Yes. There are various Arduino models, with different power requirements and different memory amounts. Get one that is compatible with your requirements. The Duemilanove with a (replaceable) 328 chip is a good starting choice.
I fear that the robot programming is too large for it's memory. Are the required tasks that I lay out is small enough to fit into it's memory?
It does not take many instructions to turn a motor on or off. With two or 4 motors you get steering, too.
Reading a sensor or two does not require much programming, either. The thing that will take the most memory is the decision making code that you write to decide which motors to turn on and off, based on the readings from the sensors.
Therefore, your fears about running our of memory using an Arduino to control a robot are probably unfounded.
Now, if you add an LCD and WiFi shield to wirelessly communicate with the robot, things change. But, that's why the Mega, with 8K of memory is available.
On another note, the motor shield can power 2 12V DC motors.
Theoretically speaking (and pardon me, I have limited understanding of electronics) if I were to buy this Pololu - Tamiya 72101 Gear Head Motor + Sponge Tire Set and hook it to the shield, it shouldn't cause too much harm since from the product specs, it states that the recommended voltage is 7.2V.
Ah... Now I see where this voltage specs is going.
Just like any electronic product, a supply voltage lower then the specified one should be safe. So my guess is that anything below 12V (and below the DC motor requirement) should be safe for the shield then (as in not frying it)?
Nevertheless, I'll check back as soon as I get the product (in case I don't understand the product guide).
So my guess is that anything below 12V (and below the DC motor requirement) should be safe for the shield then (as in not frying it)?
Since speed, voltage, and current are inter-related, it is best to stick with a voltage (and minimum current) that matches that of the motor, provided that it is within the specs for the controller. Otherwise, the motor's performance will not be up to spec.
If the voltage and current for the motor are not within specs for the controller, you should use a different motor or controller.
One thing to watch for: motor controller chips tend to have rather modest (1 Amp or less) current capacity. The lower the voltage of the motor, the more current it takes to produce the same power. Several people have posted their disappointment at finding out that motors from toys designed to run off a couple or three batteries drew a lot more current than they expected. Sometimes enough to fry their motor controller chips.
The chips are usually rated for 25V or more, so you will usually find it better to shop for a higher-voltage motor if you have that voltage available.
That site doesn't seem to show any info on that board at all, so it's tricky to comment.
Why don't you post up full details of your robot etc.?
tbh if I were you I'd buy the Arduino first, then get used to programming it (maybe buy a starter kit with switches, leds, breadboard and jumper wires etc.). I'd also google lots of info on motor types and control methods too.
Okay, I just ordered a starter kit and a motor shield.
When I link a DC motor to the motor shield, can the shield ensure that the motor becomes bi-directional (through the programming) or do I need to get a motor specifically that is bi-directional?
@"ru" i aldready have a arduino and tried the blinky led thing and all other sorts of small projects for beginers
and i tried googling all the stuff tried to know about mosfets, h bridges and all other sorts and i'm not very clear about the motor sheild thats why i approached you people
