The ideal excavator transmitter

[SteinHDan]

What would be the ideal controller for an excavator if you could dream one up?

I'm using the front analog triggers and the front buttons with my index and middle fingers to reverse the direction on a Logitech gamepad for the tracks and SAE setup on the two sticks.

http://7images.cgames.de/images/idgwpgsgp/bdb/2191372/600x338.jpg

That works well and gives very good control of the tracks while still allowing for full control of the arm and house. But it would of course be better if there was a two-way analog self-centering stick on the middle and index fingers. One for each track.


I'm thinking that if there isn't currently an ideal controller, then we could design and build one here on this forum? The cost would be minimal.

I'm thinking:
- A 3D printed body
- Two normal stick gimbals: http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__39505__Transmitter_Gimbal_Set_Left_Turnigy_9XR_T ransmitter_Mode_1.html
- A transmitter battery: http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__17955__HobbyKing_1500mAH_LiFe_3S_9_9v_Transmitte r_pack_.html
- Use your existing RF module or add any compatible module, for example this one: http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__14354__FrSky_DF_2_4Ghz_Combo_Pack_for_Futaba_w_M odule_RX.html
- On/Off switch
- Some switches
- An Arduino to read the sticks and the switches, perform the mixing and send the PWM signal to the RF module
- An BlueTooth serial port to allow you to program and setup the transmitter with your mobile phone or PC
- A stand on the controller for a mobile phone or tablet to control advanced functions or show FPV and/or telemetry data from the excavator.

The stand could be something like the one on the Phantom 3 drone:


http://www4.djicdn.com/assets/images/products/phantom-3-pro/remote/s3-img-21c97bab4a2a8fb1859c5f7331cb5ef7.png


Shouldn't need to cost over $100 (USD).

But of course, I'm falling into my usual trap of always wanting to build everything myself.. ;-)




Could also be done with 3D sticks:
- http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__80303__Quanum_Single_Stick_3_Axis_Gimbal_Upgrade _for_Turnigy_9XR_9XRPro_Tx_39_s.html

[Rakthi]

An interesting concept you came up with. Although the programming of the Arduino and integration of the GPS etc would be way over my head.

The set up with a screen to give the view from the cab would be a great feature though.

Neat post as always from you with links to the components! Thanks for that.

[SteinHDan]

Hi,

We could keep it simple in the beginning, with maybe with just the channel mixing setup on the display.

But what would your ideal positions for the track controls be? Are the levers on the 4200XL working well for people? Are they operated with the thumbs or other finger?

I've not tried the 3D-sticks, but I think I'd prefer the tracks controlled in a straight backward / forward way, and not rotation.

A 3D stick could work very well for a rototilt though, I guess.

I saw Stuart had found some more options for the 3D-sticks on RobotShop:

- http://www.robotshop.com/en/3-axis-joystick.html
- http://www.robotshop.com/en/3-axis-joystick-w-button.html



Best regards,
Stein :-)

[Rakthi]

Hi Stein,

Never thought about the track controls! ... I'm using the Commander SA1000 with the 3D sticks and the 3rd little stick on the bottom right with was assigned to the tracks by default in the programming that came with the sender. Push forward, excavator goes forward, push left left track works, etc. a diagonal push has one track forward and one reverse. Works well for me as with a bit of practice one can control both tracks with one finger. The 3D stick are not really put to full use for my excavator (fumotec 490) They control boom bucket etc. simple up down, left right use. Even the slewing is a left right movement and not rotation.

Actually, the Commander SA1000 is overkill to use with the Komatsu 490LC and I have been thinking of getting a cheaper transmitter to go with it, so friends can join in as at the moment I only have the one Commander for the trucks and excavator. But then I think about the head ache of setting it up with mixers etc. for the pump ...

[schmoking]

i find the levers on the 4200xl really akward when i use them together with the sticks, thumbs on sticks and index finger on levers.
would be nice to comfortably control tracks together with other funktions, could do some serious acrobatics then. :)

how about something like this... redesigned for excavator use. http://www.hobbyking.com/mobile/viewproduct.asp?idProduct=96849&utm_campaign=EDM160525.SM&utm_content=91692057&utm_medium=email&utm_source=EDM

[Cooper]

Wow, if the throttle stick would have a centering rotation to it , that would be the most realistic controller to dozer functions.

[Tk421reporting]

Ha-ha Stein, you did it again =p
I have been pondering this as well as many other things, I was thinking 3d print a controller similar to one of the common game controllers and just add two of the joysticks on the bottom and shorten them up so its almost flat, it would take a bit of getting used to but you would be able to control everything at the same time.

There's also a track pad controller that's very adaptable and has a ton of options and buttons from steam. it hooks up via Bluetooth to computers and steam link https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B016KBVBCS/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1466613768&sr=8-1&pi=SX200_QL40&keywords=steam+controller&dpPl=1&dpID=41diWv1ATwL&ref=plSrch

[Doggy]

Maybe this is something you want ?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BSsC_mi9BPQ