"Tank Steering" paddles

[TailUK]

I'm planning on using 2 tank gear boxes on my paddle tug and although it may be obvious to you guys I'm at a bit of a loss to figure out the control system.  15Bert is using the same gearboxes on his Lulonga and has got 2 ESCs which I assume will be run with a 'Y' lead (butterfly lead?)  I came across this and wondered if that could be utilised.
If it could do the job will it run with a 2.4Ghz receiver?

[Eddy Matthews]

The unit you posted the photo of is basically a control unit that mixes rudder and throttle input....  It has two leads that go to the receiver, one goes to the throttle channel, and the other goes to the rudder channel.

Pushing the throttle stick forwards will give you forward motion, pulling it back will go into reverse. Then if you push the rudder stick to the right, the right hand motor will slow as you add more and more rudder, until it eventually stops and then goes into reverse, allowing you to turn on the spot if you wish.

I assume that the unit has built in speed controllers? If not you will require two, one for each motor...

I'm not sure that my explanation really helps you, so ask again if anything is unclear and I'll try to elaborate!

Regards
Eddy

[Eddy Matthews]

I forgot to mention that not all mixers will work with 2.4Ghz radios, though they do work fine with 40Mhz setups. It's just a case of try it and see.....

Regards
Eddy

[TailUK]

Eddy
        Thanks for your thoughts.  As the cost is less than a good quality ESC I may try it.  It would solve one of my  problems, the other being paddle wheels.  Many thanks

[grumpysumpy]

hi PD's

just been down this track with a new model of a drogher. bought a throttle/rudder mixer which was ok but had a lot more fun with it when i revisitted the 2 stick throttle control. fitting a the centre return mechanism on both throttle sticks made control ideal.

regards

gordon
grumpysumpy from downunder