A PPM Stick - on the PC audio in

[phildc]

The size of a medical thermometer, no parameters, no options, no commands, it is immediately operational.

It shows up to 12 PPM channels by connecting your transmitter PPM signal (and ground) to the PC audio input (mike?).



Download RCAudio.exe from:


It is a prototype, give me your comments and suggestions.

Phil.

[shaul_eiz]

Phil,
This is fantastic. I think it helped me solve Lost_man's problems.
I'll send you some suggestions directly.

[olivier2]

Hi, Phil,

Yeeeeeeeaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhh,

Works like a charm !

Greetings from your neighbour,
Olivier

[phildc]

The new version (V2.0) with automatic servo signal detection (in addition to the normal ppm signal capability), 125 microsec markers (Shaul suggested this from the beginning ), and enhanced audio processing engine.



The previous version is still available:


The quality of the audio cable and connectors is very important!

Tested with MX-12, MX-22, Eclipse 7, Laser 4 and the servo outputs of an Hitec receiver.

Phil.

[phildc]

The audio thermometer for PPM signals has a lot of new functions:

- read servo signal, also behind gyro, frequency measurement
- simulate plane and helicopter behaviour
- standard and customized channel configurations are supported
- recording of a PPM signal (snapshot) for diagnosis purposes
- ...

Version 3.0 (in beta test) is online today.


Phil.

Older versions remain available:

[phildc]

The audio thermometer for PPM signals has a lot of new functions:

- read servo signal, also behind gyro, frequency measurement
- simulate plane and helicopter behaviour
- standard and customized channel configurations are supported
- recording of a PPM signal (snapshot) for diagnosis purposes
- ...

Version 3.0 (in beta test) :


Older versions remain available:



The first screen, that shows a ppm signal, without any command or parameter.
Just install a MONO audio cable from your transmitter ppm signal to the PC audio input (mike ?).



The additional windows, when you enter 'advanced functions':






A servo signal is automatically recognized:



It is the signal from a Futaba GY401 gyro in DS mode (for digital servo, announced at 270 Hz)

My refreshment frequency measurement is accurate at 1 or 2 Hz (checked with a frequency meter, it shows 274 or 275)

A 'snapshot viewer' software is available.


This software is intended to help debug RC transmitter to PC connections problems using the audio input.

A 'normal' ppm signal (the cable quality is not so good !):


A signal with HF perturbations (bad shielding):


The input file can be created with RCAudio.exe, under the 'snapshot' function.
RCAudio is intended for PPM signals only, but all audio input can be displayed with this viewer software.

Thedigital output is displayed for two audio algos in the lower part of the screen.

The incoming signal is displayed along with the thresholds that determine if the incoming data is a '1' or a '0'.

Possible corrective adaptations at the connection level:
- volume change
- capacitive or resistive modifications of the cable
- better connectors or shielded cable
- a.s.o...

The ".aud" file can be sent by mail for remote diagnosis, if the problem cannot be solved locally.

[phildc]

Note:
There are some known minor bugs e.g. when saving configurations.