Data Sheet

www.dimensionengineering.com/products/Sabertooth2x32
Radio Control Mode DIP Switch Settings
DIP switch 4 selects between mixed and independent mode.
Mixed mode is selected by setting DIP switch 4 to the ON position as shown. Mixed mode is primarily
used for differential drive mobile robots. The signal going to S1 controls the forward/backwards speed
of both motors. The signal going to S2 controls the right/left turning of both motors.
Independent mode is selected by setting DIP switch 4 to the OFF position as shown. In Independent
mode, the speed of the motor connected to the M1 motor outputs is controlled by the R/C signal sent to
the S1 input, and the speed of the motor connected to the M2 output is controlled by the R/C signal
sent to the S2 input.
DIP switch 5 selects between linear and exponential control.
Linear control makes the speed of the output motor directly proportional to the input signal. This is best
for control systems, as well as microcontrollers. Linear control is selected by setting DIP switch 5 to the
ON position.
Exponential control makes the motors less responsive around zero speed. This is useful for fine control
of small motions, while not losing the ability to go full speed. It is especially useful for differential drive
robots and vehicles. The exponential mapping is saved in EEPROM, and can be modified with the
DEScribe PC software.
DIP switch 6 selects between Transmitter and Microcontroller mode.
Transmitter mode is selected by setting DIP switch 6 to the ON position. Because all R/C transmitters use
slightly different timing, transmitter mode automatically calibrates the stopped position at startup. The
maximum and minimum signals are constantly recomputed. In this way, the Sabertooth learns the
transmitter’s signals every time it is powered up. In Transmitter mode, loss of signal from the receiver
will stop the motor driver. Be advised that some receivers, especially 2.4 GHz receivers, will continue to
put out servo signals even if communication with the transmitter is lost, so check the manual for your
receiver’s failsafe behavior.