Board layouts

[tilmanb]

Hi,

I'd like to do some hacks with the tx9. Mainly to add a internal Spektrum RF, but keeping the RF module slot operational.
The ideal place would be to place those mods on the bottom PCB, the one over the RF module. I'm pondering the idea of re-manufacturing the whole board. There is enough wrong with it and it would be much neater.

I was wondering if anyone had by any chance already digitized the board layout. I don't have the hardware yet. I suppose it's just double layer, and the bottom mostly ground right?

[rperkins]

I havent seen any layouts of the stock board but i do believe if is 2 layers. There are a couple aftermarket boards for the 9x, thinking one is a drop in replacement. Not sure how much layout is available for those. I'd start by checking out the skyboard? And related. Dont think any of them incorporate dsm rf stage internally. Hth

[Kilrah]

It's double layer with tracks on both sides, but it's very simple. You'll be able to replicate that in no time once you have it in your hands.

[tilmanb]

I'll just wait until I got my radio and put one on a scanner. That should do the trick. If I can be bothered.
Last radio I modded (for a friend) I did mostly dead bug style with leads flying everywhere. (Level shifter plus FrSky DIY module)
But it became quite sensitive to RF. That's what I want to avoid this time.

[tilmanb]

I got my radio today. So obviously I took it apart first.
Here some board scans. In case anyone else was interested.

[tilmanb]

I also ripped my Spektrum DX5e apart and took the RF module out.
I hoped I can use the gimbals as well, but they turned out slightly too big to fit easily. Shame, I like them better.

[rperkins]

Now i get it. It's not the main board you wanna modify. IIR the one pictured has has the on off switch. What are your plans concerning integrating the antenna ? Internal ? External ? Multiple antenna's ?

[tilmanb]

The idea is to have easy mount options for multiple rf modules. Frsky diy module and telemetry and both spektrum ports.
Also frsky telemetry level shifter and spektrum 3.3v supply.
And some way of switching modules on and of.
And of course the ppm trainer port fix.

If I find the muse to push through that. I have little experience with EDA tools which makes such work frustrating.

[tilmanb]

BTW this is not the switch board it's the module port back plane.

[Kilrah]

And of course the ppm trainer port fix.

This one is not needed anymore, solved in software.

[Rob Thomson]

Believe it is dx7 gimbals that fit.

I actually contacted horizon hobbies tinsel if I could buy some. They declined!

Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk 2

[tilmanb]

If anyone has the board outline of a FrSky DIY module, that would be greatly appreciated. I would love to be able to add pin risers for those modules so no flying wires are required.

PS: Please keep expectations low. Last time I used KiCad I got frustrated and gave up....

[tilmanb]

Please allow me to dump some more sketches