Some robotic projects make use of more than one motor controller. The RoboClaw is engineered to be used in this fashion with the use of a microcontroller like an Arduino.
Analog Joystick and RoboClaw
The RoboClaw has several useful control methods, one of them being analog control. With analog control you can use a variety of user interface options so long as they output an appropriate analog voltage. In this Application Note we’ll be using an analog joystick to control two motors with the RoboClaw in analog mode.
PID Control and Motor Controllers
Motor controller like the RoboClaw used feedback from sensors like encoders to maintain the speed and position of motors. Internally, a system called a PID controller is used to maintain these values at their given setpoints. In this App Note we’ll be looking at the what, why and how of a PID controller.
Pololu Encoder Wiring
Encoders allow the RoboClaw to provide accurate and consistent speed and position control of motors. In this Application Note we’ll be wiring a common motor and encoder combination to the RoboClaw.
Reading and Troubleshooting RoboClaw Errors
Things don’t always go as planned when operating your robots and problems can occur that need to be dealt with as they come up. Thankfully, the RobClaw motor controller has a handy set of features that alerts you to problems that may crop up. We’ll be looking in to how to read the error messages of the RoboClaw via the onboard leds and how to diagnose the problems they are associated it.
Selecting the Proper Battery
How to choose a battery for a robotics project: compare LiPO, LiFePO4, and lead acid chemistries by voltage, capacity, and C rating to match your robot’s power and run time needs.
RoboClaw Battery Eliminator Circuit (BEC)
Every RoboClaw includes a built-in 5V Battery Eliminator Circuit (BEC) that powers the controller’s logic and external components like microcontrollers, receivers, and encoders from a single battery.
Analog Control with RoboClaw
There are many control schemes available with the RoboClaw. One of the simplest control schemes is analog control. Analog control allows for an analog voltage to control motor speed and direction.
Proper Wire Termination
Wire termination can be a source of problems or a source of reliability depending on how it is done. Learn the right ways to terminate wires for BasicMicro motor controllers: crimp ring and spade terminals, wire ferrules, tinning, and the correct bare-wire technique for screw terminals.
Cyclic Redundancy Check Explained
The RoboClaw uses a mathematical concept called a Cyclic Redundancy Check to ensure data transmitted to and from it hasn’t been corrupted in transit. In this Application Note we’ll cover the in and outs of the CRC.