Shunt motor and sabertooth controller

Let's Make Robots Beginners
1

I have a old (1970s) electric wheelchair and wanted to make it remote control for a Halloween prop.

When I pulled one of the motors out to bench test it with the sabertooth 2x12 R/C controller, I discovered the motor has 6 wires. It also has brushes. And no electric brake. I did some research and I believe it is a shunt motor (might be a series motor but I don’t think so) can I still use this type of motor with a sabertooth controller. Or do I need to find different motors?

2

Hello @Everettdale and welcome to the forum,

The Sabertooth 2x12 R/C documentation does not mention that it can be used with a shunt motor, however, the Sabertooth 2x32A can. Please check pages 9 and 46 on the users manual.

And perhaps this might interest you

3

Continuing the discussion from Shunt motor and sabertooth controller:

Thanks, When i bought the 2x12 R/C I had not looked closely at the motors that are on the wheelchair. The information plate only says 12V DC 10amp. I didn’t even know about Shunt motors.

So just to be clear the 2x12 R/C will not work.

4

No, the 2x12 R/C will not work. But the 2x32 can control shunt motors, as the Power Outputs can be configured for this.

5

Okay, thank you. I’ll need to figure something else out. I’m already over budget on this project. And the 2x32 is not inexpensive :slight_smile:

6

Don’t worry. If you think of a different set up but you have some doubts you are always welcome to create a new post in the forum.

Also, I think the “How to Make a Robot” tutorial series might help you, specifically these tutorials:


As well as this tool:

Good luck with yor project!