I am looking for a controller for an electric locomotive with dual 20 amp (24v) motors. It also has an electric brake. I need speed and direction control from R/C (speed) and logic +5v (direction). It looks like the Sabertooth 2x32 will do the job. Are there other controls out there?
John B
Quickly I could found this one: https://www.robotshop.com/en/scorpion-xxl-dual-20a-dc-motor-driver.html?product-code=RB-Rop-08
Let me know if this fits your application.
I did not fine a user manual but it looks like there is not an output to drive an electric brake and it is not clear if both motors can be driven the same direction and reversed at the same time to provide forward/reverse control.
Thanks for the input…
Here is the datasheet: https://www.robotshop.com/media/files/pdf/datasheet-sxxl.pdf
Features
20A continuous current (45A peak) each on Left and Right channels.
25A continuous current with fan cooling
• 6.0V to 28V battery voltage
• Two R/C input leads and one pin header for:
• Steering/Throttle or Left/Right Control - fully reversible H-bridge channels
• Flip Control - reverses controls if robot is flipped over (optional)
• 2 Indicator LEDs for Left/Right speed and direction. A status LED shows the R/C signal status
and other information
• Left/Right channel mixing or separate channel control option
• Brake/Coast at zero speed option
• Linear/Exponential steering response option
• Failsafe shuts off motors if R/C signal is lost
• Calibration function to match Scorpion to your radio or other signal source - settings stored in
EEPROM
Not sure if this is what you were looking for but you may set a Brake function:
Brake/Coast - Switching the “B” switch to ON activates Brake Mode. In this mode the
motor leads are shorted together when a zero speed is commanded. This provides a strong
electromagnetic braking action to the motor. The OFF position activates Coast Mode. In this
mode the motor leads are disconnected at zero speed. This allows the motor to more gently
coast to a stop. The physics of the individual application will decide which setting is best.
Here’s an alternative with more buffer for your 20amp motors https://www.robotshop.com/en/smartdriveduo-smart-dual-channel-30a-motor-driver.html
Not sure about the other controllers, this one doesn’t have Vmotor polarity protection. Watch out when you connect your motor supply.
