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[UKJonathan]

Hi
Can anyone tell me do I need to fit a speed control unit onto my throttle valve to control the speed of the engine. The reason I ask I want to run my launch at varous speeds, and also my servos seem to opperate either full control or off there is no middle bit

jonathan
jonathan

[Bunkerbarge]

OK Jonathan, I'm assuming that as you are posting in the steam section you are asking about a steam engine?  You need to fit a proportionally controlled servo to the steam control valve so that you can control the speed of your engine.  It sounds to me like your servo is connected to an on-off channel so it needs to be connected to a proportional channel and, as even two channel radio sets have two proportional channels you should be able to set one up for engine control and one for rudder.

Depending on what type of engine you have then determines whether you require a servo for changing from forward to reverse.  If you have a double acting, twin cylinder oscillator one servo will do but if you have a slide valve engine you will need to operate the third servo with an on-off channel.

Let us know a bit more about what you have, preferably with pictures.

[The long Build]

I just use a normal bog basic Futaba 148 Servo ?  on the modeen engine I have.

[UKJonathan]

Hi
           yes its a steam engine, I am hoping to set one of the paddles on my rc transmitter up for the throttle but want it to open the steam valve at various levels so wondered if this was controlled either through radio settings or servo, or speed controller
Jonathan

[Bunkerbarge]

You're loosing me a bit now Jonathan!!

You need to use one of your proportional channels to operate a servo that is connected to the control valve of your engine, thereby controlling speed.  Some engines have a control valve on the engine and some have the speed controlled by the steam valve on the boiler.  Some have a combined reversing and speed lever all in one and some have a seperate reversing mechanism and speed control.

I think we will be able to give you a better idea if you put some pictures up and we know just what engine and radio set up you have.  You do not need a speed controller though.  The servo needs to be plugged into one of the proportional outlets on the reciever that your paddles control and then you will have a proportional action on the servo.  Use this, via a linkage, to control the speed control steam valve.  The valve you are operating though will have to be of a type that opens and closes fully within a 90 degree movement otherwise he servo will not be able to control the speed from stop to full.  There may be alternative possibilities with a sail winch and a normal valve but I think we should keep it simple for now.

We need to know more about what set up you have though to offer any more suggestions and pictures would be very useful.

[UKJonathan]

Hi guys
 I sorted it along with my computer could not log on. Anyway everything seems to be ok I will post some pics at some point of my build. It is the first venture so I seem to be hitting every problem there is, I guess like all newbies into steam in fact just about to post yet another
 Jonathan

[Bunkerbarge]

That's what we are here for Jonathan.  Don't hesitate to ask questions as it gives many other the opportunity to see what you are going through and also learn from it.