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[on:]

Hello,
My name is Matt. I'm starting a new project and was wondering if I could get some help from anyone that could offer it. I've been around electronics for a long time and I'm a big DIY gadget freak, but I've never used an Arduino or have done any type of programming. Basically, I just need answers to a few questions I have.  If anyone could point me in the right direction, I would very much appreciate it. I'll take as much advice as I an get.
I came across this dual motor control instructable...

http://www.instructables.com/id/Duel-Motor-Driver-with-Arduino-using-a-SN754410NE-/

I thought that it was absolutely perfect for what I need to base my next project off of. I would simply tweak the code a little to run the motors in the order and direction I need them to run. However, I need to ask a few questions as I am a novice when it comes to Arduinos... Here it goes, if I bought an Arduino Uno Rev 3 and the SN754410 chip (I already have motors, wires, etc), could I use the Uno to program the chip, then remove the board itself and have the chip run the code? Or do I need to keep the Arduino connected? If I can remove the Uno, what other components would I need to keep the code running on the SN754410 chip? If I do need the Uno, could I use the Arduino Uno to write the code into an Arduino Pro Mini and have that write it into the chip and just use the Pro Mini and the chip? I read a tutorial about integrating the Uno and the Pro Mini simply to copy a program from one to the other and then use the Pro Mini separately. Im trying to keep everything as small as possible and the Uno is simply too big for my project. So if you could help me out with this, I would be truly grateful.

Thank you so much and I hope to hear from you soon!

Happy New Years!!
Matt

[Reply #1 on:]

The SN754410 is a driver chip only - it takes logic inputs and amplifies to high current levels needed for motors - by itself it
does nothing.

[Reply #2 on:]

I see. What about using the Arduino Pro Mini with the chip?

Thank you for your help!

[Reply #3 on:]

Anyone?

[Reply #4 on:]

If you are looking to make a small circuit, you might consider building a standalone Arduino circuit with an ATTiny- see this video for more info:



http://fritzing.org also may be helpful for you

[Reply #5 on:]

That was incredibly helpful! But do you think it will store enough memory to run what I need it to? Controlling 2 micro motors with a certain pattern of function. e.g.. motor one rotates counterclockwise for .5 seconds then motor 2 rotates clockwise for .5 seconds, then motor one rotates clockwise for .5 seconds, then all of that from the end but in reverse (I hope that made sense haha).. Would that work on this chip?

But also, I want to know if my second question is still valid... Whether or not copying a code from an Uno to a Pro Mini then using just the Pro Mini and the SN754410 to control the motors? That would also keep things small (Not as small in the video, but still small).

Thanks!

[Reply #6 on:]

That was incredibly helpful! But do you think it will store enough memory to run what I need it to? Controlling 2 micro motors with a certain pattern of function. e.g.. motor one rotates counterclockwise for .5 seconds then motor 2 rotates clockwise for .5 seconds, then motor one rotates clockwise for .5 seconds, then all of that from the end but in reverse (I hope that made sense haha).. Would that work on this chip?

But also, I want to know if my second question is still valid... Whether or not copying a code from an Uno to a Pro Mini then using just the Pro Mini and the SN754410 to control the motors? That would also keep things small (Not as small in the video, but still small).

Thanks!

Memory wise: it should be able to, given that its nothing too extensive.

Code wise: again it should be able to, but keep in mind your pins. Im not sure if the Pro Mini has its PWM pins labeled or not, but they should be the same as on the UNO

[Reply #7 on:]

So it would be possible to transfer the code from the Uno to Pro Mini correct? If the pins are not labeled on the Pro Mini, couldn't I just check the datasheet? After installing the code onto the Pro Mini, I can use that and the SN754410 to control the motors correct? Id feel safer using the Pro Mini because I wouldn't have to worry about memory.

[Reply #8 on:]

Yes, yes, yes and that depends on your code. If it is a LONG code then you might have some memory issues, but from what your telling us, it won't be a problem.

[Reply #9 on:]

Whoow! Thank you very much for your help everyone! I really appreciate it!