Macgregor 2ch, conversion to 3ch?

[gyronuts]

Hi Phil,
I recently bought a converted MacGregor blue tx which had been converted with a spektrum module.
It has a single two axis stick , so elevator and rudder or rudder and throttle.
I am looking to add either a throttle button or slider/stick.
Is this something I could do or you could do? Is this possible?
I am currently about to fly Shaun's Weekender then Tadpole which I got from him at the Nats bring and buy. I would like to ask him a question about the battery for the Weekender?
Thanks
Bill

[gyronuts]

This is how I got the unit

[gyronuts]

I can make the pictures higher resolution if required

[Shaun]

Hi Bill,
I seem to remember I used 2 x 450 mAh 2 cell lipos paralleled on a y lead for the weekender but an 800 to 1000mAh should fit ok. C of G should be marked on the plane but if not, the plans were published in RCM&E or on outerzone. The Tadpole used a 500mAh 2 cell Lipo. Slide the wing on that one to get the c of g correct.

I normally mark inside the fus what batteries I use.

Cheers,

Shaun.

[gyronuts]

hi Shaun see attached photos. I am disastrous with a soldering iron!!!!
Is it something you or Phil could do for me or would suggest a different stick. Ideally looking to add a throttle or throttle button .
Flew the weekender with a 3s 1000, mistake , motor did not like it. Reflew with 2s and great fun.

[Shaun]

Hi Bill,

PM sent

Shaun

[Phil_G]

Thats quite unusual Bill, its not just a Spektrum module but a complete DX4e board.
The case is typical of the Macgregor S/C transmitters, taller than it is wide, and the stick unit looks very small, much smaller than a Macgregor stick. Most unusual!

An extra channel should be just a case of wiring the extra pot, as the DX4e expects 4 pots. Maybe the converter has put small presets on the unused channels under the board, in which case its just a case of moving 3 wires. Either way, it looks like the pot connections simply continue along the header where the bundled red wires go (who uses red, red and red for pos, neg and signal? )

The stick connector has 12 pins, 3 of which you're presently using for rudder and 3 for elevator.
The remaining 6 are the same for the other stick unit, so for throttle you'd just use the next 3 adjacent
to your existing red wires.

You need a header socket with wires attached, this kind of thing, with 3 to 6 connections. You'd need to find pos, neg and wiper with a multimeter, its unfortunate that the converter has used red throughout so there are no visual clues.

Once the new pot is wired, it will need calibrating - I dont know how this is done on the DX4e, maybe one of the Spektrum lads will know.

Cheers
Phil

Actually, now I think about it, the DX4e has two switched channels, it might be much easier to arrange an on-off throttle via a toggle switch. No messing with pots, no calibration, easier to mount a switch...
(contrary to popular belief, the DX5e and the DX4e are both 6 channel sets)

[gyronuts]

Hi Phil,
That looks magic will PM you. Bill

[Phil_G]

Added 3rd propo channel and a switched 'aux' channel on a toggle so its a 4ch now

[gyronuts]

Gosh the is neat. Considering the board was epoxyed into the case.
Wow!!! many thanks#Bill