Sudo the Banned
USA
Asked
— Edited
So, in my last thread, (http://www.ez-robot.com/Community/Forum/posts.aspx?threadId=4816) you can see i have absolutely no idea how to put step-down regulators on a servo, but then i thought of another way. Since up to 200 EZ-B v4 boards can be linked together, one v4 could run the 12v servos, and the other board could run the 6v servos, using a 12v and 6v battery. Is my idea amazing or what?
Now, I have one last question:
How do you link ez-b v4s together?
Depending on how many amps the V4's traces can handle will determine if that will work or not. I would guess 12v servos would be pulling a lot of current which may be too much for the traces. If it can handle the current then yes, that would work however in my opinion there is no substitute for properly planned out voltage distribution.
I'd also always advise using regulators as a last option due to the wasted energy they produce. Let's say you have a 7v regulator on a 11v circuit, 7v goes to the servos, what happens to the other 4v? It's lost in heat, which is wasted energy.
The EZ-B makes it simple to connect servos and sensors as it has a Vcc and Ground for each signal pin. It makes it too simple in some respects as you needn't use these vcc and grounds. Create your own cables which have the vcc and ground separate to the signal, connect the signal to the EZ-B and the Vcc & Ground to the power source. No wasted energy from regulators, no sending too much current through the EZ-B traces.
I've misplaced my trusty sketch pad but if I can find it (to be fair I think it's up in my office but I'm too lazy to go look) I'll sketch a quick diagram to make it clearer.