Futaba 4PL button trouble!!

[IVIayheIVI]

I've had my XR10 out for a few crawls now. Today, buddy and I hit the rocks with freshly charged batteries. I was driving for about 2 minutes when I ran into a problem.

My dig is set to DT2. Pressing up sets it to front dig. Then pressing down once sets it to normal operation. Pressing down again will set to rear dig.

When pressing DT2 into a different dig mode, I get a short beep. If I mess up in the sense that I'm already in front dig and I hit up again, I get a long beep indicating I'm maxed in that direction, like an error beep so to speak.

I had used the front dig once or twice in the first couple minutes. Then I used it again but could not switch out of it. Pressing down gives no audio feedback from the controller at all. Pressing up gives the long beep like I'm already at the top selection (front dig). So it is just stuck in front dig and I can't get it out.

Having shut down the truck and having only the controller powered on, I get the same audio feedback and lack thereof when trying to get out of front dig.

Am I correct in assuming that the DT2 switch is faulty? I thought I would get a second opinion before tearing the thing apart. I'm fairly handy with this sort of thing, I've pulled apart complicated electronics before, but this will be my first 4PL tear-down.

It is not on warranty. I bought it used with the XR10 this spring. It was working fine for the first few outings and for the first couple minutes of the last outing.

Thanks guys, appreciate the input!

 

[hotwheels000]

I have the same issue on both my 4pl radios. Let me know what you come up with, sure would like to fix mine up.

You can always program to a different DT button in the meantime. Turning my radio off and then back on will return the DT button back to default. Doesnt make it usable, just always you to continue in normal operation.

 

[IVIayheIVI]

I have the same issue on both my 4pl radios. Let me know what you come up with, sure would like to fix mine up.

You can always program to a different DT button in the meantime. Turning my radio off and then back on will return the DT button back to default. Doesnt make it usable, just always you to continue in normal operation.

Turning it off then on again did nothing for me. I did that multiple times. Even pulled the batteries out for a minute and reinstalled them with no effect. I'll probably tear it apart and try to get the button in better shape, and probably swap it with the one on top (DT1?). I'll post results.... once I get around to it. Celebrating our anniversary this weekend! There are also other things that need to get done that take priority over the hobby.

 

[IVIayheIVI]

I got it working. So here's what I did.

I watched a vid on youtube first of all, seemed simple enough... until I went to remove the display screen. His just slid out... mine was glued in. I had to wedge a utility knife blade between the screen and the bracket that holds it. It tore some of the white backing off the screen. Having tested the system multiple times throughout the process, scared that I broke the screen, I found that without the backing on those edges, there were blotches on the screen but it still worked. I figured I would settle for working, but once reinstalled, I can't even tell the difference from before as the backing remained on the bracket and still does it's job.

Once I had the module out that has the steering, DT1 and DT2 buttons, I saw that each one of those is actually 2 buttons, and are integrated onto the board. There's no swapping them without soldering, and I'm not that good.

Here's the good part though. Once I had it all apart and put power to it, the button worked again. I'm guessing some dirt got in there and caused the problem. Just taking it apart knocked it loose and got it working again. Unless by chance the button came out of it's track and wasn't operating the button(s) correctly. Think of the button like a teeter totter, and the ends each come down and press one of the buttons.

So, I removed power and applied some compressed air. PLEASE NOTE: applying compressed air to electronics can be risky as it can cause damage. Do not go crazy with the compressed air! I used my air compressor but did not use 100psi. I lightly pressed the nozzle to apply... just guessing... 15-20 psi? At a bit of a distance as well, a few inches away.

I applied power again and tested, it still worked. So I reassembled, and voila! My DT2 is operating my dig just like it did before!

Something I would try if I were you before tearing your controller apart is to apply some compressed air right at the button, into the hole in which the button sits. It's not sealed in there, so dust can easily get in and might be what is causing your trouble. Again, don't go crazy on the compressed air!

Here's a few pics I took while I was working on it:

https://goo.gl/photos/9btyk8eNJ33xXyrW8

I hope this helps some people out there! Good luck!

IVIayheIVI

 

[mikemcE]

I would recommend set the regulator to 15lbs or less, and make sure there is a water trap inline or you just spray vapor


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