I installed a new Pixhawk V2 on a Blade 450 per the Traditional Helicopter directions. I can ARM the copter but I have no throttle. I’ve double checked that I have connected the ESC to PixHawk CH8.
I have used a Spektrum Satellite receiver SPM8645 DSMX with a DX9. I used the MissionPlanner Terminal to bind the receiver ( uorb start; px4io start; px4io bind dsmx ).
When I used RC Calibration, I could calibrate all channels except CH8. My DX9 would not trigger any CH8 action. hmmm… could this be the root cause of my problems? When I adjust the DX9 throttle stick I see the Throttle control move from min to max (1169 to 1849). Note: it also adjusts the collective from negative to positive.
I have reviewed all configuration / calibration steps.
I have checked all wiring. ESC control is connected to CH8.
I have included my parameter dump in case that sheds some light. (not sure if the add file worked - I see RED “extension param is not allowed[/color]” when I clicked Add The File.
Why can I not get throttle action?
Suggestions and directions are greatly appreciated.
Upon further investigation (and web/newsgroup searching) I’m left wondering whether I have a configuration problem or a hardware problem?
I cannot get throttle action on my ARMED Blade 450.
1 - Is there a configuration step to translate DX9 CH3 Collective/Throttle movement into CH8 throttle control? I understood the PixHawk takes care of this. I’ve searched all the config docs I can find (both TradHeli and quad) and haven’t located any clues. I have searched through all the config parms and don’t see anything obvious. Note: Mission Planned HeliSetup panel shows the Rotor Speed Control section on the far right screen and I see no way or option to select Mode_1. I have the latest beta copy and all I see is to select Ch8.
2 - My model ESC does not support calibration. (I tried and a web search says no) What brand ESC have other helicopter pilots used? I’m thinking easiest solution might be to find/order an ESC with at least 35A and governor features. Can someone suggest a particular model number? Align doesn’t make one and I’ve been able to confirm what a TRex 450 actually uses.
This is a tricky thing… I don’t have any experience with Spektrum gear. From what I’ve seen, the firmware in those radios is very inflexible. I’m not sure what you have to do to get Ch8 working. We’re probably going to have to look to somebody with experience with that equipment to help.
To be clear: You do not send the typical “throttle” signal from a heli mix in the radio to Ch8. There really is no “throttle” control in the APM. What you need is Ch8 to be on a switch. It’s just on, or off. When on, it sends the RSC_SETPOINT parameter to the ESC. When Ch8 is off, it sends a low signal to the ESC.
So you do not need to get the “throttle” signal from a heli mix to Ch8.
As for the calibration, you might not actually need to do that. I sometimes don’t bother. On a heli, with a governor, it doesn’t matter as much. As long as the ESC “arms” by the low signal sent from the APM/Pixhawk, it should be fine.
It DOES need to have a governor function however.
I can recommend the Turnigy K-Force 40A ESC as a decent low-cost governor enabled ESC. This is a rebranded Hobby Wing Platinum.
Another is the YEP 40 from Hobby King. But this is an unauthorized clone of the YGE ESC’s, so depending on your feelings about that…
Thank you Rob.
I thought about using a toggle switch assigned to CH8 but wasn’t quite sure if that was correct… I’ll try that tonight.
I’ll look for a Turnigy K-Force 40A ESC if mine doesn’t work as I need. (I’m not a big fan of unofficial clones. I prefer to pay the official developers to keep them “officially” developing.)
What brand ESC have other helicopter pilots used? I’m thinking easiest solution might be to find/order an ESC with at least 35A and governor features. Can someone suggest a particular model number? Align doesn’t make one and I’ve been able to confirm what a TRex 450 actually uses.