I have three rovers that are controlled by a PC mounted on them. Speed and servo control are by boards controlled through USB.
I need the rovers to drive in a straight line at times. I have looked at IMUs and still trying to get one to work. The biggest challenge with them is finding one with a USB input so it can be read from the PC.
I do not really need a full IMU so I am thinking of a different approach which would use a HH or YR gyro. My concept is to use my existing servo controller to sned a neutral RC input signal into the HH/YR. I can read the output of the HH/YR on another board to get it into the PC. The output signal, I believe, would report the drift from a straight line and the PC would adjust the motor output to compensate.
Does this make sense to those who are familiar with the HH/ YR devices? Would I be better off with an HH or a YR?
Am I correct that the HH, at least, can be controlled through a second RC channel for programming or to be disabled?
I have read some about them but wanted to check with those who have experience before I head in this direction. (Sorry, couldn't resist the pun.)
Thanks.
Replies
As I haven't yet got a rover, {just planes & multi-copters} , I cannot give you an answer based on "rover" experience, also, I don't have any direct experience with RC system gyros. I was considering buying one several year ago but I got an APM1 and never gave it any consideration since.
The one thing about using a HH gyro that I'm not sure about is how it would react to uneven terrain or on occasions when there is body roll.
If you are operating on a level surface the HH gyro may work out well, but I for all the effort and expense of integrating it into your rover system , the APM 2.6 may be easier to setup & tune. Also there is a greater possibility for support here on DIY drones to get things working correctly.
The APM system can be connected to your computer directly by USB or a wireless data radio.