Gadget Poll

[JustAGuy]

Hi,

This post is an inquiry to see what kinds of gadgets the rc modeling
community might find interesting or beneficial.

A couple of friends and I are engineers tired of working for someone
else and are evaluating whether creating items for this hobby might
be a good area for us to venture into. I doubt we'll spend any energy
on battery technologies as we aren't really equipped for that.

What would interest you if it were available?
Flight dataloggers?
Real-time telemetry (engine temp, rpm, altitude, fuel guage)?
Video transmission?
Frequency scanner to see if anyone is using your channel?

Suggestions?

Thanks,
JustAGuy

[JustAGuy]

Hi,

This post is an inquiry to see what kinds of gadgets the rc modeling
community might find interesting or beneficial.

A couple of friends and I are engineers tired of working for someone
else and are evaluating whether creating items for this hobby might
be a good area for us to venture into. I doubt we'll spend any energy
on battery technologies as we aren't really equipped for that.

What would interest you if it were available?
Flight dataloggers?
Real-time telemetry (engine temp, rpm, altitude, fuel guage)?
Video transmission?
Frequency scanner to see if anyone is using your channel?

Suggestions?

Thanks,
JustAGuy

[Jerry Shaw]

JustAGuy <JustAGuy@nowhere.net> wrote:

>Hi,
>
>This post is an inquiry to see what kinds of gadgets the rc modeling
>community might find interesting or beneficial.
>
>A couple of friends and I are engineers tired of working for someone
>else and are evaluating whether creating items for this hobby might
>be a good area for us to venture into. I doubt we'll spend any energy
>on battery technologies as we aren't really equipped for that.
>
>What would interest you if it were available?

>Frequency scanner to see if anyone is using your channel?

I think a good, calibrated (and cheap) scanner would be welcomed by most
modelers. Just as welcome would be a really cheap single-channel synthesized
channel monitor, with selectable channel, that would allow you to see if there
was anyone else on your frequency before you turned on your system

>Suggestions?

In my opinion, in the electric boating community, I'd like to see a truly
proportional speed control. I'd like one that would allow you to control the
motor RPMs directly. Currently, most of the controllers control the speed by
controlling the current through the motor. This means that the more the drag,
the slower the motor turns. It also doesn't really allow you to control the
low-speed too good.

I'd like to see a controller that monitors the current (or possibly voltage)
micro-fluctuations to detect the true RPM, then adjusts the current to keep a
constant RPM for the setting of the throttle stick. You could save a lot of
development time if you create a unit that plugs between the motor and a
standard electronic motor controller, then monitors the current fluctuations.
It then would take the throttle control pulse coming from the receiver,
determine what RPM the motor was at, and send the proper pulse width to the
standard motor controller to speed up or slow down the motor to the selected
RPMs.

>Thanks,
>JustAGuy

Jerry

[BlackSheep]

A remote fuel gauge would be a very handy thing! a proper video transmission
system designed just for the hobby, long range, high quality vibration free
pictures, now that would get me interested 8o)

Best of luck

[Scotty]

"BlackSheep" <stewartj@NOspamPLEASEhotmail.com> wrote in message
news:trudnUpgpuhF8EbfRVnytA@fireflyuk.net...
>A remote fuel gauge would be a very handy thing! a proper video
>transmission system designed just for the hobby, long range, high quality
>vibration free pictures, now that would get me interested 8o)
>
> Best of luck
>
>
>

I'm new to the hobby so I don't know if this exists yet but I would like to
see an all wheel steering upgrade.

[The Caretaker]

JustAGuy wrote:
> Hi,
>
> This post is an inquiry to see what kinds of gadgets the rc modeling
> community might find interesting or beneficial.
>
> A couple of friends and I are engineers tired of working for someone
> else and are evaluating whether creating items for this hobby might
> be a good area for us to venture into. I doubt we'll spend any energy
> on battery technologies as we aren't really equipped for that.
>
> What would interest you if it were available?
> Flight dataloggers?
> Real-time telemetry (engine temp, rpm, altitude, fuel guage)?
> Video transmission?
> Frequency scanner to see if anyone is using your channel?

Frequency scanner, with the ability to go from 35 to 27 to 40 etc etc
and see each crystal separately and it's interaction with a datum so you
can see if, for instance, the crystal is shifted from where it should be
and possibly interfering with anyone else's signal. Should also give a
good indication of the transmitter strength etc.

--
The Caretaker .........

[david]

but I would like to
> see an all wheel steering upgrade.

All wheel steering on a plane?

I'd like to see Txs modified so that they cannot transmitt if they detect
another transmission on the same freq. Such systems are in use on PMR
handhelds so the technology is quite routine. We should have it.

Also of course, crystal-less tx and rx should be mandatory, not optional.
Synthsisers with a true freq display are far better than ageing, loosening
crystals.

In terms of fancy stuff, I would like an ASI signal sent to me sometimes,
though again, this ought to be mandatory for some large models (as well as
very useful of course!).

I'd love to have VP props as well!

Oh, and on-board engine starting!

D

[Scotty]

"david" <david_perry@btconnect.com> wrote in message
news:dbfssh$e60$1@nwrdmz03.dmz.ncs.ea.ibs-infra.bt.com...
> but I would like to
>> see an all wheel steering upgrade.
>
> All wheel steering on a plane?
>

This thread is crossposted to rec.models.rc.land as well as air.

> I'd like to see Txs modified so that they cannot transmitt if they detect
> another transmission on the same freq. Such systems are in use on PMR
> handhelds so the technology is quite routine. We should have it.
>
> Also of course, crystal-less tx and rx should be mandatory, not optional.
> Synthsisers with a true freq display are far better than ageing, loosening
> crystals.
>
> In terms of fancy stuff, I would like an ASI signal sent to me sometimes,
> though again, this ought to be mandatory for some large models (as well as
> very useful of course!).
>
> I'd love to have VP props as well!
>
> Oh, and on-board engine starting!
>
> D
>
>

[Richard]

"The Caretaker" <the_caretaker@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:fqKCe.2850$Hd4.1676@newsfe2-gui.ntli.net...
>
> Frequency scanner, with the ability to go from 35 to 27 to 40 etc etc and
> see each crystal separately and it's interaction with a datum so you can
> see if, for instance, the crystal is shifted from where it should be and
> possibly interfering with anyone else's signal. Should also give a good
> indication of the transmitter strength etc.
>
> --
> The Caretaker .........

Already been done and has been readily available on the market for many,
many years. With one of these you should also be able to see if someone has
left their receiver activated. Not specifically designed for RC equipment
but checkout www.optoelectronics.com


Cheers
Richard

[The Caretaker]

Richard wrote:
> "The Caretaker" <the_caretaker@hotmail.com> wrote in message
> news:fqKCe.2850$Hd4.1676@newsfe2-gui.ntli.net...
>
>>Frequency scanner, with the ability to go from 35 to 27 to 40 etc etc and
>>see each crystal separately and it's interaction with a datum so you can
>>see if, for instance, the crystal is shifted from where it should be and
>>possibly interfering with anyone else's signal. Should also give a good
>>indication of the transmitter strength etc.
>>
>>--
>>The Caretaker .........
>
>
> Already been done and has been readily available on the market for many,
> many years. With one of these you should also be able to see if someone has
> left their receiver activated. Not specifically designed for RC equipment
> but checkout www.optoelectronics.com

I know, we use one in the BRCA Nationals, but the model isn't available
any more, and the one you point our doesn't have the graphing facilities
and 'extras' that our old unit has.

.... and it's 'merkin'.

--
The Caretaker .........

[Tim Auton]

"david" <david_perry@btconnect.com> wrote:

>but I would like to
>> see an all wheel steering upgrade.
>
>All wheel steering on a plane?

That's what I thought, till I realised this went to about a gazillion
different groups.

I think an all-wheel steering upgrade would be a mechanical thing and
these guys sound like electronics types. Anyway, can't you just chop
two cars in half and stick the front ends together? Instant 4x4x4,
just add glue!


Tim
--
Today's message was brought to you by Mary, Jane and a big number two.

[Mark Hobley]

JustAGuy <JustAGuy@nowhere.net> wrote:
>
> What would interest you if it were available?

A "dead stick" sounder that emits a loud alarm as soon as the engine cuts
(possibly through a drop in pressure in the exhaust to fuel tank pipe).

This would help to gain a few extra seconds before the plane starts to fall.

A low powered lost model alarm.

When the transmitter is switched off, an extremely loud alarm emits a noise.
I know that these exist already, but I propose a modification to make the
alarm sound just a short beep once every thirty seconds to save battery life.
This would help if the aircraft has crashed in a forest and its going to take
a long time to find it. Additional beeps could be emitted by a switch on the
controller perhaps.

Signal Encryption / Decryption so that only your own transmitter can control
your plane.

Hop to an unused channel, if interference is detected or someone switches on a
controller on the same frequency as one in use.

Two way communications between aircraft and controller. (For an
instrument landing system).

Lost aircraft locator (similar to wildlife trackers currently available, but
on a cheaper budget). A hand held device can be swung around and makes a noise
when pointed in the direction of the aircraft.

--
Mark Hobley
393 Quinton Road West
QUINTON
Birmingham
B32 1QE

Telephone: (0121) 247 1596
International: 0044 121 247 1596

Email: markhobley at hotpop dot donottypethisbit com

http://markhobley.yi.org/

[Dr. Adrian Wrigley]

On Sun, 17 Jul 2005 21:02:05 -0600, JustAGuy wrote:
....
> What would interest you if it were available?
> Flight dataloggers?
> Real-time telemetry (engine temp, rpm, altitude, fuel guage)?
> Video transmission?
> Frequency scanner to see if anyone is using your channel?
>
> Suggestions?

A decent variometer/rate of clime indication
An Air Speed Indicator (and slip too?)
A thermal hunter
A GPS coordinate transmitter (preferably with orientation data too)
An anti-stall device(linked to the ASI?)
User-configurable (on-board) flight computer (all above sensors plus
servo drivers for semi-autonomous and autonomous flight etc.)

Just a few ideas. Try the simplest first!
--
Adrian

[Mark Hobley]

You could build a cheaper version of something that already exists.

--
Mark Hobley
393 Quinton Road West
QUINTON
Birmingham
B32 1QE

Telephone: (0121) 247 1596
International: 0044 121 247 1596

Email: markhobley at hotpop dot donottypethisbit com

http://markhobley.yi.org/

[david]

LOL
>
> Two way communications between aircraft and controller. (For an
> instrument landing system).


Makes a whole new meaning out of flying in fog eh?!!

[david]

Heres a serious one for ya.

With the advent of good electric flight we are seeing more and more bigger
and bigger models flying on sparks. Nowt wrong wi that of course, until you
get a nice 70 inch Spitfire or Mustang riding on electrons - it just doesnt
SOUND right.

Now, the electric tank boys have sound generators that are really GOOD. How
about a sound generator that emulates a Merlin engine? Or even one that does
a jet? A flat four lycoming? FOUR Merlins for a leccy Lanc?etc etc

I dont really want an ASI (but the big guys might), and I certainly dont
want telemetry, anti stall, self-centering positronic monoflobulation etc
etc. But a loud sound generator...yes please! I would buy one of those.

David
"JustAGuy" <JustAGuy@nowhere.net> wrote in message
news:iq6md1trmhs2dg7e72ql4ku4gu4fiqqrpv@4ax.com...
> Hi,
>
> This post is an inquiry to see what kinds of gadgets the rc modeling
> community might find interesting or beneficial.
>
> A couple of friends and I are engineers tired of working for someone
> else and are evaluating whether creating items for this hobby might
> be a good area for us to venture into. I doubt we'll spend any energy
> on battery technologies as we aren't really equipped for that.
>
> What would interest you if it were available?
> Flight dataloggers?
> Real-time telemetry (engine temp, rpm, altitude, fuel guage)?
> Video transmission?
> Frequency scanner to see if anyone is using your channel?
>
> Suggestions?
>
> Thanks,
> JustAGuy
>
>

[Mike Gordon]

A digital Tach that is as good as the now defunct TNC. They went for
around $100.00. The cheep units out there are junk.

JustAGuy wrote:
> Hi,
>
> This post is an inquiry to see what kinds of gadgets the rc modeling
> community might find interesting or beneficial.
>
> A couple of friends and I are engineers tired of working for someone
> else and are evaluating whether creating items for this hobby might
> be a good area for us to venture into. I doubt we'll spend any energy
> on battery technologies as we aren't really equipped for that.
>
> What would interest you if it were available?
> Flight dataloggers?
> Real-time telemetry (engine temp, rpm, altitude, fuel guage)?
> Video transmission?
> Frequency scanner to see if anyone is using your channel?
>
> Suggestions?
>
> Thanks,
> JustAGuy
>
>

[The Natural Philosopher]

JustAGuy wrote:

> Hi,
>
> This post is an inquiry to see what kinds of gadgets the rc modeling
> community might find interesting or beneficial.
>
> A couple of friends and I are engineers tired of working for someone
> else and are evaluating whether creating items for this hobby might
> be a good area for us to venture into. I doubt we'll spend any energy
> on battery technologies as we aren't really equipped for that.
>
> What would interest you if it were available?
> Flight dataloggers?
> Real-time telemetry (engine temp, rpm, altitude, fuel guage)?
> Video transmission?
> Frequency scanner to see if anyone is using your channel?

A very small portable spectrum analyser covering the RC band would be
fantastic, coupled to a frequency counter maybe...with a little loudspeaker.
>
> Suggestions?
>
> Thanks,
> JustAGuy
>
>

[Mark Hobley]

Mark Hobley <markhobley@hotpop.deletethisbit.com> wrote:

What about an air to air paint balling kit ?


--
Mark Hobley
393 Quinton Road West
QUINTON
Birmingham
B32 1QE

Telephone: (0121) 247 1596
International: 0044 121 247 1596

Email: markhobley at hotpop dot donottypethisbit com

http://markhobley.yi.org/

[eDoc]

A Blutooth device that logs flight data.
A camera kit that feeds video using a Blutooth device directly to your
computer.


"Mike Gordon" <mikegordon10@comcast.net> wrote in message
news:SpudnQrmPPAcrEHfRVn-tw@comcast.com...
>A digital Tach that is as good as the now defunct TNC. They went for around
>$100.00. The cheep units out there are junk.
>
> JustAGuy wrote:
>> Hi,
>>
>> This post is an inquiry to see what kinds of gadgets the rc modeling
>> community might find interesting or beneficial.
>>
>> A couple of friends and I are engineers tired of working for someone
>> else and are evaluating whether creating items for this hobby might
>> be a good area for us to venture into. I doubt we'll spend any energy
>> on battery technologies as we aren't really equipped for that.
>>
>> What would interest you if it were available?
>> Flight dataloggers?
>> Real-time telemetry (engine temp, rpm, altitude, fuel guage)?
>> Video transmission?
>> Frequency scanner to see if anyone is using your channel?
>>
>> Suggestions?
>>
>> Thanks,
>> JustAGuy
>>
>>
>

[Mungo Bulge]

"eDoc" <edoc@edoc.com> wrote in message
news:609De.1984501$6l.495458@pd7tw2no...
|A Blutooth device that logs flight data.
| A camera kit that feeds video using a Blutooth device directly to
your
| computer.
--- snip ---
data logger, maybe.
Video feed makes little sence. The effective range of Bluetooth
devices is 32 feet (10 meters).


--
The Road Warrior Hobbit

[Tim Auton]

"Mungo Bulge" <NO.SPAM@hotmail.com> wrote:
>"eDoc" <edoc@edoc.com> wrote in message
>news:609De.1984501$6l.495458@pd7tw2no...
>|A Blutooth device that logs flight data.
>| A camera kit that feeds video using a Blutooth device directly to
>your
>| computer.
>--- snip ---
>data logger, maybe.
>Video feed makes little sence. The effective range of Bluetooth
>devices is 32 feet (10 meters).

Or 100m for Class I devices. Still not enough range and Bluetooth
doesn't have the bandwidth for decent video either. The only really
viable licence-free video solution (in the UK anyway) is a one-way
system with a big receive antenna. You can't get both the range and
bandwidth required otherwise.

If you're a licensed radio amateur you can crank the power up and have
super-fast two-way comms without huge antennas, but most RC flyers
aren't HAMs so the market would be tiny.


Tim
--
Today's message was brought to you by Mary, Jane and a big number two.

[Anders Wallin]

> All wheel steering on a plane?
>
> I'd like to see Txs modified so that they cannot transmitt if they detect
> another transmission on the same freq. Such systems are in use on PMR
> handhelds so the technology is quite routine. We should have it.
>
> Also of course, crystal-less tx and rx should be mandatory, not optional.
> Synthsisers with a true freq display are far better than ageing, loosening
> crystals.


www.spektrumrc.com
uses WLAN technology on 2.4GHz to do just that.

[Chris Eilbeck]

markhobley@hotpop.deletethisbit.com (Mark Hobley) writes:

> A low powered lost model alarm.

**snip**

> Lost aircraft locator (similar to wildlife trackers currently
> available, but on a cheaper budget). A hand held device can be swung
> around and makes a noise when pointed in the direction of the
> aircraft.

These work very well and are reasonably priced. Of course, you need a
receiver such as a Yupiteru MVt-1700 scanner and a directional antenna
but you can pick those up for not a huge amount of cash too, Ebay and
Sandpiper Aerials for instance.

Chris
--
Chris Eilbeck
MARS Flight Crew http://www.mars.org.uk/
UKRA #1108 Level 2 UYB
Tripoli UK Member #9527 LSMR

[Chris Eilbeck]

"BlackSheep" <stewartj@NOspamPLEASEhotmail.com> writes:

> a proper video transmission system designed just for the hobby, long
> range, high quality vibration free pictures, now that would get me
> interested 8o)

Have you seen http://www.boostervision.com/ ?

Chris
--
Chris Eilbeck
MARS Flight Crew http://www.mars.org.uk/
UKRA #1108 Level 2 UYB
Tripoli UK Member #9527 LSMR

[John Mianowski]

On Tue, 19 Jul 2005 22:39:14 +0100, Chris Eilbeck
<usenet@hyperspace.org.uk> wrote:

>"BlackSheep" <stewartj@NOspamPLEASEhotmail.com> writes:
>
>> a proper video transmission system designed just for the hobby, long
>> range, high quality vibration free pictures, now that would get me
>> interested 8o)
>
>Have you seen http://www.boostervision.com/ ?
>
>Chris

Looks almost identical to something I bought from MicroMark for about
$75.

JM

[Beav]

"david" <david_perry@btconnect.com> wrote in message
news:dbfssh$e60$1@nwrdmz03.dmz.ncs.ea.ibs-infra.bt.com...
> but I would like to
>> see an all wheel steering upgrade.
>
> All wheel steering on a plane?
>
> I'd like to see Txs modified so that they cannot transmitt if they detect
> another transmission on the same freq. Such systems are in use on PMR
> handhelds so the technology is quite routine. We should have it.

We have it. Futaba from Japan and (puke, but still) the "Merlin" range of
radio's built in England, but personally I wouldn't use one to prop a door
open.

>
> Also of course, crystal-less tx and rx should be mandatory, not optional.
> Synthsisers with a true freq display are far better than ageing, loosening
> crystals.

Futaba again.

>
> In terms of fancy stuff, I would like an ASI signal sent to me sometimes,
> though again, this ought to be mandatory for some large models (as well as
> very useful of course!).
>
> I'd love to have VP props as well!

Already available and in carbon fibre too. I'll bet you could find all of
this stuff using that wonderful tool called Google too.

>
> Oh, and on-board engine starting!

And that. Mind you, that's only been available since about 1976, so it's
possible it slipped in under your radar (that's a thing too, radar:) Hirobo
brought out one of the first and I think they still offer it.


--
Beav

Reply to "beavis dot original at ntlworld dot com" (with the obvious
changes)

[Tim Auton]

JustAGuy <JustAGuy@nowhere.net> wrote:
>
>This post is an inquiry to see what kinds of gadgets the rc modeling
>community might find interesting or beneficial.

Computer radios can cost a bloody fortune. But the major difference
between a £1000 computer radio and a £40 basic one is the computer
(the RF stuff will be better too - but is it really hundreds of pounds
worth?). Futaba seem to get away with charging £1000 for what amounts
to a £40 radio and a £100 PDA in the same box with a bit of custom
software. How about a transmitter with the programming aspects
offloaded to a PDA or laptop? You could get away with modest hardware
and a modest CPU (to do the mixing - a $2 uC would do) and a minimal
display or even no display at all, yet have superior programmability
compared to even the most expensive transmitters out there.


Tim
--
Today's message was brought to you by Mary, Jane and a big number two.

[Bob Monsen]

Jerry Shaw wrote:
> JustAGuy <JustAGuy@nowhere.net> wrote:
>
>
>>Hi,
>>
>>This post is an inquiry to see what kinds of gadgets the rc modeling
>>community might find interesting or beneficial.
>>
>>A couple of friends and I are engineers tired of working for someone
>>else and are evaluating whether creating items for this hobby might
>>be a good area for us to venture into. I doubt we'll spend any energy
>>on battery technologies as we aren't really equipped for that.
>>
>>What would interest you if it were available?
>
>
>>Frequency scanner to see if anyone is using your channel?
>
>
> I think a good, calibrated (and cheap) scanner would be welcomed by most
> modelers. Just as welcome would be a really cheap single-channel synthesized
> channel monitor, with selectable channel, that would allow you to see if there
> was anyone else on your frequency before you turned on your system
>

Having a display on the transmitter that does this for the selected
channel makes lots of sense. Turn on the transmitter in listen mode, and
let it show you what's already on the frequency before you start
transmitting.

--
Regards,
Bob Monsen

If a little knowledge is dangerous, where is the man who has
so much as to be out of danger?
Thomas Henry Huxley, 1877

[Dave]

Hi Beav,
you venturing into the world of planks?
Regards Dave :^)
p.s. my mental MDS in the scuttle (no longer pink from printer ink) is still
producing loads of grunt!

[Bob]

"JustAGuy" <JustAGuy@nowhere.net> wrote in message
news:iq6md1trmhs2dg7e72ql4ku4gu4fiqqrpv@4ax.com...
> Hi,
>
> This post is an inquiry to see what kinds of gadgets the rc
> modeling
> community might find interesting or beneficial.
>
> A couple of friends and I are engineers tired of working for
> someone
> else and are evaluating whether creating items for this hobby
> might
> be a good area for us to venture into. I doubt we'll spend any
> energy
> on battery technologies as we aren't really equipped for that.
>
> What would interest you if it were available?
> Flight dataloggers?
> Real-time telemetry (engine temp, rpm, altitude, fuel guage)?
> Video transmission?
> Frequency scanner to see if anyone is using your channel?
>
> Suggestions?
>

Rockets.

[James Moir]

Rather than "cheaper", I prefer the word "better"!

James Moir

"Mark Hobley" <markhobley@hotpop.deletethisbit.com> wrote in message
news:s5rsq2-ph2.ln1@neptune.markhobley.yi.org...
> You could build a cheaper version of something that already exists.
>
> --
> Mark Hobley
> 393 Quinton Road West
> QUINTON
> Birmingham
> B32 1QE
>
> Telephone: (0121) 247 1596
> International: 0044 121 247 1596
>
> Email: markhobley at hotpop dot donottypethisbit com
>
> http://markhobley.yi.org/
>

[James Moir]

Make that waterproof to help locate lost subs and sunken boats !!

James Moir


"Chris Eilbeck" <usenet@hyperspace.org.uk> wrote in message
news:m2br4ysckb.fsf@hyperspace.org.uk...
> markhobley@hotpop.deletethisbit.com (Mark Hobley) writes:
>
> > A low powered lost model alarm.
>
> **snip**
>
> > Lost aircraft locator (similar to wildlife trackers currently
> > available, but on a cheaper budget). A hand held device can be swung
> > around and makes a noise when pointed in the direction of the
> > aircraft.
>
> These work very well and are reasonably priced. Of course, you need a
> receiver such as a Yupiteru MVt-1700 scanner and a directional antenna
> but you can pick those up for not a huge amount of cash too, Ebay and
> Sandpiper Aerials for instance.
>
> Chris
> --
> Chris Eilbeck
> MARS Flight Crew http://www.mars.org.uk/
> UKRA #1108 Level 2 UYB
> Tripoli UK Member #9527 LSMR