Align 3G flybarless, annoyed. Beware.

[bikerflier]

Well it looks like just might be a flying day so getting ready.

But calamity.

I had been trying out PC link on my Align 3G flybarless system so had to disconnect the link and put everything back together. The link cable was such a tight fit that it pulled the plastic connector almost out of the gyro case. I didn't notice it but remembered being told of poor connections with 3G system. I looked at the pins in the gyro and they were barely visible. I could have connected up and got some sort of connection that would have failed in flight.

Now the cable from the gyro to the 3G controller just falls out of the gyro with the slightest touch. It's not much tighter in the controller.

What do you use to safely hold the plug into the 3G gyro for good contacts and so that it can also be fairly easily removed for any re-programming.

[Si_B]

I used a good blob of epoxy which keeps everything secure but will ping off when you need to remove the plug. Don't go silly, you don't want loads running into the joint.

[bikerflier]

I used a good blob of epoxy which keeps everything secure but will ping off when you need to remove the plug. Don't go silly, you don't want loads running into the joint.

OK, thanks.
Thought Epoxy would be a once and for all solution.
Just tried the 3G and looks like it's done more damage, can't get a reliable connection so looks like my venture into trying the PC Link has cost me my 3G system.
BeastX here I come.
Cheers
Malcolm

[ROSSCO]

Hi,

If it's the white plug on the 3G sensor unit make sure its not damaged the pins as it's pushed back into the housing. It might be worthwhile to replace the cable that goes from the control unit to the sensor unit.

What i use on all my machines to secure the connections in Receivers and other electronics is Zap-A-Dap-A-Goo: http://www.fast-lad.co.uk/store/zap-...2-p-11633.html
Just use a thin bead between the unit and connectors and allow to set, secures the connectors and the Goo can be peeled off if you ever need to remove any item at a later stage.

Hope this helps!

[bikerflier]

Hi,

If it's the white plug on the 3G sensor unit make sure its not damaged the pins as it's pushed back into the housing. It might be worthwhile to replace the cable that goes from the control unit to the sensor unit.

What i use on all my machines to secure the connections in Receivers and other electronics is Zap-A-Dap-A-Goo: http://www.fast-lad.co.uk/store/zap-...2-p-11633.html
Just use a thin bead between the unit and connectors and allow to set, secures the connectors and the Goo can be peeled off if you ever need to remove any item at a later stage.

Hope this helps!

Thank you.

I don't think I'm going to risk it now after getting poor connection when I just tried it.

I'll see if I can get a gyro sensor somewhere or change to BeastX.
I was happy with the 3G, that's why I decided to try the PC link for a bit of fine tuning.

Can't afford to fork out on a VBar so looks like a BeastX.

I'll get some of the Zap, not seen it before.
Thanks
Malcolm

[coolice]

Hi Malcom.

Sorry I have got your PM but not had a chance to fully reply via a big screen so have waited, but of course I have now seen your troubles here with the connector.

I'd suggest taking the 3G sensor apart and popping the white housing back in place and then secure it in place with a dab of epoxy on the back of the pins. At the same time you can adjust the connecting pins if need be to make sure they are all inline with one another.

The contact problems might be in the plug end only, basically within the plug are 4 crimp connectors as you would find on your servo wires and in your struggle one or more might have opened up. But you can fix it and/or inspect the connectors by rolling back the rubber boot and using a sharp knife blade gently lift the locking tabs and pull the wire/connectors out.
From here you can gently reshape the pins if some have been bent out of shape and or tighten their grip on the connecting pins within the gyro sensor.

I will admit to it being a real pain to remove the stock Align 3G connectors, there is a knack to it which involves pushing the connector downwards and twisting it away from the locking ears moulded into the top of the plug. However it is a right royal pain even once you get used to it, hence why most people fit the PC link 3 way cable and leave it in place.
.

[Dashik]

Hot glue gun works and is also ease to remove when required.

[bikerflier]

Thank you.

I will have to get one of those one day, always thought they were another money catching invention with no use, but too many others seem to have lots of uses for them.
Probably sit in the garage for years like all the other gadgets, waiting for it's one day of glory, which of course would have been today!!

Hot glue gun works and is also ease to remove when required.

[SRH990]

There seem to be a few of the V1 3G units being sold at the moment, a friend at my club had a problem with the first lift-off of his heli after fitting a 3G unit from Fast Lads delivered a couple of weeks ago. When we investigated the plastic socket on the sensor had pulled out and the lead was barely making contact, a similar problem to the OP. The later units have epoxy holding the pins & the socket in place as Coolice has suggested and I've seen reports where the pins had pushed back into the sensor, the epoxy will stop this.