I have a Futaba 2-channel RC transmitter set for RF 75.630 MHz. How do I interface it with the Arduino Uno? I saw a tutorial on Sparkfun website at RC Hobby Controllers and Arduino - SparkFun Electronics but which RC receiver should I buy?
You need to figure out if your transmitter is AM or FM, then any AM or FM (match the transmitter) 75Mhz 2 channel receiver will do. Some countries have restrictions on what a 75Mhz radio can be used for, check in your country.
Also that tutorial is a bit questionable, try this instead -
Duane B
The tutorials at RCArduino don't tell me if I need a RC receiver. I also tried to set up IR communcation but I don't know which code for which button on the remote control. The Serial Monitor displays a few codes when I press a button.
This looks like it's your first attempt to do something with an RC anything, so what ever your planing to do you need to start with a working car with a RX'er which is controlled from a working TX'er.
Get hold of a cheap "toy" as cheap as you can find. I paid 6.50 pounds for the one I'm working on.
Put the futaba away its an expensive brand.
I have Tamiya 1:10 scale Twin Detonator with Tamiya ESC and Futaba radio system and a 1:8 scale (I think) New Volkswagen Beetle made by New Bright. I had problems controlling the ESC from Arduino because the ESC has braking feature that requires me to release the throttle stick on the transmitter before running the truck in reverse. I need an ESC that doesn't have braking feature. The VW has a weird steering motor with encoder. I modified the chassis for a steering servo but the horn interfers with the tie rod. I have a R2D2 robot that requires me to talk to it to get it to move and I want to modify it for RC.
@ jeffmorris
I think you really should start a thread of your own and which of your systems, projects and/or problems do you want to talk about
Mark
Forget about IR and RF communications. I will try Bluetooth communication.
jeffmorris:
Forget about IR and RF communications. I will try Bluetooth communication.
You do realize using common BT designs that will work only if you keep the car within a couple feet from the transmitter, right? You could probably significantly multiple range with a highly directional transmitter antenna, but from my understanding the antennas normally used in BT devices are more or less omnidirectional.
I thought that setting up Bluetooth communication is easier than IR or RF communication. I found out that I can use my Samsung Galaxy 7.0 Plus tablet to control robots thru Bluetooth. I ordered the items that I need for Bluetooth communication from Sparkfun.
jeffmorris:
I thought that setting up Bluetooth communication is easier than IR or RF communication.
It probably will be easier. However, my reply was about the range you could expect. Most BT modules in phones and tablets are lowe power and will have a much small reliable range than IR or AM/FM based control system. I'm not implying it can't be done. I'm just letting you know that you shouldn't expect to be able to control the car from the more than a few feet away.
I've used a 2.4Ghz XBee link and gotten control to nearly 1km!
Now I have some "free" time I'm going to use the 900Mhz XBee Pro modules I have
Give me a yell if you want my Version 1 code, it's easy and simple.