Changing Spektrum DX8 Antenna

As it tends to do the antenna hinge finally gave way from all my grabbing my radio by the antenna... bought a replacement. Installing this is very easy.

Set the radio on something protecting the gimbals and sticks, remember throughout the task NOT to apply any pressure on the sticks. Remove the rubber pads being careful to not tear the little nibs that hold them on. There is a light adhesive if you've not done this before. There are two screws in the antenna base, and the other 4 are under the rubber grips in the corners. Note that the gimbal tensioner screws are also present accessible through access holes, leave these alone. If necessary you can adjust them when the cover is off. Otherwise this is when you would do it if you are not takng the cover off.

Unplug the easily identified antenna plug. Gentle pull off.

Remove the two screws holding the antenna module in place.

Gently lift the module out. It is attached with those two screws and the plug. 

Unscrew the black screw holding the silver holdfast in place. Remove the screw and silver plate holdfast. Slide the old antenna base through the metal ring in the frame pulling it out. Take note of the relationship of the black plastic antenna, the antenna pigtail, and the silver antenna holdfast with the black screw in the center. 

This is the arrangement. There is a slot along the plastic base for the pigtail and it passes throguh the rectangle in the base plate holdfast. The round end is 6 oclock when unstalled. The rectangle fits over the plastic fitting on the bottom of the antenna, as does the semilunar one in the 6 oclock position. It's a loose perfect fit. 

Reverse the process with the new antenna. By the way, make sure that the screw that is on the back of the base (black part) of the antenna is facing you, the back of the radio if you like to bend the antenna towards you when flying. I don't, I leave it flat, so it didn't matter that I forgot that and it only bends sideways and back. Pass the pigtail then the base through the hole and metal ring. Place the holdfast properly aligned. Screw the black screw of the holdfast into the base of the installed antenna making sure the tabs are in their places in the silver plate and the pigtail is not pinched. It should all fit nicely securing the antenna. Snug, not gorilla tight. Press the antenna module back in, replace its screws and then gently push the antenna plug into the module. It does NOT snap.

All installed.

The hardest part of the whole task is getting these little penises into the holes... if you don't there is a bump. Press them in and if correct they fit easily and flat, then press the edges down using a flat blade. I only use glue (Foam Tac or 3-in-1) where needed.

And voila! I range tested it on a plane on a plane on my bench, and will do so again next flight!