Haynes Manual Build a Robot

[Ocracoke]

Right, I assume then they mean something like this (http://www.forge-electronics.co.uk/i...l-10a-rc-relay) but without knowing the context (or the wiring diagram), I wouldn't like to commit to anything.

I've used a single variant of this before on early versions of The Honey Badger 1.0 to power the flail motor but the ones I was using had a horrible habit of sticking open - probably too high a amperage for the switch.

[AdamST180]

Right, I assume then they mean something like this (http://www.forge-electronics.co.uk/i...l-10a-rc-relay) but without knowing the context (or the wiring diagram), I wouldn't like to commit to anything.

I've used a single variant of this before on early versions of The Honey Badger 1.0 to power the flail motor but the ones I was using had a horrible habit of sticking open - probably too high a amperage for the switch.

No worries thanks for the info, will check the wiring diagram later

PS what site do people use to upload images? Tried to use my old photobukcet account but didnt work

[Maxamuslead]

No worries thanks for the info, will check the wiring diagram later

PS what site do people use to upload images? Tried to use my old photobukcet account but didnt work

i use the inbuilt one myself, but imgur is a possibility

[Ocracoke]

You can upload them directly here. Clicking on the add a image button (third from the right when quick replying) and then select the "From Computer" option. Make sure the image isn't too big though (I tend to resize mine to 900x675).

[Garfie489]

A dual RC relay is a device with two outputs that connects to a single channel.

When the transmitter stick is dead center, neither relay is active.

Moving up activates one, moving down activates the other.

My old supply for these is discontinued, so youd have to ask Team Nuts if they can make you one as i dont know any other source ive personally tested.

[AdamST180]

According to this its used in the house robots and the one the Haynes manual says so must be the one i need

http://www.forge-electronics.co.uk/i...l-10a-rc-relay

[AdamST180]

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First few pieces of wooden prototype being cut today

[AdamST180]

https://www.robotshop.com/uk/saberto...or-driver.html

Are the sabertooth controllers really that bad? As with the FeatherTwo out of stock not sure what other ESC to go for so a bit stuck for now.

[Ocracoke]

Sabretooths are mixed bag. I use one in my Beetleweight and it works fine but that is the 2x5A version. I don't know about the rest. They are also reasonably expensive for what they are.

Does your transmitter support elevon mixing? If it does, my vote would be to get a pair of single channel controllers and let the transmitter do the mixing that activates both channels with one control.

[AdamST180]

Sabretooths are mixed bag. I use one in my Beetleweight and it works fine but that is the 2x5A version. I don't know about the rest. They are also reasonably expensive for what they are and of course.

Does your transmitter support elevon mixing? If it does, my vote would be to get a pair of single channel controllers and let the transmitter do the mixing that activates both channels with one control.

I have a Dx6i, not really used it yet but would assume it can do that?

[Ocracoke]

I would think so (http://www.crashtesthobby.com/spektrum-dx6i-mixing.html).

[AdamST180]

I would think so (http://www.crashtesthobby.com/spektrum-dx6i-mixing.html).

Ahh yeah i see, looks simple enough, are single channel ESC's easier to get hold of?

[James Williams]

The Sabretooth's aren't necessarily bad speed controllers. When they work they are very good. However they're very hit and miss regarding reliability. There are some people who have been able to get them to work well for years but there are also others who have had many problems with them not working well or at all for all manner of reasons. It's a bit of a dice roll with them I'm afraid.

If I were in your position, I'd ask Alex at Nuts & Bots if he has any idea when they'll be back in stock & see if you're willing to wait that long. I understand that you're probably eager to get on with building but to be honest the wisest move is to be patient.

Having said that though, you could buy a Sabertooth & use it for now depending on what you plan to do with it. If you're not going to many live events with it you probably will get a fair amount of use out of it, by which time FeatherTwo's should be in stock again. To be honest it rather depends how much the £50 is worth to you.

[AdamST180]

The Feathertwo's aren't necessarily bad speed controllers. When they work they are very good. However they're very hit and miss regarding reliability. There are some people who have been able to get them to work well for years but there are also others who have had many problems with them not working well or at all for all manner of reasons. It's a bit of a dice roll with them I'm afraid.

If I were in your position, I'd ask Alex at Nuts & Bots if he has any idea when they'll be back in stock & see if you're willing to wait that long. I understand that you're probably eager to get on with building but to be honest the wisest move is to be patient.

Having said that though, you could buy a Sabertooth & use it for now depending on what you plan to do with it. If you're not going to many live events with it you probably will get a fair amount of use out of it, by which time FeatherTwo's should be in stock again. To be honest it rather depends how much the £50 is worth to you.

Yeah i did PM Alex but no reply yet as im sure hes busy lol

Maybe like you say I should just be patient for now untill can get whats best rather than potentially wasting money by not waiting

I have all the other parts (minus the actuator) so can start assembling and wiring up what i have and get my plywood base ready and go from there

[James Williams]

Might as well get on with something whilst you're waiting lol.

Regarding single channel ESC's I know that Nuts & Bots DO have some in stock but each will cost the same amount as a dual channel. The tradeoff is that single channel ESC's are able to supply much more power to your motors. Ranglebox (run by Ellis of Pulsar fame) sells Botbitz ESC's which are £30 each but wouldn't you know it he's out of stock too.

There's a big thread about Speed Controllers which could offer you some ideas as well as a few build diaries but other than that I don't have too many ideas I'm afraid.