Servo - August 2016

46 SERVO 08.2016

Prop controllers like most other electronics have come a long way in the last few years. Components are readily available and many designs are freely shared on the Web.

Not long ago, we were relegated to working with commercially available controllers. Although they did get the job done, the cost of purchasing multiple controllers put a crimp on what a Do-It-Yourself builder could afford. We were also locked into the features that the manufacturers felt were necessary and that often did not fit our requirements.

Choosing a prop controller comes down to personal choice. There are many factors to be considered and we will look at those in more detail. Take your time in choosing what features are important to you. However, keep in mind that as the saying goes, you have the choice of fast, good, or cheap, and you can only pick two.

Features to Consider when Choosing a Controller

Cost: The amount you are able to spend for the controller portion of your build may select the path you must travel when making your selection. If you have a large available budget, the cost may not be the primary determining factor. However, if you are a DIY builder, this will often be the foremost consideration. In order to acquire all the controllers you need to complete your projects, you may be required to go the DIY route.

Complete controller or user assembled: This leads us directly into the next decision. Will we choose a commercially available completed model or will we take on at least some of the assembly process? It is not necessary that you take on the entire design and building of a unit from scratch. You can take on as much of the process as you want. If you do not have the interest or ability to design and produce a controller, there are many products that have done some of the work for you.

Job specific or able to handle a variety of tasks:

How specialized will the unit you choose be? If you are unable to reprogram a unit, you will need to find one that comes already set up to fit your needs. This will lock you into the one use and will restrict your ability to repurpose the controller when your needs change.

Reliability: Does the product have a solid track record of dependable performance? Does the unit you are interested in come with a warranty? Is there someone you can contact if you have questions or issues? One of the drawbacks of building your own is that all that responsibility falls on you. Granted there are plenty of people on the forums that will attempt to help, but it can be difficult and time-consuming to find someone with the knowledge that can supply the correct solution.

Power requirements: You will need to decide whether you will be powering your controller with a battery or AC to DC power transformer (better known as a wall wart). As an aside, when disposing of a product that uses one, I make sure to keep it for future use. You may also need to supply

Like the scarecrow that needed a brain, your characters cannot perform at their best without some sort of master control. The good news is that it is not necessary to seek out a wizard to find the perfect solution.

Whether you prefer to get your controllers complete and ready to roll or you enjoy putting your own together, you will find something to satisfy your needs here. We will take a look at an assortment of options to bring your creations to life.