RC Servo Problem

[Greg Clement]

Hello Everyone.

I was wondering if anyone out there can help with a RC Servo problem.

I’m running the Red Boxes with a Taranis XD9 and Archer R8 PRO ACCESS Receiver. Everything is working OK although a bit of fine tuning is still needed.

The intention is to fit a servo to control the volume on the sound module. I’ve programmed the servo using Open TX Companion and it works (although only rotates 90 degrees when label says 180 degrees).

The problem is when I actuate the servo the speakers move in and out (once) and the fuse (1 amp) to the upgraded Smoke unit blows.

I’m at a loss as to how the Sound Module is picking up signal. Can anyone help?

Thanks Greg

[Adrian Harris]

I think we would need to see pictures of how it is wired up to be able to help.

Adrian

[Greg Clement]

Hi Adrian.

That may be differcult, everything is instaled in the tank. The problem exists whichever channel I plug into on the reciever but the other RC switches (for the lights etc) don't cause the same problem. This would suggest its a fault with the Servo.

May have to pull everything out and take a good look.

Greg

[Jerry Carducci]

When you say "the speakers move in and out (once)" I assume you mean the speaker cones move as if there was sound coming from them
as if there was a sound?

What happens is you just move the volume control manually?

What happens if you disconnect the servo from the volume control and simply operate it independantly.

Can you share both photos of the installation, the servo type/brand as well as photos of your setup on OpenTx Companion so we might see
the outputs and any mixes you might be using?

This is an odd and unusual behavior.

Jerry

[Mark Heaps]

This does not sound like a servo problem to me. From the symptoms described, the servo is actuating triggering sound output from the sound module which would then also activate the smoker fan which in turn is then blowing the fuse. Maybe fan siezed or blocked from rotating ( mechanical obstruction ) ? defective fan ? or wiring fault ( short-circuit ) to the fan ?
I would suggest disconnecting the output to the smoke unit and see if you can then control the volume using the servo.
If you can then the problem lies in the smoke unit circuitry or components.
If you cannot then the problems lies in Sound circuit.
If removing the smoke unit out of the occasion solves the problem, then take the servo out of the equation by operating volume by hand. If problem persists then fault with speaker, speaker wiring or sound module.

[Mark Heaps]

Also check how many degrees of rotation the volume control has. If it only has 90 degrees of rotation manually and your servo set-up is trying to turn it 180 degrees then it is not going to work. It will reach a mechanical end-point, still want to move but cannot, which would then draw more current and blow a fuse.