Code Or Wiring?

Using Arduino Project Guidance
#1

Hi,

I am working with 4 brushless motors, everytime I try to ramp up the motors using a joystick one or two motors suddenly stops. When I lay off the joystick they reconnect and start working again until I turn up the speed.

Really trying to figure out if it is bad code or a wiring issue before I start going down that road.

#include <Servo.h>
Servo ESC;     // create servo object to control the ESC
Servo ESC2;
Servo ESC3;
Servo ESC4;
int potValue;  // value from the analog pin
void setup() {
  // Attach the ESC on pin 9
  ESC.attach(9,1000,2000); // (pin, min pulse width, max pulse width in microseconds)
  ESC2.attach(3,1000,2000);
  ESC3.attach(6,1000,2000);
  ESC4.attach(13,1000,2000);
  Serial.begin(9600); 
}
void loop() {
  potValue = analogRead(A0);   // reads the value of the potentiometer (value between 0 and 1023)
  potValue = map(potValue, 0, 1023, 0, 180);   // scale it to use it with the servo library (value between 0 and 180)
  ESC.write(potValue - 90);    // Send the signal to the ESC
  ESC2.write(potValue - 90);
  ESC3.write(potValue - 90);
  ESC4.write(potValue - 90);
  Serial.println(potValue);
  Serial.read();
}

Basic Motor Test.jpg

#2

What is the printed value of potValue at the point of failure?

Also, I’d be more inclined to use map(potValue, 0, 1024, 0, 180)

And…an array.

#3

It always seems to vary, I just tested 4-5 times, I got up to a potValue of 180, the power dips a little up/down and then the motors cease, followed by a few beeps from the ESC.

Perhaps it is because of the ESC, I have not done anything besides take them out and hook them up, maybe they need to be tuned?

Components

ESC: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00E95VG2I/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Motor: Amazon.com: Nine to Nine 4 Pcs A2212 13T 1000KV Outrunner Brushless Motor for DJI F450 F550 MWC Multicopter: Camera & Photo

PCB: Amazon.com: PDB Power Distribution Board (Matek Systems) + 4pcs Sponge Mat Landing Pad Gear (2PCS XT60 PDB): Toys & Games

#4

the power dips a little

Enough to cause a processor brown-out reset?

#5

I guess I’m not sure.

I have it in my desk variable PS and have it at 7.4V, average pull of 3ishA when I have the joystick at 180. I have clocked it dipping down to lowish 6V, 6.2V.

#6

Schematic required

#7

More detailed than the one already attached?

#8

ESCs needs vast amounts of current in reserve, 20A or more might be needed from the supply - they are designed to be powered from powerful LiPo packs which can easily source 50 or 100A.

I think what's happening as soon as the current spikes hit the supply's current limit the voltage drops out and resets everything.

#9

jbarth200:
More detailed than the one already attached?

not funny.

#10

Why (potvalue - 90)? What do you expect writing negative values to the ESCs to do?

Steve

#11

You might try using microseconds instead of degrees since you’re controlling speed, not angle.

#include <Servo.h>
Servo ESC;     // create servo object to control the ESC
Servo ESC2;
Servo ESC3;
Servo ESC4;
int potValue;  // value from the analog pin
void setup() {
  // Attach the ESC on pin 9
  ESC.writeMicroseconds(1500); // zero speed
  ESC2.writeMicroseconds(1500);
  ESC3.writeMicroseconds(1500);
  ESC4.writeMicroseconds(1500);
  ESC.attach(9);
  ESC2.attach(3);
  ESC3.attach(6);
  ESC4.attach(13);
  Serial.begin(9600);
}
void loop() {
  potValue = analogRead(A0);   // reads the value of the potentiometer (value between 0 and 1023)
    // scale it to use it with the servo library (value between 0 and 180)
  potValue = map(potValue, 0, 1024, 1000, 2000);
  ESC.writeMicroseconds(potValue);    // Send the signal to the ESC
  ESC2.writeMicroseconds(potValue);
  ESC3.writeMicroseconds(potValue);
  ESC4.writeMicroseconds(potValue);
  Serial.println(potValue);
  Serial.read();
}
#12