Hi, I have built my first robot. It is a tracked robot with two 24v wheelchair motors controlled by a Sabertooth 2x32 using RC in MIXED MODE… I drive it using a Specktrum DX6i with the Aileron and Elevator stick.
My problem is: I’m trying to use a DoubleSwitch to make a 12v linear actuator extend and retract. I’m using the throttle and rudder stick on the DX6i. I can get it to extend, but not retract. I have connected the DoubleSwitch to both the throttle and rudder pins on my receiver, but neither works to retract the actuator shaft.
I’m new to RC.
Is there a switch on the Transmitter I can use to reverse the actuator? Every thing I have done so far on this robot is by reading and watching videos. I’ve tried reading the manual for the DX6i, but I can’t figure it out. HELP PLEASE!
@crowdog Indeed, the DoubleSwitch seems to only function as two separate relays whereas for your needs, you need what’s called a “Dual Pole, Dual Throw” (DPDT) relay which can switch the voltage. Unfortunately RobotShop doesn’t carry an RC-controlled DPDT relay at this time, but you mention it’s for a linear actuator, and there’s something better suited for that:
Note that the LAC can provide up to 4A max at 10% duty cycle.
I knew about Acutonix and their actuators and LACs, but their biggest Actuator is only rated for 37lb. I’m using an actuator from a wheelchair for lifting heavier things.
I bought the DoubleSwitch, because the description on your website said it’s a DPDT relay and RC
You are correct (my apologies) in that the description on their site does indicate “DPDT”, though it does not seem to show a clear exacmple of how to use it as a DPDT, nor what the signals from the RC should be (500us vs 2500us?). In order to ensure you don’t get a wrong answer here, have you tried reaching out to them directly? Help Desk - Submit a ticket
Wondering if the relay itself is DPDT, but has been wired to be two individual.
Good morning cbenson. I did contact DE while I was waiting for someone to respond to me from here, after my reach out for help from here.
They showed me a different way to wire it than it shows on their main page, but it still would only extend and not reverse. I told them that and they responded with this:
“If you can’t get it to reverse, it may be your RC signals. Doubleswitch is ON (one motor direction) above 1530us, and OFF (the opposite motor direction) below 1460us. Are you using a radio control channel with ~1500us center, and travel in both directions from that?”
I told them that I was, because I checked using the TEST tab in their Sabertooth 2x32 software.
I’m waiting for a response on what to do next.
I reached out to this community for help, because the people here seem to be better at helping someone who is a beginner.
After they sent me the other wiring diagram. I had to send them two pictures of how I had it wired and a written description, and still the person helping me doubted I had it wired right, before finally conceding that probably was. Then they asked me about the channel signals.
Anyway, I’ll wait to hear from them. It is their product after all.
We are certainly here for that. So there’s more information than presented on their page - good to know.
Indeed, the way they have the contacts broken out into 6 screw terminals is different than a standard DPDT would be wired. which is certainly a bit confusing if you simply want the relay to switch polarity.
Keep us posted. The manufacturer should be in the best position to troubleshoot this one.
