Hi guys, I am working on my project and I would need to ask some questions.
My project is Dual axis solar tracking system. I am making use of 12v 5A DC wiper motors. I am using a 2 sets of H-bridge connection with Mosfets (IRF530) and 12v 7A external battery. How do I connect the LDR sensors with the system?
What is supposed to control the H-bridges?
Post a schematic diagram of what you have, and links to data sheets or product pages of the components.
This is a schematics of the project. I replaced the transistors with Mosfet and I am making use of an external battery of 7A battery, also replacing the motor with a wiper DC motor 12v 5A.
Here is a link to the mosfet datashet
http://pdf.datasheetcatalog.com/datasheet/fairchild/IRF530.pdf
Now i need to connect LDR sensors. with this. How do I go about that?
Hi,
Welcome to the forum.
Please read the first post in any forum entitled how to use this forum.
http://forum.arduino.cc/index.php/topic,148850.0.html then look down to item #7 about how to post your code.
It will be formatted in a scrolling window that makes it easier to read.
Can you please post a copy of your circuit, in CAD or a picture of a hand drawn circuit in jpg, png?
Ops diagram.
First draw a schematic, that is not a circuit diagram.
Does your project work up to this point?
Can you control each of the motors, forward and reverse?
If not, then get that working before adding the LDRs.
Tom... 
jremington:
What is supposed to control the H-bridges?Post a schematic diagram of what you have, and links to data sheets or product pages of the components.
Please check below
TomGeorge:
Hi,
Welcome to the forum.Please read the first post in any forum entitled how to use this forum.
http://forum.arduino.cc/index.php/topic,148850.0.html then look down to item #7 about how to post your code.
It will be formatted in a scrolling window that makes it easier to read.Can you please post a copy of your circuit, in CAD or a picture of a hand drawn circuit in jpg, png?
Ops diagram.
First draw a schematic, that is not a circuit diagram.Does your project work up to this point?
Can you control each of the motors, forward and reverse?
If not, then get that working before adding the LDRs.
Tom...
Thank you very much Tom.
I would upload a hand drawn circuit.
Yes at this point the project works, with this code below, I can control the direction of the motor
Hi,
Please read the first post in any forum entitled how to use this forum.
http://forum.arduino.cc/index.php/topic,148850.0.html then look down to item #7 about how to post your code.
It will be formatted in a scrolling window that makes it easier to read.
Tom...
void setup()
{
pinMode(9, OUTPUT);
pinMode(10, OUTPUT);
}
void loop()
{
analogWrite(9, 220); //Any value between 0 to 255
digitalWrite(10, LOW);
delay(4000);//Wait for 4 secs
digitalWrite(9, LOW);
digitalWrite(10, LOW);
delay(1000);
analogWrite(10, 220); //Any value between 0 to 255
digitalWrite(9, LOW);
delay(4000);//Wait for 4 secs
digitalWrite(9, LOW);
digitalWrite(10, LOW);
delay(1000);
}
Here it goes tom Thanks
Hi,
Ops circuit.
The MOSFETs you have chosen will not work propoerly with the 5V UNO output, they are not Logic Level MOSFETs, so they will not fully turn on.
If your Vcc to the motors is higher than 5V, then the top MOSFETS will NEVER be turned ON properly.
Have you measured the voltage across your motor when it is running?
Thanks.. Tom..
TomGeorge:
Hi,
Ops circuit.
Thank you, but you need to include ALL components and power supplies and their values.The MOSFETs you have chosen will not work propoerly with the 5V UNO output, they are not Logic Level MOSFETs, so they will not fully turn on.
If your Vcc to the motors is higher than 5V, then the top MOSFETS will NEVER be turned ON properly.Have you measured the voltage across your motor when it is running?
Thanks.. Tom..
The Diodes are IN4001, and resistors are 1kohm.
If you check the image I first uploaded (Auto-desk circuit). I wish to power the mosfet and motor with an external battery. only the GND from the arduino is connected to the GND of the bread board. Can you Please review the initial photo and tell me what you think. I am not making use of the 5V UNO output
Hi,
Please read my post again, because I assume you will be using 12V to power your motors, the Arduino will not be able to turn on the top MOSFETS, also your MOSFETs are not suitable for 5V gate signal.
PLEASE a COMPLETE schematic including voltage labels and the UNO.
Have you measured the voltage across your motor when you have the H-Bridge working?
Tom...
TomGeorge:
Hi,
Please read my post again, because I assume you will be using 12V to power your motors, the Arduino will not be able to turn on the top MOSFETS, also your MOSFETs are not suitable for 5V gate signal.PLEASE a COMPLETE schematic including voltage labels and the UNO.
Have you measured the voltage across your motor when you have the H-Bridge working?
Tom...
Much appreciation Tom.
Do you suggest I get a logic level mosfet? Any specification in mind?
No I haven't measured it. I would do that right now
Hi,
This may be better, it has current feedback so you can limit the drive current or check if your motor has seized or stuck.
There are other 12V 5A H-Bridges ready to run.
If you wish to build your own then a circuit like this may help.
It uses P-ch and N-ch MOSFETS.
You need to check the current rating of the MOSDETs.
One of the problems with your circuit, using 12V motor supply you will not be able to control the top N-ch MOSFETs.
Tom....
