Digifleet PCM Conversion

[Vintage Pilot]

Having recently returned to model flying on retirement and read about what is possible on this forum I decided to convert my one of my old Digifleet PCM transmitters to 2.4GHz using the Lemon 2.4 module. Whilst this was successful, the result had the channel output order different to the standard TAER. This was easily resolved by plugging the servos into the "correct" receiver outputs to achieve the correct assignments. This however won't cut it when using a receiver with stabilisation and the channel assignments need to be correct to get the stabilisation responses on the correct servos.
So with my second Digifleet PCM transmitter I elected to gut it completely and install one of Mike Kitchen's GTS encoders. Fitting everything in was a bit of a challenge and also organising the correct throws for the electronic trims. This was all achieved in the end and the result is a fully working Tx with all the channels correctly assigned and some new features (eg expo). The throttle hold switch now locks the throttle at idle when activated (Safety feature). The failsafe button is now the Bind/Range check button. The 2 knobs on the top now control the level of elevator or aileron rate or expo. An additional button was added for the timer activation/ stick calibration function.
Anyone embarking on a Digifleet PCM (or XP) Tx conversion with the GTS encoder is welcome to contact me if they are having any issues as I've learnt quite a bit about how best to achieve this, along the way, thanks to Mike K.
Julian F

[Mike_K]

Hi Julian

Thanks for posting the conversion, it is lovely to see where all my encoder boards get used.

I really like the Fleet XP/FM, PCM and Omega sets, the joysticks are as good as any modern transmitter and I find their case is more ergonomic to hold than most modern transmitters. And they have just the right amount of switches for me, most modern Spektrum, Futaba and Jeti feel like porcupines with all the switches sticking out like spikes, it's so easy to hit the wrong switch with them. Have you test-flown it yet?

[Vintage Pilot]

Next Tuesday, weather permitting. I'm flying it in my friends new ARTF trainer. He's obviously very trusting of both my flying and my electronics!!
I'll let you know how it goes.
Julian