Lab 11 - Motors and Controls

For this week’s lab, me and my group started working on calibration and the modification of the DATX controller via set parameters from the previous labs. First, we recalibrated the sticks in the Hardware menu so the DATX could read the correct data. Then we used the Multi Bind in the Tracer settings so the controller would connect to the receiver without binding more than once. These were the modifications done to the DATX. The importance of these modifications was to make sure the DATX was given the proper inputs to the Cube so that the RCMAP_X and SERVO#_FUNCTION parameters would respond correctly.

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Image 1: Shows the correct channel selected after using Multi Bind feature

For the ESC and motor, they were connected using the selected bus on the CubePilot. I connected the ESC to the main bus on the CubePilot located on the side, and the motor wires were connected directly to the ESC’s three output pins. The ESC also supplied 5 volts to the servo rail, which is why the servo didn’t work at first until the ESC was powered. After powering everything on and putting the ESC and CubePilot into Manual mode, we moved the sticks so the ESC could read the full throttle range. This step was important because the ESC needs the correct throttle calibration in order to control the motor smoothly.

In addition to the ESC, all we did was perform a throttle calibration for the correct throttle values. It is important to test the ESC because we want tof find the correct throttle max and min readings before we install it in the aircraft.

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Image 2: Shows the GPS, servo, ESC, and Cube pilot all hooked up bfroe connecting to throttle

For the next section of the lab, we hooked the ESC, servos, GPS, to the motor and turned on the voltage regulator to provide proper current. After sucessfully connecting all the components to the Cube Pilot, we hooked the components to a motor that is used for the believer.

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Image 3: Shows the components connected to the thorttle motor and voltage regulator

Overall, we focused on calibrating and modifying the controller, set the controll parameters, and wiring all the required component for the CubePilot. Using our wiring diagram from our previous posts, we were able to find the correct servo rail for the ESC and understood how its important to find the correct voltage for different components. Overall, this lab helped me get a better understanding of how the control inputs from the DATX travel through the Cube and into the servos and ESC.

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