Data Sheet
RoboClaw 120A/160A/200A Dual Channel Motor Controller Data Sheet
(c) 2016 Ion Motion Control. All Rights Reserved.
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User Regulated Power Output
RoboClaw provides regulated power for user devices. A high efciency switching regulator supplies 5VDC at up to 3Amps.
This voltage can be used to power external sensors, encoders, MCU and other electronics. The regulated user power is
automatically current limited and thermally protected.
Main Battery
The peak operational input voltage depending on the model can be 34VDC, 60VDC or 80VDC. The models maximum input
voltage can not be exceeded. Fully charged batteries maximum voltage must be taken into account when in used. RoboClaw
is a regenerative motor controller. During regeneration, voltages can peak over the maximum rated voltage in which
RoboClaw is designed to handle these over voltage spikes.
Logic Battery
RoboClaw accepts a logic battery. The logic battery is also known as a backup battery. The user regulated power output
(BEC) is by default powered from the main battery unless a logic battery is detected. The logic battery source is coupled to
the main battery through a simple diode circuit. If the main battery voltage drops below the logic battery input level, the
logic circuit and user regulated power output will be drawn from the logic battery.
Software
RoboClaw can be easily congured using Ion Motion Control’s software tools. The Windows based application enables
users to quickly congure RoboClaw. The software can be used during run time to monitor and control several operational
parameters. Ion studio is available from the Ionmc.com website. Its can be found in the downloads section of the site or
listed under the production description.
User Manual
This data sheet only covers model specic information and basic wiring. To properly setup and use RoboClaw refer to the
RoboClaw User Manual available for download from http://www.ionmc.com.
Cooling
RoboClaw will generate heat. The maximum current ratings can only be achieved and maintained with adequate heat
dissipation. The motor controller should be mounted so that sufcient airow is provided. Which will dissipate the heat away
from the motor controller during operation. Some models of RoboClaw include built-in automatic cooling fan control which
can be used to maintain continuous currents.
Emergency Stop
The motor controller should be wired using an external contactor or relay to control the main power input. A second power
source should be used to power the logic section in situations where the main power will be under heavy load. Voltage drops
can occur from constant full load or high speed direction changes. Voltage drop can cause logic brown outs if only a main
battery is used without a logic battery.
USB
The motor controllers USB port should be used for conguration and debugging. The USB protocol is not designed for
electrically noisy environments. The USB port will likely disconnect and not automatically recover during operation
in electrically noisy environments. To recover from a dropped USB port, the motor controllers USB cable may require
being unplugged and re-plugged in. The TTL serial control should be the preferred method of control in electrically noisy
environments.
Firmware Updates
Firmware updates will be made available to add new features or resolve any technical issue. Before using RoboClaw for the
rst time it is recommended to update to the latest rmware. Download and install Ion Studio. Refer to the RoboClaw User
Manual for updating the RoboClaw rmware.