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Unread 31-01-2007, 11:06
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Re: PWM, victors and motors

I'm sure someone else can provide a detailed answer, but I'll give a quick one.

When you set a PWM output from 0 to 255 you are not setting voltage or current What you're actually setting is the duty cycle output of the Victor to the motor. Duty cycle is a percentage and the rough equation is (On Time)/(Off Time).

Examples:
  • PWM Value: 127
    Duty Cycle: 0 %
  • PWM Value: 255
    Duty Cycle: 100% (Normal polarity)
  • PWM Value: 0
    Duty Cyle: 100% (Reverse polarity)
The current a motor draws is related to the amount of power required to turn the output shaft. The more friction in the mechanism the higher the current draw will be. This is a mechanical issue not a programming issue.
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