Battery selection.

Hi there!

I’m prototyping a robot for a class that I will teach next fall. It has mecanum drive (robotshop.com/en/10a-5-30v-d … river.html). I’m controlling the whole thing with an Arduino Mega.

I’m powering the Mega with an off the shelf 9V alkaline battery.

My problem is those four motors. I’m using one of these 6V, 4.5mAh lead acid batteries (amazon.com/Rhino-SLA4-6-4-5 … B00G5GXY4C). It performs splendidly. Problem is, it’s HEAVY/BIG/CLUMSY. Is there a lighter alternative that I can use to deliver the same punch? I wouldn’t mind using two smaller batteries if that’s an option…

My second question has to do with a robotic arm that I’d like to mount to the robot. It will be use five of these: (robotshop.com/en/hitec-hs422 … motor.html). I have 4aa and 6aa battery holders – Can you recommend a pack or rechargeable AA batteries that I can use for the arm? Since both the servos and the motors require 6V, would it be possible to use one battery to power the motors and the servos?

Thank you for your help!

Patrick

Lead acid is some of the heaviest battery tech you can choose. A lighter option would be 6V NiMh pack. A 7.4V LiPo might be out of the voltage range of the motor. Be sure to choose one which can discharge at 5A continuous (or more). You can use the same 6V battery pack to power the 422.
robotshop.com/en/nickel-meta … packs.html
Ex: robotshop.com/en/6v-2800mah- … =RB-Sta-08

Thanks so much for your help and quick reply!