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2/15/2018
Thruster Commander
Introduction
Why do I need the
Most ESCs do not accept simple knob- or button-inputs, instead communicating via pulse-width modulation (PWM)
signals. The Thruster Commander converts up to two potentiometer (knob) inputs to two separate PWM output signals
that can be used to control ESCs. This allows you to run BLDC motors without the need for a complex onboard computer
system.
Why can't I use the
Most ESCs are designed for RC airplane or multi-copter use. Motors on these craft never need to be run in reverse, so
most ESCs are uni-directional. However the Thruster Commander is designed to be used with bi-directional ESCs.
Because of the di erent operating natures of uni-directional and bi-directional ESCs, the signals required to stop these
types of ESCs are di erent, so the Thruster Commander 's safety features (which are meant to stop all attached motors)
will not work with uni-directional ESCs. For this reason the Thruster Commander should never be used with uni-
directional ESCs.
It is possible to upload bi-directional rmware to some standard ESCs. More information can be found in the Basic
ESC documentation (http://docs.bluerobotics.com/besc/# rmware-update-and-customization).
Important Notes
Only use the Thruster Commander with reversible/bi-directional ESCs (e.g. Blue Robotics ESCs
(http://docs.bluerobotics.com/besc/# rmware-update-and-customization)). Standard ESCs are not compatible with the
Thruster Commander 's safety features. See below for more information.
Neither the Thruster Commander nor its included accessories are waterproof. Make sure to mount them in
locations where they will not get wet.
Deadman switches are recommended on any mobile Thruster Commander application.
http://docs.bluerobotics.com/commander/
Thruster Commander
Thruster Commander
Thruster Commander
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with other ESCs?
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Related Manuals for Blue Robotics Thruster Commander
Summary of Contents for Blue Robotics Thruster Commander
- Page 1 Because of the di erent operating natures of uni-directional and bi-directional ESCs, the signals required to stop these types of ESCs are di erent, so the Thruster Commander ’s safety features (which are meant to stop all attached motors) will not work with uni-directional ESCs. For this reason the Thruster Commander should never be used with uni- directional ESCs.
- Page 2 2/15/2018 Thruster Commander ESCs are necessary for powering brushless DC (BLDC) motors (e.g. T100 & T200 thrusters), even to run at full speed . Most ESCs require a neutral input signal to complete their initialization. This is a safety feature! The Thruster Commander will output a neutral signal when: SWITCH is open (i.e.
- Page 3 Thruster Commander The Thruster Commander can be powered in one of two ways: 7-28 VDC or regulated 5 VDC. 7-28 VDC power can be supplied via the POWER connector in the top left corner of the board. This can be connected directly to any 7-28 VDC power supply, including the batteries powering your motors.
- Page 4 Each Thruster Commander contains two output channels (LEFT OUTPUT and RIGHT OUTPUT) with two sets of output pins each. This means that the Thruster Commander can control two sets of motors independently. Three modes of operation are supported: Single Input , Dual Input , and Mixed Input . The mode is selected by connecting potentiometers to speci c inputs.
- Page 5 2/15/2018 Thruster Commander http://docs.bluerobotics.com/commander/...
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