What to do with regenerative current while driver is un-powered but the motors are turned

Sometimes you will want to move your robot or vehicle while it is unpowered. The current generated when the motors spin could have the potential to harm the Sabertooth or SyRen motor driver.

To alleviate this, you can build a simple circuit using a switch and diode. The diode should be 40-60V, ~5A. See attached diagram for circuit.

[Battery disconnect switches must be rated for the max current of the particular motor driver you're using. For example, a dual 25A Sabertooth (50A peak rating per channel) requires a 100A switch.]

Attachments:
regen_current_sink.png