How to Use Sumo Robot Controller R1.1: Examples, Pinouts, and Specs

The Sumo Robot Controller R1.1 by Cytron (Part ID: Sumo Robot) is a microcontroller-based control board specifically designed for Sumo robots. It integrates motor drivers, sensor inputs, and other essential features to simplify the development of competitive Sumo robots. This controller is ideal for robotics enthusiasts and professionals looking to build compact, efficient, and responsive robots for Sumo competitions.

• Sumo Robot Competitions: Designed to meet the requirements of autonomous Sumo robot challenges.
• Educational Robotics: A great tool for learning about motor control, sensor integration, and embedded systems.
• Prototyping: Suitable for small robotic projects requiring motor control and sensor feedback.

• Microcontroller: PIC16F877A (8-bit microcontroller)
• Motor Driver: Dual-channel H-bridge motor driver (L298N)
• Input Voltage: 7V to 12V DC
• Motor Output: Supports two DC motors with up to 2A per channel
• Sensor Inputs: 5 analog inputs for IR sensors or other analog devices
• Digital I/O: 4 digital pins for additional sensors or actuators
• Communication: UART interface for debugging or external communication
• Dimensions: 80mm x 60mm
• Weight: 50g

The Sumo Robot Controller R1.1 features a variety of pins for motor control, sensor inputs, and communication. Below is the pin configuration:

1. Powering the Board: Connect a DC power supply (7V to 12V) to the VIN and GND pins.
2. Connecting Motors: Attach the DC motors to the M1+/M1- and M2+/M2- terminals.
3. Adding Sensors: Connect analog sensors (e.g., IR sensors) to the A0 to A4 pins. Ensure the sensors are powered correctly.
4. Programming the Microcontroller: Use a PIC programmer to upload your code to the PIC16F877A microcontroller.
5. Debugging: Use the UART TX and RX pins to communicate with a PC or external device for debugging.

• Voltage Limits: Ensure the input voltage does not exceed 12V to avoid damaging the board.
• Motor Current: Do not exceed 2A per motor channel to prevent overheating the motor driver.
• Sensor Placement: Place sensors strategically on the robot for optimal performance in Sumo competitions.
• Heat Dissipation: If motors are running continuously, consider adding a heatsink to the motor driver.

Although the Sumo Robot Controller R1.1 uses a PIC microcontroller, it can interface with an Arduino UNO for additional functionality. Below is an example code snippet to control the motors using the Arduino:

// Define motor control pins
#define M1_PIN1 3  // Motor 1 forward
#define M1_PIN2 4  // Motor 1 reverse
#define M2_PIN1 5  // Motor 2 forward
#define M2_PIN2 6  // Motor 2 reverse

void setup() {
  // Set motor pins as outputs
  pinMode(M1_PIN1, OUTPUT);
  pinMode(M1_PIN2, OUTPUT);
  pinMode(M2_PIN1, OUTPUT);
  pinMode(M2_PIN2, OUTPUT);
}

void loop() {
  // Move forward
  digitalWrite(M1_PIN1, HIGH);
  digitalWrite(M1_PIN2, LOW);
  digitalWrite(M2_PIN1, HIGH);
  digitalWrite(M2_PIN2, LOW);
  delay(2000); // Move forward for 2 seconds

  // Move backward
  digitalWrite(M1_PIN1, LOW);
  digitalWrite(M1_PIN2, HIGH);
  digitalWrite(M2_PIN1, LOW);
  digitalWrite(M2_PIN2, HIGH);
  delay(2000); // Move backward for 2 seconds

  // Stop
  digitalWrite(M1_PIN1, LOW);
  digitalWrite(M1_PIN2, LOW);
  digitalWrite(M2_PIN1, LOW);
  digitalWrite(M2_PIN2, LOW);
  delay(1000); // Stop for 1 second
}

1. Motors Not Running:

   • Check the power supply voltage and ensure it is within the 7V to 12V range.
   • Verify motor connections to the M1+/M1- and M2+/M2- terminals.
   • Ensure the motor driver is not overheating.

2. Sensors Not Responding:

   • Confirm the sensors are powered and connected to the correct analog input pins (A0 to A4).
   • Check the sensor output voltage to ensure it is within the microcontroller's ADC range.

3. Microcontroller Not Responding:

   • Verify the code is correctly uploaded to the PIC16F877A.
   • Check the UART connections if debugging via TX/RX pins.

4. Overheating Motor Driver:

   • Ensure the motor current does not exceed 2A per channel.
   • Add a heatsink or cooling fan if necessary.

• Use a multimeter to check voltage levels at various points on the board.
• Test the motors and sensors individually to isolate issues.
• If the board is unresponsive, try resetting the microcontroller or re-uploading the firmware.

This documentation provides a comprehensive guide to using the Sumo Robot Controller R1.1 effectively. For further assistance, refer to the official Cytron support resources.