[Paparazzi-devel] 8 CH PPM Encoder

[Jorge Pantoja]

Dear everyone,


I was setting up my airframe and I encountered a problem with the 8CH PPM Encoder that I have (http://ardupilot.com/wp-content/uploads/downloads/2013/04/PPM-Encoder-3DR-Manual-v2.3.16.pdf) when I connected the servos (Futaba S3305 Metal Gear Servos). It seems like the servos are drawing too much current from the batteries because whenever I send commands through the radio the PPM Encoder shuts down (there is a voltage drop that I measured with a multimeter on the encoder supply) and the servos did not respond well to the commands I sent from the Radio. I tried with normal servos (Futaba S3003) and I didn't have this problem.

I tried supplying the PPM Encoder and the receiver separately by removing the Jumper provided in the Encoder board but it didn't solved my problem.


I wonder if I just need to change to a higher voltage battery (?). My S3305 Servos can take up to 6V but I don't know if my YAPA2 can take a higher voltage battery. Also, I am thinking of short circuiting the bridge provided in the YAPA2 to power the servos (http://paparazzi.enac.fr/wiki/File:Yapa_v2-00_pinout.png) using the same battery that I use to power the autopilot but it says it is not recommended, can anyone tell me why? And please, if you can give me other ideas on how to solve this I will appreciate it.

Best Regards,
Jorge

P.s: I am using this type of servos (S3305 Metal Gears) because I have a 17kg Airframe with high loads in the control surfaces.