Radio Control & Motor Control Methods

I use  "Stick Type" 2.4GHz transmitters receivers for my radio control, they have been modified to allow me to drive two (2) locos per transmitter (see link below)

Mode 3 Transmitter

I have repackaged one in a new box and use it to control four (4) locos from the one transmitter. (see link below)

Reconfiguring repackaging 24GHz transmitter

I use four (4) different motor controller methods, all are stick centre off with the exception of the "HobbyKing" one;


(1)  Simple Speed and Direction control, using HobbyKing components (Receiver, ESC and servo), a comprehensive description is found here;

This method was developed by the owner of the Sandstone & Termite Railway who allowed me to publish this here.
 
(2) Pololu Simple Motor Controllers (SMC).

They are; 
  • a basic controller 
  • very versatile, 
  • economical to buy 
  • and come in a range of current and voltage specifications and;
  • I feel would suit a new modeller who is trying Radio Control for the first time.
According to the manufacturer the original SMCs with green PCBs have been superseded by newer G2 with blue PCBs SMCs and can generally be used as drop-in replacements for the originals. They recommend the originals not be used for new designs.  
I have not used the newer SMCs yet, but if they are a direct replacement for the originals I cannot see any issues with using them.

I use the 18V7 for most of my locos but for my 3 Truck Shay I used the 18V15 because it has 3 motors and required a higher current driver.

18V7

The controller can easily be connected to a 2.4GHz Radio Control receiver.


Controller and Receiver fitted to my Cane Tank Engine
 
 
(3)  Mitronics Viper Loco 10 Motor Controller
 
 


The MicroViper Loco is a miniature Brushed speed controller designed specifically for use in RC trains 

According to the manufacturer; it has a very small footprint measuring just under 26.0mm square, making it seem even smaller is the fact that is only an incredible 9.0mm high, it has been designed to run up to a maximum of 10Amps, making it a perfect for use in most scale model trains.

 Manufacturer Technical Specification
Product Type Speed Controller Only
Motor Type Brushed
Current Limit 10 Amps
Direction Forwards/Reverse
Battery Type NiCAD/NiMH/Lead Acid
Lipo safe No
Operating Voltage Maximum 14.8 Volts
Set up Digital 1-touch
BEC 1.2A
Motor Short circuit protection Yes
Thermal overload protection Yes
Failsafe Built in
Dimensions L26.0 x W26.0mm x H9.0mm
Weight 23.0g
 
 
 (4) a Syren 10 made by Dimension Engineering.
 
 
Syren 10


 

Manufacturer Product Specs

Model: SyRen 10
Specifications: Up to 18V in: 10A continuous, 15A peak
24V in: 8A continuous, 10A continuous with additional heatsinking/airflow, 15A peak
Synchronous regenerative drive
Ultra-sonic switching frequency
Thermal and overcurrent protection
Lithium protection mode

Input modes: Analog, R/C, simplified serial, packetized serial
Size: 1.4” x 2.25” x .55”
35 x 57 x 14 mm
Applications: Combat robots up to 30lb
Normal and hobby robots up to 100lb
Differential drive robots
Electric vehicles, ride-on toys, scooters
Easy speed/direction control for pumps, conveyors, automation and any application that uses a brushed DC motor

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