Hoverboard motor controller setup

Help & Support Robot Parts
1

Hey All,

I have been working on a hoverboard design for a number of years, and I am ready to start putting together a basic model with eight 3800 CFM fans. Later versions will have more fans and features, but I just want to get a basic version up and running now.

My questions are:

  1. I need to send the same on/off signal to three different dual motor controllers. How can I do this?

  2. I have eight different 12V 22A motors that will need to be controlled. Are there any suggestions on which controllers I should get? There are a few on this site that look pretty promising.

  3. How can I send commands? Is there a single handed controller that anyone is aware of?

Any help you could provide would be very much appreciated.

Thanks!

2

Hi nelsontechnical,

Welcome to the RobotShop Forum. You have an interesting project and we would love to see photos and images.

Q1) I need to send the same on/off signal to three different dual motor controllers. How can I do this?
A1) So long as the signal strength is strong enough and not being sent over a long distance, you can simply split the signal wire into three. Alternatively if you are using a microcontroller, you can send the same signal to multiple pins.

Q2) I have eight different 12V 22A motors that will need to be controlled. Are there any suggestions on which controllers I should get? There are a few on this site that look pretty promising.
A2) You indicate “eight different” as opposed to “eight identical” motors. Are these motor brushed or brushelss? You can choose eight individual motor controllers, four different dual motor controllers or four identical motor controllers. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages.

Q3) How can I send commands? Is there a single handed controller that anyone is aware of?
A3) If you plan to have it stabilize itself, you may want to use a multitude of sensors and a microcontroller. A hovercraft uses a skirt to add stability and a cushion of air whereas a hoverboard may only use fans.

http://gizmodo.com/assets/resources/2007/08/Post2:11%20Hoverboard.jpg

Even if you use a microcontroller, you can still create a simple handheld controller for directional control. A more interesting approach would be to use sensors mounted to the board itself and get the same effect as in Back to the Future Part 3:

http://zedomax.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2008/07/hoverboard-5.png