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[Pat-K]

Hi
My name is Pat I am from Southport in the UK, the place where all the murders were last summer :-
(I have just brought a Radiomaster TX16S and i have to say I am very disappointed with it so I am looking for something else. My main requirements are as follows:-
1. Must have a application to setup and maintain models on a PC.
2. I will be using only boat models.
3. Must have 16 Channels
4. Must be reasonably priced (£200-250 GBP)
5. Must be readily available
6. MUST NOT use Open.Edge Tx.
7. Must be readily available in the UK.
8. Must have joysticks for controlling rudders and speed - two speed sticks need for port and Stbd engine. and switches to switch other devices such as lights on and off
9. It would be nice if a multi protocol unit was available so I did not have to change all my receivers .
10. Storage if not internal must be on a reliable type of removeable media.
11. Ability to store around 25 models.

I know this may be a tall order but surly I am not the first person to request all theses features.

Would be grateful for your input

TiaPat

[tsenecal]

Sadly, based on the list of requirements, there are zero radios made today that will meet all of them.

What brand receivers do you currently own?

There are NO radios made today that have two throttle sticks.

The only brand of radio i am aware of that will provide 16 channels, do not use OpenTX/EdgeTX, and are priced less than 250 gbp are a couple models made by FrSky, and use their own firmware called "Ethos".  They all support multi-protocol modules.

Frsky Twin x14
FrSky Twin X lite
FrSky Horus X10 express
Frsky Tandem X18

There may be others, but those are all i can think of right now that have Ethos firmware installed, and are below the 250 limit.  There is an "Ethos Suite" software package that only runs on windows, and it allows you to backup radio models, and update firmware for the radio.  it does not "simulate" the radio.   All ethos radios support 24 channels on 2.4ghz frsky receivers, and up to 16 channels on other receivers, depending on receiver, using the multi-protocol module.  FrSky does make less expensive radios, but they all run OpenTX.

In the "under 250" group, there is also the FlySky Paladin, i believe it supports 18 channels, but it does not support anything but their own flysky receivers, and it offers no companion like software.

There are multiple different transmitters well below your 250 limit, but they are missing lots of items from your list, ie, less than 16 channels, no pc software, only proprietary receivers, store 10 models, etc.

Other brands that support up to 24 channels include Futaba, Spektrum, Jeti, Graupner and a few others, but they are all much more than 250 gbp, and only Jeti has anything remotely like a companion, but it also does not support simulation, only backup of models, and updates of firmware for the radio.    All of these manufacturers also delineate their models by price AND functionality, so their lower cost models may not support 16 channels, but even then, we are talking models that cost 400 to 800 gbp

[Fastfaz]

Hi Pat,
    Come along to Southport MBC Rotten row on Sunday (8.30/12) and have a chat with the members I'm sure one of us can help. From your list the two throttle sticks, am I right in thinking that you want to operate Tank steering i.e. left stick for Port motor right stick for Starboard motor? That is easy to set up, I use it on all my boats with twin motors, you need sprung self centering on both sticks not a ratchet on the left stick. Personally I use Spektrum radio gear I have a DS6i (can take 10 boats)and a DS6(can take 240 boats) both of which have sprung sticks. Hope this helps.
        Regards, Pete.

[JimG]

Other brands that support up to 24 channels include Futaba, Spektrum, Jeti, Graupner and a few others, but they are all much more than 250 gbp, and only Jeti has anything remotely like a companion, but it also does not support simulation, only backup of models, and updates of firmware for the radio.    All of these manufacturers also delineate their models by price AND functionality, so their lower cost models may not support 16 channels, but even then, we are talking models that cost 400 to 800 gbp

Jeti Studio does offer simulation, allowing the setup of the transmiter with the PC. However Jeti is way out of the pric range asked for, basically being aimed at the top end of model aircraft.
Jim

[Circlip]

Must have a big toy room/Garage to be able to store 25 models. 


 Regards  Ian.

[Geofrancis]

whats wrong with a TX16S? its a very good radio.

[Sonar]

Try looking up the Spektrum NX8.  I have one for model planes and the boats on the same transmitter. .


Do a search for the specs.   This could be the solution …


1. Must have a application to setup and maintain models on a PC.  Easy to enter custom information settings for each boat

2. I will be using only boat models.   Yes

3. Must have 16 Channels. Has upto 40 channels

4. Must be reasonably priced (£200-250 GBP).Possible second hand

5. Must be readily available. Yes all over inc ebay

6. MUST NOT use Open.Edge Tx.  None

7. Must be readily available in the UK. Yes

8. Must have joysticks for controlling rudders and speed - two speed sticks need for port and Stbd engine. and switches to switch other devices such as lights on and off.  Yes

9. It would be nice if a multi protocol unit was available so I did not have to change all my receivers . This will remember 250 receiver settings

10. Storage if not internal must be on a reliable type of removeable media.  Internal and removable micro sd card

11. Ability to store around 25 models.  Stores upto 250 models all customised  for each boat

But check out the specs and see if it’s what you require    I use one for boats and planes. All use the same receivers

[Sonar]

Another very handy feature. Is. Your able to change the sticks from mode 1 to mode 2 very easy.  With out taking the unit to bits.




 Like the throttle stiff on the left and the right sick turning.   Change them around easy.


Or have both as tank steering for a single model but not others it’s all done in the settings and with two small screws. To tighten or release stick tensions. …   

[chas]

Its not a dual throttle transmitter, those are a bit of a holy grail for model boaters. I didnt know they were multi protocol, lots of receiver settings though.

[Sonar]

Seems it can be used as dual throttle. On planes so should work on boats too


⚙️ Configuration Methods
There are two primary ways to achieve dual throttle control on the NX8:
1. Multi-Engine Option (Recommended):
• Newer Spektrum NX series firmware versions (check for updates) include a multi-engine option in the Model Setup menu.
• This feature is specifically designed for twin-engine models and simplifies the configuration, often addressing complex issues like properly setting up differential thrust and ensuring the throttle cut works correctly on both motors.


Custom Mixing (For older firmware or specific needs):
• If the multi-engine option isn't available or if you have a non-standard setup, you can use the Mixing menu.
• This involves setting up a mix where the primary Throttle (THR) channel is mixed to an auxiliary channel (like AUX6) that controls the second motor's Electronic Speed Controller (ESC).
• A typical mix would be: THR > AUX Channel at a rate of 100%/100%.
• You would also need to ensure that the Throttle Cut function is correctly applied to both the primary THR channel and the auxiliary channel to ensure both motors stop safely.

Theres a Spektrum forum with lots of help with settings ect.

[Umi_Ryuzuki]

Seems it can be used as dual throttle. On planes so should work on boats too

  Well then, all transmitters can be used as dual throttles, for schottle or z drives you might want separate sticks for throttle and steering. .
However, I think the op wants the old Ace Nautical Commander, or Robbe/futaba F-14 Navy style sticks. Both well out of production. .
 .
 There are files to 3d print the gimble, but it would be a custom fit to any currently available transmitter, and a good bit of work to install. . https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4197477 .
.
Beyond that, you are looking at truly custom built transmitters.