What do you want in a controller?

[knightcrwlr]

Affordable
Nicer buttons
Longer range
Screen can be added

 

[losikid]

Small update...I think i have finally found a screen that fits my criteria to reuse the stock GT3C housing. I've been searching for a long and narrow screen to fill up most of the stock lcd space for a long time.

It has a viewing area of .78" by 2.9" and the inverted color scheme is growing on me....It's smaller than the current screen, But I can't find a direct replacement, this has yielded the best results so far.

 

[JokersWild]

Oh you know ill most likely be interested in testing for ya

 

[Onefast8]

-mp3 player
-fan vented grip /w heat option

 

[JokersWild]

-mp3 player
-fan vented grip /w heat option

Cup holder and optional cigarette lighter

 

[mike_like]

Given a control system,
Identify the system components and their function, including the comparator, controller, plant and sensor.
Given a variable to be controlled,
Determine the structure of a system that will control that variable.
Given a control system design problem,
To appreciate and understand that the complexity of most systemsm makes it difficult to predict their behavior.

 

[micro racer]

I don't know how feasible fitting in all of this stuff is, as I have never built a radio, but these are just some ideas:


Quality (Thanks, Captain Obvious)

7-8 channels (scalers use up accessory channels very quickly)

3 position switches available for all channels (preferably the "momentary crap spektrum uses," since I think they are actually pretty nice)

Some other toggle (dial, MT4 lever, mind reader...) to have variety
-Seriously though, two levers would be really useful for either dual winches or a winch and rear steer

A timer function that is on the main screen and toggled by a standalone button (no menu flipping; click=start/stop click+hold=reset)

Backlit with a standalone toggle (glaring light in your face is annoying when trailing at night, but I don't want to go to a menu to change that every day/night)

Perhaps telemetry as an option later on, since crawlers don't really need it (however, voltage and temps would be helpful for some; RPM is a fun, unnecessary extra)

Some of the basics should be mentioned (EPAs and trims for all channels)

SIMPLE MENUS (I mainly mean simple wording, no super-technical stuff; however, simple flow and design is also included)


By the way, I think the orange screen (#3) looks the best. It seems to be the clearest and have the highest contrast.

 

[Olle P]

Backlit with a standalone toggle ...

I prefer a screen that needs no backlight in daylight and have a weak backlight for use when it's dark.
Adding a function to turn the screen off completely when not needed is even better for saving power.

So a three position switch, display off - display on - backlight on, would make my day!

 

[losikid]

-mp3 player
-fan vented grip /w heat option

I've definitely been considering an MP3 player so you don't have to carry one around to jam out while crawling.

Fan vented grip is something I haven't thought of...It be cool if possible.
A heat grip is not ideal, It draws a lot of current to heat a grip. Good bye battery life.
-I actually made a heated grip for the GT3B a couple years ago...batteries last like 45 minutes. Worked like a champ though, if only it kept the trigger finger warm :sad:

Cup holder and optional cigarette lighter

If it's possible to pull off a good camera mounting location that doesn't screw with balance too much. Then I don't see why a beverage holder can't be mounted to the camera mount instead. :ror:

Given a control system,
Identify the system components and their function, including the comparator, controller, plant and sensor.
Given a variable to be controlled,
Determine the structure of a system that will control that variable.
Given a control system design problem,
To appreciate and understand that the complexity of most systemsm makes it difficult to predict their behavior.

I agree.

I don't know how feasible fitting in all of this stuff is, as I have never built a radio, but these are just some ideas:


Quality (Thanks, Captain Obvious)

7-8 channels (scalers use up accessory channels very quickly)

3 position switches available for all channels (preferably the "momentary crap spektrum uses," since I think they are actually pretty nice)

Some other toggle (dial, MT4 lever, mind reader...) to have variety
-Seriously though, two levers would be really useful for either dual winches or a winch and rear steer

A timer function that is on the main screen and toggled by a standalone button (no menu flipping; click=start/stop click+hold=reset)

Backlit with a standalone toggle (glaring light in your face is annoying when trailing at night, but I don't want to go to a menu to change that every day/night)

Perhaps telemetry as an option later on, since crawlers don't really need it (however, voltage and temps would be helpful for some; RPM is a fun, unnecessary extra)

Some of the basics should be mentioned (EPAs and trims for all channels)

SIMPLE MENUS (I mainly mean simple wording, no super-technical stuff; however, simple flow and design is also included)


By the way, I think the orange screen (#3) looks the best. It seems to be the clearest and have the highest contrast.

I'm thinking a very customizable home screen. Separate it into modules and give the user the choice as to whats displayed in the module. Timers, counters, position of a channel(s), current mix rate, other current adjustment settings, telemetry data, clock, name, model name, etc. Then each module would act as a quick shortcut to the menu for that item. (So you could go straight to the timer menu, mix menu, etc)

I'm considering a built in help function for every menu/setting adjustment on the radio. Not sure how to implement yet though.

All the screens have the same clarity, they're just shitty photographs. If feasible, I'll probably offer all or many color options.

 

[micro racer]

I like your modular menu idea. If you can't work the help functions into the radio, you could always write a manual...

I would also want a basic rechargable battery to be included in the controller. It doesn't have to be fancy, just some nimh cells stuck in there.

 

[losikid]

I prefer a screen that needs no backlight in daylight and have a weak backlight for use when it's dark.
Adding a function to turn the screen off completely when not needed is even better for saving power.

So a three position switch, display off - display on - backlight on, would make my day!

I completely agree. Unfortunately, these inverted screens will pull alot of power, they basically require a back light to be used.

I have the perfect screen in mind, but it's impossible to use in the GT3C. (No sizes that'll fit)

 

[Fuamuler]

DIY controller？

 

[Olle P]

DIY controller？

Now that's a great idea! "thumbsup"

A basic package with:

• controller board (with USB port extension?)
• display (and backlight?)
• radio board
• antenna (cable)

Option parts:

• Steering wheel and potentiometer.
• Trigger and potentiometer.
• Control stick and potentiometer.
• battery holder
• Assorted switches and buttons.
• Reciever

Then it's just to build a personal casing to hold the parts together.

 

[losikid]

Now that's a great idea! "thumbsup"

A basic package with:

• controller board (with USB port extension?)
• display (and backlight?)
• radio board
• antenna (cable)

Option parts:

• Steering wheel and potentiometer.
• Trigger and potentiometer.
• Control stick and potentiometer.
• battery holder
• Assorted switches and buttons.
• Reciever

Then it's just to build a personal casing to hold the parts together.

If only that would sell.

 

[JokersWild]

If only that would sell.

Only cool kids would buy it....... Not too many of them out there:roll:

 

[losikid]

Ok, so I've been considering some other screen options that'll provide optimal outdoor viewing conditions and not pull too much power. I think the lcd's posted above will kill off the battery pretty quick because the back light has to be on to see the screen. (It's a transmissive LCD, not a transflective LCD)

I'm not going todo a full color lcd, there's no need for one and they draw alot of power...just plain jane black and white.

I'm thinking a smaller 2.7" LCD (approx 2.3" x 1.4"). And I've been looking at afew with great resolution, great daylight view ability, and great efficiency. I would like a bigger screen, But this should work out....I've been thinking about a 4.4" screen :twisted:

 

[losikid]

4AA's or a LiPo?

 

[Turtlejon]

The lipo is so much lighter!
What about instead of building the fancy screen into it, you plug an external one (or a phone) in to set it all up, then keep a basic screen on it?

 

[Olle P]

If only that would sell.

I'm not implying it would sell a lot.
Given that you come up with design and production for a complete transmitter it would (as far as I can see) add virtually zero cost for you to sell some sets of the electronics "on the side".
It could even help cash flow since it will get money in earlier in the cycle.

 

[Olle P]

4AA's or a LiPo?

Regular LiPo is bad because you have to get it to "storage" charge between uses and then re-charge it before use.
4AA is fine with me, but for those that use the radio a lot LiFePO4 is the way to go.