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en:manuals:service-notes-for-mitail [2025/11/02 21:40] – [MiTail Case] darkgrueen:manuals:service-notes-for-mitail [2026/03/18 19:15] (current) – darkgrue
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 ===== Introduction ===== ===== Introduction =====
  
-These instructions do not purport to cover all details or variations of the product and do not claim to provide for every possible contingency in connection with installation, operation, or maintenance. Self-repairs performed by the customer may lead to damage or loss of your product. Should further information be desired or should particular problems arise which are not covered sufficiently or if repair services are desired, please contact The Tail Company ([[contact@thetailcompany.com]]).+These instructions do not purport to cover all details or variations of the product and do not claim to provide for every possible contingency in connection with installation, operation, or maintenance. Self-repairs performed by the customer may lead to damage or loss of your product. Should further information be desired or if repair services are desired, please contact The Tail Company ([[contact@thetailcompany.com]]).
  
 For the purposes of this manual, “left” and “right” references will refer to the MiTail’s orientation when worn on the body, relative to the wearer. So, the “left” side is the side of the MiTail on the wearer’s left. For the purposes of this manual, “left” and “right” references will refer to the MiTail’s orientation when worn on the body, relative to the wearer. So, the “left” side is the side of the MiTail on the wearer’s left.
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 The MiTail case is injection-molded ABS. Replacements may be ordered from The Tail Company, or installed by a repair depot. The MiTail case is injection-molded ABS. Replacements may be ordered from The Tail Company, or installed by a repair depot.
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-<WRAP round tip 90%> 
-In over your head? Reach out to The Tail Company support through the website chat or [[info@thetailcompany.com]], and we will do our best to present other options to you for repairing your tail, or getting it back together.</WRAP> 
  
  
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 {{ :en:manuals:battery.jpg?nolink&600 |}} {{ :en:manuals:battery.jpg?nolink&600 |}}
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 +FAA rules on installed batteries are that devices containing lithium batteries (laptops, phones, and also tails) can be checked, but carry-on is preferred to prevent damage/fire. There is a battery capacity limit generally allowing capacities under 100 Wh. The tails, with two 11.1 Wh batteries, have a total capacity of 22.2 Wh, well under the device capacity limits. Travel rules and restrictions should be reviewed in advance, but the Tail Co devices fall well under realistic limits being an "installed, non-removable battery" and a very modest capacity that should be acceptable anywhere a cellphone or laptop would.
 +</WRAP>
  
 The positive lead for the batteries is oriented to the left for J1 and J2 (closest to the corner of the PCB). The positive lead for the batteries is oriented to the left for J1 and J2 (closest to the corner of the PCB).
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 </WRAP> </WRAP>
  
-If a fresh servo is being installed, you will first need to modify the replacement servo to remove the mounting tab furthest from the servo shaft (so that it can fit into the case).+If a "fresh" servo (shown in top of photo) is being installed, you will first need to modify the replacement servo to remove the mounting tab furthest from the servo shaft so that it can fit into the case (shown in bottom of photo).
  
 {{ :en:manuals:servo_tab_cut.jpg?400 |}} {{ :en:manuals:servo_tab_cut.jpg?400 |}}
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-==== Resetting Servo Home Position ====+===== Installing Cable Pullies / Servo Horns ===== 
 + 
 +There are seven screws holding the pully assembly halves together. Three are at the edge, near the cable slot. And four more that hold the servo horn to the pully. All seven must be removed or loosened to free the cable from the pulley (which is required if the case is being replaced). The screws are M3 × 5.75 mm, Pozidriv PZ1 drive, 7.75 mm overall length. 
 + 
 +<WRAP round important 90%> 
 +Note that the pulley screws are soft metal. Using a medium-sized electric screwdriver that's slow and steady with very firm downward pressure so the bit doesn't skip and grind out the heads. Do not install or remove the screws with the pulley attached to the servo to avoid damaging the servo shaft and/or gearbox. 
 +</WRAP> 
 + 
 +==== Pully Calibration / Resetting Servo Home Position ====
  
- To do this correctly, first power up the PCB with the new servo attached directly to the board. That will center or "home" the servo before you reattach the pulley. Secondly, make sure the pulley is in the following "ten minutes to the hour" position; the topmost screw head will also align with the servo mount rib below it (note that the servo splines may not line up perfectly and may land a tooth to the left or the right slightly or a particular trail might bias more towards the center screw):+To do this correctly, first power up the PCB with the new servo attached directly to the board. That will center or "home" the servo before you reattach the pulley. Secondly, make sure the pulley is in the following "ten minutes to the hour" position; the topmost screw head will also align with the servo mount rib below it (note that the servo splines may not line up perfectly and may land a tooth to the left or the right slightly or a particular trail might bias more towards the center screw):
  
 {{ :en:manuals:pulley_alignment.jpg?nolink&600 |}} {{ :en:manuals:pulley_alignment.jpg?nolink&600 |}}
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 ===== Board-level Repairs and Modifications ===== ===== Board-level Repairs and Modifications =====
  
-The tail PCB uses small surface-mounted components, and is not generally considered a repairable unit (replacements are available for order from The Tail Company).+The tail PCB uses small surface-mounted components, and is not generally considered a repairable unit. Replacements are available for order from The Tail Company.
  
 <WRAP round important 90%> <WRAP round important 90%>
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 ===== Charging ===== ===== Charging =====
  
-MiTail requires a USB Power Delivery (USB PD) capable charging adapter. PD charging is only possible using a USB-C to USB-C cable and a USB PD chargers together. Adapters with USB-A output, even with a USB-A to USB-C cable will **NOT** charge a MiTail. The adapter should provide at least 9V - almost all PD adapters can. If the adapter's rated power is less than 24W, charging will take around 3 hours.+MiTail requires a USB Power Delivery (USB PD) capable charging adapter. PD charging is only possible using a USB-C to USB-C cable and a USB PD chargers together. Adapters with USB-A output, even with a USB-A to USB-C cable **WILL NOT** charge a MiTail. The adapter should provide at least 9V - almost all PD adapters can. If the adapter's rated power is less than 24W, charging will take around 3 hours.
  
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   * Green LED: ON = USB power is charging batteries. Visible only on the PCB.     * Green LED: ON = USB power is charging batteries. Visible only on the PCB.  
  
-Please make sure the PCB has the latest firmware. Firmware may be updated from The Tail Company app, support Python utility, or directly (e.g. using PlatformIO).+Please make sure the PCB has the latest firmware. Firmware may be updated from The Tail Company app, support Python utility, or directly (e.g. using esptool).
  
  
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-== Copyright 2023-2025 © The Mechanical Tail Company Limited contact@thetailcompany.com. All Rights Reserved. ==+== Copyright 2023-2026 © The Mechanical Tail Company Limited contact@thetailcompany.com. All Rights Reserved. ==
  
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