I am trying to set up a remote (wired or wireless) throttle control for a small outboard marine engine. I am familiar with r/c servos and have looked at using a servo with a servo tester to perform this. I have also looked at using a stepper motor but am not familiar with how they work. I need something reliable and 12v to move a throttle open and closed in small increments. You guys are the pros what is the best way to proceed keeping in mind simplicity. Thanks
Given that it will be on a boat, waterproofing is likely important. A servo should be fine, but as you can tell from the selection below, not many operate at 12V:
robotshop.com/ca/en/hitec-hs … servo.html
robotshop.com/ca/en/hs-5646w … servo.html
robotshop.com/ca/en/d-845wp- … servo.html
One which is waterproof and operates at ~12V:
robotshop.com/ca/en/hs-1100w … servo.html
Control is standard RC - if you want a wireless controller: robotshop.com/ca/en/uav-dron … ntrol.html
Wired controllers: robotshop.com/ca/en/uav-dron … ntrol.html
Note that most don’t have direct user input though.
The issue with the ones which have knobs is that they don’t accept over 6V, and don’t provide the full signal range.
If you therefore opt for wireless, think of a way that if the signal is lost (transmitter runs out of battery for example), the throttle will stop (failsafe).
I didn’t see any wired controllers just wireless control units. Did I miss something? Also, what can I use to reduce 12v down to 5v? that might change the solution away from a $600 servo.
To drop the voltage from 12V to 5V you need a (simple) voltage regulator: robotshop.com/en/power-regulators.html
The wired solutions are under the servo controller category and include servo controllers (which require input from a microcontroller, wireless device or computer), and included in that category are a few controllers which have sliders or knobs as input.