Hi,
I would like to interface a serial port RS232 to a ESC (Electronic Speed Control) device.
I would build an autonomous rover able to memorize simple task and execute them.


Following the schema reported in
http://www.allerc.com/motorwiring.htm
I have to interface the RS232-ESC interface with the “To Receiver Throttle Channel”.


I would like send simple commands to the RS232 port as


forward 100%
forward 50%
stop
backward 50%
backward 100%


according to an appropriate protocol.


Do you know any place where I can buy this interface? Or, do you know any schema to self-produce this interface?


Another question. The “interface with the To Receiver Throttle Channel” is a PWM signal?


Please ask me to get more information.


Thanks in advance
Marco Righi

 

Sorry I can't help you with a schematic or interface source but I can confirm your question regarding the control signal or input to the brushless motor ESC you linked as PWM.

Generally speaking the signal is 3-5 vdc p/p with a varying width of 1ms to 2ms at 30-50 hz.

In the case of an ESC, the 1ms pulse width represents 0% throttle with 2ms representing 100% throttle.

 

Try the robotics shops on the internet, I'm pretty sure you can get converters from serial input to "RC pulse" output, as they have similar requirements to yours (like controlling a robot from a serial data command).

 

Try the robotics shops on the internet, I'm pretty sure you can get converters from serial input to "RC pulse" output, as they have similar requirements to yours (like controlling a robot from a serial data command).

One of my favorite suppliers is Lynxmotion. In fact, they have a serial controller that performs this task for up to 32 channels. These channels can also be used for digital outputs alternatively. It also includes four built-in ADC or digital inputs.
http://www.lynxmotion.com/p-395-ssc-32-servo-controller.aspx
Here is another controller from Pololu that has 8 channels:
http://www.pololu.com/catalog/product/207
The Lynxmotion Forum has a section dedicated to building rovers; Other sources are available as well. Before developing my robot, I spent months reading all the forums I could digest. http://www.lynxmotion.net/