2011 Minibot electronics

[Tom Line]

Originally Posted by JohnHorton

Well, a 9v regulator would work, but that isn't listed on the components allowed.I find it kind of odd they don't allow basic electronics (resistors, caps, etc.) for the minibot. Correct me if I'm wrong.

I think a simple DC loop of Battery - Lightswitch - motor(s) - back again might be the best, as far as electronics go.

I believe their assumption was that if you are using the NXT, it drives a PWM signal out (at least, I believe that's how it drives the servo motors used in FLL). You would use that to send the duty cycle to a motor controller which in turn would actually use the 12V battery to power the motors.

[ptan]

Originally Posted by Tom Line

I believe their assumption was that if you are using the NXT, it drives a PWM signal out (at least, I believe that's how it drives the servo motors used in FLL). You would use that to send the duty cycle to a motor controller which in turn would actually use the 12V battery to power the motors.

The allowed Tetrix motors are ordinary DC motors. You can power them directly from the 12V battery through a light switch if you wanted.

In FTC, the NXT connects to the HiTechnic motor controller which converts the I2C from the NXT brick to control an HBridge powering the DC Tetrix motors.