How to Use victor spx: Examples, Pinouts, and Specs

The Victor SPX is a compact, high-performance motor controller designed for controlling brushed DC motors in robotics and other applications. It is part of the Cross The Road Electronics (CTRE) product line and is widely used in competitive robotics, such as FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC). The Victor SPX offers advanced features like built-in current sensing, support for both PWM and CAN communication, and optimized efficiency for reliable motor control.

• Robotics (e.g., FRC robots)
• Industrial automation
• Remote-controlled vehicles
• Educational projects involving motor control
• Prototyping and testing of brushed DC motor systems

The Victor SPX is designed to deliver reliable performance in demanding environments. Below are its key technical specifications:

The Victor SPX has a simple pinout for easy integration into your system. Below is the pin configuration:

The Victor SPX is versatile and can be used in a variety of configurations. Below are the steps and best practices for using the Victor SPX in a circuit.

1. Power Supply: Connect the power supply to the Power Input (+) and Power Input (-) terminals. Ensure the voltage is within the 6V to 16V range.
2. Motor Connection: Connect the brushed DC motor to the Motor Output (+) and Motor Output (-) terminals.
3. Control Signal:
   • For PWM control, connect the PWM signal to the PWM Input pin.
   • For CAN communication, connect the CAN High (CANH) and CAN Low (CANL) lines to your CAN bus.
4. Verify Connections: Double-check all connections to ensure proper polarity and secure wiring.

• Current Limits: Ensure the motor's current draw does not exceed the Victor SPX's continuous current rating of 60A.
• Thermal Management: Avoid placing the Victor SPX in enclosed spaces without ventilation, as it may overheat under heavy loads.
• PWM Signal: Use a PWM signal with a pulse width between 1ms (full reverse) and 2ms (full forward). A 1.5ms pulse width corresponds to neutral (no movement).
• CAN Configuration: If using CAN communication, ensure the device ID is properly configured using CTRE's Phoenix Tuner software.

Below is an example of how to control a Victor SPX using an Arduino UNO with a PWM signal:

// Example: Controlling Victor SPX with Arduino UNO
// This code generates a PWM signal to control motor speed and direction.

const int pwmPin = 9; // PWM output pin connected to Victor SPX PWM Input

void setup() {
  pinMode(pwmPin, OUTPUT); // Set the PWM pin as an output
}

void loop() {
  // Full forward (2ms pulse width)
  analogWrite(pwmPin, 255); // 100% duty cycle
  delay(2000); // Run for 2 seconds

  // Neutral (1.5ms pulse width)
  analogWrite(pwmPin, 191); // 75% duty cycle (approx. 1.5ms pulse width)
  delay(2000); // Run for 2 seconds

  // Full reverse (1ms pulse width)
  analogWrite(pwmPin, 127); // 50% duty cycle
  delay(2000); // Run for 2 seconds
}

• The analogWrite() function generates a PWM signal with an 8-bit resolution (0-255).
• Adjust the duty cycle values to fine-tune the motor's speed and direction.

1. Motor Not Running

   • Cause: Incorrect wiring or no PWM signal.
   • Solution: Verify all connections and ensure the PWM signal is within the valid range (1ms to 2ms).

2. Overheating

   • Cause: Excessive current draw or poor ventilation.
   • Solution: Check the motor's current requirements and ensure proper airflow around the Victor SPX.

3. CAN Communication Not Working

   • Cause: Incorrect device ID or wiring.
   • Solution: Use CTRE's Phoenix Tuner to configure the device ID and verify CAN bus wiring.

4. Erratic Motor Behavior

   • Cause: Noise in the PWM signal or power supply instability.
   • Solution: Use shielded cables for the PWM signal and ensure a stable power supply.

Q: Can the Victor SPX control brushless motors?
A: No, the Victor SPX is designed specifically for brushed DC motors.

Q: How do I update the firmware on the Victor SPX?
A: Use CTRE's Phoenix Tuner software to update the firmware via the CAN interface.

Q: What is the maximum cable length for the PWM signal?
A: It is recommended to keep the PWM cable length under 3 feet to minimize signal degradation.

Q: Can I use the Victor SPX with a 24V motor?
A: No, the Victor SPX supports a maximum input voltage of 16V. Using a 24V motor may damage the controller.

By following this documentation, you can effectively integrate the Victor SPX into your projects and troubleshoot common issues.