Tutorial Ardunio and SaberTooth 2x32 - easy code and powerful motor driver UPDATE 02/22/17

Which Arduino Sketch is to be used?

SMC3 modified by BlazinH (highly recommended)

Easy to use and almost well known: the modified version of @RufusDufus SMC3 code by @BlazinH for use with Sabertooth Packet Serial (Arduino Uno/Mega): https://www.xsimulator.net/communit...ket-serial-pid-motor-driver-for-arduino.9277/

XPID software for Arduino UNO/Mega by vthinsel (highly recommended if using any LCD displays)

Code written by @vthinsel which is more complex but powerful. It supports certain LCDs or 2.8 TFTs (Arduino Mega recommended).

http://www.xsimulator.net/community...rduino-uno-mega-and-sabertooth-with-lcd.6747/

Great for advanced users best to use with MEGA! High performance sketch (loops under 1ms!), all parameters set by using the LCD or TFT display on the fly (no windows utility available). The LCD lets you control all values in real time.

SMC3 modified by the SMC3 author RufusDufus itself

A modified SMC3 version by @RufusDufus itself:
http://www.xsimulator.net/community/threads/smc3-sabretooth-test-version.6236/page-2#post-107508

Why SaberTooth?

One Sabertooth offers a continuous current of 32A. Current peaks up to 64 A for a few seconds will be handled without problems. The hard current limit is above approximately 70 amps which protects the Sabertooth from a shorted motor.

To get the same power you will need up to 8 MotoMonsters at least. There are more advantages of the SaberTooth:

• the Describe Software which allows you to play with many options and parameters.
• If you run into any hardware issues: any requests or questions will be answered in a very short time by the official support.
• 1 year manufacturer's warranty.
• If any product fails within one year of the purchase date they will replace the product at no charge.
• After 1 year they will either repair the item or the item can be replaced for 50% of the retail cost.

https://www.dimensionengineering.com/products/sabertooth2x32

Hmm @Pit, you are echoing what I have tried to inform everyone about for years, lol.

While Sabertooths are somewhat pricey at first look, by the time you consider their performance and no hassle exchanges (except for if you connect the polarity backwards) they are not that expensive in the long run when you can be enjoying your rig instead of waiting for a new batch of MM to arrive and then having to fix half of them (if you can) so you can actually use them .

But you forgot to mention the Sabertooth 2x60 model. If you want really want to up your game, these bad boys will deliver 60 amps continuous and 120 peak.

@BlazinH thank you for sharing your experience and thoughts. AFAIK the Arduino codes are limited, not all Saberthooths seem to be supported. BTW praising the Saberthooths for years is good as far there are practicable codes to use with. Today we can choose between some of them which is a lot. Anyway I never would claim the effort done by other users here at xsimulator.net, my thread only is written to help any newbies to make an easier decision.

I have a sabertooth 2x60 and an arduino laying around...currently using 2 JRK's....is there a good reason to switch over to the sabertooth or good reason not to?

As far as resolution, which am I better off with?

Hi I want to use a Sabertooth board on my project, but here in Brazil the Sabertooth 2x32 is really expensive, about ($250).
Would the Sabertooth 2x12 still be a better option than a MotoMonster? And what about the Sabertooth 2x12 R/C? I don't know the differences between them.

Thanks a lot.

are you just doing 2dof? MAybe look at JRK 12v2, you would need 1 per actuator and they are 99$ and you dont need an arduino

Yes I'll be making a 2DOF. But the thing is, I already have the Arduino UNO R3, so no cost for them. Also to buy JRKs I would need to import them and deal with taxes and maybe delays.
On the other hand I can find Sabertooth boards here in Brazil, I just need to know if 32A per channel is really necessary for what I want to do.

I'm thinking about buying motors close to this specs (not sure yet): "Gearmotor, Permanent-Magnetic Motor, 12V DC, 180W, .24HP, 50:1 ratio, 75-80 rpm."

Thanks again.

I also would like to know the difference between the Sabertooth 2x12 and the Sabertooth 2x12 R/C, and if both of them would fit my purposes, because I'm only finding the R/C model here.

Im not sure about the 2x12 stuff sorry. The 2x32 is a newer model. It has the ability to shunt regenerative current, eliminating the need for batteries. It is also good for 24v so it is much more flexable. the 2x32 has an r/c mode to accept signals from a radio reciever, maybe the 2x12 vs r/c does not have the ability to change that?

Thanks for your reply. I was looking at the codes available on the forum for Arduino + Sabertooth, and it looks like they are not compatible with the Sabertooth 2x12 R/C.
Better to stick with the 2x32 or 2x12. I just need to figure out if I'll need that much power or not.

Hello Snaker07, like you i'm looking for a good controller for my 2DOF sim and I think I'll buy a Sabertooth.
The two motors need 5A each so it would work with a 2*12A but I just read the datasheets and the 2*12A only works with battery supply.
I want to power it with a 230Vac /24Vdc supply so the model working with it is the 2*32A v3. I think you need to add resistor between regenerative current outputs and power input
Look at the Datasheet :

Sabertooth 2x32 are out of stock for a couple of months, and I'm thinking of biting the bullet and use the 2x60 to get me progressing through the build. I am currently putting together Kevinski ( Dr ADHD ) 4.5 DOF design as it looks awsome in his tutorials. Your thoughts on any potential noob pit falls ?