Table of Contents
Function Notes
- Many functions that allow you to turn something on and off will offer three options - on, off, and toggle. Using the individual on and off functions works well when you have a two-position switch and you want one position to be On and the other position to be Off. The toggle option works well if you have a three position switch and you want to control two different things from a single switch. For example, let's say you want to be able to turn on/off both the engine and engage/disengage the transmission from a single three-position switch. We could for example set position 1 of the switch to trigger the “Engine - Toggle On/Off” function and position 3 of the switch to trigger the “Transmission - Toggle On/Off” function. We assign no function at all to the middle position (position 2). Now we can turn on or off the engine at will every time we move the switch from the middle position to position 1. We can engage/disengage the transmission whenever we move the switch from the middle position to position 3.
- Remember that you can assign multiple triggers to the same function. Likewise, a single trigger can be assigned to multiple functions.
- The list below is the complete list of possible functions, but not all functions may be available to you. That is because some functions are only possible depending on certain conditions. For example the “External Output A - Turn On” function will obviously not be available if you have general purpose I/O A set to input instead of output. Any such limitations will be described below.
- The list of functions you see in OP Config may be in a different order than shown here.
- Functions that perform discrete operations require a “digital” trigger (switch on your transmitter for example). Functions that modify some value or parameter require an analog trigger (lever or knob on the transmitter for example). The type is listed in parentheses next to the function name:
(D) = requires a digital trigger
(A) = requires an analog trigger - Some functions come in multiples with the same name followed by an action, for example, Engine - Turn On, Engine - Turn Off, and Engine - Toggle On/Off. These will show up as three distinct entries in the Function List, but in the documentation below may be combined into a single entry with a heading like this: Engine - On | Off | Toggle.
Complete List of Functions
Engine
Keep in mind that you can not turn the engine on/off faster than the Engine On/Off Delay setting on the Driving tab in OP Config. Also, you don't have to use any functions for the engine if you don't want: you can set the engine to turn on automatically with the throttle stick, and you can have it automatically turn off after a set amount of time at idle. See the Driving tab in OP Config for these settings.
Engine - On | Off | Toggle (D)
The On function will turn the engine on, the Off function will turn the engine off, and the Toggle function will toggle the engine status (on → off, off → on).
Transmission
Of course there is no such thing as an actual “transmission” in our models, but instead we create the effect of one in software. The transmission will automatically engage a few moments after the engine is started (the exact amount of time is set by the Transmission Engage Delay to allow for the engine startup sound to play - see the Driving tab in OP Config for this setting). The only reason you might want to disengage the transmission manually is if you want to rev the engine, which affects the sound and smoke units, without the tank moving. This is a cool effect to impress your friends, but if you are short on triggers you can operate your model just fine without any of these functions.
Transmission - On | Off | Toggle (D)
The On function will engage the transmission, the Off function will disengage the transmission, and the Toggle function will toggle the transmission status (engaged → disengaged, disengaged → engaged).
Manual Transmission - Forward | Reverse | Neutral (D)
If your radio does no have a self-centering throttle stick you can assign these three functions to a 3-position switch to manually select the vehicle direction, and the throttle stick will be used to adjust speed only, instead of speed and direction both. Note that when these functions are implemented the TCB will prevent you from starting the engine until you are in neutral gear. Note also when you manually select forward or reverse gear the transmission is immediately engaged for you so there is no need to assign a separate channel to engage/disengage the transmission. Beware! In manual transmission mode there is no way to apply a brake unless you change gear from forward to reverse or vice-versa! Brakes are typically only needed when you are using deceleration constraints (momentum).
Driving Adjustments
Drive Profile Set to 1 | 2 | Toggle (D)
Acceleration and deceleration settings can be defined for two profiles on the Driving tab of OP Config. Profile 1 is the default and its settings will always apply unless one of these functions are triggered to change the profile on the fly. One potential use is to define a profile with high acceleration and deceleration constraints for scale driving, and the other with no constraints for IR battle.
Set Acceleration Level (A)
When assigned to an analog trigger (such as a knob on your transmitter), you can vary the level of the acceleration constraint from none to full (instant acceleration to very slow), but only if the Enable Acceleration Constraint option is checked on the Driving tab of OP Config.
Set Deceleration Level (A)
When assigned to an analog trigger (such as a knob on your transmitter), you can vary the level of the deceleration constraint from none to full (instant stop to very slow deceleration), but only if the Enable Deceleration Constraint option is checked on the Driving tab of OP Config.
Reduce Speed to 75% | 50% | 25% (D)
Calling these functions will reduce the driving speed to 75%, 50% or 25% of its preset limit. The preset limit is specified by the user on the Driving tab of OP Config. The reductions apply to both forward and reverse speeds equally. An example will help explain how these functions work. On the Driving tab of OP Config, the user has specified a fixed speed limit for the vehicle of 100% in forward, and 70% in reverse. Now the user assigns a trigger to the “Reduce Speed to 50%” function. When this trigger occurs the function is executed and the new speed limits are now 50% in forward (half of 100%), and 35% in reverse (half of 70%). You can use these functions to reduce throttle sensitivity when needed for tight maneuvering. To restore speed to its preset limits, use the Restore Speed function below.
Restore Speed (D)
If the drive speed has been reduced by using one of the Reduce Speed functions (see above), use this function to restore the vehicle speed to its preset limits. The preset limits are specified by the user on the Driving tab of OP Config.
Turning Adjustments
Set Turn Mode = 1 | 2 | 3 (D)
The default Turn Mode is set on the Driving tab of OP Config, but you can also use these three functions to change the turn mode on the fly. Only applies to tanks and halftracks, not cars. Since there are three modes, assigning them to a 3-position switch works very well to experiment with each one. Some find Turn Mode 1 more effective when moving at very slow speeds or precisely maneuvering around obstacles, whereas Turn Modes 2 and 3 provide smoother turning at speed. A detailed description of each turn mode can be read on the Driving tab of OP Config.
Neutral Turns - Enable | Disable | Toggle (D)
The default setting for whether neutral turns are allowed or not is defined on the Driving tab of OP Config, but you can also use these three functions to change the setting on the fly. Only applies to tanks and halftracks, not cars.
Cannon and Related Functions
Most people will only need to use the Cannon Fire function and that is all. It will take care of all the many effects involved as described below. However for custom applications or unusual requirements, you can break most of these effects into their individual components and control them separately.
Cannon Fire (D)
This is the function most people will want to use to fire the cannon. It will run the mechanical recoil unit or the airsoft unit (depending on which is selected), it will send the IR code (battle or repair depending on the position of the Fight/Repair switch), it will always initiate the servo recoil effect on RC Output 5 whether you are using one or not, and of course it will also fire the high intensity flash unit and play the cannon fire sound - all from a single function.
Airsoft/Mech Recoil - Enable | Disable | Toggle (D)
These three functions allow you to control whether the airsoft or mechanical recoil action (whichever is currently selected) will be included in the Cannon Fire function. When enabled, the airsoft/mechanical recoil action is included when the Cannon Fire function is called. If disabled the airsoft/mechanical recoil action is omitted from the Cannon Fire function, but the remaining actions will occur as usual, or per their own settings (these include IR, flash, servo recoil, and the cannon sound). The Toggle function swaps between enabled and disabled. The primary use of these functions is to selectively enable or disable an airsoft unit from your transmitter, without affecting other firing effects.
IR - Enable | Disable | Toggle (D)
Use these functions to enable/disable the IR functionality on-the-fly. Typically this is not necessary but can be useful in certain circumstances. Some users have found that when their IR Apple/mushroom is disconnected, the floating receive line may occasionally pick up stray electrical noise which the TCB could interpret as an IR hit. This can be avoided by disabling IR functionality, either in OP Config, or if you want the option to turn it back on without re-connecting to a computer, by using one of these functions.
Fire Airsoft / Mechanical Recoil Unit (D)
This function will only be available if you un-check the Trigger with Cannon option under Mechanical Barrel on the Motors tab of OP Config. If you do, the mechanical recoil or airsoft unit (whichever is selected) will NOT be included in the Cannon Fire function above, and you will instead have the option of assigning a trigger to this function to initiate the effect manually.
Recoil Servo (D)
This function will only be available if you un-check the Trigger with Cannon option under Recoil Servo on the Motors tab of OP Config. If you do, the servo recoil effect will NOT be included in the Cannon Fire function above, and you will instead have the option of assigning a trigger to this function to control the servo recoil manually.
High Intensity Flash (D)
This function will only be available if you un-check the Trigger with Cannon option under High Intensity Flash Unit on the Lights & IO tab of OP Config. If you do, the high intensity flash will NOT be included in the Cannon Fire function above, and you will instead have the option of assigning a trigger to this function to control the flash unit manually.
Machine Gun
The machine gun is slightly different from other “on/off” type functions. Because the machine gun sound effect is a short clip played in repetition, the sound unit must be told explicitly when to stop repeating the sound. If you want to use the machine gun you must assign two triggers, one to the Fire and one to the Stop function. There is no “toggle” option. This is not really a problem, but just something to keep in mind. If you are using one of the Turret Stick positions to fire the machine gun, then just make sure you assign the Stop function to Turret Stick - Middle Center position. That way you can stop the machine gun just by releasing the stick and letting it return to center. If you are using a two-position switch, just assign the Fire function to one position and the Stop function to the other. If you are using a three-position switch, assign the Fire function to position 1 or 3 and the Stop function to the middle position (position 2).
Machine Gun - Fire (D)
This will start the machine gun fire effect. Lights attached to the MG port will blink at the rate set by the Primary Machine Gun Blink Interval on the Lights & IO tab of OP Config, and the machine gun sound will start playing. Additionally, if you have specified a machine gun IR protocol and checked the Send IR with machine gun fire option (on the Battle tab) then the machine gun IR code will be sent repeatedly. All these effects will continue until the Machine Gun - Stop function is triggered.
Sound card notes: For Benedini sound cards, the machine gun sound should be assigned to slot 4 in the 1st coder column of TBS Flash. For the Open Panzer Sound Card the machine gun sounds are implemented simply by placing the correctly-named WAV files on the SD card.
Machine Gun - Stop (D)
This will stop the machine gun effect.
2nd Machine Gun - Fire (D)
This will start the second machine gun fire effect. Lights attached to the L2 (Light 2) port will blink at the rate set by the Second Machine Gun Blink Interval on the Lights & IO tab of OP Config, and the second machine gun sound will start playing if your sound card supports it. There is no IR signal available with the second machine gun.
Sound card notes: For Benedini sound cards, the second machine gun sound will go in the User 3 position, or in other words, slot 11 of the 1st coder column in TBS Flash. For the Open Panzer Sound Card the second machine gun sounds are implemented simply by placing the correctly-named WAV files on the SD card.
2nd Machine Gun - Stop (D)
This will stop the second machine gun effect.
Lights 1 & 2
Light 1 (Headlights) - On | Off | Toggle (D)
The On function will turn on any light attached to the L1 port on the TCB, and the Off function will turn off any light on that port. The Toggle function will toggle any light attached to the L1 port (on → off, off → on). If the Enable headlight sound option is checked (on the Sounds tab) then the headlight sound will automatically play each time the L1 state is changed.
Light 2 - On | Off | Toggle (D)
The On function will turn on any light attached to the L2 port on the TCB, and the Off function will turn it off. The Toggle function will toggle any light attached to the L2 port (on → off, off → on).
Running Lights
The running lights are the same as the brake lights (lights attached to the BRK port on the TCB). The brake lights automatically come on at full brightness whenever the model is braking. The “running lights” are when the brake lights are turned on but to a level below full brightness. The actual brightness of the running lights can be adjusted with the Running Lights Dim Level setting on the Lights & IO tab of OP Config. On that same tab you also have the option to set the Running Lights Always On, which means the brake lights will always be on at the dim level specified until braking occurs at which point they will go to full brightness. But you can also use the three functions below to manually control the running lights effect. Note that even if you turn off the running lights effect, the brake light effect will still operate automatically as usual.
Running Lights - On | Off | Toggle (D)
The On function will turn on the running light effect on the BRK port (brake lights), and the Off function will turn off the running light effect. The Toggle function will toggle the status of the running light effect (on → off, off → on).
Aux Output
The Aux Output is a special output with many capabilities. It can be used as a 5th light output but is also capable of driving a 5v relay directly or even a very small motor with variable speed (unidirectional). It has options the regular light outputs do not, such as blink, flash, and dimming capabilities. It is a good choice if you want to create a second machine gun effect.
Aux Output - On | Off | Toggle (D)
The On function will turn the Aux Output on to full brightness, the Off function will turn it completely off, and the Toggle function will toggle the Aux Output state (on → off, off → on).
Aux Output - Preset Dim Level (D)
This function will turn the Aux Output on but not to full brightness, instead it will turn it on to a Preset Dim Level that you specify on the Lights & I/O tab of OP Config.
Aux Output - Toggle Dim Level (D)
This function will toggle the Aux Output state between the Preset Dim Level and Off. The Preset Dim Level is specified on the Lights & I/O tab of OP Config.
Aux Output - Set Level (A)
When connected to an analog trigger such as a variable knob on your transmitter, this function allows you to change the voltage of the Aux Output from 0 to 5 volts. If you have a light attached to the output, you will be able to vary its brightness remotely. If you have a small motor attached to the output, you will be able to vary its speed.
Aux Output - Flash (D)
This function will turn the Aux Output on momentarily and then turn it off. The length of time it stays on is determined by the Flash - Time setting that you specify on the Lights & I/O tab of OP Config (range 1/1000th of a second to 5 seconds).
Aux Output - Inverse Flash (D)
This function will set the default state of the Aux Output to on, and when the Inverse Flash function is triggered the output will be set off momentarily and then returned to on. This is not very useful for driving an actual light (you would want the regular Flash function for that), but this can be used as an input to another logic device that treats a pin held to ground as a button press. The length of time it stays off is determined by the Flash - Time setting that you specify on the Lights & I/O tab of OP Config (range 1/1000th of a second to 5 seconds).
Aux Output - Blink (D)
This function will start to blink the Aux Output at the rate set by the Blink - On and Off Time settings that you specify on the Lights & I/O tab of OP Config. To stop the blinking call any other Aux Output function (On, Off, etc…)
Aux Output - Toggle Blink (D)
This function will start to blink the Aux Output if it is not currently blinking, or it will stop the blinking if it already is.
Aux Output - Revolving Light (D)
This function attempts to simulate the effect of a rotating light, which it does entirely by changing the brightness of the light in a certain pattern. Frankly it doesn't look very realistic, but it's there if you want to play with it. Calling this function will start the effect. Call any other Aux Output function to stop it.
Aux Output - Toggle Revolving Light (D)
This will toggle the revolving light effect. If it is stopped it will start it, and if it is already active it will stop it.
Sounds
Functions are available for controlling custom user sounds and adjusting the volume of your sound card from the transmitter. The available options will differ depending on which sound card you select, and in the case of User Sounds, some cards can't play any (Taigen, Benedini Micro), whereas the Benedini Mini can play up to 6, and the Open Panzer Sound Card can play the full amount. The Open Panzer Sound Card also gives you the option of controlling two Sound Banks (A & B) of up to 20 sound each, which can be manipulated like a playlist.
In terms of playing User Sounds, keep in mind there are two basic ways to play them: play once, or repeat. If you select “Play Once” the sound will do just that. There is no need to call “Stop” afterwards. If you select “Repeat” the sound will play over and over until you trigger the “Stop” function. In the first case you only need to use a single function, but for repeating sounds you need to use two functions.
User Sound (1..12) - Play once | Repeat | Stop (D)
Play once: Play the selected User Sound once. Repeat: Start playing the selected User Sound and keep repeating it until the Stop function is called. Stop: Use this to stop playing the selected User Sound after you started repeating it.
User Sounds - Stop All (D)
Will stop any user sound currently playing.
Sound Bank A/B - Play/Stop (D)
If no sound from Sound Bank A/B is currently playing, play the current song in the list. If any sound is playing, stop it. If the Auto-Loop setting is checked, playing a song will cause the next song to automatically play afterwards, in whichever direction was last selected (next (default), previous, or random).
Sound Bank A/B - Play Next (D)
Causes the next sound in Sound Bank A/B to begin playing. For example, if the last song played was a_bank1.wav then the next song played will be a_bank2.wav. If the Auto-Loop setting is checked, each subsequent sound will be played automatically (until a call to Play/Stop); if the Auto-Loop setting is not checked the next sound will play once and then stop.
Sound Bank A/B - Play Previous (D)
Causes the previous sound in Sound Bank A/B to begin playing. For example, if the last song played was a_bank8.wav then the next song played will be a_bank7.wav. If the Auto-Loop setting is checked, each prior sound will be played automatically (until a call to Play/Stop); if the Auto-Loop setting is not checked the previous sound will play once and then stop.
Sound Bank A/B - Play Random (D)
Causes a random sound in Sound Bank A/B to begin playing. If the Auto-Loop setting is checked, a new random sound will be played automatically at the end of each sound (until a call to Play/Stop). If the Auto-Loop setting is not checked the random sound will play once and then stop.
Sound Card - Set Volume (A)
This function is only available when used with the Open Panzer sound card. When assigned to an analog trigger it permits you to adjust the volume of the sound card, for example with a knob on your transmitter. It is possible to adjust volume on the Benedini sound card, but not with this function - for that card you must use the process described below.
Sound Card - Start Increasing Volume | Start Decreasing Volume | Stop Changing Volume (D)
These three functions are only available when the selected sound card type is the Benedini TBS Mini. You can use them to control the volume from your transmitter if you have a 3-position switch that can be assigned to them.
First, make sure you've set up the Benedini parameters in TBS Flash as described on this page. Next, in OP Config make sure your 3 position switch is configured correctly as an Aux radio channel (make sure you have run through Radio Setup if you have not already). Then on the Functions tab of OP Config assign Position 1 of your 3-position switch (switch up) to the Start Increasing Volume function. Assign switch position 2 (switch in center position) to the Stop Changing Volume function, and switch position 3 (switch down) to the Start Decreasing Volume function. Now when the switch is in the middle position the volume is unchanged. Hold the switch up to increase the volume, or hold the switch down to decrease the volume.
Note: while the volume is being changed on the Mini no sound except the engine sounds can play.
Sound Card - Enable Track Sounds | Disable Track Sounds (D)
Only available with the Open Panzer sound card. If you choose to include track overlay sounds, by default they will play automatically whenever the vehicle is moving and stop automatically when the vehicle stops. However you also have the option to assign a trigger to one of these two functions in order to more finely control when the sounds can play, though obviously no matter when they are enabled they will still only play if the vehicle is moving. You may wish to assign these functions to Vehicle Speed triggers, such that the track sounds only play within a certain speed range.
General Purpose Outputs A & B
The TCB has two general purpose I/O ports called A & B. Whether they operate as inputs or outputs is something you determine by a setting on the Lights & I/O tab of OP Config. If set to input, then the following functions will not appear. When set to output remember these ports only provide a logic-level on/off signal at 5 volts with a 40mA max current draw each. This means they can be connected to another 5-volt tolerant microcontroller or logic circuit, but they should not be used to drive lights or other devices directly unless you are certain the current draw will remain under 40mA. The TCB has four light outputs plus the Aux Output that are better suited to driving devices. However if those are not enough you can still use these to drive a transistor or MOSFET circuit which itself can then drive a light or LED. See the I/O Ports page for more information.
External Output A | B - On | Off | Toggle | Pulse | Blink (D)
The On function will turn Output A on, the Off function will turn it off, and the Toggle function will toggle the Output A status (on → off, off → on). The Pulse function will briefly set the pin to the opposite state of its default level for a specified length of time (the default level and pulse length can be specified on the Lights & IO tab of OP Config). The Blink function will start blinking the output at the rate specified on the Lights & IO tab of OP Config. To stop blinking, use the On or Off functions.
Smoker
Smoker - Enable | Disable | Toggle (D)
These three functions are only available if the Smoker Control setting is set to Auto (with engine speed) on the Motors tab of OP Config. These functions allow you to turn the smoker effect on or off at will. The smoker is enabled by default, so these functions are entirely optional, but some people may want to selectively turn off the smoker from their transmitter even when the tank is running, and these functions give you that option. When enabled, the smoker speed will be automatically determined by engine speed and other relevant settings. When disabled, the smoker will be stopped and remain off even when the tank is in motion. The toggle function is useful for swapping the status from a single two-position switch.
Smoker Preheat - Enable | Disable | Toggle (D)
If you are using a smoker type that involves separate control of the heating element and fan, you will also be given the option to specify a preheat time (see the Motors tab of OP Config). This preheat setting will turn on the heating element when you start the engine but will delay the actual engine start for the time specified in order for the smoker oil to heat up. This is convenient for creating smoke but is inconvenient since it requires you to wait every time you start the engine. You may wish to disable the preheat delay manually from your transmitter, which is what these functions allow you to do. Disable will skip the preheat time even if it is specified, Enable will cause the engine start to delay so long as a preheat time is specified, and Toggle will toggle between Enabled and Disabled.
Smoker - Manual Speed (A)
Almost everyone will want to have the smoker controlled automatically by the TCB to reflect engine speed. But if you are not using a smoker and would like a general purpose, unidirectional speed control rated at 3 amps, or for some reason you just want to control the smoker manually, change the Smoker Control setting to Manual on the Motors tab of OP Config. Only then will this function appear in the function list. When assigned to an analog trigger (such as a knob on your transmitter), the speed of any motor attached to the SMOKER output can be varied manually. Note that the output will be uni-directional - in other words, the motor will only turn in one direction from stop to full speed. If you want to reverse the direction you must physically swap the wires to the motor.
Smoker - Manual On | Off | Toggle (D)
Almost everyone will want to have the smoker controlled automatically by the TCB to reflect engine speed. But if you are not using a smoker and would like a general purpose, high current capable digital switch, then change the Smoker Control setting to Manual on the Motors tab of OP Config, and then these three on/off/toggle functions will appear in the function list. When assigned to a digital trigger (such as a switch on your transmitter), the output of the smoker connector will be turned on or off. The smoker output will switch full battery voltage and can source up to 3 amps. Use this instead of a relay if you need to power a higher-current accessory and turn it on/off from your transmitter.
Onboard Motor Controllers
Motor A - Manual Control (A)
If the turret rotation motor type is set to something other than the Motor A output, this function will appear. When assigned to an analog trigger (such as a knob on your transmitter), it will allow you to use the Motor A output as general purpose brushed speed controller rated at 2 amps. This speed control operates at a frequency of 31kHz (ultrasonic) and has a resolution of 225 steps in both forward and reverse directions.
Motor A - On | Off | Toggle (D)
You can use these three functions with digital triggers (such as a switch on your radio) to turn the Motor A output full on, full off, or toggle between on/off. This may be useful if you want to re-purpose the Motor A output as a high-current (2 amp) digital switch.
Motor B - Manual Control (A)
If the barrel elevation motor type is set to something other than the Motor B output, this function will appear. When assigned to an analog trigger (such as a knob on your transmitter), it will allow you to use the Motor B output as general purpose brushed speed controller rated at 2 amps. This speed control operates at a frequency of 31kHz (ultrasonic) and has a resolution of 225 steps in both forward and reverse directions.
Motor B - On | Off | Toggle (D)
You can use these three functions with digital triggers (such as a switch on your radio) to turn the Motor B output full on, full off, or toggle between on/off. This may be useful if you want to re-purpose the Motor B output as a high-current (2 amp) digital switch.
RC Passthrough
The TCB has 8 total RC outputs. Output 5 is always reserved for a recoil servo whether you are using one or not. The other outputs are flexible. Typically they are reserved for certain functions but not always.
Outputs 1-4 are can be used to control the tank's primary functions, such as the main drive motors, steering servo (if halftrack or car), and the turret rotation and barrel elevation movements, when using hobby ESCs or servos for those functions. But if instead for any of those movements you use a serial motor controller, or the onboard motor drivers (most will), then the RC output typically reserved for those movements becomes available for general use, and the pass-through functions described below will appear in the Function list. You can then assign any analog channel (or other analog trigger) to these functions and control the RC outputs directly. In this manner the TCB basically acts like a standard hobby receiver and passes the signal from your radio directly out the RC output.
Outputs 6-8 are typically reserved for sound cards, but not all cards need them. The Benedini TBS Mini requires all three, but the Taigen cards only needs output 8, and Open Panzer sound cards don't need any. So if you are using a sound card other than the TBS Mini, you will be able to use those outputs as pass-throughs as well.
There are actually two types of pass-through available: RC Output pass-through, or Pan Servo. RC Output simply passes the radio signal directly to the RC Output unchanged. You can use this to control regular servos, continuous rotation servos, or ESCs just as you could with any hobby receiver. The Pan Servo option modifies the signal before it is sent to the output, and creates what we call a “pan effect.” This effect only makes sense when used with a regular servo - it will not do you much good with a continuous rotation servo or with an ESC. To see what the pan effect looks like, check out the video on the Barrel Elevation Servo page for a demonstration.
Remember: Any ESC plugged into any RC output must have the center pin removed from the cable! Read more about this procedure here.
RC Output 1-4, 6-8 - Pass-through (A)
If available, these functions will appear in the function list. Assign an analog trigger to control any servo or ESC plugged into the corresponding RC Output.
Note: even if the physical control on your radio is a switch, you should set its Aux channel to “analog” if you want to pass-through the signal (for example, a switch that will set a servo to different positions).
Note: If using a hobby speed controller on the RC output, remember to remove the center pin from the ESC cable.
RC Output 1-4, 6-8 - Pan Servo (A)
If available, these functions will allow you to control a normal servo in “pan” mode - stick movements set a servo's speed and direction, but not an absolute position. This effect is not typically useful for continuous rotation servos or ESCs, only regular, unmodified hobby servos. See the Barrel Elevation Servo page for a demonstration of the pan effect.
Custom Functions
These functions can be useful for developers or programmers who want to test or add custom functionality to the TCB. The empty function definitions can be found on the UserTest tab of the TCB Arduino sketch. Add whatever code you want to them, then call them by assigning triggers to the abstract functions below.
User Function 1 (D)
Will run whatever code you put into UserFunction1 on the UserTest tab of the TCB Arduino sketch.
User Function 2 (D)
Will run whatever code you put into UserFunction2 on the UserTest tab of the TCB Arduino sketch.
Analog User Function 1 (A)
Will run whatever code you put into User_Analog_Function1 on the UserTest tab of the TCB Arduino sketch. You will have access to an integer variable called “level” that will change in value from 0 to 1023 as the analog trigger is changed.
Analog User Function 2 (A)
Will run whatever code you put into User_Analog_Function2 on the UserTest tab of the TCB Arduino sketch. You will have access to an integer variable called “level” that will change in value from 0 to 1023 as the analog trigger is changed.
Misc Functions
Dump Settings (D)
This function will cause the TCB to print diagnostic settings out the currently-selected serial port. If Dipswitch #5 is in the On position, they will print out the USB port, if Dipswitch #5 is in the Off position they will be printed to the Serial 1 port. You can also manually cause a settings dump anytime simply by pressing the Input button briefly on the TCB board.