How to Buy Robot Speed Controls

Robot speed controls monitor the speed of your robot's motor. Understanding speed controls if you intend to build your own can be very complicated, but simply buying a speed control is usually just a matter of deciding between single speed and dual speed. New technology, however, may open up many more options for robot speed controls in the near future.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Know the difference between a closed loop or feedback speed controller and an open loop speed controller. A closed loop controller measures the actual speed of the motor, while the open loop does not.
2. Define how much space a speed controller will need. If you can only accommodate a small speed controller, you may need to go with a small, single speed control out of necessity. If you have more space, you will have more options for voltage and current.
3. Decide if you want an open loop or closed loop speed control. Closed loop speed controls are more complicated and have some advantages, but it may not be necessary that you have a closed loop control on simple robots.
4. Decide if you want a single speed or dual speed control if you're shopping for the simplest options. Dual speed controls are handy and versatile, but will generally cost more than $200. You can obtain a good single speed control for under $100.
5. Evaluate your needs for current and voltage. Sophisticated speed controls come adaptable to multiple levels of current and voltage depending on your needs, or you may need to shop around. Generally the more adaptable a controller, the more expensive it will be.
6. Look for an invertible speed control if your robot is able to be inverted. An invertible robot needs a special speed control to allow you to drive it normally when the robot is inverted.
7. Watch for upcoming hybrid technology in speed controls. Hybrid speed controls are being developed by a number of engineers, and you may be able to find some innovative models available depending on how hard you look.