REV-31-1230-QS-01
Copyright © 2018 REV Robotics, LLC
1
SPARKmini MOTOR CONTROLLER
QUICK START GUIDE
The SPARKmini Motor Controller is an inexpensive in-line brushed DC motor controller designed to give
FIRST®
Tech
Challenge teams more bang for their buck. It offers the same performance characteristics as the REV Expansion Hub
motor ports in a small 60mm x 22mm footprint. Now FTC teams can add a SPARKmini Motor Controller to utilize more
than four DC motors from a single Expansion Hub in a space-efficient package.
This Quick Start Guide gives a brief overview of the SPARKmini features and the necessary information to get started.
POWER AND MOTOR CONNECTIONS
The SPARKmini has three integrated wires with connectors dedicated to power, control, and the motor; one XT30
connector for power, one 3-wire servo-PWM connector for control, and one JST-VH connector for the motor. Figure 1
shows each of these connections.
Figure 1 - SPARKmini Connection Diagram
Connect the power wire to a free XT30 port on the REV Expansion Hub (REV-31-1153) or through an XT30 Power
Distribution Block (REV-31-1293). Connect the control wire to an open servo port on the REV Expansion Hub and the
motor wire a JST-VH port on a motor, like the REV HD Hex Motor (REV-41-1301) or the REV Core Hex Motor (REV-41-
1300).
CAUTION
DO NOT reverse polarity on the power input connections. The SPARKmini does not contain reverse polarity
protection. This can permanently damage the SPARKmini and will void the warranty.
CAUTION
DO NOT swap the motor and power connections. This can result in uncontrolled motor operation and can permanently
damage the SPARKmini, voiding the warranty.
Control
PWM
/
o
Serv
Power
30
XT
Motor
JST VH
ROBOTICS
PO
W
ER
M
OT
OR
C
B
