pwm and Y leads

[menright]

Looking for a bit of advice. If I run my smoke generator direct from a channel it works perfectly, I can increase the smoke amount as I control the channel. If I introduce a Y lead the smoke genrator does not work, what would be the reason for this?

[Ecam]

A "Y" lead? Like using two servos on one channel?

My first guess is a defective Y lead, or wires so small it can't pass enough current for the smoker.

[tankme]

Resistance in the cable increases as you add length. If it's the power lead you are Y'ing to power an additional device, it's not a good idea. Smokers take a lot of current so you may not be giving the smoker enough current.

[Jofaur86]

Good morning,
I can't see very well? How do you operate a smoker from an RX channel and Y cable, without using any accessory, for start-up, on a Y wire it is only possible to connect a servo, or suitable electronic module, for start-up, with a supply, separated for power, smokers are large consumers of energy.
For me, personally, your idea is not good? your RX will turn into a Barbecue view as said in previous messages, and in case it works? what do I doubt? the small wire will not support the intensity....

[menright]

Hi, thanks for the reply. The smoker is a cheap ebay smoke generator. It has a small control board which attaches to the radio via the normal 5v+,-, control wires which controls the speed of the fan and the main smoker unit takes its power from a separate 12v source. The unit works very well but only when attached directly to a dedicated reciever channel and not with a Y cable. I will check again and make up some new Y cables.

[Jofaur86]

Good morning,
ah OK, I understand better!! I didn't have all the elements? then it is actually possible to work alone, but not in parallel with other systems? This comes back to the principle used on RC planes with the ailerons, and I cannot answer that?

[Jofaur86]

Maybe I'm going to say something stupid? But what about a programmable radio? why not mix the two channels, instead of the Y cord, I recommend reading the Blog of a member of this forum, to which I have attached the link!!!
https://radindustries.wordpress.com/2020/06/25/radios/
https://radindustries.wordpress.com/202 ... /my-radio/

[menright]

Maybe I'm going to say something stupid? But what about a programmable radio? why not mix the two channels, instead of the Y cord, I recommend reading the Blog of a member of this forum, to which I have attached the link!!!
https://radindustries.wordpress.com/2020/06/25/radios/
https://radindustries.wordpress.com/202 ... /my-radio/

Not stupid at all, that is exactly what I have done, this way I can control the smoke unit independantly and via the throttle.
I was just curious as to why a Y lead which is about as simple as it can get would not work. Interestingly I have tried on a second smoke unit( exactly the same model) and it does the same, seems these units will not run using a Y lead.

[Jofaur86]

Great, if it works, I'm happy for you. Seems to be due (personal opinion) to an incompetence of the smoker? wanting to work with other things, or concerns about voltage being too low if RX powered with Bec system, see RX not suitable for that? Also.