This is my recently completed
Controlaire Mule Mk II gigafied & fitted with Martin's impressive S/C encoder.
In addition to the 2.4 ghz
Frsky DIY module already installed, I'm going to add either a 36mhz module(or rf board) or a 29mhz rf board, to make use of all the good reliable gear on these (Australian) frequency bands I have that is otherwise just going to waste. Anybody want an original complete and unused
Mule MKII board on 27.195 (minus the push button & switch)?
The encoder is assembled on
proto-board using a layout based on Phil's previously published pcb (thanks Phil
). I modified it to utilise the leads & plugs from my original (unsuccessful
) hand drawn pcb.
- working, ready for installation in the case.
The original
Mule had a push button that consisted of a bushed shaft pushing down onto two leaf contacts - crude, lousy feel and a bit hit & miss in operation. I was able to replace the leaf contacts with a pcb micro-switch soldered onto a strip of proto-board which was then positioned under the plunger. The result is a really positive action push button that externally is "original" so fits the
Mule case perfectly.
The case, being made from a relatively soft brushed aluminium, already had a few small scratches. To preserve it and the silk screened(?) artwork, I gave everything 2 coats of a clear satin enamel after making all the cutouts but before assembly.
- I have to calibrate the voltage.
- yet to add the 2nd RF board or module - it will go in the lower left corner.
I still have to calibrate the voltage display and add the second RF board (or module). I'll post more pictures when the conversion is completed.
This and my blue
Pixie Tx are my two favourite S/C builds
).
.
on this forum, I wouldn't have been able to return either to service.