Speed Controllers

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peterwaller
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Speed Controllers

Post by peterwaller »

I have spent the last few weeks developing a range of dual motor speed controllers and would like some comments as to which option you think would be most useful. Because of the problems of approvals I will not be selling these normally but effectively making them as prototypes to order for fellow roboteers.

These are based around the Spektrum AR6100 2.4 Ghz receiver but with optional use of right angle connectors for the servo/bind plugs some can be used with the AR6000, BR6000 and possibly although I have not tested it yet the AR500.
Below are description of each option with a estimated target price.

Option A. Board with leads ?30 (AR6100,AR6000,BR6000)
The board is 22.5 x 26.5mm and weighs about 8gms including receiver, motor and power leads.
This board provides dual motor control and a 5v regulated supply to the receiver via the two servo leads.
http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n66/ ... MG0678.jpg

Option B Board with leads ?35 (AR6100,AR6000,BR6000)
The board is 24 x 32mm and weighs 7gms including motor and power leads.
This board provides dual motor control and a 5v regulated supply to the reciver which plugs directly into the controller board. There is also a 4 pin output connector that can take a standard sevo plug on the first 3 pins while the 4th pin provides the full battery voltage for use with weapon motor controller boards. As standard it is designed for the AR6100 but with a right angled servo connector can fit the AR6000 or BR6000. A two pin patch plug is provided to enable the receiver to be bound while plugged in to the board.
http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n66/ ... MG0665.jpg
http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n66/ ... MG0667.jpg

Option C Board with leads and motor brackets and fixing screws ?45 (AR6100)
The board is 46 x 47mm excluding the motor brackets and weighs in at 17 grams including brackets and scews. The board provides the same functions as option B but is also designed to act as the chassis and has 3 screw holes down each side to assist in body / armour attachment.
http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n66/ ... MG0660.jpg
http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n66/ ... MG0661.jpg

Option D Board with leads and Metalwork ?55 (AR6100)
This Enhance Surviability Module uses the option C board and surrounds it with 1mm aluminium angle to provide some degree of protection to the expensive parts of the robot against spinners. Board with leads and metalwork come in at about 55 x 58 x 20 and weigh 31gms giving an all up module including receiver, motors and 2cell 250mah lipo of 68 gms.
http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n66/ ... MG0673.jpg
http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n66/ ... MG0676.jpg

I am also aiming to provide three sizes of small motor mount brackets complete with two M2 screws and nuts for mounting the bracket and 2 M1.6 screws for mounting the motor on the bracket for ?3.00 a pair.
http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n66/ ... MG0681.jpg

I will bring them to the AWS so people can have a better look and make suggestions.
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Post by Team Terror »

They all sound great, Pete :D
Just one question: is it possible to use a 40mhz reciever with the boards, or is it Spektrum only?
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Post by peterwaller »

Option A having flying leads can plug into any receiver but because the channels come out in a different position on the Spektrum receivers the other options would only work with them.
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Post by razerdave »

Those boards are awesome, I look forward to seeing them at the AWS.

I may be buying one of the Option A's off you.

Just a thought, is it possible to make the board fit a A6300, the 2g receiver that matches with the DX5e ?
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Post by peterwaller »

The DX5e usually comes with the AR500 and I think this should work correctly with the board I just don't have one to try. As for the AR6300 they don't make a board mounted socket to fit those miniature JST connectors although I have done some experiments crimping the free sockets onto pins to make them board mountable and it does look possible but I think the AR6000/AR6100 connector is a much more reliable option. If you are talking about the option A board it would be possible to fit the miniature JST connectors to the flying leads.
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Post by olivers »

Very nice Mr Waller, thought you had been a bit quiet recently.

I like option B. Since the Spektrum Rx plugs directly in what are the controls? Right stick is mixed driving and left throttle is the servo?
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Post by Flippt »

All these options are great Pete. All of them have pros and cons, depending what type of target group you have. The first timer might want to start with a kit, plug-in and ready to go with all the gear that are needed included, no need to soldder or such. Therefore option C & D the better choice.

The more experimental roboteer might already know some about building, what it have to withstand and want more of their own custom made robot, instead of a box on wheels (no offence Pete) so option A & B is the better for that person.

Personally I would like either A or B. A for its flexibility with placing it anywhere in (or outside!) the bot. B for the compact size.
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Post by Cavecrusher »

option A
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Post by malivoirec »

Brilliant, but just a few questions. Can they be conpatible with a 40 Mhz reciever and do they include a BEC? (I'm sure that this will lead into a *facepalm* moment)
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Post by peterwaller »

At the moment they are only Spektrum receivers as the channels come out in a different pin order on the 40MHz receivers but if there is interest I could look into it for particular receivers. There is a BEC the regulator can supply enough for the receiver and a standard servo. I have had a PM asking about the BR6000 on the Option C board. This is ok as long as I know you want that ability in advance and I can fit right angled connectors for the servo / bind plugs.
Option C board with BR6000
http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n66/ ... 06/002.jpg
Option C board with servo/bind plugs on top of board
http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n66/ ... 06/003.jpg
Option C board with servo/bind plugs on the bottom of the board
http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n66/ ... 06/004.jpg
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