RC Joystick NG^2 now with PCM support

[alessio70]

if someone is interested we have released a new version of our RC Joystick NG^2 that now support PCM signal for some radios. Many thanks to Shaul Eizikovich (author of SmartPropoPlus (http://www.geocities.com/shaul_ei/SmartPropoPlus.html) ) that has suggested us to include PCM, given infos on PCM and sent PCM soundcard recordings for testing it (we haven't any PCM radio :-) ). PCM support is limited for now to Sanwa/Airtronics PCM1 and PCM2.

You can find the project at:

http://projects.qstep.net/

clicking RC Joystick NG^2 you'll be redirected to the last release of the project.

Main features summary:

- flash pic: can be programmed more than once

- two joystick instead of one for a total of 8 analog axes (with about 5000 points resolution each in case of PPM, PCM resolution (1024/512) in case of PCM) and 16 buttons

- joystick controls can be freely assigned by user to radio channels for the maximum versatility; these assignments are stored inside pic (non-volatile) eeprom and are programmable directly via USB with a software utility.

- few components and very small pcb (about 2x4cm, smt components)

- the project is totally free... on the site you can find the binaries, sources, schematics and layout of the circuit


require a radio equipped with a PPM output (buddy box connector) or PCM ( PCM support limited to Sanwa/Airtronics PCM1/2 radios).


ciao :-)
alessio e andrea

http://alessioandrea.qstep.net/

[Rinaldo]

support PCM Futaba, in another version?

Rinaldo

[alessio70]

support PCM Futaba, in another version?

Rinaldo

We have some infos on Futaba PCM but what we really miss is a radio for doing test/debug :-) Shaul helped us for Sanwa PCM1/2 sending us PCM signal recordings of his radios made with a sound card... if someone would like to help for Futaba and JR/Graupner.... :-)


alessio e andrea

[Rinaldo]

how I can help? I have radio futaba PCM.

[alessio70]

how I can help? I have radio futaba PCM.

what model? we let you know how you can help :)

[Rinaldo]

9ZHWCII and 6XAS.

[xtal]

I get nothing from this link

http://projects.qstep.net/

[Malc C]

I get nothing from this link

http://projects.qstep.net/


Works OK for me !

[alessio70]

9ZHWCII and 6XAS.

they should use Futaba PCM1024... that's ok :)

for helping us.... well the things are a bit complicated... you should arrange a connector between your radio buddy connector and your soundcard line-in to be able to do some recordings of the PCM signal and send to us... the connection to soundcard line in is quite easy... you need probably only a standard 3,5mm audio mono or stereo plug... the connection to buddy connector it's a bit more complicated for futaba.... probably they have a 6 pin DIN socket with the PCM + on pin 2 and PCM gnd on the shield.... refer also to your radio manual... you should find a way to get the signal in any way :-) to avoid problems to your soundcard or radio you should avoid direct connection and prefer an adjustable connection like the one showed in the following image:

http://img99.imageshack.us/img99/5741/connect3ht.jpg

you should start with the trimmer all down (if you measure the resistance between the two contacts of the audio plug it should be 0) than slowly increase it until using a sound recording program you see a signal next to maximum... you can use the sound recording/editing program Audacity (http://audacity.sourceforge.net/) that is free and very well done.

anyway do it only if you are sure... it could be dangerous for your radio and/or soundcard...

if you have questions feel free to ask :-)

alessio e andrea

[Rinaldo]

I am Rinaldo, I live in Brazil, and would like to send the writings of the Futaba Radio 9ZHWCII in way PCM.



But I have some doubts in as to record?



1. Which default sample rate? (22050,44100Hz?)

2. Which default sample format? (16,24 or 32bit?)

3. Uncompressed export format? (Wav?)



It needs writings with sticks in neutral, maximum position and minimum.



Excuse for my English.

[alessio70]

hi Rinaldo :-) well.... 44100, 16bit uncompressed wav should be ok.... one recording with all stick centered and one recording for each stick at maximum/minimum leaving the others centered...

thanks!!


alessio e andrea

[Rinaldo]

hi,

I have the samples for the Futaba radio, are 9M of archives.

Sending for email?

Rinaldo

[alessio70]

hi,

I have the samples for the Futaba radio, are 9M of archives.

Sending for email?

Rinaldo


I've sent you a private message with my email... :-)

[Rinaldo]

ok,

[alessio70]

now also Futaba PCM working!! :) thanks to Rinaldo for recordings and help for testing !!!

[alessio70]

after some requests we have added also a Through Hole version of the PCB... it is not so grater than SMD one (about 6.5 x 2.5 cm instead of the 4 x 2 cm of the SMD version)

about the programmable assignments: also added the capability of assigning a channel as is or reversed

http://alessioandrea.altervista.org/rcjoyng2.html

ciao :)
alessio e andrea

[Norman Adlam]

Alessio,

I'd like to thank you guys on behalf of all us 'tinkerers' for providing this project for free! :D

I particularly like the ability to set up the various joystick modes via your set_assignments utility - no need to re-compile all the time. :p
(And it is seen a a dual joystick bt Windows - although Windows does seem to handle such things in a very strange way - good old MS! :rolleyes: )

Great work!

Cheers,

[alessio70]

thanks Norman :) sorry for the delay... :p hope you appreciate also our latest improvements... see:

http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=568806

[Taito]

Hi Alessio,
I'd like to thank you guys for giving us this excellent project! and for free! :p
But I have a question, after use for a good time both interfaces (RCJoy & NG^2) and it's working very well with my 02 TX from FUTABA, I tried to use a old FUTABA Skysport 6VA, and it didn't work, the led sometimes was blinking or off or on, checking the interface circuit and TX, the only different thing I saw was the time between the init pulse, this radio has only 20ms :confused: instead of 22ms.
Another thing is that this radio has only six channels modulated. It likes doesn't have the common encoder (NE5044) with 07 channels or similar.
Any tip ?
Thanks,
Taito

[alessio70]

this radio has only 20ms :confused: instead of 22ms.
Another thing is that this radio has only six channels modulated


I think neither 20ms init pulse nor six channels should cause any problem... it seems to me a problem with the input stage... you could try to do the modification descripted in section "Known Issues" in the manual (simply add a 220k resistor between VDD and transistor base)... it works for some old JR... hope can help you too

ciao :)
alessio

[Malc C]

I agree, an intermittiant working would suggest that the PPM signal is not being recognised. You could try the attched alternative input section. You could also use a BC550 transistor which I've found works really well.

[alessio70]

P.S. please for any new question comment or suggestion on our interface post on the following new thread:

http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=568806


ciao :)
alessio e andrea

[Taito]

Hello Alessio and Malc C,

I agree with you guys that I have an issue at the input stage.
I will try the Low Noise BC550 (I am using a BC546), the 220k resistor I had tried before with no success.

Thanks for the help.
Taito

[Taito]

Closing the issue.
Problem Solved, the ground conection on this TX was poor (and I need a new pair of glasses :o ). The Interface is really the best I know :) .
Thanks again,
Taito

[alessio70]

Closing the issue.
Problem Solved, the ground conection on this TX was poor (and I need a new pair of glasses :o ). The Interface is really the best I know :) .
Thanks again,
Taito

:D :D thanks to you :)

alessio