Cat 777D Mining Truck

[Lil Giants]

Lookin quite spiffy Tom, well done on your quest to build your dump trk. :cool:

Now for the video of your shovel loading the 777 & then the 777 hauling off a full load to the pile. :D

[modelman]

I agree steve-the decals add to the look of the truck. I am gonna use the Traxxas radio that "tc1cat" suggested. It has the correct switches I need and is affordably priced. Lil Giants joe-I am excited about loading the truck with my shovel and when I get the radio in I will try to do a video. Sandcraft Transport-thanks for your comments-I have worked on this a long time and have enjoyed it but I am glad it is almost finished.

[modelman]

I got my radio today and I must say I am really disappointed:(. The-2-pos. switch is only an always on rocker switch and the-3-pos. switch is an always on-2-pos. switch. The third pos. does nothing. These are just used to move servos to different positions on the Traxxas cars. This is not going to work on this truck unless someone can tell me how to convert the-3-pos. switch to a real-3-pos. switch with an off position. Anyone know anything about this?

[JensR]

Hi!

First: Traxxas info:
http://traxxas.com/products/parts/transmitters/2238tq24ghztraxxaslink2ch-downloads

Edit:
There are different types of the TQ4 with different behaviours.

It seems the behaviour of the TQ4 HO is known to be rather weird:
"The 3-position switch on the TQ4 is super weird. The switch actually controls two servos. Move the switch down, ch3 moves. Move the switch up, ch3 moves back and ch4 moves."
from
http://www.scale4x4rc.org/forums/showthread.php?t=51718

Also from there:
"However, if you open up your radio and switch the wires that go from the 3 position toggle switch to the 2 position switch, you will have a "TRUE" 3 position and a 2 position."

I suggest you head over and read what our Scale 4x4 friends are up to :)

Best of luck, the programming tree of that radio drives me nuts just by reading it.
Jens

[modelman]

I may have not been clear on my explanation. With-1- servo hooked to the-2- pos. switch it just moves from one pos. to another. The-3-pos. switch does the same thing. The bottom pos. does nothing. I did not try-2-servos but that will not work for me anyway. I wanted the-2-pos. switch to control lights (on-off) and the-3-pos. switch to raise and lower the dump box(off center pos.). I called the traxxas folks and they said the-3-pos. switch is actually not a-3-pos. switch.

[JensR]

As I quoted above from Scale 4x4:

"However, if you open up your radio and switch the wires that go from the 3 position toggle switch to the 2 position switch, you will have a "TRUE" 3 position and a 2 position."

Worth a try?

Also, if all else fails, you can install end-position switches to the bed. Then you only need two positions, as the dump bed will stop when the end points are reached. You cannot stop the dump bed in between, though, which is a bit of a downer admittedly.

So, you have several options.

One of them is to sell the radio and get a Turnigy 9x, which is a 7-and-a-half channel radio (7 proportional and one on-off) plus it has a large LCD screen for setting it up.

[modelman]

JensR-thanks for the link-I read that and may give it a try. However,that doesn't make sense to me strictly from and electrical point of view and seems like a good way to ruin a radio but it is no good to me as it is. I already have the limit switches installed and the rocker switch will work the dump box but I still have to have an on-off switch for the lights. Live & learn I guess. I was trying to get by with a cheap radio and I suspect it is not going to work.

[JensR]

I cannot really comment on the wiring issue, as I don't know how it looks inside.

However, I do believe that two "half channels" with two servo positions each is all you need:
Channel 3: light on / off
Channel 4: dump bed up / down until limit switch reached.

Anyway, here is someone selling an adapter to get proper three-position control:
http://wantasummit.com/default.aspx
http://www.rccrawler.com/forum/showthread.php?t=307196

[modelman]

JensR-I hooked up-2- servos to channel-3&4. The rocker switch moves the chnl-3-servo full lock one direction. Move the-3-pos. switch up and the-4-chnl-servo moves full lock in one direction. Move the rocker switch down and the servo returns to normal pos... Move the-3- pos. switch back to center and the servo goes back to normal pos.. Move-3-pos. switch down and nothing moves. Tried various combinations and nothing worked differently. I can make the dump box work but for lights I need-1-switch with off-(no power)-on(power). These switches are always on. They just move servos to different pos. and I guess the pots turn the servos off. However, I have never used a radio with switches. Maybe they are all like this. I don't know.:confused: I may try the mods to the radio but it involves splicing wires together inside this tiny space and I doubt if I can do that. Oh Well!!!

[Espeefan]

The 777D is looking a world's difference better with the black grille and the decals. It never ceases to amaze me how talented some of you guys are. You take nothing but raw materials and create something that is a true scale work of art. And it's functional too!

[JensR]

A switch is basically just a potentiometer with two (or three or in some cases even more)) settings.

So it really depends what positions the switch tells the receiver to move the servos to. I remember reading that these positions are not adjustable with the Traxxas, but it would be worth doublechecking that.

What type of lighting kit are you looking for? I would assume it should work with a channel that goes "full lock".
If all fails, you can actuate a mini switch with the servo to turn on/off the light.

For the dump bed, you can install a buzzer and/or warning light to start once the bed leaves its resting position. Again, use a small switch, this time actuated by the dump bed itself.

[9W Monighan]

Tom, Would one of these switches work? Sounds like you need a 2 pole double throw RC controlled switch to activate the motor but only one speed with this setup.
http://www.robotcombat.com/products/0-TD-RCE200L.html
http://www.robotcombat.com/products/0-TD-RCE200H.html
http://www.robotcombat.com/products/0-TD-RCE220.html

[JensR]

Tom might be able to "switch" the ESC.
If the radio sets the servo full left or full right, this corresponds to up (forward) or down (reverse) with the ESC.
If the command from the receiver is not +100% and -100%, but +100% and 0%, a switch/relay like you suggested would be necessary, but I couldn't find whether or not the switch needs +100% and -100% to switch - if so, you have gained nothing (or at best a few bucks) over the ESC solution.

[modelman]

JensR-The only settings on channels-3&4-are servo reversing. The truck has no servos to hold a micro switch and their is no room to put one. Steve- thanks, the dual relay is what I am using on the dump box. The rocker switch will probably work the E200L-RC switch if I can find a place to put it. I still would like to have an actual-3-pos. switch to work to dump box. The"fake"-3-pos. switch will work the dump box but it will be all the way up and all the way down. No stopping in between. This is not ideal but I guess I can live with that. JensR-I really appreciate you trying to help. Sounds like you are really knowledgeable on this electronic stuff. I can barely turn on a radio! Your last post is "WAAY OVER MY HEAD". I don't understand but that is okay:)

[Dreamweaver]

This turned out beautiful... And the amazing thing is you built it from scratch.. even the tires... Very nice job

~Mike~

[JensR]

> "WAAY OVER MY HEAD".

Sorry, didn't know how to say it simple.

But it seems you already got the relay, and you are also very short for space, so my point was moot.
But allow me to rephrase my previous comment for completeness:

You know how a normal stick moves continuously from one extreme (-100%) over neutral (0%) to the other extreme (+100%).
If you have a two-position switch, it does not go continuously from -100 to 0 to +100%.
The switch only knows two positions from this range.
(A three-position switch should know three positions.)
If that switch in your radio knows -100 and +100, you can simply plug an ESC into the receiver. The ESC will be switched to full forward or full backward.
If however the switch knows only 0 and 100%, you might have problems:
Certainly with the ESC and maybe with the relay:
The ESC could then only be switched between standstill and forward.
For the relay it depends how it is designed.

Good luck!
Jens

[modelman]

Espeefan and Dreamweaver-thanks a lot for the compliments! JensR-:eek::eek: Still not "gettin it". I was able to make the wiring changes to the transmitter and it ACTUALLY WORKED!! I now have a-3-pos. switch that will raise and lower the dump box and stop in any position. I think the rocker switch will work the lights after I get the R/C switch. I will know for sure in a few days.

[JensR]

Sorry :(
I'm sure I could explain it in person!

But if it works now, that's excellent :)

[modelman]

Well-more eye problems for me:(. I had a bleed in my right eye the day before thanksgiving and since that is the only eye I can see out of I have not been able to do anything until-2-days ago. But before this happened I had ordered the battery and connectors for this truck so during this time the parts arrived and I now have everything I need to finish this truck. My vision has not completely returned to normal but maybe by the first of next week I can see well enough to get the truck running. I see a lot of building has been done while I couldn't see so I have a lot of reading to catch up on.

[dirtpusher9]

Hate to hear that about your eyes Tom. Hope you can get back at it soon I'm ready to see that bad boy haul a load.

[9W Monighan]

Glad you are getting to do something with all the problems you are having. Please get well soon Tom, I miss your input on the forum of your builds!

[modelman]

D-9-joe and 9Wsteve-thanks a lot fellas. I am really looking forward to hauling a load of dirt. This truck seems like it has been almost done for months now. I have been ordering parts by USmail and that has to be the "WORST WAY POSSIBLE" to order something. Talk about slow!!:eek: But it is finished now and although I had a really hard time getting everything in this small radio compartment somehow it all fit and is working well.-
http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn216/modelman/777D%20Mining%20Truck/100_1502.jpg
Here is a short video of one of the 1st test runs and a check of all systems-
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_JPtBos8uzs&context=C3d3d5ccADOEgsToPDskKMkAcOdQoC9hH4bIgZJCoc

[9W Monighan]

Outstanding!! Job well done. I know where you can get to haul some dirt in 3 weeks:D

[steamer]

Fantastic Tom. Looks like you were able to sort out a the radio bugs and it's another home run!!! Got anything in mind for your next project.
Rob

[Espeefan]

This is one of my favorite builds! I enjoyed the video. A lot of hard work went into this model, and it shows. It really does run nice, and it looks very scale. Sorry to hear about your eye. Hopefully it doesn't slow you down to much. The Cat 777D turned out great. At least you'll have some time to enjoy it now. Very smooth running, and I love the lights! You never did change the drive motors, did you? I recall you saying you thought they were a little to slow, but honestly, I think they are good. Nice scale speed.

[RCLogger]

Thanks for the video, looks great and everything seems to be working great. I am looking forward to see it in action moving dirt...

Greg

[sparkycuda]

From the tires, up, a really great piece of work! Dump and travel speeds very realistic, along with all the details, paint, and decals. An awesome model! Best wishes with the eye problems.

Ken

[Lil Giants]

Well Tom, with all the troubles you had building this model and dealing with personal health issues, you have persevered to manufacture an outstanding built from scratch model dumptruck. Well done all around Tom! :cool:

*applause*

Waiting with great anticipation to see you fill it with your cable shovel. :)

[Iron Art]

Tom, Another model a cut above..You are a master model builder, thanks for sharing your model building skills with the rest of us. Fred

[modelman]

9Wsteve-thanks a lot-I wish it wasn't 790 miles away. I'm sure it will be fun. Steamer-thanks- yes it is working great!! Not sure there will be another project. My eyes are getting really bad:( No decision has been made for sure. Espeefan- thanks for the comments- I did change the drive motors but it is still a little slow. The scale speed at full throttle is 40MPH. I am guessing that the 1-1's run 45MPH but I don't know for sure. The model drives perfect though and I am happy with it. RCLogger- thanks-I hope to do a video soon of loading the truck with my shovel. Sparkycuda-thanks for your kind words. Lil Giants joe-thanks-this means a lot coming from a master operator who understands this stuff.

[modelman]

Iron Art-thanks for your comments-I enjoy building these models but I may have to stop. You can't build what you can't see. Time will tell. I know I will never build another small model.

[dirtpusher9]

Tom, that truck is amazing, in the right setting it would be hard to tell it from the real thing. I sure hope that God will let you keep your eye sight in order to build another great model.

[modelman]

Thanks a lot joe-I am not sure what God has planned for me but I hope I can stay busy doing something. I have some machines and metal in my shop that needs to be used.:)

[SmallHaul]

Wow, Your mining truck turned out great!

The dump works nice and the drive speed seems perfect.

Nice job.

[JensR]

Runs and dumps and looks really well/good! :)

[kcjeepn]

This is cool

[9W Monighan]

Hey Tom, How's it going? You have any chance to load the 777 with the shovel yet?
We need to see some new video:p

[modelman]

Hi steve-I haven,t felt like doing much lately, guess I have the late winter blah,s (although it,s going up to 82deg. here today). I did get my shovel fixed. I ran the swing motors in and added the noise suppression capacitors and it is swinging smooth and steady now. I loaded a few loads just to check out the shovel and everything is working great so I will try to do a video soon.

[9W Monighan]

So what was the final verdict on the swing motors?

[modelman]

I guess they just needed running. I ran each motor for 20-min.-10min. each direction at 6V. and added the capacitors and it is working great. No glitching. Maybe they needed the capacitors. I have always had the caps on the hoist and crowd motors but not the swing motors til now.

[modelman]

Well, I have just been running this truck lately and having fun loading it with my shovel. Everything is working good and I am happy with the model. Here is a video of the truck and shovel-
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3blRX40Bxqc&context=C4a63bc7ADvjVQa1PpcFPk8Zy83ORtCA47m0DbGeoE l-rmQAj4BpA=
This project is now finished and I am not sure if there will be another. Time will tell.

[FlyingBeagle]

Wow, those 2 pieces of equipment look great together. They both are truly amazing. Thanks for sharing such a great build with us.

[Trucker Al]

Wow! Great video. Nice work...
Alan

[steamer]

Tom. Your video is just like it would be in the real pit. Both the shovel and the 777 look and operate with precision . Great work on both pieces and I do hope that you can plan for something to build next.
Rob

[doodlebug]

Hey Tom, great to see your shovel in action! Shovel and truck are a perfect match.

Cheer's, Neil.

[pumptech]

Hey Tom ,very nice video,awesome looking models you have,they work great.:)

[D8R]

Impressive models! Hat of for you Tom.
Dan

[td9clyde]

very nice and smooth working models the video is awsome i liked watching them do their thing i couldn't even think of how to make all of those parts nice job

[sparkycuda]

The truck and shovel operate at such realistic speeds! Smooth, not jerky. Both are great examples of truly fine modelling. Congratulations on two jobs very well done!

Ken

[modelman]

Wow, those 2 pieces of equipment look great together. They both are truly amazing. Thanks for sharing such a great build with us.

Wow! Great video. Nice work...
Alan

Thank You

[modelman]

Tom. Your video is just like it would be in the real pit. Both the shovel and the 777 look and operate with precision . Great work on both pieces and I do hope that you can plan for something to build next.
Rob

Thanks Rob-realistic operation is my main goal.

[modelman]

Hey Tom, great to see your shovel in action! Shovel and truck are a perfect match.

Cheer's, Neil.

Hey Tom ,very nice video,awesome looking models you have,they work great.:)

Impressive models! Hat of for you Tom.
Dan

Thanks a bunch guys

[modelman]

very nice and smooth working models the video is awsome i liked watching them do their thing i couldn't even think of how to make all of those parts nice job

When you have a lot of time and nothing else to do you can make anything:D

[modelman]

The truck and shovel operate at such realistic speeds! Smooth, not jerky. Both are great examples of truly fine modelling. Congratulations on two jobs very well done!

Ken

Thanks Ken-as I said earlier,realistic operation is important to me. Watching it work makes me relax. Watching some models makes me nervous:eek: