Pololu 1499 - RoboClaw 2x60A with USB (V4)

This is the newer V4 revision of the RoboClaw 2×60A. It has a new board design and some new features like USB connectivity, but is otherwise similar to the original 2×60A.

Overview

The RoboClaw from Orion Robotics is an efficient, versatile, dual-channel synchronous regenerative motor controller. This version can supply two brushed DC motors with 60 A continuous at voltages from 6 to 34 V, and it allows for peak currents up to twice the maximum continuous rating. 5 A, 15 A, and 30 A versions are also available.

The RoboClaw features dual quadrature decoding capability. A built-in PID routine can be used for closed-loop speed control, maintaining motor speeds even if the load varies, or the encoder counts and speeds can be read directly from the RoboClaw for use with an external control system. Analog feedback is also supported for closed-loop position control (2×5A, 2×15A, and 2×30A only).

This RoboClaw features a USB interface that acts as a virtual serial (COM) port, allowing it to be controlled directly from a computer. Several other interface modes are supported by the RoboClaw as well: it can be controlled via TTL serial for use with an embedded system, RC hobby servo pulses for use as an RC-controlled electronic speed control (ESC), or analog voltages for use with potentiometers or analog joysticks.

Key Features

• Simple bidirectional control of two brushed DC motors
• 6 V to 30+ V operating supply range
• 5 A to 60 A maximum continuous current output, depending on controller model
• Automatic current limiting reduces duty cycle when motor current is between 1A— and 2A— the controller’s rated current
• Four communication or control options:
  1. USB serial interface (virtual COM port)
  2. Logic-level (TTL) serial interface for direct connection to microcontrollers or other embedded controllers
  3. Hobby radio control (RC) pulse width interface for direct connection to an RC receiver or RC servo controller
  4. 0 V to 2 V (5 V tolerant) analog voltage interface for direct connection to potentiometers and analog joysticks
• Dual feedback inputs for PID closed-loop control:
  • Speed control with quadrature encoders, up to 19.6 million encoder pulses per second
  • Position control with analog encoders or potentiometers
  • (Open-loop control with no feedback also available)
• Screw terminals for quick connect/disconnect
• Configurable via pushbutton interface
• Regenerative braking
• Tolerates high-speed direction changes
• Jumper-selectable 5 V BEC
• Battery monitoring and under-voltage cutoff protects batteries from over-discharging

RoboClaw Comparison Table

	2×5A	2×15A	2×30A	2×60A with USB
Motor channels:	2
Operating voltage:	6–34 V
Continuous output current:	5 A	15 A	30 A	60 A
Peak output current:	10 A	30 A	60 A	120 A
5V BEC(1) max current:	150 mA	3 A
Width:	1.7" (4.2 cm)	2.1" (5.2 cm)		3.4" (8.6 cm)
Length:	1.9" (4.8 cm)	2.9" (7.4 cm)		3.9" (10 cm)
Weight:	17 g	63 g		205 g

¹ Battery Eliminator Circuit

Sample Code

Orion Robotics has written an Arduino library for the RoboClaw that makes it easy to interface these motor controllers with an Arduino. The library comes with several example sketches that demonstrate different methods of controlling the RoboClaw.