Bad Back Board? Taranis X9D+

[atom_fpv]

I picked up a used taranis x9d+ on Craigslist for cheap - the owner said he thought the back board needed replacing. Could y'all help me confirm that? Here's the details:
He described a situation where he failsafed and then the aircraft became unbound with his transmitter. He had several different aircraft, couldn't get any of them to connect.
Upgraded firmware, etc. He said he spoke to someone (Folks at Frsky? I dunno) and they suggested the back board needed replacing.

I only fly Flysky right now and I'm waiting for a 4-in-1 multimodule as it makes its way across the Pacific on the slow boat from China, and I don't have any Frsky receivers to test. In every other way, the thing acts like it should: turns on, plays sounds, screen lights up, shows positions of switches etc etc. As an aside, I cannot get the transmitter to work on my mac with the simulator, but that could be totally unrelated.

One thing, in the ANALOGS TEST page, I see RAS at 0 and if I cover the antenna with my hand, that number does not change - this means there's nothing coming in from the antenna, correct?

If it's a bad back board as the previous owner suspected, I don't mind ordering the part from Aloft as I only paid $50 for the radio anyhow. That said, I'm happy with my Flysky transmitter and I don't want to throw good money after bad, know what I mean?

Can anybody help me satisfy my curiosity? Eventually the multimodule will come in and I'll be able to test with my flysky aircraft but I'd like to check into it sooner if possible.

Thanks!

 

[Wayne]

Well, hard to say what issues the radio may have based on this info. The RAS of 0 is probably a good thing, it goes up in number if there are issues. Typically you will see it jump to about 16 if you hand is covering the antenna. So, it may have a dead RF chip, that is part of the backboard.

If you pop a 4-in-1 into the back, you should be back up and running. Or you could use an XJT module in the back, and again, it should be back to life if the only issue is a dead RF chip.

As to the computer connectivity issues - usually just a matter of doing things correctly with the correct software.

 

[atom_fpv]

That’s encouraging, Wayne. Thanks. We will see what happens once I put the multi module in.

 

[atom_fpv]

Late update. It works with the multi module! Thanks again, Wayne.

 

[Konrad]

Is this a user replaceable component? Or does the FCC require a license to replace this? As it looks modular I would think that all RF tuning was done prior to shipping and that the end user doesn't need to tune (work on) the RF section. But that solder requirement gives me some concern.

FrSky Taranis Plus Backboard + internal XJT module

Replacement Backboard and internal XJT module for the Taranis Plus transmitter by FrSky.

alofthobbies.com

 

[Riverman RC]

I've had my Plus for about 6 months. I've flown with the X4R, plus EZ UHF, and a Spektrum module. All has been well until about a week ago.

I had built a dtfb biplane, and flying around in my back yard. I had flown this same receiver all over and varying heights with no rssi issues. Last week, while flying the biplane, I kept receiving an rssi low and critical warning. I had this same receiver in my dtfb twin commander, and got those same warning, finally with it flying less than 50 feet from me, I lost signal and it flipped my plane and smashed it nose first into the ground.

I got another receiver and did a range test, with a similar result. I checked the rssi from the radio, and even within 1 foot of the transmitter, I could only manage 80 and would lose signal in less than 50 feet. Since this happened with two different receivers, I figure it is a problem from the transmitter.

I can solder, as I am an amateur radio operator and build QRP kits, but I'm a little anxious about replacing the back board, if that is the issue. Your thoughts on that, or can you give me a general turn around time for you all replacing them? Also, do you offer a warranty for your replacement and installation?

 

[Konrad]

I'm sure you are more than capable soldering on the antenna. My concern with soldering was with the American FCC limitations on working with type certified RF equipment. (This is my concern and not of general interest)

Aloft Hobbies has a very good service department for FrSky. They are one of a few FrSky retailer authorized to perform warranty work, heck any work on the FrSky product line.

Now for the testimonial. Aloft has done well by me on three service visits. One was for a hardware issue with the RF section. The other was a software issue with the communication link to Companion (MS Windows drivers) and the last was a robustness issue in a receiver.

All the best,
Konrad

 

[Wayne]

If you like we can install the new board for you. We should be able to turn it around in a day, maybe two as we are well caught up at the moment. We do our best to get them repaired and on their way. Just let us know what issues/concerns you have and we will do some testing and let you know our findings and the expenses. If bought from us in the last year, parts and labor are covered.

-Wayne