Controls Layout

[david 2507]

Hello everyone,

I am new in the RC submarines world, and I have found your site very interesting

I am converting a Revell 1:72 Type IX C into a RC model, and I have some questions.
I revised the forum, but I did not find any answer to my doubts (sorry if there were one).

Now I am wondering how to set the controls layout. I have a Futaba FC16 Navy 40MHz transmitter (I live in Europe), and it comes with the 2 usual joysticks, plus two linear controls in the middle.

On the sub, I can control the rudder, and independently each of the port and starbord motors, forward and aft planes, and forward and aft ballast tanks.
I have seen that sometimes the forward port and starbord planes are independently controlled, in order to get smoother and more realistic turns (like in a plane). If it makes a big difference, I can try to add a second servo for the forward planes, but I am not sure if there is enough room for that.

I am using Mode 2 in the transmitter, thus on the stick at the right I have Ch. 1 horizontally and Ch. 2 vertically, and at the left Ch. 4 horizontally and Ch. 3 vertically. In the middle the Ch. 5 is the control at the left and Ch 6 the one at the right side.

I would use Ch 1 for the rudder and Ch 3 for the speed, but I do not have a clear idea of how to set the other controls.
Normally I would use Ch2 for the pitching angle but, working on the forward or on the aft planes? If I did it in both, the sub would dive horizontally, and that is not very realistic.

Any idea will be very welcome.

Happy New Year !!!

David

[salmon]

Re: Controls Layout

My layout is mod 2
Channel 1 (right side horizontal movement) - Rudder
Channel 2 (right side vertical movement) - Dive planes (Do not think you should split the planes to move independently) I use front dive planes for this.
Channel 3 (Left side vertical movement) - Throttle
Channel 4 (left side horizontal movement) - is empty/fill ballast tanks

With you having the two props on their own ESC, you might want to talk to Kevin McGenius, no it is actually Kevin McLeod he sells a device called throttle jockey made for exactly what you are doing. He can explain more about it.

I use another channel for a on/off for a pump that saves gas.
Another channel for my leveler (ADF2 also a Kevin design) it is set to the aft planes.

Ultimately it is up to your preferences how you want yours set up.
Peace,
Tom

[david 2507]

Re: Controls Layout

Hello Salmon,
Thank you for your answer.
I will do as you suggest me.
David