PINNED - Plug & Play PGDT for Radio Control

[Burgerman]

Doesn't this all depend on the Bluetooth device at the PC end too though? My laptop will only connect to my phone when I remove the CD drive bays hard disk.

I am very surprised that the antenna mod made it worse. I have a tiny black USB dongle plugged into my desktop PC and it now has a 32mm wire hanging out just like my Spektrum receivers do. And range went up enormously. Length is super critical however, and some may be loaded electronically at the board.

[Burgerman]

Doesn't this all depend on the Bluetooth device at the PC end too though? My laptop will only connect to my phone when I remove the CD drive bays hard disk.

I am very surprised that the antenna mod made it worse. I have a tiny black USB dongle plugged into my desktop PC and it now has a 32mm wire hanging out just like my Spektrum receivers do. And range went up enormously. Length is super critical however, and some may be loaded electronically at the board.

[woodygb]

It depends on both the Android phone ( not the P.C. ) and the Blue Tooth module that I use in the interface.

So the question is ...will a better module in my interface help ...or would the Android phones B.T. still be a limiting factor that couldn't be overcome?

Maybe the result of my Aerial test show that the phone is indeed a limiting factor?

BTW ...I used a digital vernier to measure the Aerial.

[woodygb]

I found this quote on the web ...

There are 3 classes of bluetooth available

class 1---100 meters
class 2---10 meters
class 3---1 meter

In mobile devices class 2 bluetooth technology is used.
So the answer to your query is 10 meters.

and this.

To get Class 1 range of 100m+ you would need two paired Class 1 devices.

[woodygb]

Pic of "finished" Blue Tooth interface.

Red and Green led's denote Fore/Aft & Left/Right ... they get progressively brighter with increased input from the joysticks.

The larger led ( Blue ) lights when the Blue Tooth has connection.

bt007ab.jpg (232.59 KiB) Viewed 21140 times

[woodygb]

Control of chair via Blue Tooth thread.

http://www.wheelchairdriver.com/board/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=4479

[TDWHBP]

1st post here...

I have a question. can this cable setup be used with a VR2 joystick without an omni device? I do not have on eand cannot find one i can afford.
I have been through thuis thread 5 times and cannot fiind the answer.
also does one meed to buy the cable/set up from you(woody) or do you have/ sell the instructions to build one?

Tim

[woodygb]

A VR2 Omni less version is available.

I could supply you with the info to build yourself...

But first price up the parts ...remembering that there is a minimum order from places like Digikey and R/S.

2 off 89361-708LF

1 off 90309-008LF

A short length of AWG28-08/G-1/300-R

1 off MCP4261-502E/P Thru hole

TRACO 5W Switching Regulator, 6.5 to 36V dc Input, 5V Output, 1A TSR 1-2450

Arduino Pro Mini ATmega328P 5V

A project box ...and other bits and bobs ... like Dupont connectors ...multi core cable etc.

And a HC-06 Blue tooth IF going that route.

[TDWHBP]

I have some of the items as I have been trying to do this "on my own" for a few months... I have the 5V arduino and wire but finding others that have done this type of thing has been futile.. should I PM you or would you be willing to share that information here?


Tim

PS awesome work sir.

Whenever I write a letter to someone, I add a footnote briefly explaining Ohm's law. It's my P.S. de resistance.

[woodygb]

P.M. with email address sent.

[woodygb]

VR2 thread

viewtopic.php?f=2&t=4071


and another

viewtopic.php?f=2&t=3261

[cdb0ewm]

Once again, a great job.

I want to try this using an IOS device.
Is there are parts list for what you did and and schematics?
I'd appreciate it

[woodygb]

There is a parts list further up this thread.

[cdb0ewm]

Got it thanks

Are there any schematics or directions?

[woodygb]

https://v5bfba.dm2303.livefilestore.com ... s+blue.JPG

[ex-Gooserider]

FWIW, I got a request to sign into some evil Microsoft site when I checked out the below link... Not sure if you have the permissions set for general access?

ex-Gooserider

https://v5bfba.dm2303.livefilestore.com/y2pErEz638-9CfvFQw0r2ARSTT9VK01WQ2GdFmsWGE0y9G1_-qoaePej6tmmIuIS877-E4ZaS5UcYeKaW0DUMSsqWnFW7j9aS8g9i-R0_Sqepg/arduino+connections+blue.JPG

[woodygb]

I suspect that you are correct and I didn't make access "public"
cdb0ewm contacted me by P.M. with the same problem......I have emailed him the "schematic"

[Mobill]

Hello all, what a wealth of information. I am not sure what thread would be best for my first post, but that is only one of many things that I am not sure about. I am an electronics hobbyist in South Fl. and would like to get info and contribute to this board. My project consists of a pride vanguard base with a P&G VSI controller that I am trying to interface by way of Arduino. After reading all the information in these posts I have ordered 5 digital pots just like the ones woodygb is working with. My complete setup is from Jon Bennet's site Wifi Robot. Two G wifi routers in client bridge config. one at the control side and one at the bot.
On the robot side there is a router relaying spi serial from a Linux program to an arduino from the arduino to the dual digital potentiometer and then paralleled with the original P&G joystick(JC2000)and then on to the P&G VSI controller. The help I need is combining the arduino code I am using on the input side with the outputs on the potentiometer side and on to the VSI. I will be looking for a slow fixed speed and slow mixing of left and right.
IP cameras for vision are working and integrated. if this makes any sense to anyone or if anyone has anything to add I would appreciate it. Bill.

[woodygb]

Bill,

Email me

woodygb @ orangehome . co .uk

[woodygb]

Steering & Throttle values are passed on to the digital pot via this type of code.

#include <SPI.h>

digitalPotWrite(18,DigiThrottle);

digitalPotWrite( 0,DigiSteering);

// 8-bit: 256 Resistors (257 Steps) MCP4261-502E/P Digital Potentiometer

void digitalPotWrite(int address, int value){// addresses = 0 & 18 for the MCP4261-502E/P Digital Potentiometer ...they may need to change for other chips.
// take the SS pin low to select the chip:
digitalWrite(slaveSelectPin,LOW);
// send in the address and value via SPI:
SPI.transfer(address);
SPI.transfer(value);
// take the SS pin high to de-select the chip:
digitalWrite(slaveSelectPin,HIGH);

[Mobill]

Im not sure about the email address it would not let me use the "uk". I sent it to someone at .co I guess we will know soon enough. Bill. ps. I am not sure why but I cannot email you at ".co.uk" Any ideas? My email address is waylor@att.net thanks Bill.

[woodygb]

I replied and received one email from you... nothing since.

Never mind .

The Arduino code that you sent http://www.jbprojects.net/projects/wifi ... _arduino.c uses codes that are very different to anything that I've used before.... it's taken sometime to read up on them in the Arduino reference libary and at least partially understand them.

The outputs from the Freeduino MaxSerial appear to be simple on/off switches ..... 4 pins... forward , reverse , left and right are held high then taken low to give a direction signal.

I have re read your first post and you seem to wish to retain the joystick function ... can I assume that you are a wheelchair user?

Adding a speed pot and some code to bias the digipots step number shouldn't be a problem ...0-5v on the pots ends and then analog read the pots wiper then divide the answer by 4 so ...( 0-1023 /8 ) = 0 - 128 range.
The neutral step of the digipot is 128 so your SPEED would be plus or minus the speed pots analog read... I.E MAX Forward command 128 + 128 pot reading = 256 resistance steps & MAX Reverse 128 - 128 pot reading = 0 resistance steps.

There just about enough spare pins on my Arduino Pro mini to accommodate 5 more inputs ... integrating the HIGH / LOW commands into my existing code ...especially if you wish to retain the joystick ... may take me sometime.

Cheers Woody

[woodygb]

Bill,
I have a working solution for you.

[david kott]

Hi all,
Wow what an incredible amount if info you all have shared. Thanks
I am researching ideas on how to RC my spare power chair. It’s a 2007 Permobil c300 with power foot, backrest, elevate, and tilt. I use this chair to plow my driveway using the power foot to raise the plow. (by the way this works great been using it for four years now in Minnesota the blade is 42”) I also want to use it as a fork lift, with some extensions on the foot plates and use of the tilt, elevate this should be quite easy. Ok that was the long way to say I want to RC the chair and the four actuators. It’s not vital to keep it as a chair but would be nice.

I am new to electronics and RC and want to understand at least the basics this is what I think is going on please correct me and fill in the blanks if you care to.
The RC tx (transmitter) sends a signal at a set frequency in the form of PPM (pulse position modulation) the number of pulses = the number of channels.
The rx (receiver) decodes this signal changes it to an PWM (pulse width modulation)
I am vaguely familiar with an Arduino.
I know nothing about the r net interface or why it’s needed.
As far as I got with the pg control is that the pot is some form of haul effect.
Questions,
woody how many channels are you using with your setup?
Will my 6 channel tx be enough for the 4 actuators and chair?
What is the relationship of the rx, Arduino, r net, and pg control and order of events?
Could you fill me in on the correct terms of what these devices are doing?

Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks David K

[woodygb]

Would a range of approx 45 feet be acceptable? ..if so the Blue Tooth Android phone version is simpler and cheaper.
viewtopic.php?f=2&t=4479

The current R/C version only has 3 channels ..but I could probably add the extra channels & functions.

Yes the joystick outputs a voltage swing via hall sensors.

To add an interface to the joystick pod requires the end user to solder some connections to the pods internal board ... it becomes easier if the chair has an OMNI interface .. it's then a lot more plug and play.
http://www.pgdt.com/Products/R-net/Omni ... rface.aspx

[Burgerman]

I am new to electronics and RC and want to understand at least the basics this is what I think is going on please correct me and fill in the blanks if you care to.
The RC tx (transmitter) sends a signal at a set frequency in the form of PPM (pulse position modulation) the number of pulses = the number of channels.

Modern systems are all using more than one frequency, and most are 2.4ghz and use 23 to 40 channels, 2 at a time, and continually jump from one channel to another. The signals are encoded. So interference is unlikely, and if it happens various means of failsafe are used to stop the chair.

The rx (receiver) decodes this signal changes it to an PWM (pulse width modulation)

Well almost... A servo uses a strange signal...

I am vaguely familiar with an Arduino.
I know nothing about the r net interface or why it’s needed.

It isn't.

As far as I got with the pg control is that the pot is some form of haul effect.
Questions,
woody how many channels are you using with your setup?
Will my 6 channel tx be enough for the 4 actuators and chair?

YES. But I am not woody. I use RC on all my chairs however.
Woodys interface will give you ON/OFF and 2 more channels for the joystick. That's 3. You will have 3 extra ones, that can use a simple RC switch for 3 additional channels for actuators. If that's not enough you need a transmitter with more channels.

You need TX, RX, Ardino, and send its output to the analog joystick connections on the joystick pod you already have. You can use the other RX channels for your actuators (via RC switch) directly.

[woodygb]

Can you identify your joystick type?
http://ilsau.com.au/wp-content/uploads/ ... Manual.pdf

[david kott]

I think the rc option is better
Joystick is the pilot + d49670/03 k6071620
I also have the seat control panel
This controller is on ebay now. PG Drives Technology Omni Universal Specialty Control Interface, part number D51154.03. Came off a 2009 Permobil C300 wheelchair with Corpus II Seating. If it matters the Corpus ll seating is what I have.
I could spend the 270 for the r net.

How difficult is it without r net, is it a matter of locating pins and soldering in a ribbon cable?

Burgerman I don’t know how to use the form, first time ever on one.
got any rc switch part #’s if I need some.
I know this is the wrong spot to ask but how can I change my user name.

[woodygb]

Please note that there are TWO versions of the OMNI ..one is suitable for a Pilot+ control system.... the other for the R-net control system.


This is a pic of the insides of a Pilot+

download/file.php?id=3262

[woodygb]

Will my 6 channel tx be enough for the 4 actuators and chair?

Your 4 actuators are controlled how ... pod button press ( 2 buttons ) and joystick ?
If so you need just 1 channel for the 2 button presses as the R/C transmitter joystick is effectively the equiv of the pods joystick and this can be done with the Arduino.