Dimension Engineering Sabertooth Dual 5A Regenerative Motor Driver
Description
- Dual motor controller - 5A 6V-18V
- Analog, R/C, simplified serial and packetized serial interfaces (TTL)
- Synchronous regenerative drive
- Ultra-sonic switching frequency
- Thermal and overcurrent protection
- Lithium protection mode
The Dimension Engineering Sabertooth Dual 5A Regenerative Motor Driver is the motor driver of choice for small differential-drive robots. It is ideal for smaller robots- up to 3lbs in combat or 25 lbs for general purpose use. It is also a great choice in any application where you need to control brushed DC motors.
Out of the box, the Sabertooth can supply two brushed DC motors with up to 5A each continuously. Peak currents of 10A are achievable for short periods. Because Sabertooth 2x5 incorporates soft current limiting and thermal protection, you need not worry about killing the driver with accidental stalls or by hooking up too big a motor.
Sabertooth allows you to control two motors with: analog voltage, radio control, serial and packetized serial. You can build many different robots of increasing complexity for years to come with a Sabertooth. Sabertooth has independent and speed+direction operating modes, making it the ideal driver for differential drive (tank style) robots and more.
The operating mode is set with the onboard DIP switches so there are no jumpers to lose or complicated programming sequences. Sabertooth features screw terminal connectors - making it possible for you to build a robot without having to solder.
Sabertooth is the first synchronous regenerative motor driver in its class. The regenerative topology means that your batteries get recharged whenever you command your robot to slow down or reverse. Sabertooth also allows you to make very fast stops and reverses - giving your robot a quick and nimble edge. In certain operating modes Sabertooth can process up to 3000 speed commands per second.
Sabertooth has a built in 5V BEC that can provide power to a microcontroller or R/C receiver. It also features a lithium cutoff mode allowing Sabertooth to operate safely with lithium ion and lithium polymer battery packs - the highest energy density batteries available.
Sabertooth's transistors are switched at ultrasonic speeds (32kHz) for silent operation.
Applications:
- Combat robots up to 3lb
- Differential drive robots up to 25lb
- Radio controlled tanks, cars and boats
PDF File
- 19g / 0.7oz
- Input Voltage: 6V to 18V,
- 6-12 cell NiMH or NiCd,
- 2s-4s LiPo,
- 6V or 12V lead acid (not 18+V lead acid!)
- 5A continuous per channel, 10A peak
- Size: 1.8x1.6x0.5" (45x40x13mm)
This Sabertooth has so many options, so I'm going to highlight the ones I like and use: * It can automatically detect connected LiPo batteries and power off when the voltage drops too low * It has many interfacing options. I use the basic serial one, connected to a Raspberry Pi. Although the Sabertooth's inputs are 5V, it works perfectly fine with the 3V outputs of the Raspberry Pi. One small disappointment that I didn't notice until it was too late is that this one is not compatible with the Kangaroo X2. To use the Kangaroo, you need at least the 10 amp Sabertooth version (2x10) which would be total overkill for my project.
I have 4 now in service in RC Model Tanks, and no issues. They are very smooth, silent motors, and the small size is perfect. Easily installed with the Open Panzer Tank Control Board, and mounted between the dual gear boxes common on Taigen brand Tanks. I couldn't be happier with this product.
This motor controller is very easy to hook up and use.
Great motor controller, just wish they would make one with more than two motor ports
Easy to install, it works as it should be good speed control of the motors. So far it is working with no problems. The heat plate came off, but no big deal. I just glued it back again and enjoy it. I recommend it for 1/16 scale RC cars or bulldozers.
