User Manual
RoboClaw Series
Brushed DC Motor Controllers
RoboClaw Series User Manual
28
Control Modes
Setup
RoboClaw has several fucntional control modes. There are two methods to congure these
modes. Using the built-in buttons or Ion Studio. This manaul covers both methods of
conguration. Ion Studio offers greater options for each mode and can be easier to congure the
RoboClaw in several situations. However the built-in buttons are more than adequate in most all
modes. Refer to the conguration section of this manual for mode setup instructions using Ion
Studio or the built-in buttons.
There are 4 main modes with several variations. Each mode enables RoboClaw to be controlled in
a very specic way. The following list explains each mode and the ideal application.
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.
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. RoboClaw
expects servo pulse inputs to control the direction and speed. Very similar to how a regular servo
is controlled. RC mode can use encoders if properly setup(See Encoder section).
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 equivilent 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 equivilent 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).