I got one of the Hobby King 2.4 GHz remote control transmitters as recommended by GregH (http://www.members.optusnet.com.au/satr/2point4GHz.htm ) to control my battery powered locos. My overall impression of the hardware is it’s OK quality, but don’t expect much in the way of customer service from Hobby King. But that’s another story.
Anyway, after following Greg’s excellent instructions (absolutely necessary, since Hobby King doesn’t provide any), I connected the ESC and direction control servo and confirmed it all worked. Then I got to wondering, what am I going to do with the other two channels (it is, after all a 4 channel unit). So I got brave, and after reading on the HK website about somebody altering a mode 1 controller to make it mode 2, which basically means changing the position of the throttle and elevator controls, I decided to try modifying my controller to “mode 3”, i.e. one with two throttle controls. The difference is the throttle control does not return to center (neutral) when you let go of it but the elevator control is spring loaded to return to center.
Turns out it was pretty easy to do. Here’s my step by step- with photos! (Hopefully, the photos will appear when and where I intended them to be.)
First, remove the 4 screws holding the back cover on the remote transmitter. Lift the cover part way off and unplug the power leads from the circuit board. Set the back cover aside.
You will see on the left joystick a wiper arm which rubs against detents in the throttle controller, holding it in place where you left it. On the right joystick, there is a cam and spring loaded follower mechanism that centers the joystick. I took this photo after I have removed the mechanism, but you can see a similar mechanism below for the “left-right” movement.
Remove the screw, spring, and cam follower from the right joystick “up-down” movement.
Fabricate a wiper arm form any convenient material you have laying about. I used a piece of brass. Take a good look at the wiper arm on the other joystick for an idea of the needed size/shape. Attach the wiper arm as shown, using the screw removed with the spring. I also put a drop of super glue under the mounting spot.
Reassemble the remote controller and voila, you now have a controller which will do basic (speed and direction) control on two separate locomotives. You will need to purchase a second receiver, esc and servo for the second loco, bind the receiver to the transmitter and you’re ready to go.
Anyway, after following Greg’s excellent instructions (absolutely necessary, since Hobby King doesn’t provide any), I connected the ESC and direction control servo and confirmed it all worked. Then I got to wondering, what am I going to do with the other two channels (it is, after all a 4 channel unit). So I got brave, and after reading on the HK website about somebody altering a mode 1 controller to make it mode 2, which basically means changing the position of the throttle and elevator controls, I decided to try modifying my controller to “mode 3”, i.e. one with two throttle controls. The difference is the throttle control does not return to center (neutral) when you let go of it but the elevator control is spring loaded to return to center.
Turns out it was pretty easy to do. Here’s my step by step- with photos! (Hopefully, the photos will appear when and where I intended them to be.)
First, remove the 4 screws holding the back cover on the remote transmitter. Lift the cover part way off and unplug the power leads from the circuit board. Set the back cover aside.
You will see on the left joystick a wiper arm which rubs against detents in the throttle controller, holding it in place where you left it. On the right joystick, there is a cam and spring loaded follower mechanism that centers the joystick. I took this photo after I have removed the mechanism, but you can see a similar mechanism below for the “left-right” movement.
Remove the screw, spring, and cam follower from the right joystick “up-down” movement.
Fabricate a wiper arm form any convenient material you have laying about. I used a piece of brass. Take a good look at the wiper arm on the other joystick for an idea of the needed size/shape. Attach the wiper arm as shown, using the screw removed with the spring. I also put a drop of super glue under the mounting spot.
Reassemble the remote controller and voila, you now have a controller which will do basic (speed and direction) control on two separate locomotives. You will need to purchase a second receiver, esc and servo for the second loco, bind the receiver to the transmitter and you’re ready to go.
