Can I control it with a joystick or an analogue voltage signal?
The KS250 has the IN5 analogue input and the PT500 has the E analogue input, and the function of this PT500 input can be customised for the user. A pot, a joystick pot or the output of a control board can be used as the analogue reference source; separating the signal and power return lines and running the cable twisted are critically important.
In analogue control the driver sets the motion parameter according to the level it sees at the input terminal. Points to watch when setting this up:
- Common reference: The chassis of the signal source and the chassis of the driver must meet at the same point. Otherwise the motor current creates a voltage on the return line and the reference shifts.
- Wiring: Run the analogue line with twisted, and if necessary shielded, cable; ground the shield at one end only, on the driver side. Keep it at least 50 mm away from the motor cable.
- Source selection: If you are going to use a joystick, prefer a model with a clear and repeatable centre position and a dead band; a mechanical structure that does not drift in a vibrating environment is important.
- Separating direction from speed: In these modules direction is given with digital inputs (IN1–IN4 on the KS250, A–D on the PT500) and the analogue input sets the level of the motion. Do not mix up the direction and level commands.
If your application wants behaviour outside the standard digital and analogue input combination, the programmable software of the PT500 comes into play; the input functions and motion logic can be customised to the requirement. In that case the healthiest way is to convey the expected behaviour (inputs, outputs, timing, limits) as a written scenario.
The full topic: DC Motor Driver Selection Guide