Robbe Marine Radio

[porschejim911]

I'm curious what people think of the Robbe marine radio. The two sticks seem like it would be pretty awesome. Is it a good radio otherwise? 6 channels seem like plenty for a boat. Only downside I have is that I was hoping to go specktrum and not have an antenna. Has anybody done that? Also is $299 a good price for the Robbe?

[patmat2350]

$299 seems a fair/going rate.

I've not run a twin stick before, but I have spoken to a VERY experienced RC boater who doesn't like it at all, much prefers various mixes etc. I'd like to hear from others with twin sticks- any problems or awkwardness in using them? Seems straight forward enough.

I don't know what Robbe has planned for 2.4 Gig... but Xtremelink makes 2.4 G conversion modules for Graupner's computer radios. They have/had a "Navy" radio, but I couldn't find a picture with one having twin sticks, so I'm not sure what's there.
The Graupners have only been available on Euro FM freqs, not legal here in North America... but one converted to 2.4 Gig WOULD be legal... so who's going to start importing them?

Pat M

[CG Bob]

Most of my radios are twin stick Futaba 2, 4, 6, & 9 channels units. I also have a couple of pistol grip radios. I also have a triple stick radio, an old Ace Nautical Commander.

I have no problems with the multi-channel twin stick radios. I've modified a couple of them for twin or triple screw ops by adding a ratchet to the right stick. Left stick up/down for port or center motor; right stick up/down for starboard or wing motors. I find this system makes it easier to use differntial thrust for manuevering the model.

I find the older Ace Nautical Commander a bit awkward to handle with both throttle sticks on the left side; and only a single axis stick for the rudder on the right side. Having both throttle sticks on the left side makes it harder to use differential thrust for manuevering.

[keith S]

I have both types. The Robbe Marine ( actually 3 or more sticks) is better than the old Ace Marine radios as they are a little widder in width so the hands are not so close when holding the transmitter ( this unit is used on my tractor tug). I personally prefer the regular twin stick radios for twin screw vessels as it is easier to controll the vessel with 2 hands on the sticks than 1 hand on side by side sticks ( like the old Ace nautical comander). Alows for better control of each drive and even the rudders on a couple of boats.

[patmat2350]

Right... clarification of terms- when I asked about "twin stick" above, I meant the side by side levers as on the Robbe Navy and Ace Nautical Commander.
I've often thought about trying to build one into a standard radio, but didn't want to go through the effort just to end up with an awkward kluge...

[porschejim911]

So I'm a bit confused. If you don't have the twin sticks on the left for throttle, can you control each motor separate?

[patmat2350]

Mixing on the radio can do it (though I never took the time to figure it out).
You can also buy separate mixers for use on the model... most are programmed to give tank steering, where throttle and steering are mixed to give continuously varying tread (or prop) speed on either side... good for a tank, not needed for a boat... you just don't need to modify prop speed for typical turning, the rudder is enough. What you'd like is to limit differential steering to turn-in-place maneuvers, docking, etc.

I didn't care for those commercial solutions, so I programmed my own, previously described in threads on my PT-41 model. It has some special features for straight ahead and reverse control, but differential steering ONLY occurs when thottle is at zero, and I turn the wheel... the more I turn the wheel, the more speed I give the counter-rotating props.

At the end of the day, I have some pretty sophisticated control of THREE independent ESCs and props using only a simple 2-channel car radio... I let the computer do the work, and I never get discombulated at the controls!

Pat M

[jeno]

I have two F-14 Navy twin stick radios. I only complaint is that they are not the F-18 computer radio instead. It is a good radio, the expansion possibilities are great. The twin sticks(throttle) are nice for multi shaft models with indpendent motor controls. By the way, you can add a mixer module to this radio.
Try to find someone that has one of these and see if you can try it out.
Jonathan

[keith S]

So I'm a bit confused. If you don't have the twin sticks on the left for throttle, can you control each motor separate?

To make this simple for all, the answer to your question is yes. A twin stick radio with 3-4 channels will work fine with out a mixer of any sort. Use the forward/back functions as thrust on each stick and the side to side motion on the right hand ( or left) stick as your rudder. That is the simple way to have controll of a twin ( or more ) scale model with out breaking the bank. Most 4 channel radios will do this and leave you with a spare channel for extra functions or the addition of a mixer. Not as fancy as a Robbe transmitter, but cost a lot less and can always buy one that has 6 or more functions available on the transmitter. Hope this clears things up a bit.

[CG Bob]

So I'm a bit confused. If you don't have the twin sticks on the left for throttle, can you control each motor separate?
Yes, you can - but it takes a separate ESC for each motor and a 4 or more channel radio. General set up is:
Channel 1 - right stick moves left/right (rx may be marked aileron) for rudder
Channel 2 - right stick moves up/down (rx marked as elev) for starboard motor (or outer motors for3 shaft boat)
Channel 3 - left stick moves up/down (rx marked as throttle) for port motor
Channel 4 - left stick moves left/right (rx marked as rudder for aircraft) various option you want.

You can power both ESCs from the same battery, but you must modify the rx plug on one of the ESCs. Just remove the red (center) wire from the rx plug of the ESC.

[porschejim911]

So with a dual motor boat. You would push both sticks forward to go forward? And for rudder you will move right stick left/right while keep it forward? Hate to be sounding stupid but I've only had up to a 3 channel radio for cars. Have never used a radio with 4 or more channels.


Yes, you can - but it takes a separate ESC for each motor and a 4 or more channel radio. General set up is:
Channel 1 - right stick moves left/right (rx may be marked aileron) for rudder
Channel 2 - right stick moves up/down (rx marked as elev) for starboard motor (or outer motors for3 shaft boat)
Channel 3 - left stick moves up/down (rx marked as throttle) for port motor
Channel 4 - left stick moves left/right (rx marked as rudder for aircraft) various option you want.

You can power both ESCs from the same battery, but you must modify the rx plug on one of the ESCs. Just remove the red (center) wire from the rx plug of the ESC.

[pops52]

Here is the twin stick Patmat is referring to. I have heard from many that they like it. I have not had any experience with mine yet. It does not have as nice of an appearance ans my other Futaba, and it does have a plastic look to it. But I will except both of these items if the radio performs well. Many say it does. Time will tell for me.

[CG Bob]

So with a dual motor boat. You would push both sticks forward to go forward? And for rudder you will move right stick left/right while keep it forward? Hate to be sounding stupid but I've only had up to a 3 channel radio for cars. Have never used a radio with 4 or more channels.On a couple of my 4 channel radios, I installed a ratchet (http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXPVY5&P=7) on the right stick so it won't spring back to center. Installing the ratchet takes about 15 minutes and requires opening up the transmitter case. With my USCG 378' WHEC, pushing both sticks forward will make the boat move forward; moving the right stick left or right moves the rudders left or right. Push the left stick forward and pull the right stick back, and the hull will turn to the right - almost in its own length. On my TJ S-100 Schnellboot with three motors and props, moving the left stick forward makes the center motor go forward. Moving the right stick forward makes the two outboard motors go forward; moving the right stick left or right operates the triple rudders.

Vantec has the RDFR (http://www.vantec.com/rdfr.htm) line of ESCs that plug into two channels on the radio to control two motors. Moving the stick forward makes both motors go forward. Moving the stick to the left or right causes one motor to slow down or even go into reverse to help steer the model. You still have rudder control on a third channel.

[Prins Willem]

I had a Dumas Crockett with a Ace Nautical Commander. I set the ratchets like the drag on a fishing reel. I could manipulate the throttle sticks with one thumb and by leaving the springs the sticks were easy to neutral. The boat was hyper maneuverable. Without touching the rudder I could do a pirouette.

I have a line haul towboat which I use with a Futaba Skysport FM 4 channel. The left stick up/down for left motor, the right stick up/down for the right motor, the right stick left/right the main rudders, and the left stick left/right for the flanking rudders. Works very well for me. It runs on a 6 volt gel cell with 2 Dumas Pittman motors controlled by 2 Hitec 610 ESCs.

[meechingman]

On a couple of my 4 channel radios, I installed a ratchet (http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXPVY5&P=7) on the right stick so it won't spring back to center.

I'm thinking of getting a Futaba 6EXA, so I'd need ratchets on left and right sticks, yes? I can't see ratchets anywhere when I google for Futaba accessories. Where can you get them in the UK?

Andy

[Umi_Ryuzuki]

I'm thinking of getting a Futaba 6EXA, so I'd need ratchets on left and right sticks, yes? I can't see ratchets anywhere when I google for Futaba accessories. Where can you get them in the UK?

Andy

With Futaba, typically, you just have to remove the spring mechanism, and then screw a metal tab in place beneath the stick. The parts are usually included in the box, as people always have their own preferance for control locations and style. :cool: