
maleche
I have a 2x32 Dimension Engineering motor controller (actually have six 2x60's, two 2x25's, two 2x10's). I have used them to control wheelchair motors for robotic projects. I love the EZ-B application when using the servo app (mobile) joystick which is VERY smooth. However, when controlling the 2x32 using RC mode, it responds great, but when the Joystick is "autoreset" (center), the motor still runs, but very slow. Looks like the lowest position was sent to the controller, but not 90 degree (stop motor). I had to add a "STOP" button and script SERVO(D0,90),SERVO(D1,90) to stop the motor. I like the servo control but am thinking I should use the Serial protocol to control the 2x32. Anyone had success with either protocol and the servo joystick? thanks! Doyle
It isn't that you added speed control, it is that when speed ramping is enabled using Describe software, it behaves very much as if there is speed control. When you push the stick in any direction, it ramps up to full speed rather than jumping there. Unlike real speed control, it will still get up to max speed no matter if you push the stick a little or a lot, so if you don't want full speed you either need a custom movement panel, or need to feather the control on and off, but it has proved more reliable than R/C mode and the continuous rotation movement panel. I suspect the PWM settings are slightly off from a standard servo (as the OP pointed out, after movement, when the stick centers, the motors keep moving. Previous users have reported other more serious reliability issues (mostly not working at all, but it was some time ago, and I can't locate the threads now).
I think adding encoders and the kangaroo daughterboard can solve the reliability issues of R/C mode. Haven't tried that myself yet.
Alan
Hi...as per my knowledge it is that when speed ramping is enabled using Describe software, it behaves very much as if there is speed control. When you push the stick in any direction, it ramps up to full speed rather than jumping there. Unlike real speed control, it will still get up to max speed no matter if you push the stick a little or a lot.
pcb assembly
Ah. Okay
I had a 13 hour flight today, so I added variable speed to the sabertooth control. I'll release it this weekend for you to test with.
Wooohoo! Thank you DJ! I will start posting pictures of the build soon.
Here you go https://synthiam.com/Community/Questions/10272
Thanks DJ! the controller is set to accept legacy serial and it works. However, I measured voltage at each motor power output and notices that they are not equal. while the slider is a the bottom (0), one motor (left) start is slowly turning @ 1.2v while the other is off @ 0v. using the slider at half way, I get ~5v, and the other is 2.5v. full power (slide max up), the voltage power appears to shift. the left motor is roughly at 60% and right at 100% power. could this be serial problem? I attempted to tune the Sabortooth 2x32 using the software application from Dimension Engineering and could not balance the motor output. that being said, is there a way to monitor the serial command output from EZ-B ioTiny (port 0) while sending commands? Best, Doyle
I assure you the serial commands are equal if the speed for left and right is set equal by you. Use the variable watcher to see speed in numeric form: https://synthiam.com/Tutorials/Help.aspx?id=179
If you wish to set the speed specific, use the setspeed() ezscript command.
@maleche Maybe something is up with your sabertooth?... Try this script and see what it does... This assumes your sabertooth is set up for simple serial @ 38400 baud