Data Sheet

www.dimensionengineering.com/products/Sabertooth2x32
Microcontroller mode is selected by turning DIP switch 6 OFF. In microcontroller mode, the input pulse
ranges are fixed. A 1500us signal is stopped, 1000us is full reverse and 2000us is full forward. To allow
for slower microcontrollers like Basic Stamps, by default there is no timeout in Microcontroller mode.
DEScribe can be used to override these settings and use other input ranges, as well as change the
timeout behavior and timing. Using DEScribe, there is also a Saved calibration mode which learns the
transmitter settings one time only, and a Joystick mode which only automatically calibrates the center
position.
Speed ramping
In all R/C modes, an analog signal sent to the A1 auxiliary input controls the ramp rate for both channels
of the motor driver. This is useful to make gentle motions or limit peak currents due to acceleration. For
example, an R/C lawnmower that started at full power immediately might tear up soft grass. If this input
is not connected, the input’s internal pull-down will automatically set the fastest response. If adjustable
ramping is not desired, leave the A1 input disconnected. The ramp rate can also be set using the
DEScribe PC software.
Flip input
The auxiliary A2 input is also an R/C input. It is an optional Flip channel. In mixed mode, an R/C signal
coming from a switch (such as the channel 5 gear switch on the transmitter) is used to select between
normal and inverted mode. This is used for mobile robots that can run both right side up and upside
down. If the robot is flipped upside down, flipping the gear switch will correct the steering.