I recently decided to embark on the idea of trying out a single stick radio after several years of using the standard two stick transmitters common today. Since single stick radios are not currently sold commercially (that may change in the near future), I decided to purchase a vintage Kraft single stick '74 series transmitter and re-build it using modern circuitry and new components. One of the catalyzers in deciding to undertake this project has been the availability of a fantastic affordable computerized radio encoder made available to us by Gordon Anderson. The encoder is called the MicroStar 2000 (MS2K for short) and is a project that was started in 2000 using the design and programming of the Ace MicroPro 8000 (MP8K) as a basis. For those not familiar with the Ace MP8K, it is an 8 channel radio that was conceived, designed, built and sold in North America and offered (and still does) features that were considerably more advanced than many of the more standard commercial offerings even today. The MS2K has upped the ante with even more flexibility and features and is an all around great foundation for a custom self-built 8 channel radio control system. Gordon's wesbite is located here:
http://mstar2k.com/
In concert with the availability of the MS2K encoder, there has recently been considerable activity in the design and production of high quality three axis (aileron, elevator, rudder) single stick gimbals - notably by Andy Horka. I'm happy to say, a fellow Canadian.
Andy's work was recently published in the Canadian Section of the March 2011 issue of MAN. I am not certain whether this section might not be included in American issues of MAN. If you do not receive MAN or your issue doesn't have Andy's article in it, you can follow his blog at the following website:
http://andysrecroomrc.blogspot.com/
This thread will be a basic documenting of the rebuild of the Kraft series '74 single stick transmitter - a KPT-5CS. The two main components that will be re-used are the transmitter case and the original Heathkit/Kraft three axis gimbal. All other component switches and knobs will be new and will be laid out in the case to suit my concept of a single stick (SS) transmitter. Whether the layout proves to be effective is somewhat experimental since I have never used a SS transmitter for actual flying. The layout is also somewhat dictated by the size of the case and the need to fit certain switches and components in specific locations in the case.
The encoder is available in both 10 bit (1024) and 12 bit (4096) resolutions. Kees Talen has been the key person to assemble and offer kits of Gordon's various radio related designs (beside the encoder, he has also designed a synthesized FM RF deck as well as an accompanying receiver) and makes the process of obtaining all the assorted parts for the encoder a very simple one. Kees website is located here:
http://www.qsl.net/k5bcq/MS2K/MS2K.html
It should be mentioned that Kees assembles these kits and offers them to us at no profit. His interest is in getting more modelers involved in building and flying their own self-built radios - a noble cause I might add.
While I wait for the encoder components to arrive, I have begun the planning and layout of the various switches and parts in the radio. I will also be re-finishing the exterior of the transmitter case which will do away with the vintage and classic "golden" Kraft look of yesterday. While I would have liked to preserve the original appearance, there are a number of good reasons for wanting to refinish the case including the need to "close up" some of the existing openings which will no longer be used. The existing finish is also not in optimal state. Below are a couple of drawings of my tentative transmitter layout and finished look.
As a final comment, while I'm aware that this is a classic pattern forum, I've decided to post the build here since I like you bunch and it seems that there might be some interest in other classic pattern buffs rebuilding their vintage radios. Mark (hook57), for one, might be posting alongside with me as he also has an interest in rebuilding a Kraft or Proline transmitter and is a single stick transmitter user.
'nough said for one post!
David.