The ideal excavator transmitter

[SteinHDan]

What would be the ideal controller for an excavator if you could dream one up?

I'm using the front analog triggers and the front buttons with my index and middle fingers to reverse the direction on a Logitech gamepad for the tracks and SAE setup on the two sticks.



That works well and gives very good control of the tracks while still allowing for full control of the arm and house. But it would of course be better if there was a two-way analog self-centering stick on the middle and index fingers. One for each track.


I'm thinking that if there isn't currently an ideal controller, then we could design and build one here on this forum? The cost would be minimal.

I'm thinking:
- A 3D printed body
- Two normal stick gimbals: http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/s...er_Mode_1.html
- A transmitter battery: http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/s...ter_pack_.html
- Use your existing RF module or add any compatible module, for example this one: http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/s...Module_RX.html
- On/Off switch
- Some switches
- An Arduino to read the sticks and the switches, perform the mixing and send the PWM signal to the RF module
- An BlueTooth serial port to allow you to program and setup the transmitter with your mobile phone or PC
- A stand on the controller for a mobile phone or tablet to control advanced functions or show FPV and/or telemetry data from the excavator.

The stand could be something like the one on the Phantom 3 drone:





Shouldn't need to cost over $100 (USD).

But of course, I'm falling into my usual trap of always wanting to build everything myself.. ;-)




Could also be done with 3D sticks:
- http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/s...o_Tx_39_s.html