Hello!
This project is for an exhibit - a F-20 Tigershark model on display will be controlled by 2 methods. The first is by the joystick and the second would be by a custom APP by Android or iPad.
I was thinking on basing the system with the Arduino MEGA 2560, using WIFI SHIELD 101. The F-20 would need at minimum 10 outputs for the various control surfaces and 4 for the plane pedestal itself. I was thinking that I could add - as an option another set of inputs for limit switches for the control surfaces and/or the pedestal too. It would need a minimum of 4 inputs for the joystick and 2 more for the 'yaw' control (separate buttons on the panel). If we used Stepper motors that would pretty much negate the need for the optional limit switch inputs.
Now - discarding costs, etc. What do you all think?
I have no idea what you are talking about. How about spelling out your design criteria in plain english that includes "degrees of motion", number of axis , a rough artist's conception or something .
You talk about "outputs" but where's the list of outputs with descriptions ?
I grasp the concept of model on display but I don't see what the problem is. Why don't you rephrase your question in a way that explains what you need:
ie:
"How to control RC servos wirelessly without using an RC Transmitter"
. (who cares what the servos are on or what they are doing. If you can control them wirelessly that's all that matters is it not ?
I can't help but ask if you have taken a few minutes to Google your topic ("controlling RC servos wirelessly without an RC transmitter") or if you just rushed right over to the forum first. Are you at all familiar with how arduinos control RC servos ?
Seriously, it took me 10 seconds to find this
It uses a laptop instead of an arduino but I won't tell anyone...
YES! That's the one. There isn't any information about its scale on the exhibit, nor the model and not even inside. It's made of fiberglass and has been 'here' for at least 20 years. There's a big 'circle' cut out at the bottom between the engine intakes where it looks like it used to sit on some type of pedestal. At the moment that's all I know about it except for it's about 3 & 1/2 to 4ft long, with a wingspan of about 3 to 3 & 1/2 ft wide. FYI: We have one exactly like this but the pedestal doesn't look as good:
Basically I was asking about the basic setup and wondering about your thoughts on it. I didn't feel the need to know anything about the degree's of motion, or torque, etc because I can figure all that out myself. Yes, the MEGA 2560 is probably overkill, but unspoken 'possible additions' would be that the guest could link this system up with their iPad or Android device or just use the already available joystick.
To me "Project Guidance" is what I was looking for since this is that forum and not troubleshooting, programming, etc. that's why I asked: "What do you all think?"
WaltsWorker:
To me "Project Guidance" is what I was looking for since this is that forum and not troubleshooting, programming, etc. that's why I asked: "What do you all think?"
You're not alone in thinking this way.
You mentioned WiFi but not Bluetooth? I'd think something like this might be easier done with Bluetooth (probably because I only know how to do this sort of thing using Bluetooth).
Making a Bluetooth app for an Android device isn't too hard but I think there are a lot of hoops to jump through before you can make an Apple app.
OPPS!! My bad! I did mean bluetooth as for the guests being able to use this exhibit. The wifi/network part would be for 'us' to check on the status of the exhibit! But those are 'options' on the drawing board.
FYI: I guess the real one we have is 82-0064 (Northrop serial number GI.1002). I would then presume that the model we have (yes it's control surfaces do move) is probably of the same era.
So the model isn't a flying model? It sits on a pedestal and the control surfaces move?
Steppers are not necessary. Normal RC servos should be perfectly good. Your size is much larger than most RC models so you should attempt to mass-balance the controls as much as possible so the servo isn't lifting the whole weight of the elevator all the time. Then use big servos.
Using bluetooth to control sounds like a great idea. That way when the joystick gets destroyed by the public, they can login on their own phones and the exhibit still works.
