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Parallax HB-25 Motor Controller

A.P.A. Robotics

Project Overview: APA has attempted to add a Parallax HB-25 motor controller in order to
allow for: 1. Conversion of a standard PWM signal to voltage ramped up or down via the Cortex
controller. 2. Removing the drive system power from the robot controller power source
helping to prevent the over-amp problem associated with the Cortex controller and the 393
VEX motors.
Materials Setup: A motor controller is connected to the Cortex robot controller via a three
wire PWM extender. The motor controller is connected directly to a 7.2 volt battery. A PWM
signal is sent from the Cortex to the motor controller, this controls the output from the motor
controller to a gear-head motor. A motor controller is able to reverse polarity output (unlike
some H-Bridge controllers, in order to reverse the motor.
Documentation seems to indicate that any PWM motor controller may be used with brushed
motors. However; using a VEX motor on the motor controller will likely not be effective, as the
VEX motor is designed to run directly off of a PWM system; as opposed to increasing and
decreasing voltage, as is the case with a brushed motor.
HB-25 Motor Controller and Mounting Bracket

Ordering Available At:

http://www.parallax.com/Store/Accessories/MotorServos/tabid/163/CategoryID/57/List/0/Sor
tField/0/catpageindex/1/Level/a/ProductID/740/Default.aspx,
Cost, $54.99 per. unit.

Motor Controller Specifications From the

Parallax Web Site
Motor Size: 0.5 HP Max - No Minimum
Motor Supply: 6.0 VDC min - 16.0 VDC max
Load Current: 25 A Continuous 35 A Surge
(13.8 VDC)
Standby Current: 50 mA @ 6 VDC; 80 mA @
13.8 VDC (fan on)
PWM Frequency: 9.2 kHz

Fuse: Mini ATC Standard with (1) 25A Fuse

Cooling: Forced Air - Ball Bearing Fan
Terminals: Screw Post at a 35 A Rating
A single BASIC Stamp port can control two
HB-25 modules
Connector allows the ability to daisy chain
up to two HB-25 modules
Weight: 2.5oz (71 grams)

Pulse Input: 1.0ms Full Reverse, 1.5ms

Neutral (off), 2.0ms Full Forward

Mounting: 2ea 6-32 screws on .800" centers

Pulse Refresh Rate: Single Pulse Operation

Power Requirements: 6 VDC (min) to 16

VDC (max)

Modes: Single/Dual Motor Control

Protection Circuits: Over Voltage, Over
Current, Over Heating
Fault Reset: Automatic
Indicators: Power (green), Fault (red)

Communication: Standard Servo Pulse (1.0

ms to 2.0 ms)
Dimensions: 1.6 x 1.6 x 1.9 in (40 x 40 x 50
mm)
Operating Temperature: +32 to +158 F (0
to +70 C)

Additional Information on the Parallax Motor Controller Available At:

http://www.parallax.com/Portals/0/Downloads/docs/prod/motors/HB-25MotorControllerV1.2.pdf
Warnings:
1. Turn controller on prior to energizing motors. Otherwise, the motor controller will not
make contact with the robot controller.
2. Due to the 30 amp max discharge of the 7.2 volt battery, 25 amp fuses in the motor
controller are provided with the motor controller. This allows both motors to stall,
producing approximately 10 amps, without blowing fuse; however, the fuse will blow if
a battery short exists.
3. With the 25 amp fuse, the 10 amp motors may be susceptible to overheating damage
if left in the stall position for an excessive amount of time. Teams may want to
experiment with a 10-15 amp fuse.