Building a 6ch steering wheel Tx....

[paintballer9876]

Originally Posted by mrklaw

this is pretty damn amazing. I'm actually quite surprised nobody has come out with a 6ch pistol radio. Not just for crawling, but those scale truck guys have a ton of things to control, and they've been around for longer than crawling - do they just use sticks?

maybe with crawling getting so much traction recently (pun intended) we'll see one of the manufacturers bring out a crawler friendly pistol.

Never mind mixing this and that - basically all we want is a nice simple 4ws setup, and a bunch of 2/3-position switches for winches, lights, digs etc

Well a 6ch pistol remote would be cool and all but you look at the 4pk at $500 the 3pk is $370 so $130 difference for one channel a 6 channel controller at $130 per addition channel on the 4pk would put a 6 channel radio at $760 if not more, plus your receivers would probley cost you $150-$200 a peice, so unless the major manufactures (like futaba) charge much less for there top of the line controllers, as in $350 for a 4pk $250 for a 3pk, it wouldn't happen.

but hey thats my $0.02

oh and great job to the op,

[Aussie Nerd]

I think I might have found the perfect radio case it is a Hitec AM lynx. It must be really old as. I think there is an other model called the Lynx sport, but it is not the same. For a start it is a lot smaller. I can't even find anything about it on the net.I got it with a freebie car. The is a spot at the back odf the case that is perfect for the main board. It also has plenty of flat spots for mounting switches. The pots are 5k (i think) and the throttle and steering mechanisms are in good order. I think its time to head for the hobby shop and get what I need. After all I don't won't to have bad driving affect my new triple S when it arrives. So look out for a 6ch pistol radio (not sure yet but I mightn't bother with channel 5&6 as they are only 2 pos and I would be struggling to use more than 4 ch).

Kieren

[clockworks]

Originally Posted by Aussie Nerd

I think I might have found the perfect radio case it is a Hitec AM lynx. It must be really old as. I think there is an other model called the Lynx sport, but it is not the same. For a start it is a lot smaller. I can't even find anything about it on the net.I got it with a freebie car. The is a spot at the back odf the case that is perfect for the main board. It also has plenty of flat spots for mounting switches. The pots are 5k (i think) and the throttle and steering mechanisms are in good order. I think its time to head for the hobby shop and get what I need. After all I don't won't to have bad driving affect my new triple S when it arrives. So look out for a 6ch pistol radio (not sure yet but I mightn't bother with channel 5&6 as they are only 2 pos and I would be struggling to use more than 4 ch).

Kieren

Be sure to post some pics - there are quite a few different Lynx models. Look forward to seeing your build thread.

[clockworks]

Originally Posted by paintballer9876

Well a 6ch pistol remote would be cool and all but you look at the 4pk at $500 the 3pk is $370 so $130 difference for one channel a 6 channel controller at $130 per addition channel on the 4pk would put a 6 channel radio at $760 if not more, plus your receivers would probley cost you $150-$200 a peice, so unless the major manufactures (like futaba) charge much less for there top of the line controllers, as in $350 for a 4pk $250 for a 3pk, it wouldn't happen.

but hey thats my $0.02

oh and great job to the op,

I think the prices are high because the projected sales volume is low. The UK price of a 4PK is $600 - they won't sell many at that price!

There's no reason why a 6ch pistol Tx should cost more to make than a 6ch stick Tx - I'm sure that a Chinese manufacturer could do one for less than $100, providing the sales volume was high enough.
Can't see it happening until some RTR manufacturers place an order, though.

In the meantime, it gives us modders something to do.

[mrklaw]

the DX6i isn't that expensive, I don't see why having it in a pistol would be any more expensive.

and they could dump a lot of the controlling software IMO - target it for the things crawlers want, and you can get away with a lot of the mixing etc.

[clockworks]

Originally Posted by mrklaw

the DX6i isn't that expensive, I don't see why having it in a pistol would be any more expensive.

and they could dump a lot of the controlling software IMO - target it for the things crawlers want, and you can get away with a lot of the mixing etc.

The unit cost, once the tooling is paid for, shouldn't be any higher. Problem is, the cost of tooling (moulds for making the case and software for manufacturing the PCB/display) are very high. If you sell 100,000 units a year (as is the case with a plane Tx like the DX6i), the tooling cost per unit is low.
If you only sell 10,000 units (like you would with an aftermarket pistol Tx) the tooling cost per unit is 10 times higher. This might double the factory gate price.
A specialist 6ch Tx aimed at crawlers might only sell 1 or 2,000 units a year. The tooling cost would be prohibitive.

At every stage in the sales chain, there's a big markup. An item that costs $20 from the Chinese factory can end up costing $100 or more retail. An extra $10 at the factory for specialised tooling can cost the consumer another $50-$100.

You've also got to factor in advertising and stocking costs by retailers. If you can sell 50,000 units, it's fine to spend big bucks on advertising. Same with a retailer - would he carry a product that might only sell a couple of units a year?

When the demand is high enough, someone will make a cheaper product. problem is, if a product doesn't exist, how will the manufacturers know there's a demand? Vicious circle.

[clockworks]

The finished Tx, with colour-coded toggles:
[IMG][/IMG]

[FritoBandito]

Originally Posted by clockworks

The finished Tx, with colour-coded toggles:

Excellent! All it needs now is a TLT tire for the steering wheel and it'll be perfect!

[Aussie Nerd]

Hi Clockworks

Sorry to bring back an old thread, but I am thinking about attempting this. I have purchased the styrene, but one thing that you never posted (or I have missed it) is how you got your 3 pos switches to center without the pot. I have tried just joining the to servo connectors in my radio with a resistor on the center wire and no resistors on the other wires. The closest resistors I had to 2k5 were 2k2, could that be to do with my problem? It is annoying the life out of me. A picture or diagram would be wonderful, if you have one please.

Thanks in advance
Kieren

[clockworks]

Hi Kieren

The resistor values aren't critical, as long as they are the same on both the positive and ground sides of the circuit. You need a resistor from each side to the centre, as in drawing 4/


When the switch is "open", the two 2K2 resistors hold the servo at the centre position. Close the switch, and the 2K2 resistors are "shorted" to 5v or ground through the 220R resistors, so the servo moves to one end.

If the servo moves too far, replace the 220R with something bigger, maybe 470R or 1K.


Steve

[Aussie Nerd]

Correct me if I'm wrong, so I but a 2k2 on the positive and negative and a 220ohm on the center wire? Or up to a 1k? Sorry, but I am feeling particularly braindead today. Anyway, I'll muck around and see what happens. EDIT: that didn't work. Trying something else.

Kieren

[meao]

You must solder the resistors that way:



The values of the resistors are differente on the pic, so use the values that Clockworks told you.

[Aussie Nerd]

Thank you Clockworks and Meao. I did not have to use the 220ohm resistors after all:? You simply going positive to signal with a resistor and negative to signal with a resistor. Are the other resistors for primitive EPAs?

Thanks for helping
Kieren

[clockworks]

The high value resistors (2K2 or whatever) between the signal wire and the plus and ground wires are the ones that replace the pot, keeping the signal at the halfway point. The size of these doesn't really matter (within reason), as long as they are the same size. If you don't fit these resistors, the voltage will "float" - the servo could end up in any position.

The low value resistors between the switch outer terminals and the plus and ground wires are what set the EPA/servo travel. A small resistor gives lots of travel, a bigger resistor gives less travel. If you want the servo to move more in one direction than the other, you can have a different size resistor on each side of the switch. You can get away without using the small resistors at all, but the servo might move too far.

The pots on a Tx are used as potential dividers, varying the amount of the available voltage (usually 5v) that goes to the PCB signal input wire.
In the middle, neutral, position, the voltage is 2.5v.
At one end of the stick movement, the voltage will be about 1v, at the other end it will be about 4v. This is because the stick/wheel/trigger can't move the pot all the way to the end. The stick can only move through 60-120 degrees (depending on the design of the Tx), while the pot can move through 180 degrees.

[toy4crawlin]

Originally Posted by paintballer9876

Well a 6ch pistol remote would be cool and all but you look at the 4pk at $500 the 3pk is $370 so $130 difference for one channel a 6 channel controller at $130 per addition channel on the 4pk would put a 6 channel radio at $760 if not more, plus your receivers would probley cost you $150-$200 a peice, so unless the major manufactures (like futaba) charge much less for there top of the line controllers, as in $350 for a 4pk $250 for a 3pk, it wouldn't happen.

but hey thats my $0.02

oh and great job to the op,

I disagree. How much does a Dx6i Dx7 cost ? It's only a matter of components and plastic. Stick controllers use Gimbles rather complex and a simple steering wheel is much more simple.
Building it into a Pistol frame is not much different than a box.
It's just plastic

Cost more * I don't think so

[Aussie Nerd]

Thanks clockworks Just looking at the monitor the servo travel looks fine. If it is to much I'll just tone down the epa's better to much than to little. Can't wait till I get the styrene and get stuck into this. I am on the lookout for a cheap transmitter (Dx6i) NIB or good condition. I have found a good price on ebay for NIB 150 with 30 shipping. Better than $290 local with receiver that I don't want.

Wish you could run the AR6200 without the stupid 2nd receiver. I know it is supposed to work if you bind it without, but mine won't even bind without the 2nd receiver. The only way it works is if you link it first then remove it, but doing that everytime you turn on your radio is a total PITA. Got any ideas how to make it work?

Thanks
Kieren

[toy4crawlin]

Originally Posted by clockworks

For rear steer, there are several options:

Combined front/rear steer using main wheel. The right toggle switch on the right panel is a 3-way - crab/front only/4WS. To activate the rear servo, you hold down the silver pushbutton on the grip with your thumb.

? For a 3 way, Can I use a 2 way and a momentary for the 3rd position? And if so Are each of the 3 position adjustable with Subtrims ?


I want to make a 3 way switch by using a 2way and a momentary for the third selection . 4wd-2wd and momentary DIG ?
Or do I have to use a 3 way switch because of the neutral middle position ?

Thanks

[toy4crawlin]

Originally Posted by clockworks

Started fitting the switches and pots this morning.
Plenty of wiring to do!


Just the rear housing to finish, then I can start putting it all together.

Clockworks,
I am working on my switches but so far only see I need to move 3 switches= ELEV D/R, Ail D/R and Rudd D/R.

Could you tell us what switches do what and what DX switches are not used ?
You have: Five 3 pos toggles, Three dual throw.
Bind SPDT
? DPDT
6PDT rotary
3P4t
? 2psw
? 2psw
? 2psw
Right side
? 2 psw
? dual pole sw
? dual pole

There are 7 switches and a button on the DX. You have added your selection switches and turned 2 switches into a 3 way.
so it's difficult to know what was kept in the new TX

thanks