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.