Futaba conquest FP-6NL no power when switched on.

Hi
New to the forum just left my introduction on the cafe.
Just getting back into the hobby after many years, got my old RC gear out the attic and tried to charge my old Futaba FP-6NL 35mhz AM transmitter with no success.
It had a nicad pack soldered to the battery terminals. I have since discovered this is probably why it's dead, corrosion of the wiring or worse the battery on/off switch terminal.
Therefore I chose a cheap option and bought a second hand skysport6 with battery that works fine.
However, not wanting to be beat I thought if it's just the wiring and/or the power switch I can replace them.
Had a quick look inside no obvious sign of corrosion at terminals or sign of black wire.
I have ordered a cheap multi meter so I can check the voltage from a decent battery through to the PCB and see where the problem lies.
First question any idea what gauge of wire I should use to replace the original ?
Second question, the on/off switch is buried and until I start stripping it down can't determine what I need as a replacement. Unfortunately I can't find any reference on the internet about this part due to age of the unit.
I have avoided going to the 2.4 ghz system at this stage due to cost and lack of confidence in its operation over long distance.
I have the skysport to be going on with but would like to repair the old conquest unit as a back up, it was hardly used before I gave up flying last time.
Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated.
Ian

Sorry forgot to mention I work night shifts so if I don't get back to your replies straight away please be patient I need a lot of beauty sleep these days.
Ian

You say that the battery pack is the original NICAD pack, It is very unlikely that this pack will work again and certainly not worth the risk. Unless you really, really want to use that rather old TX consider using your replacement TX and then if you wish to continue I suggest upgrade to a 2.4 Ghz system.
One suggestion if you wish, the firm "Overlander" should be able to supply you with an equivalent NiMh battery pack.

Iant90
I see that you are in Warrington! So is Eric and I am in Lymm.

Using 35 meg gear does rather depend on where you fly. If you fly alone then no real problem but in company with others, unless you are the only one on 35, it can be a bit of a nuisance compared to 2.4 where each receiver is uniquely "bound" to a particular transmitter.

I do actually use a very old second hand Skysport on a regular basis myself along with a pair of now relatively old (and second hand!) 2.4 Spektrum DX6is!

I would agree with Eric that converting old IC planes to electric is not ideal as the air frames will not make use of electric's really big advantage - no motor vibration! They will be heavier built as a result and remember even LiPo batteries are heavy enough already!

In similar circumstances to yourself, but with an even longer time gap, I actually bought a complete "ready to fly" (RTF) trainer just to get me in the air with relatively modern equipment although it was still 35 meg and a brushed motor!
It certainly did the job, although the cheap Tx and Rx included started to give trouble after a year or so, hence the Skysport, but it did get me going along the route of using brushless motors, LiPo batteries, building my own planes (again) and 2.4 radio.

As I am sure you are aware both the public perception and the regulation of the model flying has changed quite a bit in recent years so the what, where and how you fly can be sensitive.

Do keep posting to let us know how you get on with your Futaba FP-6NL and aero modelling in general.

Thanks to everyone who replied your advice has been taken on board.
I was tempted to go for a Spectrum dx8 then get the receiver at a later date but ended up picking up a skysport6, 5 channel micro receiver, TX battery and 2 Crystal's for less than £40. So as a cheap way back into the hobby it made sense.
I have an Electra glider which sores well at altitude when I use to catch thermals so wanted a reliable 35mhz system.
Although I live in the Warrington area I am on the other side in Golborne. So Warrington or Tyldsley clubs are closer than Halton, although it's not that far away really I will probably pay a visit in the future. Just want to get at least 3 aircraft airworthy before I join a club.
I use to live in Billinge in my flying days so use to be a member of the Skelmerdale flying club that was back in the 80s. My son is also going through the recruitment process for an aircraft engineer in the RAF, he's also in the RAF cadets. This has also re awakened my interest.
Anyway waffled on enough thanks again for all the advice and I will let you know how I get on with my old FP transmitter.

Hi I have two old 35 meg Futaba T xs and R xs One is the 50 th anniversary one and the other just a bit before. Both are working actually on the old batteries which I charged last 5 (yes 5) yrs ago. Previously not charged for 8 yrs having been kept in a warm dry garage by the late owner. Amazing performance. Obviously I will replace them before actual use. Re your kit I second Klippy re the switch cleaning but if that doesen't do it try it with switch cleaner. Also the advice re checking the other contact points. Aerial, Crystals etc. Switch cleaner may help here too. If all else fails go the conversion route

Thanks for the advice.
I tried the Crystal's in my skysport I just bought and they worked fine so can eliminate them.
I also tried the battery pack from the skysport which was fully charged and tried alkali batteries in the plastic harness that came with the transmitter originally. So I can eliminate the power supply.
That leaves the ariel, wiring and on/off switch.
As there is no power registering at the meter I suspect it's not the ariel but will swap it over to my sky sport just to check (if they are interchaneable).
I ordered a cheap multi meter off Ebay which should arrive next week.
Plan to work through the wiring systematically up to the PCB and see if I can track the problem. I opened it up recently for a quick inspection and the switch is a PITA to get to.
But on the bright side I have a couple of cold winter months to get it sorted.
However it never occured to me I could get it converted to 2.4 ghz any idea of the cost ?
Would it give me a full range or just the park flier range ?

Another battery type you may like are the ABC `123 ones.

I will check them out thanks.