RoboteQ Connecting the Motors, Important Warning, AX3500 Motor Controller User’s Manual

Connecting Power and Motors to the Controller

Motor2						Power switch
+
-									On
									Off
+
-
Motor1
VMot	M1-	M1+	PwrCtrl	GND	GND	GND	M2-	M2+	VMot

	12V to 40V	12V to 40V
Controller	Motor Battery	Backup Battery

FIGURE 11. Powering the AX3500 with a Main and Backup Supply

Important Warning

Unless you can ensure a steady 12V to 40V voltage in all conditions, it is recom- mended that the battery used to power the controller’s electronics be separate from the one used to power the motors. This is because it is very likely that the motor bat- teries will be subject to very large current loads which may cause the voltage to eventually dip below 12V as the batteries’ charge drops. The separate backup power supply should be connected to the Power Control input.

Connecting the Motors

Connecting the motors is simply done by connecting each motor terminal to the M1+ (M2+) and M1- (M2-) tabs. Which motor terminal goes to which of the + or - controller out- put is typically determined empirically.

After connecting the motors, apply a minimal amount of power using the Roborun PC util- ity with the controller configured in Open Loop speed mode. Verify that the motor spins in the desired direction. Immediately stop and swap the motor wires if not.

In Closed Loop Speed or Position mode, beware that the motor polarity must match this of the feedback. If it does not, the motors will runaway with no possibility to stop other than switching Off the power. The polarity of the Motor or off the feedback device may need to be changed.

Important Warning

Make sure that your motors have their wires isolated from the motor casing. Some motors, particularly automotive parts, use only one wire, with the other connected to the motor’s frame.

34 AX3500 Motor Controller User’s Manual Version 1.9b. June 1, 2007