howmany voltage regulator is needed

Question

do i need a voltage regulator per servo ? or one voltage regulator per complete robot set up ?

Athena · Accepted Answer

For your EZ-B v4 robot setup, whether you need one voltage regulator for the entire setup or one per servo depends on a few factors, including the total current draw of your servos and the capacity of the voltage regulator. 1. Check Servo Specifications: First, you need to check the voltage and current specifications of your servos. Each servo will have a rated voltage and a stall current, which is the maximum current the servo will draw under load. 2. Voltage Requirements: The EZ-B v4 board operates at 7.4 volts for servos. Ensure your servos are compatible with this voltage. If your servos require a different voltage, you will need a regulator to match the servo specifications. 3. Current Requirements: Add up the stall currents of all the servos you plan to use. This will give you the total current draw when all servos are under maximum load. 4. Choose a Voltage Regulator: If the total current draw of your servos is within the capacity of a single voltage regulator, you can use one regulator for the entire setup. Make sure the regulator can handle slightly more current than your total calculated to ensure safety and reliability. 5. Distribution of Power: If using one regulator, ensure that your wiring and connectors can also handle the total current without overheating or voltage drops. It might be beneficial to use thicker wires or multiple wires in parallel for the power distribution. 6. Multiple Regulators: If the total current exceeds the capacity of available regulators, or if you want to isolate the power supply of each servo to prevent issues in one affecting others, you might consider using individual regulators for each servo or group of servos. 7. Safety and Redundancy: Using separate regulators can provide redundancy. If one fails, it does not affect the entire system. In summary, the decision to use one or multiple voltage regulators depends on the voltage and current requirements of your servos and the capacity of the regulators you have. Always ensure that your setup has a little extra capacity to handle unexpected situations and avoid pushing your electronic components to their limits.

DJ Sures · Answer

It's based on AMPERAGE. VOLTAGE is the volts AMPERAGE is the power A servo may need 7.4 volts, for example, to operate. But the AMPERAGE is how much CURRENT it is pulling. AMPERAGE is where all the magic happens with electricity. The stronger the servo, the more AMPERAGE will be drawn from the power source. So, if your voltage regulator is rated for 1.5 amps, you can barely power one servo. You must check the servo documentation to determine the amperage if your voltage regulator is rated for five amps. Your servo type will explain the STALL CURRENT, which is how many amps it draws at max. So, without knowing anything about your servo or voltage regulator, the question cannot be answered. Instead, knowledge can be provided to help you learn more about the topic. Athena will explain more in greater detail.

Nomad 6R · Answer

hi dj sofar i dont have any regulators yet cause i dont know witsh one i need .  ok i wait for athena . thank you

Nomad 6R · Answer

@athena. it sounds more secure to have one regulator per sero then .

DJ Sures · Answer

Why not something like this? And avoid batteries all together  https://a.co/d/5Mzdu5u We use something similar

Nomad 6R · Answer

yeach that looks nice .and cheap . i was also thinking of the problem to mutch batteries . supose i have 2 servo's 7.4 volts and all the rest at 6 volts . would this device  regulate all ? this is were the inmoove wil sit on .

Athena · Answer

The device linked by DJ_Sures appears to be a power supply, which can provide a stable voltage output, but it's important to check the specifications to ensure it meets your needs. Here’s how you can approach setting up your power system for the InMoov robot with servos that have different voltage requirements: 1. Check the Power Supply Specifications: Ensure the power supply can output the voltages you need (6V and 7.4V). Some power supplies have adjustable voltage settings or multiple outputs, which can be very useful. 2. Using a Single Adjustable Power Supply: If the power supply can only set one voltage at a time but has enough current capacity, you could set it to the higher voltage (7.4V) and use a step-down (buck) converter to reduce the voltage to 6V for the servos that require it. 3. Multiple Outputs: Ideally, find a power supply that has multiple voltage outputs that can simultaneously provide 6V and 7.4V. This setup would eliminate the need for additional voltage regulators. 4. Voltage Regulators: If your power supply only outputs one voltage, you can use voltage regulators to adjust accordingly. For the servos needing 6V, you can use a buck converter to step down from 7.4V to 6V. Ensure that the current rating of the buck converter supports the current draw of the servos. 5. Wiring and Distribution: Ensure that your wiring and power distribution are capable of handling the current without significant voltage drops. Use thick enough wires, especially for connections that carry higher currents. 6. Safety and Monitoring: Consider integrating a system to monitor the voltage and current being supplied to different parts of your robot. This can help in early detection of issues like overcurrent, which could lead to damage. 7. Testing: Before integrating the power supply into your robot, test it with a few servos to ensure that it can handle the load and that the voltage remains stable under different conditions. By using a combination of a versatile power supply and voltage regulators where necessary, you can efficiently power servos with different voltage requirements in your InMoov robot. Always ensure that any adjustments or additions to the electrical system are done considering the safety and operational guidelines of the components used.

Nomad 6R · Answer

@dj i orderd the powersupply . is there a drawing some were how to connect all ?

Dave Schulpius · Answer

Nothing to see here. LOL.

DJ Sures · Answer

Nomad the image of the power supply is the correct one. Disregard Dave’s comment as he might not have looked at it closely.  your power supply is 20amp at 5v which is perfect for servos  the regulator adjustment is nice to fine tune the voltage as well  The power supply takes 110 or 220 which matches your region.  you simply need to provide ac mains power to the supply. You can do this by getting a power cord and wiring it to the respective pins labeled on the supply *edit: just remember you’re going to have live mains power on the supply terminal - so be careful. Put tape or something over it after so you don’t accidentally touch it.  ps, this is the same setup I use as well for InMoov

Dave Schulpius · Answer

Edited: Nomad, your labels look to be miss labeled. For example you have the far left labeled as "L-Neutral". That should be "L-Live Wire".  Here's a snip of your convertor:  Also, @Dj, I do agree that 5v will run his servos just fine, However wont they be weaker and slower than what they could run at. Hopefully this won't hinder his ability to move the big robot parts as expected.  But, I've never built the InMoov robot. Maybe moving the lighter 3D print material doesn't need that much power. On the other hand, isn't there a material list provided when building this robot? Do they spec out the stronger higher voltage servos and why? One more thing; while this power supply takes 110 or 220 which matches your region. There is be a physical switch you may need to manually change. However it sounds like it's preset to 220v. Please check.

DJ Sures · Answer

it's the amperage that the servos will draw for moving. Plus that supply has a regulator adjustment, so he can probably turn it to 6v if he needed a tad more. but I wouldn't put too much voltage into the servo when it's already for 20 amps of current supply. At 5 volts with 20 amp supply, that's 100 watts - that's lots to burn out a servo. The power supply is labelled and you have to make sure the wires from a EU cable match their connection... N L & Earth are marked on the power supply.  Like I said - cover the terminal after so u don't accidentally touch it. Albeit, touching either on its own is fine but not recommended haha

Dave Schulpius · Answer

OK, DJ is correct and his method will work perfictually. I don't mean to sound like I'm fact checking him. You can do this without putting too much thought into it. I was being too cautious and technical. I'm going to delete my post to keep any confusion down for you Nomad. Cheers!

Nomad 6R · Answer

hi dave the picture comes of a  online shop . i did not label it . i'm going to do this step by step . my first question would be , were goes the wires from the powersupply go first ? in your unbove picture you mention ( adjust output voltage by 10% ) what does that mean ? thank you for taking care of me and my robot .  dj  i will using all servo from 6 volts cause they have the correct size . so i stil have  4 of the heavy duty 7.4 volts servo's i will not be using . thank you

Dave Schulpius · Answer

Quote:in your unbove picture you mention ( adjust output voltage by 10% ) what does that mean ?Well, once you get this converter wired up to the AC and working you can use that little pot to fine tune the DC side voltage in. DJ mentioned you may be able to adjust the DC voltage up to 6 volts with that dile. Just use a multimeter set to DC voltage as you turn the pot and you will see the change.  I don't really understand your first question. As DJ said you can use a common extension power cord (make sure it can carry the current your robot will draw) , cut the female end off and wire that to the AC side. AC Live wire, AC Neutral, and Earth Ground. Then you can just plug the thing into the wall. Make sure you have the protective cover back over the AC side and don't touch those connections after you plug it in.

Nomad 6R · Answer

@dave i wil not plug anything in walsocket unless am 100 % sure all is correct . you can answer my questions when you have time . first test . is this how i test it ? walsoket 220 red arrow and output yellow arrows . put the multi meter on excampe , dc5 V and the other pin on AC neutral to test 6 volt( 6 volts ) ? and 220 volt test one pin on L and other pin on GND ? @dj "Like I said - cover the terminal after so u don't accidentally touch it. Albeit, touching either on its own is fine but not recommended haha" when i was young about 15 old i was the guy to fix all stuff in the house . one day a light bulb in the toilet was death . so i picked my METAL ladder to fix it . it was a 1 story high building and the 2 toilets were in line same place . so i was standing ontop the METAL ladder and for some unknown reason i was on the ground in less the a 0.5 second .  i was sure that i had set the on/off swiths in off position .  now i know you can have 2 lights in a row with one live wire .cool i did some really stupid stuff when i was young . one day i was at a friends house . and his mother walked , against a wire that came of the celing and got hit . remember i was 15 old . i found that terrible so i wanted , to prevent that from happining again . not only did i not understand what LIVE means . so i went in the house , got a knife and cut the wire . suddenly the hallway was very bright for a few seconds . i was so lucky that day , to have picked a knife with a wooden grip . the blade of the knife  was burned . half of the blade was gone .  thats why am asking allot of question .  thank you bolt for guiding guys like me in a safe way .

DJ Sures · Answer

No don’t connect those yellow lines.

Nomad 6R · Answer

@dj got it . i adjust my picture .

Dave Schulpius · Answer

@Nomad, I'd suggest that you find and watch a few youtube videos on how to use and test voltage and continuity with a multimeter tester. There's a lot of good videos out there available to watch. Although every multimeter is different and have different ways to set the tests you do, how you make the tests are basically the same. Once the meter is set to the test you're wanting to make, you place one probe on one leg of what you're testing and the other on the second leg to get your reading.  Also, carefully read the instructions that comes with your meter. They usually have good instructions on how to make the different tests and how to set your meter. If you don't have the user manual search the internet for the one that goes with your meter. You can most often find it that way.  Some meters are auto adjusting and will sense your voltage but most have a dile that you need to set for the different tests. For example you will have different settings for testing AC voltage, DC voltage and continuity or resistance. You need to have the meter set right to get the right readings.

Nomad 6R · Answer

hi dave this is my voltmeter . i can messure batterie voltage , or using OHM .test the device itself . smaller picture. i also have a 220 volt tester separt .  changed the picture .

Dave Schulpius · Answer

OK, the Truper wont give you the precise measurements you will be looking for when looking for a pinpoint number. I'd use the Chacon. You can test and then watch the voltage as you adjust on the DC side.

Nomad 6R · Answer

i use the truper only for wallsockets . DC=batterie power ? AC=wallsocket power ?

Dave Schulpius · Answer

Quote:DC=batterie power ? AC=wallsocket power ?Is this a question? If so;  AC is alternating current and is usually provided by a big generator located in power plants or smaller generators located on site where needed. So yes, your home's wall socket will provide AC power if you're home is hooked up to the power companies power grid. To power up the power converter you have you will be hooking up a three wire power cord (with a male end as DJ shows above) to the three connection points on the left side your converter.  DC is direct current and is stored in batteries or produced by converters like yours. You will be attaching your DC fed devices like lights and motors to the right side of your converter. It looks like you have 3 separate pairs of connections called circuits on the DC side of your converter to attach to. Each DC circuit has two connection points, one marked Com (Ground / Neutral) and one marked +V (positive / hot).  The Comm connections are all tied together, thus called Common. You can split up your DC devices on each of these DC circuits. For example, you could place your sound system on one circuit, your servos on the second and lights on the third.  This next one is optional and more complex but a very good idea. Each of the DC circuits could have a fuse added to either the positive or neutral leg. I like fusing the positive (Hot) leg. Simply place a fuse holder at the beginning of the circuit of one of the two wires that feeds it's devices. What size fuse to place in the holder? Add up all the amps that all the devices will pull at peek load that the one circuit is feeding and add 20%. For example if one of your DC circuits being fed from your converter is drawing 8 amps at peek load, then you would use a 10 amp fuse. I'd use a slow blow fuse. I seldom use fast blow fuses for mechanical stuff like this. Why add a fuse? if you accidentally cause a short by crossing a wire or one of your devices burns out, your fuse should blow before causing other devices from being damaged.

Nomad 6R · Answer

@dave ah sorry it was a question . first part of your explanation . connecting the wallsocket cable . how does it go from here , the suply to multiple servo's if i have only one output 5V on the powersupply .

Dave Schulpius · Answer

Your AC side will work as you have it drawn. However you should probably switch the Yellow/Green and the Neutral around.  As far as hooking up your DC powered devices, you actually have 3 output connections on the DC side of your converter as I mentioned above. One DC  output (circuit) would be one set of Com and one +V, the second would be another set of Com and +V and the third would be the last open set of Com and a +V.  To attach more then three devices like several servos or a string of lights you can run these output ports to terminal blocks and tree out from there. You could use something like this: [url=https://www.amazon.com/Terminal-Positions-Pre-Insulated-Terminals-MILAPEAK/dp/B08ZXLDLSX/ref=sr_1_3?crid=351JVG8432W03&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.3TFZLI1poRCkR-reac_VVxMzYwDF5qX-TTV6u2-pIsL8TpDpOQwlrHqus-tJY0aZR-R-4ZxlEllbV8LPu6T9DAAuPqfs3q4-47OwjAHR9fXYpXhAKrcHvSzansLjVPBE851JZJ_9PBb6oQxCrz_kKEgMjt0T_EYqxNTPhMozVCnzrS_0ZuPQTbVQopRc48V2vOmqLeq4ljrWBdkkWT6_um7pXkZby0Jt-T_rp9Dv5CpKW5UYn6N0YwWkKxY1a5-dTDUzHJwygqD9z-CqBdl-mLPUQBDrjHDGLaA6nyOwHzo.2c47viG0sEou5msHKQsp9qr_4PI56um0K_AIaJ5emFI&dib_tag=se&keywords=terminal+block+jumper&qid=1714948781&s=industrial&sprefix=Terminal+Block%2Cindustrial%2C96&sr=1-3]Terminal block and jumpers

Nomad 6R · Answer

@dave ok i corrected the picture .  so i go from COM  to a therminal blocks  ? so one wire go's from COM to therminal block ? i only need 3 of them ?

Dave Schulpius · Answer

It really depends how many devices you have to power and how you want to split up your load. Without seeing your needs I would say you could use 4 wiring blocks. One for the Com (neutrals) and one each for each of the +V curicuts.  Perhaps you could get better advice if you ask the Imoov builders how they powered and wired up their robots. They could give you the best ways to power and wire up your new Imoov robot. It's such a unique robot with unique needs. Is there a website somewhere on the internet where someone has posted wiring diagrams for the Imoov? I've never looked at how they are wired or powered. I'm just giving generic and basic tips on how I've seen common robotics wired and powered. I'm glad to help as much as I can though.

Nomad 6R · Answer

deleted post . wrong assumption .

Nomad 6R · Answer

wrong post deleted .

Dave Schulpius · Answer

@nomad, no one is making fun of you. No need to take offense and leave. The proof that you are talented is in the fact that you are able to 3d print like you do and make those clever designs and adjustments.

Nink · Answer

Nomad this is a popular meme it is essentially means you are waiting on the outcome. You eat popcorn in a movie. honestly there was no harm intended.   As you know I am building an inmoov as well and I need to,power mine. I was just saying I was watching this thread.

DJ Sures · Answer

That’s nice of you to clarify @nink. @nomad it’s always frustrating learning something new but we all have your back. It’s a lot less complicated than you think once you do it the first time. Just don’t touch the live wires

Nomad 6R · Answer

dave&nink i have no idea why i freaked out but i did .  so my sincere appolegies to bolt of you .

Dave Schulpius · Answer

No worries my friend. We all have our freak out moments. You should see some of mine.... Well, maybe you shouldn't. LOL. Have a good week!

Dave Schulpius · Answer

@Nomad, I don't know if these drawings will help you or confuse you. I know they confused me a bit until I studied them. I've built and rebuilt a couple full sized Lost in Space B9 robots. These are the electrical drawings of the way I powered and wired the last one I did. They are complex in that they assume that there will be two power sources available to the robot. One is a AC to DC converter powered by house current (like you are going to use in your Imoov) and the other is a set of batteries. This circuit allows the batteries to be recharged when needed. In this circuit are switches and relays to isolate one power source from the other and switch between them when needed.   So, if you can ignore the parts of these drawings that don't apply to your method you may be able to get an idea on how you need to plan to build your power distribution in your robot. For example; to make it simple to apply to your method, in the drawing (B9 Power Distribution_B Ross (4).pdf) on the left side you will see something labeled "External Power". This would be your AC to DC converter. Simply draw a straight line over to the fuse block (this could be a fuse block or a wiring block) and ignore the relays and everything else. Remember that you have three DC power outputs (+V) on your converter so you could have three lines coming from the External Power to three wiring blocks. You could even tie the three +V DC power outputs together and create a "bus" then go to a single wiring block. You would do the same for the three COMs. Personally. I'd keep everything separate and run to separate wiring blocks or fuse blocks.  I hope this helps somehow. B9 Power Distribution_B Ross (4).pdf  B9Power (2).pdf Also, I made a Youtube video of the finished wiring setup that I built from the above drawings I attached above. There's a lot of close up shots and commentary from me on how I wired and powered everything. Here's the Youtube link:

Nomad 6R · Answer

hi dave these drawings will be very confusing for me  . i will ask one question at the time if thats oh whit you . . i can allreddy see i need a fuse box . i choosed this safety switchs . cutt of the female connect to powersupply or fuse box ? question . the fusebox comes between the on/off switchs and power supply ? how mutch is the fuse ?

Dave Schulpius · Answer

If you're saying that you are going to use what you show as a connection between your wall socket and the power converter I think it would be a waist. If you got the converter DJ pointed you to then it's already fused internally. A picture of the PCB on Amazon shows a fuse mounted near the AC power in lugs:  If you bought some other converter then what DJ pointed to then check it's specs to see if it's already fused like this one. Most all but the cheapest and low quality converter are already fused. A fuse before the converter only protects the converter anyway. That won't really provide any protection for the devices on the DC output side. If you want to add fuses to the different circuits on the DC side you will need to add up the max Amp draw of all your devices and motors on each circuit and add 20% to find your fuse size. I'd use slow blow fuses. I hope this helps.

Nomad 6R · Answer

@dave i have the the converter dj mention . so i can go from the on/off switsh to the converter ? my idea was to cutt of the female and connected straight on the converter . the converter doesn have a on/off switsch .

Dave Schulpius · Answer

Yes, you don't need the high side of this converter fused. You can use a cord with a male plug on one end so you can plug into the wall when your ready. Y The other end would be connected to the AC lugs of the converter.

Nomad 6R · Answer

am i gonna use these .. or just the comm ?

Dave Schulpius · Answer

I don't think I understand your question. But, the three lugs you are pointing to are the three positive 5 volt DC outputs. DO NOT connect the AC input power there. AC power connects to the left side of the converter.

Each of your 5 volt output circuits (on the left side of the converter) will have one 5v positive (+V) wire and one Com (-) wire.

Nomad 6R · Answer

ah so only one v+ and one v- will be used to connec to terminals ? and averything els wil be connected to the terminals servo's/lights ?

V- IS NEGATIF ? v+ IS POSITIF ? so there are 3 V- AND 3 V+ ? 3 channels .

Dave Schulpius · Answer

Based on the link that DJ posted I thought you had three 5 volt dc positive lugs  and three com lugs  I took a closer look at the picture you posted and your's only has 2 each. I don't know why there is a difference if you got what DJ links to. Would you mind posting the link you bought your converter from? I would like to take a closer look at it. It could be as simple as what's available to me here in the United States opposed to you from your country. Also could you take a picture of the nameplate mounted on the converter that has all the specifications on it and post that also?

Nomad 6R · Answer

@dave

here's the link from the converter . if its the wrong one no worry's . they are cheap . i cant se any with 3 outlets . i cant by from amazon.com, cause they dont have paypal . [url=https://www.amazon.nl/dp/B0BX2L1HS6?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details&th=1]converter

Nomad 6R · Answer

@dave i found one like dj and bouth it . in UK . converter

DJ Sures · Answer

Hey dude - the gnd and +5v are labeled here. There are 2 connections for each, but they're the same and shared.

Your mains power input is here...

And you can adjust (fine-tune) the 5v output with the dial here

Dave Schulpius · Answer

OK, thanks for the pictures. You have the converter you expected with the exception of only two DC outputs (V+ and Com). Now I know what you have for sure.

I'm going to sit down a little later on and try to draw out a simple schematic of where to attach your wires. Seems that writing about it has its challenges. No worries.

Nomad 6R · Answer

hi dj/dave thanks you for the pictures . so V- is negative v+ is positive .

Dave Schulpius · Answer

Yes it is.

Nomad 6R · Answer

i cant get the terminals like in your post #25 . are these useble ? terminals

Dave Schulpius · Answer

Here's three wiring diagrams. There are two different methods for wiring the DC side to your devices and one that shows the AC main connection to the wall plug. I would only add one thing. Pay attention to wire size. One tip, the wire between the converter and the wiring blocks should be bigger then the ones between your wiring blocks and the devices. This is because they will be carrying more amps. Once the amps get past the wiring blocks they will be divided up between each device as needed.  I hope this helps.

Dave Schulpius · Answer

The terminal blocks you linked to will work but you may find these more useful. They have 6 lugs opposed to 5. This will give you one more spot to connect a device to. I don't know how many you need but the more can't hurt.  6 position terminal block

Nomad 6R · Answer

@dave great drawings . i ordered the terminals . thanks for the link . it says 5 position blocks not 6 .  great drawings . what does this mean ? is this the place were  all servo's get connected ? how does it connect 3 wires from a servo ?   ok heavier wires to start . like what gauge ?

DJ Sures · Answer

I also recommend adding a fuse between the terminals and +5v DC. I would start with a 10 amp fuse? Unless anyone else has experience on a fuse size for inmoov

Dave Schulpius · Answer

Those are your devices. A servo has three wires. One positive lead one negative lead and the third is the signal that goes to the black digital pin of the ezb port.  I love DJs suggestion about putting a fuse in line of each circuit feeding servos.

Nomad 6R · Answer

@dj  i have these  10 and 15 amp very thik wires . the 4 black lines in dave's picture .

Nomad 6R · Answer

@dave ( those are the devices ) . that means the signal ( servo ) wire goes to the ezbv4 ( white ) and the positive and negative into the terminal . i will make a picture .

Nomad 6R · Answer

@dave i made a little video . i saw a picture with all the white wire connected to the ezbv4 . now i know why . https://www.youtube.com/shorts/_h0H9AVjYX0 am thinking for fuse something like this . the ones i have are the fuses hard to get out and in . https://www.amazon.nl/Aiqeer-zekeringhouder-voorbedrade-blokzekeringsblok-zekeringen/dp/B09WY3XXV7/ref=sr_1_236?crid=AUR0UWKUYD12&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.Iy5GIWYRZwz9KIkbU6j8Em9aPXEa9kQvLF_Kgon-sFF2rsvlC4phubxoqCQJs0mm_eHlNuZ1aLbdsz1edouhuIWgaKBFKxKMClXsF0wUkThV0C7z86cUzbmlyb5bj25BzED4k4XQyZwc_zjRNEhUVLmtOwNoDVmwDBOao_zgP9k2R0EHc9YN7hS99B7sWoHTAOfYko6GZTE34n6TvF_IRV9idOo3Zsuqd2QINEJ4TmBCfZeN6ptLjuTrcMvhkQVMl0Fj2NXMXxriap8wJsJIuY5zxShTURHvAwCfNVlbAiU.a_j6xV7EgYC_hZUz-8My0pyK1lS6CPRyCKembFFmjJQ&dib_tag=se&keywords=fuse+holder+12v&qid=1715321350&sprefix=fuse+holder%2Caps%2C100&sr=8-236&xpid=FfSQDdoT-ffvK

Dave Schulpius · Answer

Everything you said in the last 3 posts is correct. Your video is also correct.  One more tip. You can hook more than one servo power wires to the same lug on the power terminals. As long as you keep the positive (+) and Negative (-) wires going to the proper terminal.

Nomad 6R · Answer

@dave ( You can hook more than one servo power wires to the same lug ) wow thats alot of servo connections . all is ordered . now waiting for parts . question what are youre thoughts on the fusebox ?link

Dave Schulpius · Answer

Nomad, I like it. I'd use it for sure.

Nomad 6R · Answer

the ones i have are really thik . 12 fuses per box x3 thats 36 fuses availeble . ok i will order them and have a look at them . then you can make a picture how to use them. what you think ? two or 3 boxes ?

Dave Schulpius · Answer

Quote:what you think ? two or 3 boxes ?You need to make that decision. I don't know how many motors, servos, lights or sound system items you're going to be fusing or how many of these items you're going to have on one circuit. Once you figure that out you're going to need to figure out how many amps the devices on each circuit are going to pull so you can calculate what size fuse to install.  I'd install the fuse blocks you're going to get between the terminal blocks and the devices you are feeding (motors, servos, lights, sound system). Place it on the positive wires of each device.

Nomad 6R · Answer

@dave ( Place it on the positive wires of each device )  ok i have a look when i have them . i start with 2 .

Nomad 6R · Answer

@dave how does the ezbv4 get his power ? does a wires from the terminal goes to the ezbv 4 ?

Dave Schulpius · Answer

You would power the EZB from the positive and negative terminal blocks just like you do the servos or other devices. When I said "devices" I am talking about all the things you will power like servos, EZB, lights, and motors.  When you run the power wires from the + and - terminal blocks to your EZB make sure you don't reverse the wires. The EZB needs the positive power feed wire connected to the positive connection of the EZB then the negative power wire connected to the negative connection of the EZB. If you reverse your power feed wires to the EZB it's possible you may destroy it. I don't think the EZB is protected from reverse voltage being connected backwards. If you are using the little plug in power jack to connect your wires to the EZB it will have a little + and - printed above the connector lugs.

Nomad 6R · Answer

@dave great ok . i will use the ezbv4 base and jackplug .

Nomad 6R · Answer

hi  i got the new converter today but again its the wrong one . what i do see all the ones 20 AMPS has 2 outlets . only the onse with 40 amps has 3 outlets .is this a mis conversation from us ?   40 AMP 3 outlet

Nomad 6R · Answer

@dj "I also recommend adding a fuse between the terminals and +5v DC. I would start with a 10 amp fuse? " like this ?  or like this fuse from converter to terminal ? ( black lines )

DJ Sures · Answer

Yeah the black lines. 4 fuses. I marked with an F on the diagram on the black lines.

Nomad 6R · Answer

@dj does it matter were the black wire goe on the terminal ?  or any screw will do ?  thank you

Nomad 6R · Answer

hi i ordered a smaller fusebox. consider i only need 4 fuses for the 4 terminals . question . the fusebox had 2 red wires . does bolt need to be connected + terminals . one wire each +. ps: i notest the converter has no fuse inside .

DJ Sures · Answer

Oh sorry i was incorect with my diagram. You only need FUSE on the + (positive) from the power supply. You do not need af use on GND (-) negative side. I did not notice when I answered before that half of the terminals were connected to GND.  Here is revised image. You only need 2 fuses, not 4.

Nomad 6R · Answer

@dj okay thank you

Dave Schulpius · Answer

Quote:does it matter were the black wire goe on the terminal ?It's best to place the feed wire in the center of the input side of the terminal block. That way the power draw should be balanced.  Quote:the fusebox had 2 red wires . does bolt need to be connected + terminalsThe red wires go to the +5v lugs of the converter. Quote:i notest the converter has no fuse insideI think I see on on the right side right behind the +5vdc connection lugs.   Quote:Wrong Converter? the onse with 40 amps has 3 outlets .is this a mis conversation from usThis one should work nicely for you. You simply have more amps available (40 versus 20) and an extra set of +5 vdc connection lugs. you can add a third circuit opposed to the two we have been talking about. You could place another two terminal blocks (one positive and one negative) to add more devices if needed. Make sure your main power input selector switch on the side of the converter is set to 220v for your country's voltage.

Nomad 6R · Answer

@dave great answers . i have no idea if thats a fuse . i doesn seem like one . the converter i have is 20 amps . i cheked the main power is at 220 volts.

Dave Schulpius · Answer

I thought you said yesterday that you got a new converter rated at 40 amps?

Nomad 6R · Answer

@dave i ordered one but no they send the wrong one . still 2 outlets . thats why i started checking . i notest the ones with 3 pair outlets are 40 amps . the ones with 2 pair outlets are 20 amps . picture  https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07KCVBZ18?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details&th=1 sorry late respons .

Nomad 6R · Answer

hi sometimes your lucky to find all parts and then not so lucky when they arrive . bummer return part and wait another 3 weeks for the new one .  new set up   got some new krimp tool and new krimps . @DJ @DAVE @NINK some time ago i ordered 4 big servo's reprogramed weither range witsh i will not use . if any of you are interested i wil send it to you .i ordered too mutsh . so 2 people will have 2 big servo's and 3 th will have one servo and a pack terminals . let me know .

Dave Schulpius · Answer

Thanks for the offer. It's very kind of you. However i have way too many extra parts floating around from projects over the years. Hang on to them. The way you build I'm sure you will use them in the next super robot you make.

Nomad 6R · Answer

@dave ok i take note . my fav robot will be thisone with a jd robot in .  the METHOD-2  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f4LYGil7kOo

Nomad 6R · Answer

hi would this work in ARC ? servo travel tuner . it gifs the servo weither range . video in the link . no programming needed .  https://eu.robotshop.com/nl/products/servo-travel-tuner

Dave Schulpius · Answer

Quote:would this work in ARC ? servo travel tuner . I don't know. these are a mystery to me.

Nomad 6R · Answer

@dave another thing for testing then . i ordered a few .

Dave Schulpius · Answer

Stop! You're having way too much fun. LOL

Nomad 6R · Answer

@hi interesting video about crimping tools .  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kjSGCSwNuAg

Nomad 6R · Answer

hi wel starting to learn some krimping . looks like a pro . use the right tool . its an automatic stripper . it strips even the smallest wire .  tools  video soon first part of the build inmoove chair .

Nomad 6R · Answer

hi i install the convertor on a bridge . to lift it off the board . on the botem are some open holes . with the bridge some heat can pass now . and the tube for power wires come thru . there are just two tiny holes for a screw to holt the convertor in place . so i printed some parts , to keep the convertor in place .  some pictures .

Nomad 6R · Answer

hi just a question to be sure . in the picture i can see the live wire color is brown . am gessing my stekker live wire is blue . i tested it with ohm and the right pin is color blue , on my stekker   picture from site.   my stekker witsh pin is the live wire ?

Nomad 6R · Answer

hi testing the voltage regulators . its very sensitive . the white wire on the ezbv4 . positive and negative on the regulator . in goes 8.26 volts and out comes 5.93 volts . so that works . only the servo doesn move .  why ?  little video . https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p3a_Hil5Cv4

Nomad 6R · Answer

hi boards all bin painted . waiting for some parts . little video how it looks . https://www.youtube.com/shorts/mTEK0s8zepc

Dave Schulpius · Answer

It's hard to tell how you have everything wired. You may have a ground issue. Try running a jumper from the black digital pin on the ezb to the neutral in of the dc to dc converter. Test your servo in a known working system or try a different one. Is the white jumper between the ezb and servo good? No breaks or bad connections? In your video are you powered from battery or your new converter?  If batteries are they powerful enough to start up the servo?

Nomad 6R · Answer

hi dave i didn use the big convertor but a smal one . and on batteries x2  1 batt on ezbv4 and one batt on the convertor . that was the problem the negative on ezb to input convertor . the servo or convertor doesn even get warm ,stays nice cold . https://www.youtube.com/shorts/nXoKsGQmk_M thank you dave

Dave Schulpius · Answer

Outstanding Nomad! Nice job. I'm glad we figured this out and you have your servo working now. Keep having fun!

Nomad 6R · Answer

hi dave soon wirering the first part on the chair . the power .

Nomad 6R · Answer

hi the power cable is connected and i have 4.94 volts . i wil set it higher at 6 volts later . these are very sensitive regulators .  https://www.youtube.com/shorts/_30kYpH0PCI

Nomad 6R · Answer

hi connected the negatives to the terminals.. next the positive wires . https://www.youtube.com/shorts/tsjtW7lYcg4

Nomad 6R · Answer

hi i got the positieve wires connected . one step further . do i was surprized to see the max voltage on the convertor is 5.62 volts. the smal convertors give a little bit more over 6 volts .   little video . https://www.youtube.com/shorts/FeEqw6WVl2A

Dave Schulpius · Answer

Quote:max voltage on the convertor is 5.62 voltsIs this with the voltage adjustment dial (the one all the way to the right) turned fully up?

Nomad 6R · Answer

hi dave yes the adjustment all the way to the right fully up .

Dave Schulpius · Answer

Then that's all that you're going to get. You'll be fine.

Nomad 6R · Answer

hi dave i have the smaller ones too . they give more then 6 volts .

Dave Schulpius · Answer

Quote:i have the smaller ones too . they give more then 6 volts .You could use the smaller ones instead. However be careful that they are rated for the full amount of amps all your motors, servos, lights and other devices will be pulling. However DJ stated above that your servos in this application will run just fine on only 5 volts. You're only talking about 1/2 volt between the two anyway.  I'd just leave the big converter in place, turn up the dial all the way (as long as you don't get a higher voltage then the servos are rated for) and see how it powers your robot. You have built the chair support in such a brilliant way that it's so easy to access your power system. You can always go in there and make a change if needed.

Nomad 6R · Answer

@dave can i use them bolt ? the big converter for the hitec servo's and the small ones for synthiam servo's ?

Dave Schulpius · Answer

I think that's a great idea.

Nomad 6R · Answer

@dave great thanks for the advies .

Nomad 6R · Answer

hi i always wondered how i could secure the ezbv4 in the base . wel i found it how . two clips keeps averything secure in place . you can even turn the base upsidedown, without the ezbv  falling out . litle video and stil's files . https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mHFhdMPyK_g backpanel-base.zip

Dave Schulpius · Answer

That's a really cool solution. Brilliant. Now we can stop hot gluing the two together. Lol.

Nomad 6R · Answer

@dave glad you like it ..it took only 12 modifications to come to this solution .xD

RoboHappy · Answer

Great design ! could use that on a current project Im doing now

Nomad 6R · Answer

hi robohappy great . thank you for the kind words .

Nomad 6R · Answer

hi to avoid any batterie problems i connected the power wires . two for ezbv4 and one for iotiny . i ordered some 1 meter dc power wires just incase . little video https://www.youtube.com/shorts/ICwhZ6e7bi8

Dave Schulpius · Answer

Looks nice and neat. Good work.

Nomad 6R · Answer

@dave almost reddy to put the frame on .:D i made a case for the small regulator . https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aY5q-ctl_Io casestepdown.stlcasestepdownLID.stl

Nomad 6R · Answer

i have 4.62 volts on the big regulator . but thats to low for the ezbv and iotiny . the gifs a low warning signal . so do i use a smal regulator to pull up the volts , to 6 volts ?

Nink · Answer

To increase voltage you need a DC to DC step up or boost converter.  Consists of a transistor coil and a capacitor.  Something like this but if you Google boost converter (or maybe Amazon) you should find something  I typically buy stuff like this on AliExpress

Nomad 6R · Answer

hu nink i have those . i think the iotiny needs atleast 6 volts .

Dave Schulpius · Answer

IoTiny Voltage input (Vin) range: Minimum: 4.5 volts Maximum: 16 Volts IoTiny Datasheet: https://www.ez-robot.com/uploads/1/2/6/9/126941806/iotinydatasheet-636966456964424276_1.pdf @Nomad, That reading you're getting on that new big converter does not seem right. If you bought one that rated at 5vdc then it should put out at least 5vdc after it's adjusted properly. Are you sure that the converter you have is rated for 5 volts and not something lower like 3.5V?  Are you taking that reading with servos or other devices or lights running? If so that would explain a lower voltage reading. Voltage will drop if you have motors that draw a lot of load like servos. Still, you should be able to adjust the converter to above 5vdc to compensate.  If that reading is under 5vdc with no load and you've properly adjusted it then there is something wrong.  Did you try to adjust the converter? There is a small pot (dial) all the way to the right. Try turning it all the way up and take your reading. Then turn it all the way down and retest. This should tell you what the actual voltage range the converter is able to provide. I looked at the specs of the converter you bought and it says you should be able to adjust it 15%. I don't know if that means each way, up and down. If so you should be able to get it up to 5.75 volts DC with no load connected.  Do you have the AC power in selector switch that selects your AC power (110 or 220 vac) in the proper position?  I've seen multimeter testers go bad and give wrong readings. Try using a different tester or change the batteries in the one you're using.  I'm looking forward to hearing what you have going on there. EDIT: If you're running on a power converter you should disable the low voltage warning setting for the EZB's. I think you can do it in both the ARC software and in the EZB Web interface. You don't need them and they will only drive you crazy. They are there to watch battery voltages so you don't damage the batteries or worse.

Nomad 6R · Answer

@dave got it . i turned the screw all the way the other side and now i have 5.97 . whithout any devices or servo's connected . this one i bouth. https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07KCVBZ18?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details&th=1 https://www.youtube.com/shorts/0mym2r7ub-I thanks

Dave Schulpius · Answer

Outstanding! Looks like your problem is solved. Congratulations.

Nink · Answer

Nothing worse than 1am in the morning everyone is asleep.  You are being super quiet and just tweaking the last settings in your script and all of a sudden a loud shriek from your EZB, MY BATTERY IS LOW, MY BATTERY IS LOW, MY BATTERY IS LOW.

Nomad 6R · Answer

@dave @nink yeach am almost there . just the small regulators for each controller set at 6 volts . in arc batterie settings put them on 6 volts insteadt at 7 volts . some test print   the copper color is very ruf . i think am gonna re print in black . i overpainted the copper  whit black .:( not so nice .

Dave Schulpius · Answer

Quote:in ARC batterie settings put them on 6 volts insteadt at 7 volts I'm curious, in a different post you mentioned you were not using batteries anymore and wanted to disable the low battery warning. If you're using AC wall current and not batteries what's your reasoning behind keeping the voltage monitor for the EZB's active? Again, I'm just wondering.  I'm impressed with your skills you're using in this build. Nice work so far. I'm looking forward to seeing more.

Nomad 6R · Answer

@dave i'm waiting for some connectors to connect the small volt regulator . cause the iotiny keeps warning low batterie . i will have them tomorow .so i can raise the voltage to 6 volt . hopes the iotiny dont give a warning low batt . i have these to connect the small regulator to the controllers . https://www.amazon.nl/dp/B0CX44HTKZ/ref=pe_28126711_487805961_TE_item

Nomad 6R · Answer

hi the iotiny is off bateries now . all on wall socket power . this configuration with step down regulators and back up with the small ones . needs to be 6.50 volts for power the iotiny . els it would no have enought voltage , for excample to lid up two eyes as seen in  the video . i raised the volt from 6. volt to 6.5 volts . i also included the arc name of this project as NO BATTERIES PROJECT.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V26IdmnPHOU

Nomad 6R · Answer

hi all big progress . all regulators are in place .and all works . lots of playing with RGB and led's if you dont have room to place all next eachtother ..then place it ontop . regulators ontop 6.50 volts each .  how the backside looks .  a little video . https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Q4yq3vh9y34

Nomad 6R · Answer

hi a small detail .   topje-door.stl

Nomad 6R · Answer

@dave if my understanding of power to the controllers is correct , it doesn matter if the volt to the controller is 7.4 volts, or 6 volts for the servo's cause they will get there volts from the terminals ?so that means all controllers can have 7.4 volts ? question , is my assumption correct on this ? thanks

Dave Schulpius · Answer

Your input voltage to the controllers, in this case I think you are referring to the EZB and Iotiny,  is indeed variable.  IoTiny Voltage input (Vin) range: Minimum: 4.5 volts Maximum: 16 Volts. I didn't look up the EZ-B but I think it's pretty much the same. So you are correct considering the voltage range they except then 7.5 volts will work to power them. Just remember,  The power output pin on the EZ-B and Iotiny digital port will also output the 7.5 volts.

Nomad 6R · Answer

@dave "The power output pin on the EZ-B and Iotiny digital port will also output the 7.5 volts." i will only use the white pin on ezbv4 for the signal. averything els positieve and negatif , for the servo's on terminals .4.98 volts.

Nomad 6R

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