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Spektrum DX3 Third Channel Modification

I cannot take credit for this modification, the credit belongs to an RCCrawler.com post here 

That said, the pictures and documentation need a little... you know StampedeProject'izing. 

WHY
Most of you are stopping to wonder why tear open a brand new (or my my case a couple eBay'ed DX3 transmitters).  The simple answer is that for crawler guys we need a three position third channel switch (left, center, right) to shift our dig units from 4 wheel drive to Front wheel drive to rear wheel lock.  For other custom installs or custom crawlers most people need the ability to do a rear steer.  Typically all that is needed is a rough left, center, right capabilities for crawlers.  Other uses are triggering three different functions via pressure switches... what can I say there are a million and one uses to have a three function switch.  The catch is that the DX3 already has a three position third channel switch, but it's only a momentary switch, but now we are going to fix that.

NOTE - This will NOT work with the newer DX3.0.  The DX3.0 does not have the software to permit 3 position third channel functionality.  Can't happen so don't ask how. ;(  Supposedly this modification WILL work for the DX3R however I have never tried it... so you are on your own.

HOW

1 - 273-664 Mini Center Off Toggle Switch.

2 - Disassemble the DX3 Receiver the screws are on the back not the plastic ones on the front where the wheel is.

3 - Solder three wires (they should be about 2") 

4 - Drill a 1/4" hole between the board and the housing screw mount pin.  You may want to remove the mini-PC board with the two black screws to give you a little more room to work.  Solder each wire as shown (click for a larger image).

5 - Re-assemble the DX3 and trim the toggle switch if you want.  

6 - Enjoy a clickable switch and still have full use of the A third position switch.   Just keep in mind that you always have to have the switch in the center position to do any programming.  Almost looks factory.  Of course doing this modification voids the warranty however a DX3 is a old discontinued model anyway, so chances are you are SOL on the warranty anyway.