Do i need a shield?

Forum 2005-2010 (read only) General Frequently-Asked Questions
1

Hello Guys.

Do i need a shield to run a DC motor with my board?

  • Ka---ka
2

Well you don't have to use a shield to run just one DC motor.
You can use the L293 motor driver IC(http://akashxav.com/2009/04/18/arduino-l293d-dc-motor/)
But if you are planing to use more then one then it would be easier to use this shield : Motor Shield - Arduino motor/stepper/servo control

3

Depending on how much current the motor draws, you might be able to control it with just a transistor like the TIP120, and a diode and a couple of resistors.

4

There are basically four popular ways to go when wishing to build external components using an Arduino.

  1. Design and build your own custom made PCB.

  2. Buy a commercial shield that performs the function you want.
    Example: Breadboard - Classic - PRT-00112 - SparkFun Electronics

  3. Buy a protoshield and add your component design to it.
    Example: http://www.sparkfun.com/commerce/product_info.php?products_id=7914

  4. Use a commercial solderless breadboard and build your external components on it. Example: Breadboard - Classic - PRT-00112 - SparkFun Electronics

I tend to use 3 and 4. #4 to test out a circuit and then move it to #3 if I want a permanent module from the design.

Lefty