Large Scale Central

New Controller (Transmitter) for my Live Steamers

Electronics Live Steam
#1

[This topic should perhaps be in the Power or Electronics forums - maybe I’ll but a note in there.]

One of the things I got for Xmas was a Tx20 kit from David Theunissen of Deltang (www.deltang.co.uk.) I had read about them when Tony Walsham started working with David on some small TX, and I figured I would give one a try. I had David replace his ‘momentary’ direction switch with an on-off-on switch figuring my live steamers need to be pushed into the right gear.

A little box of goodies turned up, and I spent a pleasant couple of hours assembling it. I have a small soldering iron and a magnifying glass - and a special soldering tweezer to hold things still (also a Xmas gift, via Micromark.)

Anyway, here it is sitting next to my C-16 tender that had to be opened to re-bind the RX.

Here’s the Tx20 next to my old DX5e. Some difference!

The buttons on top include a pair of momentary switches (trigger the bell, whistle, etc.) There is a red on/off with an LED in it, plus a Bind/ch 5 button. I’m only using the direction switch and throttle potentiometer mounted on the front, plus the on/off.

This is a small view of the packed internals. In the middle is the Tx2 board with 5 channels connected to the box’s switches.

It is working fine, although the Throw profile is set for 100% on ch 1 and 150% on the rest - I’d like 150% on all as I have a new 180 degree servo to drive my throttle on ch 1. I have instructions on changing to Throw Option 2 so wish me luck.

I wouldn’t actually recommend this to anyone. Since I bought mine, Tony at RCS has done a lot of work with David to optimize the unit for a live steamer, and he has added throw adjustment and other useful features. Buy one from him instead.

#2

Looks like a nice compact controller. I bought the RCS from Tony. I still have to install it. Its nice getting away from the bulky plane controllers.

#3

These are definitely a big step in the right direction. I’m still using the DX-5e for my steamer and a bunch of battery r/c sparkies. I do like the stick throttle, but could definitely enjoy a smaller box and buttons for the sound functions. I’d like to get a chance to try one before investing.

Pete; I notice you are using the orange receivers. I just bough a few recently. Have you found them reliable?

#4

Hi Peter.
I opted for a slightly larger case with a separate 9 volt battery compartment so that there was no need to take the back off and expose the innards.
These Deltang Tx2 based TX’s do not have servo reversing or end point trim. To overcome that, first of all I offered low cost servo reversers. More recently DT has introduced a new version of his regular 2.4 Ghz RX that has an auto bind feature. Servo reversing and end point adjustment on three channels plus front and rear directional lighting outputs as optional extras.

I currently offer a Live steam TX-2s with 2 x knobs, a whistle servo (Ch# 5) and two push buttons for sound systems.

That is going to be replaced by a TX-7 with four sound trigger buttons. Still good for live steam.

Soon I will also offer a simplified TX-3 with 2 x knobs and the Ch # 5 button for a steam whistle.
Sales have been quite brisk to date.

#5

Jon Radder said:

. . .

Pete; I notice you are using the orange receivers. I just bough a few recently. Have you found them reliable?

Jon - I’ve been using that one for years in my C-19. Hasn’t given me any trouble and for $12 (?) it was a steal. I also have a $3 rcvr too - I don’t think I tried that yet, but it works - there are pics on an old MLS thread somewhere.

#6

Tony Walsham said:

Hi Peter.
I opted for a slightly larger case with a separate 9 volt battery compartment so that there was no need to take the back off and expose the innards.
These Deltang Tx2 based TX’s do not have servo reversing or end point trim. To overcome that, first of all I offered low cost servo reversers. More recently DT has introduced a new version of his regular 2.4 Ghz RX that has an auto bind feature. Servo reversing and end point adjustment on three channels plus front and rear directional lighting outputs as optional extras.

As I said - you are better off getting one from Tony, who has spent some time making them work for a live steamer.

#7

Thanks Pete. Good to know. I took a chance on them based on price - so far so good.

#8

Jon Radder said:

Thanks Pete. Good to know. I took a chance on them based on price - so far so good.

Jon,

You didn’t ask about the servo :wink:

It’s a $4 Turnigy with a 180 degree movement. I got it to try on the throttle of the C-19.

#9

I love my Shay, but it will probably be the only live steamer I ever own. It’s already set up for R/C so I don’t have much need for servos.

I do still buy receivers for sparky conversions. I had been buying the cheap (probably knock off) Spektrum receivers, but that supply dried up. Searching for them led me to the orange receivers.

I am getting the itch to try one of the Deltang based transmitters. Might try rolling my own from available components.