Using standard RC servo through BlueOS

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1

I’m very new to this hobby and I’m building my first underwater ROV. I’m using an RPI4 as companion computer and Pixhawk 2.4.8 as flight computer. I’m trying to connect a standard MG90S micro servo to the pixhawk to use as camera tilt inside the watertight enclosure. I am however not getting it to work. I’m using BlueOS cockpit and I have managed to get my DIY thrusters and camera stream to work with a PS4 controller. Can someone explain to me how I connect, test and use a servo with this setup?

Thanks in advance(:

2

Hi @Brehmer -
Welcome to the forums!
In order for a servo to function, it needs 5V power. Have you connected a 5V power supply to the pixhawk’s output pins, so that any 5V servos connected to it are powered?

Your camera tilt servo should go into slot 16 for the default parameters to use it for camera tilt, as detailed in this table.

4

Thanks for the help. I hadn’t connected power to the pixhawk itself through the power port. However, the table states the camera tilt servo should have the function parameter MountTilt. This does not exist in the PWM output parameter editor. Do I need to have the right parameter for it to work or can I choose something arbitrary?

5

Hi @Vincent -
Where are you editing the parameter for that servo function? What version of ArduSub are you using? To map joystick buttons to mount tilt you will need to select that function…

This should be possible if you edit the function in the BlueOS Vehicle Setup, pwm outputs page (keep QGC closed.)
Generally, you may enjoy Cockpit more!

6

I’m using Ardupilot 4.5.6. I’m editing that parameter under vehicle setup > PWM outputs > Output 16. MountTilt is not available in that list. Perhaps Mount1Tilt is the correct parameter? When I choose it, the camera lights up on the display drone. I’m using cockpit already instead of QGC. How do I remap buttons when in cockpit to change the camera tilt? There is no default button for camera tilt so I’m guessing I’ll have to assign it myself. Also, how do I know which output 1-16 is the corresponding output on my pixhawk 2.4.8 that has 6 AUX out, 8 Main out, RCIN and SBUS?

I’m really greatfull of your help so far(:

7

Hi @Brehmer -
Mount1Tilt is correct, yes

You can assign buttons, typically the shoulder triggers in the default ROV joystick profile, to mount tilt up mount tilt down.

That table shared should help you figure out the mappings, as main and aux out are listed alongside corresponding function.

8

got everything sorted out now. Huge thanks(:

I really appreciate it!!