Here is a collection of powering options for the SSC-32 and or the Bot Board. The following diagram is the standard way to power the SSC-32 from a single battery. This will work in most cases when the run time is not critical, like a casual user who shows off the robot from time to time. Note, the battery will drop low enough that the logic regulator will reset, even though there may enough to power the servos for a little longer. This can be seen when the servos suddenly go limp, or if they act erratically.
Image 1
The following diagram illustrates how to power the Servos and the logic separately. Note, the VS=VL jumper is removed. This will allow the servo battery to be fully depleated without effecting the logic circuitry. This will give the robot a longer run time than the above method.
Image 2
The next diagram shows one way to power the SSC-32 and the Bot Board from two separate supplies. Note, this method borrows the Bot Board’s VS terminal to route power to the SSC-32’s logic input. It assumes no servos will be connected to the Bot Board. VS=VL is removed on the SSC-32, but it is installed on the Bot Board. When sharing servo power, connect to the SSC-32 first, then route to the Bot Board.
Image 3
This diagram is an alternate method of powering the SSC-32 and the Bot Board from a single supply. Please observe the precautions concerning run time mentioned above. Note the VS=VL jumpers are installed on both boards.
Image 4
Here is the schematic for the in-house Johnny 5 Bot. When we finally add a complete tutorial for it we will use these connections. For now just use the BRAT tutorials for SEQ setup and control.
Image 5
Here is the same configuration with Bot Board to SSC-32 control.
Image 6
Here is the schematic for the Phoenix Hexapod. It’s using a single 9vdc battery to power the Logic on both the Bot Board II and thr SSC-32.
Image 7
Edit: added text content and corrected a minor image error.
Edit: added image numbers.
Edit: added J5 SEQ schematic.
Edit: added J5 Bot Board II schematic.
Edit: added Phoenix schematic.
Linuxguy - The second diagram only shows the SSC and the servos. I was wondering how to supply the SSC and the Atom Board together and then the servos together. The third diagram, perhaps?
I think he means the third diagram. In the third diagram, both the bot board AND the SSC-32 logic power is supplied with ONE battery and the servo power is supplied with a separate battery.
Logic power goes >IN< the Minni-ABB, then goes to the SSC-32’s logic power >INPUT<. So ONE battery is powering only the logic for BOTH boards. The second battery connected to the SSC-32’s VS, is for powering the servos.
So there you have it; one battery for the logic of both boards and one battery for the servos.
Oh, wait, I was counting diagrams wrong! It is the third diagram that shows the power connections he wants. I am SO sorry for this error! I was looking at the third diagram and calling it #2.
I could not, for the life of me, make 16 gauge fit in the terminals. I’ve since noticed that the wire with the battery quick connect and switch that I got from Lynxmotion is marked 18AWG. Should have just looked there first.
I’m holding off on creating the HTML of the powering option diagrams. I’m going to add a great deal more information before we HTML-atize them. I’m going to use the posts above for inspiration to add more information. When complete I may remove all of the posts, to allow feedback for new diagrams that may be added. The goal is to make a large set of diagrams covering as many situations as possible.
I just bought the SSC-32 controller board, and would like to run 7-8 motors on it … Is a 6V battery pack enough to move them all ? (The 6V battery pack I’m using is discharging rapidly when I’m controlling 2-3 motors !)
Or would it be better to get a 12V battery pack (or more)?
Servo-motors are of type Hitec HS-422 and, according to their specifications, each one operates at 4.8 - 6 V
The battery pack I’m using is a 5 cell pack, 6V, 1400 mAh NiMH …
