Some clarification "We do ask to NOT SET AUXILIARY FUNCTION SWITCHES TO RC5..8."

Navio / Edge Hardware
1

Hello,

Maybe a silly question but I am looking for some clarification about the message at the bottom of the page:

“Auxiliary function switches on channels 5-8 are still not supported and
could lead to erroneous PWM generation on motors’ channels.
We do ask to NOT SET AUXILIARY FUNCTION SWITCHES TO RC5…8.”

https://docs.emlid.com/navio2/Navio-APM/ardupilot-tips/

What does it actually mean for me? I am using switches on my TX which work on Channel 7 (for selecting flight mode selection) and 8 for triggering Auto tune. Is this going to cause an issue for me?

Thanks!

2

Do not confuse input channels from your TX and servo PWM outputs on the Navio.
You can do whatever you want with inputs.
Just do not configure APM to output anything on Navio outputs 5-8 (passthrough, gimbal, etc), if they are not already used by the vehicle mixer (octocopter for example).
Doing so messes up the PWM signal for the ESCs connected to the Navio and the motors might start to twitch/turn without arming the vehicle. This is really dangerous, if you already mounted the props on your copter.

2 Likes
3

Ah excellent thanks Sebastian, so my hexa uses 1 - 6 and I am free to use 9 to 14 for something else?

1 Like
4

This is exactly right! We’ll add a picture like yours to the docs, so it’ll be easier to understand in the future. Thanks, guys.

5

Thanks!

6

Thank you very much for this clarification. I was also confused but now I understand how it goes. The only question i have now is… where do you set that, for example, the input channel 5 controls the output channel 9? (This is only and example, but I hope you understand what I mean).

Greetings from Argentina!

8

I think that you may use Camera Gimbal.
See the picture

2017-09-08_16-08-36
2017-09-08_16-08-36.png934×736 78.1 KB

9

My intention is to use Tilt only, can I set up like above as a servo, then connect my brushless motor controlling tilt directly to NAVIO2 on output 9 thus bypassing the need for a gimbal control board ?

10

Hello,

With tilt moved by brushless motor, you NEED gimbal control board.

If you have a servo moving your tilt, you can use it directly from channel 9 out.

Type “Servo” in the gimball configuration panel say you use PWM signal to control the gimbal (servo direct or control board)

Marc

1 Like
11

Thanks @mlebret, You’ve been a great asset to me in this adventure. I understand now

I’m still a little confused on Camera trigger. Mission Planner advises to set up channel 7 as camera trigger, I have my RC unit set to trigger camera RC channel 10. I have a small SONY IR Shutter control that I would normally Plug into the servo rail slot number 7, but if I’m understanding the Navio Docs, we’re not to use servo rail positions 5-8,

How do I get all the Camera setting offered in Mission Planner on Channel 7 to apply to Servo rail position we can use ie. 9-14

Thanks again for your help.

12

Hello,

RC-In are 6 for Tilt and 7 for Trigger (Default)

You go in the settings

Gimbal settings: RC Out 9 for Tilt,

Then in the full parameter tree, you search SERVO10 and you set SERVO_FUNCTION to Camera Trigger.

Then you go back in gimball setting and configure Shutter according to your Sony IR Trigger documentation.
Neutral, Pushed, duration.

You can benchtest it by plugging a bec and a small battery on the servo rail, USB to the Pi, and your RC Tx.

You still need a Bec on the servo rail to power your Sony Trigger while flying,
Marc

13

I can now trigger the camera or the video from Remote, depending on whether or not I use 1000 or 2000 as “pushed” in the camera gimbal setting.

I’m searching for a way to use both without having to change the values in Mission Planner Camera Gimbal settings.