Re: C6C??? [TANKS]

[Grant Mahalek <gmahalek-at-shaw.ca>]

Hi Frank,

Your next plan for the C6C Gamepad approach  with the all digital controller 
system sounds very interesting, elegant and economical!

I'd be very interested in more details and availability in the new year.

Really appreciate the R & D you guys are doing in the spirit of the hobby!

Cheers,

Grant P. Mahalek


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Frank Pittelli" <frank-at-rctankcombat.com>
To: <tanks-at-rctankcombat.com>
Sent: Monday, December 04, 2006 4:47 PM
Subject: Re: C6C??? [TANKS]


> 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.
>