RCS radio control

[nicebutdim]

Hi all, just asking for a little advice (again). I've just obtained a new toy that has an RCS rc system fitted. I believe it is the TX-4 version of this http://www.brandbright.co.uk/remotecontrols.htm . Does anyone have any information regarding the max operating voltage and such? Is there anywhere I can download a manual for the system?
Many thanks, Tim

 

[nicebutdim]

Great, thanks for that. I had briefly seen that site a couple of days ago but then couldn't find it again for some reason. Your link has led me to most of the information I need.
Thanks again, Tim

 

[Tony Walsham]

Hi Tim.
I no longer make any of the old Elsema based R/C systems which is what the TX-4 hand piece is.
I do have the old instructions still available but can't get the old RCS website to work properly. I need to get into it to relink the pdf's to the pages. That is going to take some weeks.
In the meantime, if you can let me know what the ESC model is in the loco you bought, I can E mail you a pdf file that will help you out.
Or I can E mail you a Word file.
In general you can use up to about 20 volts with most of the older RCS ESC's.

 

[nicebutdim]

Many thanks Tony. As soon as it arrives I will let you know. All I have at the moment is pictures, I'm not sure what info you can pull from them: http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=220744794668&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT
Scrolling down gives some good pics on there.
Tim

 

[TerrySoham]

As Tony can testify (he has repaired my broken ones, FOC) I have used his older controllers extensively over many years. If I can help, let me know.

 

[Tony Walsham]

That is a very old model.
I think it used the MT8v6.2 operating program.
I can poke around in my files but I doubt I will have the wiring diagram readily available.
Even so, the text file on how to operate it will be somewhere inside these gubbins. I will get back to you asap.

 

[nicebutdim]

That's great, thanks to both of you above. SWMBO wants the mickey mouse handcar, with the agreement that I convert it back to track power and have the rc gear out or it. Good agreement to me

 

[Tony Walsham]

Good news and bad news Tim.
I have a pdf made of the written instructions and a JPG pic of how to use the TX-8 handpiece.
What I cannot find is a wiring diagram.
What I can say is the battery power goes into the main pcb. The ouput to the motors is from the small pcb via a grey and white cable.
Max voltage in is 24. Min voltage in is 14.4. 12 v is very marginal.
If you can drop me an E mail I will reply with what I have attached.

 

[nicebutdim]

That is great Tony, I cannot thank you enough! The wiring diagram shouldn't be required too much anyway as it is assembled (as far as I know) so will just takes pics and make notes before removing. At least there is alot of voltage capacity should I wish to up it at all.
P.s. have emailed you through your website

 

[nicebutdim]

Sorry to pick your brains again Tony, is there any way to increase the range with this system? I have the ariel connected to a rail via metal wheels, but the range is about 6-12 inches at max, and when the transmitter is held close to the rails the train travels about 6ft before I can no longer control it. I'm recharging my 9v now to ensure the tx battery isn't flat. Other than that it's an excellent system, I love how smooth the control is!

 

[Tony Walsham]

The short answer is maybe and is part of the reason why I no longer make the equipment.
Connecting the rail to the antenna is an idea that may or may not work.
It is probably a better idea to have proper motor "noise" suppression which will increase the range. Are there any RF chokes in series with the motor leads?. Capacitors across the motor terminals may help as well.
I found that using an AZARR tuned 27 MHz antenna installed as vertically as possible combined with the suppression was the best way of achieving good range.
2.4 Ghz R/C has very good range without the need for motor noise suppression.

 

[nicebutdim]

I'll give that a try then. I don't think there is any suppression on the motor at all, will be off to Maplins later to get a couple of caps. I'm really happy with it as it is, especially on my non existant budget. I guess these systems can't be converted to other radio systems?

 

[Tony Walsham]

The caps will likely not be enough.
I had the most success with 3 amp 22 µh RF chokes. They may be hard to find, but anything around that value will help.

 

[Neil Robinson]

For Tony's last suggestion, in the UK try
http://uk.farnell.com/bourns-jw-miller/6000-220k-rc/rf-choke-22uh-2-4a-10-9-2mhz/dp/1103598 < Link To http://uk.farnell.com/bou...a-10-9-2mhz/dp/1103598
http://uk.farnell.com/panasonic/elc10d220e/choke-22uh-3-2a-0r04/dp/1749060 < Link To http://uk.farnell.com/pan...h-3-2a-0r04/dp/1749060
or
http://uk.farnell.com/wuerth-elektronik/744772220/line-choke-22uh-2-3a/dp/1635798 < Link To http://uk.farnell.com/wue...e-22uh-2-3a/dp/1635798

 

[nicebutdim]

Thanks, some good info there. I've actually cheated a little and rc'd the rc! I've put the transmitter in with the receiver, made a servo controlled switch that operates the buttons on the rcs transmitter and hey presto! Push the stick forward to accelerate and release to coast, then pull stick back to brake and then reverse, great fun.

 

[Tony Walsham]

I didn't know Neil had a brother Heath!!!
Very creative, but it would be a lot simpler to just add an RCS ESC designed to work with 2.4 GHz stick radios.
The way the output works is basically the same nice smooth speed control.

 

[Neil Robinson]

I didn't know Neil had a brother Heath!!!
Very creative, but it would be a lot simpler to just add an RCS ESC designed to work with 2.4 GHz stick radios.
The way the output works is basically the same nice smooth speed control.

I recall building a "Heathkit" tuner amplifier in the 1970s.
No prizes for guessing the name of the resulting product!

 

[scouse2003]

Hi
I have a couple of the same transmitters, esc and battery chargers. I have copies of all the wiring diagrams if you need them

Rob

 

[nicebutdim]

Hi Rob,
Thanks for the offer there, I managed to get a really good idea of the wiring and got it working quickly, so made up a diagram myself. Thanks for the offer though, at least I know I have some freinds to get advice from if I get stuck.
Tim

 

[TerrySoham]

I have four of these. They all suffer more or less from limited range. This can be improved by using the track as an aerial but you will need to remove the power connections from the skate first! My suggestion is then to use only one ex-power skate which you connect to the blue aerial lead on the receiver. You will find that if you locate the transmitter close to the track, the range can be improved somewhat.

I have recently purchased one of RCSs new ESC working at 2.4 GHz and the range is now very good.