Our school has just started a new robotics program, and as the program is new we don’t have much experience to draw upon. We’ve had to buy all new parts and we’ve discovered we’re still missing a few parts that we require in order to get our robot working for the annual skills competition. Also, we’ve discovered a few things that online tutorials and other resources couldn’t adequately explain, and would like additional clarification if possible.
How does the white cord on a Futaba 3004 send out signals?
Would it be possible to connect two EMG30 gear motors from the Devantech RD02 robot drive system (RB-Dev-19) to a 3 pin futaba R617FS 7 channel receiver (RB-Fut-11) through an Electronic Brick Sensor Shield for Arduino (RB-Ite-121) and the Arduino Uno (RB-Ard-34), as we set the interface for the Devantech on fire (oops).
Or could we use the Arduino Motor Shield V3 (RB-Ard-35) to control both stepper motors and dc motors?
Would either of these allow us to use stepper motors and/or DC motors in both forward and reverse? (Preferably both), or is there an easier way?
Also, is there any way to use two servo motors on one receiver port channel for the pin futaba R617FS 7 channel receiver?
Lastly, is there any way to use the Arduino Uno as just a control unit and allow a 12 volt power supply on the motors instead of the 5 volt maximum on the Arduino? We’ve tried a few prototypes and whenever we use two dc motors it takes much longer to reach a higher rpm than with just one motor.
It does not actually send out signals; the servo only receives “position” signals (only IN, not OUT).
The motor controller associated with RB-Dev-19 accepts ether I2C or Serial commands, whereas the output from a Futaba R/C receiver is… R/C. You would need to program a microcontroller to convert the R/C commands to serial or I2C; this is not a great approach and the easiest solution would have been to simply purchase an R/C controlled DC motor controller (which plugs right into the R/C receiver). Most people who opt for RB-Dev-19 use the motor’s built-in encoders to get more accurate positioning and as such, they connect it to a microcontroller.
RB-Ard-35 is really just for controlling two small DC motors not steppers, and not really the motors you have as part of RB-Dev-19.
You should be able to connect servo motors directly to the Futaba’s receiver. Ensure you have the right orientation of the connector.
You should not power motors or actuators directly from the Arduino’s pins! Can you draw the setup you have now and somehow indicate where everything is connected? Yes, you could use the Arduino as a central control unit, but it’s a bit harder to connect the Arduino to a standard R/C unit.
The charger should be appropriate for your battery. However, please make sure you set it at its maximum current output. Also, since your battery is large, it might take longer (several hours) for it to be fully charged.
We’ve managed to solve most of the problems we’ve outlined before and have chosen several products, one last question is we bought this charger (6V - 12V NiMH / NiCd Smart Charger, RB-Ten-02), and this battery (BAT-06 12.0V / 2800mAh Ni-MH Battery Pack) however, the charger isnt charging it. Our teacher thoguht it might be because its 10 amps and the charger has a maximum of two amps. Is it simply faulty, or is there another charger we need? and if so, would you ahve any suggestions?
ps, sorry for not responding earlier, your post was very informative and allowed us to find sereral different products we hadnt thought of before.
