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[Alan52]

Hi All
Could I just ask what people prefer for throttle control.

I have a Planet TS2 Radio and the throttle has no ratchet on it. However there is a Ratchet conversion available. The throttle control on my transmitter returns to the middle when released. so obviously forward is push up and reverse is push down from the center neutral point.

Just interested to know what most of you prefer. Ratchet or not.

Thanks
Alan

[JimG]

For a model using forward and reverse I prefer the spring loaded stick. Using a ratchet can make it harder to find the neutral point when in use  leaving the motor running in either forward or reverse when it should be stopped. For fast boats with only forward  than the ratchet is preferred, , although I would not use an actual ratchet but a friction arm which is not so restricted to fixed point on the stick movement. (This came from flying a helicopter where the change from one position to the next was too much for stable hovering, it either climbed or settled)  For the one boat I have that uses only forward I use a sprung throttle stick but have used the programmable endpoint for the throttle stick so that the movement below the centre has no effect. This means that only half the movement is useful but is enough for full control of the throttle on that model.
Jim

[Buccaneer]

My Boats are predominantly Tugs and Merchantmen, which plod round the pond in a sedate fashion. I use a ratchet control as it allows me to set the speed and simply control direction with the other channel.
John

[ChrisF]

For me it depends on the type of boat. For my first fast power boat, a Club 500, I used an old Acoms Tx which had a spring to centre, left-hand throttle which I liked as in an emergency you could just let go of the throttle stick and the boat would pretty much stop.

For my sports type Faireys I bought a quite expensive Hitec Tx and was a little disappointed it had a rachet throttle stick but find it Ok as I'm not in race conditions as I am with the Club 500. Good job really as I've had to add one of my yachts to its memory so that I can adjust the sail winch travel and the ratchet is better suited to sail control.

I bought a trigger type Tx for a race boat and also use it for the Club 500 now as it is beneficial having a spring loaded throttle for racing. Some of my fellow club members use them for all their power boats.

Chris

[Ralph]

I use a spring centre on all my models bar one because, as JimG says, its easier to find the neutral point so your boat doesn't wander off on its own when you think it's stopped.  The only model I use a ratchet on is a submarine - it's quite slow so easy to keep track of and with 7 functions controlling dive planes, rudder, ballast tank, compressors etc there's enough going on without worrying about holding a throttle in position.


Ralph

[Martin (Admin)]

My FrankenTransmitter ...

[BrianB6]

Personally I have always preferred a wheel and an infinitely adjustable throttle lever for my racing and scale boats.  Even though I have had to personalise the transmitters. 

[Alan52]

Thanks to everyone for replying.


I think most seem to be using without ratchet and I think that is what I will stay with.


Thanks to everyone for your input. It is appreciated.


Alan