This Application Note covers using the BasicMicro Arduino library to control one or more encoders attached to a RoboClaw motor controller.
Encoders are useful as part of a feedback system to maintain speed, position and track distance. RoboClaw does these things automatically however encoder attached to a roboClaw can be controlled and used with custom code using the BasicMicro Python library. This Application Notes covers how to use the available encoder functionality of the library.
Python is an easy to use programming language for both beginners and experienced programmers. The RoboClaw motor controller can be controlled via Python with the library provided by BasicMicro. Any platform that runs Python and has access to a serial port should work with the library.
The Arduino is an easy to use microcontroller for interfacing with the RoboClaw motor controller. It comes with a wide range of easy to use libraries out of the box. BasicMicro also has an easy to use library for the Arduino.
Multiple RoboClaws can be used together for projects requiring more than one motor controller. This Application Note demonstrates the control of 4 RoboClaws by a Raspbery Pi using the packet serial control mode of the RoboClaw.