avtur Posted July 9, 2013 Share Posted July 9, 2013 Insomnia is getting the better of me tonight and for some reason my mind is wandering down r/c memory lane … Back to the mid/late ‘60’s I think it was when my Dad bought me a ‘radio control system’ I seem to remember that we drove from home (near Stockport) all the way (in the family Morris Minor) to Roland Scott Models at Walkden somewhere on, or near, the East Lancs Road as we then called it.… does that name ring any bells with anyone ??? The set my Dad bought me was Mainstream Simprop single channel, with a single big white button in the middle of the transmitter. I think by the standards of the time it was a “de-lux” set up because it came with two motorized servos … (in aircraft configuration) one for rudder and a second was a sequential motor control. So with the ‘big’ button … it was one for left …. two for right and (with practice!) two and a quick third press would give you one sequence change on the throttle. The throttle had three positions so you had to be mindful of where you were on the throttle sequence. Is this bringing back any memories ??? This radio set was put to use in a range of models … on land, sea and in the air …. In the air it was used for my early attempts with a Veron Impala, with modest success. On water it worked well in 36 inch semi scale ‘torpedo boat’ … the speed controller worked well there. And then on land… well this was a long shot but it worked very well (this was way before modern electric cars) I had a static Mamod steam engine which I built into a Meccano ‘vehicle’ chassis, so I had a steam powered vehicle with both steering and throttle control … That simple ‘push button’ radio set achieved a great deal of success in these different vehicles … at the time very few people shared in that success … but I know if it happened … these days I would have had this all over You-Tube … After the steam car I went on to ‘invent’ lawnmower racing … but I was 20 years ahead of the time … that’s another story … Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve Houghton Posted July 9, 2013 Share Posted July 9, 2013 Avtur, I cut my R/C teeth with the 'Wee MacGregor' Codamac set that you see in my avatar, with a Ripmax motorised actuator - 1 press for right, two for left. I had many happy hours slope soaring with a rudder-only Performance Kits 'Buzzard'. It was quite a challenge trying to land accurately with rudder only on a hilltop, but I think it forged a good undertanding of flight dynamics and controlling the model speed with rudder inputs. It also went well off the towline. I progressed to a Dave Hughes 84 inch 'Silent Knight', still with single channel but with slightly less success. It was a majestic flyer, but much less responsive in critical situations on the slope. However, despite a few crunches I never totalled it and I still have it in my loft. Isn't reminiscence great! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris Bott - Moderator Posted July 9, 2013 Share Posted July 9, 2013 Lots of fascinating stuff on Phil Green's Singlechannel website. I'm sure he'll be along here to comment soon. I use one of his clever modern single channel encoders to control my Matador sometimes. Here it's tucked away inside the MacGregor case. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phil Green Posted July 9, 2013 Share Posted July 9, 2013 Phil who? Single what? I dont know if you're aware avtur but we're still doing it! Quite a substantial number of people are out at weekends flying Sharkfaces, Tyros and Simplexes on the button, single channel, just like time had frozen in 1968! I note you used a set of motorised actuators - most used escapements, which were one for right, two for left - this was enforced by their mechanical layout. On a motorised setup of course you could set it up either way, but matching the escapements was sensible if you had a mix of actuators or if as we did you used to 'swap goes' on models frequently. Steve, thats not a Codamac in your avatar, its an MR200 The Codamac was special in that it did all the 'one for right, two for left' malarky for you via a two-way lever - like a single axis stick unit. I just saw a post this morning from one of the Retford MFC lads, they're holding a Retro event in October, hopefully all the S/C lads will turn out in force to support them. Lots of info on www.singlechannel.co.uk if you're interested! **LINK** So in the words of the BoB Squadron Leader, "Well, don't just stand there - get one up!" (a S/C model that is) New recruits are always welcome, old re-recruits especially! Cheers Phil Edited By Phil Green on 09/07/2013 15:50:56 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David Hardaker Posted April 27, 2014 Share Posted April 27, 2014 Avtur It's uncanny how similar are our memories of early radio and all that went with it. I can still remember our journeys into Lancashire to Roland Scott's shop. There was gear in there that I could only dream of owning. Genuine American stuff, like Orbit, PCS and Kraft. I've a mate who had a 10 channel F+M Midas/Matador combo in a Beachcomber with a McCoy 60 on it. I used to get a go with it every once in a while. Prior to multi I did single channel which was all super-regen. Best rx I had was a home-built UK receiver made from parts from Harrogate Radio. Being in Bradford, the trip to Harrogate was only 40 minutes and we delighted in the service at Harrogate Radio. The owner was called Ron, and he had a huge vocabulary of swear words we'd never heard before ! Best performing single channel models were APS Timber, Charger, Pal Joey, and several o/d models. I had to make do with Fred Rising escapements, clockwork, sequential and compound. We used to put a Burgess microswitch on the tx in place of the plastic cheepo ones (they didn't stand the quick-blip punishment) My pal had a Bonner Varicomp in his Matador, but we weren't as rich as that. I also remember a Soarcerer soarer that I made a Mighty Midget powered compound escapement for. So no running out of turns (for once) I reckon it's 50 years since I flew single channel. But I know I could still hack it. RC'ers today don't know they're born !! David Edited By David H on 27/04/2014 18:50:11 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tony Bennett Posted April 27, 2014 Share Posted April 27, 2014 i had that very same macgregor system in my one and only attempt at rc flying. never saw the model again . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phil Green Posted April 27, 2014 Share Posted April 27, 2014 Posted by David H on 27/04/2014 18:48:27: I reckon it's 50 years since I flew single channel. But I know I could still hack it. So whats holding you back David? We've had a great afternoon down at Ponty Park today, all I took was the single-channel rudder-only Sharkface, had about 8 longish flights, quite windy but that doesnt bother a Sharkie! Go on, you know you want to.... We also fly Reeds and rudder-only pulse-propo... lots of info and banter here: LINK Cheers Phil Edited By Phil Green on 27/04/2014 20:11:21 Edited By Phil Green on 27/04/2014 20:14:13 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David Hardaker Posted April 27, 2014 Share Posted April 27, 2014 Hi Phil The picture reminds me that I had an RCS Guidance System tx that I lent to a friend... Said friend eventually gave my tx to a "certain person" (who we both know), who collects old gear for his clubnight demos. Grrr ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shaunie Posted April 27, 2014 Share Posted April 27, 2014 I had two McGregor single channel sets, one was in a green hammerited case with a superregen receiver if memory serves and the other was the Minimac superhet set. I never had any success with aircraft with them so I used to go boating instead, as a young teenager I could really make a boat do what I wanted with some nimble button pressing. They got put in a box in a garden shed and the rain got in and ruined them, shame really! I had a couple of two channel McGregor sets as well but I never had any airborne success until I got a four channel set. Shaunie. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dane Crosby Posted April 27, 2014 Share Posted April 27, 2014 Memories! I graduated from FF via control line to my first single channel radio model in 1966. I had the MacGregor Tx but could only afford an OS Pixie super-regen Rx. This fed a Conquest escapement. My first model was the Aeromodeller Swannee. This flew well on my old DC Merlin. I obtained the MacGregor Galloping Ghost transmitter and let the venerable Pixie operate a Ripmax GG servo. The old Merlin still coped and I flew many sorties Until I hit a Hangar at RAF Lindholme. I stopped modelling by 1976 but recently started again a year ago in 2013 with a Spekky 7s and a Bixler trainer and an overpowered Cutlass. I'm now half way through building an electric Swannee for old times sake. I'm sorry but it won't be SC. With the modern lightweight kit its going to have elevators, rudder, ailerons, throttle and flaps. When it is finished I'l post pictures here. full circle after nearly 50 years ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
michael harper 2 Posted April 22 Share Posted April 22 Just found this in garage following a clear out.must be at least 55years old. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
michael harper 2 Posted April 22 Share Posted April 22 Don't know why its added two images !! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
leccyflyer Posted April 22 Share Posted April 22 On 09/07/2013 at 05:43, avtur said: Insomnia is getting the better of me tonight and for some reason my mind is wandering down r/c memory lane … Back to the mid/late ‘60’s I think it was when my Dad bought me a ‘radio control system’ I seem to remember that we drove from home (near Stockport) all the way (in the family Morris Minor) to Roland Scott Models at Walkden somewhere on, or near, the East Lancs Road as we then called it.… does that name ring any bells with anyone ??? The set my Dad bought me was Mainstream Simprop single channel, with a single big white button in the middle of the transmitter. I think by the standards of the time it was a “de-lux” set up because it came with two motorized servos … (in aircraft configuration) one for rudder and a second was a sequential motor control. So with the ‘big’ button … it was one for left …. two for right and (with practice!) two and a quick third press would give you one sequence change on the throttle. The throttle had three positions so you had to be mindful of where you were on the throttle sequence. Is this bringing back any memories ??? This radio set was put to use in a range of models … on land, sea and in the air …. In the air it was used for my early attempts with a Veron Impala, with modest success. On water it worked well in 36 inch semi scale ‘torpedo boat’ … the speed controller worked well there. And then on land… well this was a long shot but it worked very well (this was way before modern electric cars) I had a static Mamod steam engine which I built into a Meccano ‘vehicle’ chassis, so I had a steam powered vehicle with both steering and throttle control … That simple ‘push button’ radio set achieved a great deal of success in these different vehicles … at the time very few people shared in that success … but I know if it happened … these days I would have had this all over You-Tube … After the steam car I went on to ‘invent’ lawnmower racing … but I was 20 years ahead of the time … that’s another story … Does Roland Scotts in Walken ring any bells? It certainly does - that's where I got my first radio control set in about 1973 - the notorious Mainstream Gem 1+1, to go with the Keil Kraft Outlaw which was to be my first radio model, purchased from the Manchester Model Shop in Deansgate. Me and my pal had been watching and hanging about on the slag heaps of the Three Sisters near Wigan, where a couple of young fellers were flying there Yamamoto trainers with the very, very plasticky Gem 4 proportional radio sets and they were doing great. Our previous aeromodelling obsession had been free flight and a dalliance with control liners, but this radio lark looked amazing. I couldn't stretch to a 4 channel set, but the Gem 1+1 was just about within reach and the Outlaw was duly equipped with a proportional rudder and a push button sequential throttle control for the PAW RC diesel. The big day came and the flight was measured in seconds and not too many of those, with the Outlaw dashed to pieces on the hard baked earth. Further unsuccessful attempts with a KK MIni Super followed, which couldn't get off the ground and the radio and PAW 2.49 then did have some success in a Keil Kraft Vosper Air Sea Rescue launch on one of the flashes at the same site Fast forward 50 years and I was able to finally get an Outlaw flying last year, thanks to the help of Phil Green and Shaun Garrity, who sorted me out firstly with a Gem 1+1 converted to 2.4ghz and then with the encoder for my own conversion of a Digimac III set to realise that ambition. All happy days though and fondly remembered. I've since converted another couple of Macgregor single channel and 1+1 sets and have plans for all of them - this nostalgia lark is great fun and steering a model round the skies with the button has been a nice addition to my hobby. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul De Tourtoulon Posted April 22 Share Posted April 22 (edited) On 27/04/2014 at 21:35, Tony Bennett said: i had that very same macgregor system in my one and only attempt at rc flying. never saw the model again . So did I, pure rubbish and trying it on my own, 🤢 every flight was over in less than 20 metres ( yards in those days) with one exception when it wouldn't work and landed around a mile away. Edited April 22 by Paul De Tourtoulon lost internet again ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Simon Chaddock Posted May 9 Share Posted May 9 (edited) Single button and MacGregor? My Macgregor was in kit form. You had to solder all the components on each board your self. The Tx used a valve and you had to make your own case. No crystal so the actual frequency was unknown. You just "tuned" the receiver to give the best range. The TX needed a high voltage battery for the valve and two big 1.5 volt U2 for its heater. It did work and it even got installed in a plane but it never flew. Being an inveterate hoarder I still have it. Edited May 9 by Simon Chaddock 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brian Cooper Posted May 9 Share Posted May 9 I began flying single channel as a young boy way back in 1963. My first Tx was a hefty, super-regen ED valve set. It weighed a ton and had a 6ft aerial. Gawd knows what frequency it was on but it worked okay with 27Mhz super-regeneration Rxs . 😂 Then I upgraded to a superhet MacGregor outfit....... and it was useless. On a good day, it had about 35 yards range. It went back several times and MacGregor always said there was nothing wrong with it. . . Grrrr. Eventually, I got my money back and bought a RCS Guidance System...... which worked. Yayyy. I still dabble with single channel - once for right, twice for left - but the radio is now on 2.4Ghz. Great fun. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul De Tourtoulon Posted May 10 Share Posted May 10 17 hours ago, Brian Cooper said: Then I upgraded to a superhet MacGregor outfit....... and it was useless. On a good day, it had about 35 yards range. Did you sell the set to me second hand in the 70's ?, 😂 Yes completely useless. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GrumpyGnome Posted May 10 Share Posted May 10 Oddly, I had 2 MacGregor sets which worked perfectly - wee MacGregor WAS in control. Sadly, I wasn't. One single channel set, one 3 channel. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul De Tourtoulon Posted May 10 Share Posted May 10 I bought my first Mcgregor 4 channel radio around 1973 from Chippy's at Sunderland, the worse thing that I ever bought, the radio worked, but the servo didn't, they had a habit of either just not working or going around in circles. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Engine Doctor Posted May 10 Share Posted May 10 (edited) I only ever used single channel radio on boats at Clapham Common boat pond probably in 1959 . My first radio was a second hand Tri-ang carrier wave tx with a Gdalloping Ghost conversion in the button box that was on a long lead connected to the tx box . The GG consisted of a mighty midget motor fitted with speed controland a cam that worked a set of contact breakers. It was a heavy lump finished in a red crackle finished paint . Anyone remember them ? Aerial was was a series of poles plugged togetherand about 6 ft high. The Rx was a Hills ( i think thats tge name) single valve built from a plan from a magazine , i think it was the RCM&E in small format. Only one rc model could fly at a time as no crystals then Ok for boats of the time but how people flew models with them i will never know . They were very brave or perhaps we didnt care then ? Edited May 10 by Engine Doctor Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul De Tourtoulon Posted May 10 Share Posted May 10 1 minute ago, Engine Doctor said: . They were very brave or perhaps we didnt care then ? 'Pioneers',,,,😇 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Don Fry Posted May 10 Share Posted May 10 Round about 1965, dad and I ( had an egg round, God I still hate chickens not roasted, ) invested in an OS Pixie. Single channel, one button, it worked. I flew planes, with varying success, but got to going, fly, come home. Glory. Dad was into boats. He was an engineer. Built a double action, twin cylinder, high pressure steam engine, 250 psi rings a bell. It emptied the fish pond. Instucted to build the lightest hull possible for it. I did, with a nylon skin. Motor was many times heavier than the hull, and fast, far faster than the planes. It finished its shortish career hitting a swan. Sunday lunch. Motor lost on the lake bottom. Dad was a little wild. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brian Cooper Posted May 10 Share Posted May 10 13 hours ago, Paul De Tourtoulon said: Did you sell the set to me second hand in the 70's ?, 😂 Yes completely useless. Doubtful. . My MacGregor radio was disposed of in about 1964. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brian Cooper Posted May 10 Share Posted May 10 (edited) It never ceases to amaze me how many aerobatics could be done with just a rudder. Trimming an aeroplane properly was (is) essential to getting the best out of it. Happy days. Edited May 10 by Brian Cooper Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phil Green Posted May 11 Share Posted May 11 (edited) I have several Macgregor single-channel sets and all work perfectly with good range. Back in the day Macgregors were very popular in our club (SSA) and I dont recall any trouble with them at all. Their early superhet receivers were a bit odd with their 470k IF so needed a 'Macgregor' crystal pair, but again mine are still working fine today - in fact I just blagged another pair of 470k IF crystals from Shaun. The proportional Digimacs are popular conversion projects, 1, 1+1, 2, 3 and 4 channel 😃 Ron has just done a 1+1 https://mode-zero.uk/viewtopic.php?p=14869#p14869 and a Digimac 4: https://mode-zero.uk/viewtopic.php?p=14910#p14910 Brian has done an MR200: https://mode-zero.uk/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=1730&p=14381 Rob has done a Codamac: https://mode-zero.uk/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=1668&p=13815 and a Digimac 3: https://mode-zero.uk/viewtopic.php?f=27&t=1540 Gary's Digimac 3: https://mode-zero.uk/viewtopic.php?f=27&t=504 and heres my Digimac 1+1 conversion from 12 years ago, still a regular flyer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fHaUvmsJdU4 Cheers Phil . Edited May 11 by Phil Green 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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