Re: C6C??? [TANKS]

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

Robert Bottomley wrote:
> One other question, what about frequencies?
> If two people have the same pad will they interfere with one another?

Each of the wireless gamepad vendors allow up to a certain number of 
gamepads (usually at least 16) to be used at the same time without 
interference.  So, when using the same brand, there will be no problems 
until more than 16 are being used.

Interference between two brands is handled by the 2.4Ghz standard, which 
requires "all" devices to handle conflicts somehow.  That is, in order 
to get an FCC license to operate in the 2.4Ghz range, the radio 
manufacturer has to make sure they can handle interference from other 
devices.  Unfortunately, there are no specifics on how every vendor 
handles this stuff, but given the large number of devices playing in 
that space, you can be sure they're doing something.

We'll have to have more battlefield experience before we know where the 
real crush point is.  And, I think by the time we have the problem of 
too many people on the battlefield using C6C's (that's a "good" problem 
to have), we'll have a more advanced tank controller that uses it's own 
2.4Ghz radio parts with unique identification of all tanks on the field 
(which is one of the benefits of moving to the 2.4Ghz radio solution).

For now, just don't have more than 16 tanks using the same wireless 
gamepad brand in your backyard at the same time :-)

> I have seen the Pelican advertised for $17.95, a heck of a lot cheaper than
> a standard 6 channel RC radio set.

Now you've figured out the madness between Cheap Control Systems!!!  The 
cost of the kit, gamepad and some old servos is less than 1/2 the cost 
of a 6 channel RC radio (assuming you can find one on a ground freq). 
Granted, the range is much lower, but nobody really operates their tank 
from that far away anyway.  And, I can assure you from actual 
battlefield usage, the gamepad is *sooooooooo* much nicer to use ... 
smaller, more robust and easier to control.  (Ask Mr. Tyng how well the 
Tiger was shooting at the Cromwell in the last battle.)  My *lack* of 
transmitter skills is legendary in R/C warship and tank combat, but the 
gamepad has started to erase those bad memories :-)

But, this is just the starting point.  Our next plan is to combine the 
gamepad approach with an all digital controller (no servos) that 
provides steering, speed control, turret rotate, elevate and firing. 
Slice the cost of the radio system in half, then slice the price of the 
controllers by 1/2 to 2/3.  The total savings should be enough to pay 
for motors, batteries and a used marker!!!  And, if we do it right, 
everything can still be repaired by the user if something breaks with 
just a soldering iron.  Inexpensive, good-enough and maintenance friendly.

        Frank P.