What do you want in a controller?

[losikid]

I'm going to start designing a all new controller or possibly a hybrid controller; And I want to get a bunch of idea's rolling around in my head for the next couple months. This will let me get a concrete foundation on what components I'll be using so I can start prototyping and getting a very basic radio operating. Once I get a base radio, I can add functionality but I need to make sure the hardware I'm starting with can expand to all the functionality I'll want to add. I've been wanting todo this for the past couple years but decided I wanted to get far enough through school before I started so I knew I was doing everything the right way.

I need todo more research on the cost of producing a new housing. I have a feeling I won't be able to find an affordable option, so using a pre-existing case may have to be what happens. I'm highly considering the flysky GT3C case, I think it's rather ergonomic. I'm also wanting to consider the Absima CRT-4

If you have concerns (and positive OR negative feedback) about the two radios posted above, please post up. I want to make sure I build a radio that the majority wants, not just me.

Also, post up just about anything related to radios that would aid in the design of a new one. Some examples could be

• Different functions in the software you like or don't like
• What type of hardware it uses. (The types of switches/buttons, location of the switches, steering wheel or throttle opinions, etc
• How the software and hardware work together. Mapping functions to switches, etc
• Telemetry- Can you use it? What would you use it for?
• Would you prefer expensive really good quality (very fast and reliable) 2.4Ghz Technology or affordable 2.4Ghz technology that has decent priced rx's and is reliable and quick (just not the best)
• How likely would you be to buy a radio from me (not a well know radio manufacturer), how likely would you be to upgrade to a radio I offer?
• What do you think a radio should cost if it's easy to use, has an enormous amount of functionality, and have a high grade of quality
• etc

Post up what you like and dislike about your current radio. And what you think it's missing.

 

[Olle P]

Interesting questions...

To me the ultimate (read: utopic) controller would be:

• Modular.
  • Ability to easy add/replace/remove switches, sticks and such.
  • Different antenna options for range or compact format.
  • Different battery options to optimise for weight, runtime, power output.
• Adaptable size to fit the hands of kids and adults alike. (Most transmitters today are too big for my son.)
• Lots of channels. The more the merrier. But also the ability to disable channels not in use for each model.
• Able to use with different receivers (one at a time). Even if the Tx is 15 channels I might only need two and a receiver to match, so an option of Rxs for different numbers of channels (and thus size/weight/cost) would be great.
• Rugged and built for outdoor use. IP55 or better, operating temperature span -25 to +50 centigrade.
• Have a 1/4" screw camera mount (as one of the add-on modules).
• Adjustable radio power. 15m range is sufficient for use with a crawler but >1.5km is better suited for aircraft with FPV.
• Dirt cheap! :twisted:

Going more realistic I think the Absima CRT4 fits very well with my current needs as it is.

 

[losikid]

Interesting questions...

To me the ultimate (read: utopic) controller would be:

• Modular.
  • Ability to easy add/replace/remove switches, sticks and such.
  • Different antenna options for range or compact format.
  • Different battery options to optimise for weight, runtime, power output.
• Adaptable size to fit the hands of kids and adults alike. (Most transmitters today are too big for my son.)
• Lots of channels. The more the merrier. But also the ability to disable channels not in use for each model.
• Able to use with different receivers (one at a time). Even if the Tx is 15 channels I might only need two and a receiver to match, so an option of Rxs for different numbers of channels (and thus size/weight/cost) would be great.
• Rugged and built for outdoor use. IP55 or better, operating temperature span -25 to +50 centigrade.
• Have a 1/4" screw camera mount (as one of the add-on modules).
• Adjustable radio power. 15m range is sufficient for use with a crawler but >1.5km is better suited for aircraft with FPV.
• Dirt cheap! :twisted:

Going more realistic I think the Absima CRT4 fits very well with my current needs as it is.

Thank you for the input.

I'm most likely going to use the Frsky 2.4Ghz technology. Frsky offers many different rx's from 4 channels to 16 channels I believe. If you hang out on the air plane forums there are many users using the Frsky system. I haven't heard anything bad about the Frsky technology, it has a robust connection (minimal glitching) and if you're running a telemetry rx the radio will start beeping if your connection is weak or rx power is low. Comparing it to a system like Futaba FASST, then it does have a few down falls. It has a longer lag, a much lower resolution, and less quality in construction. But it's a significant improvement over Flysky technology and it's on par if not better than spektrum and/or futaba fhss.


Could you please expand on this thought?

Modular.

• Ability to easy add/replace/remove switches, sticks and such.

I like the camera mount idea...

There's not a chance in hell I could compete on price with a hacked flysky (dirt cheap). I'm trying to decide if I need to aim for 4pl price range or 4pk price range.

 

[the_ocho]

My big thing is I want buttons down by the throttle like the gt3b has. I love running my front and rear winches off of the two 3Pos switches and 4 wheel steer mixing off of the button. That leaves my steering hand for steering and my throttle hand to do all the work. I am currently in the market for a new radio to replace my hacked gt3b and every other manufacture seems to be putting all the buttons up by the steering wheel. I hate this because if I want to hold a momentary switch and steer at the same time it becomes a pain.

I honestly love my gt3b. I have used it for years with zero issues short of breaking the reverse tab off the throttle. If it was a little smoother and lighter it would be perfect.

 

[Exocaged]

For me I'd like to see a new radio do everything the current hacked flysky radios do and:
10 + ch
another 3 pos switch in the handle.
and a good solid connection to the rx ( you already mentioned this one )

Also I'd like it to have Futaba ergonomics.

 

[KBrog]

A "return to center" button. So if you use rear steer or dual ESC mixing. After mixing or rear steering you can simply hit one button and BOOM, it returns to center or 100/100 mix.

 

[SINister]

A "return to center" button. So if you use rear steer or dual ESC mixing. After mixing or rear steering you can simply hit one button and BOOM, it returns to center or 100/100 mix.

+1 this is something I wished my 4pl could do from the beginning. That and a digital readout of the current mix instead of a bar that only works when you hit the throttle. A mt-4 style lever on the grip would be great too.

 

[losikid]

My big thing is I want buttons down by the throttle like the gt3b has. I love running my front and rear winches off of the two 3Pos switches and 4 wheel steer mixing off of the button. That leaves my steering hand for steering and my throttle hand to do all the work. I am currently in the market for a new radio to replace my hacked gt3b and every other manufacture seems to be putting all the buttons up by the steering wheel. I hate this because if I want to hold a momentary switch and steer at the same time it becomes a pain.

I honestly love my gt3b. I have used it for years with zero issues short of breaking the reverse tab off the throttle. If it was a little smoother and lighter it would be perfect.

Have you looked into the GT3C? It's alot lighter and the same button/key layout as the GT3B....same firmware too

A "return to center" button. So if you use rear steer or dual ESC mixing. After mixing or rear steering you can simply hit one button and BOOM, it returns to center or 100/100 mix.

Yea, I agree, very useful. Back when I was rocking dual esc's (I changed over to a shafty:shock, I had my GT3B setup so
-The upper switch set to 5% mix increments
-The lower switch was set to 20% increments
-The handle button for my middle finger was set so a short click would go to full dig and a long click (I had my long click set to ~.3 seconds) would return to center.

Having fully programmable switches/keys is amazing.

For me I'd like to see a new radio do everything the current hacked flysky radios do and:
10 + ch
another 3 pos switch in the handle.
and a good solid connection to the rx ( you already mentioned this one )

Also I'd like it to have Futaba ergonomics.

Issues is fitting enough button's/switches to support that many channels...

+1 this is something I wished my 4pl could do from the beginning. That and a digital readout of the current mix instead of a bar that only works when you hit the throttle. A mt-4 style lever on the grip would be great too.

I like the lever idea, I used to add return to center levers to my old CT6B conversion radios

 

[58513]

For me, a nice backlit display, easy to follow menu, individual EPAs on all channels and true 3pos switches, not that momentary crap spektrum uses. And 6 channels at most. Any more than that and it will be too cluttered. If you need more than 6 channels, use an aircraft radio...


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[Exocaged]

I have an 8ch truck and I don't want an aircraft radio. As for other channels past 8 they could simply be on/off buttons for lights and things.

 

[Olle P]

Expanding on my modularity idea:
* Squeeze fit mountings with three pole connection just about all over the transmitter case where the user can stick whatever type of switch/lever (s)he wants at the time. (Or just a water proof cover while not in use.)
* Also quick mount options for expansion modules that add room for more such switch mountings.

As Exocaged pointed out a good portion of the "many" channels just need to be on/off switches.

 

[gsrcivic]

losikid can u shoot me a pm if your still building custom radios thanks....

 

[Savagethrash]

6 channels would be good in my mind. I know scalers may like more.

Good 3 position switches. Momentary or not but thumb mounted is important to me. I want to steer and control throttle and have the switches accessible with my thumbs. If i have to take a hand off my steering or use something other than my thumb for a switch its pretty much a deal breaker.

EPAs for atleast 4 channels. Something like the Condition setting on futuba radios might be nice to have. Be able to have two settings programmed on your channels.

I don't play with high end radios so my knowledge is limited. Being able to reprogram my buttons to whatever channel or setting I want is key. Being able to adjust channel EPAs linearly or to a preset amount is nice.

Keep the buttons at my thumbs and let me program the heck out of it "thumbsup"

 

[Turtlejon]

I would like to be able to drive with one hand in between technical sections. On a 6 hour hike being able to let my arm hang would be awesome!! Some of the gang has hands big enough to do this, but I don't... Maybe a wheel that can slide side to side easily?
I love everything about my gt3c except for this. Even if there was a "mini wheel" behind the main wheel, or a dial that my little thumb could reach.
Also the menus on the gt3c get confusing. I kinda just try stuff till it works, and usually get the result I need, but I don't feel like I could do it perfect every time if I wanted to change something in the field.
Really I can't imagine a better radio than the 3c. The weight, performance, feel, etc. all rock, and your firmware just makes it into a really sophisticated radio. I'm actually had a dx4r pro, and I way prefer the 3c mod!!

 

[losikid]

For me, a nice backlit display, easy to follow menu, individual EPAs on all channels and true 3pos switches, not that momentary crap spektrum uses. And 6 channels at most. Any more than that and it will be too cluttered. If you need more than 6 channels, use an aircraft radio...


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

The GT3B and GT3C (with upgraded firmware) has 8 channels. Are they too cluttered?

I have an 8ch truck and I don't want an aircraft radio. As for other channels past 8 they could simply be on/off buttons for lights and things.

I've also been considering "automatic" channels. So basically you can set up mixes or conditions based off other channels or telemetry data and the channel changes accordingly with no user feed back...

Expanding on my modularity idea:
* Squeeze fit mountings with three pole connection just about all over the transmitter case where the user can stick whatever type of switch/lever (s)he wants at the time. (Or just a water proof cover while not in use.)
* Also quick mount options for expansion modules that add room for more such switch mountings.

As Exocaged pointed out a good portion of the "many" channels just need to be on/off switches.

I like the idea, not to sure how feasible though. I'll look into it though.

losikid can u shoot me a pm if your still building custom radios thanks....

Unless you have very deep pockets...I'm not doing custom radios. My free time is very limited and worth quite abit to me.

6 channels would be good in my mind. I know scalers may like more.

Good 3 position switches. Momentary or not but thumb mounted is important to me. I want to steer and control throttle and have the switches accessible with my thumbs. If i have to take a hand off my steering or use something other than my thumb for a switch its pretty much a deal breaker.

EPAs for atleast 4 channels. Something like the Condition setting on futuba radios might be nice to have. Be able to have two settings programmed on your channels.

I don't play with high end radios so my knowledge is limited. Being able to reprogram my buttons to whatever channel or setting I want is key. Being able to adjust channel EPAs linearly or to a preset amount is nice.

Keep the buttons at my thumbs and let me program the heck out of it "thumbsup"

Those are considered fundamentals to me, they'll definitely be included. Thanks for your input

 

[losikid]

I would like to be able to drive with one hand in between technical sections. On a 6 hour hike being able to let my arm hang would be awesome!! Some of the gang has hands big enough to do this, but I don't... Maybe a wheel that can slide side to side easily?
I love everything about my gt3c except for this. Even if there was a "mini wheel" behind the main wheel, or a dial that my little thumb could reach.
Also the menus on the gt3c get confusing. I kinda just try stuff till it works, and usually get the result I need, but I don't feel like I could do it perfect every time if I wanted to change something in the field.
Really I can't imagine a better radio than the 3c. The weight, performance, feel, etc. all rock, and your firmware just makes it into a really sophisticated radio. I'm actually had a dx4r pro, and I way prefer the 3c mod!!

Good to know, I'll keep it in mind. I would like to see something like this as well.

 

[losikid]

So I was messing around in solidworks and made a very rough radio housing. I was thinking maybe a 3d printed case would allow many different switch configurations. And it looks like if i was to 3d print the cases, It cost me $150-250 for all plastic parts that would be needed for the radio.

So, a new radio from scratch will probably not happen anytime soon. But, I'm going to start working on hardware expansions for the GT3C. This will allow some different switch options, (different types, locations, etc). And I really want to make a new steering wheel column for it with switches going around the outside next to the wheel (like other radios). So hopefully the expansions will work out and I can design a new "brain" for the gt3c (with a much better screen) to make one bad ass radio

 

[SilmarilS]

You could 3D print the first one, and after that, you just make a reverse mold to pour liquid plastic in it... Faster and cheaper. You can have pretty hard plastics...
My brother use that technique for aquarium parts....

This is what we use.... Great range of product for your needs!
Smooth-On, Inc. - Mold Making & Casting Materials Rubber, Plastic, Lifecasting, and More

 

[Hammer!]

i know it really wouldn't be too hard to modify it with telemetry, and this would only be for my 75mph slash, but definitely a screen with speed and temperature.

 

[Exocaged]

Losikid, when you get this perfect beast of a radio done, count me in on your pre-order list!!!