Receiver
From Combat Robot
General
The receiver is the device which receives the driver's commands from the transmitter and translates them into a signal which it uses to control other components (such as servos or electronic speed controllers). Radio control receivers can range from hacked AM band toy electronics through digital hobby radios and on into custom built radio interfaces.
A receiver is matched to its application based on its size, weight, durability, the number of channels it can receive, as well as the frequency on which it does so. A two channel receiver could control a drivetrain's forward and backward movement as well as its turning, a third channel could control a weapon motor or servo, a fourth perhaps a SRiMech, and so on.
Hobby Grade R/C
All modern hobby grade R/C systems have a standardized control signal output from the receiver that can be used to control any hobby grade R/C output devices (servos, electronic speed controllers, R/C switches, gyros, etc.). This makes for a modular design and a freedom of application that is quite desirable and often utilized in combat robotics. Most hobby R/C and robotics-specific components have compatible connectors, although the wire color code and wire sequence in the connector can vary (see Radio compatibility).
R/C gear hacked from toys is generally not compatible with hobby grade components and may not be allowable for larger robots or robots with active weaponry. Check the rules for the sponsoring organization before attempting to use toy grade radio gear for a combat robot.
See also
Wikipedia article on Servo control
