Controlling your R/C transmitter from a PC using an Arduino

Projects Programming
1

Hello,
Here is a project i am trying to build:
https://www.min.at/prinz/?x=entry:entry130721-182227

The problem is that i understand Arduino scripting only at a very basic level.

My question is:
Should i upload the protocol code with all the hex addresses in it as is to the Arduino or is it only a protocol general description, from which one is supposed to build the Arduino code itself?

Since i only understand simple Arduino scripts and know almost nothing about hex addresses (besides the way they look)...is it complicated to build the Arduino code itself, from that protocol description? How should that be done?

Thanks.

2

Should i upload the protocol code with all the hexa addresses in it as is to the Arduino

I'm not sure what you mean by "hexa addresses". The standard abbreviation for hexadecimal is hex. There are no addresses in the sketch. There are values with hex constants that the executable will send.

Yes, you should stupefy your Arduino by uploading that sketch AS-IS.

3

Thanks for your reply Paul. It's good news for me.
i'v changed it to hex.

4

Paul,
When trying to upload the code to Arduino i get the following error messages:

Arduino: 1.6.2 (Windows 8.1), Board: "Arduino Uno"

RC_to_Arduino.ino:2:1: error: 'Send' does not name a type

RC_to_Arduino.ino:108:44: error: expected unqualified-id before '>' token

RC_to_Arduino.ino:108:58: error: expected unqualified-id before numeric constant

RC_to_Arduino.ino:116:44: error: expected unqualified-id before '>' token

RC_to_Arduino.ino:116:58: error: expected unqualified-id before numeric constant

Do you have any idea why this happens?
As well, in my previous computer, the Arduino IDE used to mark-up the lines in which there is an error and now, it only shows the error messages at the bottom of the window, do you know how can i make it mark-up the error lines? I can't find such an option in the menu..
Thanks.

5

I tried compiling the sketch in 1.0.5 and 1.6.5, for the Duemilanove (I don't have a Uno, though the Uno and Duemilanove use the same chip), and it was successful on both versions.

6

i'm very close - but not there yet.
After uploading the StandardFirmata protocol to the Arduino - the PC software is finally connecting at 57600 Baud.
But no matter what configuration i try on the Devo 7E TX side, the sliders on the PC software won't make the servo move - only the TX stick makes it move.
i'v tried all the options in the TX 'PPM in' menu of the TX to no avail.

Have you got any idea what i should do?

7

After uploading the StandardFirmata protocol to the Arduino

How did you do that ?

8

Just like i upload any sketch to the Arduino via a USB cable.
In my Arduino IDE installation - there are Firmata examples under menu->File->Examples->Firmata

9

Which Firmdata example program produced the errors in post #3 ?

10

Oh...none of them - that was before i understood that i need to upload the Firmata example from the Arduino IDE and tried to upload the protocol description from Richard Prinz's page, by mistake.

11

Sorry, but I am lost as to what you have done, what worked and what didn't

12

The PC software seems to 'see' the Arduino. The Arduino does not seem to 'see' the Devo 7E TX. Therefore i am still not able to control the servo concted to the RX, from the PC software channel sliders, but only from the TX sticks.

13

First step. Print the data received by the Arduino from the PC and check that it is correct.

14

hmm..how do i do that?

15

Please post the program that you are using here to make it easier to provide help and so that we can be sure which program you are referring to.

Please use code tags around the code when you post it as described in read this before posting a programming question

16

I am using hardware and software exactly as described at Richard Prinz's Page.

17

Ooops - my bad. :confused:

The correct Arduino sketch is already given in the download ZIP file at Richard's page. Everything is working nice for me now - besides the fact that the servos are a little bit wobbling and vibrating, when under the PC control and not vibrating at all, under the TX control.

Anyone has an idea what is the cause for this?