[KKA]

Hello, I have a JR 8103 tx. I need to replace the programmable memory battery in the transmitter. the manual says to send the tx down to Horizon Hobbies for replacement, but I'm thinking this is going to take about a month of my flying time away. Has anyone ever replaced their own battery. This is the little watch-sized battery, which stores the settings for each model. I'm wondering if I could attemp this on my own, and if the battery is a special type, or just a regular type watch battery.

[bigguy]

Have you called Horizon Hobby?They normally do this in a couple of weeks.The battery is not the problem, it's taking the case apart with all the small buttons and springs.

[AJCoholic]

I sent my JR radio to Horizon this winter for an inspection and a replacement of the lithium battery, I had my radio back in 2 weeks, however I did send it to them expresspost.

Thats why I keep on of my older radios on hand, at least I can fly a few planes if the main one has to go out for service...

[2thelmt]

Sounds like a coin cell that can be purchased in most electronic stores. Two pins to de-solder/re-solder...just don't leave any splatter.
Pickup some de-solder wire braid-place it on the connection to be de-soldered and heat...it will suck the solder into it.
Ian

[JimMcIntyre]

I hope you know how to solder if you attempt this!

Use a 15W pencil type, not a soldering gun!
Use a good resin core electronic-rated solder (eg. 60/40)
Be careful you don't lift the trace from the pcb!

I have a lot of experience soldering but, I still send mine to Horizon, same experience as Andrew, turnaround time ~2 weeks with a good checkout as well. Last time they replaced the output transistor as it was slightly under tolerance; additional cost ... two bucks..... money (and time) well spent.

[2thelmt]

Butane soldering guns work best. If you use solder-wick braided wire you shouldn't have any problems with the PCB trace lines lifting.
Should be easy for even a novice, but as Jim said, if your Tx hasn't ever been calibrated, you should send it in.
Ian

[rcpilot]

If you don't want to send it across the border, you can send it to FLITECRAFT in Kitchener Ontario, they are JR authorized service centre.

[AJCoholic]

Maqsood, not so - I asked Horizon specifically if there was a Canadian authorised JR repair center in Canada, and they told me no there was not.

They may do repairs (I know they used to have an in house repair guy a number of years ago when I was going to school in Kitchener, Jimmy wa shis name, but he left quite a few years back) but I dont think they are "authorised" to do warranty work. At least thats what I was told.

If your radio is out of warranty I guess you can get anyone to fix it...

[rcpilot]

They still have the equipement and do all repairs. I am assuming the person asking the question is not looking for warranty, as lithium battery needs replacement only after about 5 years if all goes well.

I got my 8103 in 1999 from Greathobbies, when I got it, it has the L displayed on the display screen which the manual says is an indication of lithium battery needing replacement, I called horizon and he said that either send it in or if you don't want to send it in, we will send you the battery and you get it replaced locally and send us the bill. I got the battery from Horizon, but decided to wait and see what happens, and it is still working OK.

I got 2 radios gold stickered from them last fall and the fuse replaced on my 8103