Variable Voltage from PC Port

Nov 14, 2004 6 Replies
D

I'm trying to control an RC transmitter from my PC. The transmitter contained two potentiometers (one for each stick) which varies the voltage across the centre wire between approx 1.4v and 2.3v (with approx



1.9v being centre).

Of the three wires to the potentiometer, it's my understanding that I can ditch one (the black one), and just a variable voltage across the other two, and it should simulate the stick movement. However, all output from the pc (for example, serial/parallel) is digital, and I've no idea how to drive something that could vary the voltage. Can anyone point me in the right direction?



Thanks,



Danny


Danny Tuppeny http://dot-dot-com.com/ You've just gone up in my estimation and are no longer beneath my contempt
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G

That right direction could be the printer-port :-) With some resistors and a driver you can convert it into an 8-bit DA converter. (or, alternatively: 2 4-bit converters)

Kind regards, Gerard Bok
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D

On 14/11/2004 14:53, Gerard Bok muttered:

I was hoping it'd be that port, it looks easiest to program!

Do you know if there any such device to do what I want (parallel -> analogue/variable voltage) in production (that's cheap!), or where I might find some docs on making my own?

Thanks

Danny Tuppeny http://dot-dot-com.com/ Try and be brave, and ignore the fact that nature's been very cruel to you
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G

Sure!

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And there are plenty more :-)

Kind regards, Gerard Bok
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C

I think the usual way to do this is to simulate the pulse stream on the buddy-box connector. eg The stream of 1-2mS pulses after the encoder.

That way you can control all the channels with "no" external circuitry.

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C

or buy a serial port to buddy box cable from here ...

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Note this device allows the PC to control the RC. It's NOT a joystick adaptor that allows an RC TX to be used for PC gaming, although this company also sells those.

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D

On 15/11/2004 10:10, Gerard Bok muttered:

:)

I've been exchanging emails with the owner of that page all day, and he gave me some good ideas. However, I need two channels, so first of all, I'm going to give this a go:

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Ordered a few before - will see how I get on with them and a board! :-)

Danny Tuppeny http://dot-dot-com.com/ Programming is like sex: One mistake and you have to support for a lifetime.
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