A few weeks ago I bought an electric wheelchair from someone online. Later that same day I ordered a Sabertooth 2x32, some M/F jumper cables, a RC 2.4 Gh remote control, 2 @ 12V batteries, a new charger and an E-stop (kill switch).
Today, the Sabertooth and a few other components arrived in the mail. My project has moved from being a dream to being real.
The amount of data online is plentiful and I want to thank those who have contributed to this forum. It is quite helpful for someone new to this hobby. I have culminated what I have learned into the linked PDF file. I apologize for the crude drawing, on my list of skills to acquire is some sort of circuit diagram program.
Here are my questions:
1- Does the E-Stop require programming the Sabertooth using the DEScribe software? Is the E-Stop suitable to use as a standard “on/off” switch?
2- The wheelchair battery box has a fuse pre-wired, is this sufficient protect?
3- The charger appears to supply power to the circuit while charging the batteries. Is this advisable, or should I add another switch of some sort? If yes, what would you recommend?
4- I intend to superglue a chainsaw onto the unit, what type of super glue do you recommend? Hahaha, just kidding. I am going to use tape.
Thanks for your help and suggestions.
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Hey @tallman
Just a few notes: The Swich #3 should be Off, since you are running the Sabertooth with a battery.
1- The E-Stop switch is not properly wired. Please take a look below:
If DIP switch 6 is in the OFF position, emergency stops are enabled. This emergency stop is active low
and internally pulled down. To enable the M1 output, connect the A1 terminal to 5V. To enable the M2
output, connect the A2 terminal to 5V. If these connections are broken and emergency stops are
enabled, the motors will stop immediately. This might be used for a safety E-stop in a machine, to only
allow motion while a dead man’s switch is held, or to detect a disconnected control cable. Emergency
stops provide a second way to shut down the machine if the host computer crashes or locks up, as well
as reacting more quickly than a PC might. Hardware emergency stops are required for some safety
regulations. Emergency stop is not available when using serial converter mode.
2- That would be depending on what the circuit takes in terms of current. I would suggest to verify the specs on the motors and take a decision depending on this. If the battery box fuse is good enough, then no need to add another one.
3- I would use a switch to turn off and on the charging and making sure to disconnect the battery from the circuit. Just to make sure you don’t burn anything.
4- That sounds … scary?! Make sure you’re safe! I would add a wireless switch/relay as another safety, JUST to make sure you can turn it off wireless.
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