Quote:
Originally Posted by dcherba
Seems to me that there are two problems here.
1. small package high amp pwm controller (aka victor)
basic fault detection and over current limit
voltage control rather than straight pw as victor
wdt
other robot markets
2. added features can, ic2, encoders, software, control algorithms.
possible USB interface for broader appeal
Can the basic small package be built cheap, durable, and flexible enough to add the second set of features at a resonable cost
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Using modular components the cost will be slightly higher. However, I am quite confident we can make a module that takes PWM like the Victor and costs in the $100 range in small manufacturing quantity.
Anything more complicated like CAN, I2C, encoders, A/D, control algorithms, USB...all that adds costs like fancy 32bit processors and microcontrollers. In small quantities these things will drive up the costs over $100. Hard to get around it.
I'm not worried about the foot print or the durability. Hitting it with a big hammer will both make it smaller and test for durability.
That said I figure that teams would be willing to pay a little more for electronic motor controls if they work, if they are supported, and if they are reliable (course we have to prove that point by a show of endurance and that will take time). If the initial units are received well it'll be much easier to get additional investment to drive down the costs. So I'm not indicating these units will always be more expensive than the current selections. We just have to walk before we run.