
Byrd

Hi all,
I've been playing around with my Ez-B 4 controller and loving every minute learning about its features.
The robot I intend to install it into is a Lynxmotion Johnny 5 tracked robot, with minor modifications (the original SSC-32 servo controller has been removed). I've become really confused on how to set up the Sabertooth 2x5 R/C motor controller however on the EZ-B.
The Sabertooth is the R/C model with three separate servo wires for FWD CH1/FLIP/TURN CH2, set to independent control, connected to a 3800mAh 11.1V Lipo battery. As per the SSC-32 setup, I have disabled the battery elimination circuit (BEC) by removing the centre red pin of the CH1 and CH2 channel (scrolll down 3/4 of the install guide below for this):
http://www.lynxmotion.com/images/html/build158.htm
The Ez-B 4 is connected to a 7.4V Lipo battery
The problem ...
- When I plug in the 2x5 CH1 and CH2 servo wires into the EZ-B controller, it powers up the EZ-B! I thought I'd disabled the BEC, and am concerned about 11.1V frying my servos (Hitec 645-MG)
- Can I run the 2x5 off the 11.1V Lipo, and the EZ-B off the 7.4V Lipo (to run the ~ 14 or so 645-MG servos)? The reason I want the 2x5 running off 11.1V is for faster motor speeds (this robot will be used in gait analysis, tracking people's movements).
- Is there another controller that will make things easier - noting I've potentially the wrong Sabertooth (R/C model)?
Thanks in advance - I know I've missed something simple, hopefully ...
Jordi
Yes, you can use up to 18v to run the sabertooth...
I use Hitec servos in my projects... When I do, I use a 4500mAh Sub C 6V battery to power my ezb and servos... This way I don't need to worry about over volting the hitecs... In the past I have used 7.4v to power my 645mg hitecs but I started getting serious chattering and positioning problems so I went back to 6v max....
The RC version of the sabertooth may not work (I have not modified my RC version to test it, however... so it may still work)... You might be better off with the micro controller version... In my opinion the sabertooth is the just about the best controller around... So with the correct version you only need two wires from the 2 x 5 sabertooth to the ezb... One is ground and the other is to s1 on the sabertooth... Use any of the ezbs digital ports... ground goes to black pin on the ezb and s1 goes to the white pin on the ezb. Nothing gets connected to the red pin...
If you don't want to purchase another sabertooth then you can use a much cheaper H-bridge.... but hooking it up is more of a challenge....
If you still want to use the sabertooth, however...Set the sabertooth in serial mode, a few serial commands an bobs your uncle...
Code:
From online reports it appeared there were varying reports running Hitec servos at 7.4V - but I do have a NiMH 6V 3700mAh battery ready to use. The only reason I stopped using it was the low battery warnings from the Ez-B.
Thanks
JB
Sorry for not updating - I had connected the Sabertooth R/C board to the servo ports ... which sounds like a bad thing to do, I have purchased a vanilla Sabertooth 2x5 and will try this out now.
Thanks all for your advice - no doubt more to come
JB
I finally have some spare time to play with the new 2X5 controller!
Quick question, do I set it to simplified or packetised serial?
Batteries are set up as
- 6.0V 3700mAh NiMH for EZ-Robot controller (x 14 or so Hitec 645MG servos)
- 11.1V 3000mAh Lipo for Sabertooth 2x5 running 2 x 12V DC motors
http://www.lynxmotion.com/p-93-gear-head-motor-12vdc-301-200rpm-6mm-shaft.aspx
So far, so good, time to get learning.
Thanks