Differential thrust question
 

Hello all. Does anybody know of an aftermarket electronic product, that would go between my reciever and two ESC's connected via "Y" connecter, and then pull a signal from my rudder channel (also via "Y" connector" to give me differential thrust without having to buy a new transmitter? Also are there any problems with pulling 2 BEC's via a "Y" connector? Does the reciever "see" the BEC current as parallel, giving me double the amperage? Thanks in advance. This is for my scratchbuilt Albatross in progress. :) -stef

RE: Differential thrust question
 

Hi,

Yes, there is a cheap and effective mixer you can use. Go to Tower Hobbies and order a Slinger elevon mixer. I just checked and it is $11.49. I used it on my Pink Peril test plane.

They don't mention any adjustments but there are pots on the circuit board. If you cut open the shrink-wrap you can adjust it so that you will have full throttle on both motors at full up left stick. When you move the rudder it will throttle back the inside motor and speed up the outside motor at anything less than full throttle. If you don't adjust the pots both motors will go to about 3/4th speed at full stick; in other words you will not have full power.

At idle both motors are off on center stick. If you move the rudder one motor will throttle up, which I think is a safety issue. I bought a JR7202 and programmed it to mix the inside motor down when the rudder was moved but not speed up the outside motor. You can't do that with a simple mixer but it's cheaper than a new radio.

BTW, I switched the red and black power wires on the connectors so I could use the mixer with my old style reverse wired Airtronics receiver.

Does the differential throttle work? YES. I wanted to save weight on my Emily so I left off the water rudder. You can see how effective the differential steering was by going to rcgroups-electric plane video forums and scroll down to "Emily taxi tests." I don't have flight video yet, film is still in the camera so to speak but the steering was very effective on the pond.


John in Kalifornia

RE: Differential thrust question
 

Morris hobbies used to offer a specifically designed differential throttle control. Then they were bought. Don't know if it is still available but that is why there is google.

RE: Differential thrust question
 

Thanks guys! John I watched your Emily video and was very impressed with the steering (and the plane:) ) . I look forward to seeing it fly! I think the elevon mixer solution is brilliant and the price is right!! Thanks :) -stef