RC transmitter to control motor driver

I want to build a robotic lawn mower. I have 2 24 volt motors which I want to use, steer it like a skid steer. I want to use an RC transmitter. I found a Sabertooth dual motor driver and just need to know how will the transmitter control it?

greggyc wrote:

I want to build a robotic lawn mower. I have 2 24 volt motors which I want to use, steer it like a skid steer. I want to use an RC transmitter. I found a Sabertooth dual motor driver and just need to know how will the transmitter control it?

The transmitter controls the machine with a receiver that receives the signal from the transmitter who sends a pulsed signal to the controllers or servos, also remote control lawnmowers are a horrible idea unless wired with multiple fail safes and remote lockouts in case of transmitter signal loss or power loss. If you are using a gasoline engine you need an isolated battery circuit to cut the engines ignition system in case of a transmitter failure or glitch. without these systems in place you are building a unguided weapon with a probable chance of damaging something or an animal or the operator.

Overall if you do not know how to make a SAFE remote control anything, i do not recommend you start with a lawnmower.

Thanks for the info. Let me clarify this project. I have been flying RC airplanes and heli's for 20 + years. I know radio control,I just didn't see hoe the receiver was hooked to the motor driver,like a servo is. Also I live in the country and am using an electric mower. I just want this for trimming under the pine trees and anything the JohnDeere cant get. I have no neighbors to the east, north, south is a pond and a valley between my west neighbor so if it gets away There would be no problems a shot gun couldn't resolve. I have used an ESC for a small electric plane. Now I know what I need. Thanks a lot guys.
Greg

What kind of radio and reciever do you use for your planes and heli's
A dx6i would probably be a really good investment for you as you could use it for planes and the mower
Like mentioned an rx with failsafes is probably a good idea
Mixed steering may be easier as well rather then tank

What kind of voltage are you running the drive motors amd what kind of gearbox? We can probably recomend you a better controller (nothing wrong with the saber tooth though)

i love that statement: it aint nothin a shotgun couldnt fix this thing seems osm

The radio I fly with is a JR. You cant use it for surface because it's for flying. If someone is flying it could cause them to crash. Not that anyone fly's out here that I know of but I wouldn't want to take that chance. I am going to have to buy a surface radio.
The motors I have are 24 volt with a gear reduction. A friend of mine gave them to me. He worked at an elevator company. Dont know what they were for but I think they will work. Thats why Im trying to get as much info as I can.I'm open to suggestions.
Greg

The motors are 24 volt dc and 1.7 amps. There pretty big, they weigh 6.2 lbs. each. they turn 1725 rpm and then are reduced to 57 rpm. Should give me plenty of torque. I will have to run 2 12 volt lawn tractor type batteries in series to power it up. The mower itself is a Black and Decker and it has a 12 volt motor to run the blade.
I guess I'll build the mower then work on the control system. I have a million other projects going on too. Ill check out the dx6i as you suggested. I guess I'm behind on the radio's since I dont fly anywhere but here. Just to busy to join any clubs. Thanks for the help!
Greg

This's sound pretty awesome now that I know you have an idea of what your doing haha

If you could it built and measure the current draw, then you could pick a controller that can handle that kind of power

It's probably going to be painfully slow which isnt a terrible thing

If you really wanted to get fancy you could easily make the blade remote controlled as well

Hmm brushless law mower...

I didnt mean to come off harsh some people jump into projects well over their heads i am one of them. as for your concept i would like to see some sort of deck height adjustment that would be cool