http://myweb.tiscali.co.uk/norcimradiocontrol/Radio14.

htm

MODEL RADIO CONTROL ELECTRONICS

ALL OF THE NORCIM WEBSITE NOTES ARE FREE TO USE IN PART OR FULL ON YOUR WEBSITE OR TO COPY AND USE FOR ANY REASON YOU WISH.

The norcim website is for electronic enthusiasts with an interest in Model Radio Control. This first page contains technical and fault finding information about Micron model control electronic kits. Further pages have been added which cover other electronic circuits for model control.

The pages involve content from other model aircraft and boat electronic enthusiasts and if you have an idea worth adding to the site dont hesitate to contact me norcimguy below. The site is completely noncommercial and no money is accepted for any links or products that are covered. It is simply an enthusiasts site!

The norcim website began life as a single

Get a Voki now!

page with detail of the Micron Radio Control company which was started here in the UK in 1973 by the founders, Ada and

Terry Tippett. These people found a profitable niche in the model control market at that time by producing kits of parts for modellers to actually build their own Radio Control System! Many of the mechanical parts used for the transmitter kits and receiver kits were unique parts designed by Micron. Some parts were patented. The building instructions were very large detailed drawings similar to plans found in model aircraft kits, so modellers felt at home with construction. The Micron company employed around twelve people for almost a decade and sold many thousands of kits to most countries of the world by direct mail order. OK..why a single page? Well the founders were at retiring age and were wanting a buyer for the company! Within six weeks of this single page offer on the web, several buyers had shown interest and the company finally had new owners. (The power of the Web!!)

After the sale of MICRON the single NORCIM page continued and gave helpful fault finding notes for the kits. (note that NORCIM mirrors MICRON!) if you were wondering where that strange title came from! With help from other like minded nuts, the Norcim site has slowly increased in size and is now eleven pages with many links to other similar stuff. (and some not so content related stuff!) Content from the late Dave McQue has given much content to the site. Mike Hawkins shows how retro R/C

can be built. R/C Universe also adds some excellent up to date coverage and videos of todays R/C products. Recent input by David Caudrey to the Norcim site has been invaluable in that all of his historical Reverse engineered records which are printed here, would have been lost forever.if it were not for this Guys incredible talent for taking things apart. (see Davids page9, page10, and page11) by linking at the bottom of this page.

Norcim Notes7 page includes some mini reviews of interesting products with links to the supplier. Norcim Notes8 page.Mike Hawkins takes over with some superb retro built R/C gear using VALVES! Hes also given circuits. The feeds from R/C Universe on this page and page7 are always updated and well worth a click or three. Norcim Notes12 is by kind permission of Ron Js circuit website. Simply packed with alarm,timer,LED circuits and tutorials. Theres also component selection advice and FREE electronic software for your PC. A very professional enthusiast site!

PLEASE NOTE:- the information on this site is somewhat fragmented! I apologise for this! Its just the way that the site has slowly increased in size. Simple navigation between pages can be found at the bottom of every page.

Thanks for reading!

THE NOTES KICK OFF WITH FAULT FINDING THE MICRON RECEIVER KITS:General If assembled correctly; all four receivers in the micron range should perform correctly at switch-on. There is little or no variation between range (sensitivity) and other characteristics of correctly assembled versions of the same type. (It is even difficult or impossible to pick out a good one to keep for yourself). The FET receiver generally will show slightly more range to complete loss of signal compared to the other versions, (probably owing to increased front end stage gain.)

For receivers that dont work on completion of assembly . These often have a built in mistake and rarely suffer from a faulty component. Look for 4k7 and 47K resistors in wrong places as reds and org colours are similar in artificial light. Also people get 4K7 mixed with 270K as they are the same three colours but opposite way round. Coils that have been cut wrong and mounted the wrong way round. IF coils may have had the centre pin cut too short. The winding loops around this pin and if cut too short will cut the winding. (Check primary pins for continuity using low ohms on meter) Sometimes capacitors get mixed up and you may find a 47p and a 47uf in the wrong places or similar. Have a sample PCB to hand or do a pencil rubbing of the boards before construction, as it is possible for customers to join two small copper lands with solder so that it looks correct as one land. (Particularly mini Rx) Look carefully at the 104 caps, either the yellow type or the blue type as after soldering, the leg can become detached from the side of the capacitor, shown by a crack around the outside edge of the cap. This fault only occurs if the capacitors have been mounted very close to the board where the thermal shock of soldering is increased. If in doubt another 104 cap can be touched to the bottom of the PCB, across the suspect cap, during test to see if the problem clears. Look for the obvious, as many times, ICs are put in the wrong boards or the wrong way round. Check that only Futaba, Fleet, Multiplex, JR, or GWS, receiver crystals are being used in the receiver. Check that only the transmitter manufacturers crystal is being used in the transmitter. (use of a different make of Xtal will almost certainly result in an off frequency transmission. The decoders of the receivers rarely produce problems providing component values are correct. Very, very rarely a significant static shock (type that stings your finger when closing the car door) can knock out the Cmos chip and this is shown by scope input readings to the chip (normally clock @ 4volts & reset ramp of around 3 volts) being clamped at below 1 volt. Indicating that the chip inputs have gone low impedance and the chip needs replacing. Often customers use flux on the boards when soldering which unfortunately has an acid content and therefore adds many unwanted resistors to the circuit. This condition can be detected visually with residue on the boards. The only possible cure is to clean the residue from both boards using a toothbrush soaked in methylated spirits but often the flux has impregnated the board and satisfactory operation cannot be regained and the receiver is not recoverable. Replacement is the only answer. Receivers that work but show low range this mostly points to the antenna input bits. Happily there are few of these parts involved. (The 159 coil, the 27p capacitor, the antenna input cap and the capacitor feeding pin16 input of the 3361 chip. Often the flex antenna can be shorted to ground with a solder whisker on the PCB or a stray wire from the flex antenna remaining on the board surface and touching the metal coil cover. When cleared with a model knife, normal range is restored. Perhaps the wrong capacitor has been inserted across the 159 coil. Is the coil the correct way round? If the 159 coil responds to tuning, then the lack of range could be further on in the circuit. If the front end is checked out and OK then a possible lack of range could be found in the filter section of the receiver. The filter section has its input from pin3 of the 3361

filters the 10KHz spot frequencyfeeding it back into the 3361 pin 5. The filters inv olved vary with the receiver type. The standard and Comp receiver use a transistor between the filters with associated resistors/capacitor. The filters rarely go wrong but the transistor can be inserted with its legs wrong and associated resistor values need checking. The transistor gives around 10/12dB gain when fitted correctly. If you have an oscilloscope, the following can be checked. With the Tx on the bench, with about 25 cm of aerial, pin 3 or the base of the transistor will show around 0.1 volt of mixer output. If the transistor is working OK then there will be 1/1.5 volts of IF at its collector. (as seen on the scope). It is worth mentioning that the 3361 works well without this extra gain as in the mini receiver. The amp in the mini Rx is also used to increase white noise of the whole circuit so that with the transmitter switched off, there is a pile of noise activity at pin9, which bombards the 4015 decoder to keep its servo outputs quiet. Note: - the mini receiver works differently and without the IF amp there is a much reduced noise level at its 3361 pin9. This lower noise helps to keep the 4017 decoder servo outputs quiet when the Tx is switched off. Voltage levels around the circuit. I must admit that I do not have any record of voltage levels. I often made sure that the receiver board was getting 4volts supply from the decoder board (or slightly more,) but beyond that always used the scope to prod around during faultfinding. Remember that after trying to get a receiver with a fault working, the coils could be well out of correct setting. This does not matter for the 159-antenna coil, as the receiver will still work at close range at any possible setting of this coil. The setting of the IF coil however is critical to a quarter of a turn to get any response at all from the servos. Resetting visually as compared with a working receiver or a new replacement coil is a useful start. The Transmitter Power Meter kit available from micron is sensitive enough to detect the oscillation of a receiver Xtal stage if its antenna is held very close to the crystal. Also but not so convenient maybe, a spectrum analyser will pick up the receiver crystal stage by simply holding the input probe close to the Xtal. Mild jittering or servo noise using the Micron FET receiver. Although range and general performance of early dual conversion micron receivers seemed OK, reports from some parts of the UK seemed to point to an odd noise in the servos when a typical range test was carried out with the transmitter antenna collapsed. The noise also appeared to come and go and often, when the receiver was sent back to Micron, The noise could not be provoked and the receiver checked out as OK. This peculiar effect turned out to be talking and music from broadcast transmissions on the 13 MHz band! The receivers image frequency. A simple series LC filter in the antenna circuit was fitted and this completely eliminated the problem. ( 4.7 uH inductor and a 27p capacitor) See circuit later.

MICRON TRANSMITTER GENERAL NOTES:-

The very first Micron transmitter circuitry that I assembled was actually fitted into a redundant commercial transmitter case and sticks. The transmitter had developed a fault that was not repairable but the hardware was still excellent including sticks, switches, meter, antenna etc. Some ingenuity was necessary to secure the two Micron printed circuit boards in place but the end result made an excellent transmitter working on the 35MHz band! Transmitter electronics kits are not available from Micron now. The seven-channel circuitry changed in recent years owing to the obsolescence of the dedicated Motorola R/C coder chip. The replacement coder is interchangeable with the earlier type and now uses bog-standard easy to get electronic parts, which are readily available from most hobby electronics shops. There is little point in commenting on the earlier circuitry as inevitably most problems involved the special IC, which is now unobtainable. The only practical remedy for repair of these is replacement with the later version coder board.

The photo to the left is now 37 years old! It shows one of the first Micron PL-7D transmitter designs. All the popular transmitters of the time (Skyleader, Kraft, F and M, Sprengbrook, Orbit etc were all still anodized aluminium boxes! The styling was a little ahead of its time and still looks well alongside many R/C systems of today. The unique triple universal joystick mechanisms were also designed by micron and patented.

Having assembled several of the later coder boards and seen other peoples efforts, the faults found were as follows: Blown 4017 IC. This is usually caused by incorrect battery wiring giving a reverse input voltage! The other circuitry survives but it is worth replacing the 22uF. Usually a new 4017 solves the problem but the battery wiring must be checked before switching on again. Note that the coder circuit will run without the IC plugged in at around 1 KHz which can be seen at the yellow output wire on a scope, or even heard using a crystal earpiece. This test shows that most of the circuit is functioning except the IC. If there is no life, check component position, in particular the correct positioning of the transistor legs into the board. Working but a channel(s) is missing this fault can often be traced to an incorrect setting of one of the joystick pots. All the stick pots must be pre-set so that their wiper is at mid position, when the sticks and in-flight trims are at a centre position. This can be checked using a multimeter.

It is also possible that one of the crimped connectors of the plug-in flylead from the stick, has not located correctly in the plastic shell and as a result, the crimp has pushed out of the top of the shell. Relocating the crimp, making sure that the small plastic fingers of the shell are pushed in to secure the crimp, is usually a cure. Another possibility is a blown diode (usually caused by accidental shorting of the board to the edge of the metal case, during testing and adjustment). Often this can be confirmed using a multimeter on low Ohms setting across each diode in turn (there are 10 of them!), to find the odd one out, followed by replacement. Coder board quality, I have seen more than one coder Printed board now which was not up to the usual crisp copper etch that is normally seen. On these boards it was necessary to carefully inspect the copper lands and cut through with a model knife, the several bits that not intended to be joined! So look carefully with light behind the board. The Transmit Section is a smaller board that feeds the antenna and like the coder board, if assembled correctly, does function at switch-on. The outputs of this board has been passed by the ERA (Electrical Research Association) for UK 35MHz Type Approval and although the unique circuitry has remained the same, later versions are even cleaner, owing to the better specification of present day semiconductors. Setting up of the three coils for RF output is simplified by using the single LED indicator supplied! Even if done wrong it is impossible for the output to interfere with other users of the band! The latest versions are now supplied with a pre-fitted surface mount output transistor, which reflects changing technology. Not working at all this points to resistors or capacitors in the wrong places. Remember if you find one wrong then there will be another where that one should have been! Look for coils that have had the wrong pins snipped. These will need replacement. Check the transistor legs are going into the correct holes on the board. Check that only Micron or Futaba crystals are being used and Tx is indicated on the crystal tab. Try another crystal in case the one fitted is duff. Reverse Polarity fault. This always shows itself as a burned brown/black 100R resistor in front of the output transistor. Unfortunately both the output transistor and RFC will need replacing. The oscillator coil always survives, as does all of the other circuitry. THE MICRON DUAL CONVERSION R/C RECEIVER The fundamental advantage of Microns receiver front end is acknowledged in the RSGB Radio Communications Handbook, 5.16. As a result, the receiver Jfet does handle strong out of band transmissions particularly well. Microns use of the FET is interesting in that some of the known disadvantages of this device have been addressed.

JFETs, used in mixer stages, do like, a high oscillator drive to work well. Unfortunately JFETs also have poor isolation of the oscillator frequency and this results in the oscillator frequency being transmitted via the receiver antenna! Although this transmission could still be termed as flea-power; Just imagine thousands of such receivers on a good flying day, all transmitting on a frequency that has nothing to do with radio controlled model aircraft! The interference to other users of the radio spectrum would be at risk and it is important that R/C receiver emission is kept to an absolute minimum. The Micron FET receiver uses dual conversion Crystals. This means that the oscillator frequency is a full 10.7MHz away from the receiver antenna coil tuning; the antenna input-tuning coil grounds much of the bleedthrough of oscillator power. A further attenuation of the oscillator power is done via a series tuned LC trap at the JFET input (D McQue input). The resulting bleed through of the oscillator to the antenna is in the order of a couple of nanowatts and considered insignificant.

Another problem with JFETs was the divergence of characteristics from one device to

another but technology has advanced and JFET characteristics are now much more controlled, with even selected versions of the same device available.

The Micron FET receiver circuit diagram comes next and surprisingly, its almost as simple as the Mini receiver that they do, except for the two transistors added on at the front! I will try and run through the circuit as best as I can without causing too much pain for the reader! The 35MHz parent transmitter signal is picked up by the 85cm flex antenna. (Length is not critical). This excites L1, producing a 35MHz signal input to the BF244A (gate). The 27p/4.7uH trap grounds the 13.5MHz image frequency and the 24.3MHz oscillator leak through via the 15p cap. Meanwhile the 24.3MHz plug-in crystal oscillator circuit output is injected via the 0.1 cap to the BF244A source terminal and mixing of the two frequencies occurs, producing a 10.7MHz output at the BF244A output. There are several other frequencies produced by mixing but the 10.7MHz crystal filter rejects these. The selected 10.7MHz signal is passed on to pin 16 of the Motorola 3361 chip. Mixing takes place for the second time using the on-board 10.245MHz Xtal oscillator. This produces a 455KHz signal at pin 3.

This signal is filtered by the 10KHz filter (CFU455HT) and then amplified in the chip, with the FM content being detected at pin 9. The 4k7 and .022 cap at pin 9 get rid of white noise on the output signal, leaving rounded signal pulses (from the transmitter) of about 0.5v peak to peak. Note L2 needs adjusting to achieve this. Pin 12 is an input to a squaring amp with outputs at pins 13 & 14. These two outputs (4v pp) are used to clock the standard Cmos counter chip, giving up to 8 servo outputs. The 2N3904 provides an extremely servo noise free supply of around 4volts to the whole receiver. The image frequency rejection of this receiver is around 60dB which means that transmitted signals on the 13.6MHz band (image band) would have to be a million times stronger to cause a significant interference problem. This compares with normal single conversion receiver image rejection figures of around 10dB, allowing 34MHz band signals to cause havoc when only 11 times stronger! The 34MHz band is for Ministry of Defence use and has been little (if any) used over recent years. www.rfcandy.biz/shop/

A HOT TIP ! If you use one of the cycle pump type de-soldering tools, try pushing a short length of silicone fuel tubing on to the nozzle end so that just a couple of millimetres protrudes from the tip. The resulting soft end seals around the solder joint better as the tool is used and also reduces the recoil kick back. The silicone tube is also unaffected by the solder iron heat!

MODEL CONTROL TRANSMITTER OUTPUT TESTER CIRCUIT This next circuit lends itself not only for home checking but also club and quick model shop checks. The circuit checks for correct power output of any 35 or 40 MHz radio control transmitter is shown. These things are called field strength meters and are a standard piece of electronic equipment in the service workshop to check the output power of R/C transmitters. Field Strength Meters (as they are called) are usually based around a reasonable size sensitive 50uA moving coil panel meter. These are now listed (Farnell) between 20 and

30 each (before circuitry!). This circuit is based around the National Semiconductor LM661CN Cmos quad op-amp IC. The circuitry components should cost no more than 4.00! and it has greater sensitivity than the standard meter type. Transmitter output strength is shown by four Superbright red light emitting diodes. A correctly functioning R/C transmitter, will illuminate three to four LEDs at a distance of 10 metres away. Adjusting the length of the short telescopic aerial will allow all LEDs to operate at a shorter distance for indoor checking. With occasional use, a four AA alkaline battery lasts over a year (even occasionally leaving the thing switched on) The OA47 diode seems to work best but more difficult to get. L1 needs to be initially adjusted to illuminate the maximum number of LEDs at a range of 10 metres or so. Once set thats it. The Toko coil used is no longer manufactured but many are still in the pipeline and there are alternatives. Remember, if you set L1 using a 35MHz Tx then the unit will only check other 35MHz transmitters. If 40MHz Txs are to be checked, set L1 using a 40MHz Tx. L1/C1 form a tuned circuit at 35MHz. A 35MHz Tx will excite this coil and cause a resonance of L1. D1 detects this and a little current flows at 35 million times a second! into C2. This increases the voltage across C2 (slightly) in proportion to the power of the transmitter signal. The LMC660CN is a Cmos op-amp and has little effect on the input circuit. The op-amps are arranged as voltage comparators using the potential divider R1-R5. The resistor values are selected to give a 3dB step between op-amps flipping on. (each one showing twice the transmitter power output) So with a weak signal, IC1D output will illuminate LED4. As the received signal gets stronger, the remaining LEDs will illuminate in turn, until all four are illuminated. An excellent practical layout of this circuit using Veroboard and some up to date components can be found at www.pm.keirle.com/

SOME USEFUL LINKS:-

www.micronradiocontrol.co.uk

kits for R/C receivers, speed controllers, servos, chargers, etc. www.modelflying.co.uk

Radio Control Models & Electronics one of the leading UK R/C model aircraft m agazines. www.rcmodelworld.com

Radio Control Model World one of the leading UK radio control model aircraft magazines. www.epemag.wimborne.co.uk

Everyday Electronics a leading UK hobby electronics magazine. www.flyingsites.co.uk

general information regarding radio control model aircraft. The UK Radio Control Council the Radio Control technical advisory council to the Govt OFCOM. www.rc-soar.com

Info about radio control soaring models (and independent coverage of micron receiver assembly!) www.nikamelectronics.co.uk

RF Electronics Company used by micron for development of UK R/C systems. www.ShortRangeDevices.co.uk

companion site to above with possible model to ground modules 433MHz to 5GHz. www.elektor-electronics.co.uk

edge of electronics UK/Netherlands magazine. Electronic projects/PCBs. http://home.HiWAAY.net/~mjn

EF info plus PIC based speed controller design absolutely free! See Radio2 www.customelectronics.co.uk

flight simulator system for model aircraft, speed controller & other items. Alans Hobby Web Links A comprehensive A to Z of hobby related web sites. www.glue-it.com

Model enthusiast site with many links and info including model railway topics. www.actionkit.co.uk

electronic kits for models and GCSE projects, see Radio3 bottom of page. http://www.iroquois.free-online.co.uk

Dave Days Home Page.everything to do with model aircraft and more! http://www.rcmodelreviews.com/

simply one of the best R/C electronic sites you are likely to come across. Bang up to date technology explained. http://www.webx.dk/index.htm

superb website for R/C electronic projects. Excellent circuit diagrams and assembly photos. By Thomas Scherrer.

http://www.zen22142.zen.co.uk/index.html

CIRCUIT EXCHANGE INTERNATIONAL Website by Andy Collinson. Electronic and radio schematics, design and simulation. Welcome to Circuit Exchange International. My site contains electronic and radio schematics in ten categories. In addition, there are sections on circuit simulation, design, analysis and a practical section containing tutorials. This is a free site and mostly my work, however I do welcome contributions. Everyone who has helped in the making of this site is listed on my credits

page. This home page has kindly been translated into several languages, and you can use google translator for others. Thank you for visiting my site.

The following links come from Alans Hobby Web Links (above) .these links are just a tiny part of of Alans Dictionary of Model Radio control but this tiny part fits with the content of this website perfectly..many thanks my flying friend.

2.4-GHz Spectrum Analyzer - Low Cosr

Altimeter Project

Altimeter - Winged Shadow Systems - micro

Black Wire Corrosion

Circuit Central

Circuit Diagrams for Model Aircraft

Circuits for RC gadgets - Jo Aichinger ***

Creating Printed Circuit Boards - Easy DIY

Design for RC models - Russia

Do-It-Yourself Radio Control Electronic Projects & Gadgets

Dump "r" DIY discharge RX and TX packs

Electronic projects and tutorials ***

Electronic Circuits for the Hobbyist - Tony Van Roon

Electronic Gadgets (Projects) for RC - Tony Van Roon

Electronics Pages - Circuits etc by Tomi Engdahl's

Electronics Hobby Page

Electronize Model Electronics

High Frequency - Archives ***

kens RC home page

LED Calculator - RC Cam Projects

Lost Model Alarm (LMA ) - Plane Finder with fail safe

Plane finder _ Lost Model Alarm

Merlin PCB Designer

Newark Electronics, Catalog = Electronic Components

OHM'S Calculator

Optic Isolators - S.M.Services (U.K.) Ltd

Philips Semiconductors;

Radio control electronics - DIY fault finding and repair [Norcim] *** Radio Electronics Pages - Build your own TX & RX

Ram Radio Controlled Models Home Page

Receiver & Solenoid wiring for use with SLA (Gell Cell battery)

RC Creative Electronics

RC Frequency Monitor - DIY

RC Groups Discussion - DIY Electronics

RC Systems - DIY build your own & other RC projects.

Schiepatti Switch - for camera operation, glow driver etc

Servo Driver

Stefan's Electric R-C Web Site

Supercircuits Inc. ..Micro video camera etc.

Sirius Electronics-TX Diodes bridging

Suding Associates Inc. - Main Page

Technical Library

Voltage regulator = BEC 5V & 6V for Boats, cars and airplanes

traffic light security for external links.

Did you know that the new Spread Spectrum (2.4 Gig stuff) technology has been around for 70 years? You need to watch this video right through, Dont switch off! thinking its not relevant, then ask your grandparents about Hedy Lemarr! http://www.youtube.com/watch?gl=CA&hl=en&v=xUyhPDVBiaI

Recent visitor map for Norcim website 16 Nov 2011

You can contact me.norcimguy at gmail.com Thanks for reading!

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(about me norcimguy) NORCIM NOTES1 home page. Micron R/C fault find both Transmitter and Receivers NORCIM NOTES2 40 MHz conversion of Tx and Rx plus Glow control and PCM thoughts NORCIM NOTES3 35MHz transmitter circuit. Electric glider design. 459MHz conversion notes. NORCIM NOTES4 Economy electric flight. 15 amp relay switch circuit. Lost model alarm. History R/C. NORCIM NOTES5 Receiver sensitivity test results from Dave McQue including receiver circuit notes. NORCIM NOTES6 History of R/C systems including early PPM encoding and decoding circuitry. NORCIM NOTES7 Miscellaneous model information plus electronic components and some 2.4GHz stuff. NORCIM NOTES8 mainly unique model design for radio control and vintage radio control electronic circuits. NORCIM NOTES9 nostalgic transmitter circuits collected by David Caudrey. Also some original circuit designs. NORCIM NOTES10 further nostalgic original circuit designs for radio control by David Caudrey. NORCIM NOTES11 original R/C circuit designs from David Caudrey and some electric motor testing. NORCIM NOTES12 RON JAYs circuit pages. Simply a multitude of alarm circuits, ti mer circuits, LED circuits, Tutorials,

Choosing parts and components, useful free circuit software, free circuit simulator. Magic Stuff ! NORCIM NOTES13 DAVID CAUDREYs world of the Operational Amplifier. A page devoted to the OP AMP with possible applications within radio control systems. Many original design circuits. (content still being added Sept 2011) NORCIM NOTES14 a discussion of tuned circuits used in model radio control from DAVID CAUDREY and TERRY TIPPETT The newcomers guide of Spread Spectrum radio control simple advantages of the 2.4 Gig radio control band for model control. A change of subject ?.... The energy saving light bulb Myth. How UK households have been conned into paying a billion pounds for free light bulbs that dont work! A simple demonstration of how to fly a model helicopter

a superb video showing how to get started with model helicopters

This cant be real ! or can it?

A full size airplane looses a wing and the pilot lives??

MICROSOFT ANTIVIRUS

award winning security program for business and home computers at a seriously competitive cost.

This is a continuation page of the norcim web site notes, covering still more ideas and info. Possible use of the Micron FET7 receiver on 40 MHz. This is a Dual Conversion receiver and several enquiries have come in about its possible use on the 40 MHZ band for model boats and cars. Providing you can get

hold of 40 MHz receiver crystals (preferably Futaba manufacture) then the changes to the FET 7 receiver are not too drastic! All of the changes are at the front end and involve the change of the 33uH inductor, (fig 2 on microns drawing) to a 22uH value available from Farnell Components* part number 513-477. The 27p capacitor and 4u7 inductor is simply snipped out as not needed on the 40MHz band. The front 159DZ antenna coil will need re-setting for maximum range using a 40MHz transmitter and you will find that this will involve almost exactly one turn of the core further down, clockwise, than the setting for 35MHz. Ideally the 27p capacitor across the coil would be changed for a 22p but as its under the coil, this is not practical. If starting from scratch then fit a 22p! The setting of the L2 coil (several type numbers were used for this coil) should not need any alteration. If your posh! and have an oscilloscope to use when setting up home built receivers, then it is worth realising that the scope lead and scope, when connected to the receiver, adds to the antenna circuit of the receiver! When removed the antenna coil may not be perfectly set! To counteract this effect, a special scope lead can be made using a scope input DIN connector with two half metre, or so, flex wires terminating with mini crock clips or similar, with a 1K resistor in each lead at the crock clip. The resistors filter the RF antenna effect while still allowing the receiver output signal to show on the oscilloscope. The scope output on all the Micron receivers is from pin 9 of the 3361 IC after the 4k7 resistor. If your not so posh! and dont have an oscilloscope, then I have found that reliable tuning of R/C receivers can be done with a crystal earpiece costing little more than a Euro (or less than a pound!). They usually come with thin flex wiring, terminating with a jack-plug. If the tip is held on the resistor from pin 9 (micron receivers) with the other metal bit resting against the metal can of the coil (or owt thats negative), then you can plainly hear the transmitter signal as a buzzing sound! The discriminator coil, L2 can then be set for maximum loudness. For setting the antenna coil.put the receiver and battery in a card box and move away from the transmitter until the buzzing diminishes slightly. Now adjust the front antenna coil L1 for maximum loudness or reception of the buzzing sound. (note th at a hiss can be clearly heard either side of the Tx signal buzz). Thats it! And it can be very accurate. Its probably worth mentioning that the L2 coil on micron receivers can also be set using a multimeter. With the meter pos lead to the pin 9 resistor, and neg lead to battery negative, simply adjust L2 to achieve a reading of 2 volts, (with the transmitter switched on!).

A Word about Micron transmitters and 40 MHz.

http://www.howesmodels.co.uk/RadioControl/viewProducts.php?CatID=41 http://www.discovercircuits.com/R/rad-control.htm

The MICRON 35/40 1996 transmit sections always made use of Fleet Control Systems crystals for use of the 40 MHZ band. These were manufactured by the IQD crystal company in Somerset and suited the Micron transmitter kit perfectly without any circuit change at all! However these crystals have been

obsolete for some years now. In an attempt to find an alternative, I have found that the standard Micron transmit section will work with Futaba 40 MHz crystals providing a capacitor value is changed. The capacitor in question is the 56p across the base/emitter of the BF450 transistor. If this is raised to a value of 150p, then Futaba 40 MHz crystals can be used. The transmit section has to be tuned to the new band using the LED tuning device that comes with the Micron transmitter kit. A small reduction in range may result from using these crystals, (as the Tx crystal is one third of the output frequency unlike the Fleet crystals which were half frequency) but this can be corrected if necessary by reducing the 100R output transistor, input resistor to 68R. This is probably unnecessary however, as the range required with model boats, is lower than that required for model aircraft. Remember, Micron transmitters must use the special micron loaded antenna and the 40 MHz version must be used for this mod. UPDATE 27/8/02 a possible small but significant improvement in output power on 40 MHz can be achieved by reducing the 27p across L1 to 22p. This allows a better position of L1 core, giving a little more RF transfer to the secondary winding.

Another Word about Micron transmitters on the 35 MHz band. A few constructors of recent Micron transmitter kits have expressed grave doubts about the range or power output of their latest version of Microns offering, as the current consumption of the whole transmitter is less than 80 milliamps! In my opinion this is totally understandable as their latest Micron Tx kit consumes about half the power from the batteries of any other commercial 35 transmitter. Surely this can only mean half the range!? Micron however point out that this is simply not the case and despite the small battery power needed, the range, even with their mini loaded antenna is still comparable with the commercial counterpart and the answer is simply th e use of their loaded antenna system. To prove the point, R/C Model World magazine March 2000, in their electronics project series, covered a Transmitter Output Tester that measures the field strength (power) of any Tx at a distance of 10 metres. I have used this smart device now many times and conclude, I wouldnt be without it. Not only does it show that the Micron Tx output is comparable with other transmitters but its occasional use with any transmitter gives great confidence of correct output. All of this becomes more interesting really, when you consider that the Micron transmitter can work for up to twice as long as other transmitters, between charges. Good for a day (or two) on the slope! http://www.hobbyprojects.com/R/rf_radio_frequency_tansmitters.html http://www.qrp.pops.net/transmit.asp http://www.qsl.net/yo5ofh/links/transmitters.htm Yet another Word! on Micron transmitters

a couple of recent enquiries, ask if the latest Micron transmit section could be used in earlier Micron transmitters. A quick consultation with Roger Keately at Micron and a search through the mountains of drawings and sketches he had, suggested that this had been thought about and indeed possible. The only thing needed is a special connecting flylead to connect the older (excellent but now obsolete!) NE5044 encoder to the new transmit section. This lead is shown and can be made up using parts available from most electronic stores or Micron. The odd thing about this lead is that it can be fitted any way round! ie there is no specific end which must go to the coder or RF section, the wiring appears to sort itself out, whichever way round the lead is fitted.

TRANSMITTER ANTENNAS (telescopic aerials in old money!) I know youve read it before but it is a fact that telescopic aerials were never designed for model use! The caster base fuel gets into these things, dries out into a gum, almost making it impossible to collapse the aerial down without bending or breaking it! If this is not bad enough the grunge thats living in the aerial, sadly reduces the range of the Tx. (simply because of poor electrical contact of each telescopic section). Occasionally, unscrew the antenna, extend it and squirt WD40 into the bottom screw hole. A few collapses and extensions, using a kitchen towel to clean the antenna will prolong its active life! (Aahhh!). A word of warning though! If the aerial has been left in the grunge condition for too long, then after the above servicing, you may find that the top section is so slack that it slides back under its own weight! The only consolation is that the only thing keeping it extended before cleaning, was grunge and this prevented the aerial working correctly anyway. Should this happen, the antenna needs replacing.

A LITTLE WHILE AGO An electronic modeller contacted me with an idea of using a speed controller circuit to keep the glow-plug of a four-stroke motor, hot at low revs and tick-over. Unfortunately the detail of the mail involved, has disappeared and I now cant give credit to the guy who was originally involved. However his idea is shown in the circuit alongside and involves the modification of his Micron speed controller to achieve the above. It is well accepted that 4stroke motors often cut out at low revs or tick-over, particularly when using low nitro fuels. Some

2strokes can also suffer from this when using less expensive straight fuel and could also benefit from this device! The Micron speed controller is very easy to modify, as its a kit! The only mods involved are the changing of the original 0.22 uF capacitors to a value of 0.47uF (see circuit) and the addition of a 5v resistorLED which shows the glow state of the Glow-plug. The finished unit plugs into the throttle output of the receiver (together with the throttle servo, so you will need a two way plug!). The resulting Glow-plug controller, heats the glow-plug, (Using an on board nicad battery) from about quarter throttle, with very little heat, down to full heat at tickover. The on board nickel cadmium single cell battery needs to be about 2000 mAH or more to last the flying session. Setting up the controller involves adjusting the 22K trim-pot to just give maximum brightness to the LED, when the motor is set at tick over. You should then notice that as the throttle is slowly increased, the LED looses intensity until around a quarter throttle, when the LED (and therefore plug) is not glowing at all. 2% petrol added to a basic mix of glow fuel often helps with general performance and tick-over. (more than 2% does not work well) The use of a synthetic oil based fuel compared with castor-based type, in itself, helps with both throttling and a reliable tick-over. The petrol mix idea, mixes with both types of fuel.

http://www.sentex.ca/~mec1995/gadgets/glow.htm http://www.freeinfosociety.com/electronics/schematics/sensorbased/modelengineglowplugdriver.pdf

RECEIVER BATTERY MONITOR this is about the simplest circuit you can get using a simple zener voltage diode (BZX79C3V9 Farnell order code 369-378). The circuit is shown alongside and simply plugs into a spare servo output of the receiver. The idea is that, providing the receiver battery is well charged (4v8 plus), then the transistor TR1 remains conducting at all times and the red LED shows no warning. However as the battery begins to sag, the demands of the servos pull the voltage down below TR1 conduction and the LED flashes. It is important that use of this circuit involves stirring two or three servos before and after each flight. If the LED flashes, then its time to go home and charge the battery!

A 12 VOLT GLOW-PLUG DRIVER Please note that this circuit has not been assembled or tested but it is offered for experiment by those electronic nuts who may wish to assemble it and modify if necessary. Needless to say that if you do

+12V

10K

68K

1K5

1M

R2

R3

R4

R5

B1 2V GLO PLUG R6 680R

C1 022 C3 01 Q1

47K
C2 022

R7

Q3

Q2

BUZ11

6V2

D2

C4

BC184LC

022

BC184LC

D3

dabble and get results (or dont), then do let the web site know! The circuit is based on a standard text book multivibrator and its voltage supply is the starter battery used by modellers. It fires a stream of thin 12 volt pulses to the standard 2 volt motor glow-plug, simulating a 2 volt supply. The 47K pot allows adjustment of the width of the pulses to suit the type of glow-plug used (simply adjust the pot to obtain a rich orange glow with the glow-plug used) A zener diode allows automatic fattening of the pulses when the starter motor load abruptly pulls the battery voltage down. Q1 and Q2 are BC184LC or similar transistors with Q3 being a BUZ11A or similar power mosfet. The LED will illuminate when the plug lead is connected to the glow-plug, providing the plug element is intact. The LED should be a high brightness type. Q1 and Q2 must be high gain type, preferably better than 400 at around 2 mA. Worth a mention is that the glow-plug connector type should be of the box spanner type. The clip on type can so easily clip on to the motor body and head causing a short circuit which would not be good news for the BUZ11.

SOME EXCITING STUFF has just come in from long lost flying friend, Alan Pratt. We first met when Alan was a student at Sheffield University. While I get the pictures sorted, Im going to let Alan explain things :-

Reviving an interest in R/C modelling after a 16 year break I decided to give my old Micron radio gear a technical facelift. I had used PIC microcontrollers prior to my retirement from

industry and being mindful of the attractions of pulse code modulation this seemed a logical approach. The coder and decoder boards are built and tested and work fine. An electronic speed controller is breadboarded and this also works fine. I have standardised on the PIC

16C84 (16F84) microcontroller because it can be repeatedly reprogrammed making it ideal for development work. It also has non volatile eeprom data memory which enables the system user to store operational data eg. failsafe settings.

Photo 1 shows the coder board driving a standard Micron RF board (27 MHz early 80's vintage). The main components are the PIC, a low cost 8 bit serial A/D converter and an HC4051 analogue switch. A maximum of 8 channels is possible with this configuration

although I have provided for 6 on this board and am currently only using 4. The two potentiometers set the +ve and -ve reference voltages for the A/D converter and hence the servo pulse width range. The small sockets at the bottom of the board will accept one of the proprietary FM Tx

modules (418 or 433 MHz) which are widely available. I have a notion to download data from air to ground and this provides a development route for bench testing. I have written the PIC program to generate either pcm or ppm code. With my version of pcm the control information

for each channel contains an address element and a data element. The data is variable to effect the control but the address is fixed for each channel and can be used to check for valid data. In this way it is easy to detect invalid signals (eg. due to interference or out of

range) and invoke failsafe settings. Photo 2 shows the Rx decoder board with a Micron Rx. Apart from the +ve and -ve supply it needs only one connection to the Micron Rx - the pulse output. The other Rx output used to reset the 4015 chip on the Micron decoder is not

required. To aid development and range checks I have included a miniature LED which lights when valid data is being received. I have fitted two DIL switches on the board. Only one is currently used. It selects either control or program mode. In program mode, with the model's controls

adjusted to suitable failsafe settings the data can be stored in the PIC's memory. The second switch is connected to a spare PIC input pin for an as yet undefined purpose. (pcm or ppm?). An attraction of microcontrollers is that additional functionality can often

be added later simply by re-programming.

I don't claim that this is ground breaking technology nor that it represents the only approach to the subject. The project serves to satisfy a personal interest in hobby electronics and provides a technical challenge. As with most of my projects development/modification is on-going without any planned timetable so its status could be classed as 'fluid'.

Alan Pratt

A GREAT BOOK to have to hand, is the RSGB (Radio Society of Great Britain) RADIO & ELECTRONICS COOKBOOK. (ISBN 0 7506 52144) Edited by Dr George brown. This is an excellent book covering the radio side of electronics from the ground up. Topics starting with What is a resistor? What is a capacitor? and Radio waves explained introduce more than eighty excellent constructional projects and gadgets including, A radio that is powered by three lemons!, A solar powered radio, Christmas tree lights and more. Amateur band receiver and transmitter projects are there too! This is a real easy book to understand and I recon would be an excellent book for school use that could span from mid GCSE level right through to A level and beyond! I cant think of any another book that could do that with the radio side of electronics. Alans Hobby Web Links A brilliant site listing thousands of Hobby links, in carefully prepared sections, on an A to Z basis! Provides a stepping-stone directly to the topic of interest! Simple to use, and saves the time and frustration of searching. Click Here (use the Back arrow to return to Terrys radio notes!) The following link is provided by Google and well worth the click! http://www.google.co.uk/images?rlz=1T4ADFA_enGB385&q=rc+transmitter+circuit&um=1& ie=UTF8&source=univ&ei=Gh9BTcXzLoep8QPIi_E8&sa=X&oi=image_result_group&ct=title&resnu m=7&ved=0CE4QsAQwBg&biw=1003&bih=556 Thanks for reading.

NORCIM NOTES1 home page. Micron R/C fault find both Transmitter and Receivers NORCIM NOTES2 40 MHz conversion of Tx and Rx plus Glow control and PCM thoughts NORCIM NOTES3 35MHz transmitter circuit. Electric glider design. 459MHz conversion notes. NORCIM NOTES4 Economy electric flight. 15 amp relay switch circuit. Lost model alarm. History R/C. NORCIM NOTES5 Receiver sensitivity test results from Dave McQue including receiver circuit notes. NORCIM NOTES6 History of R/C systems including early PPM encoding and decoding circuitry. NORCIM NOTES7 Miscellaneous model information plus electronic components and some 2.4GHz stuff. NORCIM NOTES8 mainly unique model design for radio control and vintage radio control electronic circuits. NORCIM NOTES9 nostalgic transmitter circuits collected by David Caudrey. Also some original circuit designs. NORCIM NOTES10 further nostalgic original circuit designs for radio control by David Caudrey. NORCIM NOTES11 original R/C circuit designs from David Caudrey and some electric motor testing. NORCIM NOTES12 RON JAYs circuit pages. Simply a multitude of alarm circuits, timer circuits, LED circuits, Tutorials, Choosing parts and components, useful free circuit software, free circuit simulator. Magic Stuff ! NORCIM NOTES13 DAVID CAUDREYs world of the Operational Amplifier. A page devoted to the OP AMP with possible applications within radio control systems. Many original design circuits. (content still being added Oct 2011)

The newcomers guide of Spread Spectrum radio control simple advantages of the 2.4 Gig radio control band for model control.

A change of subject ?.... The energy saving light bulb Myth. Do they work and at what cost!

More circuits and chat for the Radio Control enthusiasts out there who have an interest in the electronics side of the hobby.

A 35MHz AND 40MHz TRANSMITTER CIRCUIT

Commercial transmitters for use with model aircraft have a range of around a mile. This is provided by an RF section of usually three or four transistors with the use of plug-in crystals to change the frequency channel. The 35 MHz R/C band is now used for model

aircraft in many countries, so the following circuit is shown with component values for the 35 MHz band. The basic transmit circuit is very simple and involves just the middle section of the diagram shown. This consists of a crystal oscillator stage T2 that runs at half the output frequency, followed by a frequency doubling stage T3. All the circuitry to the right of T3 is simply there to filter harmonics and spurious signals. (and it does this particularly well by suppressing all but the 35 Meg signal by more than 56 dB! This is an excellent figure for EMC, electro magnetic compatibility and non contamination of the radio spectrum). The circuitry to the left of T2 is there to give a small (0.75 KHz) controlled shift the oscillator frequency, with each servo position pulse that comes from the transmitter coder circuitry. The resistor capacitor input to T1, slows the switching of T1, so that the shifting of the transmitter output frequency, with each pulse, is smooth. This keeps the transmitted signal narrow band. The output of this circuit has been independently tested by the ERA (Electrical Research Association) and is perfectly suitable for use on the 35 and 40 MHz bands. It never ceases to amaze me that just two transistors and a few components together with a 9-volt battery can potentially transmit up to a mile radius! The circuit is based around Fuaba spec plug-in crystals (available from most model shops). All resistors are 0.25 Watt 5%. Capacitors are disk ceramic except C12 which is a 16v electrolytic. All coils are Toko 7mm type. A mild modification to the circuit is shown in FIG 1A. the two extra components shown in red, lift the DC input level of T3 to produce an almost on situation for T3. (because of the 0.45 volt drop across the 1N5711 diode). T3 still works in Class C operation but only

just. The resulting pulses from the PA transistor T3, are more fatter and m ore pronounced. More output power can be expected from this modification but T3 becomes hotter and needs an effective heat sink fitted. T3 in this configuration is better as a 2N3866 (TO5 package) transistor as a heat sink can be easily fitted.

A BARRIE ALLEN DESIGN POWERED GLIDER The Sun electric motor was mentioned in circuit notes2. Well the guy who was in on

testing this motor actually designed a model to go with it! Its called Whisper(there are still some of these naturally talented people out there! Makes you sick!). The model however, turned out to be one of the most enjoyable electric planes Ive ever flown and I still fly it whenever I can. Its basically a V tail glider with wing area and overall dimensions that were dreamt up to suit the first examples we had of the Sun motor. The fuselage was made wide enough to just take two standard size servos side by side and deep enough (6 cm) below the wing to allow the 7 cell AA battery pack just foreword of the servos. The speed controller and receiver are positioned under a removable hatch just foreword of the wing. The Graupner 9x5 folder prop gives really good performance, producing thermal height two or three times using NH cells. Fuselage is of conventional balsa construction with foam wing. (built up wing could even be better). The motor was arranged to give a full 10 degrees downthrust to prevent too much nose -up on full power. We found that very slow landings were achievable by applying up elevator, without the model dropping a wing. Think its the effect of the V tail cutting into the airflow when the tail is low, but Im sure there are more qualified nuts out there who can explain this

finding. Change the battery pack for a standard six cell sub-c pack and fit a Graupner speed 600 electric motor gives further performance. The servos need mounting further back to accommodate the larger battery pack. Note also that a standard six cell sub-c battery pack charges more easily from a portable 12 volt leisure battery supply.

http://www.dmoz.org/Business/Consumer_Goods_and_Services/Recreation/Models/Remot e_Control/Gliders/ http://www.flyingsites.co.uk/newcomers/intros/gliders.htm

IDEAS FROM NASA! When a little web site like ours, popped up in the NASA Research Centre, USA, George Beeler kindly made some time to Email us about a simple check for a dead receiver!

Re: Simple first order-check on a dead receiver.

Dear Terry, I happened on this quite by accident, but it is a very useful tool. If you have a relatively sensitive general coverage receiver, you never have to open a receiver to determine if the Local oscillator is non-functional. Most good quality general coverage receivers (such as most amateurs and short wave listeners have) will be able to detect and pick up the unmodulated local oscillator. So you either set your short-wave radio to the known oscillator frequency or offset the receive frequency by +/- 455 kHz to detect the local oscillator. Since the oscillator is un-modulated, you will need to turn on the BFO (Beat Frequency Oscillator) in the receiver to be able to hear the squeal when you plug in or turn on the receiver. So why doesn't a good frequency counter pick this up? If it did, you would never get a good frequency indication, as it would be chasing every weak signal for many miles. So the threshold is set to some reasonable level to squelch the micro-Amp level signals. This technique is great when you are checking old equipment, crash

checking the receiver, and in handy checking for oscillator drift as the tone will change by the frequency change, which you can see on an oscilloscope. I think it would be very useful for a group such as yours, who might not have thought about it, to have a good General coverage radio around. Good to share, George B. Beeler. Many thanks for that George. I wish the Beeler check had been around some years ago when I was fixing R/C receivers for a living! Take care and do keep us in mind for the future!
http://www.ac6v.com/homebrew.htm

A REASON FOR SOFT UNCOMPRESSED FOAM RUBBER PACKAGING OF THE RECEIVER

Is that when used in a power model, some of the electronic components are microphonic. (probably not a dictionary word but means act like a microphone!). High vibration levels caused by poor packaging, induces an unwanted electronic ripple at the receive circuit output. This in turn can cause semi-erratic servo control on PPM systems and possible complete signal lock-out of PCM systems. The suspect microphonic components in receivers were found to be the electro-mechanical items like coils and filters. Filters tended only to show a problem at certain resonant frequencies. NOW GO AND CAREFULLY PACK YOUR RECEIVER IN NICE SOFT, UNCOMPRESSED, FOAM RUBBER! (And dont give a damn what the model shop people say!)

AN EXPERIMENT

to prove the above point, can be done. (Sorry! The following info is aimed only at the real hardened electronic crackpots

out there!). A test rig, can be built around a 120mm/150mm 8

OHM full range HI-FI speaker unit. A 2mm Ply disc of maximum diameter is dropped into the speaker cone, with epoxy around its edge. This gives a platform for the test receiver to be strapped to, using hooks and elastic bands. I used a simple square wave 555 astable oscillator with a PNP/NPN power drive to the speaker. The frequency of the drive unit was about 30 to 300 Hz. This reflected tick-over speed, to full power, of a typical Glow-Motor used for model flying. A 6v 0 6v nicad battery supply was used but this could be increased (if you wish the receiver to revert back to kit form within a few minutes!!) Flex wiring is needed for the receiver battery input and the oscilloscope output of the audio test point on the receiver. Warning! The resulting noise produced by the test rig will certainly wake the neighbours if not the dead!

If youre a Crackpot like me then..HAPPY RECEIVER DEMOLITION!

USE THE 459 MHz R/C BAND WITH YOUR YOUR FAVOURITE PPM TRANSMITTER! Well Malcolm Perry has come up with a device that simply plugs into the Buddy-Box socket of your Tx and Hey Bingo! your transmitting on the UHF band! Malcolm has even developed a UHF receiver capable of up to eight channels!

Why not UHF? By Malcolm Perry The UK has for many years allocated a band in the UHF part of the radio spectrum for model control use. This part of the spectrum commonly known as the 459Mhz band is today hardly, if ever used for model control. Equipment has been manufactured in years gone by, by companies such as Reftec and Cotswold, but today there is, to the best of this writer's knowledge no manufacturer supplying model control equipment on UHF. When you consider that modellers often have to wait to use a frequency at a popular site, this is a great pity. I have for several years experimented with systems using this band with various degrees of success. I thought that your readers might be interested in a recent attempt to develop a viable receiver using this band. In the past I have built complete systems - from scratch! - a laborious task if you consider all the mechanics as well as electronics that goes into a system! The system I am going to describe makes use of the licence free (MPT) modules now available in this part of the spectrum. In fact the UHF band is now shared, so modellers do not have exclusive use of all the frequencies, which is a shame. The modules you can buy are in the lower part of the band, but this sharing is not all bad news. A characteristic of

UHF is that it does not propagate far and to date I have not experienced any interference on the frequency I have chosen. The modules are designed to a specification, and the one chosen is a dual conversion superhet with a low noise amplifier front end. In fact the modules are complete and will with a little interfacing accept a TTL logic drive and at the receive end reproduce the same. TRANSMITTER My idea as you can see from the attached picture is to use the 'buddy box' trainer facility to take the output from a standard transmitter and interface it into the UHF TX module. Simple really and the advantage is that there is no modification to the transmitter that might invalidate its approval standard. The unit can be removed and the transmitter operated normally just by removing the DIN plug. In fact a simple adaptation of the interface means that when the UHF module is plugged in the normal internal transmitter is disabled - an important additional safety feature. RECEIVER Perhaps the most difficult part of the exercise was to develop a practical receiver, given that today's modellers expect small size and lightweight as standard. You can tell from the attached picture that this receiver is reasonably small; its actual dimensions are Length 60mm, width 42mm, and depth 34mm. Weight 70grams. For this you get 8 channels, only 7 used with my transmitter combination and the exclusivity of the UHF band, It would be fair to add that the receiver is slightly more complicated, because I found that the recovered data from the UHF module was prone to noise bursts (glitching in modeller's terms) This was considerably reduced by the use of a Phase Locked Loop discriminator in place of the internal quadrature detector. The decoder board is fed by the receivers second IF frequency at 455kHz. CONCLUSION I think the answer to my question "Why not UHF" is pretty simple and it is not necessarily a technological one. The particular '459mhz' band is only available in the UK and the majority of model control manufactures are international companies - hence there is little incentive to manufacture equipment that could only be marketed in the UK. This maybe an over simplification, but at least part of the reason why we cannot buy equipment manufactured for this band. Finally I would add a health warning - developing systems that perform safely requires careful design and analysis or the old adage that your "model might come crashing out of the sky" could become true! Still as I said at the start, it is a shame that more use is not made of this band or, as I noticed, one of your writers has already said we will loose it. http://uk.excite.eu/search/radio+control?source=googlelt&q=radio+control&cst=fs&csc=37 36494329&csk=radio%20control&gclid=CO_cqZTT0aACFRI-lAodBnNczw

JOYSTICKS AND THINGS! several Emails have arrived recently asking how to wire-in transmitter joysticks, that have a separate potentiometer for in-flight trim. The circuit shows one of the ways to do this and was actually used by Micron in many of their transmitter kits. The circuit used, terminates with a threepin socket. If the socket is reversed when at the Tx coder, then the servo in the model works in the opposite direction (an added bonus!), giving what is called servo reverse. Microns older 5044 coder used this set -up without problem but the later 4017 coder can give some problems owing to the restricted current drive capabilities of the standard Cmos 4017 chip. The trouble is, that available joysticks use a 5K main pot with an in-flight trim pot of also 5K. This results in a 2K5R load for the 4017 chip. Unfortunately this is borderline current output for the chip! A solution to this problem could be found by replacing the 5K in-flight trimpot with a pot of higher value, say 22K, which would reduce the load on the 4017 chip. The HEF4017BT was found to give the best drive current some time ago but there may be 4017 devices with better drive capability now, which would alleviate the problem. However try this circuit first! GOT ONE OF THE THOUSANDS OF PPM RADIO CONTROL SYSTEMS OUT THERE? Then read on again, because this Multi Servo Failsafe unit from Alan Pratt will transform the safety of your system and add to your flying, sailing, or driving confidence! The picture shows one of the DIY prototypes that I managed to snaffle for testing. With only five components, it can be assembled in around fifteen minutes! (Wow, have things changed since I was a lad!). The commercial possibilities of a Surface Mount version of this unit, in my opinion, are big by modelling standards. It is estimated that 10s of thousands of eligible model radio control systems exist in the UK alone. Production investment, with only five components, would be relatively low and the unit can be customer pre-set to suit almost any make of R/C system and any model aircraft, boat, or land vehicle. The unit simply plugs in-line from the receiver to the servos. Under heavy radio interference or loss of signal, it will automatically drive the servos to a position, pre-set by the pilot! This is magic for the average flyer and a must for quarter scale. Initial bench testing has also revealed other technical benefits of the AntiFerence program that Alan has developed for use in his microcomputer device. I am convinced that this is not the last we are going to hear of this exciting development! Me?well Im off to fly with the snaffled unit installed and just itching to switch the transmitter off at 500 feet!

HAD AN EMAIL from Mohamed Shiraz Kaleel and well worth a mention! Mohamed pointed me in the direction of a real interesting group web site. These people actually build their own electric flight motors from CDROM drive motors! The site is extremely detailed and professional. A massive amount of technical info is available there showing how to convert CDROM motors into powerful brushless type flight motors capable from slow flight to 2kW! There is even details of the necessary electronic drive unit including, even a kit of parts! Well worth a visit if you are a mechanical and electronic nut, wishing to see the cutting edge of brushless technology. http://www.yahoogroups.com/group/lrktorquemax/

IN 1950 (WHEN BEER WAS TUPENCE A PINT!)

There was just one transmitting frequency for model control! At the flying field you simply waited for the existing model in the air to fly away then it was your turn to entertain the masses of kids that would materialise from absolutely everywhere! It was probably as far back as this, that the initial seeds were sown, that slowly germinated into what is now called the Radio Control Council of the UK. This is a body of representatives, experts and Gurus from all walks of the radio control model world. They descend upon the Boardroom at Bletchley Park MOD establishment around twice a year and with coffee and sandwiches, discuss the future of model radio control. Liaison with the government Radio Agency is continual and on occasions Radio Agency officials attend these meetings.

One of the staggering achievements of the RCC is that UK modellers now have over 120 frequencies available for model control!

Other technical inputs of the RCC include the introduction of FM radio in 1978, Narrow Band 10KHz FM radio 1980, A new 35 MHz band for models 1981, Development of transmitter Type Approval testing procedure, A special surface model (boats/cars) band on 40 MHz, (leaving the 35 MHz band for aircraft only), European Harmonisation of model frequencies and specs, Discussion of receiver Type Approval, R/C System EMC testing..and the list goes on! (Not a lot of people know that!!!)

So! The next time you get back from flying with a smile on you face! Just you point yourself in the direction of Bletchley Park and salute these guys!!

World R/C frequency info and other technical info is available on the RCC web site @ www.ukrcc.org

WANT TO KNOW OF AN ELECTRONIC KIT SUPPLIER WITH THINGS LIKE

Speed controllers, servo testers, Micro FM receivers, Micro AM receivers, chargers for nicads and NiMH batteries, chargers for 6v and 12v Gel cell batteries, Big range of electric motors for models, Servo slowdown kit, Servo failsafe, Big range of Sound Simulators for model boats, Battery eliminators, Tx power device, and more! Well simply tune into www.action-electronics.co.uk Contact is Dave Milbourn. to find a super range of electronic kits for us model people and GCSE electronic projects.

Photo shows actionkits DUAL SWITCHER KIT but there are many more!

NORCIM NOTES1 home page. Micron R/C fault find both Transmitter and Receivers

NORCIM NOTES2 40 MHz conversion of Tx and Rx plus Glow control and PCM thoughts NORCIM NOTES3 35MHz transmitter circuit. Electric glider design. 459MHz conversion notes. NORCIM NOTES4 Economy electric flight. 15 amp relay switch circuit. Lost model alarm. History R/C. NORCIM NOTES5 Receiver sensitivity test results from Dave McQue including receiver circuit notes. NORCIM NOTES6 History of R/C systems including early PPM encoding and decoding circuitry. NORCIM NOTES7 Miscellaneous model information plus electronic components and some 2.4GHz stuff. NORCIM NOTES8 mainly unique model design for radio control and vintage radio control electronic circuits. NORCIM NOTES9 nostalgic transmitter circuits collected by David Caudrey. Also some original circuit designs. NORCIM NOTES10 further nostalgic original circuit designs for radio control by David Caudrey. NORCIM NOTES11 original R/C circuit designs from David Caudrey and some electric motor testing. NORCIM NOTES12 RON JAYs circuit pages. Simply a multitude of alarm circuits, timer circuits, LED circuits, Tutorials, Choosing parts and components, useful free circuit software, free circuit simulator. Magic Stuff ! NORCIM NOTES13 DAVID CAUDREYs world of the Operational Amplifier. A page devoted to the OP AMP with possible applications within radio control systems. Many original design circuits. (content still being added Sept 2011)

A change of subject ?.... The energy saving light bulb Myth. Do they work and at what cost!

ECONOMY ELECTRIC FLIGHT was outlined in Radio1 and Radio2 pages. Well the picture shows one of the test models, a Graupner Biene, using the Sun motor, on a typical climb to thermal height, and it will do this twice on seven GP AA nickel hydride cells from CPC electronics.com at just 1.00 per cell. With the motor costing just 2.30 from JPR electronics, this shows just how inexpensive good electric flight can be. The AA cells give around ten minutes of full power in the air using a Perkins Distribution (most model shops) 8x5.5 electric flight prop. Increased climb rate can be had, by using a Graupner 9x5 (most model shops) electric flight prop, but this reduces full power in the air to around 8 minutes. Increased performance can be had with a Groaupner speed 600 motor and a standard 6 cell sub C battery pack. (see page 2) The following circuit shows a simple speed controller. Many of these controllers have now been used with test models using Micron receivers and all have performed well. The few components of the controller allows home construction for less than 3.00! The controller is based around

a CD4001N quad 2-input NOR gate IC which can cost as little as 30p from your electronics store! The real expensive bit is the MOSFET output transistor which could lay you back around 2.50. The single MOSFET drives the SUN motor (including standard 380 and 540 motors) using seven cells (8.4volts) with no problem. You can even cut the metal tag off the transistor to make the controller more compact, without overheating of the MOSFET. The input circuitry produces a sawtooth waveform with each servo pulse. This can be adjusted via trimmer R5 to trigger IC1A gate to produce a 50/50 mark space output thus driving the motor at half speed. Changes in the pulse width cause the sawtooth waveform level to change giving variable speed from fully ON through variable to fully OFF condition. The circuit without the optional 5v regulator is intended for use with a separate receiver battery. If the LM2940 is fitted then the receiver, servos and controller are supplied by the flight battery. This simple circuit is more suited to receivers with full rail voltage output pulses (usually Cmos decoder chips) and has been tested using Micron, Fleet and RCM+E receivers. Using the three remaining gates of the CD4001BCN in parallel gives adequate drive for up to five MOSFETs in parallel for hot motors. (at the relatively low switching speeds!). D2 and C5 provide good suppression of motor interference for the Sun motor, which has no internal brush suppression capacitors. For Hot genuine electric flight motors just follow the suppression instructions supplied with the motor.
http://norbique.rchomepage.com/esc/ http://trebor69.tripod.com/speedcnt.html http://www.stefanv.com/rcstuff/esc.htm http://www.rc-airplane-advisor.com/electronic-speed-controller.html

ITS SERVO TESTER TIME!

+5V SERVO POS

1MEG

manual control of almost any make of R/C servo, using just a receiver battery (4.8 nicad) for power.
BC184L

C1 223

47K

R1

The

following

circuit

offers

C2 223 Q1 C3 103 Q2 BC184L

1K5

10K

68K

R2

R3

R4

R5

SERVO INPUT

The components should cost you no more than a 1.50 or just over 2 Euros! and it should work with all makes of servo. The circuit is a

SERVO NEG

text-book two transistor multivibrator providing an 18 to 20ms cycle time which suits R/C servos. The circuit is however extremely lob-sided! In that one side produces around 17ms delay before triggering the other side, which only stays on for 1.5ms! Its this side that the servo output is taken from. The 4k7 pot with knob, produces a pulse variation from 1ms to 2ms at the output which can be used to test most known servos. C3 provides sufficient damping of servo noise to let the circuit work correctly. Its worth mentioning that the hfe of the transistor used must be high, better than 250 @ 1ma. So if substituting, then pick a high gain device.

http://www.rc-cam.com/servotst.htm http://forum.allaboutcircuits.com/showthread.php?t=13813 http://www.555-timer-circuits.com/servo-tester.html

THOUGHTS ARE NOW WITH FAST CHARGING NICAD AND NICKEL HYDRIDE BATTERIES

There are several methods of fast charging model car and electric but Peak the flight most Detect batteries Voltage

popular system, is called the Method. When NC or NH batteries are charged, their voltage slowly rises to a peak (when fully charged) but this is quickly followed by a small but significant dip in the battery voltage. Peak detect fast chargers, rely on their ability to detect this small voltage drop when the nicad is full and terminate the charge before overcharge damage is done. A simple peak detect method for six or seven cell sub-C batteries is shown. At switch-on, (connection to the 12v supply), the forward volts of D1 holds the inputs of the OP AMP apart, preventing any switching of the output. Initially, the voltage across D1 (which is a Schottky RF diode) can be as high as 0.3v but this quickly reduces within minutes to less than 0.05 volts because of the extremely low current flow through the diode. C1 then, follows the increasing nicad voltage (which can be as close as 0.02 volts when near to full charge). At full charge, the nicad voltage begins to fall..D1 soon becomes reversed, (also IC1A inputs!) causing IC1A output to flip. This terminates the charge current. The result is a fast, half to one hour, automatic cut-off charge! There is no need to discharge the nicad first. Full charge is detected even with a partly charged nicad. It is important that C1 is one of the recent Aluminium Electrolytic low leakage type capacitors. (Rubicon TWL series 47UF16V-16TWL47MO811 Farnell order code 499-067). Its worth mentioning that the 1N6263 has a lower reverse leakage current than general purpose schottky diodes. This helps at the peak detect point.

NEXT THOUGHTS ARE WITH CHECKING TRANSMITTER RANGE

This next circuit lends itself not only for home checking but also club and quick model shop checks. The circuit checks for correct power output of any 35 or 40 MHz radio control transmitter is shown. These things are called field strength meters and are a standard piece of electronic equipment in the service workshop to check the output power of R/C transmitters. Field Strength Meters (as they are called) are usually based around a reasonable size sensitive 50uA moving coil panel meter. These are now listed (Farnell) between 20 30 (before circuitry!). This circuit is based around the National Semiconductor LM661CN Cmos quad op-amp IC. The circuitry components should cost no more than 4.00! and it has greater sensitivity than the standard meter type. Transmitter output strength is shown by four Superbright red light emitting diodes. A correctly functioning R/C transmitter, will illuminate three to four LEDs at a distance of 10 metres away. Adjusting the length of the short telescopic aerial will allow all LEDs to operate at a shorter distance for indoor checking. With occasional use, a four AA alkaline battery lasts over a year (even occasionally leaving the thing switched on) The OA47 diode seems to work best but more difficult to get. L1 needs to be initially adjusted to illuminate the maximum number of LEDs at a range of 10 metres or so. Once set thats it. The Toko coil used is no longer manufactured but many are still in the pipeline and there are alternatives. Remember, if you set L1 using a 35MHz Tx then the unit will only check other 35MHz transmitters. If 40MHz Txs are to be checked, set L1 using a 40MHz Tx. L1/C1 form a tuned circuit at 35MHz. A 35MHz Tx will excite this coil and cause a resonance of L1. D1 detects this and a little current flows at 35 million times a second! into C2. This increases the voltage across C2 (slightly) in proportion to the power of the transmitter signal. The LMC660CN is a Cmos op-amp and has little effect on the input circuit. The op-amps are arranged as voltage comparators using the potential divider R1-R5. The resistor values are selected to give a 3dB step between op-amps flipping on. (each one showing twice the transmitter power output) So with a weak signal, IC1D output will illuminate LED4. As the received signal gets stronger, the remaining LEDs will illuminate in turn, until all four are illuminated. and each

FURTHER THOUGHTS NOW RE: THE FAST NICAD CHARGER ABOVE

Fig

shows

possible

output

stage for charging a 7v2. nicad. Note that this is not a constant current circuit but should work that resistor OK. the Note 1R will

initially let through a charge current of around 3 Amps which will slowly fall to 1 Amp or less at peak detection. The MOSFET in this version would not need to be fastened to a heat sink as it is in a fully on condition when charging and will need to dissipate little heat. The 1R or 2R resistor however will get very hot and would benefit from a heat sink. The 1R resistor value should be used for sub-C nicads. The 2R2 resistor is a better value with less current flow for 7v2 AA nicads. Fig 2 shows another possible output circuit in which the charge current through the MOSFET (Q2) can be set by adjustment of the 22K trimpot. A charge rate of 2 Amps is suggested for 7v2 nicad batteries. Some care will be required with the setting of the 22K pot and best to start with the wiper at the negative end of the pot. The charge rate should be reasonably constant with this circuit, owing to the bias characteristics of MOSFETs. Note that this circuit uses the MOSFET (Q2) to restrict the charge current flow and therefore Q2 will get hot! AND will need to be clamped to a metal heat sink. IT MUST BE POINTED OUT THAT ALTHOUGH THE PEAK VOLTAGE DETECTION CIRCUIT HAS BEEN WELL TRIED USED TO DATE, THE TWO ABOVE CIRCUITS FIG1 & FIG2 ARE POSSIBLE OUTPUT CIRCUITS AND ARE INCLUDED FOR EXPERIMENT.

A POWER SWITCH FOR R/C RECEIVERS

Fig 3 shows a simple circuit that can be plugged into one of the receiver servo outputs to switch on and off an external load of up to 15 Amps. The circuit is shown driving an electric flight motor but for boat people the relay could switch several torch bulbs, or a high lamp, sound dotted contact provides when props using with power or halogen or The shown ground dynamic folding electric winch, line to

circuit.

from the relay back

braking of the motor

flight. The input components form a text-book diode pump circuit. The trim-pot is set so that thin pulses from the transmitter pump up C1 voltage to just get the Logic Level MOSFET, conducting. The current flow through the relay however, is very small and well below that necessary to close the relay contacts. But throwing the stick at the transmitter to get fat pulses, increases the voltage across C1, allowing much more current flow through the MOSFET and the relay closes. Both 5 volt and 6 volt relays have been used in this circuit with windings of 55R to 90R. Notice that only the Rx pulse input and the negative input is required from the receiver (The red positive input is simply left unconnected). The current drain of the circuit on the receiver battery is almost undetectable. At higher voltages of the external circuit, the MOSFET (Q1) tends to limit the current flow through the relay to acceptable levels. The MOSFET, RFD4N06L (or similar) is a TO 251 (I-Pak) device and may get warm with a 12 volt external supply. This is normal. Several relays are suitable finder type SPCO 16A Farnell code 431-308or smaller 12Amp version finder type Low profile 21 series Farnell code 321-0224. Smaller low profile relays are now available and should be suitable.

EVER LOST A MODEL IN A CORN FIELD??? Well this next 555 circuit will detect its position!

PIEZO SOUNDER DEVICES ARE SMALL AND

WEIGH JUST 5gms! These small units can be heard up to 100 metres away in quiet countryside conditions, particularly if they are switched on and off! The following circuit uses a 30p 555 timer IC, to drive one of these Piezo sounders. The 555 is configured as a 50/50 astable pulse generator which sounds the piezo thing around once a second. Transistor TR1 keeps shorting C2 with each servo pulse, so that the 555 IC cant get going. The piezo sounder remains quiet during normal flight conditions. Should the model decide to land in a corn or rapeseed field, then switching off the Tx allows TR1 to go open circuit and C2 to begin its charge/discharge cycle enabling the 555 to switch the piezo sounder on and off at around once per second. With careful listening, the model can be located! Suitable piezo sounders are Farnell order code 927-181 or 927-119. The receiver input stage should suit most makes of receiver including those with low voltage servo pulse output.

AND WHERE IT ALL BEGAN!

Did you know that one of the first offerings from the Micron people was a pulse proportional system? Based around a Mighty Midget electric motor? Full kits were and elevator control surfaces. Surprising proportional flight could be achieved with this system, which was termed Galloping Ghost (because of the noise of the flapping control surfaces!). One of the flight demonstrations of the system, involved several passes through soccer goalposts (at a medium throttle setting, as there was no throttle control), which was quite an achievement alongside the standard reed equipment of the day. available from around 1962! The system used a single electric motor to pulse both rudder

The receiver (shown bottom left) used a super-regen front end (only allowing one model to fly at a time!) was designed by early R/C pioneer, Doug Bolton. Other R/C equipment of the day used self-centre toggle switches on the front of the transmitter for full throw of the control invented! surfaces So Joystick for units the had not been people joysticks Micron

transmitter kits had to be individually made from brass stock with piano wire wound springs! Two external pots provided the in-flight trims. Early transmitter circuitry used a variable rate saw-tooth generator (unijunction) followed by a varying level Schmitt trigger to generate the mark/space and pulse/rate, pulses for the mighty midget actuator. Later circuitry used a curious diode gated twotransistor astable-multivivrator, which gave a logarithmic effect to the rate channel (elevator). This improved the elevator effect to perform outside loops, when using the mighty midget actuator. Unfortunately this effect could not be used with the later more popular American Rand actuator.

Rapidly advancing multi-channel analogue and digital technology saw the demise of this kind of simple pulse proportional control but there is little doubt that these early systems began the trend into true proportional control of model aircraft.

The photos show one of the early Micron People Galloping Ghost proportional systems, which is now forty years old! When last tested with replaced nicad batteries.It still worked!.and without any doubt, it would still fly a model through those soccer goalposts! Unfortunately my grey matter has slowed down somewhat and there is no way now of proving this!

A photo of one of the models that flew with this system is shown and probably dates around 1962 ish. Although looking good, it was found that the pulsing of the radio system was clearly seen Other the the whenflying. time Gasser were and

models used at the

Charles Rail design called Galloper both

were plans from the Aeromodeller magazine. The conclusion was that the greater length of the fuselage from the wing to the tail actually helped to damp out any visual hopping effect of the elevator. The use of a heavy motor, prop and motor mounting plate also helped. This produced a situation of having to add lead to the tail of the model to get the correct CG. This extra weight at the tail end dampened out the pulsing elevator effect. The pulsing rudder never seemed a problem and under all flying conditions could not be noticed when flying. Memories of early galloping ghost models that I flew, showed that they were extremely good at slow flying during the glide after the motor had cut. In fact I remember that with one model, I could often bring round into wind with the intention of landing several yards in front of me, but Full Up elevator at that point produced a slow fully controlled rise into my chest where the model was caught. I never achieved this with late r models fitted with proportional gear. One reason could be that GG models were built of balsa and tissue covered (they were light!). On reflection an additional reason for this uncanny control could be the fact that at extremely low speeds, the wing was continually stalling and uninstalling with the hopping effect of the elevator at full UP of the system. (generally the elevator is kicked UP around twice a second with full UP joystick and hopping is noticeable).

Interested?......then here are some links to the historic Galloping Ghost system with even a video !

http://ruijsink.nl/mm-hist.htm http://www.rcsoaring.com/rcsd/RCSD-2009-08.pdf http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=265447 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xBSRmlIGSWQ http://www.singlestickstuff.com/

AN AUTOMATIC CHARGER FOR 2 VOLT GLOW BATTERIES

This simple circuit charges part-charged two-volt glow batteries in an hour or two, with auto slow-down to trickle charge. (The charge rate gradually reduces toward the end of charge, to minimise battery gassing). The power input is taken from the 12 -volt field starter battery battery). Both (or car input and

output are polarity reverse safe and the green LED will

only illuminate with correct input and output connections. The Car Bulb LMP1 indicates charge, taking place and its illumination intensity shows the level of charge. Bright is fast charge, Dull is slow charge and No illumination is charge complete with Trickle charge. The glow battery can be left in the trickle charge condition indefinitely (for a convenient time to unplug!) as the trickle charge eventually drops to less than 25 milliamps. The LED US1 is used as a voltage source for the base of T1, so care must be taken with substitutes. The one used in the prototype was a Kingbright superbright 5mm green! LED, which gives a foreword voltage (Vf) of 2.3 volts (in this circuit). D1 adds another 0.75 volts to the base of T1. The voltage across US1 can easily be measured after connecting the input leads of the circuit. (red LEDs give a lower Vf so dont use). All of the other components are non-critical. NOTE.if the glow battery is severely discharged, (to be avoided for long battery life!) it may take a minute or two for the green LED to illuminate. The Hawker Cyclon glow-battery quotes 2000 charge cycles and 10 years life with sensible charging!

CARAVAN SECURITY LIGHT?

OK! Not directly associated with model electronics but as many modellers have a caravan, then this little circuit could be of interest. The prototype was assembled on Veroboard and inserted in place of the bulb in the awning light. It gives a bright looking light that can be left switched ON for up to six months! Using just the internal caravan battery. It gives the impression that the caravan is occupied which adds to security. The prototype used 5mm Ulta-bright yellow LEDs from Rapid Electronics at 15p each. They drop 1.85 volts each at 15 milliamps. The resistor is a 0.25 Watt type. There are now Ulta-bright white and blue LEDs which are being used for front lights of bicycles! Providing the volt drop is similar then these could be used or a resistor value change to compensate. Another idea was to place the device in a small plastic box with wire connector, to plug into a 12 volt interior socket in the caravan. The unit could then be placed near the front blinds or curtains to suggest there was an interior light on. Wherever you park your caravan, this device will help with unwanted callers! For

Months!! Note that commercially available LED lamps are now appearing on the market with similar spec.

AN IN TE RE ST IN G 2.4 TR ILL lAN Hz TR AN SM IT TE R CIR CU IT BY RA ND AL MU NR OE.

Randal Munroe worked on robot technology at NASAs Langley Research Labs. Randal has kindly let me display the circuit to the left.

Unfortunately, Randal went missing while working on the construction of his prototype. It is believed he was trying to connect the wiring at the bottom left of the circuit. It is thought that he ran out of wire.

Randal hopes that the publication of his circuit will inspire other electronic enthusiasts to help develop this new groundbreaking technology.

You can contact Randal Munroes team of space engineers at http://xkcd.com/

Thanks for reading.

norcimguy at gmail dot com

NORCIM NOTES1 home page. Micron R/C fault find both Transmitter and Receivers NORCIM NOTES2 40 MHz conversion of Tx and Rx plus Glow control and PCM thoughts NORCIM NOTES3 35MHz transmitter circuit. Electric glider design. 459MHz conversion notes. NORCIM NOTES4 Economy electric flight. 15 amp relay switch circuit. Lost model alarm. History R/C. NORCIM NOTES5 Receiver sensitivity test results from Dave McQue including receiver circuit notes. NORCIM NOTES6 History of R/C systems including early PPM encoding and decoding circuitry. NORCIM NOTES7 Miscellaneous model information plus electronic components and some 2.4GHz stuff. NORCIM NOTES8 mainly unique model design for radio control and vintage radio control electronic circuits NORCIM NOTES9 nostalgic transmitter circuits collected by David Caudrey. Also some original circuit designs. NORCIM NOTES10 further nostalgic original circuit designs for radio control by David Caudrey.

NORCIM NOTES11 original R/C circuit designs from David Caudrey and some electric motor testing.

A change of subject ?.... The energy saving light bulb Myth. Do they work and at what cost!

ER

Another norcim web page covering some intriguing test data of many commercial radio control receivers. If you are into technical facts and figures of R/C systems, then this page begins to show just how technically good various makes of receivers are. The following test data investigates probably the most important quality of a model radio control receiver, that of sensitivity. This determines how far away the receiver can operate a model without loss of the radio link.

IN THE DISTANT PAST! When micron sold radio control kits for a living, samples of the kits used to be tested and compared with commercially available units of the day. One of the primary tests, involved comparing the range of different units, which in turn gave a degree of satisfaction when the kit samples were up there with the best at that time! As there was a field at the rear of the workshop, range testing was very practical. With a

nicad, receiver and servo in a plastic box, the number of paces away from the Tx (antenna collapsed) before servo noise from the box could be heard. (non visible jitter) This was noted. Then a further number of paces were taken to loose transmitter control altogether, this was also noted. These tests were ongoing as new circuitry was tried and new commercial equipment became available to compare. All our kits were PPM type so little notice was given to the PCM equipment that was evolving. Looking back, this kind of testing invariably took place on hot summer days with little wind! I wonder why? (said he, carrying a model and can of fuel!).

RADIO CONTROL RECEIVER TESTING DATA D. McQue

Purpose :-

To measure the various receivers sensitivity using a Signal generator and

dummy antenna. Apparatus :-

Panasonic Signal Generator VP819A modulated by the Buddy Box output from a Futaba T8UPS with its RF output switched off. Or JR X-3810 for JR PCM RX tests.

Regulated Power supply set to 5 Volts. 500 mA analogue meter.

Dummy antenna to terminate the 50-Ohm cable from the Signal generator and simulate a 1m-model antenna. Made from a 47R Ohm resistor in series with a 3.9-Ohm resistor. The output taken from the junction, via a 4.7 pf capacitor to the RX ant input with its wire antenna disconnected. (as shown in Fig 7a) A Hitec HS-615 servo was plugged into the Aileron Channel.

Results :Note the signal level for control is where servo twitching is just apparent for PPM receivers. At this point there is a large servo current draw of more than 250mA.

Abbreviations :-

SC = Single Conversion, DC= Dual Conversion.

PPM=Pulse Position

Modulation, PCM=Pulse Code Modulation

MAKE/MODEL OF RECEIVER

CONVERSION TYPE

MODULATION TYPE

MIN SIGNAL LEVEL FOR <20 MA SERVO CURRENT (uV)

MIN SIGNAL LEVEL FOR CONTROL OF SERVOS (uV)

DALASY MINI/NANO FUTABA FP-R138DF R149DP R116IIP GWS GWRD-8 HITEC FEATHER HFS-04 MG ELECTRON 6 JETI REX4 PLUS REX5
SC SC PPM PPM 28 35 3.5 ** 5 ** SC SC DC PPM PPM PPM 350 50 20 35 2.5 2* DC PPM 350 35 DC DC SC PPM PCM PCM 79 2.5 2.5 7.9 2.5 2.5 SC PPM 350 35

JR NER-326X NER-D940S MICRON FET-7 MINI-3371 STD-3361 FET-7 DSP MULTIPLEX MINI DS-IPD P SUNG SR4F SANWA RX515 RX611 ACT SHULTZE ALPHA 840S WEBRA NANO S6 (1) NANO S6 (2)
SC SC PPM PPM 620 350 62 (SAMPLE 1) 35 (SAMPLE 2) SC PPM 28 2.8 SC SC DC PPM PPM PPM 8.85 27.9 442 1.24 3.9 44.2 SC PPM 700 88 DC PPM 8.8 2.8 DC SC SC DC PPM PPM PPM PPM 176 45 176 14 17.6 4.5 17.6 7 SC DC PPM PCM 55 1.8 10 1.8

Notes Re above table:- *Electron 6 receiver DC Xtals are 10.7 MHz higher than chan freq. **These Jeti receivers are fitted with half size 50 cm Antennas.

COMMENTS :- (McQue).

Of interest is the lack of servo Noise current for the PCM sets where the servo only drew current when it was commanded to move. In the case of PPM sets, the signal had to be as much as 20 dB stronger than that where servo twitching could be seen for the idle servo

current, due to noise, to be less than 20 milliamps. The Sanwa RX515 is the most sensitive receiver while the Multiplex and Shultze are the next most sensitive PPM Rx. Their signal processing provides considerable reduction of the servo Noise current on weak

signals in the range below 8.8uV for the Multiplex and 28uV for the Shultze. Whereas, they are completely eliminated with all the PCM receivers. GWS admitted that the RD8 antenna matching was set for the 72 MHz band.

The local model shop gave the P Sung SRF/35 to me as nobody wanted it. Webra claim 2 uV sensitivity for the Nano S6 so I must have bought a poor sample. (sample 1) Note the improved result shown was after careful retuning.

Als Hobbies provided later versions of the Webra nano S6 (Webra sample 2) and the Dalasy mini/nano for test. While the performance of the average PPM system has proved adequate for most users, those with more demanding requirements

will be satisfied with nothing less than Dual Conversion PCM gear. Microns New FET-7 DSP Receiver Except for the slowing of servo response on weak signals it is the best of the processed PPM I have come across so far. Being able to set fail-

safe positions in the air is another useful novelty. Update D. McQue

THE ABOVE RECEIVER SENSITIVITY TESTS by Dave McQue are real interesting for the following reasons:-

They show that:

(1) There are huge differences in receiver sensitivity values of recognised commercial R/C receivers. (some receivers are over thirty times more sensitive!) All of these receivers sell by the thousand and are obviously completely suitable for model control. Till now, most R/C manufacturers have quoted receiver sensitivity values of around 2 to 3 microvolts.

(2) Dual Conversion PPM receivers appear to give little advantage (simply in terms of sensitivity!).

(3) Some PPM receivers have advanced decoder processing that smoothes out servo jitter at range. (this is a definite technical advantage for PPM receivers) (but see note (7). (see also footnote).

(4) PCM receivers will work without servo jitter, with a transmitter signal up to ten times weaker! than a PPM receiver.

(5) Servos of PPM systems could be consuming up to a quarter of an amp per servo during severe jitter at extreme range or during sudden mild interference, (this could exhaust the receiver battery quickly, with catastrophic results).

(6) If youre into long duration flying, then your receiver battery will last much longer between charges using a PCM system.

(7) Because of the inherent servo jitter before complete loss of range with a PPM system, it could be argued that this will warn the pilot before complete loss of signal. (Experienced pilots would bring the model closer to the Tx).

(8) There is no warning of range loss with a PCM system. (Say with sudden mild interference). Edge of range condition occurs immediately and if the model is moving away from the transmitter, it is unlikely that the radio link with the transmitter would be restored.

WITH R/C TRANSMITTER output power, now controlled by Type Approval, the maximum range of an R/C system is completely dependant upon the receiver sensitivity. For large model aircraft use in particular, a receiver with good sensitivity is imperative. (Other qualities of a good receiver include, rejection of other R/C transmitters, rejection of strong out of band transmissions, performance with electric motors, temperature stability, vibration, size, weight, cost etc.)

FOOTNOTE RE: NOTE (3) ABOVE. Servo jitter occurs at range, with all PPM receivers. Often well before maximum range is reached. The data shows that the signal strength needed to just prevent servo jitter is normally 10 times the signal strength of that at the end of range. (a signal ratio of 10 to 1).

SOME PPM RECEIVERS however, use better decoding processing circuitry. This allows a much greater receiver range before servo jitter begins. Such receivers may only need, say 5 times the edge of range signal strength, to keep the servos quiet. This is a technical advantage for a PPM receiver, as battery consumption is greatly reduced under extreme range and/or interference conditions. (a signal ratio of 5 to 1).

THE SIGNAL RATIO is the uV value in the yellow column divided by the uV value in the red column. The lower this ratio is, then the better the PPM receiver decoder processing is. (giving lower battery consumption under extreme conditions).

The Micron FET-7 DSP now has the best signal decoding of all the PPM receivers tested to date with a signal ratio of 2 to 1 which best approaches that of PCM type performance.

The Multiplex Mini DS-IPD is the next best decoding of all the PPM receivers tested, with a signal ratio of 3 to 1 and also approaches PCM type performance. The JR NER-326X follows with a ratio of just over 5 to 1. The Jeti REX5 and Sanwa RX515 are close behind.

NOTE THAT ALL PCM receivers give the maximum signal ratio of 1 to 1 and as such, do not compromise battery consumption under any extreme condition.

http://www.fmadirect.com/support_docs/item_1075.pdf http://www.rcuniverse.com/product_guide/radioguide.cfm http://www.rctoys.com/rc-products-catalog/RC-PARTS-RADIO-RECEIVERS.html http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/RC_Radios_-_Receivers__Servos/forumid_157/tt.htm http://www.rc-cam.com/ant_exp.htm http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=690441

Thanks for reading!

NORCIM NOTES1 home page. Micron R/C fault find both Transmitter and Receivers NORCIM NOTES2 40 MHz conversion of Tx and Rx plus Glow control and PCM thoughts

NORCIM NOTES3 35MHz transmitter circuit. Electric glider design. 459MHz conversion notes. NORCIM NOTES4 Economy electric flight. 15 amp relay switch circuit. Lost model alarm. History R/C. NORCIM NOTES5 Receiver sensitivity test results from Dave McQue including receiver circuit notes. NORCIM NOTES6 History of R/C systems including early PPM encoding and decoding circuitry. NORCIM NOTES7 Miscellaneous model information plus electronic components and some 2.4GHz stuff. NORCIM NOTES8 mainly unique model design for radio control and vintage radio control electronic circuits NORCIM NOTES9 nostalgic transmitter circuits collected by David Caudrey. Also some original circuit designs. NORCIM NOTES10 further nostalgic original circuit designs for radio control by David Caudrey. NORCIM NOTES11 original R/C circuit designs from David Caudrey and some electric motor testing.

A change of subject ?.... The energy saving light bulb Myth. Do they work and at what cost!

ER

Another norcim web page covering some intriguing test data of many commercial radio control receivers. If you are into technical facts and figures of R/C systems, then this page begins to show just how technically good various makes of receivers are. The following test data investigates probably the most important quality of a model radio control receiver, that of sensitivity. This determines how far away the receiver can operate a model without loss of the radio link.

IN THE DISTANT PAST! When micron sold radio control kits for a living, samples of the kits used to be tested and compared with commercially available units of the day. One of the primary tests, involved comparing the range of different units, which in turn gave a degree of satisfaction when the kit samples were up there with the best at that time! As there was a field at the rear of the workshop, range testing was very practical. With a nicad, receiver and servo in a plastic box, the number of paces away from the Tx (antenna collapsed) before servo noise from the box could be heard. (non visible jitter) This was noted. Then a further number of paces were taken to loose transmitter control altogether, this was also noted. These tests were ongoing as new circuitry was tried and new commercial equipment became available to compare. All our kits were PPM type so little notice was given to the PCM equipment that was evolving. Looking back, this kind of testing invariably took place on hot summer days with little wind! I wonder why? (said he, carrying a model and can of fuel!).

RADIO CONTROL RECEIVER TESTING DATA D. McQue

Purpose :-

To measure the various receivers sensitivity using a Signal generator and

dummy antenna. Apparatus :-

Panasonic Signal Generator VP819A modulated by the Buddy Box output from a Futaba T8UPS with its RF output switched off. Or JR X-3810 for JR PCM RX tests.

Regulated Power supply set to 5 Volts. 500 mA analogue meter.

Dummy antenna to terminate the 50-Ohm cable from the Signal generator and simulate a 1m-model antenna. Made from a 47R Ohm resistor in series with a 3.9-Ohm resistor. The output taken from the junction, via a 4.7 pf capacitor to the RX ant input with its wire antenna disconnected. (as shown in Fig 7a) A Hitec HS-615 servo was plugged into the Aileron Channel.
Results :Note the signal level for control is where servo twitching is just apparent for PPM receivers. At this point there is a large servo current draw of more than 250mA.

Abbreviations :-

SC = Single Conversion, DC= Dual Conversion.

PPM=Pulse Position

Modulation, PCM=Pulse Code Modulation

MAKE/MODEL OF RECEIVER

CONVERSION TYPE

MODULATION TYPE

MIN SIGNAL LEVEL FOR <20 MA SERVO CURRENT (uV)

MIN SIGNAL LEVEL FOR CONTROL OF SERVOS (uV)

DALASY MINI/NANO FUTABA FP-R138DF R149DP R116IIP GWS GWRD-8

DC PPM 350 35 DC DC SC PPM PCM PCM 79 2.5 2.5 7.9 2.5 2.5 SC PPM 350 35

HITEC FEATHER HFS-04 MG ELECTRON 6 JETI REX4 PLUS REX5 JR NER-326X NER-D940S MICRON FET-7 MINI-3371 STD-3361 FET-7 DSP MULTIPLEX MINI DS-IPD P SUNG SR4F SANWA RX515 RX611 ACT SHULTZE ALPHA 840S
SC PPM 28 2.8 SC SC DC PPM PPM PPM 8.85 27.9 442 1.24 3.9 44.2 SC PPM 700 88 DC PPM 8.8 2.8 DC SC SC DC PPM PPM PPM PPM 176 45 176 14 17.6 4.5 17.6 7 SC DC PPM PCM 55 1.8 10 1.8 SC SC PPM PPM 28 35 3.5 ** 5 ** SC SC DC PPM PPM PPM 350 50 20 35 2.5 2*

WEBRA NANO S6 (1) NANO S6 (2)

SC SC PPM PPM 620 350 62 (SAMPLE 1) 35 (SAMPLE 2)

Notes Re above table:- *Electron 6 receiver DC Xtals are 10.7 MHz higher than chan freq. **These Jeti receivers are fitted with half size 50 cm Antennas.

COMMENTS :- (McQue).

Of interest is the lack of servo Noise current for the PCM sets where the servo only drew current when it was commanded to move. In the case of PPM sets, the signal had to be as

much as 20 dB stronger than that where servo twitching could be seen for the idle servo current, due to noise, to be less than 20 milliamps. The Sanwa RX515 is the most sensitive receiver while the Multiplex and Shultze are the next most sensitive PPM Rx.

Their signal processing provides considerable reduction of the servo Noise current on weak signals in the range below 8.8uV for the Multiplex and 28uV for the Shultze. Whereas, they are completely eliminated with all the PCM receivers.

GWS admitted that the RD8 antenna matching was set for the 72 MHz band. The local model shop gave the P Sung SRF/35 to me as nobody wanted it. Webra claim 2 uV sensitivity for the Nano S6 so I must have

bought a poor sample. (sample 1) Note the improved result shown was after careful retuning. Als Hobbies provided later versions of the Webra nano S6 (Webra sample 2) and the Dalasy mini/nano for test.

While the performance of the average PPM system has proved adequate for most users, those with more demanding requirements will be satisfied with nothing less than Dual Conversion PCM gear. Microns New FET-7 DSP Receiver Except for the slowing of servo

response on weak signals it is the best of the processed PPM I have come across so far. Being able to set failsafe positions in the air is another useful novelty. Update D. McQue
THE ABOVE RECEIVER SENSITIVITY TESTS by Dave McQue are real interesting for the following reasons:-

They show that:

(1) There are huge differences in receiver sensitivity values of recognised commercial R/C receivers. (some receivers are over thirty times more sensitive!) All of these receivers sell by the thousand and are obviously completely suitable for model control. Till now, most R/C manufacturers have quoted receiver sensitivity values of around 2 to 3 microvolts.

(2) Dual Conversion PPM receivers appear to give little advantage (simply in terms of sensitivity!).

(3) Some PPM receivers have advanced decoder processing that smoothes out servo jitter at range. (this is a definite technical advantage for PPM receivers) (but see note (7). (see also footnote).

(4) PCM receivers will work without servo jitter, with a transmitter signal up to ten times weaker! than a PPM receiver.

(5) Servos of PPM systems could be consuming up to a quarter of an amp per servo during severe jitter at extreme range or during sudden mild interference, (this could exhaust the receiver battery quickly, with catastrophic results).

(6) If youre into long duration flying, then your receiver battery will last much longer between charges using a PCM system.

(7) Because of the inherent servo jitter before complete loss of range with a PPM system, it could be argued that this will warn the pilot before complete loss of signal. (Experienced pilots would bring the model closer to the Tx).

(8) There is no warning of range loss with a PCM system. (Say with sudden mild interference). Edge of range condition occurs immediately and if the model is moving away from the transmitter, it is unlikely that the radio link with the transmitter would be restored.

WITH R/C TRANSMITTER output power, now controlled by Type Approval, the maximum range of an R/C system is completely dependant upon the receiver sensitivity. For large model aircraft use in particular, a receiver with good sensitivity is imperative. (Other qualities of a good receiver include, rejection of other R/C transmitters, rejection of strong out of band transmissions, performance with electric motors, temperature stability, vibration, size, weight, cost etc.)

FOOTNOTE RE: NOTE (3) ABOVE. Servo jitter occurs at range, with all PPM receivers. Often well before maximum range is reached. The data shows that the signal strength needed to just prevent servo jitter is normally 10 times the signal strength of that at the end of range. (a signal ratio of 10 to 1).

SOME PPM RECEIVERS however, use better decoding processing circuitry. This allows a much greater receiver range before servo jitter begins. Such receivers may only need, say 5 times the edge of range signal strength, to keep the servos quiet. This is a technical advantage for a PPM receiver, as battery consumption is greatly reduced under extreme range and/or interference conditions. (a signal ratio of 5 to 1).

THE SIGNAL RATIO is the uV value in the yellow column divided by the uV value in the red column. The lower this ratio is, then the better the PPM receiver decoder processing is. (giving lower battery consumption under extreme conditions).

The Micron FET-7 DSP now has the best signal decoding of all the PPM receivers tested to date with a signal ratio of 2 to 1 which best approaches that of PCM type performance.

The Multiplex Mini DS-IPD is the next best decoding of all the PPM receivers tested, with a signal ratio of 3 to 1 and also approaches PCM type performance. The JR NER-326X follows with a ratio of just over 5 to 1. The Jeti REX5 and Sanwa RX515 are close behind.

NOTE THAT ALL PCM receivers give the maximum signal ratio of 1 to 1 and as such, do not compromise battery consumption under any extreme condition.

http://www.fmadirect.com/support_docs/item_1075.pdf http://www.rcuniverse.com/product_guide/radioguide.cfm http://www.rctoys.com/rc-products-catalog/RC-PARTS-RADIO-RECEIVERS.html http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/RC_Radios_-_Receivers__Servos/forumid_157/tt.htm http://www.rc-cam.com/ant_exp.htm http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=690441

Thanks for reading!

NORCIM NOTES1 home page. Micron R/C fault find both Transmitter and Receivers NORCIM NOTES2 40 MHz conversion of Tx and Rx plus Glow control and PCM thoughts NORCIM NOTES3 35MHz transmitter circuit. Electric glider design. 459MHz conversion notes. NORCIM NOTES4 Economy electric flight. 15 amp relay switch circuit. Lost model alarm. History R/C. NORCIM NOTES5 Receiver sensitivity test results from Dave McQue including receiver circuit notes. NORCIM NOTES6 History of R/C systems including early PPM encoding and decoding circuitry. NORCIM NOTES7 Miscellaneous model information plus electronic components and some 2.4GHz stuff. NORCIM NOTES8 mainly unique model design for radio control and vintage radio control electronic circuits NORCIM NOTES9 nostalgic transmitter circuits collected by David Caudrey. Also some original circuit designs. NORCIM NOTES10 further nostalgic original circuit designs for radio control by David Caudrey. NORCIM NOTES11 original R/C circuit designs from David Caudrey and some electric motor testing.

A change of subject ?.... The energy saving light bulb Myth. Do they work and at what cost!

The initial info of this norcim page comes as a result of several emails about simple PPM (pulse position modulation) radio control systems. The following notes show typical traditional non-dedicated IC circuitry. There have been several dedicated tran smitter encoder and decoder ICs over recent years, but these have become obsolete with the introduction of computer-based transmitters. The following circuitry is based on readily available, low cost, electronic components.

A (VERY) BRIEF HISTORY OF MODEL RADIO CONTROL SYSTEMS.

Serious attempts to control models using radio signals, began in the 1940s with home built 27MHz carrier wave systems. Pioneers of the day included the names of John Wise, Jim Haddock, Dave McQue, Windy Krewlen (from Holland) and Mr Hill of the superb two valve receiver. The vacuum valve transmitters of the day were very heavy with massive 120volt dry batteries plus a 2volt lead acid heater battery! Two people were often used to carry these transmitters from a car to the centre of the flying space. An eight foot six inch aerial was then erected. Receivers used gas filled valves, which worked with the much lower voltage of 45volts (sometimes just 22.5volts!) plus a mini 2volt accumulator to

power the valve heater. (These were often home constructed from cutting up an old car battery!) Only one control surface of the model could be moved (using a pre-wound elastic band in the model!). The control surface was usually a very small rudder. The model aircraft of the day were essentially free-flight models with loads of wing dihedral to keep them stable. The radio control simply influenced the flight path. The 1950s showed development of electric motorised actuators (instead of wound elastic). Some actuators also gave a limited, but difficult, control of the elevator (or throttle). Late 1950s showed a trend toward pulse proportional systems, using a mechanical or electronic mark/space pulsing circuit in the transmitter. The receiver switched a spring centred electric motor, backwards and forwards in the model, using a fast pulse rate. This responded to the mark/space and produced a crude but proportional control of the rudder. A much slower pulse rate system developed by Charles Raill also kicked the elevator of the model upwards as the transmitted pulse rate was slowed down. This system produced a crude but extremely effective control of both rudder and elevator. It was called the galloping ghost system because of the noise it produced when gliding in to land. Other more complex systems used a variety of audio tones from the transmitter, which worked several control surfaces in the model (but not proportional control). The 1960s began with feedback proportional control of usually two control surfaces. Called Dual proportional control, this system used a fairly fast variable mark/space transmission, which was smoothed out to a voltage swing at the receiver. Analogue servos were used with a feedback potentiometer to follow the voltage swing. The receivers could also produce a second voltage swing by detecting a change in RATE of the mark/space. This produced a proportional output for the second servo. Early UK pioneer, Doug Bolton, from Nottingham, developed several analogue servo designs, including one that used only three transistors! And it worked real well! A later version of the simple Bolton servo was also used with digital proportional systems giving a unique feature that it returned to centre with no Tx signal! The best of the analogue systems was produced in the UK under the name of Flight Link Systems, which offered four servo operation with super precision coreless electric motor servos and a superb triple axis joystick transmitter.

Analogue systems had some problems though. Getting more than two servos working correctly proved difficult as the control of one servo also tended to slightly effect the position of other servos. There was also an elastic feel to the controls too, i.e. a kind of delay of the servos getting up to speed as the Tx control stick was moved and the servos would slightly overshoot the command position and then quickly bounce back to the correct position.

It was at this point in time, still in the early 1960s, that two NASA space engineers, Doug Spreng and Don Mathers developed the digital proportional, radio control system. This system was designed for use with space satellites but the obvious and immediate application for model control was quickly seized upon. Today 40 years on! the Mathers/Spreng radio control system is still used by all of the worlds leading R/C manufacturers. Even the original digital pulse timings of their system are still used by these manufacturers!! This has been the most significant technological input to the world of model radio control during the last century and great credit must be given to these early pioneers. The Mathe rs/Spr eng syste m begins at the servo. They had developed a servo that would sit at a centre position with a repetitive input pulse of 1.5 milliseconds. However varying the pulse width down to 1 millisecond or up to 2 milliseconds produced beautiful instant, accurate and precise proportional control without the time delay or over-swing of analogue type servos. The diagram (left) shows the input pulses used. But how could several of these super-servos be controlled in a model at the same time? Well Mathers/Spreng had already got this one sussed too! They would use the transmitter to send out control pulses for each servo in sequence, i.e. servo 1 pulse would be transmitted first, followed by

servo 2 pulsefollowed by servo 3 pulse.etc. And the transmitter would keep repeating this sequence of pulses over and over again. They settled on sending frames of servo pulses 50 times every second! With their servos being told their control position at such a fast rate, helped with radio interfere nce. The transmiss ion for a typical fourservo system is shown in the diagram below. Note that there are five pulses of the carrier (AM or FM) to produce four servo controls. Its the time between the transmitted pulses that produces the servo pulses in the receiver. Note also that the bursts of servo pulses are separated by a dwell period. (see next text). As the pulses were generated with separate timing circuits (see later circuit) there was no interaction of servo positions as with the analogue systems. Note also that the 20 millisecond frame rate used by Mathers/Spreng allowed up to eight servos to be controlled.

They also developed the first receiver that could count! As the servo pulse information was received, a counter circuit directed the first pulse (1) to the first servo output pin of the receiver. The counter immediately shifted the next servo pulse output (2) to the second servo output pin. And so on. Each burst of pulses was followed with a delay which was called the Synchronisin g Period this delay caused the counting circuit in the receiver to reset to zero ready for the next burst of servo pulses. The transmitter pulse circuitry, (called the encoder) was delightfully simple and shown left. Q1 and Q2 formed an astable multivibrator running at 50 cps. The half shots Q3, Q4, Q5, Q6 sequentially fired one after the other as Q2 switched ON. The outputs A B C D and E were fed to the

modulation transistor, creating the pulses in the transmission. This discrete component multivib circuit followed by half shots, was still used by many manufacturers even at the end of the 1970s when 35MHz FM radio control had been introduced in Germany and the UK. Later versions used special design integrated circuits, (from Signetics and Toko) which did the same thing with fewer external components. The 1990s saw the introduction of computer (or PIC programmable integrated circuits) to the model radio control scene and the demise of the special dedicated Encoder and Decoder ICs. http://www.rcsail.com/hksoaringhistory.htm http://www.rc-airplane-world.com/spread-spectrum.html http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radio_control

THE FOLLOWING RADIO CONTROL TRANSMITTER CIRCUIT, USES BOG STANDARD COMPONENTS!

ENCODER

This encoder circuit is capable of generating proportional controls for up to eight servos and is voltage stable from below 5 volts to over 10 volts. Current consumption is miserly at less than 2 milliamps! The joystick control pots work with the wipers at centre position so servo reverse can be achieved via a reversible three-pin plug from the pots. The free running transistor multivibrator is used to clock a Cmos 4017 counter chip. As it does this, the outputs of the 4017, sequentially, inject an additional timing component (via T1 to T4) to just one half of

the multivib. The result is a sequence of modulation pulses (of up to eight channels). The space between each individual pulse is variable from 1 to 2 milliseconds via the position of the control pots. (note that only the centre 60 degrees of the track is used to achieve this to suit typical joysticks). After all the control channels have been generated, Q0 via TS, produces a long 8millisecond space (to let the receiver decoder reset) before the next train of control pulses. This suits all radio control servos. The circuit is drawn for four-servo operation but further control pots can be added to the available 4017 outputs. The small diode pump circuits T1 to T4, which accompany each control pot are shown in the small diagram. The diodes are 1N4148s. C1 is 47n 5% for T1 to T8. The 8 millisecond space is produced by TS which is the same circuit but C1 is u15 value. R11 presets all servos to centre. R10 presets the throw of all servos. (note that R10 and R11 are interactive so some juggling of the two is necessary). This encoder circuit was designed to work with the 35/40 MHz transmitting section covered in page 3 of the norcim web site. Simply joining the two circuits together produces a UK Type Approved model control transmitter for use on the 35MHz model aircraft band or the 40MHz surface vehicle band.

(model boats and cars etc). One of the norcim readers, Pete, has been transforming the above coder circuit into a practical PCB form. Wow! I have a picture of the result so far and it is so compact that it would fit into any R/C transmitter thats developed a terminal fault. The se un-repairable Txs are often available at club bring and buy events or via local model shops. They go for peanuts but remember, they have a moulded case, two good stick units, often nicads and Tx output meter and a telescopic aerial. All you need for an R/C electronics project! Simply snip out all the wiring and defunct PCBs and you have an excellent basis for a home grown system. With chatting to Pete, some additions to the circuits above have come up. Firstly, a 102 capacitor is necessary across each of the D1 diodes in the above small circuit. These simply ground RF from the transmit section. (which got forgotten when the circuit was drawn!) The second item that came up was the use of the SLM joystick circuit outlined in page3. This presented Pete with some problems. The coder circuit shown was designed using simple 5K mechanical trim joystick pots which give no problem. The SLM Electronic trim joysticks (see Radio3) however present too much load to the outputs of the 4017 chip resulting in low servo throw and some problems with rate switch operation. The picture shows Petes coder (top) with his decoder) This brings up a possible mod to the main coder circuit above. Normally if using mechanical trim joystick units then the common control pot wiring (listed see text) should go to ground (Battery negative). It may be possible to get the SLM electronic sticks to work with the circuit by returning the control pot wiring to a centre tap of the 9v6 transmitter battery. (i.e. +4v8). An update on this will be available soon. CHANNEL MIXING FOR USE WITH DELTA TYPE AIRCRAFT AND THOSE MODELS WITH A V TAIL-PLANE LAYOUT IS POSSIBLE USING THE SIMPLE FIVE COMPONENT PLUG-IN MODULE SHOWN. The circuit can be assembled on Veroboard and plugs in-between the Coder and aileron and elevator fly-leads from

the stick units. C1 at 47n gives 50/50% movement of aileron to elevator effect. Varying this capacitor value gives different mixes. 22n gives a 20/80 mix while a n15 cap will produce a 60/40 mix. Using suitable sockets the different value capacitors can be plugged in to suit the % mix required for the aircraft. D1 and D2 are common 1N4148 silicon diodes or similar. The 102 caps across each diode get rid of RF pick-up from the transmit circuitry. As shown the mixer will mix the aileron and elevator channels of the Tx but it will mix any two other channels. Cost of components alone of this Tx mixer circuit is less than 50p!!!

Note that this mixer circuit will only work with the above coder circuit. It will not work with owt else!

THE FOLLOWING RADIO CONTROL RECEIVER DECODER CIRCUIT USES BOG STANDARD BITS! The components of this R/C receiver decoder circuit will set you back less than 1.00 Stirling! (little more than one Euro!). The circuit responds to negative going pulses from the receiver. The leading edge pulls pin 15 reset Low, allowing the trailing edge of each channel pulse to clock the IC, giving servo output pulses sequentially from Q1Q2.etc. During the 8 millisecond rest period, the charge across C1 rises and the IC resets ready for the next burst of control pulses. Some older manufacture of Cmos 4017N chips, produce spikes on the outputs of the IC, during the relatively slow ramp reset. R1 prevents this by slowing down the internal switching speed of the IC. Newer 4017 ICs will not need R1.

It is possible to use the encoder circuit to drive directly the decoder circuit without the use of radio. One application has been a submersible unit with electric motor propulsion with on board camera for underwater inspection of off shore oil rigs. The wiring between the two circuits can be quite long before capacitive effects of the cable round off the pulses too much. The cable between the encoder and decoder in this application is called the umbilical. The umbilical wiring needs only to be a two wire cable, negative and signal. For this application both the encoder and decoder should use the same but independent supply voltage. 5 volt supply for the encoder and at the other end of the umbilical, a 5 volt supply for the decoder and servos etc. The picture shows Petes neat Veroboard version of the decoder circuit surrounding a 27MHz AM receiver. It shows just how compact a simple seven component circuit can be achieved using Veroboard. For more complex circuits however, such as the coder, a PCB is the only way of keeping size to a minimum. For those who have not noticed! The input to the decoder needs inverting for the umbilical application. A single transistor stage at the encoder end or the decoder end will do the trick. A suitable inverter stage is shown. Because of the high value of R2 in the receiver decoder circuit, a mosfet is unsuitable. (mosfets do not completely switch off).

THOUGHT THAT THE ABOVE R/C ENCODER WAS SIMPLE!..THEN TAKE A LOOK AT HARRYS VERSION!! Existence of this PPM transmitter coder circuit was emailed to the

norcim site by fellow enthusiast Bruce Johnson from down under. (Bruce has no snowflakes around Christmastime!.Ahh!). The circuit is extraordinarily simple and again uses bog standard, easy to get components. I recon at a good electronics store, all the components could be picked up for around a $. The six joystick control pots are all 100K value and work at an off centre wiper position to produce the 1 to 2 millisecond swing for all channels. Diodes are 1N4148 or 1N914 or similar. More detail is available at Harrys website:http://web.telia.com/~u85920178/use/rc-prop.htm HARRY HAS A DECODER CIRCUIT TOO!! It uses a floating input stage. This type of circuit is superior to the simple decoder circuit shown above in that it automatically follows mild voltage level changes of the receivers recovered audio output. These changing DC levels of the receiver audio output voltage levels result mainly with AM receivers and can be a problem at mid range. (they can be the cause of glitches, i.e. unwanted instant changes of direction of the model) FM receiver radio circuits can also exhibit a similar characteristic but usually only at very close range to the transmitter. I.e. flying at speed past the transmitter. Ha rrys circuit would handle this situation better. The PPM decoder circuit is shown left and is capable of driving six servos. A 4v8 supply voltage from the more typical receiver flight pack should be perfectly sound. More info is available on Harrys website:http://web.telia.com/~u85920178/use/rc-prop.htm Many thanks to Harry/Bruce and Pete for the input above.Tis Good To Share.

Comments on Airborne Radio Control equipment usage (By Dave McQue)

The current standards applicable to model radio control gear for use in the UK and incidentally the rest of the EU are ETSI EN 300 220 and EN 300 683 for EMC, for the 35 MHz band 10 kHz channel spacing is well defined.

In the UK we now have 36 channels in the band 34.945 to 35.305 MHz with the first channel centre frequency at 35.950 MHz, channel 55, with the centre of channel 90 at 35.300 MHz. Frequency shift keying, commonly known as FM, is the modulation mode.

This long time coding method provided in all R/C transmitters is Pulse Position Modulation (PPM). Here the first pulse denotes the start of the first servo control signal while the next and each subsequent signals the end of one control signal and the start of the next until the last which terminates the last control. A gap of at least 4 milliseconds without pulses then follows used to indicate that the next pulse is the start of control signal one. With up to 8 servo channels with their control signals varying from 1 to 2 millisecs, a frame repetition rate of 50 per second is normal.

Most current equipments have their frequency controlled by a crystal resonator (Transmitter Xtal) which has to be replaced to effect a frequency change. The frequency tolerance requirements are such that only the R/C manufacturers specified crystals can be fitted to give a correct transmission channel frequency. This applies both to receivers as well as transmitters.

What is not generally appreciated is that crystals can age. It is common for some 20 transmitters to fail a frequency check out of some 300 checked at the BMFA Nationals. New units using frequency synthesis are now appearing, these have a single reference crystal built in and is set by the mmnufacturer to high accuracy by means of a trimmer capacitor. If any frequency drift is detected or suspected the unit should be sent to an authorised service centre for recalibration against a precision frequency standard.

While modern gear is very reliable that does not mean that no faults can occur. Transmitter controls can wear out and component failures happen. A fellow club member had one where his transmitter modulation circuit failed, although it still transmitted a carrier. I had a receiver fail on switching on for the next flight. Any receiver showing signs of glitching in the air despite apparently having survived a prang should be scrapped. Transmitter whip antennas should be kept clean of fuel deposits and replaced if loose or otherwise damaged. Metal to metal linkages in models should be avoided unless bonded.

The benefits of using FM rather than AM include the rejection of interference spikes and the Capture Effect where the receiver responds to the strongest signal on its frequency and is not affected so long as the wanted signal at the receiver is more than about four times stronger than the interferer. From some recent tests we have been able to confirm that for models flown no further from the pilot than 500m and no higher than 500 ft, a transmitter on the same frequency channel 2miles or more away is unlikely to have any effect. It is more likely to be someone on your field who is not on the channel he thinks he is.

Range checks are commonly conducted with the transmitter antenna retracted to reduce the radiated power by something like 100 times, typically from 50mW to 0.5mW. With a good receiver properly installed a range of nearly 100m can be expected before servos noticeable chatter when using PPM or when on PCM the servos move to the failsafe position. Rarely does anyone conduct a full power, antenna up, check at ground level. With 446 radios for comms it is possible and instructive. I will be surprised if you get to 400m especially if you point the transmitter antenna directly at the distant receiver. From free space considerations one would expect 10 times the ant down range. But below an angle of about 15 degrees to the horizontal ground losses will be greater.

Another little realised property of PPM is that long before the servos are noticeable affected by noise the servos are drawing appreciable currents. These could overcome the limits of a BEC or a weak battery. (See RX tests). This does not happen with PCM which is a clear advantage. Some PPM receivers incorporate some processing to reduce the effect of noise but none is as good as PCM. It is a pity that nobody devised an open PCM system that all manufactures could offer as a common alternative to PPM. Instead we have a proliferation of proprietary non compatible PCM systems many offering resolutions well beyond the need and capability of ordinary servos and linkages. So PPM for all its age and limitations remains as the only common Standard.

Over the last 8 years I have looked into many cases of possible interference and only in one have I found a certain cause. While watching a glider flying using a single conversion 35 MHz receiver, I saw it twitch while at the same time I heard tones on the 34 MHz image frequency. The image frequency of a single conversion receiver is 910 kHz lower than the selected channel frequency. For example for a receiver on channel 66 = 36.060 MHz will have its crystal on 34.605 MHz so that a signal at the receiver on 34.150 MHz will also produce an IF of 455 kHz. If you are near a military site it could happen to you unless you use a dual conversion receiver.

A full size half wave antenna for 35 MHz spans 4.3m clearly the 1m whip on the transmitters and the 1m wire on receivers is barely an 1/8 wave. In both cases inductances, coils are used to compensate. In the case of the transmitter there are losses. Typically one watt of dc power is used to generate watt of RF of which some 50 milliwatts is radiated. Note 100 mW is the max permitted effective radiated power. Note also that you act as the bottom part of the antenna system. For the receiver the battery, servos and wiring are the bottom part. Then to get the maximum capture area you have to route the antenna wire as far as possible from them. In most cases that means to the top of the fin. For a Delta, out to a wing tip and up a fin. For some foamies underneath and then trailing can be best.

Strong local sources of RF on frequencies far away from 35 MHz can interfere with both receivers and servos. At 100m or more from a mobile phone mast the maximum signal in the boresight, about 3 degrees down from the horizontal, is well below the level likely to cause trouble. Radars have ERPs in the megawatt range so do not get too close! Although I have not been able to confirm it with my personal equipment there is evidence of transmitters having their model memories upset by personal mobile phones.

Microwave links using dish antennas have a narrow beam and can be avoided.

Batteries should be checked on load for any defects in wiring or switches can cause a voltage drop when the servos operate causing the receiver to malfunction. When an aircraft uses a lot of servos it can be prudent to power the receiver and servos from separate batteries. In the case of large models the use of opto-isolators is advised. Dave McQue

SOME THOUGHTS ON SINGLE AND DUAL CONVERSION R/C RECEIVERS

Single conversion receivers using the 35 MHz band offer the simplest circuitry for use with plug-in crystals. A technical drawback that is well recognised is their ability to reject transmissions that may occur on their image frequency band below their receiver crystal. That means any transmission activity on the 34 MHz band could cause havoc to these

receivers. Their ability to reject 34 MHz transmissions is minimal. Frequency monitors used in club situations would not necessarily pick up this interference as they are monitoring just the 35 MHz model band. The rejection of a single conversion receiver to a transmission on their direct image frequency (34 MHz) is virtually zero and can prove catastrophic.

It was for this reason that Dual conversion R/C receivers were adopted. With the miniaturization of electronics, the extra circuitry involved is easily digested by even the smaller receivers. Dual conversion circuitry allows much better front end rejection of image frequency transmission. In fact the DC receiver can reject its image frequency thousands of times better than the simpler single conversion type. However an unfortunate coincidence occurs here in the UK and the EU.The Image Frequency of the 35 MHz flying band is 13.5 MHz. For most of the dual conversion R/C receivers out there this is bang in the middle of the very active Broadcast Band. Transmissions on this band include music and speech that are thousands of times stronger than our simple battery operated R/C transmitters. So unfortunately what the DC receiver technology gained on the swings.it lost here in the UK and EU on the roundabouts. With thousands of plug-in Xtals produced by the manufactures for Dual Conversion receivers and receiver circuitry to suit, it would be very difficult to change course. However, at least one manufacturer sussed this situation before production and delivery to the UK and EU. They produced their receiver Xtals to give an Image Frequency above the 35 MHz (around 48.5 MHz). At this frequency there is much.much less activity. Very unlikely they will be bothered with image frequency interference. This was a major foresight! TBT

FURTHER THOUGHTS ABOUT SINGLE CONVERSION R/C RECEIVERS

Single conversion FM receivers using the 35 band have another interesting feature. The plug-in local crystal controlled oscillator is just 455KHz away from the incoming transmitter signal. If the on-board oscillator is fairly active, it can unfortunately be picked up by the receiver antenna. These receivers commonly use only one antenna input coil to select the 35MHz band and the rejection of signals just half a megahertz away is not good. The result can be that the receiver happily picks up its own Xtal osc at range and becomes deaf to the transmitter signal! The answer seems to be the use of a low activity oscillator.or careful screening of the oscillator circuitry. As receivers become ever smaller with surface mount components, screening presents a practical mechanical problem. Micron used an interesting method of getting around this problem by avoiding a tuned circuit in their oscillator. They used a ferrite bead with a couple of turns of wire which was simply selective of the third overtone frequency of the receive Xtal rather than

its fundamental. The resulting circuit was relatively low activity compared with a series tuned type (or other tuned type). The use of the bead seemed also to absorb much of the RF. Reliable oscillator start-up (on correct frequency) was from as low a voltage as 1v5 and OK to 6v. The receiver crystal body is also one of the main emitters of RF. Some form of neg earth grounding via a side spring clip as the Xtal is plugged in considerably helps. As a crude test.the range of the receiver should not diminish with one turn of the antenna flex around the Xtal. Double tuned coil front ends and the use of Toko screened oscillator coils in Micron days did not appear to solve the problem. The reduction in range due to this phenomenon can also be made worse as servos and other bits are plugged in.

The following link by Google is well worth a click

http://www.google.co.uk/images?rlz=1T4ADFA_enGB385&q=rc+transmitter+circuit&um=1& ie=UTF8&source=univ&ei=Gh9BTcXzLoep8QPIi_E8&sa=X&oi=image_result_group&ct=title&resnu m=7&ved=0CE4QsAQwBg&biw=1003&bih=556

THANKS FOR READING!

NORCIM NOTES1 home page. Micron R/C fault find both Transmitter and Receivers NORCIM NOTES2 40 MHz conversion of Tx and Rx plus Glow control and PCM thoughts NORCIM NOTES3 35MHz transmitter circuit. Electric glider design. 459MHz conversion notes. NORCIM NOTES4 Economy electric flight. 15 amp relay switch circuit. Lost model alarm. History R/C. NORCIM NOTES5 Receiver sensitivity test results from Dave McQue including receiver circuit notes. NORCIM NOTES6 History of R/C systems including early PPM encoding and decoding circuitry. NORCIM NOTES7 Miscellaneous model information plus electronic components and some 2.4GHz stuff.

NORCIM NOTES8 mainly unique model design for radio control and vintage radio control electronic circuits NORCIM NOTES9 nostalgic transmitter circuits collected by David Caudrey. Also some original circuit designs. NORCIM NOTES10 further nostalgic original circuit designs for radio control by David Caudrey. NORCIM NOTES11 original R/C circuit designs from David Caudrey and some electric motor testing.

A change of subject ?.... The energy saving light bulb Myth. Do they work and at what cost!

LATEST NEWS FROM MICRONThe UK based R/C company that began life 1969.

(technical content from Andy at micron radio control)

This is the first e-mail newsletter

from Micron Radio Control and we hope that you find it useful and informative. We promise to create no more than one newsletter per month. Micro DSM2 Receivers We are very pleased to be stocking a new range of ultra-micro Spektrum compatible 2.4GHZ DSM2 receivers. These are U.K. designed and manufactured and most are sub 1 gram - for example, the Rx33 at 26.00 is 0.65gm and has 4 JST-SH sockets for servos (or external ESC) plus a built-in 2A brushed ESC. There a several servo and actuator receivers in the range with more coming out very soon. See here

for information on all of these outstanding receivers. The Rx DSM2 receivers, in combination with a couple of micro servos, make an excellent alternative to Spektrum's AR6400. We are evaluating some new Chinese linear servos which, on first test, appear to be at least as good as the Spektrum AS2000 but at half the price. One of the most frequent criticisms of the AR6400 is that the on-board servos are hard-wired to rudder and elevator channels. This makes the AR6400 difficult to use with simple transmitters like the DX5e or the 'games controller' type that comes with many RTF sets. This is no problem with the Rx33 as it uses JST-SH sockets on channels 14 - simply swap the plugs to alter your channel to servo connections. Indoor Models I know it is still Summer, but the indoor season is on the way and you want to be fully prepared to take advantage of the limited time in the sports hall. If you haven't yet taken a look at the Stevens Aero range of balsa models, you really must. They are designed around the AR6400 and brushed motors, are a breeze to build and fly really well. Bill Stevens' new model production rate has been somewhat prolific recently and we currently stock 11 of them, with more to arrive in time for Autumn. Some of them are pictured on the left, full details of all are here

. Micron R/C specialises in small models and we have many more for use with the Spektrum AR6400, Vapor receiver module or Rx33. They are all shown on our Models for AR6400

page. All are suitable for indoor or calm weather outdoor flight.

The Flight Plans F/F (Free Flight) range of models

are ideal for R/C conversion using one of the Rx actuator receivers (e.g. Rx42

) and a Plantraco Hinge

or Micro

actuator. Bargains and End of Line Products Our Bargains

web page will be increasing in size soon as we rationalise our stock, reducing prices on items that have been hanging around for too long. Please check the page regularly to pick up a bargain - or use the link at the bottom of this newsletter to register for an email update when the Bargains page is updated. Scorpion Price Increase The bad news is that the price of all Scorpion motors has had to increase due to the recent dramatic rise in the price of raw materials. Neodymium which is the key component in the Neodymium-Iron-Boron (NdFeB) magnets that are used in all brushless R/C Motors. About 95% of the Neodymium ore comes out of China, so they pretty much have complete control over the cost of this metal. Neodymium prices have gone up faster than gold over the past few years, and over the past couple of months, the Chinese government has put export restrictions on this rare commodity, which has driven the cost out of sight. Back in 2009, a kilo of Neodymium went for around 15.00, last month it was up to 190.00 per kilo and rising! A typical brushless motor has 14 magnets in it. 4 years ago, for a mid-size motor, the magnets were around 0.60 each, so a set of 14 magnets for a motor would be about 8.50. Now the same magnets are being quoted at around 5.00 each, so the same set of magnets has gone up from 8.50 to appoximately 70.00! Micron will maintain the old prices while stocks last but the prices will have to go up when new motors arrive and the old stock is exhausted. This has already happened for some SII-30mm motors.

MRC AUG 2011 CONTACT MICRON WITH A CLICK

THE BEAUTIFUL LOBMASTER FISHING BOAT BY KYMODEL This superbly hand finished model boat comes complete with 40 MHz radio equipment and fully installed electric motor with forward and reverse speed controller. The packaging of this delicate model has been really well thought out to transport the goods around the world without damage. The full size four channel transmitter (SPRING RC FM TF412S) and fully installed receiver uses only two channels supplied, forward/reverse, right stick left/right rudder, were very stiff (see picture showing left and right sticks not centring). (Oddly the other two unused control stick movements had perfect centring). With a boat perhaps, this did not matter too much. If however the transmitter problem was used cause with a model The Transmitter is supplied for use with eight AA and dry the batteries. antenna produced Unfortunately with new batteries installed and speed extended, the boat steering servo controller only frantic erratic movements. The fault was not swamping with the Tx too close to the receiver as testing with the Tx some distance away produced the same erratic lack of control. With trial and error it was found that if the Tx was switched on with the antenna collapsed.then control was available. If the antenna was carefully extended at this point, control remained available. aircraft (35MHz version) then the stick would difficulty. with the two two left to used spare. stick stick Unfortunately with the sample movements,

Without further testing with a spectrum analyser it would seem that some form of RF (transmit section) instability was causing the fault. The Tx is supplied with a charge socket so perhaps the lower voltage of rechargeable batteries may help? (the IKEA

alkaline batteries were giving 12.5 volts..rechargeable would give a lower voltage of 9.6 volts). Initial testing with uncharged nicads showed that this could be the answer but after a full charge of the NI-MH batteries used, the problem still existed. The 150 milliamps current with the Tx antenna extended (200 milliamps closed) should give around ten hours running time with 2000 mah rechargeable batteries.

So at the moment The Tx has to be switched on with its antenna down and then the antenna slowly extended. Only a shine at a spectrum analyser would show whether RF instability is the cause of the fault. UpdateReducing the Tx to seven cell NH operation seems to have cured the instability problem. The reduced (if any) output from the Tx is barely noticeable and the battery indicator (green) still operates OK. Lowering the battery pack to just seven cells was done with a 50mm length of 5mm dia round silver steel rod (any metal would do). Some caravan Calor gas rubber tube was used around the outside of the rod to effectively look like a standard AA battery! It simply replaces one (any) of the eight cells. Update 2.The spring centring of the joysticks was greatly improved by reducing the length of the tiny springs in the joysticks by two turns. This was a fiddly job and time consuming.

My Guess about the above problems is that these transmitters were initially intended for aircraft use and set up for 35 MHz. However the immediate problem with joystick centring made them unsuitable for aircraft flying. 40MHz is not too far away from 35MHz so 40MHz xtals were tried and seemed to work. The time involved in taking the Tx apart to re-tune and fix the mechanical centring problem simply was not economic. So this Tx found its way to a model boat environment. Having said that, the SpringRC transmitter is of superb build quality.

The boat battery supplied is a sealed lead acid 6 volt 4 amp hour and should give well over an hour with normal speed control use. These are pretty standard batteries and I have just got another spare one from my local radio store for just 6.00. Unfortunately, these batteries have standard auto spade type connectors and the boat input connector is of the Tamiya type. So before any playing about could be done, we had to make up a suitable Spade

to Tamiya connector lead. (Two Lobmaster freight cartons were opened to see if a suitable lead had been left out but both the same). The charger supplied with the boat battery (model CH24-1.8T) gives a very safe automatic cut-off charge. A red led indicating charge. This turns to green when charge is complete. Full charge can be relatively quick in around five hours. Part charge taking less than this with auto cut-off. The receiver switch is mounted under the deck. This means that at the pond, all the rigging needs to be unhooked and the decking removed to switch the receiver on, followed by re-fitting the decking and rigging. It is a simple job to reposition the switch above the deck (see picture showing the existing switch above deck and hiding in a hole made in the wheelhouse to keep it away from water).As the current draw from the drive battery is very low with the Rx switch OFF (Just 15 milliamps, giving over 200 hours in this standby state) you can plug the drive battery in at home before going to the pond, and unplug when you get home! That way the decking/rigging does not need to be disturbed at all at the pond.

First launch with the LOBMASTER showed an obvious list to one side. Checking the position of all the installed components did not answer the problem. In the end four ounces of ballast was added to the left hand side of the battery to get the hull looking level in the water. (see picture). The shiny cylindrical thing used for ballast is an auto plug spanner! As the present transport to the pond is diesel then this keeps the plug spanner thinking its still doing a useful job!!

The SPRING RC system comes with no instructions. The Tx has RED/GREEN/YELLOW Leds . Plus an audio bleep system. At switch-on, all Leds illuminate. The Yellow indicates that a Xtal is inserted and working. The Green indicates battery condition and begins to flash WITH BLEEPING if battery is low. A continual BLEEP means YOU AINT GOT MUCH TIME LEFT ! The Red led illuminates at switch-on and does not seem to do anything except go out when the battery is completely exhausted.

At around 150 for the whole package, The Kymodel LOBMASTER represents brilliant value for money. Just hope the above problems were a one off and not a result of a bad batch of R/C systems. Availability of genuine SPRING RC plug -in crystals for a change of frequency spot, or replacement, appears to be a problem at the moment.

FLYING HAS INCLUDED THE ART-TECH WING DRAGON (Looks like a model of a real Micro light!) This version is the one with ailerons and comes almost ready to fly with completely installed radio gear! The four channel transmitter has really good sticks with ratchet flight trims and servo reverse facility is there should you need it. Best of all at the package price is the CE approved 35 MHz plug-in Xtal specification so you can fly the model at your local club too. At the model end, there are four superb micro servos (one in each wing!), a mini receiver and a 30 amp speed controller for the 400 pusher electric motor. Included also is a Flight Simulator CD to stick in your computer and practice flying before the real thing. At 69.99 post paid next day delivery from www.nitrotek.co.uk

..how do you get so much for so little?

OKso much for the goodies in the box but is the Wing Dragon just another Xmas toy that doesnt really fly well enough for the real veteran R/C modellers out there. Well Im one of those privileged people and after the first few minutes of flying, I can honestly say that the Wing Dragon is one of the most beautifully controllable machines that I have ever flown.and I cant wait to get back to the field for another session! The climb -out from a hand launch is without worry or hassle and altitude is easy achievable. Once up there, loops, rolls, and tight turns make the model so easy to place just where you want it. Landings can be those nose down things if you wish, with a last minute flair-out which slows the model to an almost snail pacestill with complete control..almost helicopter like in a 10mph breeze!.....MAGIC !! Throttle response is instant and completely proportional. This is a really nice model to fly and the designers simply have to be complimented on this one.

With the R/C gear switched on for the first time I noticed the elevator and rudder were slightly off centre. Using a pair of pliers to grip the piano wire control rods, a few turns of the connecting clevis sorted this. The ailerons were spot on. The first flight was completed without any necessary in-flight trim!

Even a CG check was done with the battery installedPerfect!

Using the supplied wall charger for the flight battery, I did initially notice a rather short flight time. Following this up I found that the charge time suggested by the manufacturers of 3 or 4 hours maximum in the instructions must have been well on the conservative side! The supplied wall charger Model Number 35090030-B2 was charging the eight cell 1000mah battery at around 120 milliamps. So to get the battery from exhausted (last flight with the motor cutting out) to a fully charged condition, then many more hours were required! Mathematically we needed 9 to 10 hours at which point the battery becomes slightly warm indicating a full charge. This resulted in flight times increasing by two to three times.

As the flying site used, is a typical grass farmers field.I removed the wheels to help with skid landings.

If its raining!!!.just load the Flight Simulator CD into your desktop and have a fly using your PC. My computer uses Windows XP and I think there may be a problem using the joysticks with XP but the keyboard controls the TV model fine.be it a little jerky using the keys.

We have an Art-Tech Flight Simulator with USB input to the computer in the post. (ArtTech are the manufacturers of the Wing Dragon!). We think this will solve the joystick problem with XP.

WELL THE FLIGHT SIMULATOR WITH USB ARRIVED VERY QUICK! Almost the day after the above was written, a very nice man from Parcelforce here in the UK handed a large box through the door! Within minutes the contents were out of the box and the CD was into the computer..BINGO! It actually works with Windows XP, using the full double joystick transmitter case supplied.at last I was able to fly a simulated model looking at the computer monitor. The behaviour

of the model is extremely real and is without doubt a superb educational tool for the beginner to model flying. There are also hours of fun for the experienced flier on a rainy day. Different types of models are available to fly, including helicopters. Different flying backgrounds can also be used. To make things easy for the first few flights you can even slow things down via simulationproperties.then change the sample time from 0.005 to say 0.05. When you get the hang of things then a more realistic flight speed can be had by changing the sample time back to the default setting of 0.005 secs.

This package at around 30 plus p&p is absolutely worth buying even for the veteran flyer like myself. The package includes a complete transmitter case with two joystick units including in-flight trims. A CD is included to copy to your computer. The internal circuit board in the joystick box uses a pre programmed mini computer chip and a 2 Metre USB cable is included to plug directly into the USB input of your computer. Excellent value!

My package arrived With the throttle on the RIGHT of the Transmitter boxalthough I can fly this way, I can fly better with the throttle LEFT. With four self tap screws to take off the rear of the case, and a fiddle with springs and throttle ratchet spring I finally had the control box working with a left hand throttle. There is an alteration of the channel sequence required, this comes up when setting up the calibration on the PC monitor. Simply delete the numbers shown and replace with (from the top) 4312 4312.

The downloading of the CD puts a shortcut on the desktop. Double clicking this, immediately starts the model take-off and this keeps going till you crash! To start again, simply go to simulationand click initializemake sure you have some throttle on and the model starts again. MAGIC for a rainy day! Several model designs are available in the download including the Wing Dragon and they all behave differently. So if you are eventually going to fly the above Wing Dragon..then practice will help to make perfect!

RC REVIEWS & ARTICLES

Motley Crew

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Easy Balance Lipo Charger

The name says it all. The Easy Balance LiPO Charger is one of the easiest chargers to use while still providing some user control. The red dial on top allows quick and easy charge rate adjustments while the LEDs confirm the number of cells connected.

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TTX600

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DX8

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Toledo 2011

I\'m not a big fan of winter and for most of the country, this was one of the worst in a long time. So this year I was really looking forward to spring! The Weak Signal\'s Expo, commonly known as The Toledo Show, is to me as much a sign that spri...

NIGHTFLY 14LED Navigation System

Whether you want to add night flying capability to your favorite airplane or spruce up the realism of a scale model, RC-Lights has a number of kits and parts to choose from to fill your needs.

RealFlight G5.5

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Rio 51Z

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I CANT BELIEVE IT!.....AS VICTOR MELDREW WOULD COMMENT.

And I am quite sure you wont believe this too! There is a TINY servo available, imported from China which measures, wait for it22x22x11.5 mm. It sports a coreless motor! standard flex connector that fits most radio systems and strong (for its size) all nylon gearing. It has superb rapid transit time and is available now. (Nov 09) It can also push pull an extraordinary 1 Kilogram ! with the pushrod positioned in the hole which is 1cm away from the output shaft. The cost of this tiny little beauty that could easily be used as a tie pin (if anybody still wears a tie!!) is bound to be extortionate howeverSO GET READY FOR THE CRUNCH! No its not 49.95..or even

25.95 or even.Ahhh well, I must tell in the end so.You can get these now for just 1.97 each! (IT MUST BE THE SILLY SEASON!). There are some UK importers, try www.giantcod.co.uk

...This guy is called Barry Blyth.and his web site is well worth a visit! He has pre-programmed PIC chips (type 16f84) which cover many applications in model control. There are circuits too and most can be assembled using stripboard. His designs include simple test equipment, radio control electronic power switches, servo controllers, mixers, rev counters, and sound devices including a gas turbine sound device. The site is mainly aimed at cars, boats with recent additions for model train stuff. Barrys web site can be accessed by clicking on the WANTED picture!! All of his available programmed computer chips are around the 8.00 mark and can be securely ordered on line directly from the man himself using your credit card!

AN INTERESTING WEBSITE!......they supply some hard to get items, such assuitable output transistors for the 35MHz transmitter circuit shown in the Norcim page 3.2N4427, 2N5109, and MRF237 are all possible TO39 package devices. A possiblesurface mount output transistor is also listed as BFG193. Also there are items of interest such as the MC3361DW which is the surface mount version of the 35MHz receiver chip circuitry (Norcim home page). Other items include

suitable ceramic FM receiver filters.CFWS455G and CFUM455G. Ferrite beads are there too and an interesting Quad Coil with possible use for the FM discriminator coil in the receiver (may need a damping resistor across the coil to keep the discriminator output down to around 0.7 volts.try 270K or lower!). There is also another possible radio control receiver chip listedthe SA626D but it would need development based on the 3361 circuitry. These people can be found at http://rfcandy.com/

Worth a mention is the company LOGO (right!) which may make you forget exactly what components you were looking for in the first place!! The picture around their Logo changes from time to time! So it is worth a re-visit on a regular basis! Very clever marketing me thinks!! Recent additions to the site include an FM receiver chip, a mixer from Murata and some transceivers that could be of interest for model use.

OK!... I KNOW THIS OBJECT AINT AN ELECTRONIC COMPONENT OF ANY KIND!!.. but it brings back so many wonderful memories of times gone by using an HP61 glow-plug motor with a tuned exhaust in several of Phil Krafts Bar Fly models (1960s). The HP61 was a truly superb motor with its floating cylinder lining and superb carb. I used a standard fuel mix of 20% caster/78 methanol with just 2% petrol. Petrol mixes with no problem at such low percentages (more than 1% to 2% petrol causes sudden flame outs so dont overdo it). Tick -over through to full power was superb, whether nose up or not. The Bar-Fly would take off at walking pace with quarter throttle and full UP elevator which produced a flop of the tail to ground with the trike under cartTotally controllablethe model would rise slowly off the groundwith a grace that amazed most onlookers. Ahhhmemories! Anyway the reason for this non electronic picture is simply to mention a small UK Hi Tech company called Just Engines. These people house many of the present day R/C motors and provide silencers and engine spare parts. Their website includes loads of information too. Just try Just Engines at http://www.justengines.unseen.org

AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHY using a model aircraft can now give incredible detail using one of the new breed of Digital cameras! The 5Mpix range can easily produce better quality than film. The weight of some these Digitals is a fraction of a good SLR film camera too and there is another interesting development! Leading manufacturers such as Pentax, Olympus and some Canon versions, include a remote 'clicker device' to fire the camera. (a bit like changing the channel of your television with the remote). Now this bit is interesting for cameras used in model aircraft as the

camera can be triggered from the ground......well almost!....all you need is a small 'remote' that is plugged into the receiver in the model and points at the camera.....Hey! You can take as many pictures as you want from almost any altitude and almost any object. But wait a minute!.....where do you get this 'remote thingy' to point at the camera in the model? And remember, Pentax, Olympus, and Canon and others, all use different codes for firing the shutter!!...Ah well, all is not lost!...as you can see from the picture, someone has already been there and got the T-shirt, and is already supplying this little device programmed to suit your make of camera. It is tiny! It weighs just 6 gms. (be careful, it could blow away!) Costing less than 30 post free to an address anywhere in the World! Can't be bad! See www.gentles.ltd.uk/gentled

ANOTHER SYSTEM using the 2.4GHz band is the model to ground colour video system of Dawnmist Studios FlySpy system. This looks a truly impressive system capable of transmitting colour video pictures from the model aircraft to ground. The 2.4GHz receiver on the ground feeds real time pictures from the model to a standard TV on the ground, or a video recorder, or a computer for direct download. (bit like the systems used in Formula 1 motor racing to transmit the view of the driver..But Wow! at a fraction of a fraction of the cost!!) Each system is available on one of just four of the 79 channels of the 2.4GHz band. The military use of this fully developed system does come to mind!! (unfortunately!)

(note that the Spektrum R/C system above would automatically detect use of a FlySpy system at switch-on and would avoid that channel). Dawnmist are at:www.dawnmist.demon.co.uk/rcm.htm

WANT TO TRY A 2.4 GIG SYSTEM BY JUST USING YOUR POCKET MONEY? Well this Combo will knock you back just 26.00 ! plus post and packing! You will need a few spare standard servos and a receiver battery. The four channel transmitter AND six channel receiver come in a plain cover box (so nobody including the postman will know what you are buying!!) WITHOUT instructions! However, as the transmitter case is so similar in layout and build quality to a basic Futaba system then all the

controls and usage will be familiar to the average flier or boat user There are simple instructions available to download from the site. The Tx has servo reversing switches and even a mixer switch in the battery compartment! The quoted 800 metre ground range of this FHSS (Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum) system, make it well suitable for flying. The six channel receiver is small and uses a hard case (not just heat shrink) and looks remarkably like a Futaba product!. The transmitter and receiver have to be registered to each other. (This procedure is similar to registering a wireless keyboard or mouse to a USB receiver.) With both Transmitter and Receiver switched ON, simply press the small (No not small) very tiny button on the end of the receiver, you will need a tiny screwdriver for this and you will feel/hear the button click. A green LED flashes, inside the transparent case, for a couple of seconds and Bingo, the servos begin to work and the system is Channel Hopping and ready to go, as they say. There is also a six channel version of the system if you are prepared to save your pocket money up for a couple of weeks! This system was installed and working in a boat within minutes. Servo reversing switches very handy and used. Now several hours sailing with rock solid control and literally out of site range! The Tx is very comfortable to hold with the sticks perfectly positioned under the thumbs. Joystick movement is smooth and centring excellent. The throttle stick ratchet is light and gives thirty positions, perfect for aircraft. Smooth ratchet trims too! The 95 milliamp current consumption of the Tx means typically 20 hours use from NH batteries.

Heyno more checking whos on what frequency, no more bent aerials, no more washing line pegs, no more box of crystals, no more waiting for a frequency, no more poking some ones eye out.just simply join the crowd at the lake or flying site and switch on! This is leading edge R/C technology at a fantastic price.

UPDATE Sep 2011 The above Combo was purchased from Giantcod last year and to date has clocked over fifty hours of boating time in the LOBMASTER fishing boat. OK, OK, not a very taxing job for an R/C system but it must be said that the combo has worked impeccably. The range is out of site. The boat was fitted with an ultra bright LED lamp with pencil beam a couple of months ago. This can be seen in daylight conditions providing the boat was pointing back at the transmitter. The boat can be taken out of visual sight but using the beam can be steered back without problem. More recently a miniature video camcorder weighing less than an ounce was fitted to the boat. This not only shows impressive playbacks when the memory card is plugged into the computer but also records the sound of the speed controller. Even at extreme range, the speed controller can be

heard completely smoothly working without any erratic operation indicating any possibility of edge of range condition. This is a truly impressive 2.4GHz transmitter/receiver combo without even mentioning the unbelievable competitive retail cost. Little wonder that many modelling nuts keep going back and ordering more of these units. Incidentally, even after fifty hours of use, the joystick feel of the transmitter and centring is still among the best. The site below gives much more info and customer thoughtswell worth a read. Further simple intro of Spread Spectrum R/C This money pocket package is available from www.giantcod.co.uk

http://www.hucknall-mac.org/Radio.html

http://www.frmc.org.uk/2P4.htm

http://www.myrcworld.co.uk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=69:is-24ghzsuitable-for-marine-use&catid=42:radio&Itemid=18

http://www.shopwiki.co.uk/PLANET+5+2.4GHz+TRANSMITTER

http://www.rcracer.com/electronics/326-fhss-technology-lrp-explains

http://www.rchelicopterfun.com/spectrum-radios.html

This one you must watch to the end to see what its about! http://www.youtube.com/watch?gl=CA&hl=en&v=xUyhPDVBiaI

How does spread spectrum work http://www.rcmodelreviews.com/spreadspectrum03.shtml

SAPHION BATTERY PACKS

are more safe than Li-polys under fast charge conditions

and can supply considerable motor currents. The people that really know about Lithium Phosphate technology is Overlander Batteries at www.overlander.co.uk

where you can buy all sorts of battery packs and a multitude of motors. The site is full of related technology and hints and tips! Well worth a visit.

Thanks for reading.

EXTERNAL LINK SECURITY

THE IRAQ MYTH

have we opened a monumental can of worms?

THE DRUGS MYTH

Dr Vernan Coleman MB, ChB, DSc(Hon) should we change our thinking of legal and illegal drugs?

THE CHOLESTEROL MYTH

people with high cholesterol live longer?

THE ENERGY SAVING LIGHT BULB MYTH do they work and how much has it cost?

NORCIM NOTES1 home page. Micron R/C fault find both Transmitter and Receivers NORCIM NOTES2 40 MHz conversion of Tx and Rx plus Glow control and PCM thoughts NORCIM NOTES3 35MHz transmitter circuit. Electric glider design. 459MHz conversion notes. NORCIM NOTES4 Economy electric flight. 15 amp relay switch circuit. Lost model alarm. History R/C. NORCIM NOTES5 Receiver sensitivity test results from Dave McQue including receiver circuit notes. NORCIM NOTES6 History of R/C systems including early PPM encoding and decoding circuitry. NORCIM NOTES7 Miscellaneous model information plus electronic components and some 2.4GHz stuff. NORCIM NOTES8 mainly unique model design for radio control and vintage radio control electronic circuits NORCIM NOTES9 nostalgic transmitter circuits collected by David Caudrey. Also some original circuit designs.

NORCIM NOTES10 further nostalgic original circuit designs for radio control by David Caudrey. NORCIM NOTES11 original R/C circuit designs from David Caudrey and some electric motor testing.

NOTES8 SHOULD BE MORE ABOUT JUST, R/C MODEL DESIGN.but yet again it seems to have developed into a page that resembles a typical UK newspaper! i.e. there are already stories of totally different content on this page. Ahh Well At least the whole content is still about MODEL RADIO CONTROL ELECTRONICS.

IS IT A HORTEN OR NOT A HORTEN?.......Nicholas Ingle and his extraordinary flying machine Well....to be entirely honest it just looks just like a Horten flying wing but in actual fact this gigantic model is based on the Northrop N-9MB which was a 1/3 scale aircraft used as a proof of concept machine for the XB-35 and XB-49 bombers. Span is 102 ins. Major chord 17.25 ins with a minor chord of 7 ins. Section is Eppler 334. There is a progressive washout starting at the root where it is zero and finishing at the tip where it is 6 degrees. Control is by elevons. The model is configured so that a plug in electric power pod can be fitted. The pod uses an AXI 2820/12 brushless motor and a 10 cell battery pack from www.puffinmodels.com It fits onto the centre trailing edge of the wing pushing the machine forwards. The model is now covered and ready to fly. Some research work has been going on however, before flight testing, to come up with some form of differential drag flaps at the tips of each wing to help give a Rudder Effect when ailerons are used.

(note that there aint any rudder on this machine!....).

Although these drag flaps were first planned as a mechanical linkage, Nicholas is now using an electronic on-board mixer which gives more control over the drag effect required.

Nicholas also sent in a picture of his completed and test flown power assisted glider:- In these days of models 'off the shelf', it's refreshing to see that there are still some modellers that are

designing, building and even test flying models from scratch. Without these talented people there would simply be no 'off the peg' packaged products for us to buy! Good on ya Nicholas!! I have unfortunately lost contact with Nicholas following a computer and server change..Would love to know how the WING flew.

Span is definitely not in the 'toy category' at a big 115 inches! This is certainly a man-size machine that will obviously not only impress the neighbours but will also cause lots of interest down at the flying field. The propulsion unit for the model is the AXI 2820/10 motor with the Jeti Advance controller from Puffin Models. Other info includes a Maximum chord of 10 ins with a Tip chord of 7 ins. The wing is built in two halves. The central flat part is 30 ins long and the tips are 21 ins. The extra few inches comes from the fact that three laminations of 1/4 balsa are used on each wing tip. Wing section is the well used Clark Y. The whole of the 'T- Tail' is removable to facilitate safe transit to the flying site! Wing loading works out at 11.35 oz/sq.ft. Latest modifications include the choice of snap-on power pod at the front or a pod without the motor for slope soaring. The latest wing now includes air brakes and ailerons. traffic light security on external links.

http://www.balsacabin.co.uk/

http://www.glue-it.com/index.html

http://www.yellowairplane.com/Tools_Main.html

http://www.jetplanes.co.uk/modelaircraft/powermodelaircra ft-intro.html

http://www.modelairplanesecrets.com/

http://www.google.com/Top/Shopping/Recreation/Models/R adio_Control/Airplanes/

Thanks to bobt from the RCM forum (www.rcmf.co.uk/

) for pointing out a couple of CLANGERS in the following text. Hopefully these are now fixed. The thread is http://www.rcmf.co.uk/4um/index.php/topic,77473.0.html

Good on yer bobt.

THE NOTTINGHAM LANGAR (not Gamston!) FLY-IN truly memorable occasions. FROM SMALL MODELS TO LARGE MODELS..from glow-plug models to petrol motors.from prop driven models to gas turbines..from old scale models to the latest jet designs.All were at the Nottingham Langar airfield fly-in.

OK.Some of these photos may take a while to download but they are only a small selection of some of the models seen at the Langar Fly-In. The Gas Turbine models were simply Awesome to watch with true speeds of up to 250 MPH!!!!! But all of the different types of model and engine type added to this simple but extremely impressive and memorable local

(for us!) event. The ongoing sound system narration was absolutely spot on with superb details of the models flying at the time along with smatterings of true Guru modelling history. Always in our memory banks will be the 43cc petrol engine high wing model of about eight feet wingspan that seemed to be endlessly up there from dawn till dusk burning lead-free without a hitch of trouble for the whole of the weekend. The Langar site is an old historic second world war airfield with a huge amount of tree-free space and a full size concrete airstrip. This adds much to the safety of the pilots when planning and flying low level passes and eventual landings. The Model to the left shows just how big things have got since I was a kid with my Jasco control-line balsa model powered by a Mills .75 diesel. Trade people in tents and marquis were there supplying loads of simple things that you simply just forgot to bring..to lots of new kits, ATFs, Radio Gear and motors. There was also a superb fast food van-unit that supplied breakfast/brunches from first thing in the morning to last thing at night. A Saturday night barbeque and firework display added to this superb annual event of the NOTTINGHAM RADIO CONTROL SOCIETY CLUB. We simply emailed the club to find that we could attend the event at simply no cost with our caravan And we enjoyed every minute. http://www.largemodelassociation.com/

http://www.woodspringwings.co.uk/

http://uk.dir.yahoo.com/recreation/hobbies/models/aircraf t/Radio_Controlled/

http://www.modelairplanenews.com/ME2/Default.asp

MIKE HAWKINS is into some real retro R/C gear!!!!!

Im real sorry to change the subject so quickly here but I had some mail from these two guys, which bristled the three or four hairs left on the back of my neck! The pictures attached with this mail show the type of transmitter that started off the whole of this hobby of ours during the 1940s. The first pictures show Mikes single channel transmitter built from scratch but to a spec from yesteryear! Probably late 1940s. Anyway I will let Mike fill in the pictures (as it were).

I have been modelling since about 1955 and used to fly free flight on Chobham common near Ascot where I grew up. About 1957 I watched a guy fly a model with radio and he actually brought it back and landed nearby! This was for me! I made a Vic Smeed Electra with an ED Boomerang radio system and powered with an ED Hunter diesel. It was marginally successful due to my inexperience but put me on the right road. Finding this radio stuff very interesting I then went on to becoming a Radio Ham and subsequently a career in electronics. However model aircraft has always been my major passion (I still have my old control line handle!) and I think always will be.

Some while back I was discussing the good old days with a couple of aeromodeller/radio ham friends and we decided it would be good to replicate a system to show the young ones how easy they have got it today, so the project was born. See accompanying photos, the transmitter is now finished and tuned and works very well and remarkably stable for its design but I put that down to modern components and better construction techniques that experience has brought. I now have to build the receiver, which will be an Ivy single hard valve (3S4) but with a transistor relay eliminator circuit. The model is to be the good old KK Junior 60 which I already have built and is flying using modern radio on two channels and powered by an Australian Taipan 2.5cc diesel. I am also the Secretary of the Hobart Model Aircraft Club, http://www.hobartmodelaeroclub.org.au

please visit our site.

The second picture on the right shows Mikes circuit boards. The board to the left of the picture with the dual gate valve is the carrier transmitter itself while the unit to the right of the picture is a later antenna matching circuit designed by the legendary electronic guru F.C. Judd.

Mike has recently sent more details of further digging back into the past with the resurrection of a legendary single channel receiver and escapement from now our planets leaders in R/C technology! (Japan).....Wow it is good to see how it all started!
A member of our club (also a radio ham) has given me an OS receiver & escapement that he had used in the 1950s, see attached photo, but unfortunately he does not know what happened to the transmitter, anyway the object being to use this in the project instead of building a receiver. As my time is very limited this is what I shall do. I have not powered it up yet but I am assured that it was working ok when last used in about 1958! By the way you are very welcome to use anything I send you for your website.

73s until next time VK7DMH.

Many thanks for that Mike. The valve receiver is to the left of the picture probably works on a 45 volts battery supply with another 2 volt battery for the valve heater. The relay (to the right of the glass valve) looks of the polarised type. These used an internal magnet to keep the normally closed contacts together. These relays were very sensitive and would respond to a very small change of coil current when receiving the Tx signal. A typical value of current change flowing through the relay coil when receiving the transmitter signal was often as low as one and a half milliamps! Unfortunately very sensitive mechanical devices (relays) obviously suffered from vibration..so invariably these receivers had to be hung inside a fairly large airframe using four elastic bands. The petrol and diesel engines of the day often caused havoc with

their vibration. The escapement (the equivalent in their time of todays servo) is shown on the right of the picture. They used their own usually 4v5 dry battery. Escapements were often a converted relay but the coil windings were chunky and allowed a few hundred milliamps to flow. Escapements because of this healthy current flow used quite strong spring return mechanisms and did not seem to be worried too much by vibration. Fitting of these escapements often involved direct contact to a fuselage former. Escapements used a longish (12 inches) rubber band which was wound up to a hundred or so windings. As the escapement clicked with each command from the transmitter it produced sequential left and right rudder. Unfortunately, if engine vibration caused the receiver relay to chatter All of the pre wound rubber band windings

for control of the model could be lost within a few seconds and no further control over the model was achievabl e! The two above pictures show the Retro Man himself, Mike Hawkins, with his briefcase style carrier wave valve transmitter and above the clinically neat valve receiver installed ready to go! .magic memories. Mike has kindly sent some excellent circuit diagrams of these early receivers and transmitters, Interested ? then click here. I will let Mike Hawkins explain this latest picture which shows the superb quality of his home built retro R/C system. Surprisingly valves are no problem the below link should be able to help, however getting the valve bases is another story! I first got into this project by being asked to give a lecture on the history of model radio control to our amateur radio group here in Hobart, I am also a radio ham (VK7DMH). I said I would build a system if I could get hold of the valves thinking it would be almost impossible and I would be off the hook. As it turned out there are loads of battery portable valves available as the transistor portables made the valve sets obsolete whilst considerable stocks of spares were worldwide. I contacted a vintage radio restore business in Melbourne looking for a 3A5 (DCC 90) and was asked how many I wanted as they had loads of brand new in stock, so the project was born. The rest of the components were obtained from redundant equipment donated by ham friends except resistors and capacitors which were new. The TX battery was made from ten 9 volt units wired in series and two 1.5 volt units wired in parallel inside a plywood box covered with blue

paper and a printed logo of Ever Ready downloaded from the above site. The HT for the RX is made up from five 12 volt remote car door lock batteries in series to give 60 volts as the original 22.5 volt layer ones are definitely not available now. The relay for the RX and the rubber escapement are original and were donated by an aero modelling friend. Talking about memories. I have recently come across an old photo of one of my models taken when I was fifteen years old! (55 years ago!). Cant quite believe it really cos how long has the Avro 707A been going as a model? It was built from an Aeromodeller plan design by a Hugh Beisterfield? (sure thats not spelled correct!). A lot of this is from memory and after 70 years on planet earth, things can get a little puddled at times. The thing that dates it is the fact that I constructed the brilliant Hill 2 valve receiver as a project in metalwork at secondary school. .HOWEVER the main thing here is the receiver, which at the time was superb. While other single channel carrier wave receivers would give a drop in supply current of around one to one and a half milliamps when receiving its transmitterMr Hill had just taken model control a massive step foreward by producing a receiver that produced a massive current drop of SEVEN milliamps! WOW this was a field day for the relays of the time and long gone were the very sensitive mechanical adjustment of the contacts. You could at last hear the relay slamming in and out from (almost) the next room.! This meant also that the receiver was not so prone to vibration and looking at the picture it looks as if Ive used soft foam to mount the receiver instead of elastic bands. An OS Pet 1.5cc glow engine (which had just become available), pushed the model with less vibration than the diesels of the time. The actuator was a modified Mighty Midget motor working on a single 1.5volt battery, giving sequencial left and right rudder. http://www.modelenginenews.org/cardfile/ed_radios.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radio-controlled_model

http://www.rcuniverse.com/market/item.cfm?itemId=600400

http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_6373259/mpage_1/printable.ht m

http://www.modelenginenews.org/cardfile/images/tx_mk234.jpg

http://www.modelenginenews.org/cardfile/images/rx_boom_hv.jpg

http://www.modelenginenews.org/cardfile/images/rly_std.jpg

http://www.portabletubes.co.uk

http://www.tubesandmore.com/

www.vintagercsociety.org/

http://www.thestudioeonevalveradio.org.uk/

THANKS FOR READING!

NORCIM NOTES1 home page. Micron R/C fault find both Transmitter and Receivers NORCIM NOTES2 40 MHz conversion of Tx and Rx plus Glow control and PCM thoughts NORCIM NOTES3 35MHz transmitter circuit. Electric glider design. 459MHz conversion notes. NORCIM NOTES4 Economy electric flight. 15 amp relay switch circuit. Lost model alarm. History R/C. NORCIM NOTES5 Receiver sensitivity test results from Dave McQue including receiver circuit notes. NORCIM NOTES6 History of R/C systems including early PPM encoding and decoding circuitry. NORCIM NOTES7 Miscellaneous model information plus electronic components and some 2.4GHz stuff. NORCIM NOTES9 nostalgic transmitter circuits collected by David Caudrey. Also some original circuit designs. NORCIM NOTES10 further nostalgic original circuit designs for radio control by David Caudrey. NORCIM NOTES11 original R/C circuit designs from David Caudrey and some electric motor testing.

A change of subject ?.... The energy saving light bulb Myth. Do they work and at what cost!

This page is devoted to the reverse engineering and original designs of David Caudrey. Davids day job involves some of that very micro tiny stuff called Nuclear Physics but more importantly to us! He has been a model airplane nut over the most important years of the UK development of world leading Model Radio Control Systems. These early boom years of the UK late sixties/seventies to the early eighties, produced a powerhouse of model R/C electronic design. Many entrepreneurial skilled people left their day jobs to set up very profitable R/C businesses. The following is a list of UK radio control manufacturers during the boom years of the seventies. The list does not include imported R/C products :-

SKYLEADER RADIO CONTROL, FLEET R/C SYSTEMS, SWAN RADIO CONTROL, GEM RADIO CONTROL, HORIZON RADIO CONTROL, FLIGHT LINK SYSTEMS, SPRENGBROOK RADIO CONTROL, MICRON RADIO CONTROL, CENTURY SYSTEMS R/C, REFTECH UHF RADIO CONTROL, WALTRON R/C SYSTEMS, WORLD ENGINES, RCS RADIO CONTROL SYSTEMS, REMCON R/C, MICROCONTROL R/C, PECON RADIO CONTROL

Sadly, and similar to our wonderful motorcycle industry of times gone by, this period of almost UK domination of specialist manufacturing and production slowly came to an end. At least the rest of the commercially developing world must have looked on at these British inventions and undoubtedly began their development of bigger and better R/C systems.

OK..nuff of that!! Lets get back to David Caudrey and his reverse engineering. This is the stuff that leading car manufacturers do! They acquire vehicles from other manufactures and painstakingly, completely, and with great care, take them apart! This procedure slowly leads right back to the original design stage of the vehicle and every single part! They end up with accurate design drawings of each part, and a load of bits! This information however greatly influences their next Original Design! There is nothing wrong with this practice! it goes on for all products and in the end, produces better overall things for us to buy!

The following circuits are by David Caudrey. Some are reverse engineered. Some are original designs. All are real interesting to electronic R/C nuts like ourselves. Sincere thanks to David for adding these to the norcim website.

David Caudrey showing his main model interest sloping on what looks like a superb day. Recon the landing is done just behind those bushes. Sadly editor Dave Hughes of Radio Modeller, his flying buddy, was not able to be with him at this time. The transmitte r I am sure is a Fleet Radio Control. Just one of which he reversed engineered! The flying site is Watership Down (remember the rabbits?). The picture below is of a refurbished Simplex (an American gas model circa 1941). Has a 600 size motor with 3:1 reduction gears powered by a 3 Cell Lipo Battery. Designed for a Brown Junior with all of the necessary ignition gear, it has come out tail heavy. However, with such a long moment arm it should be flyable without adding lead to the nose which I am reluctant to do. I originally flew it free-flight with an ED 3.46 and two clockwork timers up front. With this arrangement it balanced at 30% chord. The electric drive weighs about the same but the control loops etc. have added a little weight aft. Because of the very short nose a little extra weight aft needs a lot of weight forward to compensate. I might fit it with one of the little video cameras in the nose as this could be considered to be 'useful weight'. The first picture (left to right) shows the refurbished Simplex model electrified. The second picture is of a typical Browne Junior petroil motor of the time. The last picture is taken from a 1939ish magazine advert. The full size advert shows Very impressive graphics considering the advert is now 72 years old!

VINTAGE SIMPLEX MODEL

TYPICAL BROWNE JUNIOR

BROWNE JUNIOR 1939 ADVERT

SKYLEADER transmit section FM 35 MHz

Starting from the left, the first two transistors simply slow both edges of the incoming coder square wave pulses. This directly controls the bandwidth of the transmitter, producing narrow band performance. The Xtal oscillator (next transistor) runs with a 17.5 MHz fundamental crystal. (fundamental crystals can be pulled off frequency) +/ - 0.75 KHz. Frequency doubling takes place to 35 MHz band. The P.A. stage feeds the telescopic aerial through coil filters to reduce harmonic content. All the transmit circuits shown here are F.M. type (frequency modulated).

JR 35Megahertz transmit section

Very similar to the above circuit so use the basic description above. The double tuned top coupled coils driving the P.A. stage is interesting.

MICRON 35 MHz competition receiver and decoder

The description of this receiver is covered on page 1 (this is a better schematic!)

MICRON 35 MHz dual conversion receiver front end design thoughts (DC 11/2011)

SKYLEADER 7 channel coder board using NE5044 Signetics IC

Now difficult to get hold of the NE5044 as production ceased many years ago. There may still be small quantities available via surplus electronic component people.

FLEET 35MHz transmit section

Again similar circuit to the top Skyleader circuit so use that description. A neat uncluttered circuit simplified but meets the required regulations for 35 and 40MHz

FLEET XP FM basic encoder circuit

Typical of the period NE5044 (Signetics) circuit. This I.C. provided R/C manufactures with a superb alternative to the original transistor half-shot type circuit designed by Doug Spreng and Don Mathers for early space satellite communication.

FLEET XP FM ENCODER joystick and Aux control amplifiers

FLEET XP FM ENCODER ancillary controls

The Fleet encoder makes use of operational amplifiers to provide an analogue mixing capability similar to that provided by modern micro processor based transmitters. Of particular interest is the method of effecting servo reversal; using potentiometers in lieu of the more usual reversing switches or reversible plug and socket connections. As an added bonus these potentiometers may be used to determine servo throws a sort of rates on every channel facility. Also apparent is the use of separate potentiometers for trims which must have made XPFM transmitters costly to manufacture; not only for the cost of the additional components but more so for the cost of additional wiring and special stick assemblies.

From a servicing stand point, the XP-FM encoder circuit board is not easy to work on; being very crowded with a multiplicity of wires soldered directly to the tracks. For those wishing to use the schematic for servicing, LM324A is the separate IC on the right hand side of the board, LM324B is the central one and LM324C is on the left viewing the board in its normal position in the transmitter.

DFC 2011

AN INTERESTING MYSTERY TRANSMITTER CIRCUIT This reverse engineered circuit of Davids is interesting in that it is taken from an available manufactured circuit board. The main feature Dating this circuit is the use of germanium transistors. The first two producing a 1KHz tone, switching the P.A. stage when the button is pressed. The lack of slower switching to the 2G381 and lack of aerial harmonic filtering and the use of germanium transistors suggests a manufacturing year of Around late 1950s to early 1960s.

AN INTERESTING SIGNAL GENERATOR CIRCUIT. A BLAST FROM THE PAST!

There were several similar really well made simple Signal Generators of this type, available around this period. Well cased in fully contained pressed Steel casings with wonderful new Hammerite type crinkle coatings! When left switched on for half an hour or so to heat up and settle down they proved to be an invaluable part of Radio Control Circuitry Development.

The RF Oscillator appears to be a type of shunt-fed Colpitts using both halves of the 6J5 double triode in parallel despite the highest frequency coil being separately in series with one anode. Through the action of grid current and the unidentified coupling capacitor and the 390k grid resistor the oscillator self biases itself in to class 'C' operation with the valves passing current only for the positive-going half cycles of the oscillatory frequency. The output, taken from the common cathodes, is therefore rich in harmonics and effectively extends the frequency range to 200MHz or perhaps 300 MHz. This appears to be a bit of a fiddle but the trick was used on some more expensive generators.

The 400Hz Audio Oscillator for modulation is an RC phase shift oscillator using the LH half of the 12AX7 double triode. It is unusual that it employs 4 x 45 degree shifts instead of the more usual 3 x 60 degrees. It produces a very pure sine wave output . The RH half of the of the 12AX7 acts as a cathode follower output with the RF Oscillator and its supply as the cathode load. The RF Oscillator is thereby anode modulated at 400Hz.

thanks for reading!

All page technical content supplied by David Caudrey Jan 2011

NORCIM NOTES1 home page. Micron R/C fault find both Transmitter and Receivers NORCIM NOTES2 40 MHz conversion of Tx and Rx plus Glow control and PCM thoughts NORCIM NOTES3 35MHz transmitter circuit. Electric glider design. 459MHz conversion notes. NORCIM NOTES4 Economy electric flight. 15 amp relay switch circuit. Lost model alarm. History R/C.

NORCIM NOTES5 Receiver sensitivity test results from Dave McQue including receiver circuit notes. NORCIM NOTES6 History of R/C systems including early PPM encoding and decoding circuitry. NORCIM NOTES7 Miscellaneous model information plus electronic components and some 2.4GHz stuff. NORCIM NOTES8 mainly unique model design for radio control and vintage radio control electronic circuits. NORCIM NOTES9 nostalgic transmitter circuits collected by David Caudrey. Also some original circuit designs. NORCIM NOTES10 nostalgic original circuit designs for radio control by David Caudrey. NORCIM NOTES11 original R/C circuit designs from David Caudrey

http://www.google.co.uk/images?rlz=1T4ADFA_enGB385&q=rc+transmitter+circuit&um=1& ie=UTF8&source=univ&ei=Gh9BTcXzLoep8QPIi_E8&sa=X&oi=image_result_group&ct=title&resnu m=7&ved=0CE4QsAQwBg&biw=1003&bih=556

http://www.vintage-radio.info/download/download.php?dir=heathkit&file=gda-57-1.zip

NOTES10 of the Norcim website are still dedicated to the technical input of David Caudrey. Page 9 was getting a little on the long side so some of this initial input has been brought over from page9 with more original stuff added lower down in the page. All interesting stuff for all of us electronic nuts!

The attached with regard to charging LiPos might be of interest. I treat LiPos as I would lead acid batteries ie. tapered charge with current limit. In order to get the maximum output from LiPos, the final voltage needs to be precisely 4.21 volts per cell. With these conditions one can connect and forget but, as my charging supply has a time switch, I like to have some means of preventing discharge if the mains go off. The charging circuit attached is based upon the uA723 regulator because it employs a very stable reference of about 7V. (one can of course use one of the three terminal regulators but they are less suited). As can be seen, the circuit embodies a diode to prevent heavy discharge but, because of its volt drop, it needs to be within the feedback loop; leaving the sample network to slowly discharge the battery if the mains supply is removed.

Wouldn 't it be nice one could have diode which drops zero volts outside of the loop? Reasoning that MOSFETs have no threshold voltage I came up with the circuit for a 'zero drop diode' which does just that. a if

TESTING OF BRUSHED AND BRUSHLESS MOTORS The picture shows David Caudreys test rig for the evaluation of various motors available for electric flight. Several meters monitor battery voltage, motor revs in still air, motor current, etc with different propeller sizes and motor makes. The interesting bit here is not so much the results of the motors used in the testing but the ingenious circuitry developed by David to accurately give the readings of all the parameters involved. Garden Solar lights give the reader a source of CdS cells for the optical sensor (ORP12). The sensor is used simultaneously for the analogue and digital tachos. With regard to the test bench, it can of course be used to test brushed motors 'raw' but with the appropriate speed controllers it may be used for both brushed and brushless motors. The rig is not working at present because I am trying various methods for measuring thrust but when it is working I will try to send some results of tests on both types. With regard to thrust measurements, they only have value if the prop diameter is at least 50% greater than the pitch because otherwise they run stalled when stationary. I found this out when I tried to test with the little 5 x 5 inch props used with rtf. foamies. On the bench they give virtually no thrust at all but manifestly they work very well in the air. I'm not sure that I can add much to the circuit descriptions. As I mentioned the test rig wasn't designed, it just sort of happened.

The LM392 is useful for such applications because it contains an amplifier plus a comparator. Thus the signals from the photocell are converted into rail to rail square pulses and thus are of fixed amplitude for application to the ratemeter circuits. Note that the ORP12 will now have several replacements. These are now widely used in garden center Solar Lights. (See typical circuit below)

http://www.ladyada.net/learn/sensors/cds.html

With respect to the linear ratemeter circuit:- The ratemeter or frequency to voltage circuit is a development of the ubiquitous diode pump, using transistors in lieu of diodes in order to linearise the output and to enable the circuit to respond to narrow pulses.The diode in the bias chain compensates for the effects of temperature on Vbe for the transistors.

USING THE SPECIAL SHUNT IN THE MOTOR WIRING see details of the shunt construction below.

Construction of a Shunt for the measurement of Motor Currents using a Digital Multimeter on the basic 200mV range

Having no meter capable of measuring 50Amps or more a shunt was constructed from first principles as depicted below. The shunt resistance is 4milliOhms so a 200mV full scale reading equates to 50A ie the reading is divided by four. No claims are made for accuracy (which, inter alia, is dependent upon the accuracy of construction) but an indication of 20A corresponded with that for the only trustworthy current meter available for which 20A is full scale. As a point of interest the 10A range for low to medium priced digital multimeters was found to be inaccurate as indications varied markedly for series connected examples. Great accuracy is not expected because

the shunt appears to be a loop of copper wire soldered to the printed circuit board and it is doubtful whether the 10A range is ever calibrated. However indications of the voltage of a Weston Standard Cell for the 2V fsd. ranges of 3 Draper DMMs., costing only 14, were accurate to three decimal places. ie. 1.018V.

A REVERSE ENGINEERED TYPICAL GARDEN SOLAR LAMP (possible source of CdS) All transistors and diodes are low frequency silicon type. The CdS is of particular interest. It is used in the OPTICAL SENSOR circuit above (ORP12). It is often possible to retrieve one of these from a Garden Solar Lamp for less than it would cost plus postage from Maplin or Rapid Electronics

Or similar suppliers.

THIS PAGE IS STILL BEING MODIFIEDTHANKS FOR READING!

All page technical content supplied by David Caudrey April 2011

NORCIM NOTES1 home page. Micron R/C fault find both Transmitter and Receivers NORCIM NOTES2 40 MHz conversion of Tx and Rx plus Glow control and PCM thoughts NORCIM NOTES3 35MHz transmitter circuit. Electric glider design. 459MHz conversion notes. NORCIM NOTES4 Economy electric flight. 15 amp relay switch circuit. Lost model alarm. History R/C. NORCIM NOTES5 Receiver sensitivity test results from Dave McQue including receiver circuit notes. NORCIM NOTES6 History of R/C systems including early PPM encoding and decoding circuitry. NORCIM NOTES7 Miscellaneous model information plus electronic components and some 2.4GHz stuff. NORCIM NOTES8 mainly unique model design for radio control and vintage radio control electronic circuits. NORCIM NOTES9 nostalgic transmitter circuits collected by David Caudrey. Also some original circuit designs. NORCIM NOTES10 nostalgic original circuit designs for radio control by David Caudrey. NORCIM NOTES11 original R/C circuit designs from David Caudrey

http://www.google.co.uk/images?rlz=1T4ADFA_enGB385&q=rc+transmitter+circuit&um=1& ie=UTF8&source=univ&ei=Gh9BTcXzLoep8QPIi_E8&sa=X&oi=image_result_group&ct=title&resnu m=7&ved=0CE4QsAQwBg&biw=1003&bih=556

http://www.vintage-radio.info/download/download.php?dir=heathkit&file=gda-57-1.zip

Notes11 has had to be started simply cos notes9 and notes10 pages are over full again and taking too much time to download for readers. My thanks go to David Caudrey for his reverse engineering skills and his original circuit designs. Some of his original designs will be pulled over onto this page. It is good for all of us electronic nuts to see this sharing of R/C technology and historyto use a quote from a link on our home page seems appropriate.Technology Lives Forever!

PEAK DETECT CHARGER CIRCUIT FOR NC AND NH BATTERIES MK2 for nicad and NH type batteries. Many of these batteries are still used by model fliers and model boat people. David points out that new cells/batteries, should have a first normal timed charge and discharge before using this circuit.

CHARGER CIRCUIT FOR 2 OR 3 CELL LIPO BATTERIES. This charge circuit fast charges LiPo batteries until near full charge when the charge current very slowly drops to a trickle. The lower current toward the end of charge allows the cells to safely fill and/or balance out. The first schematic on page10 of 'Norcim Notes' is a uA 723 based charging circuit for two or three cell LiPo flight batteries. In the accompanying text is mentioned the possibility of basing a charging circuit on a suitable three-terminal regulator. Attached is the schematic of a charging circuit based on the LM350 regulator. Whilst perhaps not quite as good as the uA 723 version it is much easier to construct using stripboard (standard uA 723 is 10 pin T05 package). I have made several of these to charge all of my batteries simultaneously before going to the flying field. With regard to Lipo charging, the circuit is so simple because I have never found the need for cell balancing. When I first started using early Kokum batteries no provision was made for balancing. I am still using some of them five or six years on.

http://spiratronics.com/nichrome-resistance-wire-26-swg-per-metre.html

A SIX CELL COMMERCIAL NC/NH FAST CHARGER CIRCUIT With details of switched modification to charge both six and seven cell battery packs.

ON-BOARD plug-in receiver battery monitor. David points out that the circuit is sensitive to the forward volt drop of the LEDs used in this circuit. So select these with a volt drop close to 2.0 volts. (some of the later LEDs use a much higher volt drop and are not suitable).

MICRON mini receiver circuit

These historic R/C receivers were one of the smallest units of their time. They were available in electronic kit form and ready assembled. The circuit was suitable for the 27, 35 and 40MHz bands with minimal component change. Thousands sold to many parts of the world. Noted for there excellent range, these receivers also worked with almost any transmitters available. Later versions used a combination of mechanical and

ceramic filters which gave good 10KHz frequency spacing. Motorola eventually ceased manufacture of the 3361 narrow band frequency modulated IC and sales of the micron receiver diminished. It is interesting however that over fifty thousand of MC3361CD are still available on obsolete electronic component sites.

www.4starelectronics.com

MICRON speed controller circuit.

Simple speed control circuit using CD4001 IC. Requires full line voltage swing input from receiver for best results. Can be used

without the LM2490 for simplicity but slight speed variation occurs with control servo movement. Two mini servos OK. 10 to 40 amps with good FETs. Must be logic level input FETs.

SERVO AND SPEED CONTROLLER TESTER This circuit was developed to work with almost all available manufacturers R/C servos and speed controllers.

A REVERSE ENGINEERED CIRCUIT OF A MOVEMENT DETECTOR David has in mind the possible development of this circuit to work as a Speed Gun for use with model aircraft, boats and cars.

A REVERSE ENGINEERED NICAD RECYCLING CIRCUIT Attached is a part schematic of a nicad 'cycler' which was available in the 1990s. Mine was initially unreliable due to the coarseness of the setting of the 10k potentiometer used to determine the end point voltage. Replacing this with a lower value potentiometer, used in conjunction with two fixed resistors, greatly improved the reliability.

THE ABOVE TWO CIRCUITS cover an original design of a Frequency Meter. The circuit is capable of displaying the frequency of model control transmitters using the 27MHz, 35MHz and 40MHz bands. Both AM and FM modulation transmitters can be used. Note that with the typical PPM type modulation used with these transmitters, the display will often show around one KHz low of the actual crystal frequency. (as with all frequency counters). This is due to the Tx coder spending most of its time in a LOW state except for pulses which are HIGH. This happens with both AM and FM systems. David C points out that with AM transmitters, correct frequency will be displayed if the coder is disabled during the test. With FM transmitters, there is an advantage in being able to stop the coder in both the LOW and HIGH state to display the frequency deviation. Normal deviation would be plus and minus 1.5KHz of the crystal frequency.

All page technical content supplied by David Caudrey April 2011

NORCIM NOTES1 home page. Micron R/C fault find both Transmitter and Receivers NORCIM NOTES2 40 MHz conversion of Tx and Rx plus Glow control and PCM thoughts NORCIM NOTES3 35MHz transmitter circuit. Electric glider design. 459MHz conversion notes. NORCIM NOTES4 Economy electric flight. 15 amp relay switch circuit. Lost model alarm. History R/C. NORCIM NOTES5 Receiver sensitivity test results from Dave McQue including receiver circuit notes. NORCIM NOTES6 History of R/C systems including early PPM encoding and decoding circuitry. NORCIM NOTES7 Miscellaneous model information plus electronic components and some 2.4GHz stuff. NORCIM NOTES8 mainly unique model design for radio control and vintage radio control electronic circuits. NORCIM NOTES9 nostalgic transmitter circuits collected by David Caudrey. Also some original circuit designs. NORCIM NOTES10 nostalgic original circuit designs for radio control by David Caudrey.

http://www.google.co.uk/images?rlz=1T4ADFA_enGB385&q=rc+transmitter+circuit&um=1& ie=UTF8&source=univ&ei=Gh9BTcXzLoep8QPIi_E8&sa=X&oi=image_result_group&ct=title&resnu m=7&ved=0CE4QsAQwBg&biw=1003&bih=556

http://www.vintage-radio.info/download/download.php?dir=heathkit&file=gda-57-1.zip

THANKS FOR READING.. norcimguy at gmail dot com

Free Circuits, Burglar Alarm Schematics, Burglar Alarm Circuit Diagram, Intruder Alarm Circuit Diagram, Simple Alarm Circuits, DIY Alarm Circuits, SCR Alarm Circuits, Alarm Power Supply with Battery Back-up, Security Circuits, LED Doorbell, Simple LED circuits, Doorbell for the deaf, Fridge Alarms, Relay Alarms, Temperature Alarms, Battery Powered Alarms, Car Alarm Schematics, Motorcycle Alarms, Motorbike Alarm, Bike Alarm, Hijack Alarm, Door Alarm, Fire-Door Alarm, Shed, Caravan, Mobile Home, Garage, Lock-up, Alarm, Electronic Keypads, Code Operated Keypad Switch, Electronic Safe/Door-Lock Release, Electronic Toggle Switches. Uninterruptible Power Supply, Bench Power Supply, Current Limiting Power Supply, CMOS Logic, Introduction to the Cmos 4001, Introduction to the Cmos 4011, Infrared Extenders, Timer Circuits, Sequential Timer, Cut Off Timer, 24-Hour Timer, Regularly repeating long Interval Timer, LDR, Light Dependent Resistor, Light Controlled Timer, Thermistor, Temperature Controlled Timer, Electronic Student Projects, Electronic, School, Projects, veroboard, vero, stripboard, design, anti-virus, Anti-Spam, software, Linux circuit, simulator, cmos, 4001, 4011, 4093, 4081, 4060, 4013, 4017, L200C, BD131, NE555N, TIC106D,TICP106D

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Multi-Zone Burglar Alarm Circuits

Two-Zone Burglar Alarm This two-zone alarm has automatic exit, entry and siren cut-off timers. It was developed for the Beginner's Guide To Cmos Timers. So it has a particularly detailed circuit description. There's an optional One-Time-Only module. It will force the siren to switch off after the first ten minutes - and prevent the alarm from activating a second time.

An Expandable Multi-Zone Modular Burglar Alarm This circuit features automatic Exit and Entry delays and a timed Bell Cut-off. It has provision for both normally-closed and normally-open contacts, and a 24-hour Personal Attack/Tamper zone. By using the Expansion Modules, you can add as many zones as you require; some or all of which may be the inertia (shock) sensor type.

A One-Time-Only Burglar Alarm When this alarm is activated its Siren will sound once - for up to 20-minutes. Then it will switch off and remain off. The basic circuit has a single zone with independently adjustable Exit and Entry delays. This will be adequate in many situations. However, there's also a range of Expansion Modules. These will allow you to add any number of Instant Zones, Tamper Zones and Personal Attack Zones to your system.

An Expandable SCR Based Burglar Alarm This is a simple SCR based burglar alarm circuit. Its features include automatic Exit and Entry delays - together with a timed Bell Cut-off and Reset. The basic alarm has a single zone. This will be adequate in many situations. However - the modular design means that you can add as many zones as you like to the system. Details of a Four-Zone expansion module are provided.

An Expandable Transistor Based Burglar Alarm This transistor based alarm features automatic Exit and Entry delays - together with a timed Bell Cut-off and system Reset. Along with the Exit/Entry zone - the basic alarm board has one Instant Zone. This will be adequate in many situations. However - the

modular design means that it's easy to add as many zones as you like to the system. Details of a Four-Zone expansion module are provided.

Single-Zone Burglar Alarm Circuits

A Transistor Based Single Zone Alarm

The circuit features automatic Exit and Entry delays, timed Bell Cut-off and System Reset. It has provision for normally-open and normally-closed switches and will suit the usual input devices (Pressure Mats, Magnetic Reed contacts, Foil Tape, PIRs and Inertia Sensors).

A Cmos Based Single Zone Alarm

This circuit features automatic Exit/Entry delays, timed Bell Cut-off and System Reset. It has provision for normally-open and normally-closed switches and will accommodate the usual input devices (Pressure Mats, Magnetic Reed contacts, Foil Tape, PIRs and Inertia Sensors).

A Simpler Cmos Single Zone Alarm

This circuit features automatic Exit/Entry delays, timed Bell Cut-off and System Reset. It will accommodate the usual normally-closed input devices (Magnetic Reed contacts, Micro Switches, Foil Tape and PIRs). And - with a simple modification - a normally-open trigger may be added.

A Cmos 4060 Burglar Alarm

This is a single zone alarm - with automatic exit, entry and siren cut-off timers. It will accommodate all the usual types of normally-closed input devices - such as magnetic reed contacts, foil tape, PIRs etc. But it's easy to add a normally-open trigger. When the alarm is activated - the siren will sound for a fixed length of time. Then it will switch off and remain off. The alarm will not reactivate. The Circuit Description offers a good

introduction to both the Cmos 4060 - and the SCR.

Battery-Powered Alarm Circuits

A Dozen Small Cmos Alarm Circuits

This is a selection of small self-contained alarm circuits. They have a very low standby current - and are ideal for battery operation. Some are triggered by normally-open and normally-closed switches. And some react to changes in light or temperature. Included with each is a free SIMetrix circuit simulation. Four Small Transistor Alarm Circuits

This is a selection of simple self-contained transistor based alarm circuits - complete with photographs. They are designed around the Complementary Latch. All may be triggered by both normally-open and normally-closed switches. They have a very low standby current - and are ideal for battery operation. A Simple Shop-Door Alarm

Attach this circuit to the door of an unattended shop or reception area - and the sound of the buzzer will tell you when you have a customer. Add a siren - and it becomes a simple intruder alarm. The page includes a free SIMetrix circuit simulation. A Simple Fire-Door Alarm

This circuit will let you know when something that should be kept closed - has in fact been left open. If you attach it to say a Fire-Door - it will allow you to pass back and forth freely. It's only when the door is open for more than about 30-seconds - that the buzzer will sound the alarm. The page includes a free SIMetrix circuit simulation. A Shed / Garage Alarm

This is a basic single-zone burglar alarm circuit. Its features include automatic Exit and Entry delays - and an optional Siren Cut-Off timer. It has an extremely small standby current. This makes it ideal for battery-powered operation. Use it in your caravan, mobile home, lock-up, or anywhere mains power is not available.

An Enhanced Shed / Garage Alarm

This is an enhanced version of the simple Garage/Shed Alarm. The Entry and Exit delays have been increased to about 30-seconds - and I've added a timed Siren cut-off and automatic Reset. I've also replaced the LED with an entry Buzzer. These enhancements mean that the new version will have a much wider application. A Battery-Powered One-Time-Only Burglar Alarm

This is a single zone alarm - with independently adjustable Exit, Entry and Siren Cut-Off timers. When the alarm is activated its Siren will sound once - for up to 20-minutes. Then it will switch off and remain off. If you wish - you can use a mains power supply. But the extremely low standby current makes battery power a realistic option.

Alarm Control Keypads

A 4-Digit Alarm Control Keypad

This Keypad is suitable for the Modular Burglar Alarm. However, it has other applications. Pressing a single key will energize the relay. Entering the Four-Digit code of your choice will de-energize it. A 5-Digit Alarm Control Keypad

This Keypad is suitable for the Modular Burglar Alarm. However, it has other applications. Entering the First Four Digits of your chosen Five-Digit code - will energize the relay. Entering the Full Five-Digit code - will de-energize it.

Universal Keypad-Controlled Switches

A 4-Digit Keypad Controlled Switch

This is a Universal version of the Four-Digit Alarm Control Keypad. I have modified the design to free up the relay contacts. This allows the circuit to operate as a general-

purpose switch. I've used a SPCO/SPDT relay - but you can use a multi-pole relay if you wish. Keypad Controlled Switch No. 2

This is a simplified version of the 4-Digit Keypad Controlled Switch. I have modified the design to reduce the complexity of the circuit - and the number of components required. As a result - the code is somewhat less secure. However, there should be lots of situations where it will still be adequate. Keypad Circuit - With Parallel Code Entry

This is a universal four-digit keypad-operated switch - with a difference. Instead of entering the security code one number at a time - the four keypad buttons must be pressed simultaneously. Split the code between two separately located keypads - and two people will have to be present in order to operate the switch. Each person can have a different three-digit code.

Keypad-Operated Door-Lock Release

Electronic Door Release

This circuit is designed to operate an electrical door-release mechanism - but it will have other applications. When you enter the four-digit code of your choice - the relay will energize for a preset time period. Use the relay contacts to power the release mechanism. The standby current is virtually zero - so battery power is a realistic option.

Power Supply Circuits

An Alarm Power Supply With Battery Back-up

This Power Supply is suitable for the Modular Burglar Alarm. However, it has other applications. It is designed to provide an output of 12-volts, with a current of up to 1-amp. In the event of mains failure, the back-up battery takes over automatically. When the

mains is restored, the battery recharges. A Current Limiting Bench Power Supply

This is a 1-amp variable-voltage PSU. It adjusts from about 3v to 24v: and has the added feature that you can limit the maximum output current. This is invaluable when (for example) you power-up a project for the first time or soak-test a piece of equipment. An Add-On Current Limiter For Your PSU

This circuit allows you to set a limit on the maximum output current available from your PSU. It's very useful when you power-up a project for the first time - or carry out a soaktest. By setting an upper limit on the current available from your PSU - you can protect both your power supply - and any device connected to it. It offers a simple and cheap alternative to the Current Limiting Power Supply. A Transformerless Power Supply

This circuit will supply up to about 20ma at 12 volts. It uses capacitive reactance instead of resistance - so it doesn't generate very much heat. The circuit was designed to provide a cheap, compact power supply for Cmos logic circuits that require only a few milliamps. The logic circuits were then used to control mains equipment, using an optically-isolated triac.

Automobile Alarm Circuits

A Cmos Based Vehicle Anti-Theft Alarm

This car alarm circuit features Exit and Entry delays - an instant alarm zone - an optional intermittent siren output - and an automatic Reset. By adding external relays you can immobilize the vehicle and flash the lights.

Two Cmos Based Vehicle Anti-Hijack Alarms

(300k Zip File)

The first circuit is designed for the situation where a hijacker forces the driver from the vehicle. If a door is opened while the ignition is switched on - the circuit will trip. After a

few minutes delay - when the thief is at a safe distance - the alarm will sound and the engine will fail. The second circuit is a modification of the first - offering enhanced protection in many more situations. Vehicle Anti-Hijack Alarm No. 3

Like the first two Hijack Alarms - if a door is opened while the ignition is switched on - the circuit will trip. And after a few minutes delay - when the thief is at a safe distance - the Siren will sound. But this time the engine does not go on to fail automatically. Instead - it will continue to run until the thief turns off the ignition. Then the engine will not re-start.

Motorcycle Alarm Circuits

A Transistor Based Motorcycle Alarm

This circuit features a timed output and automatic reset. It can be operated manually using a key-switch or a hidden switch. By adding an external relay, it will set itself automatically - and/or immobilize the machine - every time you turn-off the ignition. It's easily adapted for a 6-volt system - so it will protect your "Classic Bike". - Now With Free SIMetrix Circuit Simulation. A 555 -Timer Based Motorcycle Alarm

This circuit features an intermittent siren output and automatic reset. It can be operated manually using a key-switch or a hidden switch; but it can also be wired to set itself automatically when you turn-off the ignition. By adding external relays you can immobilize the bike, flash the lights etc. Now With Free SIMetrix Circuit Simulation. A Cmos Based Motorcycle Alarm

This circuit features an intermittent siren output and automatic reset. It can be operated manually using a key-switch or a hidden switch; but it can also be wired to set itself automatically when you turn-off the ignition. By adding external relays you can immobilize the bike, flash the lights etc. It's easily adapted for a 6-volt system - so it will protect your "Classic Bike". - Now With Free SIMetrix Circuit Simulation. A Simple Transistor Based Motorcycle Alarm

This is an even simpler transistor based motorcycle alarm. The circuit features a timed output and automatic reset. It can be operated manually using a key-switch or a hidden switch. By adding an external relay, it will set itself automatically - and/or immobilize the machine - every time you turn-off the ignition. It's easily adapted for a 6-volt system - so it will protect your "Classic Bike". - Now With Free SIMetrix Circuit Simulation. Two Simple Relay Based Motorcycle Alarms

These are two - easy to build - relay-based alarms. You can use them to protect your motorcycle - but they have many more applications. If you use relays with 6-volt coils they'll protect your "Classic Bike". Both alarms are very small. The completed boards occupy about half a cubic-inch - 8 cc. The standby current is zero - so they won't drain your battery. Motorcycle Alarm No.7

This is a simple transistor alarm - with a siren cut-off timer. While the thief continues to move the bike - and the normally-open trigger switch continues to open and close - the siren will continue to sound. Shortly after the bike stops moving - the siren switches off and the alarm resets. Motorcycle Alarm No.8

This transistor alarm has a siren cut-off timer - and an LED activation indicator. Shortly after the thief abandons the bike - the siren will switch off and the alarm will reset. If the LED is lighting when you return - you'll know there's been an activation while you were away. One-Time-Only Motorcycle Alarm

This is a "one-time-only" alarm - with an LED activation indicator. If the bike is moved the siren will sound for about a minute. Then it will switch off - and remain off. It won't activate a second time. It can't be activated again - until the next time the alarm is set.

Timer Circuits
Cmos 4017 Sequential Timer

This timer will provide a sequence of up to ten separate events. The length of each event is set independently. And the sequence will run a fixed number of times - or repeat continuously. The individual events within the sequence - can be made to repeat and/or overlap. The accompanying Support Material includes a detailed description of how the Cmos 4017 works.

Two Cmos Based 24-Hour Timers

A pair of multi-range timers offering periods of up to 24 hours and beyond. Both are essentially the same. The main difference is, that when the time runs out, Version 1 energizes the relay and Version 2 de-energizes it. The first uses less power while the timer is running; and the second uses less power after the timer stops. Pick the one that best suits your application.

A Regularly Repeating Interval Timer

This circuit has an adjustable output timer that will re-trigger at regular intervals. The output period can be anything from a fraction of a second to half-an-hour or more - and it can be made to recur at regular intervals of anything from seconds to days and beyond.

Repeating Interval Timer No.2

This is a simpler repeating timer circuit. It uses just one Cmos IC - wired as an asymmetric oscillator. The length of time the relay remains energized - and the length of time it remains de-energized - are set independently.

Repeating Timer No.3

This circuit is very similar to Repeating Interval Timer No.2 . However - the addition of a light dependent resistor means that the operation of this timer can be limited to the daylight hours. A variable resistor (preset) lets you choose the level of darkness at which the timer will cease to function.

Repeating Timer No.4

This circuit is the opposite of Repeating Timer No.3 . Its operation can be limited to the hours of darkness. Again - the variable resistor (preset) lets you choose the level of darkness at which the timer will begin to function.

Repeating Timer No.5

This circuit is a temperature controlled version of Repeating Timer No.3 . The light dependent resistor has been replaced by a temperature dependent resistor or thermistor. And a small preset potentiometer lets you choose the temperature above which the timer will operate.

Repeating Timer No.6

This circuit is the opposite of Repeating Timer No.5. It will only begin to operate if the temperature falls below the preset level. Again - the variable resistor (preset) lets you choose the temperature below which the timer will function.

Repeating Timer No.7

This timer is based on a simple Cmos 4001 Monostable Circuit. The length of the ON period - and the length of the OFF period - can be set independently. With the right value timing components - periods of up to an hour or more are available.

Battery Powered LED Circuits

Three Fake Alarms

Flashing LEDs can be used to create the impression that an alarm has been fitted. Or they can be used in conjunction with a real alarm - to warn-off a potential thief. These three small circuits will flash anything from a single LED - up to 90 LEDs and beyond - with a

variety of speeds and patterns.

Three Flashing LED Doorbells

These circuits combine a buzzer with one or more LED displays. When the push switch is operated - the buzzer will sound and the LEDs will flash. When the switch is released - the buzzer will stop - but the LEDs will go on flashing for another 30 seconds or so.

Switching Circuits
Electronic Toggle Switch No.1

This simple circuit will energize and de-energize a relay at the push of a button. Pushing the button once - will energize the relay. And pushing it a second time - will de-energize the relay. The accompanying Circuit Description offers a good introduction to the workings of the Cmos 4013.

Electronic Toggle Switch No.2

This is similar to the first circuit - but it is based on the Cmos 4017. Pushing the button once - will energize the relay. And pushing it a second time - will de-energize the relay. The accompanying Circuit Description offers a good introduction to the workings of the 4017.

Electronic Toggle Switch No.3

This circuit can be used as two entirely separate toggle switches - with each push button successively energizing and de-energizing its own relay. Or the two switches can be interlinked with diodes - to produce a number of different switching patterns. For example - they can be used to reverse the direction of DC motors.

Two Light Controlled Relays

These two circuits use LDRs (Light Dependent Resistors). Circuit No.1 energizes the relay when the light rises above a preset level. Use it to switch things on at dawn. Circuit No.2 energizes the relay when the light falls below a preset level. Use it to switch things on at dusk.

Two Temperature Controlled Relays

These two circuits use Thermistors (Temperature Dependent Resistors). Circuit No.1 energizes the relay when the temperature rises above a preset level. Use it to switch things on when it gets hot. Circuit No.2 energizes the relay when the temperature falls below a preset level. Use it to switch things on when it gets cold.

Thermostat With Adjustable Hysteresis

This small thermostat allows you to select the size of its hysteresis. You can set both the temperature at which the relay will energize - and the temperature at which the relay will de-energize. The difference between these two temperatures is the hysteresis.

Miscellaneous
An Infra-Red Remote Control Extender

This is a battery powered Infra-Red Link that will allow you to change channels on your Satellite Receiver and operate the controls on your VCR & DVD from anywhere in the house.

A Decimal to BCD Decoder

This is a keypad circuit that will convert the decimal value of any keypad switch - into its BCD equivalent.

Practical Section
How To Choose The Right Parts

My circuits use a very limited range of basic general purpose components. This is deliberate. The components were chosen because they're cheap - and widely available. But - if you can't find the right part - or you simply want to substitute something from your junk box - this page will help you select a suitable alternative.

How To Identify A Relay's Pin Configuration

Relays are very versatile - but they're not magic. All they do is make and break sets of mechanical contacts. With careful observation - and a little logical thought - this page will help you work out what's happening inside the case.

How To Identify A Transistor's Pin Configuration - And Polarity

This page will help you to find the polarity and pin configuration of any small bipolar transistor. There is an element of trial-and-error involved. But the task is not too daunting. There are only three leads - collector - base - and emitter.

How To Cure False Alarms.

All burglar alarms - even professionally installed systems - give trouble sooner or later. This article describes a simple technique that will help you find the cause of your false alarms. It also includes some useful tips on routine maintenance. These will improve the future reliability of your alarm system.

Make Your Own Stripboard

Stripboard is simply a matrix of small holes - joined together in rows - by narrow strips of copper. If you can make a printed circuit board - you can make a section of stripboard.

How To Convert Any Stripboard Layout - Into A PCB

The conversion can be carried out using the Paint programme. I've illustrated the process with my simple Door Alarm Circuit. But the technique can be applied to any stripboard layout - from any source.

Converting More Complex Layouts - To PCBs

Here I've used the more complex Car Alarm Circuit to illustrate the process. The technique is exactly the same. I simply wanted to show that it can be applied to larger stripboard layouts.

Tutorials

An Introduction to the Cmos 4001

This is a beginner's guide to the Cmos 4001. It starts with a detailed look at the operation of the IC; and then considers its practical use in a small Battery-Powered Door-Alarm circuit.

An Introduction to the Cmos 4011

This is a beginner's guide to the Cmos 4011. It starts with a detailed look at the operation of the IC; and then considers its practical use in a small Battery-Powered Fire-Door Alarm circuit.

A Beginner's Guide To Cmos Timers

You can build simple, useful and reliable timers with a single Cmos inverter. This article will show you how it's done. Then we'll string four of these simple timers together - and create a practical Two-Zone Burglar Alarm. If you want to design your own Cmos circuits this is a good place to start.

An Introduction to the Complementary Latch

This is a beginner's guide to the Complementary Latch. It starts with a detailed look at how the Latch operates - and then considers its practical use in a small Battery-Powered Transistor Alarm circuit.

How To Measure the Switching Voltage And Hysteresis Of A Cmos Gate

Manufacturing tolerances mean that the switching characteristics of Cmos ICs vary from one batch to the next. This page provides two small circuits that will allow you to measure the exact switching voltage of common Cmos inverters and non-inverters.

Predicting Thermistor Values At Different Temperatures

Manufacturing tolerances mean that using the published data to predict a thermistor's resistance - is a waste of time. What you need is reliable input data - derived directly from your own particular thermistor - and a spreadsheet to do the work.

How To Calculate The Temperature Constant (Beta) Of A Thermistor

The spreadsheet used to Predict Thermistor Values required an expression for eta. It was derived from the formula for R2 published in the data sheets. This page explains how the formula for R2 becomes a formula for eta.

Many thanks to Ron J for the above electronics content to the Norcim website. Much of Rons stuff will be of great interest to GCSE and A level electronics students here in the UK (and obviously all of us aging electronics nuts!). I truly thank Ron J for his open willingness to share his easy to read and construct projects.

Thanks for reading..norcimguy at gmail dot com

SIMPLE APPLICATIONS OF OPERATIONAL AMPLIFIERS by David Caudrey

OPERATIONAL AMPLIFIERS (OP AMPS) are widely used in all fields of electronics including radio control systems. There are hundreds of different types manufactured ranging from less than 50p for the most common to a few s for power types. The following Design circuits show several configurations that can produce interesting electronic projects. Many of the circuits shown could be applied in the field of radio control and possible applications are listed in the text of each circuit. The hardened electronic drinkers of our readers will find these circuits most interesting and may well use them as the basis of a future DIY electronic project. The circuit designs are free to use and or reproduce.

THE FOLLOWING CIRCUITS SHOW THE FLEET SERVO REVERSE/THROW SYSTEM

THIS IS THE LEFT HAND PART OF THE CIRCUIT BELOW. THE COMPLETE CIRCUIT IS SPLIT FOR MORE CLEAR VIEWING.

Application of Operational Amplifiers in Fleet Radio Control Transmitters The late Derek Olley of Fleet Radio Control used operational amplifiers to effect; making his analogue control facilities almost as comprehensive as those or modern digital systems. In Fleet XP-FM transmitters operational amplifiers are used to control servo sense and throw as well as control stick and trim responses. They are also employed to mix controls. Shown above is a typical control function. Both stick and trim controls are 5k potentiometers which, with rotation restricted to 90 0 about centre, will present the inputs to amplifier A2 with maximum excursions of approximately 0.83V about +2.5V. Amplifier A1 produces a + 2.5V reference which is employed for all control functions. The noninverting input to amplifier A2 is connected directly to this reference and the 47k feedback resistor ensures that the inverting input is at a virtual 2.5V from which it will deviate only by fractions of mV in response to movement of the control stick and trim lever, due to the high open-loop gain of the amplifier. The slider of the control stick potentiometer is connected to the inverting input of A2 via a 59k resistor which, in conjunction with the feedback resistor defines a gain of -0.8 approximately and similarly

the 330k resistor from the slider of the trim potentiometer defines a gain of about 0.14 for this function. Also 2.5V from the Lo position of the dual rate switch is connected to the inverting input of A2 via a 50k variable resistor and a 3.3k fixed resistor. This serves to diminish the effect of the control stick and trim levers by a pre-set degree when Lo is selected. Thus the maximum output of A2 is 2.5V approximately 0.8V under

the control of these functions. The method for control of servo reversal and throw is ingenious. The output from A2 is connected via resistor networks to both inputs of amplifier A3. The connection to the inverting input defines a gain of -1 by virtue of a shunt feedback network with series and feedback resistors of equal value. Interestingly these resistors constitute series feedback with regard to the signal applied to the non-inverting input of A2, defining a gain of +2. (Note that the effect of these conflicting gains is additive rather than multiplicative because the input signal is common). A2 output is also connected indirectly to the non-inverting input of A3 via the slider of the 50k sense and throw control potentiometer, connected between A2 output and +2.5V, and a fixed 33k buffering resistor. When the slider of this potentiometer is in the central position, as shown in the schematic, only half of the A2 output is applied to the non-inverting input of A3 and thus the effective gain of A3 to the common signal is: +1-1=0 and consequently there is no response to the controls. With the potentiometer set fully to the right, the non-inverting input of A3 is referred directly to +2,5V via the buffer resistor and the gain of A3 is thus -1. However with the potentiometer set fully to the left, the gain is +2-1=+1, effecting servo reversal with

respect to control movement. Intermediate settings of the potentiometer between these limits have proportional effect. FLEET R/C SYSTEMS SERVO THROW/REVERSE SYSTEM

A POSSIBLE CIRCUIT (by Terry Tippett) FOR VARIABLE SERVO REVERSE BASED ON THE LMC661CN IC. The single OP-AMP shown provides variable servo throw and servo reverse. Note that the IC contains four OP-AMPS so this single IC could offer independent variable servo reverse settings for all four primary joystick controls. The joystick pot provides the input voltage to the OP-AMP. The output voltage of the OP-AMP however moves exactly opposite to the input. i.e If the joystick wiper in the diagram slides upwards (more positive), then the OP-AMP output will go downwards (more negative) by the same amount. The output voltage of the circuit is taken from the trimpot at the top of the schematic. With its wiper centre to left produces zero to full normal servo rotation. With the wiper position centre to right produces zero to full reversed servo rotation.

SERVO THROW/REVERSE POSSIBLE CIRCUIT AC MilliVoltmeter

Measurement of small alternating voltages for display on a moving coil meter is subject to

large errors due to rectification losses. Those who have AVO meters will be aware that a separate non linear voltage scales are provided for the lower AC ranges. This non-linearity is necessary to accommodate rectification volt drop which is minimised for the AVO by the use of a copper oxide bridge rectifier and a transformer which steps up low voltages before rectification. In the above circuit rectification loss is rendered insignificant by negative feedback; permitting very small voltages to be displayed on a linear scale with a lower limit being defined by amplifier noise or un-nulled offset. This circuit is essentially a voltage follower circuit with a meter and bridge rectifier interposed between the amplifier output terminal and the feedback point. The input waveform is reconstituted after rectification because the high open-loop gain of the operational amplifier commands that the waveforms at its input terminals must be essentially identical. Thus the waveform at its output terminal must accommodate the distortion due rectification drop.

Waveforms for a sinusoidal input are shown at these points. The rectified average value for an input waveform is displayed by meter and the range resistors define the level which gives a full scale deflection of 1mA. The approximate rms. value for a sinusoidal input may be displayed if the range resistor values are multiplied by 0.9 to accommodate the form factor.

AN INTERESTING APPROACH TO MEASURING TINY ALTERNATING VOLTAGES MORE ACCURATELY

Measuring small AC voltages using diode rectification is always a problem as there simply is not a perfect diode. This circuit compensates for the diode volt drop.

FREQUENCY TO PHASE CONVERTER CIRCUIT

RATE OF CHANGE CIRCUIT. POSSIBLE NICAD CHARGER USE.

THE WIEN BRIDGE CIRCUIT HISTORY AND OPERATION

VOLTAGE TO CURRENT CONVERTER CIRCUIT possible constant current supply for nicad battery charging circuits.

AN EXPERIMENTAL PRACTICAL PEAK DETECT CIRCUIT BASED ON THE ABOVE SCHEMATICS IS SHOWN

Note that this circuit is offered as a possible starter application. Some component values may need adjustment. The intention is for the 270 degree pot to set the constant charge current of the battery from zero to a maximum of three amps.

A NON-INVERTING APPLICATION OF THE INTEGRATOR CIRCUIT

The schematic to the left shows a typical OP-AMP integrator. The RH schematic shows an interesting non-inverting variation of the circuit One possible application could be the drive circuit for the audible output of an alarm system. Soft start to ear-piercing noise. Repeated ouch!

PLEASE NOTE your computer may block one or more of the above schematics. If so click The IE security bar To allow blocked content.

NORCIM NOTES1 home page. Micron R/C fault find both Transmitter and Receivers NORCIM NOTES2 40 MHz conversion of Tx and Rx plus Glow control and PCM thoughts NORCIM NOTES3 35MHz transmitter circuit. Electric glider design. 459MHz conversion notes.

NORCIM NOTES4 Economy electric flight. 15 amp relay switch circuit. Lost model alarm. History R/C. NORCIM NOTES5 Receiver sensitivity test results from Dave McQue including receiver circuit notes. NORCIM NOTES6 History of R/C systems including early PPM encoding and decoding circuitry. NORCIM NOTES7 Miscellaneous model information plus electronic components and some 2.4GHz stuff. NORCIM NOTES8 mainly unique model design for radio control and vintage radio control electronic circuits. NORCIM NOTES9 nostalgic transmitter circuits collected by David Caudrey. Also some original circuit designs. NORCIM NOTES10 further nostalgic original circuit designs for radio control by David Caudrey. NORCIM NOTES11 original R/C circuit designs from David Caudrey and some electric motor testing. NORCIM NOTES12 RON JAYs circuit pages. Simply a multitude of alarm circuits, timer circuits, LED circuits, Tutorials, Choosing parts and components, useful free circuit software, free circuit simulator. Magic Stuff ! NORCIM NOTES13 DAVID CAUDREYs world of the Operational Amplifier. A page devoted to the OP AMP with possible applications within radio control systems. Many original design circuits. (content still being added Sept 2011)

TUNED CIRCUITS USED IN MODEL RADIO CONTROL SYSTEMS.

The following notes dwell on the coil and capacitor tuned circuits that have been used in model radio control transmitters and receivers for the last seventy years or so. Many of these tuned circuits are buried in the complete schematics of both Transmitters and Receivers and are often overlooked as a component in themselves. Often, these tuned circuits can be looked upon as a three terminal device with some versatility as to which is the input or output or ground terminal!

These initial notes use the front end tuned circuit of a typical R/C receiver. This is done simply to exclude any surrounding transistor circuitry which would complicate the use of these three terminal devices. In practice, particularly in transmitter circuitry, these tuned circuits are used not only to suppress unwanted frequencies but also perform better coupling from one part of the circuit to the next.

Fig 1 shows the aerial input tuned circuit of a typical radio control receiver. L1 and the 47p capacitor get excited by the received transmitter signal and begin to oscillate. L2 which is a few turns of insulated wire around L1, pulls in a small amount of this exciting activity to produce an input to the receiver. The low number of turns of L2 does not load the tuned circuit significantly, so both selectivity and sensitivity are not unduly effected. L2 is not tuned and because of the low number of turns, gives a much reduced signal voltage. However, the current capability is higher and more capable of driving the input transistors of the receiver circuitry.

For these notes only! (DaDidiDa) :- L1 is a tuneable ferrite slug 4.5 mm coil former. 27 MHz 10.5 turns 0.4mm ECW. 35 MHz 7.5 turns 0.4mm ECW.. 40 MHz 6.5 turns 0.4 ECW.. L2 is 2 or 3 turns of 0.4 ECW close wound around L1.

Another variation of this tuned circuit is shown in Fig2. this uses a tap of L1 approximately one third up from the negative ground end of the coil. Although this method works well, practically it lacks easy adjustment of the tap to produce optimum results.

Yet a further variation of this tuned circuit is shown in Fig 3. this time the tuning capacitor is split into two capacitors in series offering a combined capacitance of 47p (near enough!) across the coil L1. this method works quite well and allows fairly simple adjustment of the output coupling point (by selection of the capacitor values) to suit the input resistance of the receiver circuit. (for interest only the MC3361B NBFM receiver chip input is around 3K) Fig 3 is an interesting application as swapping the terminals around a bit, it can become a Pi-network filter!! These filters are used extensively in the output stages of most Radio Control transmitters, they not only give effective suppression of unwanted out of band RF radiation but also allow adjustment of the coupling to the aerial for maximum output. Fig 4 shows how the terminals could be relocated to produce a Pi-network filter. OKOK..it dont look like a Pi-filter! But some re-drawing only of the schematic is done in Fig 5 and Fig 6 to show a more text book version. DAVID CAUDREYs Page 9 shows many R/C transmitter circuits. Without exception, all versions use Pi-network filters in the output stages. Often the PA output transistor is biased OFF (Class C) and only pulses ON at the RF frequency. This is far from sinusoidal but the flywheel effec t of the (usually) two Pi-network circuits gives a close approximation of good sine wave RF output. The use of two Pi-Filter stages coupling the aerial usually suppress all harmonic content (and sub-harmonic, the half frequency Xtal ! ) by around 40db.

The values of the capacitors particularly in the second filter can be selected to change the final output impedance to suit the type of aerial used. Often these final adjustments are done empirically in the workshop with the relevant test equipment. As R/C transmitter aerials are telescopic, some consideration has to be given during this process of the current drain of the PA transistor under differing aerial lengths, also current drain with no aerial fitted. The final selected component values must prevent a thermal runaway of the PA transistor under all possible conditions that the modeller would do with the aerial.

While rambling about Pi-Filters and Class C Tx output transistors and Flywheel Effect it is worth mentioning that the conversion of the output transistor pulses to a near perfect sinusoidal RF output can rely on the mechanical quality of the coils used in the output Pi-Filter network. Larger air spaced wound coils using around 1mm diameter copper will give a better flywheel effect. The problem is that some form of capacitive tuning has to be introduced.

Fig 5 is simply Fig 4 re-drawn 90 degrees clockwise. Note that the output is a bit like a lever with the fulcrum to one end. I.E. a light input can produce a powerful output. Also note that the circuit is symmetrical and therefore can be used in a reverse direction which INCREASES the output voltage swing. The output voltage swing of the Pi-network circuit straddles the negative earth supply i.e. half of the voltage swing is below battery negative! Some care is needed if using the circuit to couple a pre-amp to the base of a PA output transistor. RF transistors often have a low reverse base/emitter breakdown voltage of around three volts. Care must be taken not to exceed this voltage as the poor output transistor could die! (sad).

AT LAST!>>>>WE HAVE GOT TO THE Pi-NETWORK FILTER CIRCUIT THAT YOU SEE IN RADIO TEXT BOOKS AND THIS IS SHOWN IN FIG 6 AGAIN only a redraw of Fig5. Absolutely nothing electronically has changed since we introduced the circuit in Fig 4. Obviously this Pi-network schematic is now shown in its simplest schematic form as you see in electronic books. I cant help thinking that not only its operation is not easily

comprehended looking at this schematic but also its many capabilities are lost in the simplicity of this well accepted diagram.

DAVID CAUDREY STARTED THIS DISCUSSION ABOUT Pi-NETWORK FILTERS BY EMAILING HIS ANALITICAL CONTENT BELOW.

NORCIM NOTES1 home page. Micron R/C fault find both Transmitter and Receivers NORCIM NOTES2 40 MHz conversion of Tx and Rx plus Glow control and PCM thoughts NORCIM NOTES3 35MHz transmitter circuit. Electric glider design. 459MHz conversion notes. NORCIM NOTES4 Economy electric flight. 15 amp relay switch circuit. Lost model alarm. History R/C.

NORCIM NOTES5 Receiver sensitivity test results from Dave McQue including receiver circuit notes. NORCIM NOTES6 History of R/C systems including early PPM encoding and decoding circuitry. NORCIM NOTES7 Miscellaneous model information plus electronic components and some 2.4GHz stuff. NORCIM NOTES8 mainly unique model design for radio control and vintage radio control electronic circuits. NORCIM NOTES9 nostalgic transmitter circuits collected by David Caudrey. Also some original circuit designs. NORCIM NOTES10 further nostalgic original circuit designs for radio control by David Caudrey. NORCIM NOTES11 original R/C circuit designs from David Caudrey and some electric motor testing. NORCIM NOTES12 RON JAYs circuit pages. Simply a multitude of alarm circuits, timer circuits, LED circuits, Tutorials, Choosing parts and components, useful free circuit software, free circuit simulator. Magic Stuff ! NORCIM NOTES13 DAVID CAUDREYs world of the Operational Amplifier. A page devoted to the OP AMP with possible applications within radio control systems. Many original design circuits. (content still being added Sept 2011) NORCIM NOTES14 a discussion of tuned circuits used in model radio control from DAVID CAUDREY and TERRY TIPPETT

THANKS FOR READING ! >>>>> PAGE 14 IS STILL TO BE FINISHED. (SO

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