Robot MarketPlace - Scorpion XXL Speed Controller

Introducing the Scorpion XXL, a direct replacement for the XL, for those who need a higher-current handling speed controller.

The XXL can handle up to 20A continuous per side. Otherwise it is exactly the same as the XL, except the battery terminal has been removed and replaced by pigtail 12" wires to handle the additional current.

The Robot Power Scorpion XXL is a perfect solution for those robots in the 1 to 12 pound classes. It may be used on robots up to 30 pounds or more, as long as the motor current limits are respected. By using the latest automotive-rated power chips the Scorpion XXL is able to offer features, power handling and load protection unprecedented in any controller of this size.

The built-in drive and mixing functions allow an all-in-one solution for small robots previously unavailable at any price.
    • Exponential Steering response option (helps with fine control)
    • Left/Right Mix (default - one input acts as steering and one as throttle)
    • Mixed Mirror Left (left mixed output sent to both output channels)
    • Mixed Mirror Right
    • Left/Right independent (Tank)
    • Mirror (both outputs mirror a single input)

Features
• Size: 2.7” x 1.6” x .825”
• Weight: 40 grams with servo leads
• Three R/C input leads for
     - Left and Right Drive - fully reversible H-bridge channels
    - Flip Control - reverses controls if robot is flipped over (optional)
    - Serial I/O - Flip input doubles as TTL serial I/O port
• 4.8V to 28V battery voltage
• 20A continuous current
• Full current limiting and over temp limiting. This thing is nearly blow proof!
• Surface mount drive chips mounted on the bottom of the board for reliability and to reduce the size of the unit
• Flip input reverses motor direction when the robot is inverted. May be operated via an R/C channel or via a mechanical (gravity) or optical etc. switch
• 2 Indicator LEDs for Left/Right speed and direction. A status LED shows the R/C signal status and other information
• Left/Right channel mixing is the default – many mixing modes are available set by jumpers
• Receiver battery eliminator circuit (BEC) standard – may be disabled.
• Failsafe shuts off motors if R/C signal is lost
• Calibration function to match Scorpion to your radio or other signal source - settings stored in EEPROM
• FLASH-based microcontroller with upgradeable software via in-circuit programming header
• Hardware support for I2C/SPI command interfaces
• Hardware support for analog current sensing
• Hardware support for dual-channel quadrature encoders
• Analog voltage feedback inputs built in

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6/7/2009

Glen

A++

ive bought 3 of these now. i actually bought 1 and lent it to fellow competitors and they loved it so much they bought it off me! that happened twice.

i use it in a 30lb spinner robot with 18v drill drives using 21v a123 packs. havent had an issue to date aside from the terminal blocks seperating.

if you want to use it in a current hungry robot you have to modify a few things (use an external bec among them) but none the less a great product

i only give it 4.5 because the regulator is a bit annoying. a standard size (1amp or so) one would top it off nicely!

5/14/2009

TeamSlaughterhouse

Good Speed Controller

It is a good speed controller. It is really easy to configure and install. The over current protection works very well. I have not blown one yet. I wish it were a little smaller, but it's the smallest thing out there that has its specifications.

On both my XXL and XL, the Flip function does not work. I have heard that it is a problem with the first generation units. This is what made me give it 4.5 stars rather than 5.

5/14/2009

Alex U

I have used this speed controller with mixed results. The one issue with this esc compared with other common speed controllers of the class is its complexity, there are very simple speed controllers out there that are simply plug and play.

The other issue with this esc is that both drive channels are tied together. This means if one set of FETS go you will will need to replace the entire unit.

Overall I was not pleased with this product due to its design, ease of use, and complexity.