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Post by carbon on Jan 14, 2016 8:20:07 GMT
Hi I have recently built a 6DOF simulator which I am spirally upgrading. Have just acquired a AMC1280USB, which will run with Ian's BFF software and be fitted to the system once I complete building the interface cables. Video attached.
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Post by tronicgr on Jan 14, 2016 16:34:51 GMT
Very good Craig! Welcome! I wish you good luck! I hope you have it up and working in no time.
Ian's software is easy to use, in your case all motors should have same direction and no crank radius since you are using linear actuators.
You are welcome to discuss here any issues or ask for the AMC1280USB settings (how you activate the PWM outputs for example...)
Thanks Thanos
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Post by wannabeaflyer on Jan 14, 2016 19:44:01 GMT
Hi Craig great to see you here , your going to love tronics AMC1280USB and linked with Ians Software . call it match made in heaven :-) i have the early version of the AMC1280usb controller but need to do the analog noise reduction update,this evenings task is to update the firmware to latest version so finger crossed, i already used it with my 6DOF rc servo model so all good stuff, Your actuator design may well set the standard for DIY guys and shows great potential, congratulations on the upgrade. watching your progress as always . Cheers
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Post by carbon on Jan 15, 2016 7:05:31 GMT
Question for the forum: Where should I tap the 5V for my H bridges from - A or B on the diagram below?
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Post by tronicgr on Jan 15, 2016 14:53:19 GMT
Use the A to power the logic part of your hbridges.
The B is to provide power for your sensors for position feedback.
Thanks Thanos
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Post by carbon on Jan 17, 2016 8:06:42 GMT
Finished wiring for Controller ready for connecting into SIM.
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Post by carbon on Jan 26, 2016 7:55:33 GMT
I have one actuator connected to the AMC1280USB and working well with Assetta Corsa and BFF software. Fabi's setup software made things easy, but the auto PID tune just did not work for me. Ended up tuning manually like I always do. The wiring changes for the end stop microswitches caused me although nothing but problems due to voltage drop. Its lucky I own a oscilloscope, or I would be still pulling my hair out.
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Post by tronicgr on Jan 26, 2016 16:15:56 GMT
Yes, voltage drop is problem especially if you are working with already low voltage.
Hope you get it up and working soon! Can't wait to see it in action!
Thanks Thanos
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Post by carbon on Feb 6, 2016 13:02:46 GMT
System now fully up and running with the AMC1280USB and BFF software. It is so reactive in Dirt Rally that I had to tone it down to save my kidneys and no rally car is sprung that hard anyway - every stone can be felt, very impressed . Still coming to grips with the BFF settings, will post up a video soon.
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Post by wannabeaflyer on Feb 6, 2016 13:19:40 GMT
Ohhhh Getting excited now at seeing your simulator working with the AMC controller setup, can I ask what motor drivers your using , are they still the MM's or have you upgraded to another type , do you have a block diagram showing the basic wiring connections or is the wiring based on the MD03 Sample photo for DC motor's , I'm still trying to find a clear cut wiring diagram for DC motor use as some info is not in the current AMC version of the manual . ,, Excellent work as always that man, and congrats on getting your system up and running , more options the better for this great AMC128USB controller, we may well see more Lightweight DC motor based systems thanks to the work You and Markus have done ..
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Post by carbon on Feb 6, 2016 20:05:23 GMT
Its working way better then I ever expected . Still using twin MMs for each motor, they work great once sorted and you cannot beat the price. Unfortunately as you know the reliability of them out of China is problematic. Luckily I have the background to replace the odd 'dead on arrival' driver chip. Don't have a wiring diagram worth showing, its just a standard three wire PWM circuit, but with limit switches in the direction lines as a fail safe for the actuators. For me it was always going to be a lightweight DC motor setup or nothing, as unfortunately I don't have the space/budget or available mains power for a AC system - Ie. the main fuse for my house is only single phase 100 amps ($$$ to upgrade if at all possible). Eg Using a Belklin power meter, my rig + computer etc, consumes 630 watts (2.6 amps) when operating with a passenger on board. I do although have it drawing from a 15 amp circuit as a precaution for expected surges.
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Post by wannabeaflyer on Feb 7, 2016 20:14:34 GMT
Hi Carbon once again thanks for the info , the reason I asked is that im using Sabertooth controllers at the moment, so when you mentioned 3 wire PWM I was trying understand where the signal came from ref AMC or was fed to Ref MM's , i understand the limit switch function so just that bit concerning PWM INPUT the would help , I Found the info regarding using 2 or more MM's to increase current driving capacity so im almost there Understanding that part, can you post a sectional photo of the wiring similar to the one you already posted but showing the connections to the MM's , im Good at mechanical Work but need so help Connection wise for the DC option, im trying not to blowup my Expensive DC Controllers ( had too many close shaves so far and am now into pushing my luck territory LOL :-) Sabertooth stuff is robust but im the one factor they didn't bargin on ROFL.. Cheers
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Post by carbon on Feb 8, 2016 8:32:12 GMT
The 3 wire PWM comes from the PWM output of the AMC as shown in my picture above (the soldered side) - note that this is not quite the same anymore due to installing wiring to the Limit switches and changing cable size (but the connections to the AMC have not changed). Re MMs: they are wired the same as in a dual MM configuration, but unfortunately I cannot show you a picture as everything is mounted/bolted in place now with big CPU heat sinks over the MMs, so there not much to see.
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Post by wannabeaflyer on Feb 8, 2016 20:52:14 GMT
Hi Carbon , Just to say thanks for answering my query , I saw some of the photos showing the Cooling fan so I understand you not being able to get clear shots of it now that it all assembled , no problems , just happy for any info, Going back to basics and will check out Ians BFF DE setup Schematic to see if the info I need is there, one last question and I wont bother you any more ( ok ok for at least 3 weeks to give you a break :-) )
6 Motors/Controllers 3 PWM inputs ? is that a typo or have I missed a bit regarding how PWM works for this setup.. I can see from the picture you posted the Area where the ribbon cable is soldered to, towards the bottom of the AMC ( these Connectors are in blocks of 3's and identified as out1,PWM,Out2) is that where the number 3 comes from?
With my newbie limited understanding does that in effect mean each of the 6 drivers has 3 inputs ( dir ,Speed Pwm , and ? )...
No rush , so answer when you get a chance , im eagerly awaiting my ball screw from china to experiment with my version of your actuator, so this is info gathering time so lots more reading required on my part ... cheers Craig
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Post by wannabeaflyer on Feb 8, 2016 21:05:20 GMT
Damm I must learn to read the FAQ's section Properly
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.
the answer is in there Craig I should have paid more attention so sorry to have asked you stupid questions good buddy ,it seems for my application I just need to select the right mode to talk to the Sabertooths , so fingers crossed
Anyways mega thanks for taking the time to provide the answers , its never wasted on me , just takes a while to sink in before the EUREKA light comes on in the Grey matter :-)
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