The SSCR_1 is one of the more basic speed controllers in the ARM range of products but don't think this means it's not cram pack full of features to help improve your robot. The SSCR_1 achieves a current handling of 10 Amps continuously, this is from the use of a 10 Amp relay and a 24 Amp MOSFET. Combined with the power output stage of this speed controller is the use of a MCU (mini computer) that controls the speed of your motor through the use of high frequency PWM, this provides a very smooth and fine motor control. Being a serial speed controller it's possible to control the SSCR 1 from a multitude of devices such as your PC, Basic Stamp 1 and 2, PIC and loads more. The SSCR_1 could even be combined with a serial Modem so you can link your robot to your PC wirelessly. There is also a Windows PC program that is freely available to control the SSCH_1 speed controller that can also be used to control this speed controller (the SSCR_1) this can be downloaded from this web site(see further down the page for details). The SSCR_1 speed controller can operate on voltages from 10 to 14 volts. It's best combined with a 12 Volt lead acid battery for optimum performance.
The PIC KIT is for those people that wish to build the electronics themselves. The kit comes supplied with full working drawings of the electronics and PCB layouts along with a pre-programmed PIC chip. All you need to provide is some electronic components and the tools to make it.
Note: please note that this kit dose NOT come with any of the electronics components or PCB needed to the build the speed controller other then the PIC chip.
This software has been designed to allow easy control of your SSCH_1 speed controller from a Windows PC but can also be used with the SSCR_1 speed controller. This software is provided free and as such comes with no warranties what so ever. It is also possible to program new controller numbers from this software.
To reprogram the speed controller number simply send the decimal number 250 to the SSCR_1 speed controller from any PC serial port using a terminal program. After sending this number you will be asked to assign a new controller number to the SSCR_1 speed controller, you should then send a decimal number from 200 to 220. This number is what determines which speed controller the instructions are meant for i.e. 200, 201 or 202 and so on. A maximum of 20 (controller numbers from 200 to 220) SSCR_1 speed controllers can be connected to one RS232 serial port.
Sending the decimal number 251 will stop ALL speed controllers that are connected to the serial port the instruction was directed too to stop all power output to your motors. Thus acting as an emergency stop button to stop your motors.
These are commands that have been allocated for future use, but as yet are not in use and sending these commands to a SSCR_1 speed controller will do nothing.
This decimal number from 0 to 90 sets that speed at which your motor will turn. If you send 0 your motor will not turn but if you send 90 your motor will turn as fast as it can in your chosen direction. And all numbers between these values will give you either a higher or lower speed.
The order in which these commands are sent to the SSCR_1 speed controller is vital for proper operation. Below is the order in which you must send the codes from your RS232 serial source:
Below is an example for a motor going forwards at half speed (45) and a speed controller with the Controller Number of 200
Above is a diagram of the controller board. It is possible to take the RS232 data to and from the board direct instead of using the provided serial connector. To do this first locate the serial header connection block as shown in the above diagram, it will be just behind the serial connector and consists of 3 pins.
The Baud Rate at which the SSCR_1 speed controller communicates may be changed to one of three settings, 2400 Baud, 4800 Baud and 9600 Baud.
Setting the Baud is a very simple task and is very fail safe. Simply send the decimal number 240, this sets the SSCR_1 speed controller into reprogram mode, you can then send the following decimal number to set the Baud Rate: 24 for 2400 Baud, 48 for 4800 Baud and 96 for 9600 Baud.
It is important that once the SSCR_1 is set into Baud reprogram mode that you only send one of the above numbers, otherwise you will not be able to communicate with SSCR_1. If at boot time the SSCR_1 detects that an invalid Baud rate setting has been programmed into it, it will default back to 9600.
After you have finished reprogramming Baud Rate setting you must restart the SSCR_1 speed controller by removing all power to the board. At the next boot time your new Baud Rate will be implemented.
Restart the SSCR_1 by removing all power, reconnect power after a few seconds and your new Baud Rate settings will be implemented.