Model Boat Mayhem
Technical, Techniques, Hints, and Tips => Radio Equipment => Topic started by: FletchQLD on August 04, 2013, 08:34:35 am
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Hi there.
I don't know if this question would be considered to come from left field but, I want to avoid purchase of a new controller at this stage of my build.
Can I create a wired switch panel to emulate input to the esc/motor and rudder sevo? In this way I could test/demonstrate all aspects of electrics/controls while in 'drydock' without a radio control.
What sort of switches would I use to best recreate the control switches?
cheers
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Do you mean something like this? http://www.action-electronics.co.uk/pat.php (http://www.action-electronics.co.uk/pat.php) >P22 Servo Swinger
DM
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Yes, something much like that, thanks inertia - but I was thinking I could use the onboard batteries - and just have two switches.
The way I see it ships main battery pack goes in to the switch panel, and both the esc and rudder servo come out of the switch panel.
I was imagining like the balance (l/r) and volume (low/high) controls on a stereo - 2 x potentiometers I can get for $2 each.
Can I just wire the battery to the servo and esc directly like that?
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http://www.action-electronics.co.uk/pdfs/P59.pdf (http://www.action-electronics.co.uk/pdfs/P59.pdf)
Either works off its own battery if the device being tested doesn't give power (like a servo), or can test an ESC that has a working BEC.
Normally, anything plugged into the RX wants 5 volts from somewhere. BEC ESCs supply it for themselves from the main battery, and if the red wire in the RX lead is left intact, to the RX. The RX acts as a 5 volt distribution panel, and powers everything plugged into it. The servo tester just acts as a surrogate RX.
Once the system is up and running, adding extra switches is just a recipe for future aggravation.
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Yes, something much like that, thanks inertia - but I was thinking I could use the onboard batteries - and just have two switches.
The way I see it ships main battery pack goes in to the switch panel, and both the esc and rudder servo come out of the switch panel.
I was imagining like the balance (l/r) and volume (low/high) controls on a stereo - 2 x potentiometers I can get for $2 each.
Can I just wire the battery to the servo and esc directly like that?
I'm afraid servos and ESCs just don't work on a simple variable voltage so you can't just connect them to a battery via a two buck pot. Any device connected to a receiver will only 'read' and decode a variable signal pulse of +5v between 1-2mS long. Something like a P22 is probably the cheapest and easiest way of producing such a signal. You could mount a couple of these behind your switch panel instead of fitting them in a box, and use a linear voltage regulator (like an ACTion P19) to reduce the main battery down to suit the P22 (5v-6v).
All that said, your switch panel will be redundant after doing whatever it is you use it for, and you will still need to set up the ESC and servo with the radio set when you eventually buy it. The silly prices of cheap 2.4GHZ radios make me wonder if you might not be best advised to by-pass your 'switch panel' stage and save yourself both money and time.
Suit yourself.
DM
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Thankyou to all who replied. Inertias response is bang on and explains not only what I can't do, but why not.
cheers
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Hi Inertia just had a look for the p38 signal test kit on component shop website but can't find it and the search does'nt work, any inea if they still do it or has it been discontinued
regards Jack.
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PM sent.
DM
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Amusing, in the not too distant past, a plug and play system built into part of the radio equipment by one manufacturer of the day that enabled the operator (invariably flier) to plug the transmitter into the receiver for ground control tests on all the control servos on the flying field (or pond side) without turning RF output on. Also that most transmitters at that time had either a battery level indicator or an RF output-ometer.
Still, in moments of boredom neither could we play Tele Tennis or Tetris on our transmitter LCD {-)
Regards Ian.
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I couldn't see what transmitter/Reciever system you are using,but
I use a Futaba F14 Navy with my Hermes model and when on display I remove the RX crystal and plug in the Futaba 'trainer' module, used for aircraft on the buddy box principle.
This allows me full control with no RF used for shows etc.
Hope this helps
Rex
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Giant Shark sell a servo tester
http://www.giantshark.co.uk/product/170099/gt-power-rc-1-3-servo-tester (http://www.giantshark.co.uk/product/170099/gt-power-rc-1-3-servo-tester)