PCTx - USB Joystick software (source code)?

[snoopaloop]

Hi,

I'm planning on buying a PCTx from Endurance RC
http://www.endurance-rc.com/pctx.html
Now I wish to control my servos via a joystick, just like in these videos
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XNeCvtDcvcI
http://youtube.com/watch?v=2nQWE69ncok
My TX is as follow : Futaba 4EXA (http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXKJD8**&P=0) so it should work. It's not a PCM radio, is this a problem?

-------------------
I do realize that this issue has been discussed zillion times over here and else where. Even some have written a code and published it.
http://www.codeproject.com/cs/media/joystick.asp

I just wish if there was some easy software or source code (ready to use) for hooking up a joystick to a PC and using the PCTx. It would make life easier for software-code writing challenged people as myself. I know little Visiual basic and C++, but writing code that communicates with hardware is way out of my knowledge of both languages.

1. Is there any software,source code someone has written for using a USB joystick with PCTx to control whatever your application is? I mean there are many videos of people using PCTx with a joystick, so someone must have written a software!

2. Well, even a simple software where you can use the keyboard arrows or the mouse will do? But I'm mainly intersted in hooking up a joystick Anyone?

Thanks

[Malc C]

It must be me, but i personally cant see the reason why you would want to hook up a Joystick, to a PC, then hook the PC to an interface, which then plugs into a standard TX to control an RC model.

Looking at the video for the plane, there is a noticable delaybetween the movement of his joystick and the reaction of the servos (and unless you wanted to drag out a laptop everytime you went flying..... whats the point)

I can possibly see a use for a robotic appliaction which would save having yards of cable to the thing from the PC, but having said that there are more standard solutions for sending signals to a standard servo, which already has the required software to do so.

[snoopaloop]

Hi Malc,

Considering my application, it would be ok to drag a laptop to the field and never worry much about the delay. I'll be controlling a camera rig mounted on a blimp.

So what are those "standard solutions" ? Does it involve printing out circuits and whatnot? PCTx is a perfect solution for programming challenged people!

Anyways you should watch the other videos for that plane, it just flies easily, so the delay is not an option!

The PCTx sells for USD50 minus the hassle of printing a pic and getting it to "work"

[Malc C]

Simple pan and tils camera controller http://rc-cam.com/pancam.htm uses a cheap PIC and a couple of servos. The PIC can be supplied pre-programmed if you ask nicely or you can download the code and program one yourself. There are commercial pan/tilt camera heads, most of which work using two RC servos, so if you didn't fancy building one yourself they can be purchased quite cheaply ( a quick google came up with stacks of hits, such as http://www.superdroidrobots.com/shop/item.asp?itemid=188 for $57)

If I was going to control a robotic arm or similar then there are several serial servo controllers that can be purchased for less than $40 and there are several commercial programs that run on Windows that work with the controllers and involve nothing more than click and draging markers on a time-line, somthing even a 5 year old can do.

So there you have it, IMO an option that is just as cheap ($5 to $60) and means you don't have to cart a (or buy) a laptop to the field to get the same results, and depending on your TX the two extra channels can either come from the same TX or if you have a second cheap TX and RX you can have someone control the camera whilst you pilot the aircraft

[bluesky123]

Sorry for shameless advertisement, but I believe that USB v.4 interface from MileHighWings is what you need:
http://www.milehighwings.com/
Here's a description how to control the interface:
http://milehighwings.com/manual_usb_v4.htm#cmds

Boris
MHW R&D

[snoopaloop]

MALC
You are the best :D
What a great and detailed reply!
Thanks

Blue
Why Shameless?
You mean shameless like they are not a good vendor? Or because you are endorsing them over these forums?
I thought it's okay to point out vendors on these forums if it will help someone else.

Thank you both, it's really appreciated, I'll check the links and I'll get back to you.

Meanwhile anyone who got any input, please have your word. Though I'm still intersted in getting a joystick software that would work for the PCTx

[Malc C]

Hey, you're more than welcome. At the end of the day its your choice and these are just my opinions. Hope that you find something that suits your needs.

Boris has connections with Milehigh wings, which is why he shamelessly promoted one of their products :D :)

Seriously though, its worth having a look at as another option !

[snoopaloop]

MalC
For the tilt/pan movement I'm using this:
http://www.brooxes.com/newsite/index.html , which Iv'e already bought.
It will be controlled using a Futaba 4EXA

Yeah,should have figured out earlier that in Boris sig. the MHW R&D, stands for MileHighWind.

Blue
Ok, reading the description of this link:
http://milehighwings.com/index.php?cPath=22
and then the "How to develop a software" I think we are back to box 1!
I mean at first when I saw the nice GUI interface, I was very happy till I reached #7 "How to develop a software" and all the talk about Command 02/01 and stuff! Like where does all this goes?
Is there a plug and play solution? I mean where snoopaloop buys the adapter which got a CD that comes with, Snoopaloop put the CD in, install it's software, plugs the adpater to the TX, plugs the USB joystick into the computer and voila!

Yeah, I'll be using this TX, is it PPM capable? I know it's not PCM,but looks like it's a PPM thing, right?
Futaba 4EXA http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXKJD8**&P=0

Do you have any videos of your system?

Thanks

[Endurance]

Snoop,

Here is a good guide for interfacing with a joystick http://www.codeproject.com/cs/media/joystick.asp

[snoopaloop]

Hi Endurace,

I've actually registered like 3 days ago in that site to download these files.

I've downloaded them and some of them didn't work (maybe it needs to have the adapter already connected or something)

So does Harris's software need any modifications? Or all I'll have to do is plugging in the stuff and voila? Or do you have a ready made software? Like the one in your video?

Just to be on the safe side, the Futaba 4EXA works, right? It got a square adapter

If yes, then lets make an order right away :)

[TopCrest]

Hi Endurace,

I've actually registered like 3 days ago in that site to download these files.

I've downloaded them and some of them didn't work (maybe it needs to have the adapter already connected or something)

So does Harris's software need any modifications? Or all I'll have to do is plugging in the stuff and voila? Or do you have a ready made software? Like the one in your video?

Just to be on the safe side, the Futaba 4EXA works, right? It got a square adapter

If yes, then lets make an order right away :)

What he said.

[TCIII]

Snoopaloop,

Did you ever find any plug and play software to use the PCTx with a joystick connected to your PC?

Regards,
TCIII

[Endurance]

http://www.endurance-rc.com/servocommander.html

Released it a few days ago.

[Mark Harris]

heh, just came across this. Thats second video and the code project article are mine.

The video is delayed because i used a hack method, using a timer to update the pctx. You need to use the EMADevice class to do it properly. Check the EMagin SDK - it has a full managed sample.

[mmo]

Can you please tell me which radios you are using and the country you bought them in. I have been trying to use a pctx with a Futaba T6EXA bought in Germany, but the pctx broke after about an hour. Since I bought two pctxs and they both no longer work, I suppose there is a compatibility problem with the T6EXA. This is obviously suprising, since the pctx has successfully been used with other futaba radios, both simpler and more advanced ones.
Thanks a lot for your help.

[Endurance]

The 6EX is your problem. If you look in the manual for the transmitter there is a note in the trainer section about not being able to use the radio with the "round style" trainer cables and if you do damage to the radio may occur.

When they say "round style" they are referring to the plug type but more importantly this tells you that they are using a non standard protocol otherwise it would be compatible with other radios that use the round style plug. It also mentions only a hand full of radios that are compatible with this radio in trainer mode. So far the 6EX is the only radio I have come across that mentions this specifically.

Take a look at page 33 of the 6EX manual.

[Sgt_Ric]

This is very upsetting news.

I bought the Futaba 6EX AFTER buying the PCTx and was not given any warning that there were specific models of radio equipt to avoid.

What are the options for us people stuck with a 6EX and a non wotking PCTX?

Is there a possibility that Futaba will eventually have a solution?, (or that you may find one?)

..Ric

[Malc C]

Ok I'm confused, does your TX have a round trainer port or the Futaba 9 pin square one ? If you purchased the PCTX with the round interface plug, and then purchased the 6EX I thought it would be obvious that you would need a new lead for the PCTx??

I think the "damage" referrs to different voltage levels between the old and new tx's when used as a buddy trainer lead probably due to the fact that most interfaces short two of the pins on the round DIN plug.

If I Had you delema, I would look up the pin outs (or probe the port with a soundcard scope) to find which pin on the EX sends the PPm signals, then make a lead up from a fe-male din socket that suits the one on the PCTx and a Futaba square plug. You just need a short length of single core screened cable, connect the inner core to the PPm signal and screen to the shields

Disclaimer: - I take no responsibility what so ever if you try this and damage either or both devices :)

[Endurance]

The 6EX requires a futaba square plug. The proper plug and wiring is included on the PCTx (http://www.endurance-rc.com/pinouts.html ground and ppm input line) however I don't support this radio due to the fact that the manual mentions only being able to use it with a hand full of other futaba radios.

Now, some users HAVE been able to get 6EX working with the PCTx however I cannot recommend it due to the above.

The PCTx does not use the transmitter power supply to generate the signal but rather USB power. My best guess to the incompatibility issue is due to a lack of power on the USB port or some quark with the protocol futaba is using on this radio and the others they mention in the manual.

Edit: Here is a hack that worked for a user of a royal radio. http://www.endurance-rc.com/radio_hack.html

[TCIII]

Hi all,

I purchased a Futaba 6EX to go with my second PCTx and found out too late that the 6EX will not work with the PCTx. I now plan to use the 6EX with a Predator UAV.

I am presently using a Hitec Laser 6 and a PCTx to control my 4 and 6 wheel rovers, but the range is too short. Therefore I am considering the purchase of a Spektrum DX6i, but no one seems to know if the DX6i will work with the PCTx. Presently the older DX6 and the DX7 are both known to work with the PCTx.

Anyone have the PCTx working with the Spektrum DX6i?

Regards,
TCIII