hey guys,
i was wondering, if i run a 9v power pack into my Sabertooth 2X5 R/C Regenerative Dual Channel Motor Controller will each motor only receive 4.5 volts at max output? it seems so since when i unplug one motor the rpm’s jumps up. but i do not know if it is safe to run 18v because a single motor will burn.
Hey,
According to the sabertooth page:
Voltage = 6.0vdc - 18.0vdc
Yes, 9v and 18v would work. However, your motors would need to function at those voltages. Most motors are around 7.x volts or 12v… I would not suggest overvolting either of those to 18v. The worst you can “safely” do is 14.4v to a 12v motor. Not recommended though, but its doable. Its life span might be shorted though.
-robodude666
The Sabertooth controllers do not divide the voltage between the two motors. No no no… If you apply a 9vdc power pack it will deliver 9vdc to both outputs. This is a fact. Now if you’re using a wall wart type power pack, I submit to you that it’s not regulated, and or, it’s not able to provide enough current for the motor that is connected. This would explain the motor RPM going up when you remove one of the two motors. 12vdc motors can be run at up to 24vdc for a SHORT TIME. Heat is the enemy. There is a limit as to how much you can overvolt a motor, and it does vary between different motor styles. But generally speaking 150% is ok for short periods of time. I.e. Sumo or battle bot competitions.
I am using a nexxtech 6.0 V 1500Ah NI-MH batery pack. I am runnning two cordless drill motors rated at 3.6 volts. my transmiter is a futuba attack sr and the reciever is a futuba fp-r122je am 2 channel reciever. i turn on the transmitter first. then the reciever, and then turn on the power to the sabertooth. it is usaully calm after this, but when i start to drive it. it goes nuts. I tested the transmiter and reciever with a couple servos, they work fine. I have no idea what i could possibly be missing.
You may have to go up to the 2 x 10… Those drill motors can probably draw 10’s of amps. Do you have any specs on them? The other potential problem is using a 6vdc battery. The Sabertooth’s 5vdc regulator is probably browning out under the large load. A 7.2vdc battery would give you a little more headroom.
