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RoboClaw 2x60A Current Scaling

Posted: Tue Dec 04, 2018 10:13 am
by bmat
Hello,

I am currently trying to control two RoboClaw 2x60A (one v6 and another v5) configured in packet serial mode. In the RoboClaw.h library, I am using these functions to control each roboclaw using an arduino: ForwardM1, BackwardM1. Both functions take in an address and speed.

Questions:
1. Is this speed factor just a scale of the maximum current set in the roboclaw? For example, would the current produced with ForwardM1(address, 50) with max current = 50A be greater than if the max current was set to 30A (with the same speed called)?

2. If the above is not true, is there a way to do something similar? For example, I want to run a specific amount of current through motor1 (so instead of speed, it would just be current as the input).

I tried looking through the library but I don't think anything matches what I'm looking for. Sorry if this question has an obvious answer.

Thanks!

Re: RoboClaw 2x60A Current Scaling

Posted: Wed Dec 05, 2018 10:11 am
by Basicmicro Support
If you want to control the current in the motor you need to use a controller that allows current control. If you just want to limit the maximum current you can do that with the Roboclaw but you can not control the current(eg give a current value to run at). The MCP product line supports that but does require the Inductance and Resistance values for the particualr motor being used.

Can you describe your application so I can understand exactly what you end goal is?

Re: RoboClaw 2x60A Current Scaling

Posted: Thu Dec 06, 2018 7:35 am
by bmat
Thank you for your reply.

I am currently using the motor controllers to send current through solenoids made of insulated copper wire to induce magnetic fields. The solenoids are connected to the roboclaws via banana plugs (positive and negative female connectors soldered to solenoid ends, roboclaw has male banana plugs connected to motors).

I hope that is enough information. If possible, running exact current values through the roboclaws would be ideal.

Thanks!

Re: RoboClaw 2x60A Current Scaling

Posted: Thu Dec 06, 2018 10:43 am
by Basicmicro Support
Unfortunately Roboclaw isnt deisgned for current control(limiting, not control). But in my own experiments with solinoids you can usually use voltage control mode(eg PWM) and get good results.