Spektrum AR9000 Service Bulletin

High Vibration Fatigue

Recently we’ve received three reported cases of AR9000 receivers failing when being used in high vibration applications. All failures occurred in Spektrum team member’s 90-size glow helicopters mounted with minimal or no vibration isolation. In all three cases, the leads of the electrolytic can style capacitor on the base PCB experienced vibration fatigue and failure.

Our staff is reworking all AR9000s in our stock to bond the capacitor to the PC board to eliminate any movement under vibration loads. All shipments as of 08/14/07 will be corrected.

For customers that already have AR9000 receivers it’s highly recommended that you return your AR9000 to our Spektrum service center and we will promptly correct the issue.

If you feel confident in doing so, follow the instruction below to bond the capacitor to the PC board.

• Step 1
  Using a small flat screwdriver open the receiver case by gently prying on the tabs to release the bottom half of the case and remove the PC board.
• Step 2
  Gently, slightly raise the capacitor as shown and apply contact cement between the capacitor and the PC board as shown. Do not use acid based RTV.
• Step 3
  Press the capacitor back in place making sure the capacitor is securely bonded to the PC board.
• Step 4
  Reinstall the PC board in the case and snap the case halves in place.