Any thoughts on the s8000sp servo controller?

[rclinks2002]

I was looking at the s8000sp USB servo controller on http://www.tti-us.com/rc/products.htm and was wondering if anyone had any input, or information about how to program one....Also if it were possible to connect a RC transmitter to the computer (such as with a trainer cord link to USB) then control the unit through the computer (and another USB port)? ANy thoughts?

[LukeZ]

I've been eyeing this controller as well, and would also be interested to hear of anyone with personal experience.

The other serial servo controller I have looked at is Scott Edwards': http://www.seetron.com/ssc.htm

Luke

[MattChave]

i cant find the bookmark anymore but it sounds as if what your after is very similar to what the FMS flight sim guys have done, and their derivative work star something that they use for controlling it. you can use your trainer port and go into your pc through the mic in on your sound card, pretty neat solution really.
actually if you know a little about electronics and programming you could write something that outputs to servos back through your sound card speaker output.

[radiohound]

I have tinkered with the serial servo controller from Parallax. It appears to work well so far. Price is quite a few bucks cheaper at $39.00. They also have a usb model out. It is pretty small too.

http://www.parallax.com/detail.asp?product_id=28823 USB servo controller

http://www.parallax.com/detail.asp?product_id=28023 Serial servo controller

Walter

[rclinks2002]

Walter, Does that system come with the program that allows you to control the servo board with a joystick?

[radiohound]

Does that system come with the program that allows you to control the servo board with a joystick?

Sorry, no, it does not. The Parallax serial model expects commands for each servo position in serial format. I have not looked at the specs for the USB model.

Walter

[rclinks2002]

Do you know of a servo board that comes with software for joystick control?

[mckaneorg]

Do you know of a servo board that comes with software for joystick control?

I tried looking for you. There was a post a while back where some kid used a maxstream and a servo breakout box to fly his slowstick via his laptop. Great idea.. the maxstreams have what 7 mile range. I guess if you get all the other telemetry, theoretically you could fly ifr


-j

[rclinks2002]

do you recall what servo breakout box he was using? Or one that would work?

[lvspark]

I used the picopic (http://www.picobotics.com/PicoPic.html). The usb joystick code was a real pita. ( vb6 )
There is a guy that sells joystick software for the picopic called jcontrol. (http://www.ryonix.com/jcontrol.html) I didn't use it, but it would have been far easier.
It was a good test and educational, but I do not trust windows for controlling much more in the air than a SS. UGV would be fine.. I have the parts, design, and rough code for a trainer port to maxstream radio link. Much easier since all the mixing, reversing, epa, etc. is done in the rc tx and much safer to not rely on windows..
If I only had the time... time ... time....

[rclinks2002]

I looked at it, and It seems that it would be the best bet. I also looked at the maxstream data link, but then I came across a set of rnet 9600 radio modems (the ones used on the Mars Rover) Do you experience a delay in servo response running through the computer?

[lvspark]

very small delay. On a fast plane it might be a problem?
On the Slow stick worked very good.

[rclinks2002]

So along the lines of the sp8000, does anyone know of a better servo controller with rs232 input, and a computer program (already written) that will take inputs from 2 or more standard computer joysticks?

[MX]

I was toying with doing the same thing: laptop, joystick, maxstreams. Here's a snippet of joystick code that I found (microsoft site, I think). It reads the joystick info using the win32 api, so if you have a USB or gameport joystick, it should read it. I've also uploaded an app I wrote that just reads the joystick in a loop and shows what the sticks and buttons are doing: http://www.hexpertsystems.com/joystick.zip

MX

// Reminder: You need mmsystem.h and you must link with winmm.lib
#include <windows.h>
#include <mmsystem.h>

JOYINFOEX jix;

//---------------------------------------------------------------------------

BOOL GetJoyData()
{
int nJoyID = JOYSTICKID1;
char szErr[256];

memset(&jix, 0x00, sizeof(JOYINFOEX)); // For good measure.

jix.dwSize = sizeof(JOYINFOEX);

// Note: With Midas, it takes no more time to return all
// information from the joystick than it does to just get only
// the button states or axis.
//

jix.dwFlags = JOY_RETURNALL;
strcpy(szErr,"");

// JjoyGetPoxEx will fill in the joyinfoex struct with all the
// joystick information.

//
switch(joyGetPosEx(nJoyID, &jix))
{
case JOYERR_NOERROR: // No problem.
break;

case MMSYSERR_NODRIVER:
strcpy(szErr,"The joystick driver is not present.");
return FALSE;

case MMSYSERR_INVALPARAM:
strcpy(szErr,"An invalid parameter was passed.");
return FALSE;

case MMSYSERR_BADDEVICEID:
strcpy(szErr,"The specified joystick identifier is invalid.");
return FALSE;

case JOYERR_UNPLUGGED:
strcpy(szErr,"Your joystick is unplugged.");
return FALSE;

default:
strcpy(szErr,"Unknown joystick error.");
return FALSE;
}

//
// This where you get the axis and buttons info.
// All axis are in the range 0 to 65535.
// jix.dwXpos - X position.
// jix.dwYPos - Y position.
// jix.dwZPos - Throttle slider control.
// jix.dwRpos - Z Rotation position.
//
// To see if button 1 is pressed:
// (jix.dwButtons & JOY_BUTTON1) ? PRESSED : NOT_PRESSED;
// likewise for the other buttons JOY_BUTTON2, JOY_BUTTON3 ...;
// JOY_BUTTON8
//
// Hat switch (POV) is in jix.dwPOV.
// The range is 0 to 35900 and the value is -1 if the
// hat switch is not pressed.
//

return TRUE;
} // GetJoyData()

[Steve McBride]

Walter, Does that system come with the program that allows you to control the servo board with a joystick?

Take a peek at the seetron.com site posted above. They have links to sites with joystick control. Problem is there is no trial available - you have to buy the software sight unseen. They are mostly applicable to robotics though so I have no idea if they are useful for our purposes. Sure would be nice if someone put together a servo control package that would allow customization of the UI.

Re - controlling an airplane with windows: LOL - 'blue screen of death' takes on a whole new meaning ;) You may want to look to linux solutions to aleviate any problems although XP is fairly stable in it's virgin state.

[Steve McBride]

I used the picopic (http://www.picobotics.com/PicoPic.html). The usb joystick code was a real pita. ( vb6 )
There is a guy that sells joystick software for the picopic called jcontrol. (http://www.ryonix.com/jcontrol.html) I didn't use it, but it would have been far easier.
It was a good test and educational, but I do not trust windows for controlling much more in the air than a SS. UGV would be fine.. I have the parts, design, and rough code for a trainer port to maxstream radio link. Much easier since all the mixing, reversing, epa, etc. is done in the rc tx and much safer to not rely on windows..
If I only had the time... time ... time....

Very cool stuff! With the PicoPic would you know what kind of latency you see at lower rates (9600bps) with a high servo count (say 5-7)?

I see that JControl uses the analog features of a joystick only. I wonder if there are any fully analog PS sticks with more than 3-4 channels?

[Steve McBride]

I'm now looking at the Pololu Micro SSC:

http://www.pololu.com/products/pololu/0207/

Anybody have any experience with it?

Steve

[typicalaimster]

I'm now looking at the Pololu Micro SSC:
Anybody have any experience with it?


I have one of the Pololu servo controllers. It's the older version of this one..

http://www.pololu.com/products/pololu/0727/

You'd have to write the software for the interface. I bought it as a test bed for something later on. My friend that does programming ran out of time for it. I later bought the Pico Pic that LVS mentioned...

http://www.picobotics.com/PicoPic.html

I then spent the $20 for the J-Control software that the guy sells. Messed around with it and a Maxstream.. I bough the Saitek X-52 joystick later on to test things out. The system works out pretty well. Dispite the Windows bashing, XP holds up pretty stable with this application. My main goal was to takeoff using this as a control system. Once I was at cruise I'd flip over to autopilot control. At that point my ground station would just track the plane. Here's a vid of me testing things out on the bench...

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=8190581864288390096

I'd love to learn some VB or C and program a controller interface. I'm short on time or I'd play around with the project more.

I have the Pololu servo controller on my shelf at home. If you'd like I can send it to you.

[Steve McBride]

Thanks a ton. I appreciate the feedback. Perhaps I just need to spend the extra bucks on a proven system. I've got an e-mail out to the Pololu folks asking about a joystick intereface software solution. Maybe they will know of something.

I am planning to use mine over a serial modem to control a camera and later hope of eventually doing what you mention - aircraft control when the autopilot is not in control. I hope it's fast enough for a slow flying aircraft.

Steve

[typicalaimster]

IMHO the PicoPic is fast enough to fly a 40 sized trainer. You wouldn't want to fly IMAC with it ;)...

I've searched for days trying to find some software written for the Pololu controller. I think you may be on your own with that one. If someone wanted to work on a R/C interface for either the PicoPic I'd gladly buy them one :p

Here's another video (http://www.myuav.com/video/Misc/ServoTest2.wmv) of 7 channels being used on the PicoPic. There is up to 20 channels you can plug into..

[Steve McBride]

Very cool. Were you using the J-Control software on that 7 channel test? If so I might be buying a PicoPic ;)

[typicalaimster]

Yes that was with the J-Control software. The only down side is there is no trim in the J-Control software. What you see under screen shots is what you get...

http://www.ryonix.com/jcontrol.html

*Edit* Forgot to mention...

In the PicoPic setup screen shots. You see a check box for Digital. This is not for digital servos. Instead this is for a digital switch. If you have a servo on this channel you'll see very little movement out of it.

[typicalaimster]

I emailed the author of the J-Control software. He said if we could get him some specifics then he can see what he can come up with. He also mentioned he was fairly busy and it may take a few months. Would a software servo controller be of interest? If so what features would everyone be looking for? I made mention of a profile load/save feature, channel mixing, and channel trimming. Is there anything else anyone would like to see?

[Steve McBride]

These may already be in there but:

Servo Speed
Servo Reversing
Servo Travel

Scott Edwards Mini SSC II compatability would be a bonus and make the software compatable with many more SSCs.

Thanks for taking the lead on this. Hope there is enough interest.

Steve

[LukeZ]

I'll just say that I agree there would be a group of people interested in this, don't know how many but certainly several of us. The features you guys listed sound good.

If he wants to go all out he could re-create a high-end TX on the PC, so, unlimited mixing, EPA, dual rates, multi-model memory, the whole nine-yards.

However, even basic functionality would be great, since as you say, probably we're not going to be using this to fly IMAC/3D, etc... :)

Anyways, I don't have anything useful to add to this thread, only if the guy needs to know there's a few more people who would be interested, then by all means, let him know! :D


Luke

[typicalaimster]

Luke, Right now it's just a general poll to get an idea :)

I was thinking about drawing some stuff up in VB and take a few screen shots and send it over his way. JControl already does servo reversing. The Pololu and Pico Pic controllers allow for servo speed and travel. Setting up EPA's are also possible via the commands sent to the servo controller board. My X-52 joystick has programmable 'dead zones' that act as dual rates. You can configure those in the control pannel.

I'll install VB and make up some templates.

So far I think we have..

Servo Reversing
Servo EPA Adjustment
10 Channel mixing / slaving
Trim
Loadable plane profiles
Scott Edwards Compatable

[typicalaimster]

I wanted to get a concept design down before emailing the guy that makes JControl. I've been playing in VB with a layout for the design. Here's the front screen for the servo controller software. Any Suggestions?

[Steve McBride]

That looks great! I can't say that it needs anything else or any changes.

[andyjl]

I later bought the Pico Pic that LVS mentioned...

http://www.picobotics.com/PicoPic.html



I'm currently searching for a PC-driven RC servo controller and ran across this thread (very helpful discussion btw). I checked out www.picobotics.com and it looks like the PicoPic is an ideal controller--but all of the products are shown as "Out of stock until August 2006."

Anyone know the "back story?" Is Picobotics still in business, or just on vacation? :) And is everything out of stock untli August 1, or August 31? (Not sure I can wait that long!)

Thanks in advance!
Andy

[Steve McBride]

I'm currently searching for a PC-driven RC servo controller and ran across this thread (very helpful discussion btw). I checked out www.picobotics.com and it looks like the PicoPic is an ideal controller--but all of the products are shown as "Out of stock until August 2006."

Anyone know the "back story?" Is Picobotics still in business, or just on vacation? :) And is everything out of stock untli August 1, or August 31? (Not sure I can wait that long!)

Thanks in advance!
Andy

I've e-mailed them a couple of times with no response. Not a real good contender in my mind at this point. But to be fair, I have not gotten a reply from Pololu either.

Steve

[andyjl]

I've e-mailed them a couple of times with no response. Not a real good contender in my mind at this point. But to be fair, I have not gotten a reply from Pololu either.

Steve

The one guy who stands out head-and-shoulders above the crowd is John Iovine of www.imagesco.com. He responds to email very quickly and has been great to answer my (often dumb) questions. Sadly, the Imagesco servo controllers are apparently a bit slow in performance and will not get the maximum rotational rate out of servos like the HS925MG--but I've have such great service from John, I'll probably start with one of their servo controllers..
Regards
Andy

[typicalaimster]

Anyone know the "back story?" Is Picobotics still in business, or just on vacation? :) And is everything out of stock untli August 1, or August 31? (Not sure I can wait that long!)


You know I noticed that. After I bought my servo controller they quickly went out of stock. It was like I bought the last one or something.