ServoPal getting VERY VERY Hot

DiablodeMorte

I've been using my servoPal for a few weeks now. It worked perfectly when I used it to control the Boebot so when I started a new project recently I decided to use the servoPal again. The motor controller I am using is not one that I'm used to using, I got it from my school. When I hooked the motor and the controller and the servoPal and the Basic Stamp up to a battery the servoPal drove the motors through the motor controller. Imagine my surprise however when the battery accidentally came unplugged.. But the motors ran anyway, the only power source was the one supplying the boebot. I thought it was interesting that the motor controllers would actually try to draw power from the BoeBot. I didn't see anything fail, and the lights on the boebot didn't flicker so I assumed that everything was fine... That is until I accidently brushed the servoPal and it was about 150 degrees. How can I stop this? I assume the servoPal doesn't like being that hot... I'd assume that when the motor controller is actually connected to real power it wouldn't try to draw power from the boeBot.. But what do I do if it does continue to?

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Current Projects:
Robot Control Via Skype API - Dev Stage(50% Complete) - Total(25%)
Robot Localization Via Xbee's - Research Stage
IR Tracking with Propeller - Research Stage

Mike Green

The ServoPAL should not have to supply any significant amount of power to the servo. It's simply not designed for that. There's something very wrong about your setup and your motor controller in particular. I strongly suggest you do not use that controller until you figure out what's wrong. Start with the controller manual to see what should be connected to what.

Chris Savage

It would also help to know the model of the motor controller you’re using.

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Chris Savage
Parallax Tech Support