DX8 Hold Switch Mod

[zeke_]

After starting to fly the MCPx for the first time with my DX8, I quickly found out that dropping the throttle results in a rather violent landing. I knew from reading the forums here that you have to learn to use the hold switch. With the way I hold the radio, this wasn't working well for me. I pinch the control sticks and hold the radio low on my body with no neck strap. It was too much of a stretch for my fourth finger to rest on proper side of the hold switch. I looked through the programming and noticed that you can assign the hold function to other switches but decided that a better option for me would be to reverse the switch physically. Turns out that it is very easy to do and I thought someone might benefit by me posting what I did.

1) Remove battery and undo the four visible star screws on the back of the radio

2) Carefully peel up the grip stickers on the sides and back of the radio. I started with a very small flat screw driver and worked it up from one corner. It is held down by moulded rubber pins and glue. If you go slowly, it can be peeled up without damage. It is not necessary to completely remove them. The side grip holds the radio together along it's seam and the rear grips conceal one star screw each. Remove these and carefully separate the two radio shell halves.

3) You can either battle with the hold switch dress nut or simply move the black wire to the other side of the SPDT switch like I chose. Less likely to scratch up radio.

4) Carefully pry out the connector from it's socket to separate radio back switch wiring to avoid inducing any static charges to the electronics while soldering wire.

5) Re-assemble and carefully guide the pins on the back of the grippies into their respective holes.

If your careful, not even Spektrum would notice that you have been inside. Take your radio apart at your own risk but if you can fix choppers, you can do this.

There might be a reason to have the switch the stock way that I am un-aware of, but this works for me and it is much more comfortable.

Don't forget to turn the switch label sticker around!