Interested in retrofitting a compact remote control onto a golf buggy,
to control at least two functions, forward motion and steering. Ready
made R/C, that is available for the model airplane hobby would work
well, however the transmitters are too cumbersome.

Are there any key fob transmitter units, or similar, that could be used with a
typical R/C hobby receiver/ servo set?

 

This uses a fob to activate relays. You could easily use that rather than standard steering, use skid steer.

a 4 button fob, for forward, reverse, left forward only and right forward only.

The 4 relays would run 2 motors. 1 motor connects to the right 2 wheels, and 1 motor to the left 2.

http://rentron.com/QRELAY.htm

and

http://www.rentron.com/Linx/HHLR.htm

Now you just need motors, wheels and a battery. (and a frame for holding the golf bag)

May think of using tank treads.

 

Thanks Retched, for the links. I came across those already. This could work,
as the buggy I have, has a fixed axel while the drive mechanism is
unidirectional, so a three function remote could suffice.

If only the remotes of hobby planes, etc. were more compact...

.

 

I would buy a $10 remote controlled toy, and use the servos in it.
You can easily adapt them into motors and larger servos. You just need the crystals.