Servo Simulator

Sometimes it is hard to see what an RC receiver really outputs on each channel because programming of Transmitters and their Mixers sometimes is weird. Even more programming is different between various brands.

This Servo Simulator diplays the output of an RC receiver in microseconds, percentage and as graphical bars/servos.

The valid signal must be between 700-2300us, assuming 1000us=-100%, 1500us=0%, 2000us=+100%.

It uses an Arduino Nano to evaluate up to 8 RC signals and display them on a Nextion LCD. The power supply is a 2S Lipo via Voltage regulator. You can use other supplies but then the battery icon is not valid.

Connect the PWM outputs to 1-8 input channels.

CPPM and SBUS options will be added in future.

Click on the bars to change the colors of them.

Click on the servos to change the angle of a rudder horn.

Click on [nor]/[inv] to change the servo direction.

What you need besides the printed case and some screws:

• 1 Arduino Nano
• 1 Nextion Display NX4832T035
• a voltage regulator for the 5V supply of Nextion LCD, e.g. TRACO POWER TSR-1, plus 2 Elcos 4.7uF and 1 inductor 8.2uH (see schematic)
• 1 resistor 3k83
• 1 resistor 26k1
• 1 3x12 angled pin header (remove 2 positions to separate PWM/CPPM/SBUS)
• a prototype PCB to mount the electronic parts
• 1 Marquardt switch
• 1 2S Lipo, e.g.800mAh

The wiring is very simple so you can use a prototype PCB. The KiCAD source as well as the Picture ServoSimulator_PCB.png gives some hints on the routing. For details see the schematic.

Upload the .tft file to the Nextion LCD, upload the Arduino sketch to the Nano and have fun!

Category: Electronics