Data Sheet

www.dimensionengineering.com/products/Sabertooth2x32
Automatic Calibration
With Automatic calibration, the signal pulses are re-learned every time the motor driver is powered up.
This is the normal mode to use with spring-return joystick channels on an R/C transmitter. When
powered up, after a delay Sabertooth will take the servo timing and use that as its zero speed setting. It
is important to have the joystick centered and the transmitter on when the Sabertooth is powered up.
The Sabertooth 2x32 will then constantly look for the longest and shortest signals that it has ever seen,
and use these values as full speed forward and reverse. Automatic calibration allows the Sabertooth
2x32 to get acceptable performance from a wide variety of transmitters and receivers. The downside to
using Automatic calibration is that if the joystick is not in its center position when the Sabertooth is
powered up, or after it loses power for any reason, control will be incorrect.
Joystick Calibration
With Joystick calibration, only the stopped position is re-learned each time the Sabertooth powers up.
This can prevent slow speed creeping if the joystick does not return exactly to center due to mechanical
hysteresis or sticking. Joystick calibration is rarely used in R/C mode.
Saved Calibration
Saved calibration acts exactly like Automatic calibration the first time the driver is powered up after
selecting this option, but it then reverts to Saved calibration using the settings it has discovered from
that point forward. This is primarily used in production settings, to allow the Sabertooth to learn the
specifics of the transmitter it is mated to, without the limitations of Automatic calibration.
Timeout
This setting controls how long after the receiver stops sending data the Sabertooth 2x32 will shut off the
motor outputs.
A note on certain receivers
Some receivers will send a “bind” or “failsafe” position before they have gotten any data from the
transmitter. The Sabertooth 2x32 will center on the first signal it sees, so if the trim position of the
transmitter does not match the bind or failsafe position, your robot may creep forwards or backwards.
Typically this can be remedied by re-binding the receiver to the transmitter. Some receivers will
continue to put out the last good signal even if communication with the transmitter is lost. This is
undesirable with a Sabertooth, because your receiver could continue to send a “drive forward” signal
and the rover could run away. Consult your radio’s manual to find out how to disable this “feature.”
Exponential-Mode Map
To use different maps, select one of the four maps using the drop-down list. A graphical representation
of the selected map will appear below the channel. Please note that these maps are only used in R/C
mode if DIP switch 5 is set to the OFF position.