kbb0118
USA
Asked
— Edited
Resolved by Dunning-Kruger!
I've got a Jet2 wheelchair base. The two motors require two 12V batteries. All of the wiring diagrams for the Sabertooth 2x25 that I've seen so far just show 1 battery. I of course have 2. Am I supposed to be wiring my two batteries in series? Or in parallel? or do I just connect both battery reds to Sabertooth B+ and both blacks to Sabertooth B-?
I've read the whole Sabertooth 2x25 manual and all the Jet2 manual & materials I can find. I've already disconnected and removed the brakes in my motors. I know I'm not the first person to use a Jet2 with a Sabertooth 2x25. I must be Googling the wrong words. Help? Links?
Thanks!
Personally I've done them both ways series and parallel and I don't get involved in regenerative scenario so that takes it out of the equation. I tap off a 18v drill battery for both the sabertooth and a transformer down to 7.5v for the EZB. Need to make sure you have a common ground.
Yep, 2 x 32 is what I use
Well, yes. Kinda. There different ways to use the 2x32's and to handle the regen power of all the Sabertooth motor controllers. Every ST puts out regen power that has to be dealt with properly. There is no option to turn off the regen power on any of the ST's. Also, you can't just put in a diode and block it. You run the chance of burning up the diodes and/or the Sabertooth if you do. The power has got to go somewhere. If you are running off of a power converter and not using a 2x32 you need to have a dump battery between the PS and the ST to have a place for the Regen power to go to. If you are using a 2x32 you need to have it set to the voltage clamp option (this is the factory setting) and have the proper value power resistor installed on the unit. The Power resistor adsorbs the regen power and spends it as heat.
If you are already powering your ST from a battery this is all moot. That is probably why you don't have to deal with it. Your regen power is naturally being sent back to your battery power source and keeping it recharged (to a point).
I love this stuff! It's science and so much fun! LOL.
Yes, I have been running it with a battery, but I also have been putting a power supply in parallel with it because somewhere in the software manual I happen to see that and everything seems to be working out fine. Haven’t had any problem with it blowing.
Dave, I think you'd get a kick out of the automation shows that I go to. Next time one is in Orlando I'll let you know and see if you're interested. It's called ATX South or East. Take care