Data Sheet
RoboClaw 120A/160A/200A Dual Channel Motor Controller Data Sheet
(c) 2016 Ion Motion Control. All Rights Reserved.
9
Control Modes
RoboClaw has 4 main functional control modes explained below. Each mode has several conguration options. The modes
can be congured using Ion Studio or the built-in buttons. Refer to the RoboClaw User Manual for installation and setup
instructions.
RC
Using RC mode RoboClaw can be controlled from any hobby RC radio system. RC input mode also allows low powered
microcontrollers such as a Basic Stamp to control RoboClaw. Servo pulse inputs are used to control the direction and speed.
Very similar to how a regular servo is controlled. RC mode can be used with encoders. Refer to the RoboClaw user manual
for setup instructions.
Analog
Analog mode uses an analog signal from 0V to 2V to control the speed and direction of each motor. RoboClaw can be
controlled using a potentiometer or ltered PWM from a microcontroller. Analog mode is ideal for interfacing RoboClaw with
joystick positioning systems or other non microcontroller interfacing hardware. Analog mode can use encoders if properly
setup(See Encoder section).
Simple Serial
In simple serial mode RoboClaw expects TTL level RS-232 serial data to control direction and speed of each motor. Simple
serial is typically used to control RoboClaw from a microcontroller or PC. If using a PC, a MAX232 or an equivalent level
converter circuit must be used since RoboClaw only works with TTL level inputs. Simple serial includes a slave select mode
which allows multiple RoboClaws to be controlled from a signal RS-232 port (PC or microcontroller). Simple serial is a one
way format, RoboClaw can only receive data. Encoders are not supported in Simple Serial mode.
Packet Serial
In packet serial mode RoboClaw expects TTL level RS-232 serial data to control direction and speed of each motor. Packet
serial is typically used to control RoboClaw from a microcontroller or PC. If using a PC a MAX232 or an equivalent level
converter circuit must be used since RoboClaw only works with TTL level input. In packet serial mode each RoboClaw is
assigned a unique address. There are 8 addresses available. This means up to 8 RoboClaws can be on the same serial port.
Encoders are support in Packet Serial mode(See Encoder section).
USB Control
USB can be used in any mode. When RoboClaw is in packet serial mode and another device, such as an Arduino, is
connected commands from the USB and Arduino will be executed and can potential over ride one another. However if
RoboClaw is not in packet serial mode, motor movement commands will not function. USB packet serial commands can then
only be used to read status information and set conguration settings.