Model Boat Mayhem

Technical, Techniques, Hints, and Tips => Radio Equipment => Topic started by: kinmel on June 14, 2014, 02:33:04 pm

Title: Are there still many Waltron 4-5 Sportsman R?/C sets still about ?
Post by: kinmel on June 14, 2014, 02:33:04 pm
We have just been given a complete set that was bought direct from the manufacturer in 1979. It is still in it's original box and comes with a set of typed instructions.

The hard-wired rechargeable batteries are beyond saving, but modern equivalents are available.  We have not turned it on, better left to someone who knows what they are doing with electrics from back then.

Does anyone have experience with these sets, or where it might find a safe home ?
Title: Re: Are there still many Waltron 4-5 Sportsman R?/C sets still about ?
Post by: tr7v8 on June 14, 2014, 11:52:38 pm
Just skipped a load of old radio gear. The rechargeables will be DEACs so will need a battery box made for the TX &  a flylead for the RX,
It may also need all the electrolytic capacitors replaced as they dry out when they age.
Although interesting as a history piece it is not really useable as a model control method. You'll find the servos will be slow & quite jerky compared to even the cheapest modern set.
Title: Re: Are there still many Waltron 4-5 Sportsman R?/C sets still about ?
Post by: tr7v8 on June 14, 2014, 11:54:04 pm
I would add that there is a couple of guys up norff that collect old R/C for a museum.
Title: Re: Are there still many Waltron 4-5 Sportsman R?/C sets still about ?
Post by: tmbc on June 18, 2014, 10:14:22 pm
bit of history for you these were made in stockport by a guy called ron donahue  who use to own swallow models i had the pleasure of meeting ron years ago when he still had his shop in a old mill from what i can gather he moved to isle of man  he was well known and respected modeller and flyer in the northwest
Title: Re: Are there still many Waltron 4-5 Sportsman R?/C sets still about ?
Post by: inertia on June 19, 2014, 08:50:53 am
I remember building one of these sets from a kit. It was OK but not as good as the Micron kits. Does anyone know who the "Walt" of Waltron was?
Title: Re: Are there still many Waltron 4-5 Sportsman R?/C sets still about ?
Post by: tmbc on June 19, 2014, 09:19:38 am
not sure on the walt bit but i do know there use to be another guy involved with ron when these radios were being built my first ever handset was a black waltron 4/5 that ron gave me to put in a boat !