GWS Modifications
Home
DIYRC STORE
About DIYRC.COM
What's New?
R/C Switches
Servo Projects
Tx/Rx Projects
LED Projects
Battery Projects
PCB Projects
Wireless Video
PIC Projects
Other R/C Projects
SOFTWARE
Favorite Links
Forums/Chat...
Photo & Videos
Customers
LIVE WEBCAM
Contact Us

07/17/2013
Earthmen Productions
Earthmen Productions
© Dec-00-Mar-12

 

 

 

 

Home | Campac Projects | GWS Modifications | "Glitch" Monitor | R/C Locator | R/C Recorder | R.A.I.D.S. | Frequency Monitor
Updated: July 17, 2013

GWS Receiver Modification Projects

ADDING SERVO CHANNELS

History

Parts

Building

Testing & Operation

Notes

ADDING NEW  PPM DECODER

History

Parts

Building

Testing & Operation

Notes

ADDING NEW ANTENNA

History

Parts

Building

Testing & Operation

Notes

Note: All pictures that follow are "clickable".  Clicking on them will show you an enlargement!

A lil' history ...
    Many years ago, I acquired my very first 4 channel GWS receiver I had purchased on Ebay.  Not only was the price fair ($24 + s/h), but it's a fairly nifty, small and light device.  The only downside in my eyes is that it's only single conversion (Oh well, still good for close-in R/C electric flying).  Before purchasing this unit, I dug around on the internet, visiting and reading many articles regarding the GWS 4-channel unit.  During one discussion topic I was engaged in, I few of us were taking about the possibility of adding more servo channels to the 4-channel receiver.  Another fellow (wish I remember who he was) had basically reversed engineered the GWS 4 channel unit only to find out that the design used in the 4-channel unit was in fact the same used in the 8-channel GWS receiver.  And if you look closely at the chip of concern (yes, it is a tiny SMD!), you will find 4 unused leads.  These basically are for channels 5-8.  No kidding!  The downside of all this is how the heck do you extend these out to 4 more servo connectors.  Well, in my application (a foamy), I required 5 channels total.  I therefore modified my 4-channel GWS receiver into a 5-channel receiver.  This is article is about how I did just that!

http://www.gws.com.tw/english/product/receiver/receiver.htm

http://www.gws.com.tw/english/product/receiver/r4p.htm

Parts & Tools List ...

1) 4-Channel GWS Receiver (one you don't mind fouling up... they are only $20 ea.)
2) 22-28 gauge stranded wire (thinner the better)
3) Very fine tip soldering iron (25w max... temp controlled a plus)
4) Masking tape and razor blade
5) Most importantly... A STEADY HAND!  (& patience of course)

Building Instructions...

Here's a few pictures that show the 4 channel GWS receiver PCB and parts.  The decoder chip is in the center (one with many legs).  The last picture below show you the required connections for obtaining 4 additional receiver channels (#5-8)

NOTE:  Notice that on the last picture (channel 5 and 8 are noted) the figure only shows Channel 5 and Channel 8.  The two pins between these are Channels 6 and 7 respectively (left to right).

 

Cut a thin strip out of a strip of masking tape (about same width as solder land).  Lay masking tape over chip pads such that the pad you want to solder to (and only this pad) is exposed via the slit.

 

 

 

First, tin connecting wire, then quickly heat while applying to exposed solder land on the decoder chip.  Masking tape and slit stops jump-overs (i.e. shorts) when soldering fine pitch lands.

 

 

 

Remove tape, observe proper connection and then test.  Once satisfied, apply a dab of silicone to support wire/leads (this as shown is Channel 5, servo signal wire)

Solder other wires for channels 6 through 8 if required, using the same technique of applying a make-shift "solder mask" made from ordinary masking tape.

 

 

 

 

  
On the bottom of the board, solder the other two required servo wires (+V and Ground) for each channel you are adding.

 

 


 

Support these wires also with a little dab of silicone (not shown here in picture but highly recommended)

 

 

 

 

Testing and Operation Instructions...

1) After making each channel connection you need (#5 through ?), be sure to test the connection by applying the output of this wire to a spare servo's signal lead (you'll also need to apply power and ground wires to servo to test properly).  After testing each connection, you can secure each wire to the PCB with silicone or like.


Additional Notes...

1) ...more coming soon

 

Earthmen Productions
Earthmen Productions
© Dec-00-Mar-12

horizontal rule

horizontal rule

 


 

        

Home | Campac Projects | GWS Modifications | "Glitch" Monitor | R/C Locator | R/C Recorder | R.A.I.D.S. | Frequency Monitor

Home | DIYRC STORE | About DIYRC.COM | What's New? | R/C Switches | Servo Projects | Tx/Rx Projects | LED Projects | Battery Projects | PCB Projects | Wireless Video | PIC Projects | Other R/C Projects | SOFTWARE | Favorite Links | Forums/Chat... | Photo & Videos | Customers | LIVE WEBCAM | Contact Us

This site was last updated 03/30/12