Futaba/ Armortek control question

[Lawrence Godson]

I recently purchased an running/almost complete Panther first edition. I would like to convert from "tank" steering mode to ch1 and 2 mixed single stick mode. It came with a 6 ch Futaba.
First, I would like to ask - does pulling out the jumper from the second from the left position on the 4QD unit make the complete conversion (after changing the channel connections of course) or do I have to also set mixing for Channels 1&2 in the programing for the Futaba 6 ch?

Second, The instructions that came with the Panther seem to assume a 6 channel radio but they say to hook up the sound unit to ch 6. Is it not necessary to operate the sound unit from a proportional channel? ---and if that is the case would I not need a 7 channel radio? ----hooked up like this:

Channels 1&2 mixed for driving (right stick)
Channel 3 gun elevation and depression (up/down on left stick)
Channel 4 for sound (right /left on left stick)
Channel 5 (proportional knob on Futaba 7) for turret turn
channels 6 or7 for gun fire? which? (I have the blank firer)

Thanks for any help!

[Mick Regan]

Hi Lawrence

Removing the link from the 4QD unit will give you single stick control without mixing from the transmitter. The amount of mixing is preset, but I have had it working on my Tiger and it works well. The advantage of mixing through the transmitter is that you control over how much mixing you want. So it's "either/or", not both.

It is necessary to use a proportional channel to control the sound. You really need 5 proportional channels to control the sound with ease. The setup you suggest would work fine. One of the switched channels on the Futaba 7C is spring loaded, so is ideal for the blank firer.

Hope this helps

Mick

[Lawrence Godson]

Thanks Mick, Just the info I needed.

[Dennis Jones]

Hi Lawrence,

I think on the 7 channel Futaba you can use the switch on the top lhs of the Tx which is a 3 pos swtich attached to a prop channel to select the sounds. Easier than using one of the sticks.

Dennis.

[Lawrence Godson]

Thanks Dennis,

Didn't know that was a proportional channel....or could be attached to one. I'm clueless on how to do that if it is necessary. I think the Futaba7 has 5 proportional channels: The 4 axis of the two sticks and then normally the knob. Would you reassign ch 5 to the switch? and how is that accomplished if possible?
Thanks

[Dennis Jones]

Hi Lawrence,

Do you have a manual for it as the details are in there. I know it can be done because the Amortek KT at Bovington has it got it on as have several members. I don't have a manual for the 7C but I can find out details if you are still in trouble. Let me know how you get on.

Dennis.

[Maarten Schutjes]

You can download the manual here http://www.futaba-rc.com/downloads/manual-7c.html

[Dennis Jones]

Hi Lawrence,

I think the 3 pos switch on the top lhs of the tx is assigned to channel 5 by default. The way to prove that is to plug a servo in to channel 5 and operate the switch the servo should move to 3 different positions. If this works then plug the sound board in to channel 5 and use the swtich to select and operate the sounds. You will have to experiment which direction from the centre position to one side or the other to select and operate the sounds. Channel 6 is assigned to the pot and cannot be moved. Channel 7 may be assigned to one of the other switches you can prove this again by plugging in a servo. Hope this helps.

Dennis.