Connecting Two motors to one Jaguar Controller?
 

Well, we've been working on setting up our motor drive system and ran into a bit of a problem.

We've been running each motor to a single Jaguar, but now we're thinking one of the Jaguars might have died on us. I've heard varying opinions on this matter, and basically wanted to see if I could get some solid information.

Basically, would we be able to run both motors connected to a single Gearbox through a single Jaguar, or do we need two control modules, one for each motor on one side?

If we can do this, are there any adverse affects or downfalls, or anything that we should be aware of?

If we can consolidate each side to a single Jaguar, I think it'll make everything much easier, but I wanted to see if anyone has experience with this first before we try and push it.

Thanks for the time!

Re: Connecting Two motors to one Jaguar Controller?
 

One motor per Jaguar.

Re: Connecting Two motors to one Jaguar Controller?
 

As Mark pointed out, this would be illegal. Our team thought the same thing, luckily we double checked the manual. If you think that your part is dead, I would suggest a quick order to AndyMark.

Re: Connecting Two motors to one Jaguar Controller?
 

Actually, Andy-Mark does not sell Jaguars, you can order them at a specially discounted price for FRC from Digi-Key.

It looks like they only have the Black Jaguars in stock.

Re: Connecting Two motors to one Jaguar Controller?
 

I believe that rule says one controller per motor. I remember in 2005 we ran two FP motors on one victor because we got the 6V FP motors, and that was legal. I see no advantage to run two motors off of one controller other than cost savings.

The only repurcussion I can think of is that you'll only be able to utilize part of the power of two cims as your electrical power will be limited to ~420watts. Of course it will also be a whole lot easier to pop a single 40Amp breaker with 2 CIMs.

Re: Connecting Two motors to one Jaguar Controller?
 

Aye, but another rule specifically says no.

(emphasis mine)

Re: Connecting Two motors to one Jaguar Controller?
 

Are you sure? I don't remember any year where that configuration was legal.

Long story short, one controller to one motor. Thems the rules, and its the safe way do it.

Re: Connecting Two motors to one Jaguar Controller?
 

It may have been a special exception because some teams, like ours, got FP motors that were only rated to 6v, so running two in series gave you the same current draw at the same voltage as one 12v FP.

Re: Connecting Two motors to one Jaguar Controller?
 

you could use a victor, and plus black jaguars can work the same as other jaguars

Re: Connecting Two motors to one Jaguar Controller?
 

Running multiple motors of one Victor has never been allowed. No exceptions have ever been issued to bypass that rule. There was a rule exception issued that allowed teams to run 6v Fisher-Price motors at 12v, due to a mix-up in motor models supplied by F-P. But that exception did not allow teams to gang multiple motors on the same speed controller. If any teams were doing that, then their robots were in violation of the rules.

-dave



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Re: Connecting Two motors to one Jaguar Controller?
 

One motor per controller.