S/C Controlaire Mule MkII.4
Posted: 07 Sep 2018, 12:43
This is my recently completed Controlaire Mule Mk II gigafied & fitted with Martin's impressive S/C encoder.
The encoder is assembled on proto-board using a layout based on Phil's previously published pcb (thanks Phil ). I modified it to utilise the leads & plugs from my original (unsuccessful ) hand drawn pcb. The original Mule had a push button that consisted of a bushed shaft pushing down onto two leaf contacts - crude, lousy feel and a bit hit & miss in operation. I was able to replace the leaf contacts with a pcb micro-switch soldered onto a strip of proto-board which was then positioned under the plunger. The result is a really positive action push button that externally is "original" so fits the Mule case perfectly. The case, being made from a relatively soft brushed aluminium, already had a few small scratches. To preserve it and the silk screened(?) artwork, I gave everything 2 coats of a clear satin enamel after making all the cutouts but before assembly. I still have to calibrate the voltage display and add the second RF board (or module). I'll post more pictures when the conversion is completed.
This and my blue Pixie Tx are my two favourite S/C builds
In addition to the 2.4 ghz Frsky DIY module already installed, I'm going to add either a 36mhz module(or rf board) or a 29mhz rf board, to make use of all the good reliable gear on these (Australian) frequency bands I have that is otherwise just going to waste. Anybody want an original complete and unused Mule MKII board on 27.195 (minus the push button & switch)? The encoder is assembled on proto-board using a layout based on Phil's previously published pcb (thanks Phil ). I modified it to utilise the leads & plugs from my original (unsuccessful ) hand drawn pcb. The original Mule had a push button that consisted of a bushed shaft pushing down onto two leaf contacts - crude, lousy feel and a bit hit & miss in operation. I was able to replace the leaf contacts with a pcb micro-switch soldered onto a strip of proto-board which was then positioned under the plunger. The result is a really positive action push button that externally is "original" so fits the Mule case perfectly. The case, being made from a relatively soft brushed aluminium, already had a few small scratches. To preserve it and the silk screened(?) artwork, I gave everything 2 coats of a clear satin enamel after making all the cutouts but before assembly. I still have to calibrate the voltage display and add the second RF board (or module). I'll post more pictures when the conversion is completed.
This and my blue Pixie Tx are my two favourite S/C builds