radios. I need more channels

[sparky2]

OK guys, I did the racing thing years ago, go fast turn left bla, bla, bla. It was a lot of fun, but I want to do large scale now. I'm looking into a 40 pound tug boat to entertain me at the local ponds.

The problem I'm running into is, all the radios that have more than two channels are geared to racing. ( lot's of whistles and bells that I don't need. and only 3 channels) I need more, So how is it done?

[Gary Gullikson]

On my Sterling CC 63 foot Motoryacht ( 48" Long) I used a seven channel system with seven servos. One of the servos is arranged to drive a pushrod with brass egg-shaped things that press on a series of microswitches to sequentially turn on running lights, cabin lights, rear deck lights with one linear channel stick. I also used servos to actuate a microswitch to beep a bike horn. I used a servo to operate a heavy duty toggle switch to reverse the drive motor (old AF esc didn't have reverse function) . I used a servo to swivel the search light. Hope this helps

[RC-K]

THE DUMAS COMPANY HAS A MISTER DARBY TUG

LENGHT 47"
BEAM 13"
WEIGHT 60 POUNDS
SCALE OF 5/16" = 1'
IT WAS A FIBERGLASS HULL IT LOOKS LIKE A FUN PROJECT BOAT
WWW.TOWERHOBBIES.COM IS SELLING IT FOR 309.99

[lanceh5]

A few years ago there was a radio called Nautical Commander, I think, that had multiple channels. It was a great looking radio for boats. I have not see it advertised in years. I wonder if it is still manufactured? Do any manufactures look at these forums?

[RickE]

Ace Hobby Distributors/Thunder Tiger still markets the Nautical Commander and you can view it at www.acehobby.com.

RickE

[barek]

Take a look at the robbe/Futaba F-14 Naval model radio...features 7 channels w/Twin-Stick throttle for multi-engine opns (similar to Ace Nautical Commander) and with the appropriate mix of switches/add-on modules up to 84 discrete functions are available. It's available in the US for 75MHz. See it at www.shipsnthings.com or www.harbormodels.com.

Hope this helps...

[cottond]

I fly r/c aircraft primarily, and only tinker with boats, but the basics are the same. One of the best radios built in the "old days" was the Futaba "Gold Box" 7 and 8 channel radio. I bought one last year for $125 and for $40 had it upgraded to
PCM standard. Many of the old school hobby stores will have at least one, if not several Gold Boxes looking for a home. Depending on the area, and it's condition, you might pick up one for $50 to $75.

[kevin28]

Towerhobbies has a futaba 4 channel stick surface radio for just a bit over $100.
If thats enough for you

[no2gas]

Futaba also makes a 9-channel radio on 75 mHz called the 9CAP.

[RCGUY76]

if your gonna spend the money for a 7-9 channel radio..you mine as well buy the futaba f-14 navel model.....it is a great radio that is basically for scale ships...with dual throttle and the multi function channels.....its perfect my cousin is into large scale ships...you said 40 pounds....his most recent ship is around 150 pounds and his current project is up around 250 pounds at 11 feet long......check out his website and you'll see what I mean

http://communities.msn.com/PEDERSENSSHIPYARD
good luck
chris

[Hydro Junkie]

I would also recommend the Futaba 9Cap. It gives you the 8-9 channels, some linear and some on/off. It also lets you program it's memory to one of 14 specific models. The best part is if you get tired of floating around the pond, you can change frequency modules on the back of the transmittter and go flying with the same transmitter. As soon as the funds are available I'm looking at getting one, with the approval of "THE BOSS"