How good is Etronix kit

[LooverlijnParticipant @looverlijn]

Coming back to boating, it seems that 2.4Ghz is the way to go and I am looking for advice as to whether Etronix gear which is at the lower price end of the market is good. On fixed income now (after retiring) and cannot afford the likes of Futaba or Robbe.

Paul

[LooverlijnParticipant @looverlijn]

Returning to boating after several years away

[Dave MilbournParticipant @davemilbourn48782]

Paul
I can only find two Etronix radios on the web. Both are 3 channels only, which is limiting (especially if you want eventually to make scale models).
£70 for a 3-channel set isn't exactly cheap. Turnigy, Radio Link and Planet are all 5 or 6 channel sets for quite a bit less, or there's the Spektrum Dx5e which is a "name" brand and still only a fiver more than the Etronix.
Dave M

[LooverlijnParticipant @looverlijn]

Thanks Dave, I hadn't seen the Spectrum Dx5e and it looks like that will just fill the bill. Now this might seem a "silly" question but it's based on my lack of experience with 2.4Ghz kit but can I use servos from any manufacturer? i.e. are all servos still pin compatible?

Paul

[Dave MilbournParticipant @davemilbourn48782]

Pretty much. Just avoid anything described as a "digital" servo. They are much more expensive than the standard types and intended for aerobatic aircraft and helicopters. Have a look at Servo Shop's website – they stock dozens of different types at good prices. A good standard servo would be a Futaba 3003 or Hitec HS311. In my experience it doesn't pay to buy ultra-cheap servos – but you only generally need one per model!

Dave M

[Dave MilbournParticipant @davemilbourn48782]

Here's a good price for the Dx5e combo **LINK**
DM

[LooverlijnParticipant @looverlijn]

Thanks for that Dave, I did a bit more research and came up with a good deal from Hurricane Models which although the set was 4p more postage was free and I included a Futaba S3003 (as you suggested) and as I got the ESC for free for renewing my subscription to Model Boats, I am well happy. Just got to build a boat now! Got my eye on a hull from MarksModelBits (http://marksmodelbits.ieasysite.com/mmb_site_045.htm). Nice large scale fishing boat with lots of scope and space to make a really good scale model and living in Scarborough, I see lots of these little fishing vessels to give me ideas. Got o source a nice gutsy motor to give a realistic chug a chug (with a sound generator of course). any ideas?

[Dave MilbournParticipant @davemilbourn48782]

Got to source a nice gutsy motor to give a realistic chug a chug (with a sound generator of course). any ideas?
Funnily enough – yes! Have a look at the P100 Noisy Thing here **LINK** If you're around any of the Haydock Park, Blackpool or Leamington model boat shows then call at the Component Shop stand for a demonstration.
If your budget won't stretch that far then a P63A Single Cylinder Deisel sound will be rather nice if played through a P97 amplifier. Technobots also do a decent diesel sound generator but I have had unhappy reports of other types (one in particular……….no names, no pack drill etc).

Dave M

[LooverlijnParticipant @looverlijn]

Been off the forum for a bit… something seemed to go wrong with my ability to reply to posts but after a recent microsoft update it seems to have sorted itself out so I'm back.

Regarding previous posts… got the radio (Spektrum DX5e) and set-up and Binding went without a hitch. Have decided to go with Technobots for the diesel sound. The boat I finally decided on is the Model Slipway "Our Lass II" so that's on order now. Been clearing out the loft which is where all the construction goes on. Bought a back issue of Model Boats which has an excellent review of the Our Lass build so can't wait to get started. Following a tip from another forum, I sourced a piece of plate glass (6mm) which will help in getting everything square and glue doesn't stick to it.

Anyway, if anybody else has built Our Lass, any pitfalls that you can highlight would be greatly appreciated.

[Andy HustlerParticipant @andyhustler32076]

Hi all this may sound a but daft but what is the name of the device that you fit into a boat to turn the screws either way ??? It's not a speed controler and i'm not sure if it fits in insted or as well as ?? Any help /advice greatfully recived

Andy from cardiff

[Dave MilbournParticipant @davemilbourn48782]

Andy
I'm sorry if this sounds flippant but the answer which best fits your description is a motor!
I'm sure that's not what you were after. Perhaps it was a mixer, in which case have a look here for chapter and verse on the subject

http://www.action-electronics.co.uk/pdfs/Twins Ver2.pdf

Dave M

Edited By Dave Milbourn on 25/09/2013 13:59:21

Edited By Dave Milbourn on 25/09/2013 14:00:12

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