PWM Pinout 5 only has signal with camera trigger.

Caleb Rievley · 7 Jul 2022, 21:45

I am using a Joystick controller and last week on QGC I was able to change the parameter COM_RC_IN_MODE to Joystick with Virtual RC and map an RC channel to RC_MAP_AUX1.

This allowed me move the servo into three different positions by setting PWM_MAIN_MAX5 and PWM_MAIN_MIN5 to two different values. The servo signal wire was plugged into the pin 5 on the pwm breakout board (https://www.modalai.com/products/flight-core-pwm-output-cable-and-break-out-board).

I updated the firmware and flashed the system image between then and now. However, I ended up reverting to the versions that were previously installed because the servo was no longer getting the signal from the breakout. It seems that the 5 pinout on the pwm breakout board is only receiving signal when I enable TRIG_MODE.

I did the same setup with a Pixhawk and the servo signal rail did power on and let me move the servo but the Voxl-Flight board does not. Is there anything I can check or any information on how to do this? I have already looked through the steps for https://docs.modalai.com/voxl-m500-gimbal-user-guide/#auxillary-outputs.

Thank you

modaltb · 8 Jul 2022, 00:20

Hi @Caleb-Rievley let me look into this and I'll get back to you shortly

modaltb · 8 Jul 2022, 00:31

Can you please provide the versions you tested against?

We ship with a 1.11.3-0.2.3 version currently.

Caleb Rievley · 8 Jul 2022, 00:34

@modaltb
With our joystick (https://www.uxvtechnologies.com/ground-control-stations/micronav/) , Radio Setup (Calibrate) works on Firmware 1.12.3. However no signal from the PWM board from pin 5-8.

We were able to get signal to the servo rail on the Firmware 1.13 (using sys_ctrl_alloc and the Actuators tab). We are unable to assign joystick controls to the servo. We tried to assign the servo as a gimbal, and use a button on the joystick as gimbal left/right. However the servo does not move.

Additionally, Radio Setup calibration returns "Detected 0 radio channels. 5 Channels needed". This was not an issue on the previous firmware.

wilkinsaf · 8 Jul 2022, 14:56

@Caleb-Rievley are you loading firmware 1.12 and 1.13 on the VOXL Flight?

ModalAI comes out with their own versions of PX4. Let me dig up that URL:

https://docs.modalai.com/flight-core-firmware/

Caleb Rievley · 8 Jul 2022, 17:15

@wilkinsaf
I have been uploading from

https://github.com/PX4/PX4-Autopilot/releases/download/v1.13.0/modalai_fc-v1_default.px4

wilkinsaf · 8 Jul 2022, 17:26

@Caleb-Rievley That is not the right one to pull from. See link posted above. You should get the firmware for Modalai products from modalai website.

I have made the exact same mistake in the past

Caleb Rievley · 8 Jul 2022, 20:52

@modaltb
I am now working with the firmware that you stated. We are able to passthrough the PWM 5 and 6 pins. Is there anyway to use pins 7 and 8 aswell?

modaltb · 10 Jul 2022, 20:23

Hi @Caleb-Rievley I've only seen channels 5/6 work. I myself am not versed much in the use of mixers etc, but I'm sure it's possible.