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View Full Version : Interface from pcm rx to mimic ppm into esc/gyro?


roffey
Dec 08, 2005, 05:41 AM
As a newbie I don't want to re invent the wheel, so I would like to ask the following.

I have a couple of co axial helis which suffer from local interference. (My hirobo does not, so it must be the rf section design). Anyway, all efforts have failed.

The solution would appear to be pcm. I have a dual controller, and have bought a futaba R146ip-35 to use. All goes well, until I I try and find out why I can't use it.
I need to use channels 3 & 4 for thrust and rudder. All well and good until I put these signals into the esc/gyro chip.
This chip needs a back to back packet data of thrust followed by rudder with no interval.ie. whatever the thrust does, the rudder signal must follow immediately, regardless of pulse width.
The pcm puts out concurrent 3 & 4 data.
I tried using channel 5 from the pcm, which is delayed from channel 3, but this does not work.
To prove the issue, I knocked up a simple analog circuit which generated the required channel 3 & 4 output. Shoving this into the the two thrust/rudder inputs of the esc worked fine.
Ideally I would just buy a compatible esc/gyro unit that would drive the helis, but these are just not there for co axial helis.

Firstly - is there a chip that will do this conversion ppm mimic already?
If not then I have to prog one up. I use ST chips and am comfortable with them due to path I have taken in my work life.

Obviously, pic chips seem to be everybodys favorite and might be a better way to go should anyone else wish to travel this path.

It would be interesting to hear alternative opinions.

Rodney
Dec 08, 2005, 08:47 AM
I do not understand your question as the output from a receiver (whether a PPM or PCM) is identical in pulse width and pulse train. Once the data is decoded by either type of receiver, it looks and is identical.

slipstick
Dec 08, 2005, 09:17 AM
The actual servo signal from a PCM Rx is identical to that from a PPM Rx. It sounds like you're saying that you're having trouble not because of the signals themselves but just because of the relative timing between the two signals on the particular PCM Rx you've chosen.

I can't imagine a sensibly designed system that is so dependent on timing but if you have to work with it why not try a different Rx. What you're describing is not really much to do with PCM it's just an artifact of the particular decoding mechanism in that Rx. But I don't think you can reliably depend on a PCM Rx having exactly the same output timing as signals derived from a simple shift register which I think is what you're actually trying to emulate.

Steve

Mr.RC-CAM
Dec 08, 2005, 11:38 AM
There is info here that will help you further understand the hardships with Futaba PCM Rxs: http://www.rcapa.net/forums/viewtopic.php?t=734

If it is a timing issue then the FMA Co-Pilot signal delay buffer might help. But, why not just use a good FM PPM Rx? With proper RFI suppression on the motors, they should work just fine.

Or, if the interference you experience is very intermittent and short duration, this DiY FailSafe project may help mask the problem: http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=355893

roffey
Dec 08, 2005, 07:40 PM
Thanks for the replies - some useful info to log in the ole brain.
I now have two options I suppose -
Try some ppm rx units in the hope that they will deal with the interference, and interface with the esc unit ( JP twisters), or just go ahead with the chip interface.
I think I'll actually do both and go through some learning curves.
It will be just as much fun as seeing the bell 47 ending up in a vase, after having an in flight epiletic fit, or seeing the hirobo shoot off left at 45 degrees after being given a foward command!
I never knew learning to fly helis could be so much fun!

Thanks again