Spektrum DX2E - AUX switch

[dungeonracer]

I'm using the Spektrum DX2E radio with a Spektrum SR310 receiver.

The radio has a 3 position switch on the top marked AUX.
The receiver has a port called AUX1 (along with 1 for steering, 2 for ESC and a bind port)

What I hoping to do is be able to use this AUX to either turn lights on and off, or maybe even run a winch (I've read where you remove motors from servos and use the board for this).

The AUX1 port is always live, meaning whenever I plug lights in, they come on no matter what position the AUX switch is in on the radio.

How can I make the AUX channel to turn accessories on and off?

 

[Greatscott]

Funny radio, it is supposed to be only a 2-ch system. V6 of this radio does, in fact have a 3rd channel. For a little light reading, here is the manual...

https://www.spektrumrc.com/ProdInfo/Files/SPM2335-Manual-EN.pdf

All of these systems use a universal connector and, all pins act the same no matter which system you run. It makes this whole mess very nice.
Return:
• This is normally the black or dark brown wire
• On the RX, it is the closest to the edge of the case
• Return path for power.
Power:
• Red or light brown lead.
• In the center position
• What ever voltage that is being sent from the BEC (external or internal) is here.
Command:
• This is the white or yellow lead.
• Closest to the center of the RX case
• Sends digital commands to whatever is plugged into it.

So, just plugging lights in will power them on, but with nothing there to read and follow the digital commands, the lights are just taking power from the power and return pins. To get the lights to come on and off via the aux switch you need some sort of lighting controller, or digital relay like a Pico Switch:

https://www.dimensionengineering.com/products/picoswitch

Or, one like this:

https://hobbyking.com/en_us/turnigy...VNQnnCh3wbABIEAQYAiABEgIWofD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

Yes, you should be able to run a winch off of this channel. You will need the winch itself, and you will need some sort of motor controller. RC4WD makes a wired controller, which will do the job, but there are better options out there:

https://store.rc4wd.com/RC4WD-Wired-Winch-Control-Unit_p_3725.html

A lot of us run HW1060 ESCs as winch controllers, they are waterproof and provide a lot more power.

 

[dungeonracer]

Thanks for the reply, and the links. Now I understand something else (switches) is needed to make the AUX channels work.
Sure wish these companies would put that in the manuals...

 

[Greatscott]

The problem is, we are always coming up with new ways to control stuff (or turn it on or off), so the makers of these radios would need a full time staff just to keep the manuals updated. That is why forums like this exist, to fill those gaps in the manual...

 

[heyok]

Hi,

I'm a vendor on this forum and I can help you with remote control switching if you are interested in supporting someone on the forum.
I make quite a range of remote control switches and winch controllers and other odd things. If I can help, please don't hesitate to contact me.
This is a link to many of the parts I make:
http://www.rccrawler.com/forum/vend...eyoks-rc-electronics-items-all-one-place.html

Thanks,
Al

 

[Voodoobrew]

Sr310 is 2ch I think aux1 is steering. Aux2 is the switch on top and ch3 I'm just guessing. I only have 5ch spektrum radios.

Edit: Nevermind 310 is 3ch. Aux 1 is the switch.

__________________________
Handy gearing spreadsheet

 

[j0e]

...A lot of us run HW1060 ESCs as winch controllers, they are waterproof and provide a lot more power.

I'm having a brainfart; how do you control the second esc as a winch controller?

 

[dungeonracer]

I'm having a brainfart; how do you control the second esc as a winch controller?

:lmao: :lmao: :lmao:

I'm laughing becuz I wondered the same thing myself. Then after looking at GreatScott's post on another thread, it finally dawned on me.
You set the ESC up to the 3rd channel (or any empty channel on your receiver that your radio can control). The wires that normally go to a motor that drive your rig, you instead hook onto the motor wires of the winch. I use a "Y" connector from the battery to provide power to both the main ESC and the winch ESC. Then use the extra channel to power the winch controller. On my DX5C, I found I can set how much power the winch has in each direction. Even so, I left it at 100% both ways.

Back onto the original question about the DX2E having a 3rd channel. While it does have a 3rd channel, it's not to run an accessory. But rather, it's used if one has a receiver that has AVC, and you use it to adjust gain.
Here's the reply direct from Horizon Hobbies when I asked them about it..

The DX2E is only a 2 channel transmitters. It has a 3rd Aux channel but it is only active for AVC gain adjustments. It will not control a physical 3rd channel or aux channel on a receiver.

 

[j0e]

Hahaha.
Thanks for the clarification.