Hi! i am making a 4x4 pivot steer lawnmower i am using a sabertooth 60x60 on the two drive motors in parallel forward/reverse (right hand stick) on the transmitter and a second sabertooth 32x32 to run a steering motor (left/right) also on the (right hand stick) this is where i am out of my depth now , Can i just use a Y lead form the 60x60 to run the two drive motors on one channel into the receiver and then i will use one outlet on the 32x32 for the steering , Being a complete beginner on electronics and not a clue on any of the terminology used so could someone please advise me on the Y lead and the position of the dip switches on both the controllers
I am using a separate battery pack for the receiver .
I require your help regarding a problem I’m encountering.
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Thank you so much in advance for your help!
@robertderek Not sure I understand completely. Can you provide a sketch or find a video showing what you want to do? If two motors are being operated at the same speed and voltage, you can split a DC motor controller’s output, keeping in mind that it will need to be able to provide more current than when operating just one motor. For example if the DC motor controller can provide up to 5A per channel, and one motor can consume up to 3.5A, you’re good. If you split that to two motors, the total current consumption might spike to 7A, which is more than 5A and you’ll have issues.
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Hi,
Thanks for your reply. I have attached some pictures, hopefully they will give you a better picture of what I am trying to do.
The top picture is obviously the two motor controllers I am using. The one on the right is a 60 x 60 which is powering the two drive motors (forward/reverse) one motor per channel, but not sure if the wiring is correct from the controller to the receiver as I have used a Y-lead to signal both motors simultaneously.
The motor controller on the left is a 32 x 32 which I want to use to power the pivot steer motor (see picture 4, wheelchair motor on its side). The other problem I have is that I have absolutely no idea of the correct position for the dip switches on either controller.
Any help is appreciated as I have come to a full stop as RC wiring is not my forte!!! HELP!
Derek
First, note that most Sabertooth controllers PROVIDE 5V from the output pin, so you really only need one 5V wire connected to the received to power it whereas it looks like you have both connected to the receiver.
Assuming Each motor won’t consume more than 30A, then yes, you would split each of the two outputs either using Y-cables of sufficient gauge (to handle the current) or directly at the screw terminals. Ensure you have both motors on one side of the robot going to one output on the 60A controller, and the other two on the opposite side to the other output. If any of the motors turn in the wrong direction, just switch the two wires between the positive and negative terminals on the motor controller to switch the direction.
Regarding the DIP switches of each, the manufacturer details each switch configuration in their manuals, but also offers a DIP switch guide:
2x 32A DIP switch wizard: USB Sabertooth DIP switch wizard
2x 60A DIP switch wizard: Sabertooth 2X25, 2X12 and 2X5 DIP switch configuration wizard
