Product Specifications

Switch 6: R/C Mode/Microcontroller
mode select
If switch 6 is in the UP position, then the Sabertooth is in
standard R/C mode. This mode is designed to be used with
a hobby-style transmitter and receiver. It automatically
calibrates the control center and endpoints to maximize
stick usage. It also enables a Timeout Failsafe, which will
shut down the motors if the Sabertooth stops receiving
correct signals from the receiver.
If switch 6 is set in the DOWN position, then Microcontroller mode is enabled. This disables the
Timeout Failsafe and auto-calibration. This means that the Sabertooth will continue to drive the
motor according to the last command until another command is given. If the control link is
possibly unreliable – like a radio - then this can be dangerous due to the robot not stopping.
However, it is extremely convenient if you are controlling the Sabertooth from a microcontroller.
In this case, commanding the controller can be done with as little as three lines of code.
Output_High(Pin connected to S1)
Delay(1000us to 2000us)
Output_Low(Pin connected to S1)
A note on certain microprocessor receivers
Some receivers, such as the Spektrum AR6000, will output servo pulses before a valid
transmitter signal is present. This will cause the Sabertooth to autocalibrate to the receiver’s
startup position which may not correspond to the center stick position, depending on trim
settings. This may cause the motors to move slowly, even when the transmitter stick is centered.
If you encounter this, either consult your receiver manual to reprogram the startup position, or
adjust your transmitter trims until the motors stop moving. As a last resort, you can enter R/C
microcontroller mode which will disable Sabertooth’s autocalibration.
Microcontroller mode selected