FlightLink Control Duette
Posted: 07 May 2022, 16:21
Chatting with Shaun the other evening about matters modelling and LemonRx, we got round to my FlightLink Collection and were discussing a gap that needed filling...I have been looking around for a 2 channel Duette produced by FLC for the boat and then emerging RC Car market back in the early seventies, Mike K was aware and he had been making some enquiries with Forum members on my behalf but to no avail until the chance conversation with Shaun who told me that he had one that needed a serious dose of looking at! We discussed how cool would it be to move his collection of servos and receivers from his junk collection in a Yorkshire attic to another one in Norfolk!
Seriously, Shaun had some other FLC Rx and servos that would contribute to make complete sets of a couple of Sovereign and Series 4 transmitters in my FLC collection! Thanks Shaun, you are a star!
A couple of days later, a carton arrived with a massive amount of FLC "stuff" and Shaun was right, the Duette Tx had paint peeling and generally a look of being used...probably used in a boat as the left hand stick had its self centring spring unhooked and judging by the overall condition had probably spent some time underwater!!
The most important thing is that it is a complete set (minus DEACS) with a matching 2 channel receiver with a plug in Xtal socket, switch harness and two of the FLC PSX2 servos but missing the Tx aerial but it's badges were intact...phew!
A plan was hatched immediately on receipt and some of the corrosion was neutralised with white vinegar and luckily most of the fasteners were able to be saved. All the small parts went into my alcohol ultrasonic cleaner and this gets rid off a lot of the solidified castor oil and general detritis and crud. I was relieved to be able to get the plastic silk screened FLC badge off the folded and welded steel Tx case intact.
I have found a local powder coating company in Norfolk and intend dropping the case into them next week to see if they can chemically strip the stove enamelling and repaint. What will happen ultimately with the electronics is undecided, The condition is such that by the time I have finished any originality will be long gone, so it may get a PhilG Digispark and LemonRx conversion to 2.4...but let's wait and see how the Tx case restoration goes first...watch this space!
Pics below as a "Before" shot and hoping to post updates as the project proceeds!
Seriously, Shaun had some other FLC Rx and servos that would contribute to make complete sets of a couple of Sovereign and Series 4 transmitters in my FLC collection! Thanks Shaun, you are a star!
A couple of days later, a carton arrived with a massive amount of FLC "stuff" and Shaun was right, the Duette Tx had paint peeling and generally a look of being used...probably used in a boat as the left hand stick had its self centring spring unhooked and judging by the overall condition had probably spent some time underwater!!
The most important thing is that it is a complete set (minus DEACS) with a matching 2 channel receiver with a plug in Xtal socket, switch harness and two of the FLC PSX2 servos but missing the Tx aerial but it's badges were intact...phew!
A plan was hatched immediately on receipt and some of the corrosion was neutralised with white vinegar and luckily most of the fasteners were able to be saved. All the small parts went into my alcohol ultrasonic cleaner and this gets rid off a lot of the solidified castor oil and general detritis and crud. I was relieved to be able to get the plastic silk screened FLC badge off the folded and welded steel Tx case intact.
I have found a local powder coating company in Norfolk and intend dropping the case into them next week to see if they can chemically strip the stove enamelling and repaint. What will happen ultimately with the electronics is undecided, The condition is such that by the time I have finished any originality will be long gone, so it may get a PhilG Digispark and LemonRx conversion to 2.4...but let's wait and see how the Tx case restoration goes first...watch this space!
Pics below as a "Before" shot and hoping to post updates as the project proceeds!