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help I do not know what to do Arduino + sabertooth

Discussion in 'DIY Motion Simulator Projects' started by dualclick76, Jul 12, 2015.

  1. dualclick76

    dualclick76 Active Member

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    use the Sabertooth 2x32
  2. dualclick76

    dualclick76 Active Member

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    resistors are connected p1 and b+ p2 and b +?
    Last edited: Jul 14, 2015
  3. BlazinH

    BlazinH Well-Known Member

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    Okay, you use a 2x32 @dualclick76.

    The 2x32 is different than other current sabertooth models because it is newer and has a built in USB (eventually, I expect all sabertooths will have a built in USB though). The 2x32 now uses the dip switches differently also. I believe this change is due to the fact that it is now very easy to connect a 2x32 to a computer with its USB interface to access Dimension Engineering’s Describe Software to make changes. Older models require an additional purchase of a USB to TTL converter to interface with a computer making Describe inaccessible to those without one.

    To put a 2x32 in simple serial mode set it’s dip switches as follows: 1-off, 2-off, 3-off if using a battery and on if using a PSU, 4-off, 5-initally on, 6-doesn’t matter. The 2x32 is now set up in simple serial mode at 9600 baud. At this point, you still do not need to use Describe software to run at the default 9600 baud rate. We will make that faster later though.

    Now you need to make a small change to the arduino code and load it in order to test to see if the 2x32 is working. Look for this part of code in the XPID_Simtools1_23 program using the arduino programming software:

    void setup()
    {
    Serial.begin(9600);
    SWSerial.begin(38400); //boutons 2, 4 et 5 OFF


    Now change SWSerial.begin(38400); to SWSerial.begin(9600); and load the new code into your arduino. If everything is connected correctly to you arduino it should now work with simtools (assuming you set up the interface as pictured in the XPID_Simtools1_23 documentation).

    If everything is working properly you can now use Describe software to change the 2x32’s baud rate to 115200 baud (see Describes user manual to do this). Now change dip switch 5 from the on position to the off position. This turns off the default baud rate and turns on the user selected baud rate. Now change the code SWSerial.begin(9600); to SWSerial.begin(115200); and load that into your arduino. Your arduino should now be able to communicate with your sabertooth 2x32 at a much faster rate.


    Note: It makes no since to me why this program is set up to communicate between Simtools and an arduino at 9600 baud so after everything is working I would also try changing the code above from Serial.begin(9600); to Serial.begin(115200); and loading that. Change the output baud rate in the Simtools Interface to 115200 and give it a go! If this creates problems somehow you can always switch it back to a slower rate. :cheers
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    Last edited: Jul 15, 2015
  4. dualclick76

    dualclick76 Active Member

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    at this time is 2:35 am I'm tired I tried turning the pot there is no movement tomorrow I do some cleaning software and start again from the beginning rechecking connections, while I thank you for the patience you have, sorry bother again thanks thanks thanks I will keep you informed
  5. noorbeast

    noorbeast VR Tassie Devil Staff Member Moderator Race Director

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    Hang in there @dualclick76, frustrating as it is it will be worth it in the end.

    Fault finding is never fun, it is just a process of elimination. Going over it step by step checking each aspect and connections is a wise way to go.
    • Agree Agree x 1
  6. BlazinH

    BlazinH Well-Known Member

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    Yeah, hang in there @dualclick76 and keep us informed. As far as fault finding goes, I have attached a sketch that will test if the connection between your arduino and sabertooth is working on pin 8 if you want to try it. It should ramp each motor up to full speed and down again. If it works then we have at least eliminated that part as a problem. The 2x32 needs to be set to 9600 baud unless you change it in the code.

    Note: Rename Sabertooth_Motor_Test.txt to Sabertooth_Motor_Test.ino to install on your arduino.

    Attached Files:

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  7. dualclick76

    dualclick76 Active Member

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    ok this evening I will try and let you know thanks again
  8. dualclick76

    dualclick76 Active Member

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    test done nothing happens
  9. dualclick76

    dualclick76 Active Member

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    dip switch 1 off,2 off, 3 on, 4 off, 5 on, 6 on
    arduino upload code test nothing happens
  10. BlazinH

    BlazinH Well-Known Member

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    Right now we should look at this failure as good thing. Hopefully we have isolated your problem. Got a question for you @dualclick76. Have you previously played around with Describe software with your 2x32 connected? If so you may have inadvertently changed some settings that you are unaware of.
  11. dualclick76

    dualclick76 Active Member

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    I did not set anything in fact I tried it with the file settings winegain but I do not know if I did it correctly
  12. Paul Shortland

    Paul Shortland Active Member

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    Might be time for screenshots of the describe settings and pics of your set up so we can hopefully ID the issue.
  13. dualclick76

    dualclick76 Active Member

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  14. dualclick76

    dualclick76 Active Member

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    These are the screenshots of about configuration of sabertooth

    1Immagine.jpg Immagine.jpg Immagine1.jpg Immagine2.jpg Immagine3.jpg Immagine4.jpg Immagine5.jpg Immagine6.jpg Immagine7.jpg Immagine8.jpg
  15. dualclick76

    dualclick76 Active Member

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    Arduino/sabertooth
    pin 8 / s1
    grd / 0v



    arduino + sabertooth.jpg
  16. zigzag49

    zigzag49 Active Member

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    Try to feed your potentiometer with 5v and 0v the sabertooth. In setting interface has com1 you, that's it for the Arduino to your device manager?
  17. BlazinH

    BlazinH Well-Known Member

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    It looks like your 2x32 is set at 115200 baud already. Try setting your arduino to 115200 also using SWSerial.begin(115200); and put dip switch 5 in the off position on the 2x32.
  18. zigzag49

    zigzag49 Active Member

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    You did well "upload settings to device" to send your configuration to the sabertooth?
  19. BlazinH

    BlazinH Well-Known Member

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    Or did you connect and download settings? That is what I assumed.
  20. dualclick76

    dualclick76 Active Member

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    kids thank you all, tomorrow I will do other screenshots and pictures of the best links from arduino sabertooth, right now I'm in confusion light cleaning of the various codes and start again from scratch thanks again for your patience
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