Load and Save
Firmware version:
| Load firmware image: | |
| Load configuration file: |
This tool has the light controller firmware already embedded. Below
you can adjust the configuration according to your needs.
After you are done, you can save the firmware image. It will appear
in the download folder of your web browser.
You can also save the configuration into a text file, which
can be loaded at a later point in time, e.g. to make further tweaks.
It is advisable that you always keep a copy of the saved
configuration. While it is possible to retrieve all settings from
a firmware image, some data especially in the light programs, like
variable names and comments, are lost as they are not placed into
the firmware image.
Operating mode
The light controller reads servo signals from the receiver. The
steering signal must be connected to input ST/Rx on
the light controller, the throttle signal to TH/Tx
and the Channel 3 (AUX) signal to the CH3 input.
The light controller does not read servo signals directly, but from a
pre-processor. The pre-processor is a
microcontroller directly built into the receiver. It reads the servo
signals and converts them into a serial data stream so that the light
controller can be connected with a single servo extension cable. This
simplifies wiring of a RC car, especially when the light controller
resides on the body while the receiver is mounted on the chassis.
For more information on the preprocessor please read our blog articles:
The output from the pre-processor must be connected to the
ST/Rx input of the light controller.
Some receiver have a CPPM output, which encodes information of all
servos in a single electrical signal. The light controller can read
this signal, so only a single cable needs to be connected from the
receiver to the light controller.
Please consult your the instructions of your RC system to check
whether your receiver has a CPPM output.
In case more than 16 LEDs are required, it is possible to daisy-chain
two light controllers. One needs to be configured as master
and have the slave output activated, the other one
must be configured as slave, for a total of 32 LEDs.
The output from the master must be fed into the
ST/Rx input on the slave.
The master controls the light functions of both light
controllers. Ensure that the baudrate of both master and
slave match.
Generates a firmware image suitable for hardware test. As soon as
power is applied the LEDs flash in certain patterns.
Basic configuration
ESC type
After going forward, the ESC allows going in reverse when the throttle
has been in neutral for a certain amount of time.
Examples: HPI SC-15WP, HobbyKing HK-SENS-60A
After going forward, the first push backwards on the throttle is
always engagin the brake function, regardless whether the throttle
has been in neutral for a long time. The second push on the throttle
engages reverse function. Note: the timeout can be adjusted in the
advanced configuration section below.
Examples: Tamiya TEU-104BK, TEU-105BK.
Forward and reverse engage immediately when the throttle is moved
to the corresponding position. Many ESC call this behaviour a "crawler mode"
For racing purpose some ESC can be configured to disable reverse.
After going forward, the ESC allows going in reverse when the throttle has been in neutral for a certain amount of time.
Examples: HPI SC-15WP, HobbyKing HK-SENS-60A
After going forward, the first push backwards on the throttle is always engagin the brake function, regardless whether the throttle has been in neutral for a long time. The second push on the throttle engages reverse function. Note: the timeout can be adjusted in the advanced configuration section below.
Examples: Tamiya TEU-104BK, TEU-105BK.
Forward and reverse engage immediately when the throttle is moved to the corresponding position. Many ESC call this behaviour a "crawler mode"
For racing purpose some ESC can be configured to disable reverse.
CH3/AUX function
The CH3/AUX function on the transmitter is either a two-position
switch, or a toggle button that moves the servo between two endpoints.
Examples: FlySky GT3 series, HobbyKing HK310
The CH3/AUX function on the transmitter has two positions that are selected
with two buttons on the transmitter. Pressing the down button moves
to position 1, pressing the up button moves to position 2.
Selecting this option requires to always press the down button first before
entering the desired number of clicks
Examples: HobbyKing X3S, Tactic TTX300
The CH3/AUX function on the transmitter is a push button that moves
the servo to the opposite endpoint while the button is pushed, but
moves the servo back to the original position once the button is
released.
Examples: Futaba 4PL
A push button directly connected to the light controller's CH3 input
(i.e. a physical button, not a servo signal from the receiver).
Useful for 2-channel radios.
The CH3/AUX function on the transmitter is either a two-position switch, or a toggle button that moves the servo between two endpoints.
Examples: FlySky GT3 series, HobbyKing HK310
The CH3/AUX function on the transmitter has two positions that are selected with two buttons on the transmitter. Pressing the down button moves to position 1, pressing the up button moves to position 2.
Selecting this option requires to always press the down button first before entering the desired number of clicks
Examples: HobbyKing X3S, Tactic TTX300
The CH3/AUX function on the transmitter is a push button that moves the servo to the opposite endpoint while the button is pushed, but moves the servo back to the original position once the button is released.
Examples: Futaba 4PL
A push button directly connected to the light controller's CH3 input (i.e. a physical button, not a servo signal from the receiver). Useful for 2-channel radios.
Output function on pin OUT/ISP
Servo output function on pin OUT/ISP
No signal on the OUT/ISP pin of the light controller.
The light controller can be connected to a servo, that moves the
steering wheel in the cabin of the car. The output follows the
steering input, but the endpoints and direction can be configured
independently of the steering function of the car.
When enabled, a servo signal is generated that allows control of a
two-speed gearbox.
Output function on pin TH/Tx
No signal on the TH/Tx pin of the light controller.
By using a second light controller configured as slave
a total of 32 LEDs can be controlled. A single cable must be run
between the master
OUT/ISPTH/Tx
pin and the slave ST/Rx pin.
When this option is selected, a second set of LED configuration
becomes visible below.
When enabled, the light controller outputs the steering, throttle
and CH3/AUX signals as serial data stream. This function can be
useful for connecting custom hardware to the light controller.
No signal on the OUT/ISP pin of the light controller.
The light controller can be connected to a servo, that moves the steering wheel in the cabin of the car. The output follows the steering input, but the endpoints and direction can be configured independently of the steering function of the car.
When enabled, a servo signal is generated that allows control of a two-speed gearbox.
Output function on pin TH/Tx
No signal on the TH/Tx pin of the light controller.
By using a second light controller configured as slave
a total of 32 LEDs can be controlled. A single cable must be run
between the master
OUT/ISPTH/Tx
pin and the slave ST/Rx pin.
When this option is selected, a second set of LED configuration
becomes visible below.
When enabled, the light controller outputs the steering, throttle
and CH3/AUX signals as serial data stream. This function can be
useful for connecting custom hardware to the light controller.
No signal on the TH/Tx pin of the light controller.
By using a second light controller configured as slave a total of 32 LEDs can be controlled. A single cable must be run between the master OUT/ISPTH/Tx pin and the slave ST/Rx pin.
When this option is selected, a second set of LED configuration becomes visible below.
When enabled, the light controller outputs the steering, throttle and CH3/AUX signals as serial data stream. This function can be useful for connecting custom hardware to the light controller.
Baudrate
The baudrate for serial input/output functions. This applies to the pre-processor input and output, the slave input and output, and the winch controller.
Ensure that master and slave are using the same baudrate. Note that the winch controller and the pre-processor that is based on the Microchip PIC operate only at 34800 baud.
LED configuration
Click on a field in the table to set the LED brighness value in percent for a particular function.
Click on the icon to configure advanced parameters for simulating incandescent bulbs and weak ground connections.
The background of the icon turns orange when advanced features are in use.
Hover the mouse over individual items to see an explaination about their function.
Use the clear button to reset all LED configurations to off. Warning: this can not be undone; save your configuration before clearing!
Master
Always on
Light switch position
Indicator
LED
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Tail
Brake
Reverse
left
right
| Always on | Light switch position | Indicator | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LED | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | Tail | Brake | Reverse | left | right | |
Slave
Always on
Light switch position
Indicator
LED
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Tail
Brake
Reverse
left
right
| Always on | Light switch position | Indicator | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LED | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | Tail | Brake | Reverse | left | right | |
Light programs:
Light programs are small scripts that can perform custom light
sequences. See light-programs.md for an details on the
programming language.
Press F11 to toggle fullscreen mode within your browser
window. The keybindings
are similar to the Sublime Text editor.
Use the Check... button below the editor to perform a syntax
check on the light programs.
Light programs correct!
Advanced configuration
Note: all timing values have a resolution of 20 ms.Initial light switch position
When the car is turned on, the virtual light switch is set to the
given position. This allows to turn the car lights on by default,
but still be able to turn them off on demand using CH3.
Automatic brake lights
If enabled, the light controller turns on the brake lights for a
random amount of time every time the throttle input goes from
forward driving to neutral.
This provides a realistic brake light effect since often the brake function is not engaged in scale driving, but rather we return the throttle to neutral and let the car coast to a stop.
This provides a realistic brake light effect since often the brake function is not engaged in scale driving, but rather we return the throttle to neutral and let the car coast to a stop.
If enabled, the light controller turns on the brake lights for a
random amount of time every time the throttle goes to neutral
after reversing. This setting only takes effect when the ESC mode
is set to Forward/Brake/Reverse or Forward/Reverse.
ESC brake function
This setting deterimes the time how long the throttle has to be
in neutral before the ESC allows going into reverse. It only applies
if the ESC type is Forward/Brake/Reverse (with timeout).
Reversing light extension
After driving the car in reverse, the light controller keeps the reversing lights on for a random time between the specified min/max
after the throttle has returned to neutral. This adds realism
as drivers usually take a short time until they disengage reverse
gear.
The reversing lights are immediately turned off when the car drives forward.
This function applies only to ESC with a forward/reverse/brake or forward/reverse function.
The reversing lights are immediately turned off when the car drives forward.
This function applies only to ESC with a forward/reverse/brake or forward/reverse function.
Indicators
This value sets the frequency of the indicators and hazard lights.
For most countries the indicator blink frequency is 1.5 Hz,
which means the half-period time should be 333 ms.
In order to prevent the indicators coming on unintentionally during
driving, the throttle and steering must be in center for a
specified time before the indicators can be engaged by turning
the steering.
When the indicators are engaged and steering is returned to neutral,
the indicators continue to blink for the specified amount of time.
The indicators can be turned off immediately by turning the steering in the opposite direction.
The indicators can be turned off immediately by turning the steering in the opposite direction.
The steering wheel must be turned for at least the specified
percentage of steering lock before the indicators turn on.
Servo input
The light controller features automatic detection of center and
endpoint for both steering and throttle.
This value determines how much the initial endpoint left and right is set from the center value after power up.
A servo pulse is usually between 1000 and 2000 ms, with 1500 ms being the centre. Dual-rate and end-point adjustments in the transmitter change the minimum and maximum received pulse duration.
A good value for the initial endpoint is 250 ms, which corresponds to 50% of nominal servo travel. If the light controller sees a signal larger than that, it automatically adjusts its endpoint.
If you set this value too small the lights may flicker after power on until you perform steering and throttle inputs, which adjust the endpoints to your transmitter.
If you set this value too large steering and brake signals may not engage properly.
This value determines how much the initial endpoint left and right is set from the center value after power up.
A servo pulse is usually between 1000 and 2000 ms, with 1500 ms being the centre. Dual-rate and end-point adjustments in the transmitter change the minimum and maximum received pulse duration.
A good value for the initial endpoint is 250 ms, which corresponds to 50% of nominal servo travel. If the light controller sees a signal larger than that, it automatically adjusts its endpoint.
If you set this value too small the lights may flicker after power on until you perform steering and throttle inputs, which adjust the endpoints to your transmitter.
If you set this value too large steering and brake signals may not engage properly.
In order to prevent flickering due to mis-detection of steering
and throttle inputs, a threshold is applied before steering and
throttle are detected as being engaged.
When the steering/throttle is in the center, it first has to be engaged past the high percent mark before the light controller accepts the input.
When returning to center, the steering/throttle value has to go below the low threshold before it is recognized as being in center.
Good values depend mostly on the throttle and ESC of your car. If the values are set to high the car may be driving already long before the light controller recognizes the car as being moving. If the values are set too low then brake and reverse lights may flicker when driving at very slow speeds.
When the steering/throttle is in the center, it first has to be engaged past the high percent mark before the light controller accepts the input.
When returning to center, the steering/throttle value has to go below the low threshold before it is recognized as being in center.
Good values depend mostly on the throttle and ESC of your car. If the values are set to high the car may be driving already long before the light controller recognizes the car as being moving. If the values are set too low then brake and reverse lights may flicker when driving at very slow speeds.
In order to be able to perform multiple functions on a single
CH3/AUX input, a method of multiple clicks -- similar to the
concept used on computers -- is employed.
The timeout value determines how quickly the light controller reacts to CH3/AUX. A low value means you must switch CH3/AUX quickly, but also that the reaction of the function engages quickly. a high value means you must wait longer until the light controller accepts the input. 300 ms works well for the LANE Boys.
The timeout value determines how quickly the light controller reacts to CH3/AUX. A low value means you must switch CH3/AUX quickly, but also that the reaction of the function engages quickly. a high value means you must wait longer until the light controller accepts the input. 300 ms works well for the LANE Boys.
Servo signals have a nominal pulse width of 1.5 ms when in center,
and 1.0 / 2.0 ms when at the end points. In reality servo pulses
can go below 0.9 ms and above 2.3 ms when features like end-point
adjustment and sub-trim are applied.
The values above define what minimum and maxium pulse width a servo
signal is allowed to have in order to consider it valid. This
setting only applies to servo inputs and CPPM input configurations.
For the CPPM input the max pulse duration is the minimum idle
idle time to identify a start of a CPPM frame.
This value applies to servo inputs and CPPM input configurations.
After power on, the light controller waits for the first servo
pulse to arrive. The time given in this field determines how
long the light controller waits after the first servo pulse until
it in itializes neutral points of steering and throtte, and starts
its normal operation.
If no servo signal is received within the given time, for example
because the transmitter is out of range, then the light controller
sets the no-signal flag internally, which can be used in light
programs to perform a certain function.
Note that most likely this will not work well on modern digital transmitters, because the failsafe function will output valid servo signals even if the transmitter is out of range.
Note that most likely this will not work well on modern digital transmitters, because the failsafe function will output valid servo signals even if the transmitter is out of range.
Winch output
This setting only applies to the
LANE Boys RC winch controller
The value determines how often the winch commands are sent to the winch controller.
The value determines how often the winch commands are sent to the winch controller.
Gearbox servo output
The value determines how long the gearbox servo is activated
(= receives servo pulses) after a gear has changed or the idle
time (see below) expires.
The value determines for how long the gearbox servo stays idle
(= servo pulses are turned off) when there is no gear change.
This prevents the servo from being damaged due to the servo constantly
pushing against mechanical stops of the gearbox.
Setting the value to 0 keeps the gearbox servo active at all times.
Setting the value to 0 keeps the gearbox servo active at all times.
Gamma correction
The current flowing through an LED determines its light output.
However, the human perception is not linear to the amount of light.
The light controller therefore offers a gamma correction so that
if you set a light value of 50%, it should be roughly perceived
has half as bright as the same LED set to 100%.
Useful values are between 1.8 and 2.2.
Useful values are between 1.8 and 2.2.