but I feel the others are better.

[GaryM]

I recently noticed one of my AR6100e antenna is missing. I am planning on soldering in a new piece of wire. QUESTION: The case appears to be a single piece of plastic folded back on itself and glued. Will I be able to salvage the original case after repairing the antenna? Do I need any special solvents or techniques to preserve the case?
Thanks.

[trickybit]

Warranty.