More than 8 remote channels?

[Omikron]

Hello, is it possible to use more than 8 channels with current power functions RC solutions? I'm interested in original LEGO (no 3rd party)

The problem that I encountered is - LEGO receivers have only 4 channels, thus you can power only 8 individual channels. If one needs more channels and adds more receivers - some of them will eventually use the same channel and trigger unwanted simultaneous function use.

I didn't have much time to think about this, so maybe there is a simple answer that didn't came to my mind straight away.

Could anyone suggest a solution that won't include manual gearbox switches?

Edited April 12, 2015 by Omikron

[Saberwing40k]

Well, I have seen multiple function selector gearboxes, like in 8043, but as for more channels, there have been several suggestions on how to switch on and off battery boxes. Basically, you would have 1 battery box and one receiver, and that receiver would then be used to control any number of other battery boxes. Each additional battery box would then have three other receivers connected to it. So, at any given point in time, the system would have six channels of control, but could in theory have 24 total, or more. I know MBMC has posted an implementation of this concept, but as Brickshelf is down I can't post any pictures. Also, I have come up with a concept of my own, but instead of having a bunch of receivers, my idea is to have 1 channel of 1 receiver hooked up to a bank of PF switches, and the other controlling a switching mechanism. So, the second channel would cycle through the switches, turning one on at a time, and then the other channel would run the motor connected to that switch. But, as I have found out from experience, this setup gets really complex really fast.

Edited April 12, 2015 by Saberwing40k

[Omikron]

Thanks for the suggestion, but I'm using AAA battery boxes. Usual AA boxes are too heavy.

[kieran]

I am sure ther spc has 16 available but there is no way to select them with out a mod to the transmitters and receivers, will see if I can find the post and let you know

[dhc6twinotter]

The most common method seems to be a mechanical gearbox, but there are other options as well.

There was a thread a while back that went off topic (partly my fault) where we ended up talking about various ways to multiply functions. We discussed gearboxes, like what is in 8043; banks of PF switches, like saberwing mentioned above; and using banks of pneumatic valves, similar to what I'm using in my current project (I'll post a WIP soon).

[Saberwing40k]

Here we go, MBMC's idea, now that Brickshelf is back up. http://www.brickshelf.com/cgi-bin/gallery.cgi?f=537994

[KirTech LAB]

Check this theme (post 03.08.2013 and later): http://www.eurobrick...pic=84978&st=25

Edited April 13, 2015 by desert752

[Captainowie]

Alternatively, you could try setting different receivers on the same channel, and then somehow obscuring the line-of-sight to the receiver you don't want to control just now.

[Nalyd997]

I saw one on YouTube a while ago and it used teo 8878 batteries and each had a lever on the button that turned one on and the other off. This is a pretty large solition but if you need more than 8 motors I guess it would be a pretty large creation. You could always buy an SBRICK

Edit: Saberwing beat me to it:)

Edited April 13, 2015 by Nalyd997

[darksheep]

I don't know if any one has tried this but connect a power functions switch between a batter box and receiver , user a Botox to turn the switch on and off , you could have 2 switches next to one another and use on medium motor to switch them on and of to switch eg switch of receiver 1 - 3 connected to switch 1 and then turn on receiver 4-6 connected to switch . This could be multiplexed as well to create an unlimited amount of options . This way you would not be switching of battery boxes and could just use one batter box if you like .

[Saberwing40k]

I don't know if any one has tried this but connect a power functions switch between a batter box and receiver , user a Botox to turn the switch on and off , you could have 2 switches next to one another and use on medium motor to switch them on and of to switch eg switch of receiver 1 - 3 connected to switch 1 and then turn on receiver 4-6 connected to switch . This could be multiplexed as well to create an unlimited amount of options . This way you would not be switching of battery boxes and could just use one batter box if you like .

Actually, this will not work, as for whatever reason, PF receivers bypass the switches, as in the receiver will get power no matter what position the switch is in. You'd have to use old 9v switches.

[KirTech LAB]

Actually, this will not work, as for whatever reason, PF receivers bypass the switches, as in the receiver will get power no matter what position the switch is in. You'd have to use old 9v switches.

No, 9V switches wouldn't work too because it needs four wires to power receiver!

[Omikron]

Thank you all! Your suggestions and information were very helpful. A partially mechanical solution was found.