How to move the T 200 thruster with thruster commander

Blue Robotics Software
,
1

Hello,I have these items and T200 thruster.

I can’t move the T200 thruster with arduino.
It sounds only twice, not three times.

Write the source code below.

#include <Servo.h>

byte servoPin = 0;
Servo servo;

void setup() {
  servo.attach(servoPin);
  servo.writeMicroseconds(1500); //1100~(1500)~1900


  
  delay(7000); 
}

void loop() {

  servo.writeMicroseconds(1300);
  delay(3000);

  servo.writeMicroseconds(1500); 

  delay(3000);

}

But, if i use the Potentiometer included with the product, I can move the T200 and It sounds three times.

Why I’m not able to move the T200?

Is PWM not good?

Does it have to be analog input?

2

Hi @114514,

I’m a bit confused about your question, because your title is asking how to move a T200 with a Thruster Commander, but then your main post says you’re able to move it with your Thruster Commander but not able to move it with an Arduino.

Are you attempting to connect the Arduino output to the Thruster Commander input?

The ESC takes a 1100-1900us pulse duration PWM input. The Thruster Commander uses the potentiometers as voltage dividers, which it reads and converts to the relevant PWM output that gets sent to the ESC. If you want to use an Arduino that should be instead of the Thruster Commander, not together with it (e.g. the Arduino output signal should be connected directly to the (white) ESC input signal wire, and the (black) ESC ground wire should be connected to one of the Arduino’s ground/GND pins.

Each thruster should beep 5 times on startup. The first three (rising in pitch) beeps occur when the ESC gains power, and indicate that each phase of the motor is connected. The next two (low then high) occur when the ESC gets a valid “stopped” signal, and indicate it is initialised and ready to start spinning on command. If you’re interested there are more details in the ESC product page, in the firmware manual in the Technical Details tab, and in Quick Start steps in the Learn tab.

1 Like
3

Thank you for your advice.
I thought the Thruster Commander not together with arduinno,too.

By the way, when I was ESC and Arduino directly connected without resistance,
The ESC got hot and smoke came out.

Do I need resistance(10kΩ?) between ESC and arduino?

4

How did you connect them? Our guide for controlling a BasicESC with an Arduino shows the white ESC signal wire connects to the Arduino pin you’re using for PWM, and the black ESC signal wire connects to an Arduino ground (GND) pin, which matches what I said in my previous comment. You shouldn’t need a resistor between them, and there definitely shouldn’t be smoke.

Generally smoke happens when power is applied to something backwards, and a component gets fried/fails. If smoke came out of your ESC it’s very likely it’s now permanently damaged, in which case you probably need a new one.

5

You shouldn’t need a resistor between them, and there definitely shouldn’t be smoke.

I’m relieved to hear that.

Now, I tried it again and there was no problem.

So, maybe, It’s my fault.

Thank you!

1 Like