Open Source Arduino RC Transmitter SIM Setup Project

Hey everyone,

I’ve been working on something I think a lot of RC hobbyists might find exciting, and I’m finally ready to share the first open-source release.

I’m calling it:
RCXTAV-02V1
(RC X Tavros – 2 Channel Version 1)

The goal of this project is to build the cheapest, most feature-rich hobby-grade RC receiver interface that turns your existing RC gear into a controller for PC and console games. GITHUB: https://github.com/TavrosBaker/RCXTAV-Middle-Firmware/tree/main

🔧 What It Does

The idea is simple:

* Take any hobby-grade RC transmitter & receiver kit (any brand, any channel count).

* Plug your receiver into the RCXTAV-02V1.

* The device listens to your receiver’s signals and translates them into keyboard or gamepad inputs.

* You can then use your RC transmitter to play driving, flight, or simulator games — no extra adapters or special controllers required.

So far, it works on:

* ✅ PC (almost all games out of the box)

* ✅ Xbox One (most games)

* ⚠️ Nintendo Switch (some games)

* ⚠️ PlayStation (some games)

Default bindings are set to WASD for compatibility, but everything can be remapped.

🛠 Hardware & Firmware

The current build (V1) uses the Arduino Uno R4 WiFi (~$50 AUD).

I’ve written custom firmware, called Middle 1, which:

* Hosts an optional self-contained web server over WiFi.

* Lets you monitor live controller inputs (which channel, how much).

* Allows rebinding keys to suit different games.

* Provides a way to tweak & customize without reprogramming the board.

The whole project is open-source — I’ll have the firmware and setup instructions on GitHub before posting this.

⚡ Current Bugs / Limitations

Since this is still an early version, there are a few quirks:

1. If the device is powered before the RC transmitter, it can spam keyboard inputs. (Still working on a fix that won’t cause mid-game timeouts.)

2. The device needs ~6–10 seconds after being plugged in to fully connect to WiFi and sync with your receiver.

Other than that, it’s already usable and surprisingly fun.

🎮 Why Bother?

A lot of people ask: “Why not just plug in a controller with a USB cable?”
Two reasons:

1. Wireless freedom – No cables tying you down.

2. Compatibility – That USB cable usually only works on PC. This project lets you use your RC gear on PC, Xbox One, and more.

With this, you can turn something like Forza Horizon 5 on Xbox One into a fully RC-controlled car simulator with minimal cost.

🌱 The Bigger Picture

This is just Version 1. My long-term vision is to turn this into an ultra-cheap, open-source kit that anyone can build or buy pre-assembled. One device that works with any RC system, on almost any gaming platform, with full customization.

Right now, the focus is on getting the basics solid and building a community around it.

📂 Open Source

Middle 1 Firmware and setup guide can be found on the github: https://github.com/TavrosBaker/RCXTAV-Middle-Firmware/tree/main

💬 I’d love to hear what you think — whether you’d try this out, what features you’d want in future versions, or if you have ideas for improvements.

Thanks for reading, and I hope some of you will jump in and help push this forward!

— RCXTAV Dev