Radios - Revision history

Chklnk: /* Common problems */ Antenna placement rewrite

2023-12-17T11:58:47Z

Common problems: Antenna placement rewrite

User: /* Common problems */ - Added details to Problems Section

2021-12-05T18:17:34Z

Common problems: - Added details to Problems Section

Chklnk: /* Radio features and their uses */ Some word choices

2021-07-18T07:25:26Z

Radio features and their uses: Some word choices

Satchmo: Added synonyms for End Point Adjust and gave a second example.

2021-07-18T01:07:11Z

Added synonyms for End Point Adjust and gave a second example.

Chklnk: /* Common problems */ more bold

2021-07-07T16:23:30Z

Common problems: more bold

User: Punctuation Fix

2021-07-02T03:53:13Z

Punctuation Fix

Satchmo: /* Choosing a Radio */ Added liknk to article: adapting pistol grip transmitters to robot ESCs

2021-07-02T00:02:14Z

Choosing a Radio: Added liknk to article: adapting pistol grip transmitters to robot ESCs

Satchmo: /* Choosing a Radio */ added link to explanation of radio features

2021-07-01T23:58:29Z

Choosing a Radio: added link to explanation of radio features

Satchmo: /* Programming a radio */ added links to programming guides for FlySky and Taranis transmitters.

2021-07-01T23:50:41Z

Programming a radio: added links to programming guides for FlySky and Taranis transmitters.

Satchmo: /* Common problems */ Added explanation and link to a correction tool.

2021-06-30T19:32:17Z

Common problems: Added explanation and link to a correction tool.

@@ Line 29: / Line 29: @@
 *'''Failsafe:''' What does your receiver do when it loses its signal? Some inexpensive radio systems will act unpredictably with signal loss, while other systems will continue on with their last good signal until they can reconnect. This 'continue' behavior can be useful for some RC systems but can be dangerous for robot combat. Check out the '''[[Radio List|radio list]]''' for systems that can be set up to failsafe appropriately. If your radio system can't failsafe then most events will not allow it, especially for bots that have active weapons. It's important to remember that often the radio defaults will not work correctly and you will need to adjust them.
-*'''Signal Loss:''' With modern radios, signal loss isn't a common problem but there are steps you can take to ensure your radio signal stays strong. If your receiver has an antenna, position it as close to the exterior of the robot. The most effective way to improve signal strength is to place the radio receiver next to a non-metalic section of the robot's exterior. Having a small panel of UHMW or Lexan plastic will reduce the liklihood of your radio signal not reaching the receiver.
+*'''Signal Loss / Intermittent Control:''' This problem is less common now, but if your receiver antenna is entirely within a metal robot chassis, or near a source of electrical noise, your bot may have trouble receiving your commands. Position the antenna close to the exterior of the robot, or provide a patch of UHMW or Lexan armor over an opening in the metal armor, with the antenna just inside. On some bots you could even have the antenna protrude from the body.
 *'''Not Binding / Connecting:'''
 *'''Compatibility:''' There are several radio protocols and some specific radio-brand differences which make even Rx and Tx combos on the same protocol incompatible. Your only real option in these situations is to find a receiver that is compatible.
@@ Line 35: / Line 35: @@
 *'''Controls Reversed:''' The 'channel mixing' that allows a single transmitter stick to control forward/reverse motion as well as left/right rotation involves the coordination of multiple robot components. Errors in mixing set-up are common and may result in the robot failing to respond to stick inputs in the expected manner. These set-up errors can be difficult to identify and correct. The '''[http://runamok.tech/RunAmok/mixfix4.html Team Run Amok Mixer Fixer]''' will sort out your response symptoms and provide specific instructions to restore correct stick response.
 *'''Only one motor responds:'''
-*'''Robot hums or whines:''' The ESC neutral position and your radio's neutral position aren't always the same. Although some ESCs can be calibrated to set the neutral position, some don't have this functionality. When this mis-match happens, the robot doesn't get enough signal to move but will hum or whine. This can usually be fixed by adjusting the tri setting on the transmitter. It can take some fiddling to get the trim set properly, especially if both the throttle and steering trims need to be adjusted.  Additionally, the issue can be worse with a freshly charged battery which can mean the robot will hum or whine when it is initially turned on, even after the trims have been adjusted.
+*'''Robot hums or whines:''' The ESC neutral position and your radio's neutral position aren't always the same. Although some ESCs can be calibrated to set the neutral position, some don't have this functionality. When this mis-match happens, the robot doesn't get enough signal to move but will hum or whine. This can usually be fixed by adjusting the trim setting on the transmitter. It can take some fiddling to get the trim set properly, especially if both the throttle and steering trims need to be adjusted.  Additionally, the issue can be worse with a freshly charged battery which can mean the robot will hum or whine when it is initially turned on, even after the trims have been adjusted.
 *'''Robot won't stop moving:''' Similar to the Robot Hums or Whines problem, this problem happens when the neutral point on your radio is misaligned with the neutral point on your ESC. Adjust the throttle and steering trims to address the issue.  You'll need to redo your fail-safe configuration after adjusting your trims to make the fail-safe work properly.

@@ Line 29: / Line 29: @@
 *'''Failsafe:''' What does your receiver do when it loses its signal? Some inexpensive radio systems will act unpredictably with signal loss, while other systems will continue on with their last good signal until they can reconnect. This 'continue' behavior can be useful for some RC systems but can be dangerous for robot combat. Check out the '''[[Radio List|radio list]]''' for systems that can be set up to failsafe appropriately. If your radio system can't failsafe then most events will not allow it, especially for bots that have active weapons. It's important to remember that often the radio defaults will not work correctly and you will need to adjust them.
-*'''Signal Loss:'''
+*'''Signal Loss:''' With modern radios, signal loss isn't a common problem but there are steps you can take to ensure your radio signal stays strong. If your receiver has an antenna, position it as close to the exterior of the robot. The most effective way to improve signal strength is to place the radio receiver next to a non-metalic section of the robot's exterior. Having a small panel of UHMW or Lexan plastic will reduce the liklihood of your radio signal not reaching the receiver.
 *'''Not Binding / Connecting:'''
-*'''Compatibility:'''
+*'''Compatibility:''' There are several radio protocols and some specific radio-brand differences which make even Rx and Tx combos on the same protocol incompatible. Your only real option in these situations is to find a receiver that is compatible.
-*'''Too Responsive:'''
+*'''Too Responsive:''' Most radios have settings that can be adjusted to set the robots responsiveness to where you want it. The two main settings are end-points and the exponential curve. Typically end-points are set to +/- 100% but they can be reduced to make full-position control on your transmitter result in reduced output on the bot. A common strategy is to reduce steering end-points to make controlling the robot easier, while keeping the throttle end-points at 100% so maximum speed isn't affected. The exponential curve setting is set to linear by default, which means that the signal set to the receiver is proportional to what you do on the transmitter. The curve can be adjusted to make it more (or less) responsive at the begining of the tranmitter control movement.
 *'''Controls Reversed:''' The 'channel mixing' that allows a single transmitter stick to control forward/reverse motion as well as left/right rotation involves the coordination of multiple robot components. Errors in mixing set-up are common and may result in the robot failing to respond to stick inputs in the expected manner. These set-up errors can be difficult to identify and correct. The '''[http://runamok.tech/RunAmok/mixfix4.html Team Run Amok Mixer Fixer]''' will sort out your response symptoms and provide specific instructions to restore correct stick response.
 *'''Only one motor responds:'''
-*'''Robot hums or whines:'''
+*'''Robot hums or whines:''' The ESC neutral position and your radio's neutral position aren't always the same. Although some ESCs can be calibrated to set the neutral position, some don't have this functionality. When this mis-match happens, the robot doesn't get enough signal to move but will hum or whine. This can usually be fixed by adjusting the tri setting on the transmitter. It can take some fiddling to get the trim set properly, especially if both the throttle and steering trims need to be adjusted.  Additionally, the issue can be worse with a freshly charged battery which can mean the robot will hum or whine when it is initially turned on, even after the trims have been adjusted.
-*'''Robot won't stop moving:'''
+*'''Robot won't stop moving:''' Similar to the Robot Hums or Whines problem, this problem happens when the neutral point on your radio is misaligned with the neutral point on your ESC. Adjust the throttle and steering trims to address the issue.  You'll need to redo your fail-safe configuration after adjusting your trims to make the fail-safe work properly.
 =Radio features and their uses=

@@ Line 47: / Line 47: @@
 *'''Trim''' adjusts the center point of controls. In particular, when a joystick is released and springs back to the center position, proper trim means that the Tx will send a neutral signal.
 *'''Sub trim''' adjusts the center point of receiver outputs. You might need that to make sure ESCs shut off when the Tx sends a neutral signal, or to set a default weapon position.
-*'''Dual rate (rate limit)''' lets you switch on or off a lower-speed, more sensitive motion mode. This could be used to set a speed limit on a "hot" high-speed bot, but still allow a skilled driver to push it to the limit.
+*'''Dual rate (rate limit)''' lets you switch on or off a lower-speed, more sensitive motion mode. This could be used to set a speed limit on a "hot" high-speed bot, but still allow a skilled driver to access its maximum performance.
 *'''End point adjust''' sometimes called 'ATV' or 'Travel Adjust' - sets travel maximums for a servo or limits an ESC speed output. Examples: can set the perfect level for the tip of the lifter to glide across the arena floor, or reduce a motor speed a bit to match the motor on the other side.
 *'''Exponential rate (expo)''' changes the response curve of your joysticks. Changing from linear to exponential response could help you move or steer with precision using short joystick actions, with rapidly increasing speed the farther you push the joystick.
 *'''Telemetry''' lets the transmitter receive data from the receiver, and display it or give an audio signal. The most advanced combat robots report things like battery status, overheating parts, electronic overload, and other useful info from the bot to help the team shape their strategy during a fight.
-*'''Trainer''' features let you link two transmitters together. This was originally designed to allow for a pilot and his instructor to share the task of flying aircraft. In combat robotics, the trainer feature could be used to let two people control a bot with different roles (e.g., driver & weapon) using two transmitters. (While some bot teams use trainer features, others have two or more separate, non-linked sets of transmitters and receivers for the same purpose.)
+*'''Trainer''' features let you link two transmitters together. This was originally designed to allow for a pilot and an instructor to share the task of flying aircraft. In combat robotics, the trainer feature can be used to let two people control a bot with different roles (e.g., driver & weapon) using two transmitters. (While some bot teams use trainer features, others have two or more separate, non-linked sets of transmitters and receivers for the same purpose.)
 =Programming a radio=

@@ Line 48: / Line 48: @@
 *'''Sub trim''' adjusts the center point of receiver outputs. You might need that to make sure ESCs shut off when the Tx sends a neutral signal, or to set a default weapon position.
 *'''Dual rate (rate limit)''' lets you switch on or off a lower-speed, more sensitive motion mode. This could be used to set a speed limit on a "hot" high-speed bot, but still allow a skilled driver to push it to the limit.
-*'''End point adjust''' sets travel maximums for servos. For example, if your bot has a servo-operated long-arm lifter, this could be used to set the perfect level for the tip of the lifter to glide across the arena floor.
+*'''End point adjust''' sometimes called 'ATV' or 'Travel Adjust' - sets travel maximums for a servo or limits an ESC speed output. Examples: can set the perfect level for the tip of the lifter to glide across the arena floor, or reduce a motor speed a bit to match the motor on the other side.
 *'''Exponential rate (expo)''' changes the response curve of your joysticks. Changing from linear to exponential response could help you move or steer with precision using short joystick actions, with rapidly increasing speed the farther you push the joystick.
 *'''Telemetry''' lets the transmitter receive data from the receiver, and display it or give an audio signal. The most advanced combat robots report things like battery status, overheating parts, electronic overload, and other useful info from the bot to help the team shape their strategy during a fight.

@@ Line 22: / Line 22: @@
 =Common problems=
-Since the radio receiver passes signals to the robot's [[ESCs|Electronic Speed Controllers]] to drive the robot's functions, it can sometimes be difficult to determine if the problem is with the radio or the ESC. To make troubleshooting easier, solutions to common problems that affect the whole system are described here.
+Since the radio receiver passes signals to the robot's '''[[ESCs|Electronic Speed Controllers]]''' to drive the robot's functions, it can sometimes be difficult to determine if the problem is with the radio or the ESC. To make troubleshooting easier, solutions to common problems that affect the whole system are described here.
-Team Run Amok's <Strong>[http://runamok.tech/AskAaron/radio_guides.html Ask Aaron]</Strong> site is a good resource for additional information and troubleshooting.
+Team Run Amok's '''[http://runamok.tech/AskAaron/radio_guides.html Ask Aaron]''' site is a good resource for additional information and troubleshooting.
 ''This section needs additional details.''
-*'''Failsafe:''' What does your receiver do when it loses its signal? Some inexpensive radio systems will act unpredictably with signal loss, while other systems will continue on with their last good signal until they can reconnect. This 'continue' behavior can be useful for some RC systems but can be dangerous for robot combat. Check out the [[Radio List|<strong>radio list</strong>]] for systems that can be set up to failsafe appropriately. If your radio system can't failsafe then most events will not allow it, especially for bots that have active weapons. It's important to remember that often the radio defaults will not work correctly and you will need to adjust them.
+*'''Failsafe:''' What does your receiver do when it loses its signal? Some inexpensive radio systems will act unpredictably with signal loss, while other systems will continue on with their last good signal until they can reconnect. This 'continue' behavior can be useful for some RC systems but can be dangerous for robot combat. Check out the '''[[Radio List|radio list]]''' for systems that can be set up to failsafe appropriately. If your radio system can't failsafe then most events will not allow it, especially for bots that have active weapons. It's important to remember that often the radio defaults will not work correctly and you will need to adjust them.
 *'''Signal Loss:'''
 *'''Not Binding / Connecting:'''
 *'''Compatibility:'''
 *'''Too Responsive:'''
-*'''Controls Reversed:''' The 'channel mixing' that allows a single transmitter stick to control forward/reverse motion as well as left/right rotation involves the coordination of multiple robot components. Errors in mixing set-up are common and may result in the robot failing to respond to stick inputs in the expected manner. These set-up errors can be difficult to identify and correct. The <Strong>[http://runamok.tech/RunAmok/mixfix4.html Team Run Amok 'Mixer Fixer]</Strong> will sort out your response symptoms and provide specific instructions to restore correct stick response.
+*'''Controls Reversed:''' The 'channel mixing' that allows a single transmitter stick to control forward/reverse motion as well as left/right rotation involves the coordination of multiple robot components. Errors in mixing set-up are common and may result in the robot failing to respond to stick inputs in the expected manner. These set-up errors can be difficult to identify and correct. The '''[http://runamok.tech/RunAmok/mixfix4.html Team Run Amok Mixer Fixer]''' will sort out your response symptoms and provide specific instructions to restore correct stick response.
 *'''Only one motor responds:'''
 *'''Robot hums or whines:'''

@@ Line 17: / Line 17: @@
 *'''Safety:''' Runaway robots can be dangerous, so it is critical that your radio system properly handles what is known as a '''Failsafe''' situation. When the robot loses signal from the transmitter, the receiver must stop all movement and turn off weapons. (Many events require that the radio be turned off while people are in the arena to insure that the robot isn't moved accidentally by a person.) Not all radios have a failsafe feature, and many must be set up or programmed for the correct behavior. For instance, aircraft receivers may continue flying or attempt to land if the transmitter signal is lost.
 *'''Form factor:''' You may have a preference on the form factor of your radio transmitter. The pistol-grip types have a throttle trigger and steering wheel, and may be easier to learn, though some people feel they lack fine control. Dual-stick radios are generally the most flexible and often have switches which can be programmed for special operations. Transmitters in the shape of game controllers are increasingly common; you may find this type to be more familiar to operate, and the controls may require very short movements. With time and enough practice, the differences between types may become insignificant. See also: '''[http://runamok.tech/RunAmok/pistol.html Using Pistol Grip Transmitters with Robot Speed Controllers]'''
-*'''Functionality:''' Each robot's requirements are different. A simple wedge robot may only need two channels with a third channel enabling a weapon, but some robot designs need even more channels or other radio programming features. If your ESC doesn't have built-in mixing you'll need to find a radio that can do tank-steering [[Radios/Mixing|Mixing]].See also: '''[http://runamok.tech/RunAmok/radio_func.html Combat Robot Radio Systems - what functions do you actually need?]'''
+*'''Functionality:''' Each robot's requirements are different. A simple wedge robot may only need two channels with a third channel enabling a weapon, but some robot designs need even more channels or other radio programming features. If your ESC doesn't have built-in mixing you'll need to find a radio that can do tank-steering [[Radios/Mixing|Mixing]]. See also: '''[http://runamok.tech/RunAmok/radio_func.html Combat Robot Radio Systems - what functions do you actually need?]'''
 If you are looking to purchase a radio, take a look at the '''[[Radio List|list of radios]]''' that are known to be suitable for robot combat.

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:50, 1 July 2021
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	=Programming a radio=		=Programming a radio=

−	''~~TBD~~''	+	*'''[http://runamok.tech/RunAmok/flysky_i6.html Programming the FlySky FS-i6 Transmitter for Combat Robotics]'''
		+
		+	*'''[http://runamok.tech/RunAmok/taranisQX7.html Programming the Taranis Q X7 Transmitter for Combat Robotics]'''