The RCS SIMPLON is a combined Rx and 3 AMP ESC in a small package that does not require programming and will be available from July 1st 2022.
They will be 38 mm x 18 mm x 10 mm and supplied in three formats.
 
              

            "SIMPLON" TOP                       "SIMPLON" BOTTOM

      

              SEE JUST HOW SMALL THE RCS # SIMPLON IS.
1.  The BASIC system will be bare bones with solder pads for just A$ 80.
2.  The picture above shows the CENTRO version which comes fitted with screw terminals on the Power IN - Motor OUT connections & 1/10" spacing header pins for the accessory connections. These add A$ 5 to the base price.
(Low cost servo leads are available for making the actual connections).
3.  The ADVANCED top of the line model will be have screw terminals (as above) and pre-wired JST micro plug and socket connections for lighting outputs and sound function triggers. These will add A$ 10 to the base price.
 
All versions are supplied with clear heatshrink tubing for protection.
 
The RCS # SIMPLON Rx/ESC has four operating modes. These can be selected by using a supplied head shunt & switching the Rx/ESC ON - OFF to choose a Configuration Numbers (C/N) indicated by the Rx LED flashing. 

C/N # 1  (MODE A)).  
Channel # 1 will be CENTRE OFF CONTROL, with channel # 3 a simple servo output.
C/N # 2  (MODE B)
Channel # 3 will be CENTRE OFF CONTROL, with channel # 1 a simple servo output.  This mode enables a second loco to be controlled by one Tx.
C/N # 3  (MODE C)
Channel # 1 will be the regulator (Speed Control) with Channel # 3 the Reverser on a separate Channel.
C/N # 4  (MODE D)
Channel # 3 will be the regulator (Speed Control) with Channel # 1 the Reverser on a separate Channel.

The last two modes are LOW OFF CONTROL and replicate how a live steam loco works. As such they will be ideal for Live Steam operators who want to have a battery R/C loco readily available for those times they need to get something up and running quickly if visitors arrive.
SOUND TRIGGERS
All four modes have sound trigger functions on Channels # 2, 4 & 5. 
Use the # DU-Tx1 handpiece for one sound trigger on channel # 5.
Use the # DU-Tx3 handpiece for three sound triggers.
Access to these sound triggers with a MyLocosound sound system will be via a supplied plug in cable.  
Use the Micron # MR-603 for # DU-Tx5 & # DU-Tx7 Tx's.
Apart from the fused power in terminals, soldering will not be required. 

WHAT TO EXPECT WITH YOUR RCS SIMPLON Rx/ESC.

The RCS SIMPLON Rx/ESC is identical to the Micron MR603 Rx/ESC but does have a couple of differences.  You can identify the RCS product as it is marked with a Gold dot.

The RCS SIMPLON Rx/ESC is designed to handle at least 18 volts. This gives enough headroom to cover a fully charged 4s Li-Ion battery pack. The hardware has been tested up to 19 volts using a regulated and filtered DC supply.
A 3 amp Polyswitch is supplied for self installation on the Power IN battery supply.

The first thing to do is make sure you have the desired C/N # (see above).
This is a one time only procedure.
For the Basic cersion you will need to temporarily bridge the solder pads P2 & P4.
For the Centro middle level versions, apply the supplied headshunt to pins P2 & P4.
For the advanced version use the supplied JST micro size shorting cable to the 3 way cable that is supplied already wired to the hardware. 
Switch the Rx DC power supply ON and wait for the correct number of blinks from the on board LED. As soon as the LED blinks the correct number of times remove the shorting plug.  The on board LED will then flicker fast. 
Turn the Loco OFF and then ON again. The Rx LED will blink a couple of times then go solid ON.  The SIMPLON Rx/ESC is now ready to use.

Before actual use make sure the two TX handpiece knobs are in the correct position. For Centre OFF (c/n # 1) use, both knobs should be in the middle.
For Low OFF (c/n # 3) use, the Channel # 1 knob should be fully anticlockwise. The smaller reverser knob should be in the middle.
In the case of C/N # 3, twist the small Reverser knob fully one way or the other to select the direction desired. The headlight outputs will show which way is selected.
Then slowly twist the large regulator knob clockwise to increase the speed. 
To decrease the speed, twist the large regulator knob to the left (anticlockwise) until the desired speed is reached.  Go fully to the left to stop the loco.  You must do this or the direction change cannot be effected.

Please send RCS an E Mail to register your interest.  First in will get preferential delivery from the limited supply of the first batch.

A higher voltage version (up to 5s) # SIMPLON-HV will be available later in 2022.
Also planned are ESC only versions (No Rx) so they can be used with any brand of R/C. They will be called # OMEGA-11 & # OMEGA-12

NEWS FROM MICRON RADIO CONTROL.
Also due in July 1st from MICRON RADIO CONTROL will be their first replacement (Deltang Rx65) combined Rx/ESC # MR603.
It will be fully programmable and has been designed to handle 4s (14.8 volt) Li-Ion battery packs, plus 12 x cell (14.4 volts) rechargeable hybrid NiMh/Alkaline packs with an absolute maximum voltage, of 18 real volts.

http://www.micronradiocontrol.co.uk/product/micron/mr603.html
The MR603 user manual  is here;
http://www.micronradiocontrol:.co.uk/product/micron/mr603a_info.html

OTHER NEWS FROM RCS.
Our upgraded RCS Duplex handpieces are now available.  Run two locos at the same time from one Tx.
The handpieces are marked Cab "A" & Cab "B".

AN ENHANCED VERSION OF THE # DU-TX5, OUR MOST POPULAR HANDPIECE FOR ADVANCED LIVE STEAM USE.
ALL CHANNEL KNOBS ARE MOUNTED ON THE FRONT OF THE HANDPIECE CASE.
WOULD YOU LIKE TO RUN TWO LIVE STEAMERS AT THE SAME TIME ON THE ONE HANDPIECE?
JUST REPLACE THE BIG KNOB WITH THE SUPPLIED SMALLER ONE.
VOILA!! A DUPLEX HANDPIECE.

CLICK HERE FOR AFFORDABLE 2.4 GHz 
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