EthOS Tips and Tricks

[Nathan]

I hope this is the right place to start some conversations around what might be possible in EthOS. Things like novel mixes, uses of logical switches and the like.

[Nathan]

I recently experienced my linkage magnet re-engaging as I am removing my cylinder. To help avoid this I figured it'd be smart to actuate the servos as far in as possible to create as much clearance as possible. This could be done with the sticks prior to turning off the cylinder - or I could have the radio do it... I programmed mixes on the channels that move them in for 5 seconds when I push the button on the back of my radio when the throttle is at 0 (stop). Simple and clean. And the 5 second de-activation should prevent accidents if I hit the button at the wrong time.

Here is how to set this up:
Once your channel mixes and outputs are set up, you'll need to set up a logical switch - this will be used to combine the throttle off and rear switch into a single switch for the mixes (which will be defined next):

Note the 5 second "Delay before inactive" setting. You can use any physical switch or other criteria that makes sense for your model.

And then you add an Offset mix for each surface you want to move. Here is a picture of the final mix, next I'll show you the actual mix:


And here is the detail of the mix:

If you need the servo to move the other way or a different amount then change the offset. The Active Condition is your logical switch.

The mixes will need to be repeated for each channel you want to move.

Once this is set up all you have to do after getting your model out of the water and ready to break down, is to move the throttle to 0, push the button, and power off the cylinder.

I hope this helps!

Nathan

[Nathan]

Bow Plane Retract Lockout

IMPORTANT: before testing this be sure you have disconnected any linkages that could cause damage if anything goes wrong, or if any outputs need to be reversed.

When you have retracting planes it is important to be sure of 2 things. One, that the planes will centered before they retract, and two, that they cannot be operated while retracted. If you have an EthOS radio you can set this up right in the radio. Here is how.

There is one thing that it is important to note about EthOS in order for this to work - EthOS only tracks the "sweep" of a channel if there is a slow set in the mix. If you don't use a slow you will see the channel move direct to the endpoint (for example, 100% right to -100%) even though you see the servo is still moving. With the slow enabled, EthOS, and you, will see all the values (for example, 100% to 98% to 96%, etc.) This sweep is important because it keeps the logical switch in time with the retract servo. Though if there is a mechanical problem with the servo the radio won't know. A closed loop system will have to be left up to the Reader, sorry.

Okay, here we go.

Planes Enabled Logical Switch
You first need to create a Logical Switch to identify when the planes are enabled. Note that the source is the retract servo channel. That is the "sweep" we need. The delay gives a second for the servo to finish deploying the planes before activating the planes. It should be a "just in case" but your physical configuration may require a longer delay before becoming active.



You will use this logical switch in the planes mix.

Planes Mix

Note the active condition is the logical switch, meaning the planes can only move when the logical switch is on. When the active condition is false the channel is set to 0, which is centered position (works well for us!) Be sure you factor in the logical switch if you add extra mixes for the planes.



Retract Mix

Finally, you need the mix for the retract channel. This is where the slow goes.



You will have to reverse the channels, maybe adjust the slow on the retract mix, or the delay on the planes mix, but this should get you on the right path.

Nathan

[RCSubGuy]

Awesome stuff, Nathan! Thanks for putting this information in here for us.

[Nathan]

Differential Throttle / "Tank" Control

Differential throttle is a common need on subs with multiple props and it is actually really easy to set up in EthOS. The configuration below will set the left stick (for Mode 2 radios) up and down for the forward/backward power, and the left stick left and right for the differential throttle. Any inputs can be chosen, such as a dial for speed and a stick for differential. The mixes don't change, only the inputs.

The first step is to configure your throttle input and mix to all motors as normal:

And the Mix


And don't forget to set a throttle cut - could save your fingers and your props!

And, finally, the outputs (this is vary based on your set up and chosen channels)


Okay, and now that the throttle is set up we need to add the mix to add/remove throttle based on the other stick.


Set your source. Also, you could set an "Active condition" to only have differential when, say, a switch is flipped.


And then set up the 2 (or more) outputs and note that each can be reversed to get the direction of change you need based upon your setup. If you just can't get it to do what you want with a single mix then set up 1 mix per output, that will give you maximum flexibility.


Two other things to note:
You can change the "Weight" of the mix to alter the amount of change introduced. The outputs will never go above the min/max set in the actual output, but you can reduce the total amount of change if you need.

If you find that you need a different amount of, say, forward than reverse you can set the "Weight" to "Differential" to reduce one half of the curve.

The same interface also lets you apply a curve for full configurability, if you find you need it.


Hopefully this helps!

Nathan

[rwtdiver]

Nathan,

I am assuming that this set up would work on my shark!? I have left and right thrusters that would require right and left turn on one stick and forward and reverse on another stick.

Thanks Nathan!

Rob
"Firemen can stand the heat."

[He Who Shall Not Be Named]

Nathan and Bob: Thank you so much for spoon-feeding old luddite's like me theses set-up and operational tips for this whiz-bang-works-fine-failsafe-drains-to-the-bilge wonder r/c system. This **** I need to know if I'm to continue this hobby into the 24 1/2 Century!

[RCSubGuy]

Nathan,

I am assuming that this set up would work on my shark!? I have left and right thrusters that would require right and left turn on one stick and forward and reverse on another stick.

Thanks Nathan!

Rob
"Firemen can stand the heat."

Should be just the thing, Rob! You can either have it all on one stick or separate them into two. Completely up to you!

[trout]

This is a great thread. This will be a reference I will be visiting over and over.

[neitosub]

Bow Plane Retract Lockout

IMPORTANT: before testing this be sure you have disconnected any linkages that could cause damage if anything goes wrong, or if any outputs need to be reversed.

When you have retracting planes it is important to be sure of 2 things. One, that the planes will centered before they retract, and two, that they cannot be operated while retracted. If you have an EthOS radio you can set this up right in the radio. Here is how.

There is one thing that it is important to note about EthOS in order for this to work - EthOS only tracks the "sweep" of a channel if there is a slow set in the mix. If you don't use a slow you will see the channel move direct to the endpoint (for example, 100% right to -100%) even though you see the servo is still moving. With the slow enabled, EthOS, and you, will see all the values (for example, 100% to 98% to 96%, etc.) This sweep is important because it keeps the logical switch in time with the retract servo. Though if there is a mechanical problem with the servo the radio won't know. A closed loop system will have to be left up to the Reader, sorry.

Okay, here we go.

Planes Enabled Logical Switch
You first need to create a Logical Switch to identify when the planes are enabled. Note that the source is the retract servo channel. That is the "sweep" we need. The delay gives a second for the servo to finish deploying the planes before activating the planes. It should be a "just in case" but your physical configuration may require a longer delay before becoming active.



You will use this logical switch in the planes mix.

Planes Mix

Note the active condition is the logical switch, meaning the planes can only move when the logical switch is on. When the active condition is false the channel is set to 0, which is centered position (works well for us!) Be sure you factor in the logical switch if you add extra mixes for the planes.



Retract Mix

Finally, you need the mix for the retract channel. This is where the slow goes.



You will have to reverse the channels, maybe adjust the slow on the retract mix, or the delay on the planes mix, but this should get you on the right path.

Nathan

Just wanted to get some clarifications on this feature, it appears that one of the screenshots is missing. Any chance you could repost it? Just wanted to know the logical switch settings in EthOS.

Thanks!

[neitosub]

OP doesn't seem to be active on this forum anymore, so here's the answer to my question earlier in case anyone is looking for how to set up the bow plane lock out:

https://youtu.be/sFWZYyOZXsI?si=M_OD1JErUR63Ll2B

It's pretty much like the video above, the functions we are looking for are similar to the nose landing gear steering lockouts in RC airplanes.

[rwtdiver]

Should be just the thing, Rob! You can either have it all on one stick or separate them into two. Completely up to you!

I see your point, Bob! I am going to try that set up next. I can see where it might be a smoother operation having both on one stick...

Thank you for your input..

Rob
"Firemen can stand the heat."

[Nathan]

Just wanted to get some clarifications on this feature, it appears that one of the screenshots is missing. Any chance you could repost it? Just wanted to know the logical switch settings in EthOS.

Thanks!

Sorry that picture didn't come through. I recreated it because I couldn't find the original.

Someday I need to figure out why the forum won't email me when people make a reply...

Nathan

[Nathan]

Setting Up Ballast Control Using the 6-Position Switch

If anyone wants to use the 6 position switch as momentary switches to control your ballast with 3 different modes, this should get you started. In this example we are using the left most set of buttons to control three ballast actions:

• Venting the tank (actuated by a switch driving power to a solenoid)
• Normal blowing of the ballast (actuated by opening the valve for surface air and powering the air pump)
• Emergency blow (actuated by powering the air pump only)

NOTE: opening the vent and turning on the air pump use the same channel (a dual relay board driven by a single receiver channel)
NOTE: this is a system that scavenges air from the dry compartment for emergency blow with a valve to allow surface air in for normal blow

To start, set up a state table like this showing the states of the channels you need (this case has 2 channels, but yours may have 3. Even more could be possible by extending this example.)

Switch	Action	Channel 1 (surface air valve)	Channel 2 (Air Pump & Vent)
Upper (FS1)	Snorkel Blow	-100	-100
Middle (FS2)	Emergency Blow	100	-100
Lower (FS3)	Vent	100	100

This table will help you be sure you are setting the right values at the right time. Be sure to test each value to be sure (we had swapped the pump and vent and nearly burned up a solenoid because we were driving it when we thought we weren't!)

Once you have your state table set up we need to configure the transmitter 6-position switch. This is a 2 step process.

The first step is to tell the transmitter how to treat the switch
In Edit Model set the "Function Switches" to "Momentary" - this makes each button an independent momentary switch (this transmitter is awesome!!)


Now that we have 6 more switches we have to set up Variables to actually use them. For this set up we'll use 3 vars, one for each button.
We are going to work our way from the bottom of our state table to the top because venting and emergency blowing is "easier" because they each impact only a single channel.

The Range isn't critical in our setup, but be sure it includes the values you are setting. The Values section:

• Sets the default value (-100)
• We added the FS3 switch which sets the value to 0
• (for THIS setup, we need a default value of -100, your model may be different)

In operation, the value will be 0 until the switch is pressed. And it will be 100 as long as the switch is down.
Now we'll repeat 2 more times.


These variables now become the "switches" in our mixes

Vent Mix - actuating the venting solenoid



Pump Mix - actuating just the air pump



And finally the slightly more complicated state, the Snorkel Blow both opens the valve and actuates the pump
So this is actually 2 mixes actuated by the same switch. (okay, not ALL that complicated...)
We start with opening the valve



And then we turn on the pump



And that does it.

Of course your exact values, channels, and output reverses may differ, but the idea can be applied across many functions.

Nathan

[biggsgolf]

Setting Up Ballast Control Using the 6-Position Switch

If anyone wants to use the 6 position switch as momentary switches to control your ballast with 3 different modes, this should get you started. In this example we are using the left most set of buttons to control three ballast actions:

• Venting the tank (actuated by a switch driving power to a solenoid)
• Normal blowing of the ballast (actuated by opening the valve for surface air and powering the air pump)
• Emergency blow (actuated by powering the air pump only)

NOTE: opening the vent and turning on the air pump use the same channel (a dual relay board driven by a single receiver channel)
NOTE: this is a system that scavenges air from the dry compartment for emergency blow with a valve to allow surface air in for normal blow

To start, set up a state table like this showing the states of the channels you need (this case has 2 channels, but yours may have 3. Even more could be possible by extending this example.)

Switch	Action	Channel 1 (surface air valve)	Channel 2 (Air Pump & Vent)
Upper (FS1)	Snorkel Blow	-100	-100
Middle (FS2)	Emergency Blow	100	-100
Lower (FS3)	Vent	100	100

This table will help you be sure you are setting the right values at the right time. Be sure to test each value to be sure (we had swapped the pump and vent and nearly burned up a solenoid because we were driving it when we thought we weren't!)

Once you have your state table set up we need to configure the transmitter 6-position switch. This is a 2 step process.

The first step is to tell the transmitter how to treat the switch
In Edit Model set the "Function Switches" to "Momentary" - this makes each button an independent momentary switch (this transmitter is awesome!!)


Now that we have 6 more switches we have to set up Variables to actually use them. For this set up we'll use 3 vars, one for each button.
We are going to work our way from the bottom of our state table to the top because venting and emergency blowing is "easier" because they each impact only a single channel.

The Range isn't critical in our setup, but be sure it includes the values you are setting. The Values section:

• Sets the default value (-100)
• We added the FS3 switch which sets the value to 0
• (for THIS setup, we need a default value of -100, your model may be different)

In operation, the value will be 0 until the switch is pressed. And it will be 100 as long as the switch is down.
Now we'll repeat 2 more times.


These variables now become the "switches" in our mixes

Vent Mix - actuating the venting solenoid



Pump Mix - actuating just the air pump



And finally the slightly more complicated state, the Snorkel Blow both opens the valve and actuates the pump
So this is actually 2 mixes actuated by the same switch. (okay, not ALL that complicated...)
We start with opening the valve



And then we turn on the pump



And that does it.

Of course your exact values, channels, and output reverses may differ, but the idea can be applied across many functions.

Nathan

Nathan, great posts, have you come up with or seen how to use the Flsky XR18 pitch control? I also want to figure out how to program for the Planes to offset each other to stop sub listing in turns, any idea about that? Thanks Nathan