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The Basics:

There are three servos.

 

One to control the turret's left and right movement (X Axis), one for the Y axis (up and down) and one to pull the trigger. Those 3 servos plug into a servo controller which is already included in the software kit.

That servo controller has a RS232 (Serial) port which is old and not found on newer computers so a RS-232 to USB converter needs to be used.

That plugs into the PC or Laptop and shows up as a com port.

The Windows version of the Acer Aspire One ($250) is very small and works great if you don't already have a laptop.

That's the big picture. Now for the details.

 

Install The Servos:

   Since your application may be different, I left buying the servos up to you. I personally use a Hitec 5645MG for the X and Y axis and cheap HS-322 for the trigger. The small gears I provide in the kit are for Hitec servos. Other brands may have a different spline tooth count and would need to be ordered from Servo City.  If you use different servos make sure they have at least as much torque as the ones mentioned and have 180° of travel. You only need 2 screws (included) per servo to mount each servo. Use the pictures below as a guide for assembly.

 

Plug in the Wiring:

 

Plug the servo leads and power in as shown below. I usually scratch an X, Y, and T on the ends of the wire to help identify which is which. It makes no difference which black and white power lead goes where. They both supply the same power from a single battery. see the servo controller instructions page for more info.

For best performance:

  1. Be on the lookout for any wobbling of the base as this will cause false targets to be detected.
  2. The gun barrel must not be visible to the camera as it will see itself as a target. This is not an issue if the barrel is, and always will be, outside of the target area.
  3. Measures must be taken to prevent the camera from shaking caused by turret momentum changes and/or an unstable surface.
  4. Calibration must be done correctly. You can verify calibration accuracy using mouse aiming mode.
  5. The Turret's range of motion must be greater than the camera's field of view. If the camera has a 70 degree FOV then the turret must be something greater, like 90 degrees. You do not want to give the turret 180 degrees though because the servo's resolution per degree would be worse when it's 180 versus 90 (but nothing too noticeable.)
  6. Use digital servos for higher accuracy and torque.
  7. The heavier the gun, the poorer the performance.