Hi everyone,
After researching lot of servo controllers for my next robotics project, I like the specs on the SSC-32. The robot will be controlled using the motherboard from a laptop running the roborealm vision processing software. For motor controller, I will be using the Sabertooth from our friends at DE.
Now since the sabertooth requires TTL level serial data and the SSC-32 accepts RS232 level data directly from the PC, is there a RS-232 to TTL level convertor on the SSC-32 like the MAX232 chip on board?
Since I will be using a single COM port for communicating with both the Sabertooth and SSC-32, can I send serial commands to sabertooth via the SSC-32 which will convert from RS232 to TTL for me? I will be using the (non-rc) version of the Sabertooth, which accepts TTL level serial data only, so I am wondering if it can get TTL data from the SSC-32 without me having to implement my own MAX232 conversion circuitry?
You can actually control a Sabertooth using standard R/C PWM, like what the SSC-32 puts out. This is how I run the Sabertooth 2x5 I have on WALTER. I have the Sabertooth 2X5 Regenerative Dual Channel Motor Controller. I have my Sabertooth connected to two of the SSC-32 servo channels, one for the right motor and the other for the left motor.
8-Dale
thanks linuxguy,
how would that work? I will be using VB to send commands to both the motor as well as servo controllers. I’ve never used the r/c version of the sabertooth so I am not sure how it works, but if I adopt it how will it be commaned to move the motors and how will it be connected to the SSC-32 ?
Also does it matter that my dc motors will be 12V and servos will be 7.4V ?
thanks guys.
You connect the Sabertooth to the same servo channels used by servos on the SSC-32. Then you command those channels just like you would a servo using the same 500 (500mS) - 2500 (2.5mS) parameters used for servos. You have to be sure your Sabertooth is configured for R/C PWM control according to the manual.
It does not matter what the motors are as long as they are within the voltage and current range your Sabertooth is rated for.
What does matter is how you power everything. You need to read the specifications for your servos and power them accordingly. The same goes for your motors. You will need two separate power supplies - one for Electronics and Servos the other for your Sabertooth and Motors.
For instance, I currently have WALTER setup for power as follows: Electronics and Servos are powered by one 7.2V 2000 mAH battery pack. The Motors and Sabertooth are powered by a 7.2V 2800 mAH battery pack. You can not power servos from the 12V battery - this would fry them very quickly. You would a 12V battery for the Sabertooth and Motors ONLY.
I will be switching my Electronics and Servo power to a 6V 2800 mAH battery pack soon because I will be using different servos.
8-Dale
Thanks a lot linuxguy. You hit the nail right on the head. By the way, why r u called linuxguy? (as opposed to windowsguy?) 
I am glad I could help. 
Yes, that’s why I have this nick. I love Windows! :nudge: :nudge:
8-Dale
