I’m building a different remote control and using a rotary encoder for one of the inputs. I’m wondering if anyone has seen a good source for various knobs to use. Looking for something in the range of 1 to 2 inches, possibly with a dent for placing a finger.
I have some T cases from Hammond. The transmitter will have a 12 or 16 button keypad, rotary encoder, spst rocker switch and a graphic LCD. I will post a picture as I progress. I’ve been concentrating on the receiver half and radio protocol so far.
Here is a video of what it is controlling and testing basic rotary encoder controls:
Minimized the transmitter design a bit. The original was a bit too power hungry, this one will run on a 9V for a long time and is smaller, even if the case doesn’t take advantage of how small the components are.
Still playing with where to locate the rotary encoder. So far I like it best on the side of the transmitter. It makes it hard to operate with the other hand as you can see in the video demo. Had to hold the camera with my right hand. (sorry for the shaky video)
The radio control for the locomotives is working great, simultaneously running 16 locomotives with bell, whistle and one additional accessory along with 100 non-locomotive accessories such as turnouts, lights, etc.
It is amazing what can be done with little 434MHz radios. Not high bandwidth but pretty reliable at 100 yard distances.
Here is a short video of the unit controlling three locomotives simultaneously. It now controls up to 32, I could probably double that again. I’m starting to write up instructions for a magazine article. The rotary encoder interface should be useful for many other projects, especially if you only have one encoder controlling several individual servos.
