Using Multiple RoboClaws with Arduino
Posted by Basicmicro on 11/19/2018 to
Arduino
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
Posted by Basicmicro on 11/14/2018 to
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
Posted by Basicmicro on 11/7/2018 to
RoboClaw
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
Posted by Basicmicro on 11/6/2018 to
RoboClaw
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
Posted by Basicmicro on 10/31/2018 to
RoboClaw
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
Posted by Basicmicro on 10/30/2018 to
RoboClaw
Selecting a battery for your robotics projects is vital in ensuring your robot will have the power and endurance you’re looking for. There are several properties of batteries you’ll need to be aware of make the right choice for your project. After reading this App Note you’ll be informed enough to make the right decision.
RoboClaw Battery Eliminator Circuit (BEC)
Posted by Basicmicro on 10/29/2018 to
Getting Started
Often a robotics project will need multiple voltages for different parts. A Battery Eliminator Circuit is one way to have multiple voltages present in your build without the need for a second battery.
Analog Control with RoboClaw
Posted by Basicmicro on 10/24/2018 to
Getting Started
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.
Cyclic Redundancy Check Explained
Posted by Basicmicro on 10/17/2018 to
Getting Started
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.
Using Buttons to Configure the RoboClaw
Posted by Basicmicro on 10/10/2018 to
Getting Started
The RoboClaw is designed with ease of use in mind. One example of this easy to use functionality is the ability to configure the modes and mode options directly from the RoboClaw board without the use of a computer.
Encoders Explained
Posted by Basicmicro on 10/2/2018 to
RoboClaw
Encoders are a vital part of control systems in robotics. In this article we’ll be looking at the how, what and why surrounding encoders.
Simple Arduino Control of the RoboClaw
Posted by Basicmicro on 10/1/2018 to
Arduino
The Arduino is one of the most popular microcontroller platforms around due to its ease of use and large supportive community of users. Today we will look at simple example of using the Arduino to control a RoboClaw.
USB Driver and BasicMicro Motion Studio Installation
Posted by Basicmicro on 9/26/2018 to
Getting Started
Before you can begin using your RoboClaw, you’ll first need to install the RoboClaw driver and Basicmicro Motion Studio on your computer. Once you've completed the software installation you'll be free to uniquely configure your RoboClaw for you particular needs.
RoboClaw Advanced RC Options
Posted by Basicmicro on 9/26/2018 to
Motion Studio
The RoboClaw allows for simple and direct control with an RC system, yet there are options that allow for more fine grained control of your system. In this article we’ll be discussing these point by point.
Configuring RoboClaw Battery Settings
Posted by Basicmicro on 9/25/2018 to
Motion Studio
The RoboClaw motor controller features several types of protection to ensure the safety of the hardware in your system. On of the most important of these features is the battery cutoff protection. This features ensures that your system’s batteries are protected from both under and over voltage conditions.
RoboClaw RC Controlled Differential Drive Setup
Posted by Basicmicro on 9/24/2018 to
Getting Started
Today we will be covering how to configure and wire the RoboClaw motor controller for one of the most common control and drive schemes in robotics. In this tutorial we will show how the RoboClaw can be used in a differential drive robot controlled via an RC radio system. This may be the final configuration for your robot or a step in testing your hardware, either way you'll see that configuring the RoboClaw takes little time and effort.
Motor Controller Selection
Posted by Basicmicro on 10/10/2017 to
Getting Started
When selecting a motor controller there are three main specifications that must be known about the motor you are planning on using. These are voltage, running current and stall current. This articles covers all three and how to pair a motor controller based on these key specifications.
