Mode Zero

...as I unpacked my luggage after my visit to the UK and Ponte I found in a dark corner of my bag something yellowish/mustard colored that popped up, it took a while to realize it was a Skyleader TX that Mike K in some obscure moment placed there.
…as it happens that I had the suitable board, it was a no brainer…Sweden now has a Mike K / VintageTx converted Skyleader. The conversion is per instructions with just my individualized touch with a custom-made badge holder and an antenna adapter for the 2,4 GHz whip as close to the original. Only additional switches are the throttle cut and a bind push button for my nRF24 module, and yes I’m running a nRF24 set up with a bind capability and some more features so all my equipment have the same software and things happens based on the chip ID, a little like the regular commercial sets like…pick one.


Those of you that were at Ponte would have seen the nRF24 set up in junction with my new 4-axis stick but that is an other story so stay tuned….

Nice Tx Tobe. Appropriate terminology, too . There is no "Joy" in "4-axis stick".
[ I made myself rapidly sick trialling one of those in one of the RAE simulators. Admittedly 45 years ago but the memory remains vivid ! ]
Do write up your findings on that device.

I hope you liked your surprise and wouldn't have preferred a Pro Line or other exotic transmitter. It looks like a lovely conversion, probably better than the original prototype Skyleader conversion I did. Well done!

I think the nRF24 module needs it's own post, Tobe has started from scratch with the code (with a little help from his friends) and has 41 pseudo-random channel hops automatically generated from the pipe address, which in turn is generated/seeded from the ATmega328P (or 168P or 88P) unique ID, yes each ATmega had a unique 10 byte serial number (it's only documented for the PB part numbers, but appears to be implemented on all Atmel ATmega parts I've tested). Then he's implemented a binding protocol similar to Spektrum, so he doesn't need to individually program each Tx or Rx with an unique pipe address. Further the channel data is compacted to 10 bytes (from 16), similar to s-bus, but 10 bit resolution, not 11 bit. The net result is a shorter data packet to transmit which on test (by both me and Tobe) results in an increased range than if not compacted. I think it's a match for any commercial 2.4GHz set, certainly better than quite a few, no names mentioned.

And the 4-axis stick is another story. Not wanting to take Tobe's thunder, but I think it's unique and could be a game changer for people with limited mobility in one hand (such as stroke victims) as everything can be done with your one good hand. It could be the difference between someone being able to fly or having to give up the hobby...

...I flew for years and still do flying with a cuddle box single stick transmitter and have been able to switch between a conventional 2 stick and a single stick at leisure and if.... just ask Pete C.
The 4-axis single stick is part of a concept that includes an encoder with an adapted software and an enclosure with specific details that facilitate to hold it steady to have full control of the 4 basic controls with one hand. It works quite intuitively so the learning curve is not that steep and for training purposes it can be connected to a modern flight simulator.
The key function is the knob that offer control of rudder as in a conventional single stick but with the option of throttle control while aileron and elevator remains the same. Trims are set with a push button and the enclosure has options for straps. The TX has only 1 3-position toggle switch and a push button except the On/Off. The 3-position toggle switch controls throttle cut and flight mode and the push button sets the trims. You might not win the nats with it or...but surely would allow more people to continue with their hobby. I might help to reach the water but I can't make drink, there must be a wish to continue with the hobby and be ready for the effort there could be.
Mike K has one of the prototypes in the UK.
There will be also an option to replace one of the regular sticks on several commercial sets with an adapter with the 4-axis single stick.
More details to come and the story behind it that initiade it all...but here a first glimpse!

Very creative and when I held the new design at Ponte, it did feel very natural.

Great idea, looking forward to seeing future developments.