Automatic trailer steering axle control card

Automatic trailer steering axle control card

This trailer axle steering control card automatically controls a steering servo connected to one (or more) steering axle(s) on a trailer, depending on the angle between the trailer and its tractor.

Card operating modes

Automatic mode

In automatic mode, the card operates completely autonomously, automatically controlling the trailer's steering servo according to the angle formed between the trailer and the tractor, as measured by the potentiometer. No driver intervention is required.

Forced control operation

The card can also be operated in "forced control" mode. In this configuration, it is possible to manually force trailer steering via the radio control. This can be useful in special cases where automatic control is not sufficient to steer the trailer past certain obstacles, and manual control becomes necessary. The forced control mode can be activated or deactivated at any time by means of the radio remote control, and the trailer steering is then controlled by the radio remote control.

This mode requires two radio control channels (a switch and a proportional channel).

Available settings :

• Dead zone setting: This potentiometer sets the zone in which the steering servo is forced to neutral, i.e. the trailer steering is in the center. This avoids the impact of unavoidable mechanical play in the sensing system. If there's even the slightest amount of play, there's a risk that the trailer's steering won't return to neutral on exiting a bend, and the trailer will "crab"
• Maximum servo travel setting: Beyond which, for example, there is a risk of mechanical locking of the servo or steering axle
• Detection range: defines the detection range, i.e. the angular range in which the steering servo is controlled (the angular range between trailer and tractor in which the steering servo acts). This setting defines the trailer's "following" behaviour: if the value is set too low, the trailer will tend to cut corners. If this setting is too high, the trailer will, on the contrary, turn too quickly and "widen" the corner
• Servo neutral: Servo neutral setting

Specifications

• Operating voltage: 4.8V to 8.4V
• Battery connector: BEC
• Potentiometer resistance: 5KΩ to 10KΩ
• Dimensions: 54mm x 35mm x 8mm

Equipment required for operation (not included) see “accessories” on this page.

• Angle measurement system with potentiometer:
  • Either the infrared kingpin system with potentiometer for trailer steering control system (ref PCPITRULKBTAM).
  • Or our fifth wheel angle detection kit (ref ACTM00007).
  • Or a 5KΩ to 10KΩ potentiometer with a JR or Futaba servo connector, installed on your trailer as required.
• Two patch cables for connection to the receiver if forced mode is to be used.
• 4.8V to 8.4V power supply.
  
  

Scope of delivery

• Electronic board
• Operating instructions (in French)

Caution: the servo supply voltage is the same as that of the power source. Use a HV servo if powered by a 2S LiPo battery, or use a voltage regulator (U-Bec) between the battery and the board.

Video of test trials :