# V1.5 Upgrade Instructions

## Overview

{% hint style="danger" %}
Upgrading your V1 radio (all radios purchased between 2024 and summer 2025) to V1.5 is NOT REQUIRED.

Teams may continue to use their V1 radios without any concern for reliability and performance. Vivid-Hosting will continue to support teams using both V1 and V1.5 radios equally. 
{% endhint %}

You can read about the V1.5 improvements [here](https://www.chiefdelphi.com/t/vivid-hosting-2026-product-updates-releases/507400).

This upgrade will require you to open up and modify your VH-109 radio. As with any time you mod a product, there is a risk of damaging the product. Please read these instructions carefully before begin. 

In addition to reading these instructions, you should be comfortable soldering electronics, including surface mount components. 

{% hint style="warning" %}
If you wish to upgrade your radios to V1.5, but aren't comfortable doing the upgrade, please reach out to our [support team](https://frc-radio.vivid-hosting.net/overview/support). 
{% endhint %}

## What You Will Need

<figure><img src="https://4239402461-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FzaDthb1gXvbj84qIfOUE%2Fuploads%2FNGNCaqnjHXLsWHGuSLY3%2FImage%20(22).jpeg?alt=media&#x26;token=46f0bb78-8081-47e5-867e-d3c2c59bdcd7" alt="" width="375"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

<table><thead><tr><th>Description</th><th width="82">Qty</th><th>Notes</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>VH-109 Rework Kit</td><td>1</td><td>WestCoast Products P/R: WCP-2492</td></tr><tr><td>70W Soldering Iron</td><td>1</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Solder</td><td>1</td><td><p>We used:</p><p>63/37 Sn/Pb, .8mm diameter, 2% flux</p></td></tr><tr><td>Solder Wick</td><td>1</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>#2 Phillips Screwdriver</td><td>1</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Tweezers</td><td>1</td><td>ESD Tweezers highly recommended</td></tr></tbody></table>

## Instructions

{% stepper %}
{% step %}

### Remove (4x) Case Screws

<figure><img src="https://4239402461-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FzaDthb1gXvbj84qIfOUE%2Fuploads%2FNsqcgYpW5ZCukXCpzjF5%2F1.png?alt=media&#x26;token=711d2463-94a5-4dc3-82f9-c01585f63779" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Using the **#2 Phillips Screwdriver**, remove the (4x) case screws shown in the locations indicated above.&#x20;
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Remove The Back Cover

<figure><img src="https://4239402461-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FzaDthb1gXvbj84qIfOUE%2Fuploads%2FUVV8NxspJTlfMZpzRYmL%2F2.png?alt=media&#x26;token=970112bb-69c0-4304-8fc7-59fc3a70f93a" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Even with the back cover removed, there are four snaps that are keeping it attached. To remove these, you'll need to press on the (long) sides of the back cover until they release.&#x20;

You can use a flathead screwdriver to pop the back cover off. However, doing this can damage the plastic housings and/or the PCBA.&#x20;

{% hint style="danger" %}
**DO NOT** remove the PCBA from the front housing. The radio's antennas are carefully attached to the front housing. Removing the PCBA from the front housing can damage the antennas and permanently affect wireless performance.&#x20;
{% endhint %}
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Remove (2x) Resistors

<figure><img src="https://4239402461-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FzaDthb1gXvbj84qIfOUE%2Fuploads%2FuxlOro3mEWVuvpXu6Z2m%2F3.png?alt=media&#x26;token=82deba85-2651-4bd9-81a1-4e64d662d299" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="https://4239402461-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FzaDthb1gXvbj84qIfOUE%2Fuploads%2FkoNXbOSn1TetOtgKkYG4%2F4.png?alt=media&#x26;token=976040a0-5753-486d-a7f3-e5651018a0ca" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Using the **soldering iron**, remove the two resistors indicated in the images above.&#x20;
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Clean Up Excess Solder

<figure><img src="https://4239402461-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FzaDthb1gXvbj84qIfOUE%2Fuploads%2FiCuK1ju93RxMNaI2D4T1%2FImage%20(17).jpeg?alt=media&#x26;token=09b68d42-c25a-4f5c-b535-0975cdff9a7e" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Use the **soldering iron** and **solder wick** to remove excess solder. Check to make sure there are no solder bridges between the four pads as this can create problems later.&#x20;
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Install Flex PCBA

<figure><img src="https://4239402461-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FzaDthb1gXvbj84qIfOUE%2Fuploads%2FYtYRKcKyu01dc9C0Rdtl%2FImage%20(14).jpeg?alt=media&#x26;token=25a0f237-8c7e-4045-bb9b-db727094c0b7" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Line up the flex PCBA from the V1.5 upgrade kit in the orientation shown.&#x20;

With the flex PCBA in place, solder it in (5) locations:&#x20;

<figure><img src="https://4239402461-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FzaDthb1gXvbj84qIfOUE%2Fuploads%2FGPTQG8V6FApM0vTRCLj6%2F8.png?alt=media&#x26;token=3134eba1-82c8-4e30-bf4e-2d23bd577527" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

We recommend soldering in the order shown in the image above as this will help keep the flex PCB in place while soldering.&#x20;
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Install The Back Cover

<figure><img src="https://4239402461-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FzaDthb1gXvbj84qIfOUE%2Fuploads%2FYrK3V9eNX8c25XsJT17A%2FImage%20(21).jpeg?alt=media&#x26;token=61ba1b20-c36e-40be-89ec-c3020959c53e" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Line up the back cover and then press it tightly to snap it in place. Be careful that nothing gets pinch in the case and that the bottom cover doesn't bulge.&#x20;
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Install (4x) Case Screws

<figure><img src="https://4239402461-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FzaDthb1gXvbj84qIfOUE%2Fuploads%2FbNbfGt64Ytoo0AC8oYAT%2FImage%20(18).jpeg?alt=media&#x26;token=2c71cdf1-e14a-4e54-8ee7-ac9725921cb0" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Install the (4x) case screws you removed from Step 1.&#x20;

To avoid stripping the existing threads out of the plastic material, we recommend turning the screw counter-clockwise until you feel the screw click, or drop into the existing threads.&#x20;
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Install V1.5 Sticker

<figure><img src="https://4239402461-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FzaDthb1gXvbj84qIfOUE%2Fuploads%2FxC84fgjwBhcSlusoYkIJ%2FImage%20(24).jpeg?alt=media&#x26;token=3fe602b0-b91f-4762-8280-55f6389a69d1" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Using the **tweezers** to apply the V1.5 sticker from the V1.5 Rework Kit to the housing, just above the 12V printing above the Weidmuller connector.&#x20;
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

## More Help

There are video instructions available on YouTube:

{% embed url="<https://youtu.be/J95ey1LRmkU>" %}

If something is not clear, or you are ever unsure of something, please don't hesitate to [reach out to us](https://frc-radio.vivid-hosting.net/overview/support).&#x20;