Vex and IFI 883

[agdros]

Hello,

I built a movie prop robot. Using Vex to automate a few things and make life easy. Because the robot weighs about 150lbs I am using 2 IFI 883 motor controllers to drive the feet. (Arcade mode)
The IFI 883's are connected to the vex using the signal driver cables available from IFI.

My problem is, I get a very loud audible noise from the IFI 883's and I would love to eliminate or reduce the sound. I know it has something to do with the PWM signal being 120hz, but thats where my understanding drifts off...

Looking for helpful suggestions.

Thanks

[BMX670]

Are you using Vex motors and servos to control your robot? If so, they usually emit a beep/whine noise, and there isn't much you can do about it. The microcontroller itself isn't capable of making noise. It may or may not be practical to use nonvex motors for your machine, but you could buy less noisy ones. you can get the motors to shut up when they are still, but they will make that noise when they are moving no matter what.

[Lowfategg]

I don't think vex motors are going to move a 150 lb robot. :P

I used victors with the fans still mounted on them and they don't seem to make any whining nosies. You probably should look into some different motor controllers.

[lyncas]

The Victors' whine is common to most speed controllers and varies depending on the current and motor being driven.

There are many speed controllers at the $100 price tag similar to Victors. However I doubt you will find one quite as reliable as a Victor.

Jaguars are a brand new controller that are slightly less noisy (reliability is still to be determined), http://www.luminarymicro.com/jaguar

RobotMarketplace has a variety of speed controller options,
http://www.robotmarketplace.com/products/speed_controllers_main.html

[yongkimleng]

Maybe you can try RoboteQ controllers, read that they are made for such purposes, though they seem pricey to me