Spektrum DX7 backlight mod

[Leebert]

A "how to" is here...
Spektrum DX7 and DX3S EL Backlight Mod - RCCrawler.com Bulletin Board

Looks fairly involved!

I might still look into it but with LEDs lighting up the panel. The only downside may be that the light won't be consistent across the display (i.e brighter nearer the LEDs).

[Leebert]

Looks like you can get an entire kit from the States...

Transmitter Backlight : DFXHobbies.com

[moyesboy]

linky no worky dxfhobbies.com doesn't seem to be a registered domain even...

I somehow feel the LED route would make more sense, rather than the glow panel which means putting a rather RF noisy inverter inside your tx next to the critical electronics where it might start inducing some nastys. I don't really know the technicalities but it seems a bit risky to me.

[Leebert]

I have a spare DX7.

You fancy having a go before we start on the DX7SE Lee.

Thanks but I'll have a go on mine first I think - just in case. I'd rather damage my own radio than someone elses

linky no worky dxfhobbies.com doesn't seem to be a registered domain even...

I somehow feel the LED route would make more sense, rather than the glow panel which means putting a rather RF noisy inverter inside your tx next to the critical electronics where it might start inducing some nastys. I don't really know the technicalities but it seems a bit risky to me.

Strange - link is ok for me. Here is the home page. Look for the Transmitter Backlight link halfway down on the left.
DFXHobbies.com : Products for RC Cars, Trucks, Helicopters, Airplanes

[SadSack]

looked at doing this with my FG but want timer to fire on select switch. Some one has done it but only fag packet drawing and i'm not memeber @ RR. And needs to be on a timer FG battery life fairly short
Fitting EL look easy'ish just care a little time. Kit look pricey EL sheet pretty cheap £20 thats with inverter, could even get 2 screens of one sheet maybes

[SadSack]

Foil Conrad Electronic SE

Inverter Conrad Electronic SE

[moyesboy]

dxf hobbie link works for me know

[SadSack]

thats from there site

[sacko]

Seems like a big secret to all that know how to do it. On every forum I have read, the people that have done it will only sell you the 'kit' for an over-priced fee!

@ Phil, the top link doesnt work.

[SadSack]

Seems like a big secret to all that know how to do it. On every forum I have read, the people that have done it will only sell you the 'kit' for an over-priced fee!

@ Phil, the top link doesnt work.

Well looks like i'mgoing to do my FG! Flexible Electroluminescent Sheet EL Starter Kit Pack on eBay (end time 08-Dec-09 19:00:49 GMT)

Only bottum feeders like myself can uselinks

sure i'll got shot forthis RunRyder RC Helicopter Topic - 12Z Backlight? - Page 1

[sacko]

Anyone know if there is any regualted points on the board to solder too?

So far I know you need;
EL
ELECTROLUMINESCENT STRIP, 5" X 1" | AllElectronics.com
EL Driver
http://www.conrad-int.com/websale7/Suitable-EL-inverter.htm?Ctx={ver%2f7%2fver}{st%2f3eb%2fst}{cm d%2f0%2fcmd}{m%2fwebsale%2fm}{s%2fconrad-int%2fs}{l%2fint%2fl}{mi%2fSHOP_AREA_17651_0212060 %2fmi}{pi%2f184005%2fpi}{bi%2f1%2fbi}{po%2f1%2fpo} {sf%2f%3Cs1%3E184005%3C%2fs1%3E%3Cs2%3E%24%241%3C% 2fs2%3E%3Cs5%3E1%3C%2fs5%3E%2fsf}{p1%2f48506c7047c eb2edba709dd995e6b451%2fp1}{md5%2f053f6ee0d56e4807 7a9775cfc0150ef1%2fmd5}
5v Switching Reg
Switching voltage regulators - 7805 replacements

[Rctintin]

Anyone know if there is any regualted points on the board to solder too?

So far I know you need;
EL
ELECTROLUMINESCENT STRIP, 5" X 1" | AllElectronics.com
EL Driver
http://www.conrad-int.com/websale7/Suitable-EL-inverter.htm?Ctx={ver%2f7%2fver}{st%2f3eb%2fst}{cm d%2f0%2fcmd}{m%2fwebsale%2fm}{s%2fconrad-int%2fs}{l%2fint%2fl}{mi%2fSHOP_AREA_17651_0212060 %2fmi}{pi%2f184005%2fpi}{bi%2f1%2fbi}{po%2f1%2fpo} {sf%2f%3Cs1%3E184005%3C%2fs1%3E%3Cs2%3E%24%241%3C% 2fs2%3E%3Cs5%3E1%3C%2fs5%3E%2fsf}{p1%2f48506c7047c eb2edba709dd995e6b451%2fp1}{md5%2f053f6ee0d56e4807 7a9775cfc0150ef1%2fmd5}
5v Switching Reg
Switching voltage regulators - 7805 replacements

Your Tx voltage Reg is supplyed straight from the battery, so the output leg of that is a regulated supply. As you have the link there for Dimension Engineering, if you are prepared to mod your Tx then change the Volt Reg for a 3.3V switching voltage regulator - 7803 replacements
This will first off save you loads of battery power as the excess voltage is not being wasted as heat as with the std one in the DX7.

Now use the Volt Reg you have linked to supply your LE inverter direct from your battery. (through a switch to save power if backlight is only wanted on when settings are required)

As soon as my DX7 is out of warrenty I will be doing this for sure.

[SadSack]

i know you just said this...

DX7/DX6 use this one 3.3V DE-SW033

just re read link...whoops

[Rctintin]

i know you just said this...

DX6 use this one 5V DE-SW050
DX7 use this one 3.3V DE-SW033

?

DX6 and DX7 use DE-SW033 = 3.3V out.
EL panel inverter req. DE-SW050 = 5.0V out.

[SadSack]

Another option and if sample link works........

7803SR-C @ 3.3V Outputs High-Efficiency Switching Regulators with LM78XX Pinouts @ Murata Power Solutions

http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=613144