When looking for a transmitter and receiver, the team first decided a couple pool narrowing constraints and requirements before considering any radio system. The first constraint was to make sure to order the transmitter and receiver together, in pairs, as this not only insured they would be compatible with one another, but also would show to be cheaper than ordering them separately. The next constraint decided that lowered the pool size was to look for receivers that had PWM outputs (rather than some receivers that had SBUS outputs). Although these SBUS outputs would allow for a smaller receiver, since SBUS outputs are designed for aircraft and hover vehicles, it would require to split the SBUS connection into individual PWM outputs anyway and not be cost, space, or time efficient. By making sure the receivers were all PWM outputs, the team ensured easier compatibility for the Arduino we are using. Finally, the team sorted through to make sure that the radio transmitters selected would pass the Radio Fail Safe test. This means that if the radio transmitter is turned off, or loses connection, the robot will turn off and the weapon will begin spinning down (1).
Here are the functional requirements for the selection processes:
| Functional Requirements | Weight/Priority | Controller 1: RadioLink AT9S
|
Controller 2: Flysky i6x
|
Controller 3: Spektrum DX5C Smart
|
Controller 4: Spektrum DXS
|
| Range | Low | 900m | 300m | “superb” | “full” |
| Ergonomics/Feel/Usability | Medium | Low | Medium | Very Low | Medium |
| Number of Channels | High | 10 | 6 | 5 | 4 |
| Extra Buttons | Low | about 14 | about 12 | 0 | about 4 |
| Cost | High | $129.99 | $63.90 | $184.99 | $149.99 |
| Functional Requirements | Weight/Priority
(Sums to 100) |
Controller 1: RadioLink AT9S | Controller 2: Flysky i6x | Controller 3: Spektrum DX5C Smart | Controller 4: Spektrum DXS |
| Range | 10 | + + | 0 | – – | – – |
| Ergonomics/Feel/Usability | 20 | – | 0 | – – – | 0 |
| Number of Channels | 30 | + + | 0 | – | – – |
| Extra Buttons | 10 | + | 0 | – – – | – – |
| Cost | 30 | – – | 0 | – – – | – – |
| Total Pluses: | 90 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Total Minuses: | 80 | 0 | 230 | 160 | |
| Total Score (Pluses – Minuses): | +10 | 0 | -230 | -160 |
CHOSEN TRANSMITTER AND RECEIVER:
This RadioLink AT9S radio transmitter and receiver offers the luxury of 10 customizable channels and an ergonomic design that is traditionally seen in transmitters. At $129.99, it is a little on the expensive side, but the team has ruled that it will be worth the purchase. With many options, buttons, and programming capabilities, we hope that this transmitter is used for many years down the line, as this transmitter will be the only thing not be in the battling arena.
User manual: https://www.flashrc.com/images/produits/23966/AT9S%20user%20manual-2016.11.25.pdf
Links:
(1) – https://50day.io/mediawiki/index.php/Radio_fail_safe
Controller 1 – https://www.robotshop.com/en/radiolink-at9s-pro-24ghz-12ch-transmitter-w–r9ds-10ch-receiver.html
Controller 2 – https://hobbymatehobby.com/products/flysky-fs-i6x-10ch-2-4ghz-afhds-2a-rc-transmitter-with-fs-ia6b-receiver-for-rc-airplane-mode-2?currency=USD&variant=32102031491121&utm_campaign=gs-2020-07-18&utm_source=google&utm_medium=smart_campaign&gclid=Cj0KCQiAosmPBhCPARIsAHOen-PWi1LqB7L5dv8_5Xhw-MiYEISIr1Fa890F73LiaGjGih1Fp39oBBAaAoJAEALw_wcB
Controller 3 – https://www.horizonhobby.com/product/dx5c-smart-5-channel-transmitter-sr315-rx-combo/SPM5115C.html?gclid=Cj0KCQiAosmPBhCPARIsAHOen-P0KAUpVy-UeD_WvgxnRsjbkj6uHOzMiERGqsZkyrrPAcYJ92xg-WMaArh1EALw_wcB
Controller 4 – https://www.horizonhobby.com/product/dxs-transmitter-with-ar410-receiver/SPM1010.html?gclid=Cj0KCQiAosmPBhCPARIsAHOen-OvarQIJcJeOVAOp_UNROh2nvNobuE0UheaxfXmn0_gYg0qtXuGkLgaAtmjEALw_wcB