Basic rc set up choices
 

Hi everyone,

I've been playing with electronics for a few years now and I've got a few projects that I'd like to control with a radio control (or blue tooth). It would be independent to the electronics so just looking for a basic set up.

I need to drive and steer; am happy to use tank style steering if this makes controls simpler.

I'd like a couple of extras for a servo/motor incase I want to add something later.

For now though I guess I'm just looking for an entry level set up where I can plug any motor in (around 5v) and control it from the handset. Does anybody have a reccomendation for a starter set or list of parts that would allow me to simply plug and play?

I'm open to opinions on where to get started.

Thanks
Paul

If I'm following correctly, a RC radio system won't drive motors directly. Need a electronic speed control (ESC) to take the signal from the receiver of a RC radio system, the ESC can then drive the motor.

ESCs are available for brushed, and brushless motors. Some can do both. I'm guessing you may be thinking a brushed (DC) motor?

Lots of radio systems are available. Perhaps check a large online source like Amain to get an idea of whats available.

http://www.amainhobbies.com/rc-cars-...nics/c3540?o=5

i see another problem the stated 5 volts.. we do run some RC on 1 cell lipo or 4 cells nimh.. we add a battery booster to operate the radio gear and esc.. as most all require 5.5volts...

http://www.instructables.com/id/Inte...rolled-RC-Car/

I don't think you will get anything plug n play. But there is a lot that an arduino controller can do. You can communicate via Bluetooth (example above was wifi) and they have relay setups that you can use to control your 5v motors. You would probably want to set it up with tank style steering to start with.

Parralax has some similar controller and kits that you could adapt pretty easily for what your looking for.

It would be cool if someone made a starter RC set, like the old starter circuit boards that Radio Shack used to sell. Basically a blank chassis with holes to mount whatever you want, wherever you want. It would handle poorly but it would be a neat way to start someone young into RC by allowing them to configure any small motor or servo into their own custom RC setup.

Thank you for the replies.

The kit (or idea of) is what I'm after. The voltage isn't essential, 5v was just a suggestion as the pic's that I use are 5v. I found an mtronik mixer board that would (I think) give me tank style steering but with using a left-right stick on the transmitter.

So another question I guess is where can I buy cheap parts to play with. I say cheap because I'm planning a bulk order of transmitter, receiver, speed controllers and other bits and pieces to make myself a starter kit.

I'd like to lay things out on the desk and getting plugging in/soldering and making stuff move!!!!

Thanks again
Paul