Open Panzer

Open Panzer Help & Info => Open Panzer Help => Topic started by: Tom on March 20, 2017, 09:42:51 PM

Title: Benedini TBS Mini
Post by: Tom on March 20, 2017, 09:42:51 PM
I believe the Benedini update should be ready soon and most likely will happen before the release date of the TCB correct?
Title: Re: Benedini TBS Mini
Post by: LukeZ on March 21, 2017, 04:19:29 PM
That is certainly my hope, but Thomas Benedini operates on his own schedule so his software release is up to him.
Title: Re: Benedini TBS Mini
Post by: Tom on March 23, 2017, 01:03:44 PM
Thomas just said he expects it to be released in 4 weeks from now.
Title: Re: Benedini TBS Mini
Post by: Tom on April 14, 2017, 01:10:38 AM
Note from Thomas..it looks like the TBS mini update may be this weekend :)


Hello Thomas,

Update will be posted on the website.
I hope to finish the update this weekend.
Sorry for the long time you had to wait.

I want to wish you happy Easter days and best regards
Thomas
Title: Re: Benedini TBS Mini
Post by: Tom on April 15, 2017, 10:14:52 PM

Just saw this update on the website.
I like the Load sensor right off the bat.

TBS Flash 3.0

New TBS Mini features:

1. Sensor input:
- Speed sensor:
Adaption of engine rpm to real model speed
f.e. pitoto tube sensor in aircrafts

- Load sensor:
Adaption of engine rpm to real model load
f.e. current sensor in vehicles

2. New servo functions:
- Gun recoil
- Control of retractable landing gears in planes (Doorsequencer)

3. New airplane light functions (ACL beacon):
Configurable 3x, 2x and 1x flasher
Title: Re: Benedini TBS Mini
Post by: Tom on April 16, 2017, 06:37:24 PM
To clarify..does the load sensor drop the engine sound a bit lower in pitch when the motors are under
an actual load..as in climbing a hill etc? ( I believe that is one of the features of the El Mod)
Title: Re: Benedini TBS Mini
Post by: Tom on April 17, 2017, 03:33:47 PM
Thomas just clarified that one..yes engine pitch drops down when actual load
is on motors. Very nice :)
Title: Re: Benedini TBS Mini
Post by: LukeZ on April 17, 2017, 04:00:29 PM
Thomas did release his new firmware over the weekend and I've released a TCB firmware update today to take advantage of the new features, which are primarily the increase in number of possible sounds when using the Mini, and the elimination of the teaching sequence that was previously required. I had a YouTube video about that teaching routine which I've taken down since it is no longer necessary, so if you wonder where that went now you know.

The Wiki page has been updated with new instructions for interfacing the TCB with the TBS Mini, please read it here for more information. (http://openpanzer.org/wiki/doku.php?id=wiki:tcb:tcbinstall:sound_benedini_v3)

Tom, the load sensor feature that Thomas added will not function with the TCB because it uses the same input on the Mini that we use to tell the Mini to start and stop the engine. Even for those wanting to use that feature I am skeptical of its effect, as the load on the electric motors in our models doesn't vary that much in response to terrain (at least in 1/16th scale). The major factor affecting motor load is motor speed, but it would not make sense to decrease the engine sound as motor speed increases. However it is a novel idea and I am impressed at Thomas's ability to think outside the box.

But if people want to pursue that further, the TCB itself can read a load sensor (using general purpose input A or B), which could then be used to modify the engine speed signal sent to the TBS Mini (or any other sound card). If using the Scout ESC the motor current draw is available directly from the device itself as it has the sensors built-in, and the value could be queried via serial command. This is not something I would probably personally be interested in developing because there are more useful features higher on the priority list, but others are of course free (and encouraged!) to explore any aspect of development that strikes their fancy.
Title: Re: Benedini TBS Mini
Post by: Tom on April 18, 2017, 05:15:45 PM
For some reason I am having trouble opening the and running the new version?
Working okay for everybody?
Title: Re: Benedini TBS Mini
Post by: LukeZ on April 18, 2017, 05:20:19 PM
Opening and running what?
Title: Re: Benedini TBS Mini
Post by: Tom on April 18, 2017, 07:17:53 PM
Flash 3.0
Title: Re: Benedini TBS Mini
Post by: LukeZ on April 18, 2017, 08:39:25 PM
The new version of TBS Flash is working ok for me, I'm running it on Windows 7 64bit. I can help with integration with the TCB but if there's an issue specifically with his software you'll have to ask him for support.
Title: Re: Benedini TBS Mini
Post by: Tom on April 18, 2017, 08:44:41 PM
After saving and extracting the file I have the yellow file
folder on my desktop then when I click and open it
it shows

data        cab archive
install      Windows Installer
insMsi     Application
InsMsiW Application
setup      Application
setup      Configuration setting

Then run set setup.exc (second to last one on the list) and it says finished downloading but can't find or sure what do to actually
open or run the program. My guess is "I" am missing or doing something wrong here.
Will ask Thomas as well.
Title: Re: Benedini TBS Mini
Post by: LukeZ on April 18, 2017, 09:27:49 PM
If the installation was successful then you should be able to find TBS Flash in your Start Menu under Programs.
Title: Re: Benedini TBS Mini
Post by: Tom on April 18, 2017, 09:42:37 PM
Okay got it all set..thanks Luke :)
Title: Re: Benedini TBS Mini
Post by: Tom on April 19, 2017, 07:52:00 AM
Haven't downloaded any new sound files yet with 3.0 flash version of Benedini but it now says 8 bit file
needed. (was using 16 bit wav sounds before) not sure if this has anything to do with the setting
that was downloaded to sync with the TBC or just part of 3.0? For those using Audacity you can convert
to 8 bit by selecting "Other uncompressed files" as the file type in the export dialog then click the "options"
button, and select "WAV (Microsoft) as the header and "Unsigned 8 bit PCM" as the "encoding".
Title: Re: Benedini TBS Mini
Post by: LukeZ on April 19, 2017, 09:34:03 AM
If you read the manual he released with Flash 3.0, it says on page 8:
"The following formats are supported: 8 Bit, 16 Bit, Mono and Stereo at 8000Hz, 11025Hz, 16000Hz or 22050Hz sample rate."

No changes have been made to the sound file formats supported. You can use all the same sound-sets with your Mini as you always have.

And for the eight-bajilionth time, the Open Panzer board is called TCB, not TBC.
Title: Re: Benedini TBS Mini
Post by: Tom on April 19, 2017, 09:46:00 AM

Yes I read that. I just wanted to point out that when I loaded a 16 bit sound file there was a pop up that said
"Sound format error! Sound must be 22,050 kHz, 8 Bit, Mono WAV  Sound is 22,050 kHz, 16 Bit Mono"
So as an FYI if anybody now or every needed to convert to 8 Bit using Audacity; how to do it.
Title: Re: Benedini TBS Mini
Post by: LukeZ on April 19, 2017, 11:05:07 AM
I would contact Thomas about that. Either the message is in error, or else he needs to update the manual.
Title: Re: Benedini TBS Mini
Post by: Tom on April 19, 2017, 02:09:44 PM
I have contacted Thomas about it. Also sorry about the TCB misspelling I am dyslexic end up turning those letters around at times. Probably because of spelling TBS Benedini lol
Title: Re: Benedini TBS Mini
Post by: Tom on April 21, 2017, 01:46:55 PM
Thomas just informed me that everything has to be in 8 bit. Which Audacity can do.

"Audicity should have a option somewhere to save a sound with 22kHz, 8Bit, Mono, WAV format.
Did you check the web already for this? This must be to integrate the sound in a TBS sound file."
Title: Re: Benedini TBS Mini
Post by: Tom on April 25, 2017, 09:06:08 AM
Benedini TBS Mini all set up. A few things.. check the bugs and fixes in the new manual... all sound files must be 8 bit now and make sure to follow the set up procedure on this site to coordinate the TCB with the Benedini! The basic set up is very close to the old system but with some nice changes.  I did notice when listening to the the test sound sample, the words "Benedini sounds" plays over them but this does not happen when playing the final sounds via the Mini . I discussed this and a few other thing with Thomas B. as he is interested in hearing about any issues or views on the new 3.0 version. He is not only a professional but also a true gentleman!