If the motor draws more current than the motor controller can provide, then you would risk burning the motor controller (not covered by the warranty).
As such, it’s best to assume the current is high and opt for your original choice of the 60A Sabertooth.
Is there a single driver option? I don’t need a dual. I have only one motor.
You can see our selection of 30A+ DC brushed motor controllers here:
robotshop.com/en/high-power- … llers.html
Most are dual, and the single ones are higher current.
Will this work:
robotshop.com/en/30a-5-30v-s … river.html
Also, is there an input for battery and RF Receiver?
That controller uses PWM signals and as such is not meant to be directly connected to an RC remote control. You can however connect it to a wired potentiometer.
There are two pairs of screw terminals - one for the battery, the other for the motor.
- What are a PWM signal?
- What is a potentiometer? Can you send me a link to one?
- PWN is something which a programmable microcontroller can provide. You can find a lot of info in the Internet.
- Rotary potentiometer (i.e. knob): robotshop.com/en/rotary-pote … k-ohm.html
Linear potentiometer (i.e. slider): robotshop.com/en/octopus-sli … brick.html
Ok. i almost got it figured out. Will either potentiometer work? Or is the Linear / slider the better way to go?
So the RF receiver connects to the potentiometer, which wires to the motor driver? Do i need an additional wire to connect the Potentiometer to the motor driver?
No, that motor controller is not meant to work directly with a wireless (RF) receiver. The potentiometer (rotational or linear) is physically connected to the motor controller board. The choice is really up to you.
Sorry, I’m not clear. I thought you said i could wire the (RF) receiver to the potentiometer thats on the board?
So, with this particular board, i can not use an (RF) receiver?
No, there is no RF receiver on that board, nor any easy way to connect one.
What is the difference between and Actuator and a DC Motor?
A DC motor is a type of actuator.
The Syren is high enough current (50A) that it should be ok, but without the motor data, we cannot be certain.
How can you tell if there is an (RF) receiver input on that board? I looked at the specs and didn’t say anything about an input for a microcontroller.
None of the motor controllers we offer have direct RF input - only motor controllers which accept serial commands can accept RF input, and the transmitter needs to be connected to a microcontroller in order to send the right signal.
We suggest reading through this series of articles: robotshop.com/blog/en/robots … ke-a-robot
This will help you get the right terminology and potentially answer quite a few questions.
Thanks Coleman,
I read over the blog and it was very helpful. But i didnt read anything that helps me figure out how to find the right motor controller and the right Microcontroller and RF receiver. What device to look for that will bring all 3 of those together for me.
- Without knowing the current draw of the motor, it’s very difficult to suggest a specific DC motor controller. The work around is to choose something which should be able to provide high current (50A or higher).
- DC motor controllers do not directly work with standard RF devices, though there are many which work with RC signals. If you want one which works with an RC signal sent from an RC remote control, take a look at the specification and do a search for “RC” to know if it accepts RC PWM signals.
- A standard RF device uses serial commands and based on your questions, should not be your best choice. Opt for RC and a standard RC controller.
- The Syren can accept RC signals and you would need the following cable: robotshop.com/en/lynxmotion- … le-12.html
Thanks Coleman,
You have really clarified things for me. However, i need some more clarification. I have a question about Microcontrollers.
- Are RF receivers and RC signals two different kinds of microcontrollers’?
- If so, the below handheld controller comes with its own receiver; How can i tell if its RF or RC based on the specs?
robotshop.com/en/radiolink-t … eiver.html
Transmitting on 2.4G band
Modulation: FHSS
Power supply: 9.6V Ni-Cd battery or 12V alkaline battery
Current drain: 87mA(Energy Saving)
Trim: Mechanical
No EXPO function
Receiver: R6EH
R6F narrow band, 2.4GHZ 6 channel receiver
Power requirement: 4.8V~6V
Current drain: 9.5mA & 4.8V
Standard Channel Displays
Channel 1: Aileron
Channel 2: Elevator
Channel 3: Throttle
Channel 4: Rudder
Unfortunately based on your questions, it seems you are unfortunately still quite confused. The following combination should be powerful enough for your motor:
robotshop.com/en/radiolink-t … eiver.html
robotshop.com/en/syren-motor-driver.html
robotshop.com/en/lynxmotion- … le-12.html