Im a keen modeller and build rc 1:14 scale trucks, I'm trying to build a trailer as many have done that uses a potentiometer which is turned when the lorry turns and the trailer follows through the tow pin, this then turns a servo that makes the rear wheels of the trailer steer creating rear wheel steering. the servo doesn't start turning till the pin is turned about 5 degrees either way, allowing the lorry to reverse easier as the rear steering won't work if not turning past the 5 degrees.
On the trailer it has a detachable neck that is driven by a motor.
Another servo or small motor to lower and raise the loading ramps
Another motor that raises and lowers the legs to support the trailer when disconnected from the lorry.
All of this I would like to be able to control separate from the lorry, so i can press a button and the legs will lower and lorry can drive away without wires going from one to the other.
Ive attached some videos to give you some idea of what I'm trying to achieve
This video has a circuit board that they refer to as E.T.S. Module (electronic trailer steering) This has been made by a fellow member but wants big money for them, it controls the rear wheel steer and neck detach motor, sorry its a long video.
This next video you can see the movement pause, roughly 5 degrees each way.
Im trying to achieve one board that can control the items above and be somehow wireless or link in with my rc gear or a separate remote compatable with the board/arduino , Hope you guys can help.
Cool project!! And yes it can be done with an arduino.
brummy2002:
All of this I would like to be able to control separate from the lorry, so i can press a button and the legs will lower and lorry can drive away without wires going from one to the other.
For this I would guess you could use some sort of sliding contact connector that would connect to the receiver in the lorry.
a separate transmitter/receiver for the trailer such as this;
You have not said if you want any other advice or what is your level of Arduino programming experience.
If you are new to Arduino there will be a lot to learn and it is essential to take it one small step at a time. Write short programs that focus on learning one small piece. When you have them all working separately it will be time to start joining them together.
If you already have radio control for the truck you might consider using the Arduino only on the trailer so that there is no need to interfere with the part that works.
I would need advice on every aspect, never used Arduino before or programming so will be a big task.
I would like to keep the arduino in the trailer and control trailer functions only, Would I be able to link the arduino to my 2.4gHz radio controller remote as I will have spare buttons/switches not been used on here or would i have to have a separate remote for the trailer?
Thank you i will do some research in these categories and try learn some programming.
Im going to do an order later today, can you recommend everything I should need to get going, possible transceiver ,a rough shopping list if you will.
I don't know if an NRF24 can receive data from a standard RC transmitter. Normally they are used in pairs with an Arduino at each end.
I know that Cypress 2.4GHz transceivers can be made to work with Spektrum RC transmitters but I have no idea how that is done. Maybe it needs special code, maybe it doesn't. And I don't kow how the NRF devices compare with the Cypress devices though I suspect they are very similar.
You can connect a standard RC receiver to an Arduino and have the Arduino detect the pulses that would normally go direct to the servos. I suspect that would be the simplest solution if you want to use a standard transmitter.
You don't need any sort of shield to control servos with an Arduino. The servos need their own power supply but the signal wire just connects directly to the Arduino. You would need some sort of driver for controlling DC motors. You might consider a continuous rotation servo as a simpler alternative to a DC motor. I assume you have no plans to use a stepper motor - they require specialist drivers.
As Robin2 suggest.. break it down into smaller parts/projects and work on each until you are comfortable with it.. and them work on merging things together.
IMHO.. start with some simple servo projects to understand the basics of:
1.) How these hobby servos 'really' operate.. (you dont get full movement most of the time)
2.) Understand that powering/driving the servo is different than controlling the servo.
Most servos require +6v (give or take).. and can pull upwards of 1A when under any kind of load (under load = connected to anything that give resistance)
You can not (well, should not) try to POWER your servo from your Arduino.. it will try to pull more current than an Arduino pin can deliver and hence possibly ruin your Arduino. Power it from an external power source, and oinly use the Arduino to control/tell the servo when to move (and how much)
*Connecting grounds from the sero power source and the Arduino is crucial, you might get jitters and odd behavior if not done.
What I'm not clear on (not a truck guy).. is the trailer vs lorry parts you describe and mention you want to control them separately?
As far as control.. maybe Bluetooth? You can them send some serial commands from almost any cell phone or another Arduino...etc..
