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[Shipmate60]

DG,
So far the only mod required is to file a neutral on the ratchet.
Yes I have read the GC forum, just not encountered the problem.
But that is why I have 2 x transmitters (Just in case)
I also have Futaba 40 meg sets as well.
But for basics I prefer the Giant Cod set.

Bob

[DickyD]

On the Planet you dont have to file anything as you can buy a conversion for the left stick that changes it to spring loaded self centering the same as the right one.

This costs the princely sum of £1.73 

I actually have a Giant Cod system but comparing it to the Planet If I was buying one now I would get the Planet although it is slightly more expensive.

[dodgy geezer]

DG,
So far the only mod required is to file a neutral on the ratchet.
Yes I have read the GC forum, just not encountered the problem.
But that is why I have 2 x transmitters (Just in case)
I also have Futaba 40 meg sets as well.
But for basics I prefer the Giant Cod set.

Bob

Interesting. When did you get yours? I picked up my two around September last year, and they both needed a 1k resistor to get the full servo throw. Perhaps they have done that in the factory now. Does yours have the full throw on the servos?

I don't want to knock the sets - far from it. I bought one, and was so impressed that I bought another, and some spare receivers. I just thought that octo ought to hear all sides, and without doubt the Planet has better trim. Octo can decide if he thinks better trim is worth paying for...

[Shipmate60]

I got mine earlier this year and seem to have full throw either way on both.

Bob

[dodgy geezer]

On the Planet you dont have to file anything as you can buy a conversion for the left stick that changes it to spring loaded self centering the same as the right one.

This costs the princely sum of £1.73 

I actually have a Giant Cod system but comparing it to the Planet If I was buying one now I would get the Planet although it is slightly more expensive.

Yup - I have put a plan for a GC self-centering conversion on the GC forum - it's just a bit of plastic. But that's a good example from DickyD - Planet kit will come from a dealer with spares and back-up - GC is rock-bottom prices. Up to octo to decide...

[Shipmate60]

Dicky,
Surprisingly you miss the point as I did it on your transmitter too.
I prefer the ratchet on the left hand (throttle) stick as I can cruise around all day.
The conversion is to ensure that neutral point is the same every time.

Bob

[DickyD]

Dicky,
Surprisingly you miss the point as I did it on your transmitter too.
I prefer the ratchet on the left hand (throttle) stick as I can cruise around all day.
The conversion is to ensure that neutral point is the same every time.

Bob

I didnt miss the point at all Bob, it does just what you said. Thanks.

I just prefer a self centering one with no ratchet so when I take my finger of it my boat stops and doesnt go on its own sweet way.

[colin-d]

Talking about all these Radio control sets, Frequencies and channels, and the all singing and dancing 2.4Ghz.

you have all not mentioned that there is still one other possible solution; "Bluetooth"
and yes it does work for ships / boats, but its no good for fast moving ships / boats.

in the following link shows a few modified installations

http://www.geier-modellbau.de/index/galerie.html

the cost is about 500 pounds, but if your looking for something completely new, and you need loads of channels to control things this is the bee's and EEE's

a small translation from the website
a total of 152 Servo's can be controlled, plus lights and other things
a total of 78 models can be saved in the memory
failsafe function, data feed back from the model (the voltage of the rx battery)
plus a lot of other things.

just thought you might all be interesed in something like this..

[Dueller]

"Bluetooth"

I can't keep up. At 47 i was just trying to avoid "slightly yellow"

[colin-d]

I'm the big 50 next year.... one has to go with the times.. 

i seen this set up being shown how it works, at the Dortmund Model exhibition this year, but looking at that website, this guy has been working on this type of Control system since 2008

[FullLeatherJacket]

How many hands does this guy have to operate the model, and how the heck does he remember what all of those functions are for??
I think we may have strayed a little bit further than Octo needed 

Octo - My advice, for what it's worth, would be as follows:
Avoid 2 channel > poor VFM, and you'll soon get fed up with its limitations.
While the Chinese sets are superficially good value, I have technical issues with all of them - chiefly around poor QC and the "floating neutral" values (and the restricted throw on the throttle channel).
I would recommend buying a Futaba, JR, Hitec, Robbe F-series or Spektrum DX6. All are "name" brands with established reputations and UK service agents. Save the budget sets until you know more about the whole scene.

BTW how big is the prop recommended for your coble? If it's the 36" long hull then perhaps a Speed 720 Torque motor on 12v with a 40mm 3- or 4-blade prop would be the way to go. For a nice, slow trundler on a sheltered pond then a 555 motor and a 35mm prop would probably do (cheaper!). PM me for further info if you wish.
FLJ

[octo]

to fmj; thanks for the input, my motor is a Graupner speed 600 at 8.4v, my prop is 3 blade 30mm,
im might have put the cart before the horse, but i needed them for size etc. tony.

[FullLeatherJacket]

I have sent you a PM.
FLJ

[dodgy geezer]

Octo - My advice, for what it's worth, would be as follows:
Avoid 2 channel > poor VFM, and you'll soon get fed up with its limitations.
While the Chinese sets are superficially good value, I have technical issues with all of them - chiefly around poor QC and the "floating neutral" values (and the restricted throw on the throttle channel).
I would recommend buying a Futaba, JR, Hitec, Robbe F-series or Spektrum DX6. All are "name" brands with established reputations and UK service agents. Save the budget sets until you know more about the whole scene.

FLJ

I agree with all your points, but the lead me to the opposite conclusion!

Yup, 2-channel is limiting. Still lets you control, though....
Yup, Cheap GC sets suffer (or have suffered) from all the problems you cite. Particularly the poor quality control. That's why you pay a bit more for the Planet set, which is better in this regard

But I would tend to start any hobby with a lowish range bit of kit, so that I could learn the ropes. I'm not going to start to learn golf with a top-rate set of Calloways - I'm going to get a decentish mid to low range set, and probably not many clubs at that. And if I like the game, and start to appreciate a bit better balance in my clubs, that's when I'll go for a more expensive set. When I know a bit more about things from personal experience, and can appreciate more sophistication....

[FullLeatherJacket]

I agree with all your points, but the lead me to the opposite conclusion!

Fell free, sir - that's what makes life interesting! My take - based on personal experience and that of numerous customers - is that if you can eliminate as many potential problems as you can from the outset then you're more likely to have a satisfactory outcome and less likely to chuck the towel in and go basket-weaving instead.
FLJ

[octo]

hi shipmates; ive solved the problem, ive put all the suggestions, (greatly received i may add)
iin my M&S best fedora and drew one out, and the winner is the Planet 5
regards tony.

[Mankster]

To throw another spanner in the works, how about a second hand 40 Mhz set from one of the major players. Plenty on sale on ebay and elsewhere as people move over to 2.4Ghz. And they will be cheaper and better quality than new GiantCod/Planet gear. And when the time comes, if you can solder 3 wires you can 'upgrade' to 2.4Ghz for £25 including an 8 Ch RX as Andy showed in another thread.

[dodgy geezer]

... and less likely to chuck the towel in and go basket-weaving instead.
FLJ

Don't talk to me about basket weaving......not after last weekend......  : 

[FullLeatherJacket]

Don't talk to me about basket weaving......not after last weekend......  : 

Ah! Targeted by a Rafia hit-squad, eh? 

[dodgy geezer]

Ah! Targeted by a Rafia hit-squad, eh? 

You could call them the Rafia Mafia...making me a basket I couldn't refuse...

[octo]

ok, isnt anybody going to ask what DG an FML are on about? 
tony

[FullLeatherJacket]

Clue - it's called nonsense, and it appeals to certain individuals at certain times. Indulge us if you will 

"FML"?? Full Metal Leathers perhaps?

[octo]

Sorry about that" full metal jacket," I put it down to my mind working faster
than my fingers, some call it senility, hey ho. still yours tony

[craftysod]

Just call him Dave,Octo lot easier,than fullmetalleathers in a jacket 

[John W E]

Well hello there one and all

about radios, can I add my 'twopenneth worth' about choice of....

Regarding the 2.4 - radio sets - I believe its the Spectrum make.  Also, I think it was the 'Giant Cod' radio - there may be a slight problem with both of these - of de-binding.

We had 2 new members in our model boating club last Sunday and they are hardened fly-boys - trying a bit of scale/yacht sailing.

they were telling me the story of several very expensive models flying off into the distance, never to be seen again - and one crashing to earth due to the above-mentioned problem.

I can appreciate that, for us slow going scale boys, this wouldnt be much of a problem - unless we are running out at sea!   For the 'gas-heads' though with the high-powered speed boats flying around the lakes, I can see it being a big problem to them!

Anyone else heard of this de-binding problem associated with the 2.4 sets?   

For the time being - I am going to stick to the well-proven 40 mghz - even though I do have to purchase a new receiver after I drowned one along with the electric speed controller - yes FLJ I turned the Shamrock right over in the lake!  Drowned all of the electrics.

aye
john e
bluebird