[FRC] [problem] Motor issues...

[Nathan Streeter]

Is the motor hooked up to a gearbox? to a mechanism?

[robinspi]

Yes, everything is hooked up correctly. As posted, it does like to run one direction, but not so smoothly in the other. Also, the x-box controller buttons are being read in the Control station, so it doesn't appear to be a problem with the joysticks. I will see about the calibrations tomorrow.

[Nathan Streeter]

Originally Posted by robinspi

Yes, everything is hooked up correctly. As posted, it does like to run one direction, but not so smoothly in the other. Also, the x-box controller buttons are being read in the Control station, so it doesn't appear to be a problem with the joysticks. I will see about the calibrations tomorrow.

When I asked if it was hooked up, to a gearbox (and mechanism), I was wondering if that could also be the source of the problem... what gearbox is it? What's hooked up to it? Perhaps post a picture of your setup.

Have you tried swapping the polarity on the motor wires (AFTER the speed controller!) to see if it follows the mechanical system or if it follows the code? Perhaps also try a similar version of this by swapping the polarity of the code. You could be sending conflicting values in separate lines of code.

[JesseK]

I'm with Nathan - this may be a case where you're in a mechanical stall condition due to binding, change in surface properties, over-tightening of bolts on a gearbox, or other such type of nuance that isn't obvious. It will become obvious once the motor catches on fire (I kid!), but until then could you post a picture or describe the mechanism?

[FrankJ]

Write the output to motor controllers to smart dashboard. Easy way of seeing if it is hardware or software. What I am saying? It is always software.

[JamesBrown]

Originally Posted by robinspi

Yes, everything is hooked up correctly. As posted, it does like to run one direction, but not so smoothly in the other. Also, the x-box controller buttons are being read in the Control station, so it doesn't appear to be a problem with the joysticks. I will see about the calibrations tomorrow.

A Simply process for tracking down the cause.

1.) Unhook the motor from the speed controller, and connect directly to a battery. Run the motor in both directions. If the problem occurs then the issue is mechanical, and you need to evaluate the mechanics of the system.

If the problem does not occur in 1.)

2.) Hook the motor up to the speed controller, and connect the controller to PWM 1, and run the default tank code. If the problem occurs then the issue is in the custom code, if it does not then the issue is your speed controller.

If the problem does not occur in 1 or 2 then the issue is in the code. start stripping functionality out until you can track it down.