Hi community!
I’m trying to make something to remotely and wirelessly control a simple lightweight panning head.
The head will be on a video camera so can have up to 12v power. I think radio would be a better wireless interface to use than Bluetooth or WiFi, to prevent interference.
I’m sure this can be done but I’m a robot noob, so want to avoid programming anything, ideally want something that just solders or fits together and works!
Wonder if anyone can help!!
@pwsred Welcome to the community. It sounds like all you need is an RC remote control with included RC receiver. It doesn’t sound like you need any special features either.
https://www.robotshop.com/en/wireless-rc-pwm-servo-controllers.html
If you are only operating a pan servo, you really only need one channel, though given that wireless chips can handle much more, RC remotes normally start at 3 channel (four being more popular because they are rarely ever more expensive) and even 8 and 10 channel are not much more expensive.
Ex: https://www.robotshop.com/en/radiolink-t8fb-24ghz-8ch-transmitter-r8eh-8ch-receiver.html
This includes an RC receiver into which you can plug the RC servo directly. You would also plug the power (like a 4.8V to 6V battery) directly into the receiver pins as well, ensuring signal (yellow wire) to signal, positive to positive (red center wire), negative (black) to negative.
A 6V NiMh battery pack like this already has the right RC-style connector:
https://www.robotshop.com/en/nimh-2000mah-battery-pack-hitec-connector.html
https://www.robotshop.com/en/pololu-nimh-rechargeable-battery-6v-2200-mah.html
Notice how the third pin doesn’t have a wire - it’s a battery pack, so no “signal / communication” wire is needed.
Battery capacity determines how long the servo will last. You’ll also need a battery charger which works with the battery chemistry you choose (and the connector etc.).
This all assumes your video camera has its own 12V battery (don’t power a 6V RC servo using a 12V battery).
Servo category: https://www.robotshop.com/en/servo-motors.html
Thanks so much for that detailed response!!
I’ll have to do more research before buying anything I think.
In terms of controller, ideally I’d like a small slider that could be operated by thumb. Like one you would find on audio mixing desks if you know what I mean.
Does something like that exist?
Thanks!!
P
Understood, and although there are RC servo controllers which use sliders, they are all wired as opposed to wireless. For example: https://www.robotshop.com/en/simple-slider-6-channel-180-servo-controller.html
The main reason for this is that a linear slider is likely because it is less intuitive for controlling an RC vehicle, and since RC vehicles really were the reason why RC remotes were created…
It would not take much to create a custom handheld wireless linear slider, but you would need to create custom code, mechanics and wiring.
