This topic has 2 replies, 2 voices, and was last updated 9 years, 8 months ago by SuperDroid.
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- December 16, 2014 at 4:12 pm #1535SuperDroidKeymaster
A recent customer asked if it were possible to connect a motor to both channels to increase the maximum amount of current. For example, with the Sabertooth Dual 60A (TE-091-260), whether or not it would be possible to get 120A out of it.
The answer is no. Doing so will permanently damage the motor. Motor controllers use a circuit topology called an H-Bridge. Each motor terminal is connected to your battery power and ground through a transistor. The output voltage that controls the speed of the motor is achieved by throttling these transistors in a pattern using a series of PWM signals. Connecting a motor to the center of two H-Bridges will cause an event where a motor is both connected to your battery and ground at the same time. This will cause a surge of current through the H-Bridge which will destroy the circuit.
April 1, 2015 at 10:55 am #2253Daniel PhelpsParticipantThis is a great clarification. However, If we wanted to attach two 12v linear actuators to a single controller, would that be possible. We would like these two actuators to act as one and move in unison without controlling each seperately.
April 4, 2015 at 9:46 am #2289SuperDroidKeymasterDaniel,
You should have no issue doing that.
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