Model Boat Mayhem
Technical, Techniques, Hints, and Tips => The "Black Arts!" ( Electrics & Electronics ) => Topic started by: Bryan - G4CVF on June 14, 2015, 04:39:36 pm
-
Hi - I have one of these units which I removed from a model boat some time ago but I can not remember what its function is. Looking at it and the board connections I think it is a small speed controller but I would like to know if this is correct and what its specifications are. Can some one point me towards a spec sheet for it please?
Thanks - Bryan
-
Google " component shop " and all the action stuff is on there
regards Jack.
-
Hi Jack - double checked the "Component Shop" just in case I had missed it but they list all current products which unfortunately does not include the P50A. Could not find any historical data.
Regards - Bryan
-
Hi Bryan, sorry I thought they had all the Action stuff, there is a member on here " inertia " if he spots this thread he'll probably will advise you or send him a pm
regards Jack.
-
Can you post a picture of it (preferably out of its case)? That might give me a clue. I have no details of it at all; it certainly wasn't in current production when we took over ACTion from Craig in 2007. Don't bother contacting CompShop - they have only the information I sent them, and P50A wasn't included.
DM
-
Hi DM,
Having taken the device out if it's box I now think it is a Switcher of some sort. The Pic is a 12C508A, the power transistor is a TIP55 and the relay looks to be rated at few amps DC - switching current limited by the size of the pub tracks? Should be a couple of pictures attached.
Many thanks - Bryan
-
Let's try that again - hopefully with a different picture this time!
-
HI Guys I have lot of old info sheets from Action will check see if I can help. This looks more like a speedo than a switcher unit.
Stan. :(( :(( :(( :(( :(( :((
-
Looking at the PCB layout, the relay would be a DPDT type, and reverses the power to the two unwired terminals. It is probably operated by the small transistor and uses the receiver power to operate. If plugged into a powered RX, working the appropriate stick should result in the relay clicking around center.
-
HI This is a speedo dating back to Craig Talbot's time. The circuit is a Commander 5 MicroComputer speed controller rated at 5 amps . I have the full info sheet I you would like a copy please Pm your contact details and I will scan and send on.
Stan Reffin
Kirklees Model Boat Club.
Before. :(( :(( :(( :(( :((Now :-)) :-)) :-)) :-)) :-)) :-))
-
HI Guys info sheets scanned and placed on MAYHEM.
Stan
-
Many thanks Stan. I can remember sending an order to the Biggleswade address for this kit and I can remember building it. I can not, however, remember which model boat I put it in and subsequently took it out of. The really embarrassing thing is that I probably still have the boat - I tend to hang on to my models far too long!
Regards,
Bryan
-
Thanks, Stan. I should have known you'd have something on it.
Dave M
-
Thanks from me also Stan. :-))
I have this unit and worked out the design some time ago. A chip controls the small transistor to control a large switcher transistor, and a relay reverses the process to go in reverse.
Mine has failed circuit components which I couldn't identify. I'll have another go now and see if I can get it working. Cheers :}
ken
-
Ken
Now that Stan has turned up trumps with the instruction sheet I remember that "Commander" was Craig's first range of speed controllers using PIC chips, after the demise of the ZN409 I/C. These were high-frequency units and some customers didn't like the high-pitched squeal from the motor at low revs, so the programming was changed to make it low frequency. The new range was the "Condor"; I've no idea why he chose that name - he smoked cigarettes!
I still have some of those 8A DPDT relays and 4MHz crystals in stock but not the semiconductors. If the PIC is shot then it's a bin job, I'm afraid, as the source code belongs to the guy who wrote the software.
Dave M
-
Thank you for the input Dave.
According to my 'Scope' the adjustable wave pattern from the Pic Chip has reduced to minimal peak and therefore I have to agree with you and scrap it.
I now have some super AcTion gear and will be using it in my Seabex One.
ps. The solder you sold me years ago is still going strong. loads left. :}
ken