[BrianB]

I remember reading a Chaser review in Aeromodeller many moons (1971-ish?) back Shaun. The Chaser was intended for any motor from .049 up to about 1.5cc. I fitted a DC Spitfire in mine. They weren't up to much because the ABS was far too thinly moulded to last. What initially attracted me to it was it's Cessna-ish shape.

Not the best model I've ever flown I'm afraid......

[Pup Cam]

Shaun and Phil - will you please stop coming up with new projects I want to have a go at       I haven't built the Tricopter yet!

Now if I could lay my hands on a nice RCS Tx I've got a lovely little Carl Goldberg Skylane 42 sitting in the loft awaiting restoration.   

Originally equiped with an RCS RX, Elmic Compact Esacapement and a Golden Bee it once spent a week up a tree near the Long Mile (then) flying field of the Hemel Hempstead MFC although it might still have been called the Apsley MFC at the time I can't remember now.  Another thing I can't remember is how it got up the tree .......

Alan

[2.4G Shaun]

Hi Alan,

When you get a TX why not 2.4 gigerise it ?? .. Giant Cod are doing the Corona hack module and 8 channel full range Rx for £20.00.. We've been using them for many months now.. I've had at least 100 trouble-free   flights with my indoor models on it.

Are you going to the AGM by the way ?

Cheers,

Shaun

[eflight-ray]

Hi Alan,

When you get a TX why not 2.4 gigerise it ?? .. Giant Cod are doing the Corona hack module and 8 channel full range Rx for £20.00.. We've been using them for many months now.. I've had at least 100 trouble-free   flights with my indoor models on it.

Are you going to the AGM by the way ?

Cheers,

Shaun

I agree with you there.

I converted my old JR 347 to Corona 2.4Ghz, works a treat, and it's nice to have a Tx with knobs on again, not just switches.

[2.4G Shaun]

Hi Ray / Alan ,   

 I meant to say   2.4 gig , single channel it.. it's the future.

[Phil_G]

The Macgregor Codamac and the Staveley S/C sets had a two-way switch instead of the button, and an inbuilt 'coder' which simply timed the pulses for left & right (well, only left really, right was just a push-on contact). This was to get around the requirement for fairly accurate keying of the old compound escapements.
Instead of 'press, release, press&hold' for left, you would just push the lever left. For right, you'd push it right.
For kick-up elevator, you had to press left then immediately right.  The originals also included a quick-blip timer for motor control, again avoiding the need for accurate 'dabbing' of the transmitter button.

I've just added a similar coder to the 2.4g S/C armoury, this one does right, left, quick-blip motor control as you'd expect, but also does the third-blip kick-up elevator properly without any of this left-right malarky, although that does work too for the purists.
So on the transmitter you'd have a left-right spring-centred toggle switch for rudder, a pull-back toggle for ele and a button for cyclic motor control.  As you'd expect, the servo movements mimic the old cascaded escapements exactly.

It simply plugs inline between the front panel and the S/C encoder, so can be added or removed at will.

I've a couple of veroboard prototypes pending making up a proper pcb, they work a treat, although I wont be using one as I didnt think it was cricket back then and I like the simplicity of 'the button' 

I'll post a video when I can, the house is upside down at the moment... decorating, carpets, etc...   

Cheers
Phil

[2.4G Shaun]

Hi Phil,
Here's some better pics of the Gem set...

If I ( we) can't get it going , it will be a prime candidate for the coder add on... I don't have a problem cheating  as I had a MacGregor coder Tx back in the day

Even though it's a propo set, I could easily mod the stick to switch operation. The legendary (lack of),  quality of Mainstream Gem  sets is all to painfully evident as expected on this one.

PCB's not tinned or lacquered, soldering looking like it was done by a  blind plumber, no strain relief on any wiring  etc, etc ad infinitum 

Shaun

[Pup Cam]

When you get a TX why not 2.4 gigerise it ?? ..

That's what I meant and it certainly sounds like a plan.   So much to do, so little time .......

Are you going to the AGM by the way ?

Not certain if I can make it - please pass on my apologies if I don't.

PM sent

Alan

[2.4G Shaun]

Hi Alan,

PM returned.

Pics of the OXO Tin Tx  and the other  27MHz TX,  I made a few months ago with the Aristocraft Mechanical Coder..  

This was built to be used with the Bonner set up I've just finished. If the Coder wasn't so rare I would  love to use it for a 2.4 giggerty project, but  at 50 years old it's getting a bit fragile.

I recently bought the OS Reed 12 set pictured below ( the picture doesn't do it justice as it's almost mint) to convert to 2.4g , and  I don't think I can bring myself to rip the guts out of such a magnificent example of Vintage Transmitter Art .

 I need to find another Reed set  to mod  .

Shaun                                                      

[pchristy]

Shaun,

A couple of years back, someone sent me a 6 channel reed Tx to try and repair. It was Spanish in origin, and looked like a rip-off of an F&M set.

Unfortunately, the huge toroidal inductor which formed part of the oscillator circuit had been glued to the board. The tranny had been dropped with the inevitable result that all the windings had been ripped to shreds! Definitely not repairable, and would have been an ideal candidate!

However, I have a mate with a large collection of old gear (Hill Mk2 receiver, anyone?). I'll be seeing him this week-end (we're going up to the BMFA AGM together) so I'll ask if he has anything he's prepared to donate.

Are you or Phil going to be there? We won't be staying for the dinner, but will hang around for an hour or so after the AGM. The plan is to be there late morning, so there'll be plenty of time for a chat if you are present.

[2.4G Shaun]

Hi Pete,

PM Sent

Cheers,

Shaun

[Phil_G]

The coder is done, its a small board that plugs inline between the transmitter front panel and the S/C encoder.
You unplug the front panel lead, plug it into the coder input, then connect the coder output to where the panel plug came from using a short servo extension lead. Then the new 'coder' toggle switches are connected up for rudder & elevator to the headers labelled G,R,L,U,T,G  (ground, right, left, up, throttle, ground).
The old 'tone' button becomes the throttle sequencer, and also does the configuration as before by a software pass-though to the encoder. Easy peasy      Easily reversible too.   

This one's for Shaun - like I said I don't think its 'cricket'          

Cheers
Phil

[Phil_G]

[pchristy]

Sean / Phil,

Just got back from the BMFA AGM. Big Andy was there, whom I believe you both know, so I've passed the reed Tx over to him. He says he'll be seeing you both next week, and will pass it on then!

Enjoy!

 

[2.4G Shaun]

Thanks again  Pete...

Do you still have any details for the Mixer you designed, or was it published in one of the mags?

I've started building projects from the past to add to the collection.... rember from the good old days when CE stood for  Capital Equipment, Church of England etc etc  and had nothing to do with interfering Europe  

 I'd like to make one of the mixers again as I can't find my original one.

Cheers,

Shaun

[pchristy]

The original (Mk1 version) was published in the American RC Modeller magazine, around 1975 IIRC. I've got a copy of it somewhere, and will be happy to scan it for you.

There followed a Mk2 version where the original transistor half-shots were replaced by an IC which used linear ramps for - er - improved linearity. The final (Mk3) version was eletrically the same as the Mk2, but on a single board instead of two. I'm not sure if any Mk2s were actually sold - it was essentially a development version.

PM me you e-mail address, and I'll try and scan it in tomorrow (I'm at work at the moment).

[pchristy]

Would you believe it! Someone has PDF'd the complete manual for the Mk3, including dircuit diagram and PCB!

http://www.e-radiocontrol.com.ar/downloads/vintage/servosyESC/Christy%20Mixer%20Users%20Manual.pdf

I'll still try and find the original article for you. It gives a very full description of the operation.

[2.4G Shaun]

Many thanks  for your help Pete.....

 An even longer shot...... you don't happen to have any PCB's  lying around do you ??

 I spoke to Andy this afternoon and I'm picking the Reed gear up on Friday.

A little project there  to try to get it working again.

I've just found an article  in an early RCM&E for a voltage multiplier to get the high voltages for the valves as 67.5v  Ever Ready batteries are a bit thin on the ground today 

 There again, I could plug a load of PP3's together, like a fellow old radio gear enthusiast acquaintance of mine did.. Bit of an expensive solution though.

Cheers,

Shaun

[pchristy]

Hi Shaun,

(and sorry about mis-spelling your name in an earlier post!) I'll have a look for PCBs, but don't hold your breath! I have a few odd PCBs lying around, but I don't think any of them are for the mixer.

Many years ago, when I was still flying the Digimite, I had my one and only fail-safe event with it! One of the other club members was a test pilot for FlightLink. He had one of the early sets (valve Tx!), and powered it with a multivibrator step-up powered by a 12v lead-acid battery which he carried in a satchel around his shoulder!

As he got between me and my model, it slid gracefully into failsafe, recovering as it emerged on the other side!

I landed quickly, and vowed NOT to fly at the same time as FlightLinks in future.....!!

[2.4G Shaun]

Pete, don't bother about the spelling

Looking for bits for the mixer, I've just had a trip down CMOS memory lane..  I've just dug out some   4093, 4001 4066 4016, quad op amps 555 timers from projects past.  I used to love playing CMOS Russian roulette.... had you zapped the chip    or not  ... Today no matter how hard I try I can't kill a PIC  

Cheers,

Shaun

[Phil_G]

The optional "Coder":


<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UAyNnlMo3AY" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UAyNnlMo3AY</a>

Phil

[orraman]

Greetings,
Only just found this forum via videos of 2.4g single channel on the web when I was dragging down old single channel gear from the loft.
I have a tatty old Mini Concord that I would like to get going on manual pulse single channel with electric power.

The intention was to fit modern 3 channel and a temporary elevator to get the balance and trim sorted before reverting to single channel.

Shaun,
If you are available I am hoping that you could let me know the info on the motor you used and your flying weight etc.

Dave

[2.4G Shaun]

Hi Dave,

It would be quicker if you could give  me a call so I could explain it all.
I'll PM you my tel no now...

Cheers,

Shaun

[orraman]

    Shaun,
Thank you for the information on the Minimite and Minimo single channel servos. I only have relayless, so I will have to look out for a relay receiver now as the suggested switchers might be the rarest items of that era. Make a fine demo 'tho.

O'rrabest
Dave

[Phil_G]

Single-Channel Compound Actuator Emulator for period S/C sets & modern micro-servos:

Getting away from the 2.4g S/C project for a moment, there are those of us who have (and who use) genuine old single channel sets. The escapements and single-channel actuators for these are getting harder to find, especially any in good condition.

With this in mind I've done a tiny module that exactly emulates the operation of a compound escapement setup such as the Elmic Compact and Corporal for rudder, kick-up elevator and quick-blip throttle. If you're more familiar with the old motorised actuators such as the Minimite and Minimo, this module works just the same way.
There's quite a weight saving too over the old actuators when using 5 gramme servos, and with much greater reliability (and no rubber to run down!).

Please note, this is not related to the 2.4ghz S/C project, this is demonstrated on a standard unmodified Macgregor 27mhz S/C outfit, although the software shares the same emulation engine I developed for the 2.4g encoder.  The S/C radio link remains as it was back then, 27mhz A.M. super-regen or superhet, but with modern micro-servos replacing the old escapements inside the model.

Cheers
Phil        

<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dMemPuQUhfk" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dMemPuQUhfk</a>

[enginetorque]

Hell's Bells and buckets of crap - that blue box was my first R/C set - had a range of about 30 feet (on a good day......)!

 

[2.4G Shaun]

Hell's Bells and buckets of crap - that blue box was my first R/C set - had a range of about 30 feet (on a good day......)!

 

Hi E.T.

 I'm surprised by this, I had hundreds of trouble free flights back in the day with my same set as did other single chanellers in our club using the same kit. One of the problems with  early radios was, many were very susceptable to electrical noise, generated by metal to metal contact, i.e, the torque rod exiting via a brass tube, the metal connection between the escapement and the torquerod, the engine push rod onto the metal throttle arm. Also vibration could upset the relay in the Rx if present. All these were range killers. The installation was critical in ensuring reliable operation.a point rarely stressed in the instructions enough. Also as the Tx battery voltage dropped off so would the range.....

Shaun 

[orraman]

Looking out some older radios I got the urge to see if my 2 channel Launch Link would still work.
Made by Flight Link it has the same black enamel finish but the case is not nearly as stylish.
I had it in a planked, frameless Marblehead converted from brane steering using a retract servo as a sail winch.

Two levers in chrome escutcheons with a rotary knob for rudder trim and built in Deacs.
Fortunately the Deacs had been removed decades ago but unfortunately I can no longer remember how many cells it used.

Does anyone know where I can find out?
My single stick Flight Link cuddle boxes of that era used 12 cells but they would be too long to fit under the securing straps.

Dave

[2.4G Shaun]

Looking out some older radios I got the urge to see if my 2 channel Launch Link would still work.
Made by Flight Link it has the same black enamel finish but the case is not nearly as stylish.
I had it in a planked, frameless Marblehead converted from brane steering using a retract servo as a sail winch.

Two levers in chrome escutcheons with a rotary knob for rudder trim and built in Deacs.
Fortunately the Deacs had been removed decades ago but unfortunately I can no longer remember how many cells it used.

Does anyone know where I can find out?
My single stick Flight Link cuddle boxes of that era used 12 cells but they would be too long to fit under the securing straps.

Dave

 Hi Dave,

I'll have a look thru some of my old RCM&E's after Xmas and see if I can find a test report on the set.. they usually mentioned what power requirements the sets needed. What year approx was the set bought.

 The motor I used on the mini concord was as follows.

PJS 3D 550    with a 25A ESC

http://www.nesail.com/detail.php?productID=2613

This motor is no longer in production but this one below from Giant Cod would do the job.

http://www.giantcod.co.uk/2830b-1050kv-brushless-outrunner-p-403792.html

You could try 2 or 3S set ups to suit your flying style. I tend to go for lower volts with a bigger prop to keep plenty of draft over the control surfaces at low speed on single channel type models.

Cheers,

Shaun

[AlexC]

Tons of old radio gear on Ebay at the moment.

http://shop.ebay.co.uk/gardeningkathi/m.html

[2.4G Shaun]

Thanks

Shaun

[RFJ]

Orraman - The Launch Link used a 12v Tx supply ( 2off VT1 6v dry batteries).  The review was in February 1967 Radio Modeller. If you want a scanned copy PM me your e-mail address.

[Phil_G]

Well, I'm enjoying Single-Channel bang-bang flying so much that for the last three sessions all my other gear has stayed at home! 
On Saturday I was down the park with the tatty old single channel Sharkface and a camera, unfortunately there was no-one else there so tried to take some video with the tx in one hand and the camera in the other...  Now I'm no photographer and of course most of the footage was of unusable random bits of sky, or of a dot flitting about in the far distance...  but there was just enough to make up a couple of minutes of video. Excuse the crappy model, its soon to be replaced, maybe a 'Weekender' or a 'Halftone'.

<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FazJ1JnDjpY" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FazJ1JnDjpY</a>

Developments - the Reeds Emulation Encoder is at an advanced stage and Shaun is getting all excited, his 2.4g RCS Comp 10 is all Corona'd up and itching to go fly...
Currently the Reeds encoder has 12 emulated channels, proper simultaneous servo-slow on all functions to emulate the old bonner reed servos, servo reversing throughout, trim on all channels (cheating, should only be on elevator, but why not?), a second aileron output (to avoid a Y lead), is fully simultaneous (of course it should be limited to bi-simul, but again... why not?), it has 2 range-test modes just like the S/C encoder, etc... and trims, reversing, config etc are all saved to flash memory.
Its written entirely in assembler and theres still some code development and bells & whistles to add, but it wont be long now...
Although its not finished it is in a flyable state, and all being well mine will soon be flight tested in my Cub, whilst Shaun is talking about his Graupner Caravelle and of building an Ed Kazmirski 'Taurus' (a proper reed model).
Isn't it exciting?   
Cheers
Phil

[2.4G Shaun]

You know, I actually felt like a bit of a vandal, ripping the heart out of the RCS set, but to be fair, it was in extremely poor condition.... The dreaded black wire corrosion syndrome had gone so far it was creeping back around the other way to the red wires 

 I've given it a new life.. resprayed the case with Hammerite, made a new front panel from  Clear Laser Vinyl ( and a few hrs of messing with Photoshop) and cleaned and serviced the switches. If anybody knows where similar ones can be bought today, please let me know. 
 I've also modded the RF meter to read  Battery Voltage.

Also can anybody remember what the model number was of the Ever Ready 22.5v battery used in soft valve rx's.. Now I know this is starting to sound geekily sad, but I've been making replica 67.5v and 1.5v batteries to go in our museum piece sets and I would like to make a replica 22.5v one on for a demo rig. Better still has anybody got a scan of the battery in question or even better still an old one lying around 

Cheers,

Shaun.

[Phil_G]

The "Guided Mite" plan shows a 22 1/2 volt "B" battery if that helps...
 guidedmite.pdf (154.59 kB - downloaded 34 times.)
Cheers
Phil

[Phil_G]

Found it, its a B122 and Google shows lots of em still in use in camera flashguns etc

Phil

[2.4G Shaun]

Got my balsa bashing mojo back. Been doing too much foam and ARTF lateley
I needed another single channel model to test fly my  recently converted, 2.4 gigerated  Macgregor coder set.

Built this today  About 3 hrs work so far including digging out the balsa box.....
Its called a Weekender and was from a very early Radio Modeller plan by Dave Hughes. I was initially going to make it from Depron , but I really dont think it would have been much quicker to build .

 My original one, built 38 years ago, took a lot longer to make, but I only used PVA back then and  epoxy was too expensive. Long Live Cyno 
The original Model weighed in at 16ozs, this one weighs 7.3ozs at the moment as shown (including the 130 w motor). 
The esc, 2 servos, Rx , prop and Battery weighs in at another 3.8ozs, so unless solarfilm has got very heavy lately it will be well under the original figure.
It will also have 50% more power than the original one as well.
It will be ready to fly tomorrow, but I may have a rethink regarding the radio

Pup Cam came across a Mattel pulse proportional set and  the owner wanted to donate it to the museum collection. I've sorted it and it works a treat.

Phil has been monitoring the 27MHz band recently and its quiet, so I'm tempted to have a go with my Mattel set

Cheers and remember, backwards is the new forwards 
 
Shaun

[2.4G Shaun]

Finished the Weekender... About 6hrs total time to finish.
 
It will need a hatch cutting into the front to get the battery forward to sort the CofG.

I was going to put a torque rod / birdcage arrangement for the elevator as well, but it was tight on space at the rear of this little model.

Really enjoyed building from a plan again..

The Das Ghosten Flugboat is next  ( another RM plan for Galloping Ghost)

Flying vids to follow asap.

 I'll be using the 2.4G converted Codamac with the  additional coder board, I nagged Phil to design.

Shaun

[Animal]

Any of you guys ever heard of an X Craft? Or still have the plans for one?

A proper single channel model! Aileron only! It had a proper bang bang escapement, one press right one press left. Was the first single channel model that I ever flew more than once, before it either flew off into the distance or crashed!

Love what you are doing, such a pity you never appreciate what you had, till it’s gone

A.T.B
                  mickt..

[GeeW]

Animal
I think I still have that plan at my parents. If no one else can help then next time I am over there I'll dig it out. Probably be a week or two though.