AMC1280USB Motion Simulator Controller

Well I did some more testing. And designed pcb for it already...

But I'll propably add a few more things before fabricating prototypes.


Power up video:

More details:



Thanks
Thanos

Thanks @Thanos for perusing this option for us members . builders and and Tinkerers Thanos . this will bring another great option to your controller flexibility and for the Motion platform Brigade , and fill a gap which im guessing a few members here have been waiting to be filled .. I thinking Win win for anyone wanting to use this feedback method ... Count me in as Order to be placed as soon as you release the PCB ...Was there a preference in terms of the Optical Encoder Count Resolution .. not seen videos yet but doing so as soon as I stop typing LOL

Oh Oh Forgot to ask , will this be one pcb per actuator ?

You don't really have to worry about the encoder resolution, the adapter will stretch and map the total count of pulses into 4096 positions automatically.
But higher CPR will give finer results.

Each Encoder2Position adapter will be for one actuator. This ensures no missing pulses no matter how fast the pulses, and stability. Also the pcbs will be very small (50mm x 50mm).



I'll provide it with only SMT parts soldered to minimize the production cost. Ultimately you will have to solder the connectors you are going to use, and a few pin headers.

Most likely it will be available on Tindie rather soon:
https://www.tindie.com/stores/Tronicgr/



Thanks
Thanos

Hi @Thanos more than happy with that aspect so will be keeping eye on the expected release date .. Thanks for the Info I there was a picture of my face,you would see some serious drooling round about now LOL

@cthiggin your controller was shipped (along other Barebone AMC1280USB ones with USA addresses).

More Barebone rewards, will be sent out within the week.

Thanks
Thanos

Hi Thanos
Does this controller work on youre 1280 usb
Regards Ad

Yes, it will work fine.

It takes 0-5v input for speed (pin4) and has direction control pin (pin2).

You may have to connect the EN pin (pin3) to an inverter logic gate though so it will activate the motor only after the AMC1280USB is powered up.

Another interesting thing about this motor is it might be ok to read its internal encoder pins to determine its position (Motor connector pins 6&7) using the Encoder2Position module I mention a few posts back. However I haven't tried to read such encoder with 3 outputs as not reading the third one it might count wrong because the pulses are not exactly 90 degrees phase.


Thanks
Thanos

Thanos,
Do you have any time frame when the "new" operators manual will be released for the 1280?
I received my board yesterday and it's beautiful.

Thanks so much,
Tom

Hi Tom,

I'm still working on it in parallel of finishing kickstarter rewards and packing and shipping. I already placed lots of tutorial videos that will be linked in the documentation for further explanation of a few functions and will upload much more as proceed.

I think a week or two before its complete. Its going to be hosted on a separate page on my blog first (and then condensed in PDF later).


If you like to hook up your platform, you could always check the older version manual that shows connections (and Sink outputs example) until the new one is finished. The old manual shows the same connections as on the new board, just missing a few connectivity options for 12-bit inputs (or jumper settings ) that exist on the new one.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/1qun9agpaq425p3/amc1280usbmanual_rev2.pdf


The new manual will have some nice LCD screens captures to guide through the LCD menu options:










Thanks
Thanos

Thanks so very much Thanos.

Encoder2Position adapter pcbs are here. I put together one to test...

https://twitter.com/Thanos_6DOF/status/945099222994452481

Thanks
Thanos

@Thanos still waiting for my AMC1280USB. Any news on this when I can expect the delivery? Thanks.

Hi @Thanos - also still in waiting. It looks like some have gotten theirs already so was just wondering how the schedule was going.

@Thanos, same here waiting for my 1280 too, any ETA?

I send out messages on Kickstarter as soon a reward is shipped. Check there in case you didn't get e-mail notification.

Also you can leave message on kickstarter with your username here (can't know which one is who) amd i might be able to give you some priority over the shipping time.

Thanks
Thanos

Hi @Thanos ,Just got my new 1280, (below) is this still the best diagram to wire analog pots and sabertooth? Apart for bridging the 'Analog' solder track bridges, should I also cut the required tracks and place jumpers on the PWM output pins to enable 12 bit Analog?What pins on the 1280 connect to what on the analog pins of the sabertooth?Also how do the 'Analog Limit switches' work? I know you are bring out a manual in the future, but guess I'm just after the basics to enable me to get my sim back up and working - I'm sure I am not the only one...

You can get the analog signal directly on the 12bit PWM pin headers indicated below in red marks, no need to modify the PWM with 2mm jumpers (unless you like to connect wires on the side instead of top), and of course solder the analog tracks too:


Also in the LCD menu you need to select:


and Unidirectional mode:



The Analog Limit switches function is disabled in the firmware until I verify there are no errors in the PID. I had them interfere in the code before and was hard to debug. But its will be available soon in next firmware update.

Thanks
Thanos

Thank's @Thanos , I have installed other relay based limit switches at this time to save the actuators if things go stupid, but it would be also nice to have directional based ones like I was able to do with the old PWM drivers. Will await a future update for that.

@Thanos and @SeatTime can I just follow the diagram above to install the 1280 into my rig and thats that or is there firmware or code that needs loading into it first ? Im struggling trying to find any info or I'm just being blind I had a look at your twitter and your blog spot @Thanos but im still none the wiser

I have it all hooked up using settings above and working with simtools just when I get about 1/4 of range of movement it doesnt stop and keeps on going till it hits the end wont reverse. Limit switches do jack all when wired upto the kill terminal ?

Pulling my hair out

Also how are the dip switches suppose to be set ? I used the settings from the old manual i set 1 to on and 3 to on