what about RF remote controls for servos an data transmissio

[Matthias Broersma]

hello everybody,
im starting to build a remote controlled catamaran with two engines (one in
each floater). the model will be in large scale, length about 3 meter. the
engines will be derived from big machinery...dont know yet what depends of
expenses...
anyway i will need a way to control remotely this big guy.
requisites are:
- i need to be able do command at least 4 servos (from laptop would be nice)
- i need a range that is not less then 300meters
- i need to send data back from the boat to a laptop (using some kind of
serial connection) for usage with gps and other sensors.

the plans for my boat are all ready and well, i have trouble thoug
understanding this electrical stuff.
i heard of RF remotecontrols...some of them with serial interface.... well i
need all the usefull info i can get.what do i need?how does it work?links
whatever!

Thanks to all
and sorry for my bad english
Matthias

 

[Rich Grise]

"Matthias Broersma" <matthias.broersma@fastwebnet.it> wrote in message
news:40bb87f8$0$41747

hello everybody,
im starting to build a remote controlled catamaran with two engines (one
in
each floater). the model will be in large scale, length about 3 meter. the
engines will be derived from big machinery...dont know yet what depends of
expenses...
anyway i will need a way to control remotely this big guy.

Look into radio controlled modeling. They make all kinds of adapters -
I actually worked with a unit that used a standard RC channel, with
a motor controller - it plugs into the servo jack, and instead
of position, the joystick controls speed. That channel would need
some kid of fail-safe, because when those RC receivers lose the
signal, the servos hold position, which means that the motor
controller holds the motor at the same speed. I made it happen
once.

And the circuitry of their servos could be adapted to any size,
or you could take their signal and roll your own.

Have Fun!
Rich

 

[Tim Auton]

"Rich Grise" <null@example.net> wrote:

"Matthias Broersma" <matthias.broersma@fastwebnet.it> wrote in message
news:40bb87f8$0$41747
hello everybody,
im starting to build a remote controlled catamaran with two engines (one
in
each floater). the model will be in large scale, length about 3 meter. the
engines will be derived from big machinery...dont know yet what depends of
expenses...
anyway i will need a way to control remotely this big guy.

Look into radio controlled modeling. They make all kinds of adapters -
I actually worked with a unit that used a standard RC channel, with
a motor controller - it plugs into the servo jack, and instead
of position, the joystick controls speed. That channel would need
some kid of fail-safe, because when those RC receivers lose the
signal, the servos hold position, which means that the motor
controller holds the motor at the same speed. I made it happen
once.

R/C modelers (the ones with the bigger planes usually) use safety
cut-outs, which will set the position (speed) to a pre-determined
point when the signal dies. Find them at R/C flying shops specializing
in large-scale models.

If you want to go for electric power, you might want to look at some
websites for fighting "robots" (BattleBots, Robot Wars etc.) - they
have plenty of experience in using standard R/C kit to control big
electric motors.

For a petrol engine it's easy - get one with a centrifugal clutch
(from a lawn mower, for example) and stick a servo on the throttle.


Tim
--
Love is a travelator.