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Is it possible?... 5 position rear steer with DX5 Rugged.

DRED805

Rock Crawler
Joined
Mar 6, 2021
Messages
659
Location
Santa Barbara
I'm planning to dabble in rear steer with a gspeed build I just started. I don't want to control the rear steer with the wheel. I like the 5 position rear steer that the new capra has. I can only find a 3 position option on my DX5 Rugged. Has anyone done this? Thanks!
 
You should be able to program the switch of your choice in linier and make the value # of steps 5...

I have not actually tried this.
 
You should be able to program the switch of your choice in linier and make the value # of steps 5...

I have not actually tried this.

Oh, okay. I don't know how the linear setting even works. I've set up digs with the 3 position option, but I haven't looked any deeper into how the auxiliary controls work.

Youtube is no help.
 
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I'm be honest...personally (and, I know I'm not the only one), I don't care for the 4WS Capra rear steering configuration. I understand, and agree, that it "simplifies" the rear steering, which makes it perfect for beginners. At the same time, while I like the "rear steering modes" type of setup (front-only, rear-only, opposite, and 'crab'), one doesn't always want it 100% identical (steering radius-wise) to the front. That's why, for the new 4WS rig I've been building, my plan is to have 100% independent rear steering, controlled by a dial on my Tx.

I realize this doesn't answer your question...but, for others reading this thread, who might be interested in a more "realistic" 4WS configuration, and not even knowing if such is possible, they will now know it's not only possible, but will also have some hints on how to do it.

As for your question...and, so that I can actually help you achieve your goal...you don't need a 5-position switch (if there are even any Txs work such a thing). Instead, program one of the Trimmer Buttons/Switches to operate Ch3 (or whatever channel type rear steering servo is on. With the DX5 Rigged, you should be able to (as I am on my Futaba 7PX) to set the chosen button/switch to a 50-step increment, thus showing you to toggle the same percentages as the 4WS Capra. Even better, you could set it to a 25-step increment (if the DX5 Rugged can do this), which would give you (from left-to-right) 100% left, 75% left, 50% left, 25% left, center, 25% right, 50% right, 75% right, & 100% right (ie. instead of "5-step" rear steering, you'd end up with a 9-step configuration...ag as in, of the DX5 Rugged provides such level of programming settings). I don't know if you'll actually be able to...but, it's worth a shot, right?


~ More peace, love, and kindness would make the world a much better place
 
You can generally set this up one of two ways.
• The more complicated, but more functional way is to to set up 4WS mixing in the radio, and assign a slave channel for the rear axle servo. This allows you to set up rear steering in conjunction with your normal steering, and use a switch to control the mode of the steering: front, back, both the same direction, or opposite direction.
• The second way is to just assign an aux channel to the rear axle servo, and manually control the steering with an aux switch. The easiest way to do this is going simple at first by selecting 3-position mode. This will allow you to get the feel of 4WS, without it being terribly complicated. Once you get used to it, then make adjustments. Linear mode also works for this, but it is more of a pain to control because you having to manually steer the back axle were you want it through an aux switch, then manually move the axle back to center.
 
Following.

I am set up for rear with a DX5 rugged. I use 3 position switch. Works great but having options is usually better.
 
Just FYI the DX5 Pro has 4WS anytime switchable functionality between front only, rear only, 4ws or 4w crab.

Alternatively it can be program mixed with another channel.
 
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Just FYI the DX5 Pro has 4WS anytime switchable functionality between front only, rear only, 4ws or 4w crab.

Alternatively it can be program mixed with another channel.

The DX5 also has settings for this but it is such a PIA working with the screen on a DX5.
 
Yeah, it takes a bit of patience.
Normally, "patience is a virtue". However, from all over read about the DX5, patience becomes best thrown out the window. Glad I have my 7PX & Noble NB4.

Sent from my SM-F926U using Tapatalk
 
Normally, "patience is a virtue". However, from all over read about the DX5, patience becomes best thrown out the window. Glad I have my 7PX & Noble NB4.

Sent from my SM-F926U using Tapatalk

Exactly, it isn't about patience it is about usability. The screen setup on the DX5 makes this feature unusable in a comp setting were speed is an issue. Mine is setup on a 3 position switch. Had I known what I know now I would have never bought a Spectrum DX5. There are better options if you want a controller for a 4ws setup.
 
Exactly, it isn't about patience it is about usability. The screen setup on the DX5 makes this feature unusable in a comp setting were speed is an issue. Mine is setup on a 3 position switch. Had I known what I know now I would have never bought a Spectrum DX5. There are better options if you want a controller for a 4ws setup.
From personal experience, Spektrum makes great aerial Tx, but their surface Tx I avoid.

Sent from my SM-F926U using Tapatalk
 
I guess due to my many years with Spektrum and JR air Txers the DX5 Pro doesn't seem too bad to me.

So looking at what's on the market today (don't care about yesteryear!) what would be preferable to buy?
 
I guess due to my many years with Spektrum and JR air Txers the DX5 Pro doesn't seem too bad to me.

So looking at what's on the market today (don't care about yesteryear!) what would be preferable to buy?

The DX5 works for most things very well. I have an MOA with dig and it works fantastic for that. If it can run with a switch the DX5 is great. It is trying to deal with the screen and the controls changing things like the rear steer feature WHILE you drive that is difficult.

Sorry I can't help you make a good choice. I wish I new more about the various models.

I heard somebody at a recent comp talk about a controller t hat had to steering wheels. I wish I had paid attention.

My rear steer is on a switch, center, full right or full left. There are many times I would like to turn a rear tire just a little to maybe help catch a tire lug on the side of a rock without really changing the direction of where I am going. That is just to difficult to do with the DX5s.
 
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I don't have any problems with spektrum remotes, but that's all I buy. But I also don't have any issues with windows or an android phone. Put me on a Mac or an Iphone and I'm lost ..

Once you learn it I don't think They are bad at all. I do much prefer the pro to the dx5c as the dx5c and rugged remotes have pretty limited features.

For the most part I just read the instructions and they make sense.

But words between spektrum and other brands don't seem to have the same meaning iirc.

I am sure there are also cheaper remotes that can do more.

Sent from my SM-N986U using Tapatalk
 
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I don't have any problems with spektrum remotes, but that's all I buy. But I also don't have any issues with windows or an android phone. Put me on a Mac or an Iphone and I'm lost ..

Once you learn it I don't think They are bad at all. I do much prefer the pro to the dx5c as the dx5c and rugged remotes have pretty limited features.

For the most part I just read the instructions and they make sense.

But words between spektrum and other brands don't seem to have the same meaning iirc.

I am sure there are also cheaper remotes that can do more.

Sent from my SM-N986U using Tapatalk

As far as performance and reliability the Spektrums I have had have always been excellent. The Rugged is just a PIA to move through the screen and it is a battery hog. It get easier the more you use it.

I am going to try and set it up like in the video with the clicks. The mixing setup just seems confusing, not to set it up but to operate it. When you click through the options I doesn't indicate what mode you are in until you try it. With the 3 position switch you will know what will happen before you hit the switch.
 
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Unlike the video I used "Mixing." I have set switch "E" to front wheel steer as default position 0 on power up. Push "E" to pos 1 for 4WS (with plenty of expo), again to pos 2 for crab and again to pos 3 for rear wheel steer, all on-the-fly. Can't 'jump' positions - have to toggle 0-1-2-3-2-1-0. But switch "E" is easily touched while hands are in normal driving position and no need to access the menu or screen or even look at the controller.

Instead of 'steps' like the video the steering is continuous (like normal) in all four modes.
 
Unlike the video I used "Mixing." I have set switch "E" to front wheel steer as default position 0 on power up. Push "E" to pos 1 for 4WS (with plenty of expo), again to pos 2 for crab and again to pos 3 for rear wheel steer, all on-the-fly. Can't 'jump' positions - have to toggle 0-1-2-3-2-1-0. But switch "E" is easily touched while hands are in normal driving position and no need to access the menu or screen or even look at the controller.

Instead of 'steps' like the video the steering is continuous (like normal) in all four modes.

I use which ever 3 position switch is bottom and forward. I have regular 3 position set now but will change to the incremental.

I have a powerful servo on 4s and it moves fast and hard. I have turned down the rear in my controller though. Even then it can screw you up if you aren't careful.

I am okay with that but I don't think I could keep the patterns straight in my head using the mixing option.
 
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