These controllers are exact, OEM replacements for the Deluxe Controllers used by Century Jet Models on the electric, brushed-motor retract systems they sold. Available in three different versions for use on the Centurion, Fifth-Scale, and Giant-Scale retract systems made by CJM, these controllers provide the bi-directional power to the motor that is required for correct operation. We were the original manufacturers of all the controllers used by CJM over that last 7-8 years, and since they have now ceased operations, we are now able to sell these controllers directly to those customers who need replacements, as well as to those modelers looking for a controller for retracts made by other manufacturers. These controllers can be easily configured (before shipping) to work with many other brands of brushed-motor electric retracts. If you need a new controler for a non-CJM retract system, or just want a better or a more reliable controller than the one supplied with your retracts, give us a call, or use our Contact Form to give us the details, and we'll work with you to see if we can help. In some cases we may ask that you send us one or both of your retracts to test so that we can take current measurements and modify the programming and stall points to provide a solid, reliable, and fool-proof controller for your gear.
These controllers are designed to operate on a receiver that is running a 5.0-6.0 volts, but can be used on HV receivers with the addition of a simple regulator. They are capable of powering motors that operate on almost any voltage, and they use a current-sensing circuit that eliminates the need for cut-off switches or other types of mechanical switches to indicate the end of the run. When the retract reaches it's full up or full down position, or if it encounters an obsticle that prevents it from moving correctly, the circuit will cut power to either motor independantly, to prevent overheating of the motor's wires and/or draining of the retract's battery. Check the Product Details section at right for more information about their operation and features.
IMPORTANT NOTE: These controllers are not compatible with electric retract systems that use a servo, or that contain their own controller circuits. Some electric retracts that come pre-installed in the ARFs made by certain manufacturers use a controller that is made into the system and is triggered differently. If you have a retract system that contains a built-in controller with which you are having problems, give us a call or send us a message, and we may be able to provide you with a circuit that will solve your problem.
All three retract cables are 24" long. The two Landing Light cables are 30" long.
F3DL Deluxe Retract Controller
The operation of this controller is simple, and virtually automatic. Plug the controller's servo cable into the channel you want to use to control the gear using a standard sero Y, or separately into a spare channel that is slaved to the gear channel. Option switches on the main circuit board allow you to configure the controller for various models and setups, including:
- 2 or 3-Gear Systems
- Reversable Nose-wheel/Tail-wheel output
- Tail-wheel retracts that are smaller (and have a lower stall threshold)
- Delay on Left Main Gear (Warbirds)
- Gear Door Sequencing
- P-51/P-47 Gear Door Cycling (Doors that do/do not close after gear are down)
Consult the Instruction Manual for specific instructions on configuring the Option Switches.
When the model's receiver is turned on, the controller will attempt to lower the gear without any command from the transmitter. This feature allows the controller to know the current position of the gear, and allows it accurately control the postion and operation of the gear doors, the state of the landing lights, and other features. When the gear have moved to the fully down position, gear doors will be sequenced (if this option is selcted), and the Landing Lights (if connected) will come on. The circuit will then wait for the transmitter's gear switch to be moved to the down position before continuing. When the "Gear Up" command is detected from the transmitter, gear doors will move as required by the options selected, and the gear will raise. When the circuit detects that the gear have moved to the full up position, it will cut power to the motors independently, and when all gear are up, the Landing Lights will go off.
This controller is designed to be used with retract systems that utilize a separate battery (not the receiver's battery) to power the gear motors. If your model's retracts are powered by the receiver's battery, contact us for options on a circuit that will work with your retracts.
Weight: 85 grams
