need NON-R/C servo control!

[mustang03]

I have an unusual question. We are considering using a high torque, high speed servo to control the shifter in a project car. This is a REAL car, not radio control. The problem is a controller is needed that is not radio controlled, a reciever that operates off something besides radio signals. Are there any devices that do this? Thanks in advance.

[parch]

Have you thought of using an air shifter

[mike]

i beleave ace rc/ ace hobbies at one time made a joystick controler that you just pluged the servo in to so there was no radio signal.they might still offer it.

[Gokou]

Ok, the servo has three wires: positive, negative and signal. Positive and negative get connected to a 5-6 volt supply (duh) and I believe the signal wire carries a pulsed square-wave (with about a 75% duty cycle) to change the position of the servo. (Correct me if I'm wrong.) You can make a controller with a 555 timer chip, a 8 bit counter, and a comparator.


There are products on the market that use a potentiometer to adjust the servo position, but the brand escapes me now, besides, it sounds like you need pre-set positions for it to move to, in which case that kind of controller box would not work. You will probably need a programmable chip like a 6811 to have set "positions" that the servo can move to.

[hpiguy]

Jesus built my Hot Rod.

[mike]

huh

[mustang03]

In reply to Parch, we thought about using compressed air but the design is pretty tight, there isn't much room for the equipment. A solenoid is another possibility though. Thanks to everybody for the responses (uh, except for hpiguy)

[gubbs3]

I think you might have better luck looking for "car" designated parts instead of retro-fitting r/c parts. The real auto parts would probably be more reliable too.

[mustang03]

first, I'm not one of the main designers of the car so I can't answer all the questions about it, I'm following orders :-) The problem is it's a very small vehicle, it actually uses a motorcycle engine (600cc Yamaha R6) and transmission. It has an automatic clutch and will be using paddle shifters, so the device that operates the tranny will have to be electrically actuated (I've been over compressed air). We've deterimined a servo will probably work, there's just the problem of controlling it! There are some shots of a similar car here http://www.lehigh.EDU/~insae/formula/99page3.html

[hpiguy]

OK Mustang03, it was a joke.

It's a line from a rock song about ten years ago. Maybe nefore your time? Who knows.

It was meant to make you laugh and then you get all pi$$y about it. I thought you or somebody here could catch the reference, but you're too young maybe?

So much for joking around.

Sheesh.

[mustang03]

Just because I didn't get a music reference doesn't mean you have to take it personally. FYI I listen to rock songs older than that

[Gokou]

Ah, yes, a Forumla SAE car! As a senior mechanical engineering student I wish you luck... I wanted to do the Formula but I didn't want to use all my own money on it, besides, some other nice design company gave me $20,000 for a project for one of their customers =) Go talk to some EE's on campus, I'm sure they can help with a simple 6811 powered driver for the servo, it will take them all of an hour to whip one out for you!

[mustang03]

Yeah, the program is pretty cool. Our school doesn't give us a red cent to build the car, but we get plenty from sponsors. Thanks for the help!

[parch]

What about using a power door lock actuator.that way when u keep pushing the switch up it upshifts for every push of the switch,and vice versa for downshifts.

[hpiguy]

He gets it, he gets it!

Thank the Lord.

[Timba]

Originally posted by hpiguy:
Jesus built my Hot Rod.

Hey hpiguy!

"It's a love affair.... Mostly Jesus, and my Hot Rod."