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Help with RC Servo project please

Discussion in 'DIY Motion Simulator Building Q&A / FAQ' started by James Robbie, Jun 1, 2017.

  1. James Robbie

    James Robbie Active Member

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    My Motion Simulator:
    2DOF, DC motor, Arduino, Motion platform
    While i wait for my hardware and MM to arrive, I am working on the scale RC version of a 2DOF from @eaorobbie I believe. I am having trouble making the servo's move in game and I am struggling to fill the empty voids of understanding in my head. I am finding it a little difficult as I havent done this before and the screenshots from different pages are of older software and differ a little.

    Problem - servo's do not respond in game or via SimTools testing

    Factors:
    • I am using an Arduino, two RC servos and Live For Speed.
    • I am trying to follow these two threads
    • I have loaded the Arduino with the RCModelSimToolsMode.ino - no errors
    • I am not sure where or how to install the RC Model Test_InterfaceConfig.cfg file as the description in eaorobbie's page don't match
    • I get no response from servos when using the Output Testing > Axis Testing APART FROM when turning on Axis Testing, one of the servos centers and the other does nothing.
    • Using the quick start link above, I can prove the game and simtools are talking as when i use the "Virtual Axis" page, I am getting feedback from LFS.
    • When launching the game, again, one of the servos centers but doesn't move after that.

    NOTE - I am using an Arduino Nano for testing but it has the same chipset as the Arduino UNO so dont see that being the issue.

    Please be kind.

    Capture1.JPG Capture.JPG
  2. noorbeast

    noorbeast VR Tassie Devil Staff Member Moderator Race Director

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    My Motion Simulator:
    3DOF, DC motor, JRK
    The difference from SimTools 1.3 to SimTools 2.0 in setup is that instead of axis defined like this <Axis1> it is now like this to designate grouping for a or b: <Axis1a>
  3. James Robbie

    James Robbie Active Member

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    Thanks for that @noorbeast, most appreciated again.

    A couple of letters and what do you know, we have movement!!!

    And in follow on from that, when i move the sliders for the axis tester, my servo's are only moving in a range of about 15 digits (for example -50 to -65). Is this what should be expected or should i see movement from closer to 1 to 100?
  4. noorbeast

    noorbeast VR Tassie Devil Staff Member Moderator Race Director

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    My Motion Simulator:
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    Try an Output Rate of 10.

    The movement when using Output Testing that you describe seems odd, perhaps post a video showing it and all settings.
  5. insanegr

    insanegr !N$@n€

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    in interface settings you need to choose decimal in output-type
    and interface output should be A<Axis1a>~ B<Axis2a>
    st ge.png
  6. James Robbie

    James Robbie Active Member

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    This help thread helped me out a bit thanks to @insanegr

    Here are my settings and what is happening. Its the same servo that is fluctuating so Im wondering if its the servo that is the problem but I dont have another one to test with.



    Also @insanegr, the shudder and response from your model video on rFactor is incredible!!!

    Attached Files:

  7. noorbeast

    noorbeast VR Tassie Devil Staff Member Moderator Race Director

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    My Motion Simulator:
    3DOF, DC motor, JRK
    The total axis allocation for all axis combined should be around 100%, not 100% for each axis, try is at 50% and see if that helps.
  8. insanegr

    insanegr !N$@n€

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    @James Robbie you need a space between both axis in interface-output A<Axis1a>~ B<Axis2a>
    and 10ms for output-rate. give it a try and i believe you will have proper motion. if not swap servos to see if it still happens to the same side or servo.
  9. James Robbie

    James Robbie Active Member

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    So... I have finally had SUCCESS!!! With what you have said here @insanegr, it got my mind thinking and my fingers tinkering. I tried swaping servo's, problem stayed on same side of seat/opposite servo. Changed the cables between the arduino and the servo cables, problem still present. Adjusted the output format from "L<Axis1a>~ R<Axis2a>" to "R<Axis1a>~ L<Axis2a>", problem swapped sides which got me thinking so -

    Format with problem: "L<Axis1a>~ R<Axis2a>"
    WORKING FORMAT: "~ L<Axis1a>~ R<Axis2a>"


    I needed the "~ " at the start
    • Winner Winner x 1
  10. insanegr

    insanegr !N$@n€

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    @James Robbie i see i have made a mistake in the copy paste for the settings:oops:. sorry about that. picture was right in the previous post although.
    try this R<Axis1a>~ L<Axis2a>~