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tsoebirk · 04-30-2015, 04:01 AM

Wow! Why have I been putting off doing this mod?!? I did it today, and the difference is night and day

It's only after the doing the mod that I realize how truly horrible my gimbal was / had become. I kind of knew that it was bad: on the monitor screen of my DX8, I could not get the pitch/throttle output to change continuously. That is, it would jump from 0% to 3% to 5% or similar no matter how carefully I tried moving the stick. And I thought there might be something wrong with the Phoenix sim, because I could only hover at a few specific heights - I simply could not get it to "balance" at arbitrary heights

But this is all fixed now and the stick is buttery smooth!

I am actually convinced that this will improve my flying in general - it certainly improved my flying on the sim today, so I can't wait for the weather to improve so I can try it IRL.

I used this tape from Amazon:

I simply wrapped it once around the friction strip allowing it to overlap slightly off to the side so it adheres to itself:

Thanks so much for describing this mod! And to anyone putting off doing this: don't wait.

FlatCrank · 05-14-2015, 04:15 PM

Did it today on my DX9 using Teflon tape used for pipe threads/plumbers. It's like going from rubbing your knuckles on a burlap bag to silk. Noticed a huge difference in my transition smoothness in flight.
Handling the tape takes a little getting used to and made about 3 attempts before getting it but still only took me 30 minutes. Roll of teflon tape is about $1 at Home Depot or Lowes and I ended up using/wasting about 8-10inches. Now I only have 50yards left

Simply no comparison

FlatCrank

Skidpad · 05-14-2015, 04:38 PM

^^^^ using that delicate Teflon tape, how did you secure it to the metal friction strap? Did you just wrap it, or did you use fuel tubing like the mod shows?

FlatCrank · 05-18-2015, 06:29 PM

Skidpad,
I used heat shrink on each end. The tape is stringy and likes to stick to itself so it took me 3-4 attempts to figure out the handling. I flew with the new stick for at least 2 1/2 hours this weekend with no issues. Still feels great.
It's actually so smooth that I have to really watch my movements if I'm walking/flying to/from a new LZ.

FlatCrank

Mateyhv · 05-19-2015, 03:55 PM

Hey, I am one of those who had suffered for years the constant stickiness of the throttle/pitch stick. I tried all types of oils, different tensiones and whatever I could imagine but after several hours the stick felt horrible again. After the Lipo, and gimball bearings mods of my old trusty DX7se, this is the third best mod for this radio!

I got some plumbing white tape, a couple of heat shrings one each end of the metal spring and its true, smooth as butter!!! Thanks for the great idea guys

1Way · 05-21-2015, 11:55 AM

I've been putting up with the sticky throttle/collective problem on my DX8 for at least 2 years now. When I couldn't smoothly land my new Heli with the throttle engaged I decided to give the teflon a go. I went with adhesive backed teflon tape and it's smooth as glass now. Great mod!

Phil D Basket · 07-28-2015, 12:46 AM

I purchased a large nonstick pressing sheet, ~$9, from Joann Fabrics for this mod. If you'd like a piece please send a s.a.s.e. - pm for address.

alyon187 · 07-28-2015, 10:03 AM

How hard is it to take the rubber grips off? Im worried about messing them up and/or breaking something trying to get them off.

TheBum · 07-28-2015, 10:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alyon187

How hard is it to take the rubber grips off? Im worried about messing them up and/or breaking something trying to get them off.

Which transmitter? My DX9 and Graupner MZ-24 grips were pretty easy to get off and reattach.

alyon187 · 07-28-2015, 02:52 PM

My bad, ive got a dx8...

Coco66 · 07-28-2015, 04:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alyon187

My bad, ive got a dx8...

It's super easy. After doing it you will laugh of your doubts )))))))

mba83 · 08-14-2015, 01:35 AM

Finally did this mod after my collective became more sticky. Made a huge difference! I used the plumbers tape (PTFE=teflon). I had some at home, but it was the cheaper kind that was too fragile. Bought the most expensive one that Home Depot had for around $2 - it's a bit stronger.

After this mod my collective management seems to have improved significantly

highly recommended.

alyon187 · 12-11-2015, 12:10 PM

I too just got done doing this mod to my DX8. Though I ran into an issue where my cyclic stick started to act up after putting the controller back together causing me to almost crash. But I got it back apart and figured out (kinda) what the issue was. So I did a single flight out in the street and the throttle feels much better. I used the Teflon tape as well, the PTFE, then used a small amount of shrink tube to secure it. I used 3 small strips which made it a lil stiff but I like it, that and after a lil wear im sure itll loosen up. So thank you to whoever made it up, its made my throttle smoother than it was when I first got it.

akabud · 12-11-2015, 01:07 PM

I used sticky back UHMW. Works great and much easier to install.
http://www.mcmaster.com/#1441t52/=1071ghy

alyon187 · 12-11-2015, 01:50 PM

Yah I thought the teflon tape had a sticky stuff on the back but It was just a strip of teflon. I didnt wanna have to wait for it to get here so I just got some stuff from my lhs.

Raptorapture · 12-11-2015, 05:53 PM

I applied the Teflon tape mod. Works a charm. Glad I found this thread as I used it on my 14SG which was in dire need!

Just a mention, I tried it on both of the opposing contact surfaces to maximize the benefit and it became worse than not having the Teflon at all. Ended up with it applied to the plastic. Didn't try it on the metal side only.

jhamel · 12-12-2015, 10:56 AM

I use PTFE tape. Only $5 shipped with Amazon Prime for a 5 yard roll. Unlike the $0.50 white plumbing Teflon tape you get at the hardware store that is designed to fill the gap between the threads and prevent leaks, this PTFE tape is specifically designed to have a low friction surface for smooth gliding. The other side of the tape is adhesive, so it will stick to the surface.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...ilpage_o05_s00

I cut a thin strip with the X-Acto knife

I tape the thin strip on the smooth half-moon part of the mechanism.

alyon187 · 12-12-2015, 02:45 PM

I believe what I got was the PFTE tape. It worked great, though the day after I did it I found and bought a dx9. : )

Raptorapture · 12-12-2015, 08:10 PM

Nice pics curmudgeon. Exactly what I did. Also bought a DX9 and it didn't need it!

dr dremel · 12-15-2015, 12:10 PM

Woah, well I do waste a lot of time extended research on HF, but only came across this mod just now. Like others I had to adjust way less tension on the collective than I liked or just live with the stiction on the collective. Not any more! DX8 now finally smooth, thanks a bunch!

04-30-2015, 04:01 AM	#61 (permalink)
tsoebirk Registered Users Join Date: Sep 2013	Wow! Why have I been putting off doing this mod?!? I did it today, and the difference is night and day It's only after the doing the mod that I realize how truly horrible my gimbal was / had become. I kind of knew that it was bad: on the monitor screen of my DX8, I could not get the pitch/throttle output to change continuously. That is, it would jump from 0% to 3% to 5% or similar no matter how carefully I tried moving the stick. And I thought there might be something wrong with the Phoenix sim, because I could only hover at a few specific heights - I simply could not get it to "balance" at arbitrary heights But this is all fixed now and the stick is buttery smooth! I am actually convinced that this will improve my flying in general - it certainly improved my flying on the sim today, so I can't wait for the weather to improve so I can try it IRL. I used this tape from Amazon: I simply wrapped it once around the friction strip allowing it to overlap slightly off to the side so it adheres to itself: Thanks so much for describing this mod! And to anyone putting off doing this: don't wait. __________________ RCHN Ctzn #191, eXo 500, T-Rex 450L Dominator, Warp 360, Blade 130X, Blade Nano CPX + various toy models

05-14-2015, 04:38 PM	#63 (permalink)
Skidpad Registered Users Join Date: Jan 2012	^^^^ using that delicate Teflon tape, how did you secure it to the metal friction strap? Did you just wrap it, or did you use fuel tubing like the mod shows? __________________ 180CFX, Trex 550E (night), Goblin 570, Goblin 630C, DX8

07-28-2015, 10:03 AM	#68 (permalink)
alyon187 Registered Users Join Date: Feb 2015	How hard is it to take the rubber grips off? Im worried about messing them up and/or breaking something trying to get them off. __________________ Goblin 380 (Spirit), X3 (VBAR), DX9 (I.Y.A.O.Y.A.S.)

07-28-2015, 02:52 PM	#70 (permalink)
alyon187 Registered Users Join Date: Feb 2015	My bad, ive got a dx8... __________________ Goblin 380 (Spirit), X3 (VBAR), DX9 (I.Y.A.O.Y.A.S.)

12-11-2015, 12:10 PM	#73 (permalink)
alyon187 Registered Users Join Date: Feb 2015	I too just got done doing this mod to my DX8. Though I ran into an issue where my cyclic stick started to act up after putting the controller back together causing me to almost crash. But I got it back apart and figured out (kinda) what the issue was. So I did a single flight out in the street and the throttle feels much better. I used the Teflon tape as well, the PTFE, then used a small amount of shrink tube to secure it. I used 3 small strips which made it a lil stiff but I like it, that and after a lil wear im sure itll loosen up. So thank you to whoever made it up, its made my throttle smoother than it was when I first got it. __________________ Goblin 380 (Spirit), X3 (VBAR), DX9 (I.Y.A.O.Y.A.S.)

05-14-2015, 04:15 PM	#62 (permalink)
FlatCrank Registered Users Join Date: Oct 2014	Did it today on my DX9 using Teflon tape used for pipe threads/plumbers. It's like going from rubbing your knuckles on a burlap bag to silk. Noticed a huge difference in my transition smoothness in flight. Handling the tape takes a little getting used to and made about 3 attempts before getting it but still only took me 30 minutes. Roll of teflon tape is about $1 at Home Depot or Lowes and I ended up using/wasting about 8-10inches. Now I only have 50yards left Simply no comparison FlatCrank

05-18-2015, 06:29 PM	#64 (permalink)
FlatCrank Registered Users Join Date: Oct 2014	Skidpad, I used heat shrink on each end. The tape is stringy and likes to stick to itself so it took me 3-4 attempts to figure out the handling. I flew with the new stick for at least 2 1/2 hours this weekend with no issues. Still feels great. It's actually so smooth that I have to really watch my movements if I'm walking/flying to/from a new LZ. FlatCrank

05-19-2015, 03:55 PM	#65 (permalink)
Mateyhv Registered Users Join Date: Mar 2011	Hey, I am one of those who had suffered for years the constant stickiness of the throttle/pitch stick. I tried all types of oils, different tensiones and whatever I could imagine but after several hours the stick felt horrible again. After the Lipo, and gimball bearings mods of my old trusty DX7se, this is the third best mod for this radio! I got some plumbing white tape, a couple of heat shrings one each end of the metal spring and its true, smooth as butter!!! Thanks for the great idea guys

05-21-2015, 11:55 AM	#66 (permalink)
1Way Registered Users Join Date: Dec 2010	I've been putting up with the sticky throttle/collective problem on my DX8 for at least 2 years now. When I couldn't smoothly land my new Heli with the throttle engaged I decided to give the teflon a go. I went with adhesive backed teflon tape and it's smooth as glass now. Great mod!

07-28-2015, 12:46 AM	#67 (permalink)
Phil D Basket Registered Users Join Date: Mar 2015	I purchased a large nonstick pressing sheet, ~$9, from Joann Fabrics for this mod. If you'd like a piece please send a s.a.s.e. - pm for address.

08-14-2015, 01:35 AM	#72 (permalink)
mba83 Registered Users Join Date: Jul 2013	Finally did this mod after my collective became more sticky. Made a huge difference! I used the plumbers tape (PTFE=teflon). I had some at home, but it was the cheaper kind that was too fragile. Bought the most expensive one that Home Depot had for around $2 - it's a bit stronger. After this mod my collective management seems to have improved significantly highly recommended.

12-11-2015, 01:07 PM	#74 (permalink)
akabud Registered Users Join Date: Jan 2010	I used sticky back UHMW. Works great and much easier to install. http://www.mcmaster.com/#1441t52/=1071ghy __________________

12-11-2015, 01:50 PM	#75 (permalink)
alyon187 Registered Users Join Date: Feb 2015	Yah I thought the teflon tape had a sticky stuff on the back but It was just a strip of teflon. I didnt wanna have to wait for it to get here so I just got some stuff from my lhs. __________________ Goblin 380 (Spirit), X3 (VBAR), DX9 (I.Y.A.O.Y.A.S.)

12-11-2015, 05:53 PM	#76 (permalink)
Raptorapture CHC Benefactor Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Singapore	I applied the Teflon tape mod. Works a charm. Glad I found this thread as I used it on my 14SG which was in dire need! Just a mention, I tried it on both of the opposing contact surfaces to maximize the benefit and it became worse than not having the Teflon at all. Ended up with it applied to the plastic. Didn't try it on the metal side only. __________________ Playing with gravity one heli at a time Dancing with gravity one flight at a time

12-12-2015, 10:56 AM	#77 (permalink)
jhamel Registered Users Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: West Seattle, WA, USA	I use PTFE tape. Only $5 shipped with Amazon Prime for a 5 yard roll. Unlike the $0.50 white plumbing Teflon tape you get at the hardware store that is designed to fill the gap between the threads and prevent leaks, this PTFE tape is specifically designed to have a low friction surface for smooth gliding. The other side of the tape is adhesive, so it will stick to the surface. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...ilpage_o05_s00 I cut a thin strip with the X-Acto knife I tape the thin strip on the smooth half-moon part of the mechanism. __________________ 14S Specter 700 V2 NME/Tron 7/Kraken; 8S Tron Dnamic; 7S Kraken 580; 6S Buddy 380 KSE VBCE/Neo/EVO, Jeti/Spirit, YGE "T" ESCs; LiFePO4 field charging batteries Sims on Mac: Heli-X, neXt, AccuRC, Phoenix, AeroFly RC7 Ultimate Amain Team Pilot

12-12-2015, 02:45 PM	#78 (permalink)
alyon187 Registered Users Join Date: Feb 2015	I believe what I got was the PFTE tape. It worked great, though the day after I did it I found and bought a dx9. : ) __________________ Goblin 380 (Spirit), X3 (VBAR), DX9 (I.Y.A.O.Y.A.S.)

12-12-2015, 08:10 PM	#79 (permalink)
Raptorapture CHC Benefactor Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Singapore	Nice pics curmudgeon. Exactly what I did. Also bought a DX9 and it didn't need it! __________________ Playing with gravity one heli at a time Dancing with gravity one flight at a time

12-15-2015, 12:10 PM	#80 (permalink)
dr dremel Registered Users Join Date: Aug 2011	Woah, well I do waste a lot of time extended research on HF, but only came across this mod just now. Like others I had to adjust way less tension on the collective than I liked or just live with the stiction on the collective. Not any more! DX8 now finally smooth, thanks a bunch! __________________ 2x MCPX I Gaui »X1« I 2x Mini Protos I Protos I DX8

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