Reconfiguring/Repackaging a 2.4GHz transmitter to control 4 locos

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GAP
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Reconfiguring/Repackaging a 2.4GHz transmitter to control 4 locos

Post by GAP » Sat Aug 06, 2022 9:30 am

While recovering from my heart surgery I created a small project that I feel will be of help when I get back to running trains.
To run my locos I have to drag out stick transmitters and even though they have been modified to allow 2 locos at a time to be controlled if I need to run a 3rd loco I now have 2 transmitters to deal with.
I invariably walk off with one transmitter leaving the other behind so then have to walk back and forth to retrieve the one left behind.
With this box I can have 4 locos out on the layout and no matter where I walk off to I have the transmitter for all the locos.

I updated my blog to add a page detailing the history behind the re-config/packaging and where I am at with the project.
https://ringbalin-light-railway.blogspo ... 24ghz.html

I have also added a page detailing the Radio Control methods I use.
https://ringbalin-light-railway.blogspo ... ed-on.html

The repackaged transmitter will only work with the Pololu and Viper ESC's as they are centre stop controllers.
Graeme
From the home of the Ringbalin Light Railway
https://ringbalin-light-railway.blogspo ... -page.html

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gregh
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Re: Reconfiguring/Repackaging a 2.4GHz transmitter to control 4 locos

Post by gregh » Sun Aug 07, 2022 8:45 am

Have you actually created the new box with four speed control knobs or are you still in the planning stage?

Will it be a new 'box' or are you using one of the existing HK Tx?

I have never been game to fiddle with the 2.4GHz stuff, so will watch with interest.
Greg from downunder.
The Sandstone & Termite's website: https://members.optusnet.com.au/satr/satr.htm

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Re: Reconfiguring/Repackaging a 2.4GHz transmitter to control 4 locos

Post by GAP » Sun Aug 07, 2022 10:48 pm

gregh wrote: Sun Aug 07, 2022 8:45 am Have you actually created the new box with four speed control knobs or are you still in the planning stage?

Will it be a new 'box' or are you using one of the existing HK Tx?

I have never been game to fiddle with the 2.4GHz stuff, so will watch with interest.
It will be a new box with four speed control knobs a relocated power switch and LED.
I have modified the transmitter boards and tested them, so now I am just waiting for the hardware to turn up (box,knobs etc)
I will not move the bind button as I will bind the receivers before I seal up the box as it will be for 4 specific locos.
I did nothing to the 2.4GHz stuff other than cut the antenna out of the original case (it was already damaged which is why I chose it for the project), I plan to mount the antenna inside the box as the range should be OK (same as what Trev did).
There is basically a small transmitter board attached to the antenna by a fine coax cable, so nothing to touch.

An interesting note is that the pots on my transmitter are marked B5K the same as the replacements but do not measure the same over their travel.

I have successfully repaired a 2.4GHZ receiver whose antenna broke off previously (just needed a fine solder tip and a big magnifier) but not touched anything else.
Graeme
From the home of the Ringbalin Light Railway
https://ringbalin-light-railway.blogspo ... -page.html

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Re: Reconfiguring/Repackaging a 2.4GHz transmitter to control 4 locos

Post by GAP » Sat Aug 20, 2022 11:02 am

The repackaging has been completed and I now have one transmitter controlling four locos.
It was actually an easy build once I had the pot values from Trev's blog and forum posts.

Blog updated
https://ringbalin-light-railway.blogspo ... 24ghz.html

Pictures;
Before
Stick Transmitter internals.JPG
Stick Transmitter internals.JPG (92.34 KiB) Viewed 3089 times
After
Transmitter interior.JPG
Transmitter interior.JPG (98.79 KiB) Viewed 3089 times
Knob LED and Switch positions.JPG
Knob LED and Switch positions.JPG (95.45 KiB) Viewed 3089 times
Stick to Repackage comparison 1.JPG
Stick to Repackage comparison 1.JPG (99.03 KiB) Viewed 3089 times
Graeme
From the home of the Ringbalin Light Railway
https://ringbalin-light-railway.blogspo ... -page.html

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