Autoset operation - Overview
Your P94 is fitted with software which now includes full ACTion ‘Autoset’. This means that P94 will automatically
detect the positions of the transmitter throttle and rudder sticks when you switch on your system, and then lock
onto them as its own neutral positions for that sailing session. The effect of this is that you will not need to adjust
the transmitter trim levers (as with earlier versions of P94) in order to stop the motors at “dead stop” command
or to start them together when you apply some throttle. It also allows the user to operate P94 with the cheaper
2.4GHz systems which have non-standard neutral signal values. We strongly recommend the fitting of spring-
centring to the throttle stick of your transmitter; your radio dealer can advise on obtaining the requisite parts or
you can contact the RC manufacturer’s local service agent to have the job done for you.
NB THIS UNIT WILL NOT OPERATE WITH FUTABA 6J OR 2.4ghz SKYSPORT RADIOS. These sets have a different
way of transmitting their signals which cannot be read by P94. The older Futaba 6EX 2.4GHz sets and the 40MHz
Skysports are both OK.
Since introducing the Autoset software to P94 it has been apparent that the back-EMF caused by the two motors
suddenly changing direction can, in some extreme circumstances, cause the power supply to the receiver to
momentarily dip below its critical value. While this has no adverse effect on the receiver it does mean that the
P94 software “thinks” that the receiver has been switched off and then back on again. It therefore goes through
its full Autoset routine all over again. Unless the transmitter sticks are in the same positions as they were when
you first switched on then this will change the neutral stick positions and make the model difficult to control.
To avoid this:
Only move the sticks gently and smoothly, especially in Mode 3 where the motors change direction very quickly
between neutral and full steering commands. Avoid just letting go of the sticks and allowing them to spring back
to neutral, or suddenly applying full throttle in one direction from either neutral or the opposite direction;
If you still have problems then we can supply a DIY-fit microprocessor with non-Autoset software. This simply
replaces the plug-in microprocessor already fitted and will be free of charge if you return the original chip
afterwards. Illustrated instructions are included to help you do what is a very straightforward job. Contact ACTion
for details.
Autoset operation - Procedure
Follow the procedure shown in the diagrams below. Note that P94 will Autoset every time you switch on the radio;
it isn’t a one-off “binding” or “setting up” procedure. It is important not to move the transmitter sticks while the
autoset is running or the system may not work correctly. After a few seconds - depending on how long your
receiver and transmitter take to ‘bind’ - the relays will click rapidly several times and it is then OK to operate the
transmitter as normal. If the model goes out of range then P94 will stop both of the motors, but when the model
comes back into range then P94 will resume
with the same neutral positions that it had when you first switched
on
i.e. It will NOT autoset again.
Mode 4: 50% Mixer (See Fig #8) Switch 1 = OFF, Switch 2 = OFF
command. The amount by which the motors change speed is controlled by the Mix knob; turn it anti-clockwise
to increase the degree of opposite rotation of the inboard motor at full rudder command. Note that if you
apply a rudder command
any throttle then the motors will go to full speed in reverse; this
without
allows you to spin the model on its axis with no forward speed.
The main throttle output from the receiver connects to P94 lead marked “T” with the steering output
connected to lead marked “S”. The rudder servo itself should be connected to header pins H1. If the model
has a three-motor setup, the ESC to drive the third motor should be connected to header pins H2. Note
that both of these connections are made with the Black (negative) wire in the plug onto the outer pins i.e.
nearest the edge of the circuit board.
100% mixing is more suited to slow moving vessels that require the
maximum degree of manoeuverability e.g. tugs, ferries, fishing vessels and other work-boats.
The 50% Mixer mode is more complex than the 100% mixing function, and is more suited to faster
vessels e.g. fast luxury cruisers, MTBs and modern lifeboats.
In this mode, the outer motor in the turn is
not speeded up (unlike the 100% mix). The inner motor is slowed down - the amount by which is determined by
the rudder input, but it is not allowed to change direction unless reverse throttle command is given. The sensitivity
of the system to the rudder input is set using the Mix control; turn it anti-clockwise to increase the amount of
mixing. The connections for Mode 4 are the same as for Mode 3. Note that rudder command with no throttle will
NOT start the motors in this mode.
ON
ON
1
2
“Click” “Click”
“Click” “Click”
Switch ON transmitter
Switch ON / connect
4
After relays stop clicking
Wait until relays ”click” rapidly
OK to move sticks
6v to 12v BATTERY
+ve
-ve
main battery
01248 719353
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