I have a strange problem here.... I have a uboat with 2 engines, I need to be able to control them in unison or independantly ( i.e. one in full forward and one in full reverse or any mixture in between)

I am assuming that I need 2 channels and 2 speed controllers, butI don't see any transmitters set up for dual engine control ( Seems to me like I need 3 joysticks!)

Has anyone done this before?
Any suggestions?
Help!

-sean

Sean,

The transmitter/Receiver does not need to be set up for dual engine control though everything does depend on your choice of controller/transmitter. If you buy a 2 or 3 channel "trigger" type controller like those seen in use for surface boats or cars then you're in trouble and you have to be extremely coordinated to operate all of your channels. Especially for a sub. If you buy a 4 or 6 channel stick controller, things start to look up. Most stick controllers are set up to have a rachet style throttle control on channel 2 and the other 3 stick channels are spring return to center. This can be changed and you can set any of the other channels for rachet control(I would recommend the other vertical stick). Once you've selected which channel you wish to change, plug the other ESC into that slot on the receiver and you have dual throttle control.

simple no?

Dan

that would leave rudder and dive planes on separate sticks.... that would take some real effort to get used to...

I was thinking along the lines of a couple of "slider" controls (like you would see on a mixing board) and wired into channels 1 + 2 ....

after all are the stick gimbales not just connected to a couple of potentiometers?

Yeah, the gimbals are just a couple of slider pots. I don't see why you couldn't make a few mods to your controller and replace the channel 1/2 stick with a couple of sliders. maybe even reposition the existing pots in the controller and just replace the stick control with slide. The nice thing about hobbies is you can be your own designer and modify things to your need. It may not always look pretty but if it works, who is to say you're wrong?????

I say have at it Sean!! at least you have a better idea now!

Dan

Look for the Ace Nautical Commander. It has a dual stick setup for twin motors. The scale ship people use this system a lot. www.acehobby.com

ACE has had a spotty record over the last couple of years, and in my searches, I have been unable to find anyone that has them in stock.

A lot of people have been opting for the Robbe(futaba) F-14.
It is currently available through http://www.harbormodels.com/

Others that I know modify their own cases and customize their transmitters.
One friend has an old Ammo box that he modified to drive his 1/12-1/9 scale tanks.

The transmitter pictured first below is a modified four channel Futaba transmitter. It is just a matter of coming up with the sticks you want.
The second one is an old Futaba Attack two channel that I rotated the right stick 90 degrees for tank controls.

Perfect .... and I thought this was going to be difficult....