Tarot T-2D Gimbal Issue

[jimbo385]

For anyone on Facebook forums that already know about this issue, sorry!

It';s just getting on my nerves this issue! I';ve also posted on RCGroups!

Here we go!


I have had this gimbal for a while now & I just can';t get it to work consistently!

After initial setup it started to work and all was well. Then I could not initialise it. All i got was 3 green flashing lights followed by a solid yellow. This I found out was an initialising problem. If I persisted, then it would initialise and work really well.

Now though it won';t initialise at all! I have searched everywhere for help and a solution but all say the same thing, Firmware upgrade!

I have tried to update the firmware to 1.5. Although the software states that the firmware is loaded, I get zeros displayed in the software and a version number of "XXX". I have even tried to switch the cable round in the USB dongle but this results in a PC Blue Screen Of Death when I power the gimbal up.

When doing all of this, I have the GoPro installed

So, is the controller dead?
What else can I try yo get this working?
Are they really this difficult to configure?

Any, all help appreciated.

Many thanks.

PS. I am using a Prolific USB-to-Serial Comm Port with a driver that is on version 3.4.67.325.
My computer is a Dual Quad Core Zeon beast with a shed load of ram running Windows 7 Pro.

[quadfather]

I know nothing about the gimbal, but it sounds like the flashing procedure does not complete regardless of what you';re being told.

Does the manual say anything about the voltage and current it expects from the serial adapter when flashing?  Typical TTL voltage levels are 5V, 3.3V and 1.8V and the currents anywhere between 50 and 250mA.  It may be asking more than the serial adapter can provide.

Is the gimbal powered by the serial adapter during flashing or is it using its own power?  That could also be an issue, for example it expects 5V from the adapter but only gets 3.3V.  Note that TTL voltage and power voltage are not necessarily the same.

Just a hunch, as I said I don';t know the gimbal or what';s involved.  But perhaps worth looking at the requirements.

[jimbo385]

Powered by both USB and 3s lipo as per instructions.

[quadfather]

What about the TTL voltage?  What does the adapter put out and what does the gimbal need?

[jimbo385]

Hi, what do you mean?

The instructions state USB into the USB port and 3s lipo for power.

If there is anything else then this is not an off the shelf product that it';s supposed to be!

[quadfather]

Hi, what do you mean?

The instructions state USB into the USB port and 3s lipo for power.

If there is anything else then this is not an off the shelf product that it';s supposed to be!

It';s off the shelf alright, but it comes in different versions.  The programming voltage (TTL) can be different between adapters.  Some adapters have a switch or jumper on them that lets you select it, others only have one voltage and if that';s not the right one for the target then programming will fail.  That';s why I asked.

Is the Prolific adapter part of the gimbal kit?

[jimbo385]

I have no idea what you are saying about Profile adapter!
What is this?
Did it come as part of the gimbal? If so, it is a USB adapter as I';ve already stated.

When I got it I was able to update the firmware and it worked. I calibrated it and it worked. Then I got out into the field and it would not initialise. The onle difference between the to was indoors and outdoors. so as far as I am concerned, no difference!

[jimbo385]

Sorry that I';m a bit cynical but I have lived with this issue for about 5 months with no real result!

[quadfather]

PS. I am using a Prolific USB-to-Serial Comm Port with a driver that is on version 3.4.67.325.

That Prolific adapter.

From your description it sounded like the flashing procedure failed, i.e. you mentioned 0000 and XXX values.  That can happen if the wrong TTL voltage is used for flashing, hence my comments.  Since the Prolific adapter is part of the kit one should assume it does all that is required.

I';m afraid I can';t help you.  Apologies for causing any confusion and good luck on your quest to sorting it.   

[jimbo385]

I';ve been in IT for over 40 years and I hate TLA';s (Three Letter Acronyms) unless they are explained and I get very defensive when they are used.

As far as I know TTL has always meant "Through The Lens" in relation to cameras!

So what does your interpretation of TTL mean!

[quadfather]

I';ve been in IT for over 40 years and I hate TLA';s (Three Letter Acronyms) unless they are explained and I get very defensive when they are used.

As far as I know TTL has always meant "Through The Lens" in relation to cameras!

So what does your interpretation of TTL mean!

As you';re an IT person I would have thought you associated TTL with Time To Live. 

For device interfacing it means Transistor-Transistor Logic.  It specifies the voltage levels at which bits are high (5V or 3.3V, rarely 1.8V) and low (0V).  As opposed to RS-232 on PCs where it';s -13V and 13V respectively for example.

[jimbo385]

Nope,

Never heard of either of them!

[PaulJC]

So what does your interpretation of TTL mean!

Transistor–transistor logic - Most often used to describe line level communications...

[jimbo385]

Ok,

That';s all good and well but what';s wrong with my Gimbal Controller?

[PaulJC]

Ok,

That';s all good and well but what';s wrong with my Gimbal Controller?

FUBAR? lol, i';ve got one here if you want me to pop it in the post for comparison testing?

[jimbo385]

Mate, I';d love that cause at the moment, I';m stuck as I';ve been trying to get a solution or some resolution ion this for about 5 months!

I shall PM you.

Many thanks