Using multi-channel radio gear for other remote control systems – Electronicly related?
Hi,
I have spent a long time researching up about using multi-channel radio control equipment (specifically aircraft RC systems as they have a large range of channels) and interfacing it with motors and other devices well outside their capable operating range. There are a few things I would like to know about how they can be integrated. One of the most annoying things about aircraft RC systems are the much lower voltage used on the reciever end (4.8V – 6V) compared to RC cars (6V-12V).
I first realised that this was not as simple as I once thought when I was given 3-channel RC helicopter transmitter and reciever and in the hope of wiring the RX outputs to transistors and being able to drive my higher voltage, high power motors. However this miserably failed when I realised that the reciever output was pulse width modulated so there was no linear voltage relationship I could use to drive a transistor with a variable voltage level across the base. I have looked around at frequency to voltage converting circuits and the like but I have not found any practical ones I can build with what I have. I remember hearing somewhere an RC filter can be used but has a comparably slow response time to frequency changes.
Here are the questions:
1) In most aircraft/helicopter RC systems, there are toggle switches on the controller. Do they just change the reciever output on and off?
2) What is the simplest, most effective way of converting a PWM/frequency modulated signal into a linear voltage ranging from 0V to supply voltage (depending on pot position)?
3) How do people build these high power remote control machines/robots in terms of the transmitter & reciever (converting the PWM signal into a linear voltage or some other method)? What type of high-power switching system is used to isolate the reciever circuit from the high-power circuit? (Transistors, relays etc…)
4) Where can I find an example of how an electronic system is integrated for use with radio control equipment? (Something like a control circuit for a robot from battlebots or robot wars)
Would be grateful for any helpful information,
Thanks.
Tagged with: annoying things • channel radio control • electronic system • frequency changes • frequency modulated signal • helicopter • linear voltage • pulse width • pwm signal • radio control equipment • rc cars • rc filter • realised • slow response time • switching system • toggle switches • transistor • transistors • variable voltage • voltage level
Filed under: Integrated Electronic Circuits
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I think you misunderstood the concept of RC Cars and RC Aircrafts… They are basically the same… The Aircraft Receivers could hold just as much electricity as the Car Receivers… it just varies on which you buy. Mine takes in 11.1 volts.
1) The toggle switches give the vehicle it’s function. Aircraft electronics could be used on boats or RC cars. I’ve done it.
2) Don’t know… Never done that in my RC experience…
3) Again… Don’t know, but high powered RC vehicles depend on the electronics bought at the store. You could have a 3.7v RC Car/aircraft 7.4v RC car/aircraft , or a 11.1V RC car/aircraft. It depends on what you want. It also depends on what motors you put in and what kind of speed controller you put in there as well.
4) Just go to google and look up "How to Build ________"