Hi,
I have recently started an obstacle avoiding car project. Being a beginner this project seemed interesting to me so I got all the materials.
After I had mounted the l293d module (which I now know is a stupid choice for a motor driver) over the arduino, the arduino somehow lost power.
I had hooked up the arduino to my computer and the l293d to a pair of 18650 batteries (full charge btw) with the pwr jumper off...
Why is this happening?
If your L293D is being powered by the battery (and not the Arduino), then the battery is too weak to supply the power needed by the motor driver and the Arduino, creating a brown-out condition.
Use a 6xAA battery pack for a 7.8vdc output (when fresh).
If your L293D is being powered by the Arduino, stop now. Get a 6xAA to directly power the L293D and also the Arduino.
But the guy in the video said to use 18650, which, when at full charge supplies 8.4 V
How come that guy's module worked with a pair of 18650 batteries, but mine doesn't?
The l293d is working fine, but it is useless without arduino which doesn't seem to work..
Two 18650 will work... time to figure out why the L293D is taking all the power...
Which kit are you using? Elegoo? Lafvin? other??
I am actually not using a kit...
I ordered a bunch of stuff from my local electronics provider, I ordered all this stuff from him (as it was cheaper) and I am using youtube as my guide to projects
The video I'm following- https://youtu.be/1n_KjpMfVT0?si=N9OMf7WJkp4gzTNN
Should I consider connecting the l293d to a pair of 18650 batteries (as before) and this time, powering the arduino with a 9V battery?
You should make a project drawing of all your devices, the pins being used and the connections being made. This is where we will know if you are connecting it right.
The motor driver board should have its own power supply. The 18650s are good for this (keep the 18650 charged). The L293D will make the 8.4v sag to near 6v.
The 9vdc battery will not last long powering the arduino. Try it, but keep looking for a better battery solution (you can use the 18650, but the L293D puts noise on the connections.
Be sure to verify the arduino is good, then add one device and verify that device on its own, repeat for the other devices.
Thanks for the advice!
I found replacing the l293d to be the best option, I borrowed one actually and found that my project was working!
One question tho, why does the l293d waste so much voltage and provide super less power? What could be a better alternative to this driver that could also drive 4 motors?
I also want to be able to control motor speed, like with the l293d so drv8833 is out of question....
This might answer your questions...
This v1 L293 motor shield has been replaced a long time ago with the v2 with mosfet drivers.
The v1 is still around, because... it's cheaper.
A poor man buys twice.
Leo..
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should i buy v2? what is a good volt/ current draw per channel?
Because it's a 50 year old chip. Times have changed.
Mosfets are much more efficient at lower voltages (v2.3 uses mosfet drivers).
Your car should drive faster, and longer if the battery voltage begins to sag.
Leo..
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