Another Radio Question

[nx_911_turbo]

Hey guys, I started building my Aeromax yesterday, and stopped today at the point where I need to start painting :(. I don't mind painting (actually was into models before R/C stuff), but didn't have what I need.
Anyways, on to my question: I have a 4EXA radio system, and it is land-based frequency, but still has the ratcheting left-stick for the y-axis, which doesn't self center. I've heard I can change this, can anyone help me figure out how? I understand there's some parts I need, but I have no idea what they are, and can't find anything for it anywhere. Also, where can I get a shift-gate for the throttle/shift servo? I believe I've seen a + - shaped gate for the right stick, too, does anyone know who makes these (or have part numbers)?

Also, I'm enjoying this so much, I plan to sell off (university is cruel on the funds, especially with no time for a job because of my program) some of my stuff to put towards a Hi-Lift, and a King Hauler next to build a show-piece Peterbuilt for our shop. My family has a heavy-duty diesel repair shop, so when the head mechanic came by to see me today (and ask why I didn't show up yesterday), he was amazed to see what I was working on. I have it to the point of a rolling chassis, and actually drove it around for a bit. I can't wait to build another one!

[Pete359]

Why don't just switch the self-returning parts from the other side on the radio?
Or just open your radio too see what u need of parts? It's the same parts on both sticks.

Pictures of your rig would be nice ;)

[nx_911_turbo]

I would have some pictures, but my family is in India for my cousin's wedding, and they left me camera-less (I'm not a picture-person anyways, but want to sell some cars, and take build pics, and can't!). Also, I sort of need the self-centering on the other side for when I get a trailer set up. I really don't want the fifth wheel releasing the trailer when I'm putting along. Originally, I didn't open up the radio due to a warranty issue (didn't actually charge up the radio until Friday night), but after trying to drive it with the ratchet system, I have to take that out and make it smooth at the very least. With the shift gate, I'm considering making the x-axis on the left stick non-centering, to keep it in gears when I'm driving, so I'll probably open up the radio and see if I can switch that. I'll make sure I find a way to snap some pictures once I decide what colour to do it (not too crazy about the purple...).

[Mouton]

There are two ways to do this:
You can rotate the the entire stick 90 degrees (attached with four screws) but then you would have to change the corresponding channels on the receiver. That is the easy way of doing it.

You could also change the springs and levers inside the transmitter for the left stick to self center on the Y-axis but not the X-axis. As your radio already centers on the left sticks X-axis you have the parts you need. If you can manage building the Aeromax (albeit with a manual) you will manage to do this by yourself. Compare the inside levers and springs on the left and right sticks. Notice that for the X-axises they are identical. For the Y-axises they are not - but that is what you want to achieve. Move the sticks slowly and observer how the springloaded levers move and help center the sticks.

Start of by removing the metal spring lever that clicks on the ratchet. Then take photo of how it looks (or make a sketch). Keep in mind that as you never do anything to the right stick that will always remain untouched and as a reference. You will find that when moving the stick in the X-axis you will activate a springloaded lever. When you release the stck the spring will move the lever back in neutral position, thus centering the stick. Look where that lever is attacted to the stick's cradle. If you look carefully you will find a corresponding hole/peg for such a lever on the other axis. What you do is simply to move the lever and spring to the other axis. Depending on your radio you might have to move two small pegs on each side of the roll center of the axis (that the lever levels on in order to center the stick). Done!

Concerning the shift gate, there ought to be a template on a pink paper included with your truck. You can make one yourself from either a plastic lid for a bucket or of metall if you feel like it. If you do not want to make one yourself there are some on the market. I had a quick look at Futaba's web site but did not find a article no. for the shift gate. I know that I have seen it before for a few dollars. However a search on ebay for "graphite stick shift gate" will result in several results for shift gates made of graphite/carbon fibre).

Good luck!

[nx_911_turbo]

I was planning on switching the springs & ratchet system, so the trims would still be correct to the motion of the axis. Guess it's time to start eBay searchin' for those shift gates now... Then get started on the transmitter mods after I paint it (hopefully later this week, school work is scary).