Turn motor on/off without Jaguar

[WarehouseCrew]

Is there a less expensive component than a speed controller (Jaguar) to control a motor that only requires on/off capabilities (and allowed by FIRST)?

In the past we have used Jaguars, but these seems like overkill if you don't need to control RPM.

[Thad House]

You can use a spike relay to do exactly that. One was included in your KOP.

[Ether]

Originally Posted by WarehouseCrew

Is there a less expensive component than a speed controller (Jaguar) to control a motor that only requires on/off capabilities (and allowed by FIRST)?

In the past we have used Jaguars, but these seems like overkill if you don't need to control RPM.

It depends. What motor are you going to use and how do you intend to use it?

http://www.chiefdelphi.com/forums/sh...21&postcount=6

[kws4000]

Remember, some of the larger motors are required to be put on speed controllers just because of the current draw.

I recall for a fact mentioning FP on Spikes in 2010, and I was imediatly rectified on that before my question on programming was answered. CIMs belong on speed controllers and probably the 775, maybe the 550, but most other motors will work fine on Spikes.

We found out the hard way that window motors under serious load will work best on Victors.

Hope it helps!

[Al Skierkiewicz]

The only motors required by the rules to be on Speed Controllers are the CIM and FP motors.

[R50]
All electrical loads (motors, actuators, compressors, electric solenoids) must be supplied by an approved power
regulating device (speed controller, relay module, or Digital Sidecar PWM port) that is controlled by the cRIO on the
Robot.
a. Each CIM motor and Fisher-Price motor must be connected to one and only one approved speed controller.
These motors must not be connected to relay modules.

[Newo95]

I agree with all of these replies. If you can, use a spike. Otherwise, I believe victors are fairly inexpensive (compared to jags).

[Joe Ross]

Originally Posted by Newo95

I agree with all of these replies. If you can, use a spike. Otherwise, I believe victors are fairly inexpensive (compared to jags).

With the FIRST discount, a jaguar is $85, and a Victor is $89.99.

[Ether]

Originally Posted by Newo95

I believe victors are fairly inexpensive (compared to jags).

Can someone please confirm**. Is the following information still correct?

Jaguar discount price $85
http://www.chiefdelphi.com/forums/sh...93&postcount=8

Victor price $89.99
http://www.vexrobotics.com/victor-speed-controller.html

... or is VEX offering an FRC discount, or has TI discontinued their discount?

** Joe beat me to it. But I'll leave the post up for the links