RC PWM to control 0-14v dc output

Help & Support Robot Parts
1

I want to control the brightness levels of some 12v lights. My source voltage is 12v dc and I simply want to dim the lights when turning the dial on my RC based Futaba radio. The lights draw 2-3 amps only. I’m looking for a device that will convert RC PWM to a voltage control from 0-14v… so full left on the controller the lights are off, and full right they are 12v. The unit should have a voltage input separate from the ESC’s 5v supply. Do you have anything like that?

2

Hello @Sub and welcome to the RobotShop forum,

You could either make a circuit that converts the RC PWM signal to an analog voltage signal. Here’s an example:

You could get a module that does it for you, for example:

Or even easier, get a controller that can dim the lights using RF:

Or perhaps you could be interested in something like this:

3

Thanks for the reply.

  1. I dont have space or want the complexity of an arduino solution
  2. The KNACRO module wants normal PWM (" 1KHz ~ 3KHz.") not “RC PWM”
  3. I can not use a wireless remote control solution, I have to use the Futaba controller as my control for system architecture/integration reasons.
  4. I cant use the esp32 because I will be out of wifi range, and ideally, I can supply up to 14v to my lights. Also, my lights are not RGB controllable, they just use a normal automotive range DC input to light (They are dimmable though).

See why I posted here? :slight_smile: its not an easy problem, but it seems like there should be an easy solution or module out there…

4

Well, you could use an RC DC Motor Controller, it would be a bit of an overkill because the light won’t need much current but it should do the job, you can find some options in the R/C DC Controllers section of the store.