Re: rc trigger [TANKS]

[Frank Pittelli <frank-at-rctankcombat.com>]

adt22-at-drexel.edu wrote:
> I've got a vg600, servos and a door latch actuator.
> 
> I would like to get some pointers on connecting all this.
> 
> Should I just hook it up the same way as the motor controllers - a
> servo pushes the switch to activate the door latch actuator?  Any
> better way to do this?

That's it ... sweet and simple.

> 
> Maybe down the road I'll mod the controller to have a pushbutton
> instead of a toggle - how hard is that?
> 

Very easy (once you get over the concept of changing a perfectly good 
radio).  The VG600 has an on-off toggle switch on the left side that can 
easily be replaced by a pushbutton switch.  Simply disconnect the two 
wires from the toggle switch and solder them to the pushbutton.

The toggle switch on the right side has three wires running to it, 
because it is an on-off-on switch.  You can replace that by a pushbutton 
if you want, but then you'll only have an on-off-switch.  If you really 
want the fire button on the right side, you can simply extend the wires 
from the left side over to the right side, and vice versa.  That way, 
you still have the on-off-on channel, only on the left side.

And that funky little nut that holds the switches in place is a real 
pain to deal with.  I find that a pair of right-angle needle nose pliers 
work well, or gently-but-firmly tapping it with a small screwdriver and 
mallet (which will of course scratch the case at some point, scuff the 
nut and go through your finger before the stupid little nut loosens). 
But, eventually you'll win the war.

        Frank P.