03 - Wiring

Last modified by Eric Nantel on 2022/10/03 14:43

Radio Controlled (RC) / Bridged

Both motors on the left side are wired to one channel of the Sabertooth motor controller, and both motors on the right side are wired to the other. This ensures motors on the same side receive the same signal ("skid steering"). The Sabertooth's onboard BEC powers the RC receiver.

Not Connected

  • 4x Encoders
  • Two of three XT30 connectors

Microcontroller / Bridged

Both motors on the left side are wired to one channel of the Sabertooth motor controller, while both motors on the right side are wired to the other. This ensures motors on the same side receive the same signal ("skid steering"). The Sabertooth's BEC can be used to power a microcontroller up to ~1A. If additional current is needed, consider using a spare XT30 split off from  the main battery to power the microcontroller and disconnect the 5V (red) cable from the BEC.

Optional Connections

  • 4x Encoders
  • Second XT30 to power microcontroller 
  • Third XT30 connector

CAUTION: Before powering the motors, ensure they rotate in the same direction on each side. If the wiring between the motors and the Sabertooth was done correctly, the motors on each side of the robot should rotate in the same direction.

If the front and rear motors rotate in opposite directions however, the track which connects them will cause them to stall and burn very quickly! If you are at all uncertain, it is safest to remove the sprockets and test the motors. If they rotate in opposite directions, the wiring to the Sabertooth needs to be corrected.

Sabertooth 2 x 12A

SQUARE-Red.pngPositive Input (6-24V / 30V Absolute Max)
SQUARE-Black.pngNegative Input / GND
SQUARE-Yellow.pngM1A / M2A Outputs
SQUARE-White.pngM1B / M2B Outputs
SQUARE-Red-Soft.pngPositive Output 5V (Max 1A)
SQUARE-Gray.pngNegative Output / GND
SQUARE-Green.pngSignal 1 Input (S1)
SQUARE-Blue.pngSignal 2 Input (S2)

Details regarding the DIP switches can be found on the next page.

Complete information available HERE

Gear Motor (36GP 540-51-EN)

SQUARE-Red.pngMotor Positive
SQUARE-Black.pngMotor Negative
SQUARE-Yellow.pngEncoder Negative / GND
SQUARE-White.pngEncoder Positive (5V)
SQUARE-Red-Soft.pngEncoder Output 1 (Hall Effect)
SQUARE-Gray.pngEncoder Output 2 (Hall Effect)
 
RC Receiver (RadioLink R8EF)

SQUARE-Red.pngPositive Input & Distribution (5-6V)
SQUARE-Black.pngNegative Input / GND & Distribution
SQUARE-Yellow.pngChannel #1 (SBUS Optional)
SQUARE-White.pngChannel #2 (PPM Optional)
SQUARE-Red-Soft.pngChannel #3
SQUARE-Gray.pngChannel #4
SQUARE-Green.pngChannel #5

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Created by Eric Nantel on 2021/11/11 08:47
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