Post by tronicgr on Aug 26, 2014 18:00:23 GMT
I'll be adding here some frequent asked questions:
Q:
I still have difficulty to understand the role of AMC1280usb in simulator after read your user manual, probably I need spend much more time. Here is my understanding on simulator:
Flight model/car model -> acceleration data in 6 dof -> cueing / washout -> kinematics calculation -> actuator position close loop control
Where should I put amc1280usb in the upper data flow?
A:
The AMC1280USB is the part that interfaces the software and the motors/platform. So it would be the "actuator position close loop control" in the data flow you mention.
The "Inverse kinematics calculation" is the Thanos6DOF plugin that is part of x-sim now:
motionsim.blogspot.com/2013/05/6dof-software-plugin-for-x-sim3-is.html
Also Ian's 6DOF software can be used instead for "Inverse kinematics calculation" as its more perfect to use with flight simulation as it features very good "cueing / washout":
bffsimulation.com/6DOF-Motion-Software.php
Q: Is my understanding correct that you built the AMC1280USB and it is possible to buy that board from you?
A: I build these modules myself after request only. I don't keep them in stock. Contact me for details.
Q: Is my understand correct that I can directly use the AMC1280USB from x-Sim as it appears as a com-port?
A: Yes, you can use it directly form x-sim as well. Here you can see the settings for the USO section and some example profiles:
www.dropbox.com/sh/641qkq11p3prar1/AABWz2QxxBqC3QONp_3wEEo6a/x-sim%20profiles%20for%206DOF%20platform%20and%20direct%20axis?dl=0
Q: Is using the AMC1280USB directly from x-Sim the recommended way or would you use a different software?
A: For 6DOF math There is a plugin that is now part of the x-sim software:
motionsim.blogspot.com/2013/05/6dof-software-plugin-for-x-sim3-is.html
Here is a stand alone version of the 6DOF plugin to try it out manually:
www.dropbox.com/s/jghuuygm88uwei8/6DOF%20software%20250000%2016-bit%20AMC1280USB%20v1.2%20autodetection.zip
Q: A general question about the “standalone version” of the 6DOF plugin you have on the link in the dropbox. Does it mean I can run it with xSim without having the HW?
A:
The standalone version, won't work with x-sim. I made it just for manual testing of the AMC1280USB (using the sliders). If you have the AMC1280USB connected to the PC its better to use the 6DOF plugin that comes with the installation of the x-sim3. (even then its possible to run the 6DOF plugin in SW mode for testing, by editing the ini file and change "SW_simulation=1" ... in this case you can test games without having to connect the AMC1280USB, just use the 3D simulation window.
Q: Where I’m not crystal clear is about the extension board: What are the available output on the “AMC1280USB” itself (assuming 5V, and the extension board adds different output signals?
A: The AMC1280USB it self can drive 6x PWM signals for h-bridges (DC motors), or miniservos with the Pololu Microservo Serial controler attached on it. The 6DOF ext board is needed to create the Analog speed signals (0-10v) and Digital direction signals (0-24v) for VFD inverters(AC motors) or Servo drives(BLDC motors), but also creates analog speed 0-5v signals for some DC motor drives like the devantech or Sabertooth DC motor drives.
Let me explain a little bit about the 6DOF ext board:
-It output analog voltages in 4 modes:
1. 0-10v speed with 0-24v digital direction
2. 0-10v unidirectional signal that combines speed/direction (0v full left, 5v center stop, 10v full right)
3. 0-5v speed with 0-5v digital direction
4. 0-5v unidirectional signal that combines speed/direction (0v full left, 2.5v center stop, 5v full right)
I'm saying this because if you want to use it with DC motor drive you will have to use the Sabertooth that accepts analog voltages in mode 4.
Instead of the smaller Sabertooth dual 25A motor driver I would recommend the use of this Sabertooth dual 60A motor driver and set the DIP switches as mentioned here.
That will give you enough provision for bigger DC motors and better handle of the motors under load.
Q: Your controller board is compatible with AC and DC inverters,
or will be necessary to specify you with the type of inverter which I will use it.
A: The AMC1280USB is compatible with the following types of motor:
-3phase AC motors, with VFD inverters (99% of VFD inverters are compatible)
-DC motors, with h-bridges or drives that accept PWM or Analog voltage
-Teknic Clearpath BLDC Servomotors that accept PWM signals.
-Mini RC servos (for model platform for verification or bench testing of the software)
Q: What is better AC motors or DC motors?
A: The best motors to use are AC motors as they are strong and common industrial equipment to any country around the world.
Following are the Tekcnic Clearpath servomotors that are very compact and powerful motors.
And last the DC motors intended merely for smaller load platforms.
Q:
The small board with the uC has a jack for external power source. However I am not sure what is the voltage and current required or ideal for it. We would prefer external power instead of USB to ensure stability in case of computer failure.
A:
Don't use the power jack, it might give you USB connection errors.
Its best to power the amc1280usb from the USB port. It does not draw much current, I think about 160mA.
If the computer crashes the Amc1280usb will keep the motors to the last position and park them as soon the timeout period expires (usually 5-7 sec of no motion data)
. If the power is cut off on the amc1280usb while the motors are still on, the speed and direction levels will drop to 0v that will command most motor drives and VFD inverters to stop the motion.
You could always use Powered USB hub to connect the amc1280usb to the computer, that will keep the power on the amc1280usb ON all the time even if you power off the computer.
Q:
I still have difficulty to understand the role of AMC1280usb in simulator after read your user manual, probably I need spend much more time. Here is my understanding on simulator:
Flight model/car model -> acceleration data in 6 dof -> cueing / washout -> kinematics calculation -> actuator position close loop control
Where should I put amc1280usb in the upper data flow?
A:
The AMC1280USB is the part that interfaces the software and the motors/platform. So it would be the "actuator position close loop control" in the data flow you mention.
The "Inverse kinematics calculation" is the Thanos6DOF plugin that is part of x-sim now:
motionsim.blogspot.com/2013/05/6dof-software-plugin-for-x-sim3-is.html
Also Ian's 6DOF software can be used instead for "Inverse kinematics calculation" as its more perfect to use with flight simulation as it features very good "cueing / washout":
bffsimulation.com/6DOF-Motion-Software.php
Q: Is my understanding correct that you built the AMC1280USB and it is possible to buy that board from you?
A: I build these modules myself after request only. I don't keep them in stock. Contact me for details.
Q: Is my understand correct that I can directly use the AMC1280USB from x-Sim as it appears as a com-port?
A: Yes, you can use it directly form x-sim as well. Here you can see the settings for the USO section and some example profiles:
www.dropbox.com/sh/641qkq11p3prar1/AABWz2QxxBqC3QONp_3wEEo6a/x-sim%20profiles%20for%206DOF%20platform%20and%20direct%20axis?dl=0
Q: Is using the AMC1280USB directly from x-Sim the recommended way or would you use a different software?
A: For 6DOF math There is a plugin that is now part of the x-sim software:
motionsim.blogspot.com/2013/05/6dof-software-plugin-for-x-sim3-is.html
Here is a stand alone version of the 6DOF plugin to try it out manually:
www.dropbox.com/s/jghuuygm88uwei8/6DOF%20software%20250000%2016-bit%20AMC1280USB%20v1.2%20autodetection.zip
Q: A general question about the “standalone version” of the 6DOF plugin you have on the link in the dropbox. Does it mean I can run it with xSim without having the HW?
A:
The standalone version, won't work with x-sim. I made it just for manual testing of the AMC1280USB (using the sliders). If you have the AMC1280USB connected to the PC its better to use the 6DOF plugin that comes with the installation of the x-sim3. (even then its possible to run the 6DOF plugin in SW mode for testing, by editing the ini file and change "SW_simulation=1" ... in this case you can test games without having to connect the AMC1280USB, just use the 3D simulation window.
Q: Where I’m not crystal clear is about the extension board: What are the available output on the “AMC1280USB” itself (assuming 5V, and the extension board adds different output signals?
A: The AMC1280USB it self can drive 6x PWM signals for h-bridges (DC motors), or miniservos with the Pololu Microservo Serial controler attached on it. The 6DOF ext board is needed to create the Analog speed signals (0-10v) and Digital direction signals (0-24v) for VFD inverters(AC motors) or Servo drives(BLDC motors), but also creates analog speed 0-5v signals for some DC motor drives like the devantech or Sabertooth DC motor drives.
Let me explain a little bit about the 6DOF ext board:
-It output analog voltages in 4 modes:
1. 0-10v speed with 0-24v digital direction
2. 0-10v unidirectional signal that combines speed/direction (0v full left, 5v center stop, 10v full right)
3. 0-5v speed with 0-5v digital direction
4. 0-5v unidirectional signal that combines speed/direction (0v full left, 2.5v center stop, 5v full right)
I'm saying this because if you want to use it with DC motor drive you will have to use the Sabertooth that accepts analog voltages in mode 4.
Instead of the smaller Sabertooth dual 25A motor driver I would recommend the use of this Sabertooth dual 60A motor driver and set the DIP switches as mentioned here.
That will give you enough provision for bigger DC motors and better handle of the motors under load.
Q: Your controller board is compatible with AC and DC inverters,
or will be necessary to specify you with the type of inverter which I will use it.
A: The AMC1280USB is compatible with the following types of motor:
-3phase AC motors, with VFD inverters (99% of VFD inverters are compatible)
-DC motors, with h-bridges or drives that accept PWM or Analog voltage
-Teknic Clearpath BLDC Servomotors that accept PWM signals.
-Mini RC servos (for model platform for verification or bench testing of the software)
Q: What is better AC motors or DC motors?
A: The best motors to use are AC motors as they are strong and common industrial equipment to any country around the world.
Following are the Tekcnic Clearpath servomotors that are very compact and powerful motors.
And last the DC motors intended merely for smaller load platforms.
Q:
The small board with the uC has a jack for external power source. However I am not sure what is the voltage and current required or ideal for it. We would prefer external power instead of USB to ensure stability in case of computer failure.
A:
Don't use the power jack, it might give you USB connection errors.
Its best to power the amc1280usb from the USB port. It does not draw much current, I think about 160mA.
If the computer crashes the Amc1280usb will keep the motors to the last position and park them as soon the timeout period expires (usually 5-7 sec of no motion data)
. If the power is cut off on the amc1280usb while the motors are still on, the speed and direction levels will drop to 0v that will command most motor drives and VFD inverters to stop the motion.
You could always use Powered USB hub to connect the amc1280usb to the computer, that will keep the power on the amc1280usb ON all the time even if you power off the computer.