Newbie has a question about controling a boat

[ponce]

Hi to all.
I have a "Boston Typhoon". It's a 1947 steam powered fishing trawler and I'm installing a smoke generator and sound system for steam engine, fog horn and twin horn sounds. Which is better for activating these with my TX(Tracker 2), a switcher or micro switches activated by servos?
Thanks for any help you can give, John

[thething84]

i not an expert by any means. but i would say a switcher. lots of servo's is gonna add weight. and take up lot of room.

[ponce]

Thanks, thething84
...............switcher.................Do you know of a good one to recommend?
John

[thething84]

i am afriad i don't, but i guarentee someone on here will, the ppl on here are excellent.

[CG Bob]

One good electronic switch is the ES4 (http://www.eaelec.com/es4_page.htm) . I have one installed in my Dean's Marine DUKW (http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=276680&highlight=dukw) to operate the road and navigation lights. The unit can control/operate 4 items. You can select whether it is a momentary or latched switch. Momentaru means the function only operates as long as the control stick is held in that position - good for a whistle or horn. Latched means that moving the stick one way turns the function, moving the stick the same way a second time turns that function off - good for lights & smoke. WIth the ES4, you can operate two 6 volt and two 12 volt accessories from one unit.

For the DUKW lights I selected latched functions. My DUKW has a 4 channel radio, I have the ES4 controlled by the left stick moving left/right. I move the trim lever all the way to the left until the road lights come on, then I center the trim lever. The road lights stay on until I move the trim lever to the left again. Moving the trim lever to the right turns the marine navigation lioghts on or off.

[ponce]

Thanks you CG Bob! That helps a lot. I'll go with the ES4.
Again, thanks, John