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RCTimer Voltage & Current Sensor

Posted by Miguel Martín Mateo on January 18, 2013 at 3:00pm

RCTimer Voltage & Current Sensor (http://www.rctimer.com/index.php?gOo=goods_details.dwt&goodsid=861&productname=) it is now available (i have ordered one). I have one AttoPilot Voltage and Current Sense Breakout - 90A from Sparkfun (https://www.sparkfun.com/products/9028). I would like to test both with my APM 2.0 when i have enought time to ironing the wires and XT60 connectors.
I think that sell an APM Power Module with XT60 Connectors (http://store.diydrones.com/APM_Power_Module_p/br-apmpwr.htm) compatible with APM 2.0 and previous versions could be good for 3DRobotic. I don't understand why 3DRobotics does not have think in backwards compatibility, they are loosing buyers that have to go to Sparkfun or now to RCTimer.

3drobotic, apm, current, rctimer, sensor, sparkfun, voltage

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Comments

Glenn M June 20, 2013 at 6:21pm

Does anyone know what the correct amps per volt setting should be for one of these sensors? I've got mine set to 13 at the moment, but don't know how to check that it's accurate.
Adam Scriven January 21, 2013 at 6:25am

Damn, you're right my math was off, sorry, I meant 20S max! (Ebike is running 2 '36v' 9Ah packs together)
Developer

Bill Bonney January 20, 2013 at 11:43pm

@Adam 10s is 42v max. The ATTO pilot voltage divider is scaled to 3.3v analogue input. 52Volts is scaled to 3.3v for conversion. OR if you have a 5V analogue in like the APM it can be used as ~78.7V Max as that would be scaled to 5V
Adam Scriven January 20, 2013 at 9:46pm

My newbieness continues to show itself in glorious new ways.

Thanks for the info, Bill! Altho I've seen that sparkfun one and it's 52V only. I'll have to use that one for the Raspberry Pi Project (tm).
Developer

Bill Bonney January 20, 2013 at 9:20pm

@Adam: or https://www.sparkfun.com/products/9028
Developer

Bill Bonney January 20, 2013 at 8:54pm

@Adam: it's easy to make a voltage divider to measure voltage in the range you want see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Voltage_divider just make sure that you have a highe enough resistance to keep the current low
Adam Scriven January 20, 2013 at 8:31pm

Any of these have higher voltage? I'm thinking about an e-bike project, but I run 10S Lipo & can't find one that can measure that high.
Developer

Bill Bonney January 19, 2013 at 4:11am

@scott if you look at the 'mystery port' in this post (its the power module port) http://diydrones.com/forum/topics/apm2-5-5v-vcc-schematic you just need to connect lines 3/4 to the right V/I sense on A1/A2 with a GND wire from pin 5 or 6. The sense is set to 5V range and not 3.3v as in the ATTO sensor, so not sure how to set it up in MP yet.
You could also run 5V to A1/A2 from the DF13 connector, or solder a servo lead to the pads n the PM regulator as I suggested before. If you do use power from lines 1/2 on the DF13 connector, be aware that they are 1Amp rated, so you need to connect 2wires in parallel for upto 2A max draw on them.
Jason Wise January 19, 2013 at 2:59am

Had zero issues with RCT thus far total about $1200, thinking of doing the S800 and that gimble they have one day....cant keep up with my wishlist

My wishlist is called Usain Bolt!
Distributor

Stefan Olofsson January 18, 2013 at 11:36pm

Looking forward to your test and good luck to you getting you stuff from RC Timer.

Their logistics dept are probably run by The Three Monkeys because there have always been missing goods in my orders.

It goes like this:

1. Mispick or no pick att all (About total of USD 100 each time so their prices ends up not so good...)

2. Non relevant reply from customer service

3. Total silence