Greetings all! I have ecstatically finished my First Quad build from scratch. I have used the following parts:
RealFPV frame
PixHawk FC (with GPS)
MS 30 amp ESC (SimonK Rapid ESC)
Taranis Transmitter with X8R receiver
SunnySky X2216 brushless motors KV1100
After finally putting the last touches on the assembly and connecting the battery I've run into a problem. The ESCs are not giving any power to the motors. Ive tested the ESC's 3 output wires to the motors with a voltmeter and got no readings. The FC however gets power, as well as the receiver. I am able to bind my Transmitter to the Receiver and arm the quad. The receiver and FC are registering the throttle move movements as well but still nothing from the ESC to the motors.
I have tried to calibrate the ESCs but I do not think i was Successful. Would the lack of calibration cause the ESC not have any power outputs to the motors? If not, what other Problems could be causing these symptoms?
Thank you to all who read!
Replies
AHH!!! I Have fixed my issues!!
Before I explain my stupid and simple problem, I want to give all of you permission to openly make fun of my stupidity lol
I had my ESC servo wires plugged into slots 1,2,3,4, of the Pixhawk but on the AUX output instead of the main output. I Switched up the pins and Boom the motors spin perfectly!
Thanks for everyones feed back!
What is Interesting to me is that,
once I plug the FC into the Computer and look at it on APM all the throttle information is being received. Then under "Initial set up" and then further under "Failsafe" I am able to see the inputs and outputs to each motor. Both the inputs and outputs are registering the throttle information, but still no movement out of the motors.
I still have yet to hear any kind of beeping out of the ESCs either. Even when in ECS calibration mode.
Hey Guys,
sorry for the late reply, I came down with a pretty serious sickness the past few days. Feeling a little better today though.
So I connected the ESC lead into the rx into channel one. Upon doing this I then connected the battery and armed the transmitter. At this point the ESC that i have plugged into the rx will beep once every 4 or 5 seconds and if I increase throttle I get no response.
I am connecting everything using a power Distro board. I assumed that because the FC and Receiver get power that they must be wired properly.
@Marty: Im not quite sure which wire you are referring to here:
"you don't have the esc (servo) wires round the wrong way?
are you referring to the wires connecting the ESC to the Motors themselves?
Also in my initial post there is a description of what parts i am using but i am using:
PixHawk FC (with GPS)
MS 30 amp ESC (SimonK Rapid ESC)
Taranis Transmitter with X8R receiver
SunnySky X2216 brushless motors KV1100
Thanks for yall's feed back. All very helpful and much appreciated
Johann,
I have plugged each ESC Servo Wire into the Rx Throttle channel and have followed your directions. At step 6, the ESC that is plugged into the rx does beep. It beeps about 1 every 5 seconds. After decreasing the throttle though, the beeping does not change, it is still 1 every 5 seconds.
And still no motor movement.
Im using a 4 cell 3300mah battery.
Yes it is bound, I can see all Tx movements in APM as well.
no, nothing.
the beeping stays the same, once every 5 seconds and no motor movement at all.
Johann,
Thanks for the reply!
I say that I don't think the ESC calibration was successful because the ESC's did not make the tones that I read they should. I followed the instructions from this link ( http://copter.ardupilot.com/wiki/initial-setup/esc-motor/ ) and from step 6 and on my ESC did not respond as explained they should.
When ou say connect them directly to the throttle channel on the radio, are you referring to the Receiver? I do not think I have done this but will try right now.
Again, thanks for the reply, I really appreciate the help.
Ive followed the instructions on how to calibrate the ESC and they do not chirp like they should. This is how I've done it:
1. turn on transmitter and increase throttle to 100%
2. connect battery into quad (at this point the pixhawk FC flashes Green Red and Blue)
3. un-plug the Battery from the Quad
4. Reconnect the battery (Pixhawk FC flashes green red and blue, then emits one long tone)
5. Press the safety switch.
From this point nothing else happens, no beeps to acknowledge the highest throttle position, and when i decrease the throttle to 0% no beeps to acknowledge the lowest throttle position.
I am not sure which channel on the Receiver is the Throttle Channel so i Plugged the ESC lead into the corresponding number. (I.e. pin 4 on FC so Pin 4 on receiver)
After this I arm the quad and increase throttle> no response. The one ESC that i do connect to the Receiver does however beep once every 4 or 5 seconds.