Contents: Your package includes: A) the 9Xtreme; B) hardware (2 silver screws, 2 black screws, 2 plastic standoffs, 2 plastic barbed supports); C) FrSky module connector cable; D) USB connector cable; E) MicroUSB header; F) Jumper cable; G) 2x promotional stickers; H) 9Xtreme adhesive badge; I) RGB Backlight panel; J) Adhesive foam; K) Speaker.
If you are missing anything please contact us.
Here is a closer look at the small hardware. Note: You have two pairs of screws which are identical other than color. You'll be using only one pair (
curious why?)
Before you begin
Make absolutely certain you have your battery situation sorted prior to installing the 9Xtreme. A reverse polarity event
will destroy your new board! Please read the
9X Batteries page if you have any hesitations at all.
This has nothing to do with installation, but please remember this. Swapping transmitter modules with the radio powered on can damage the 9Xtreme. Always power down your radio before removing or plugging in a module!
Confirm your 9X works properly before continuing. This will help with troubleshooting if you have a problem later. Remember to remove your battery while performing the installation.
Make note of your current models and settings. Keep in mind that you're starting fresh with new firmware. Any existing models and settings will need to be re-created in the new system. Making backups (ie. write down) can save a lot of time.
Consider installing a CR1220 battery before performing the install. The battery is optional{it runs the Real Time Clock (RTC) function, which is only typically important for data logging} but it is easier to install ahead of time since it goes on the bottom of the board
Step 1: Turn your 9x radio over and remove the 6 case screws with a basic Philips style screw driver.
Step 2: The two halves of your radio are connected with a single cable highlighted in the picture. Carefully disconnect that cable by gently pulling while rocking the connector side to side.
Step 3: Identify what screws your 9X uses. Carefully review the picture. If your 9X has all the screws shown in this picture, including the one highlighted in green, then the 4 corner screws are slightly larger than the 5 interior screws and you'll want to keep them sorted. It also means that the screws we've provided you are too large to fit in your 9X without a little modification. In this case, please drill out the two screw holes marked in blue with a 3/32" drill bit (metric 2.3mm) to save the post from cracking. In any case, remove all 8 or 9 screws.
Step 4: Gently lift the main circuit board up so you can remove the foam and replace it with the thinner one we've included in your kit (J). Take care not to stress the circuit board while removing the foam and don't be overly concerned with getting every trace of glue off.
While you're in there, check to see if they left your LCD's shipping protection film on like they did mine. Is so, remove it and discard. It is thin clear plastic and comes off easily.
You can also remove a similar film from your new backlight panel. although it isn't really necessary. It can be tricky to find and peel off and be sure you aren't peeling off the thicker white films!
Step 5: Position the RGB backlight panel so that the wires exit from the lower-right, as shown in the picture. Take a moment to be sure the LCD glass and the plastic buttons haven't moved out of their proper positions. Be sure no wires are being pinched, lower the main circuit board back into its normal position and secure it with a couple of corner screws. at this point, press the front buttons on the 9X to make sure they properly engage. If they feel wrong, then something isn't quite in place so try again. If all is OK, secure the rest of the screws except the two marked blue in Step 3.
Step 6: Press the two included barbed plastic supports through the two larger on holes the 9Xtreme board, as shown.
Review steps 7 and 8 and determine for yourself what order you want to do it. Some people are going to find it easier to plug the cables in first while others are going to want to secure the board down first. Both ways have their challenges and benefits
Step 7: Position the two included plastic spacers over the remaining unoccupied screw holes on the 9x (again, those marked in blue in Step 3) and carefully lower the 9Xtreme in place then secure with two of the included screws. Do not over-tighten.
Step 8: Connect the cables. The picture shows where they go (not shown is the black and white FrSky cable "C"). The headers marked with blue circles are populated with cables we supply,{the letters matching the contents picture at the top of this page} while those in purple use the 9x's cables usually located near the header in question. The 12-pin receives the main power harness from the back half of the case. The two headers marked with grey circles are for future use. Note that the right-hand 6-pin cable stays in connected to the 9X.
Take particular care with the 12-wire jumper cable that it is seated properly, as it can take a bit of force to get it in. Fully seated it should look like the picture.
Step 9: Place the speaker in the space below the antenna as shown. You can use some hot glue to hold it in place.
Alternatively, re-use some of the 9Xtreme packaging as I've done here.{I just folded the soft foam a couple of times and stuffed it in... seems to work fine}
Step 10: Connect the 4-wire USB connector cable to the Micro USB Header.
feed the header through the back of the case's battery compartment as shown.
Step 11: Close up the case, replace your case badge and you're done!
First Use
Consider updating your unit's firmware prior to first using it. There have been several changes since the version that comes pre-installed, including a few bug fixes. See the Updating Firmware tab on this page.
Your 9Xtreme comes pre-loaded with ERSKY9X firmware, a very powerful version of ER9X. Turning on your radio for the very first time, the 9Xtreme will detect that the 9X itself doesn't have the proper supporting firmware so it takes a moment to bring it up to speed. It only takes a couple of seconds before the 9Xtreme has completely educated its host body, and you'll soon be presented with the ERSKY9X logo on your screen.{Or you might see errors/warnings relating to switch positions. Follow the on-screen prompts. If you see an EEPROM error with no on-screen prompt, reboot the unit and it should fix itself}
For help with using your brand new hunk of awesome, head on over to the official 9Xtreme section on OpenRCForums.