Manual winch controller Help

[toyotatrucks83]

So before I get started into this I did want it be known that I do understand you can run a winch off of a 3rd channel radio. Or even that some guys have rigged up toggle switches to run the winch of the steering servo channel with a two channel radio.
I'd like to build a self contained unit that has 2 wires that are about 5-7feet long coming out that I can plug into a winch. I have both a 3 Racing 1/10 and a RC4WD winch. I bought some of the supplies to make it earlier this week. I'm now realizing the rheostat I bought will not work for this application. I'm hoping someone will be able to help me figure out what I'm needing. So here is how I plan to use it. The winch controller unit will house a 2s 800mah battery, 2 position 6 pole switch for reversing winch motor direction, and one rheostat. I need this rheostat that works like a dimmer switch on a full size vehicle. So starts off like a on/off switch and then goes from high resistance to low as you rotate it. I'm not sure what terminology is correct to discribe this. Also I'm not sure what resistance rating range I need for these tiny winch motors. 25ohms-0ohms? Any help would be appreciated. I'll post picture here when I'm done if I can find the right parts.

[2500hdon37s]

why not extend the wires that come off the 3R controller? it has the button that is manual winch control already on it.

[toyotatrucks83]

I guess that is an option. I really wanted to make something that would have varitable speed control.

[500swmag]

How about using an old servo, disconnect the motor wires from the servo motor extend them with a plug that will attach to winch. remove all the gears from the top of the servo (keep the gear attached to the rheostat this will be your winch control knob) place your battery and servo in some type of holder/box and you have instant remote winch controller.

[toyotatrucks83]

I like your idea for using a servo rheostat. I'm not really sure how to do this. I'll look into it a bit. I'm still only in basic electronics building.

[500swmag]

I tried this... FAIL, it doesn't work. I'm sure there is a simple way to make it work but...

[500swmag]

this is an additional step but buy a servo tester use servo board.
plug servo plug into tester
plug battery into servo testor
clip motor wires off servo board and solder to winch

this isn't an elegant solution as far as the additional part required but it works and my electrical knowledge is limited.

I'm sure there is a much simpler solution but this can be done with a cheap servo and this cheap $3 servo tester.

This does work as I use this to test my controller and winch now.

[toyotatrucks83]

Thanks for the picture. I will try and grab a servo tester later this week and see how it goes.