Q

Are the Speed Controller circuits on this website easy to construct?

A

They look simple in schematic form but when you come to build them on veroboard take care and plan beforehand as they are quite complicated. Solder carefully and use a colour code system for your jumper wires. Fit all IC’s to sockets for testing purposes and so you can see where they need to be on your layout. You initial power up should be with all IC’s removed, check that all supply voltages are deliverd to the correct pins and not shorted to other pins. When all is OK fit the IC’s one at a time powering up each time so that you can test the operation of the IC and to make sure it does not pull down the power rails

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Do these circuits work?

The circuit on this website have been designed by me (unless otherwise specified) as a DIY project, this means that they may not be as reliable as a commercial equivalent but they represent good value for money. They do work quite well, the main problem that causes un-reliability is poor construction. This issue will be delt with eventually as I do intend to produce a PCB and Heatsink drilling patterns when the design is finalised. Currently it is well worth building if you have the time and ability.

Do I need the DCI111 form 4QD?

No. This is just the method that I chose to create the differential steering (or skid steering)  that I require for this Robot. There are other methods available

What parts do I need to build a complete system?

A

Have a look at the block diagram on the Speed Controller page. You will require 1 DCI111, and 2 complete speed controllers.