Taranis X9D & X9D Plus Hall Effect Gimbals Replacement

Introduction

This guide will show you how to replace the Hall effect gimbals in a Taranis X9D & X9D Plus. The original gimbals use potentiometers; the replacements from Frsky, who manufacture the Taranis, opted for Hall effect sensors in their replacement parts. Hall effect gimbals use non-contact devices that measure magnetic fields. Based on the change in magnetic field, the Hall effect sensor acts just like a potentiometer. Still, it eliminates the degradation of the element because there is no need for physical contact.

The stock gimbals wear out extremely quickly: the poor design of the original gimbals lets in a lot of dust, and the potentiometer requires physical contact to measure the resistance, which is relative to the distance traveled. The hall-effect sensors are designed to seal out elements such as dust, dirt, or other particles. They also do not require any physical contact to operate since magnets perpendicular to the sensor measure the resistance, leaving nearly no wear. So, you will likely never replace/service the hall-effect gimbals again in contrast to the regular gimbals, which require regular service and replacement.

Before you begin, remove any accessories from the Taranis for easier installation, such as long-range modules.

What you need

Step 1 Hall Effect Gimbals

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Place the device so that the bottom is facing up.
Slide the battery compartment open.
Pull the battery by the plastic connector (not the wires) and shim left and right until the cable disconnects.

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Step 2

Remove the eight screws holding the gimbals to the front of the case using a 2.5 mm Hex key.
Push all switches forward or away from you (this will be important for reassembly).

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Step 3

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Remove six screws from the back of the device using a Phillips #0 screwdriver.
Ensure the switches are in the position from the previous step, as they are not held in place and can reverse direction.
Gently pull the back up and open the radio in the form of a book, with the battery compartment being the spine.
Lay the controller on its front so that as the last screw is removed, the two halves don't fall apart.

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Step 4

Detach a total of six connectors (three per gimbal).
Pull the gimbals out from the radio frame.

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Step 5

New gimbals come in left and right boxes, respectively, so as not to mix them up, as well as identical connections for a drop-in replacement.
New gimbals will include new hex bolts for the front, as the stock ones will not fit.
When dropping the new gimbals into place, the harnesses will face downwards on their respective side.
Do not press on the cables. Push down on the connectors with your thumbs.

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Step 6

Reattach the eight screws back onto the frame of the controller using a 2.5 mm Hex key.

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Step 7

Close the radio back up like a book, and verify the switches are in the same position.
Reattach the six screws to the back panel using a Phillips #0 screwdriver.

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Step 8

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Reinsert the battery and the battery door.
Turn on the radio and verify the correct installation from the on-screen information (check the switch positions with the on-screen display).
New gimbals may require recalibration depending on the settings of your stock gimbals.