[size=2][font=Arial]Seeking help from the masters.[/font][/size][font=Arial][size=2]It’s very likely that I did something wrong. I openly admit that I’m a noob.[/size][/font]
[size=2][font=Arial]I’ve been running a rover for the last 3 weeks. It’s been fun and I’m learning a ton. Today I booted everything up and started my usual test sequence before I carried the rover outside. The rover was up on a wood block so the wheels weren’t touching anything. When I sent the command to move the rover forward at half power for 1 second, the wheels started turning and then the Sabertooth 2x12 made a loud pop sound and flames started to come from inside the rover chassis.[/font][/size]
]Lynxmotion Rover Kit 4WD1/:m] ]Sabertooth 2x12 Motor Driver/:m] ]5,000 mAh 14.8 volt LiPo battery/:m] ]Raspberry Pi 3/:m] ]Aukey 20,000 mAh 6 volt battery pack/:m] ]Arduino Duemilinova/:m]
I’m not smart enough to know if I’ve done something wrong here. I suspect it is a rookie mistake. Looking for the wisdom of the masters to see what I did wrong and what I should do to get the rover back up and running again (this time with less fire).[/font][/size]
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Welcome to robotics - mistakes happen to everyone and it’s part of the learning process. Based on the photo, it’s hard to tell, but a fire happens when the positive and negative leads from the battery touched (causing a short circuit at the screw terminals).
To prevent this from happening again, ensure the leads from the battery (and the motors) are well inside the screw terminal and cannot touch one another.
We would also be happy to take a look at your next setup before you apply power. If you can provide a wiring diagram in advance, we can take a look at that too.
Thanks Coleman. Eric and I traded emails and he believes my mistake was having the 5 Volt line from the Sabertooth plugged in to the Arduino and having power power from the Raspberry Pi 3 via the USB port. Seems reasonable.
I’ve been very impressed with the service and response from Robotshop. Good job.
I stumbled upon this thread while I was reading about Sabertooth. This is my first time using Sabertooth motor driver. I know this post has been around for a while but I’m curious to know how the Sabertooth would fry if 5vdc and the usb is connected to Arduino. I would imagine the Arduino would fry if its drawing power from two sources and not the Sabertooth. Did you find out a proper explanation to this incident?
