Open Panzer
Open Panzer Help & Info => Open Panzer Help => Topic started by: johnnyvd on April 17, 2018, 05:03:51 PM
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I happened to come across this:
Ordered one from HobbyKing and it will probably work fine if you would use a servo for turret rotation.
But i was wondering if it would be possible to use the internal drive units on the TCB maybe general I/O in-out?
Seems the Gecko would be a good alternative, but as the TCB has the drives already integrated...
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The Geko is just a brushed speed controller, it's not clear he's even still selling it, but any brushed ESC (with forward and reverse) would work the same (this one from Banggood (https://www.banggood.com/10A-ESC-Brushed-Speed-Controller-For-RC-Car-And-Boat-Without-Brake-p-966363.html?cur_warehouse=CN) would be small and cheap). This would let you use your standard HengLong/Taigen turret drive instead of a servo.
The whole setup would be independent of the TCB. Just set your turret rotation to RC Output, attach the gyro unit to RC Output 3 on the TCB and then attach the output of the gyro to your ESC which then controls the turret motor. But yes, that does require you to buy an ESC.
There isn't really a good way to use the onboard drivers in this capacity. The way these inexpensive gyros work is by modifying a standard RC signal. Because the onboard ESCs are precisely that (onboard), there is no RC signal to tap into midway between the processor and the motor driver chips. Nor are we presently able to read a standard RC signal, which is what these gyros put out. Right now the I/O pins only read analog or digital inputs but not PWM.
Theoretically, it may be possible to program the I/O pins to read PWM (although I'm not sure off the top of my head if we have the processor resources to do this). If so, theoretically, it may be possible to send an RC signal out the TCB, into the gyro, then from the gyro back into the TCB through one of the I/O ports, then use that to control the onboard motor driver. This is all theoretical but I think I it is rather complicated and I am not likely to pursue it...
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Okay, that's clear. It also just occured to me that the Geko is just an brushed ESC.. i have some stuff lying around and do some tests.
The whole question was to save on the servo connections...
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hello,johnnyvd and luke, brian from south oz here, did you fit the turret lock set up? i have got in the bits and would like to give it a try, a wiring diagram would be a great help if you could post one, all is going very well with my tcb set up,very pleased, very reliable, cheers thanks in advance, regards brian
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I happened to come across this:
Ordered one from HobbyKing and it will probably work fine if you would use a servo for turret rotation.
But i was wondering if it would be possible to use the internal drive units on the TCB maybe general I/O in-out?
Seems the Gecko would be a good alternative, but as the TCB has the drives already integrated...
hi together.
this is the most interesting solution i've seen in the last time.
i am thinking about to use a 3-axis-gyro and connect them with RC OUT 3 and 4.
- barrel elevation with a small dig. servo
- turret rotation with an ESC and like shown in the video.
regards
Ulrich
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Hi Ulrich,
I was much too busy building a lot of (non OP related) RC tanks.. I recently got several commisions for OP builds again.. So i will start my investigation on the Gyro lock i still have lying around.. Keep you posted!
Cheers, John
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Hi John.
many thanks for your feedback. and no problem. there's no hurry. i am still looking around at ALI for a gyro and i think i have found one which can work.
when i am right can you use one from the I/O port as a switch. this should make it possible to turn on/off/toggle the state from the gryo.
after CNY we'll see more.
regards
Ulrich
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when i am right can you use one from the I/O port as a switch. this should make it possible to turn on/off/toggle the state from the gryo.
Ulrich, usually RC gyros which use a second channel to adjust the gyro settings require that channel to be in standard RC PWM format, but the general purpose I/O ports on the TCB are just on/off. So it is unlikely that would work.
However if you have any spare RC outputs on the TCB that you are not using (depends on your setup, but usually a couple end up being free), then you can set that RC output as a "pass-through" and assign it to one of your free Aux channels (on the Functions tab of OP Config). Then you will be able to control your gyro from your radio using that channel, just as if you were using a standard RC receiver.
When you get your gyro and are doing testing let us know if this doesn't make sense and I'll help walk you through it.
You are right though, for now we all have to suffer through Chinese New Year!
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Hi Luke.
Many thanks for your support. this was the hint which i've needed.
checked the software for the TCB and it "looks" good.
the order is placed. date for delivery: 20th march
regards
Ulrich
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the order is placed. date for delivery: 20th march
I hope you are very patient! CNY is a real pain every year...
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a first prototpye for the turret mounting from servo's
a lot is improvised for testing.
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Hi Luke.
today i want to program the TCB with the pass-through from RC6/RC7 (using the TG-Soundmodul) but i can't "forward" any source. or what can i use to forward the 3-pos-switch?
regards Ulrich
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Hi Ulrich, first set your aux channel type to "Analog" and then the passthrough function for that channel will appear in the function list.
This might sound confusing if you source channel is actually a switch, but that is the way passthrough works. It will still pass through whatever the signal is, be it a switch or anything else.
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Hi Luke.
Many thanks for your support. this was the hint which i've needed.
checked the software for the TCB and it "looks" good.
the order is placed. date for delivery: 20th march
regards
Ulrich
Hi Ulrich, what Gyro did you order if i may ask??
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Hi John.
it drive me nuts.
yesterday i've written a mail to the manufacturer.
when i switch it on. the "correction" from the gun works but the turret don't turn.
when i switch it into 3d mode - the servo for the gun barrel "turns around" - the programmed angle doesn't match - but the turret turns like i want - left right - great.
also tested in the different modes for "normal plane", flying wing and v-tail ...
regards
Ulrich
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Problem in "normal" mode is the ESC behind for turning the turret. it wants to turn but don't move.
when i connect a servo it work very well.
i have built in a 3-axis gyro. now i am asking me if it would be better to replace it with a 6-axis gyro with more features or the 3rd one with "hover" or "balance" mode.
for details see screenshot
built in is at the moment the "right" one - column 4
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Hi Ulrich, can you give us a link to the gyro you are using as well as to the other ones you are considering? It would be nice for us to see what you're doing so we can follow along, or try it ourselves.
You will want to make sure the ESC you are using for the turret rotation does not have "brake" enabled (most do). With brake it will not want to change direction immediately.
The other problem I would think is that the standard turret rotation motors (Heng Long/Taigen) are very slow and would not be able to move fast enough. A high speed servo, modified for continuous rotation, might work better.
From your description it sounds like in theory the 3-axis gyro is all you need, the problem is in the mechanical implementation (if I understand you correctly). There is actually no such thing as a "6-axis" gyro, there are only ever 3 axis of movement. What they call "6-axis" just means essentially that it is more sensitive, but the functionality is going to be basically the same. However as you point out maybe one of the advanced "modes" available on the "6-axis" would work better in practice.
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Hi Luke.
thanks for your reply.
i've already used several ESC without brake. one started directly with grumbling after plug to the OP board. (the "grumbler", brake is switchable https://www.aliexpress.com/item/OCDAY-RC-ESC-20A-Brush-Motor-Speed-Controller-w-Brake-for-RC-Car-Boat-Tank/32802971854.html?spm=a2g0s.9042311.0.0.27424c4dT9fTqC)
these one completly without break function. (https://www.aliexpress.com/item/JMT-20A-Brushed-ESC-Car-Motor-Speed-Controller-Bothway-No-brake-function-For-1-16-1/32766637613.html?spm=a2g0s.9042311.0.0.27424c4daFY0Xg) and used for the turning unit.
also is the turning unit modified. one gear reduction is removed and also the motor. a much faster one from a small 1/24 buggy. a lot of torque and 60% more rpm's
see screen shot for details.
i've used the HL/TG unit. drilled some new holes. changed postion from gears. that's it. the mounting points for the TU from the HL Leopard upper hull fit. the ring from the turret sit a bit strong but don't move any more will driving. turning with this modified unit is nearly scale (and not so fast like the Clark one)
more details about the gyros will you find here.
www.hobbyeagle.com
A3-L is built inside the Leo 2
one solution which should work (when i calculate it right)
a second gyro from the same type
- one in "normal mode" for the gun
- one in "3D mode" for turning
i know about the channels. i can use 6 and 7 in passtrough mode with 3-pos-switches
else the other gyro which i am thinking about - A3S3 - will work in "hover" or any other mode. here is the possibility for a "user defined mode". may be it works. but the request which i've started is still unanswered.
regards Ulrich
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Here's a small video about how it works. it has a delay ...
meanwhile have i ordered the A3S3 and hope that it wokrs better because of the config-possibilites.
regards
Ulrich
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If I understand your earlier comments correctly, it is possible to get a gyro to work on one axis or the other correctly, but since they are designed for helicopters and not tanks, there is not an appropriate mode that will control both the turret rotation and barrel elevation channels in the manner we need, is that about right?
I wonder if using two independent single-axis gyros, one for each channel, might be the simplest approach. But we will look forward to seeing your progress with the A3S3.
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Hi,
the best and easy solution is the StabiWii from Squirler.
It works direct without any delay and is fully configurable.
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I wonder if using two independent single-axis gyros, one for each channel, might be the simplest approach. But we will look forward to seeing your progress with the A3S3.
Hi Luke.
i've looked for single axis gyros but have not found what i'am looking for. so i've tried the above one.
@jhamm
i am looking for an easy solution. which is for all easy in use, installation and configuration. plug and p(l/r)ay ;-)
(about MultiWii -> i know how to use and configure.)
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"normal function in 3D-mode" when powering on WITHOUT moving gun barrel after init.
after moving gun barrel