I was using a 2x32, all worked fine. New 2x60 put in its place with the exact same wiring. Light status has no errors. Green status light on.
I tried all the pins in “on” except for #4 and I have full power to motors.
So, it’s like the S1 and S2 are not receiving a signal. I checked this with putting a servo in place of the 2x60 motor controller, servo works fine, so i have a signal.
I guess the 2x60 is faulty? Anyone have an idea?
Hello @gregmxwll and welcome to the forum,
What operating mode are you using?
I guessed Mode 1 (Analog Input) because you said all pins ON except for 4, but then you mentioned a servo which makes me think it is Mode 2 (R/C Input).
Make sure you have the right mode selected with the switches, this can help with that:
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I will be using Mode 2
I used 1 for the test as per
https://help.dimensionengineering.com/knowledgebase.php?article=16
STATUS LED is on, but there is no motor output.
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I ran the Config as you suggested. I have the pins correct.
1 down 2up 3up( for Lithium) 4up 5 down 6 up
Again, it worked fine with 2x32.
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Ok! So you tried that test and got motor output which would mean that the problem is with the control signal, but you tested the receiver with a servo and that’s working.
The manual states the following:
“If switch 6 is in the UP position, then the Sabertooth is in standard R/C mode. This mode is designed to be used with a hobby-style transmitter and receiver. It automatically calibrates the control center and endpoints to maximize stick usage. It also enables a Timeout Failsafe, which will shut down the motors if the Sabertooth stops receiving correct signals from the receiver.”
As well as:
“A note on certain microprocessor receivers. Some receivers, such as the Spektrum AR6000, will output servo pulses before a valid transmitter signal is present. This will cause the Sabertooth to autocalibrate to the receiver’s
startup position which may not correspond to the center stick position, depending on trim settings. This may cause the motors to move slowly, even when the transmitter stick is centered. If you encounter this, either consult your receiver manual to reprogram the startup position, or adjust your transmitter trims until the motors stop moving. If you are having issues, and the ranges for your transmitter/receiver are known, you can use the DEScribe software to tailor the ranges to your individual setup.”
So the problem might be caused by an incompatibility with your receiver.
Have you tried controlling the motors with a different R/C signal? for example, a microcontroller
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Excellent, thanks for pointing me in that direction, I’ll see what I can do for testing this.
Many thanks.
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I tried things like, moving the transmitter further away from the receiver to cut down on noise, I charged the batteries in both the transmitter and receiver of the Futaba FM 4 channel. I tried trim settings; I tried the other channels. Nothing.
I am eventually going to upgrade my transmitter and receiver to more channels anyway, so I am doing it now, I will try the new Spektrum DX6e w/AR620 RX on Tuesday.
I am not confident that this will work, but who knows.
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OK, I think I found my problem.
“The 0V connection is the signal ground for the Sabertooth. In order to receive input signals correctly, it must be connected to the ground of the device sending the signals. (Note: Internally connected to B- )”
On the Sabertooth 2x32 I didn’t have the 0V and it worked, so just maybe this is the answer, I will try this now. Just to be clear, I am running a separate power pack so I don’t need the 5V from the Sabertooth.
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Yup, that did it, it works.
Seems obvious now that I need a ground, but to be fair the 2x32 worked without it some how.
thanks geraldinebc 15 for helping.
Now to figure out why my 2 lithium 12v 20ah batteries won’t work in series to get 24v, but that is for another day…
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Great! I’m glad you could find the issue.
Were you able to find why you don’t get 24V with your batteries in series?
The problem with the 24v batteries was that when I hook them up in series the Sabertooth 2x60 would show red light error and act erratic, My research lead me to try balancing the batteries first by hooking them up in parallel and leaving them sit for a while.
This worked, so all is good,
Thanks again.
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Awesome!
Thank you for sharing the solution 