Dual engine control

[Derek Warner]

Now I know PJ has his "patented" single servo driven electrics for independent control of two
electric paddle motors etc, but this cannot help Stuart (PS Reliant) with his twin steam puffer
engines, or David (PT Scotia) who has shown two independent electronic speed controllers

So how are you two (via different functionality) going to control the engine/s speed?

25 years ago I read an article in (Model Boats) where a marine modeller had taken a standard
off the shelf (flying type) 4 x channel R/C set & modified it into a new case by the following

right hand stick (notched) throttle potentiometer relocated & re-positioned next to the left hand
stick pot. (to which a notching arc had been added) so as to provide independent port & stdb
notched engine control

right hand stick rudder control pot. repositioned from the X-Y axis to that of pot. shaft up to which
a ship like wheel was added (but maintained spring return to zero rudder angle), and I am sure
that the aileron pot. & trim switches were reused for additional features etc

All & all a very competent job accomplished (but I think he was an electronic nut), meaning I
do not have any where near his knowledge or experience

Have you looked on the web? - only one similar version that I could find @ about 800 Pounds
STG and without servos !!!!!!!!!!!! ? - that's a lot of aussie $ - regards Derek
900

[Stuart Badger]

Hi Derek

You ask about engine speed control. Old Trafford (Reliant) is fitted with a
6 channel radio, 4 channels of which are being used. The engines need one
servo each for reverse/speed control. One engine is operated from the left
hand throttle stick which has a ratchet. The other is operated from the
right hand (elevator) spring return stick. Most modern radios have the
ratchet fitted to both sticks giving the choice of spring return or
graduated operation. I have ordered an extra ratchet for my radio so that
BOTH vertical axis sticks will operate in 'throttle' mode.

One channel of the radio operates the rudder (on the right hand stick) and
the fourth operates the steam whistle. The electronic gas control valve is
independant of the radio.

Incidentally 'Old Trafford' is now fully detailed and complete with only the
final ballast test to do before I sail her. If the group wishes I will
upload photos of the finished model and radio/engine installation - but I
realise there are a lot of photos already in the folder despite some
'thinning'.

I'm still debating what to do next, I have drawing for the 'Volcano' PS
Zampa and a Liverpool 1865 tug - what I need is 6 arms and 3 workshops!!!!!
I also have drawings for a beautiful ocean-going tug called the 'Euro' built
at the turn of the century by Gourlay bros (Dundee)which operated at Port
Adelaide in Derek's part of the world but (SHOCK HORROR!!!!) it's screw
driven!!!

Stuart